#bond-servants

[wiirocku]

2 Corinthians 4:5-6 (NASB1995) - For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

[resu-w-ana]

The servants!!

[dollopole]

“You show him the most extraordinary loyalty.” “That’s my job, sire.” “Beyond the line of duty.”

“You could say… There’s a bond between us.”

Because telling Uther, “You could say we’re very much in love, and we eat each other’s mouths in the evening, but I can’t go into detail, because you’re Arthur’s father.”

was too much incriminating, isn’t that so, Merlin?

[chronologiical]

kadoc’s been having a grand time so far

[literallyjusttoa]

I am a “Meg and Apollo’s master/servant bond evolved into something a lot like an empathy link post their dip into Chaos in TDP” truther and I will be till the day I die.

[ancha-aus]

NewAgeAU Drabble - Nine does not equal Ten

Hi @spotaus ! I am not even sorry at this point!! I had an idea and I think by the title you can guess what it is about this time :3

We are in post story again! (i am keeping my strike going lmao) but this time? very different character. Nine :3 (also. Xundyne's name for now is Ranha, from piranha... because she is a fish monster and well... I wanted a fish themed name for her lmao)

Also warning. Nine think very degrading and judgemental. in case that bothers you.

He is also a very unreliable narrator lmao.

*----------------*

Nine makes sure to frown as he crosses his arms while his king, and co-king honestly, disappear into the meeting room with the brat that calls himself a king.

Nine only acts annoyed of course. He knew he wouldn't be allowed into the meeting room and he had been planning on it. It is hard to search this place if he is suposed to be in one room.

Ranha stands by his side, huffing and puffing as she mutters stuff under her breath. She is honestly annoyed with not being allowed inside the meeting room. Nine is sure she will be fine with it after he shares his plan.

Nine watches the brat acting as king lead his own king and his right hand inside. They would both be named king after the coup but the resistance hadn't wanted to push the people of Ritten too far. Nine watches as the crown prince, prince Dream, follows the child and Nine still doens't understand why Dream hasn't taken the crown yet. It can't be that hard to take the power from the younger skeleton. How Nightmare is still seen as king is a mystery to Nine.

Sure it seems like things are okay after three years but Nine knows not to bindly believe people. He had hoped that Ten would have finally learned that lesson by now but it seems that wasn't the case. But that is okay. Nine will be the great brother he was meant to be and get through to Ten and get him home. Easy.

The meeting room door closes and Nine nudges his best friend "Hush." and he nods towards the side. Ranha tilts her head and her red hair shifts slightly. She glances at the door before following him down the hallway.

"What is the big deal Nine?" She seems puzzles.

Nine looks back over his shoulder but nothing happens. Hah. See? And this is why Nightmare still being seen as king is a mystery to him. Those Knights are nothing but hot air as he doesn't even see any of them following him, no wonder Ten got accepted into the role so quickly, the knights clearly can't spot a single threat even when it is right in front of them. All he sees behind them is a prestine looking cat watching them.

"I knew they weren't going to let us join the meeting."

Ranha looks annoyed "Then why did you ask me to join you? I could be exploring the town and checking the stalls and stuff! See what people really think about their weird king and the weirdos here." the shark monster huffs.

Nine rolls his eyes "Because I am in the castle now. Which means I can finally find Ten and talk some sense into him."

Ranha stares shocked before she smiles broadly "Nine you are a genius! Lets go!"

Nine grins as he waves Ranha to follow him.

It isn't the first time he is in this castle. It is the fourth now. Each time Nine would just watch and wait only to not see Ten. This time he is going to search himself. Nine is lucky that Nightmare is a brat and clearly inexperienced with getting allies as it is taking his king and the brat king ages to get a treaty finalised. Honestly how Orchard managed to get Sanctuary as ally is still a mystery but Nine doesn't have time to figure out how this fake king is managing.

If Nine knows one thing is that kings like that will always fall by the brave people who are willing to stand against them.

But that isn't Nine's job. He already made the wrong choice like this before. When he picked the coup over his brother. When he didn't bother to help his brother adjust to all the heavy changes.

Nine had needed time. Time to even believe there were other options. To see that these options weren't wrong and could work for him. His friends had helped him see this. Yet Nine hadn't permitted Ten these insights and moments.

This time though! This time he will make this work! Even if Nine knows that Ten will never be able to fully adjust and become like them. He has gone through too much conditioning to ever be his own person again. But Nine can lead him in the right direction at least.

Ranha knows the way and it seems that she has the same plan as Nine had. Which is going straight towards the private wing.

None of them had allowed access to a whole wing of the castle. Apparently that was the royal's private wing. Which who needs a whole wing to themselves?!

Selfish pricks. All of them.

They turn the corner and get out into the hall. Nine ignores the many many tapestries. Ranha is right behind him as they make their way all the way through the next hall with large windows. They finally reach the right hallway and slow their running. They walk side by side with confidence as the near the entrance. There are two guards there but that doesn't matter. Nine is a visiting guard from a country their stupid king wants a treaty with. It will be easy to gain access.

Nine is a step away from entering the royal wing. He can't help but look at the arch leading into the next wing. The arch is large and high and seems to almost be like tree roots or branches. With small leaves and everything. It looks so livelike and Nine wonders who carved it, it straight up looks like living tree branches. Many other decorations and details just like this one are all across and around this castle.

He can't wonder much longer as the two guards cross their spears in front of Ranha and him.

Ranha glares "What are you doing? Let us through!"

A cat like monster, orange of colour, sounds very unamused "No one is allowed access into the king's wing." She looks unbothered.

The dog monster next to her grins "What Harper said. Shoo little kiddos." the grin makes the slight greying around his snout stand out. He has short trimmed fur and most obviously, the cut tail.

Nine huffs as he stands taller, easily towering over the black and white dog "I was allowed access."

The dog hums and taps his chin before shaking his head "Nope! Doesn't work like that!"

Harper nods "Indeed. Only the royal family and those allowed acces by either them of the Head of House are allowed entrance."

Nine wants to roll his eyes at the stupid head of house title. Everyone should know that is just some stupid coverup. Nine has his theories but for now he sees his in. He gives a charming smile as he nods "I know of course. But he told me himself he needed me to grab something for him." he grins as he wiggles his eye brows. Hinting at a secret meaning.

The dog and cat share a look before Harper looks unimpressed "We do not allow entrance to anyone unless he told us himself he allows entrance."

Ranha luckily sees what Nine is trying and joins in "We seriously got the go ahead! It is an emergancy that we are allowed in."

The dog shakes his head again "No can't do! The last time I didn't follow the orders they cut off my tail! And I only have one of those and I don't want to imagine what will go next."

Nine feels sick to deep in his soul. They... They did what?!

Harper glances at her partner unamused "Shut it Shep."

Shep grins at her "What do you think Harp! What will be next?"

Harper looks umimpressed "If I am lucky it will be your tongue."

Nine feels sick. What is wrong with these people? Why are they still here? What kind of hell and torture kingdom did his stupid younger brother get himself stuck in? Well not for long! Nine will make sure to tell the others everything.

But only after he managed to get Ten home. To get Ten away from this place before they realised that Nine was going to bring this whole kingdom down. He won't make the same mistake of ignoring his brother just because it would be harder for him. No. He will first free his brother and then they will bring this hellhole down and people will be celebrating them.

Harper looks unamused at them "You are not welcome here. Please remove yourself from this area or we will be forced to remove you ourselves." She sounds bored as she says this.

Nine is very sure he can take them but Ranha huffs and walks away. Nine looks back betrayed before following her.

They walk through the halls until they end up in the tapastry hall again. Nine glares at Ranha "Why would you-"

Ranha stops as she shakes her head "You don't understand. You know how I sometimes have these feelings? Of incoming attacks?" Nine nods. It was one of Ranha's many talents and how Ranha was undefeated.

Ranha continues to speak "When you got ready to get us inside. I felt it. This large... presence. Suddenly and ready." she shakes her head "Danger. I felt it was better to retreat and make a better plan."

Nine frowns but sighs "Fair enough. The chance that Ten would be there is rather small..." He may be one of his knights but Nine doubts they truly get anything aside from a title and more dangerous jobs. Well and the masks, those are rather cool. Nine would like a mask. He thinks he would look amazing and very cool in one.

Ranha nods as she mutters "Where could he be... or who would know?" She rubs her chin "The knights probably. But i doubt they will want to help us. I have no doubt that whatever the king used to keep Ten listening to him also works on the other knights. Do you think it is somekind of mind control? or like blackmail? mind control would be okay to break but blackmail is much more sensitive, especially as it implies he got it somehow. We could also wait until the treaty is signed and go by Sanctuary and see if we can get more support through them. Make an allyship with them and then overthrow this whole country."

Nine should be listening. But all he can do is stare at the tapastries.

They happened to end before a set that Nine had been ignoring. Almost like the world itself is trying to force Nine to see and consider them. The first in the set that calls his attention is one showing two small skeletons. One in yellow and one in purple. A sun shown above the one in yellow and a moon shown above the one in purple.

It isn't hard to connect the purple skeleton with the brat king. But Nine doens't understand. Because the yellow one is clearly the crown prince. But they look the same age here. Same height and everything. It had already been confusing that the younger brother had gotten the crown before the older one but this made it seem as if they are much closer in age than the real them shows. It confuses him. It could be something to play up the dramatics but when they had their tour it was implied that these tapastries are a way to document the past.

Though the actual historic events could have gone down differently and this is just another piece of propaganda.

The next one shows a picture of a dark and seemingly partly liquid monster. A skeleton still but large and dark and with tentacles on his back. He stands tall with an arm pointed outwards, the young yellow skeleton is being send away. As the tall one remains with a crown on his dark skull.

Nine looks at the third that caught his attention. This one shows the dark skeleton standing behind the young king. The dark goop skeleton however doens't look menacing. Instead the sockets are closed as the large imposing figure stands with open hands towards the young skeleton in purple. The young skeleton has his sockets open and seems to stare outwards. The tentacles all hang around him as well, not ready to strike but in a way that seemed to surrender. a crown held within the young skeleton's hands.

Nine ponders. He wonders if the gooped skeleton had been Nightmare's parent. He knows that Nim was suposed to be the king before Nightmare and that the gooped skeleton took over. Something about taking the crown from the rightful heir. Nine knows that the gooped skeleton had been named Nightmare as well and Nine is very sure that this one just named the now ruling Nightmae after himself, like a Nightmare the second. This also ties in with the whole head of house theory he has. Nine knows that the head of house is a useless title often given to a favourite servant. Somekind of excuse to keep someone close without needing to put actual time and effort into them standing out as consort or advisor. And the tiny skeleton had to have come from somewhere.

Of course his theory still has holes in it. Mostly what the deal with Dream is and where he fit in. But Nine hopes to eventually figure it out. He already figured out a lot of the situation after all.

He looks at the last one and huffs. It shows the young skeleton in purple holding hands wiht an older looking skeleton in yellow. The moon and sun having been united into one symbol. On the moon side were figures which resembled the different knights. Nine can't help but stare at the one with the snow leopard mask. His brother... stuck in some legacy and played like a pawn... If Nine had tried harder to make Ten feel included would Ten have been okay? Not perfect but maybe a bit better?

On the skeleton in yellow's side was some warrior in blue with a large hammer and a skeleton with many colours and brown clothes with a tail.

Nine stares at the title 'Reunited.' Seems like all these pictures have names. Nine doesn't understand but figures it is some sort of propaganda. Something to mellow out people and make it seem like it is okay.

"Nine?"

Ranha looks worried before she looks at where Nine is staring and her smile turns gentle "Hey... I know you want to help him. And even if we can never truly make him fully whole. We can at least give him a safe place."

Nine sighs and nods "It is something." The damage that his father and old king did was too large. There is no way his simple and naive brother will be able to fully get over it. To be able to move past it. But Nine will do his duty as brother and keep Ten somewhere safe. Some simple jobs will be good. Some normal routine.

Ranha looks around and sees some maids walk by and Nine follows her as she rushes over. She smiles brightly at them before making some small talk. The maids seem happy and content. Easily talking back and giggling once or twice. Though Nine can't help but feel like this is not the way girls normlaly giggle when Ranha flirts with them. This seems more... amused? It is hard to explain. He notices a black cat on the window sill. Lounging as it stares at them with large yellow eyes.

Ranha is casual as can be once she asks the question "I was wondering if we could see a knight! You know. Maybe the one with the white panther mask?"

The maids share a look before one snorts "You mean Cross?" Nine just barely manages to keep his annoyance is. His brother's name is not fucking cross. It is Ten! That is his name and Ten will always be Ten! The maid hums and looks at her friend "Is it training time?"

The other shakes her head "I don't think so. I believe I saw sir Cross with sir Dust."

The first one laughs and nods "Oh that is easy then." she smiles brightly at them "They will be at the ranch. That is where Sir Dust always is."

Nine blinks confused. The ranch? Why? Ranha however asks where they can find it and the maids tell them how to get there. They do warn them to not bother this Dust knight when he is working with the horses before walking off together. Giggling and whispering stuff. They shoot them a look before rushing off giggling again.

Ranha grins and flexes her arms "Still got it." Nine isn't sure she does but he won't challange her on it. They follow the hallways and Nine can't help but stare at the walls around them.

The walls look strange. They have ridges and dips and when Nine feels them they feel like they are made of wood yet he knows for a fact that they are suposed to be rocks and bricks.

Nine once again wonders which masterful crafter and builder made this castle. It almost seems alive. It is warm and beautiful. Everywhere there is signatures of nature or references to it.

The castle he is used to. That of his father. It was all sharp lines and precision. Nothing was allowed to be out of place. No dust or dirt anywhere. Everything had to be perfect.

This castle was wilder. That is the best way Nine can explain it. It is wild and uncontained. It branches outwards. Stuff is uneven and different. The pillars aren't exactly the same even as they are all that same carved stone to look like roots. It feels alive. It feels living. It seems the breath. It feels like there is something larger at play.

Yet it doesnt feel welcome, he doens't feel welcome. Nine can't explain it exactly.

They get outside and follow the path. It takes them a while as they walk past some trees and through a small forest and then they see it.

It is a large ranch. Build with this deep greenish wood of all colours. WIth multiple large pens nearby. It is open and large. But the trees give it privacy. It is beautiful.

Nine feels Ranha tug on his armour and follows where she is pointing. In a pen he can see his brother! Ten is there but... he is seated on a beige horse. Large and strong looking. Antoher skeleton is nearby and seems to be messing with the reins of the horse.

Nine begins to walk closer but he starts to slow his steps. Because... Ten isn't wearing armour. Nine can't rememebr the last time Ten hadn't been wearing armour. Back at home he always had to be ready. Ten.... Ten didn't have time to relax in a casual outfit. Or do things for himself. And yet... here he is... under another tyrant yet... he is wearing casual clothes? He is sitting on a horse? is this somekind of trick of that king? Let Ten relax to make him more loyal? Maybe the brat is smarter than Nine thought.

Ranha shoots him a confused look before going to step closer to the pen but Nine stops her. He can't explain. it is just... Ten looks... He looks different. Not just his clothes but... something else. Nine can't quite explain what it is or put his finger on it. He needs more information. He needs to be prepared to break through any trick or lie. He nods towards the side where a large fench is located and some barrels. Ranha nods and sneaks there with Nine right by her side. They hide behind the barrels and Nine focusses his magic. He quickly enhances his sight and hearing and focusses in. Strangely enough he also feels like there is rian in the air but a glance up shows a cloudless sky. But any thought about the weird feeling in the air is forgotten as soon as Ten speaks.

"Are you sure about this Dust? I still don't think I am ready. What if he throws me off?!"

The other skeleton, Dust is just wearing a large sweater. It looks to be made of high quality. He also seems to be wearing just a beanie to cover his skull. A large red scarf wrapped around his neck. The scarf looks a different quality than everything else.

The other tilts his skull at Ten. Seemingly considering his answer "If you fall off. We can try again."

Ten glares "Dust this isn't funny."

Dust seems to disagree as he grins slightly, just a slight upturn of the teeth "It is fine Cross. Just a matter of trying again. And you and Limestone need to practise this."

Nine feels himself get angry as they use the fake name for his brother but he needs to remain calm. He needs to watch and learn.

Ten grumbles unhappily as he glares down at the horse "I just... I don't get why you can't just train him... You trained Basalt... and Granite for that matter!"

Dust tilts his skull "I did. But he needs to get used to you while running. Get used to how you move and your weight." he pets the horse, the horse leans into Dust's touch "There needs to be trust Cross. You need to trust Limestone that he won't throw you off. And Limestone needs to be able to trust you that you will lead him into the right direction."

Ten blinks and seems to stare at Dust for a moment before looking down at the horse. The animal just stares at him. "I... euh... oh..."

Dust tilts his skull the other way "Do you want to try galloping first?"

Ten looks up and Nine finally figured out what is different. Why Ten looks different. Ten is... smiling. He is smiling brightly and nods excited at the idea.

Nine... Nine can't remember the last time he saw Ten happy and smiling... It is a face he never saw on his brother.

Ranha mutters softly "Wow... I never... He looks so differnet now... so much... more like... A person? i guess? It is weird. I am used to him just. Standing straight and like saluting and being still and unmoving? Like some statue and not like a person?"

Nine nods because he notices it now. The way the Ten is messing with the reins. The way his leg seems to tap the stirrup. The way he seems to almost... wiggle in place a little.

Dust chuckles and nods as he pets the horse a few more times "Go for it. Limestone wants to move." and he takes a few steps back.

Ten gets a large smile on his face as he kicks his heels lightly back, Nine is very surprised when the horse starts moving. He thought you had to be rougher and kick harder to get horses to move. That was hardly a tick.

Yet it works. As Ten starts to ride the horse and the horse speeds up quickly. Very quickly. Ranha suddenly gasps "Holy shit. That horse still has like the three toe system."

Nine blinks in shock. He knows that the wild horses form Orchard were rumoured to be faster and much more diverse than the horses in other places. The wild horses continued to adapt and where made to travel long distances for faster speeds unlike the normal horse endurance. The toes give extra stability and would make the horses able to travel all kinds of terrain while still being fast.

Nine stares in awe as the horse speeds up and than continues to go full speed ahead. Ten tugs lightly on the reins and the horse reacts instantly. Making sharp turns and Nine notices that the back looks longer and sligthly bigger than the horses Nine is used to.

These. These truly are a different breed.

Maybe Nine can convince his king and friend to keep this allyship going for a bit longer. Or maybe get a few horses out of the deal. Nine has no doubt these horses could be much better with good riders.

Ten is.... surprisingly okay with riding the horse. Makes okay turns but well. It is just Ten so NIne is sure he is doing stuff wrong that they can work on back in Ritten, once they find his shortcomings.

Ten eventually returns to Dust and Ten smiles brightly and Nine can't help but stare. He looks happy. He is happy. That is what is different about him. He is relaxed and happy and he doesn't stand as a statue anymore.

Ten laughs as he grins at Dust "Limestone is even faster than before!"

Dust nods but has a tiny smile on his face. Looking very content and proud "Limestone is a strong horse. He is fast and loves to exercise and run. It is honestly a bigger problem to make sure he rests than anything." he crosses his arms and raises a brow at Ten "Remind you of someone."

Ten blushes and looks to the side as he rubs his neck "I have been getting better with the whole work life balance."

Dust nods and agress easily. He pets the horse and looks at Ten "Want to try going faster?"

Faster?! How do you go faster than that!?

Ten looks deeply unhappy and unsure "I don't know..." he pets the horse.

Dust seems to stare at him before speaking "Would it be better if I lead the path with Opal?"

Ten looks up and a look of pure relieve on his face. Had... had Ten always been this expressive?

Ten nods "Please."

Dust nods and looks to the side. He clicks his tongue and teeth and one of the horses looks up. A smaller but beautiful grey horse with striking purple eyes. The horse starts running and jumps over the fench before trotting over to the two skeletons and horse.

Ten laughs and grins at Dust "Opal is showing off again."

Dust sighs and nods "I can't manage to unlearn her to jump fenches." the horse stops before him and pushes her whole head into his chest and arms. Dust pets the head and neck "You ready to lead Cross and Limestone?" The horse pulls back and tussles her head around before waiting patiently.

Dust puts his hand into his hip bag and pulls out this curious stone and metal item. He taps the side and bright gemstones light up and runes start to shine.

Ten looks alarmed "What is that!?"

Dust glances at him and a small smile appears "It is a prototype. Geno gave it to me to test it as I ride horses. It is suposed to be something to make it easy and quick to saddle up horses."

Ten looks deeply unhappy as he glares at the item as if it personally offended him "That stupid smug bastard. He is just trying to buy you over with stupid gifts."

Dust looks deeply amused "It is a prototype."

Ten throws up his arms "You are the only person who would find a good use for this!"

Dust chuckels as he lets the item get near the horse and it shines before it starts unfolding and a few clicks later and the horse is equipped with the normal rider things. Dust gets on top of the horse with a grace and confidence that leaves Nine open mouthed. He never... Even the people at home...

Dust looks at Ten "Ready?"

Ten grins as he nods "Yes. Lock the reins and just hold on right?" as he says it he messes with the headpiece on the horse and Nine wants to roll his eyes.

Dust nods and speaks "Indeed. Just make sure it is ready as if you are going to make a get away." and he waits.

Shit he really is patient... Is that why he is teaching Ten?

Ten nods and sits up straight "Ready!"

Dust chuckles as he turns his horse. He checks back over his shoulder to Ten "Go for it. Get him to follow Opal." Dust doesn't even tug on the reins and Nine can't even spot an obvious movement to direct the horse to start moving. How did he do that?

Ten takes a deep breath before he leans closer to the horse and grabs hold on some extra handbars on the headpiece of the horse. The horse immediantly looks around as Ten nudges the horse to look at Dust and the leaving horse.

The horse stares before it starts to trod after the other skeleton and horse. Ten meanwhile stays as he is. Relaxing against the horse as his horse just follows Dust and his own horse.

It is fascinating. Especially when Dust starts to speed up with some unseeable comment and Ten's horse follows right along. There is no doubt. There is full commitment of both horses.

While Nine had no doubt that Ten still has much to improve with horse riding. Dust seems to be a master. He directs the horse with minimal movement and the horse seems to react immediantly to any unheard and unseen comment.

Soon both horses are running through the pen but it still isn't the gallop speed of before. Dust speaks up casually "We are going to practise you trusting Limestone. Just get into the position to blind ride. We are going to have Limestone follow Opal's lead."

Ten nods "Okay. Okay. I can... I can do that." He lays fully against the horse and pulls his feet out of the saddle footholds. He messes with the saddle and the footholds get a lot higher and further towards the back. Cross does some weird combination of laying and crouching on the horse as he tugs his feet back into the holsters.

Dust looks back over his shoulder. Not at all seeming concerned about having to look where he is going as he blindly tugs at the right moment to make his horse make a turn "Not quite there but this is fine to practise with for now." he pets the horse's neck before leaning closer to the horse and the horse shoots of.

It goes faster than any horse Nine has ever seen before. It is fast and nimble as Dust truly rides the horse. The other horse with Ten blindly following-

Blind Riding. They don't mean it with looking. They mean it as they don't control the horses beyond the minimum. They are minimising the pressure and bother they could give the horses which enables those to run faster than before.

And if this is just the start... How fast can they go?

Ranha watches with her own mouth open before she mutters "This... this must be why he is a Knight. Not fighting or anything like that. He has a way with the horses."

Nine agrees and thinks she is right. The guy on the horse is fragile and delicate looking. Nine has no doubt that he towers over the other. Soft spoken too... But if he is this good with the horses. If he is able to train the wild horses and make them do this kind of stuff? no wonder they immediantly snatched him up and gave him the higest position they could. Make him stay.

The two horses are almost flying around the running pen. Then Dust leads his horse towards the middle where a small pond is located. Then Dust nudges the horse and it just jumps over the pond! It lands easily and keeps running. The horse with Ten doesn't pause a single step and copies the first horse. It lands safely and without a single issue.

Dust holds up an arm and fist and the horse with Ten starts to slow down and continues walking another round before stopping. Dust lets his horse walk by before just jumping off before nudging his horse. It huffs before continuing its trot across the ring.

Ten pants as he grins widely at Dsut "That was awesome!"

Dust chuckles "It is rather fun to just let the horses do their thing isn't it? and you made the jump first try. Killer fell at least twice."

Ten blinks as he looks up shocked "Twice?"

Dust nods "At least. I am pretty sure he snuck off to practise with Granite while I had my private training." he is by Ten's side as he checks the horse "How are you feeling? You were rather tense."

Ten laughs as he rubs his neck "I am fine... thanks for checking... It is just. I think I am done for today. Thanks again for... being here i guess."

Dust pauses his movements as he starts to undo the horse harnass "It is no problem. I am always here." and he clips it fully off.

Nine has made the decision that he likes this knight. The one he met first, the one wiht goop? The one that claimed Ten as his brother? Nine doens't like him. Weirdo with always having tear trails on his face. Not to forget how cocky and confident he acts. Must be some kind of trick and lie that he keeps up to fool and intimidate others. But Nine isn't fooled. He can see through that easily.

He also doesn't like the bigger guy. Dude moves too quietly for someone his size and that hole in his skull? You don't just get that on accident. Something sinister is in that one's past no doubt.

This one? Just a guy trying to train horses and help Ten with his horse and training? Nine can appreciate that. And sure! The fact he looks cute and pretty helps a lot too. Nine would in theory be fine with this guy joining them in Ritten as well. It would be nice for Ten to have someone who is already his friend. Help him feel at home even more. And then Nine can work on impressing the other by showing his skills! It would be quick and easy!

Ten is by Dust's side as they mess with the saddle and headpiece. They talk about settings and prefered length. Nine is honestly not sure what any of it means so Ten probably doesn't either.

Ten looks at Dust and looks down a bit embarrassed "I... I know I am asking a lot... But i don't really feel like going inside already... Mind showing some tricks? again?" and he looks hopeful.

Dust looks at him and nods "I don't mind."

Fuck he is so patient with Ten... Maybe this guy was a good influence on Ten. Helped him with his lessons and training. someone had to be as Nine doubts the king or those other two knights were.

Ten looks downright excited as he waits by the fench as Dust leads the horse towards the other pen where the beige horse joins the other horses. Nine can count at least ten in there, a whole herd of horses all slightly different shaped and colours. All looking healthy and strong and interacting.

Dust returns and gets on top of his grey horse with practised ease. Ten leans against the fench as he watches.

Dust turns his horse around and starts galloping through the area. Even faster than when he had been leading Ten on the other horse. Ten cheers as he grins widely. It looks so... unlike the brother Nine is used to... So very different.

Dust meanwhile makes the horse take a large turn and Ten grins as he looks around before grabbing a cap and throwing it into the pen. Dust aims the horse and straight up leans sideways and off the back of the horse. Almost fully upsidedown to easily snatch the cap of the ground before pulling himself back on the horse's back. Not once slowing down.

Ranha gasps "Hole shit that is so difficult... How?! Without slowing down!?" She is sitting up straighter to enable her to see everything easier. Pure awe on her face and Nine feels like he may have been not fully aware of how difficult that seemingly easy trick is...

Dust runs with the horse by Ten and straight up puts the cap on his skull. Again without once slowing down. Ten laughs and cheers "Go Dust go!" as he grins.

Dust keeps moving the horse around quickly and now he has started to zigzag with it! Nine blinks and looks at Ranha "Isn't that like... suposedly very hard for horses?"

Ranha nods as she doesn't look away from the display "It is insane! Horsese make large turns because of their back. I don't know how that horse is that flexible or how that guy can just direct the horse to make the turns by not actively turning but instead almost twisting in a jump?!" she stares "Is this what the rare horses can do? That inhabit this land? We need to get Regius to get some horses!"

Nine glares at his best friend "Don't speak the king's name so casually."

Ranha waves him off "It is fine. We were all friends before he became king so we are good."

Nine huffs as he focusses on the display of masterful horse riding. It is just that not speaking the title is disrespectful and he will not make them seem unprofessional or like they don't take their ruling class seriously. Regius only became king after the fall of the old one and Nine doesn't want people to think he is an easy target just because of that. And he doubts a brat like this country's king can see how much work they had to put into bettering what they had and helping their land and people heal from all the damage.

Ranha makes a curious noise close to choking and Nine pays attention just to see Dust standing on the back of the horse. Perfectly balanced and even balancing on one leg as the horse keeps running around the pen. He steps off the horse on a fench where he runs alongside the horse, the horse finally slowing a bit down, before Dust steps back on the back and the horse speeds up again.

Dust crouches down as he puts his hands on the horse's back before just making a handstand!

Nine can't imagine how hard standing on a horse could be. much less making a handstand?! He knows how to make a handstand of course and it is easier to do it with momentum. Dust did it without that.

Ten keeps cheering for his friend as Nine stares in awe. Ranha is muttering about how insane this is and how there has to be magic at play. Yet aside from the presure of the rain he has felt since the start he hasn't noticed any spells of any type. Not even to help lead or control the horses like other riders do. Nine can't help but just keep staring.

Dust sits back on the horse but backwards as he calmly undoes the saddle. The saddle falls off the horse and as soon as the saddle hits the ground it seems to disappear. Right, the saddle was part of that magic item Dust is testing. All while Dust remains seated on the powerful beast that is still running. Dust turns back around and messes with the reins that seem to make handholds on the headpiece.

Dust next grabs hold of the handholds and lays his legs on the back of the horse. He taps the side of the neck of the horse nad motions forwards before he lays fully against the horse.

The horse going fast before is nothing compared to how fast it runs now. It is bolting through the pen and there seems to be zero control that Dust has over it. Instead Dust just holds on and lets it do its things.

"He minimised his contact and hold on the horse. he freed the horse from the saddle to enable it to move even more freely and go faster!" Ranha looks downright excited as she just stands there and stares. Nine glares at her and pulls her back down to hide wiht him.

"Stop standing! They may see you!" Nine feels an anxiety at being caught snooping now. Not like before where he would just lie and say he wasn't snooping or spying. Now he is nervous about how it would reflect on him as a person, especially to the smaller and skilled skeleton. Fuck he wishes he was wearing his better armour than this one. He hadn't wanted to seem like he was trying to impress Orchard's ruler or make it seem like they thought they needed to impress this leader but he is regretting it now. How can he show him his best side when he isn't prepared!?

The horse continues to run before coming to a slow stop near Ten. Ten is grinning widely as he claps his hands "That was so cool! Dust it is nuts how fast you can go with Opal!"

Dust shrugs as he gets off and grabs a brush to start taking care of the animal while Ten stands near his side. "I was wondering soemthing." Dust voice is soft and calm. Even.

Ten nods as he watches Dust work "Ask away."

Dsut shoots him a look before speaking again "I figured you would want to be near Nightmare with the guests here. Why with me?"

Ten goes quiet as he looks down. Nine nudges Ranha and nods. It is their time to act! This is the perfect set up-

A hand grabs him by the neck and pushes him flush against the barrels he had been hiding behind. Ranha makes a shocked sound and Nine can barely see her in the same position as he is in.

A deep voice speaks up "Dont you know that eavesdropping is rude? But what could be expect from snooping immature children."

Nine freezes. That is the voice of the big knight guy. The one wiht the lion mask. Horror. how... when? Nine hadn't even heard him! When did they get exposed and found out!?

Horror continues to speak "But if you wish to listen in. You will listen. You will hear what Cross has to say instead of speaking for him."

Ranha growls "His name isn't-UGH!" she chokes for a moment before the kngiht releases his grip a bit again.

"Listen."

Ten finally answers "It is dumb..."

Dust hums as he leans against the horse "Try me."

Ten isn't looking up as he rubs his own arm "I... I didn't expect them to be happy with me... That is fair. I just. Didn't expect them to hate me without knowing me." Ten frowns as he softly pets the horse "It is like... They are unhappy with who i am now and want me to be who i used to be, who i don't want to be anymore. Yet they hate that person." Ten hunkers in on himself "I don't... like feeling like that."

Dust frowns as he puts a hand on Ten's shoulder "That is on them."

Ten frowns as he looks away "It isn't... I" He frowns as he moves his hands around. Had... Had Ten always moved this much? That can't be right. Nine remembers him being still and unmoving. Their father had always been strict about staying in line and acting as they had to and-

and...

and being... the way he wanted... to be...

Like Nine wants Ten to be.

Oh...

Ten isn't the problem... is he?

Dust takes Ten's face between his hands and makes Nine's younger brother look at him "Cross. Look at me. No i mean it. Look at me." Ten stares at him and Dust looks at him "You are you. No one else. No one telling you how you should be or act is right. You are fine like this. You are happy like this. You can be however you want to be, whatever makes you feel good and feel like you are you." Dust gentle bonks their skulls together "I think you would do best if you visit Lust for a bit and you two hang out and focus on something else. Okay?"

Ten frowns but gives a slow nod "Okay."

Dust nods as he keeps holding the taller skeleton "And this is not me sending you away. I enjoy us spending time together. But i think being here while they are here is stressing you out. Making you second guess yourself. Go to a different environment and let yourself relax. When you come home we can try more horse riding or you can help Killer trying to get Kingdom Devourer out of a tree again. Go relax."

Ten frowns before nodding and just hugging the other. Dust chuckles and pats his back "You are fine the way you are Cross... In matter of fact. You are perfect the way you are." Ten's breath seems to hitch as he just holds the other tighter and continues to hold him. It isn't until some time passed that Ten lets go and steps back with an embarrassed expression and... and slightly hazy looking eyes.

"Sorry... I know you don't... don't like... I am sorry."

Dust chuckles and pats his back "It is alright. Go hang out with your boyfriend while I clean up."

Boyfriend... but... why would he... who would even want to date Ten? He doens't even have a personality and is just a tool and an idiot-

Except everything he has seen now shows otherwise and... Why does Nine expect Ten to be the same way that their father wanted them to be?

Ten walks away with a wave and goes straight towards the castle. Looking a bit better as he is smiling and seems to have a small bounce in each step.

Dust watches him go before he just walks straight towards their hiding place oh shit when did-

Dust stops before them and looks unamused. His gaze cold and seemingly able to look straight into his soul. Nine would have been frozen even without the hand holding his neck.

Dust looks at Horror "Good catch H. Trouble?"

Horror hums "They tried to get into our king's wing. I was ready to give backup."

Nine feels himself grow cold. They had been followed? The whole time? They had been watched the whole time and they hadn't even noticed!

Nine... Nine may have been wrong about how capable these guys are...

Dust hums "Lets put them in the jail cell as time out. Children should know not to wander after all."

Nine feels humiliated as he and Ranha are dragged towards the castle. Dust walks behind them as Horror leads the way, Horror does not let them walk.

They walk by some servants and Nine sees it are the same maids that they met in the hallway. The maids giggle and nod respectfully to both Horror and Dust and greet them with "Hello my Knights." before they shoot a glance at Ranha and Nine before gigglign together.

They are dropped off in a cell each and the door is locked. Nine goes to check the lock only to realise there is magic woven into the very bars and walls. These locks aren't just physical but also magical. He can't break them out.

Horror hums "There. Children have their time out." he looks highly amused as he nods to Dust "Mind taking over watch?"

Dsut shrugs as he walks towards the exit "I will take your shift. you make sure the children behave." and he leaves.

horror looks at them amused and Nine feels terrible...

Not just the fact he looked like an idiot to the pretty and skilled skeleton. But he also made a fool out of himself to be caught snooping and trying to get into places he isn't allowed to be.

He sits on the bed and can't help but look at his own hands.

Does... does Ten really not want to come home? How can Nine get him to come along? Will he be forced to drag his brother home.

Nine pauses at the thought and feels a new horrifying feeling overtake himself.

When did he become so much like his father?

[swordlux]

The Command | Cú Chulainn x Reader

A romantic reimagining of the scene from EP 19 of Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works, "Idealism's End", with you in place of Tohsaka.

Major spoilers ahead for the anime.

To Lancer with love <33

***

I could feel the loyalty in his stance—and it made my heart break. I knew Lancer would do all he could to resist the order, but even he wouldn’t be able to disobey a command written in his soul. It was like the cruel hands of fate had wrapped around both our necks.

*** The Command

The ropes bit into my skin. I turned my head away from Shinji’s taunting face, doing my best not to show my distress. Anger flooded me from the tips of my toes; how I wanted so badly to punch this young fool. I bit my lip instead, near snarling as his uncouth hands explored my thighs.

“I love a girl with nice legs,” he said, running his hands further up my thigh.

That comment and the fact that he was practically drooling were enough to push me past my limit.

I pulled against my restraints, ready to snap.

Then, all of a sudden, as if my thoughts made it appear, an invisible fist flew into the air and smashed into the side of Shinji’s face.

I watched my long-time rival’s cheekbone cave as the rest of his body caught up with him, and he went flying across the room.

For a second the only explanation I could think of was that I had tapped into some undiscovered talent, or that the air itself had adjusted to my will.

That was when he appeared—the tall, bright, handsome blue form attached to that fist.

“Lancer!” I cried.

Lancer’s expression was that of smug disinterest when he punched Shinji, but he turned now to me with concern flickering in his red eyes. “Are you alright?” he said.

“I am now.” It was the truth. Seeing Lancer standing there brought such relief to my limbs. I didn’t even notice the bounds around me anymore. It also brought up a deeper feeling that had been stirring in my chest every time I saw the man as of late. I wanted to throw my arms around his strong waist. The sight of him there confirmed all the feelings that remained unspoken in the air between us. It was clear he was stepping out of orders being here.

“Quite the situation you’ve got yourself in there,” he said, smirking now. “If I didn’t know you better, I’d say the look suits you. Allow me—” He reached his spear for my binds, about to release me from captivity when a deep voice rang out in the dim chamber.

“Hold up, Lancer.”

The voice stopped us cold.

A man appeared in the shadows behind Lancer—a man whose sight would’ve made me feel sick on a normal day, and in this situation, it made me feel as if I was about to fall off the edge of a roller coaster.

He stepped into the light. The sight of the gold cross hanging on the front of his chest nearly made me hurl.

Kirei Kotomine. Lancer’s master.

I looked at Lancer with panic. He tried to reassure me, but I could see fear mirrored in his beautiful rubies.

He turned to Kirei. “What are you doing here?”

“I should be asking you that,” Kirei said, never breaking his composure. “I don’t remember ordering you to come to this young maiden’s rescue.”

“I don’t need an order to do something any honest knight would do.”

“Oh, is that what this is?” Kirei looked between us with amused curiosity. “You’re telling me you have no personal feelings here?”

Lancer bit down on his tongue. It was taking everything for him not to reveal the truth.

Kirei continued. “It’s true I ordered you to cooperate with them, but I never ordered you to get emotionally invested.” The love of my life’s master closed his eyes and sighed. When he opened them, I saw nothing but malice in those bottomless pits, and I knew exactly what would come next. “Well, seeing that it’s too late, there’s only one thing to do now.” Kirei turned and looked me straight in the eye. “Kill her,” he said.

Lancer’s face turned white at the order. In it, I saw an absolute dread that must’ve been mirrored in mine. My stomach sank. Just as we’d reunited, just as I was sure we’d get to explore more of whatever this was between us. Our time was cut short by the knowledge that what would happen next was inevitable.

I looked into Lancer’s eyes—those deep, passionate, loving eyes—and knew this was a fate I could accept. I had to accept. No matter how painful, if I was going to die, at least it would be at the hands of one I loved.

I knew it would wreck Lancer, so I tried to show my acceptance in my gaze. Go ahead, don’t get yourself in trouble because of me. I’ll love you always.

But Lancer had already made his decision. His resolution was apparent in the strength of his warm voice. “I refuse,” he said. “If you want me to, you’re going to have to use a command seal.”

I could feel the loyalty in his stance, and it made my heart break. I knew Lancer would do all he could to resist the order, but even he wouldn’t be able to disobey a command written in his soul. It was like the cruel hands of fate had wrapped around both our necks.

“Lancer,” I pleaded.

“Very well,” Kirei’s words rang out, trumping my pleas, and the chamber grew colder with their resonance.

And then came the words I never saw coming—the words that struck me right in my core and made me feel as if the sun had fallen out of the universe—

“Kill yourself, Lancer.”

“No–!!!” My heart dropped to the bottom of my stomach. The order seemed to shake the walls—every part of my being resisted this dreadful fate.

My death, I could accept. But this…

Lancer resisted the order as best he could, but even his strong hands couldn’t slow the turning of the spear toward his own heart.

I screamed and pulled against my bounds, but the rope held me in place. And so I reached for Lancer the only way I knew how.

I reached for him with the whole of my being, with my will, with my desire to keep him alive so strong it could burn all of me. I screamed his name with every fibre of my being—every ounce of my soul. I felt at the red tips of his existence. I reached for him through the darkness, ignoring all worldly restraints, so his spirit would have no choice but to feel mine.

And then the chant spilled out of my lips, smooth as a summer song, as if I’d been rehearsing it for this moment. And through the words I bled all of the passion I felt inside me.

“My fate shall be your sword… If you will submit to this will and this reason, then answer!”

I could feel the moment Lancer caught on. The force that was tied around him loosened.

I pulled him closer, both of us now working to fight the order that still tore at his soul. We fought together. I sang the enchantment until my throat was sore.

And then–

I felt it break. Kirei’s hold on him snapped.

With a violent backswing, Lancer's spirit tumbled toward mine.

I caught him, the force knocking all the air out of my lungs.

The red marks of allegiance on Kirei’s arm shattered and disappeared as if they were always as delicate as glass.

The same marks appeared on my arm now, but they felt strong and burned with red life and passion.

Lancer was mine.

I looked down at the new command seal with a strange feeling of completion. The connection between us glowed like a warm amber in the air. It was the feeling of reaching nirvana. A connection so wonderful it seemed too good to be true.

I locked eyes with Lancer.

Lancer was mine, and I was his, but more than that, he was saved from that awful fate.

Before the emotions of joy overwhelmed me, I reached for Lancer’s spear—the one that almost killed him—and turned it on the one thing that could threaten that joy.

Kirei was still looking at his arm in shock as I approached him.

It was at the last moment that he looked up. He only had a second for recognition to dawn before I pierced the spear into his heart.

The man who was once Lancer's master fell to his knees.

I pulled the spear out and watched him choke out his last few breaths in confusion.

"Sorry, but some fates are meant to be twisted." 

I turned back to Lancer and threw my arms around him.

He returned my tight grip, and for a second, I thought we were going to squeeze the life out of each other.

“I can’t believe you just did that,” he said. He pulled away and tilted my chin up to him. “Be mine, forever.”

“Forever.”

He kissed me. The kiss was deep and hot, combined now with the sensation of our connected souls. I felt it tingling in the center of my forehead.

“I love you, Lancer.”

“I love you too.” He laughed. “I guess I should call you my master now.”

“Master, partner, whatever you need me to be”—I grabbed both his hands—“I’m yours. And I’m sorry. I used your spear without asking.”

[cilant-lis]

countess zoiana kresreth-arendae

she hates being at court, but if she managed to defeat hordes of demons, she can put up with some nobles for her husband (or let her mountain lion, iskra, eat them)

[oceansssblue]

100 CELEBRATION — PROMPT 17. PRINCE&SERVANT AU

REX/F READER 💖💔

WARNINGS: servant/slavery themes, social gap, mentions of war, soulbonds, first crush, fantasy aspects.

Note: Here we have a really fluffy timid sweet one for a servant!rex and princess!femalereader !! It will start in their childhood and skip through time. Switches between 1st pov and 3rd pov. Hope you like it! Xx, Blue.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

The citizens of Bahr were also known as "water spirits" because of their surprising affinity with water creatures. The humanoid species could survive both underwater and in land; which made Bahr's cities beautifully diverse. Some towns were completely built under the ocean; others were constructed besides lakes and rivers. The Outer Rim planet had joined the Republic Alliance not so long ago; also enthraced by the idea of bidirectional protection and the reputation of the GAR. The Kaminoans had created clones of a mandalorian warrior that they later trained for different purposes; sold in batches all around the Republic for both servitude and personal army.

For the birth of Bahr's princess –the first descendant of King Fraland and Queen Altea– a new order of clones was sent to Kamino; and the kaminoans produced new batches of CT's and CC's and trained them for their new life. Some would end up serving in the palace or any of the Crown's properties; others would add to Bahr's already impressive army.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

You had grown up with all the commodities of the world; from endless food on the table to the prettiest of dresses. As the only princess of Bahr, your education had been impecable as well; closely monitored by the planet's best academics and literates. You had a small flock of servants personally encharged of you; from nannies that looked after you during the day or night, to other female bahrises who were tasked to help you dress or join you in any of your multiple hobbies. Not all servants in the palace were natives; but yours were.

You had always been curious about the others, the humans; the clones. They were young too –almost as young as yourself– and from a different species; and they were boys. It was inevitable to want to find more about them. However, both the Queen and your nanies had always scolded you whenever you had tried to interact with one; so you had eventually given up on being friends with them. You still curiously observed them in the distance.

It was only at eight years old when you had your first conversation with a clone. With three clones, to be precise. They were arguing about going out on an adventure; and that had instantly caught your attention. Life in palace was –though you knew you were incredibly lucky– often boring. The oportunity of going outside was too tempting to ignore.

You remained hidden behind one of the numerous statues that were placed on both sides of the corridors –old Kings and Queens of Bahr, your ancestors–; attention tunned in in the conversation between the three boys. They weren't speaking in your native language; but your teachers had already taught you a handful of others, mando'a being one of them.

"We're not going to be able to see them properly, Fives" one of the boys said, voice a mix of exasperation and resignation. "They only come up to the surface when two true soulmates are on their own there".

Your curiosity deepens; they're talking about the Lake of the Soulmates; were small water dragons live in harmony until a couple of soulmates call them. Only in pairs they will respond; only when genuine, sincere emotions came into play. It was a sacred tradition on Bahr; though some often used it as a proof of a partner's intentions or honesty. It was a beautiful idea, the fact that soulmates existed, that someone was made specifically for you; you had always dreamed of visiting it.

"Yeah, I know" the boy named Fives whispered. "But won't seing them even under the surface be worth it? Please, Echo. I'm so tired of being trapped in here".

Something softened in Echo's face; the boy glancing at the third clone of the group with reluctant acceptance. This last one had short blond hair; a trait you hadn't seen in the rest of his brothers. It was a beautiful contrast with the bronze of his skin.

"If we get caught we could be punished or even decomissioned" he wasn't fully convinced either, though it was clear he wanted to go as well. "I don't know if we should risk it".

This was the perfect chance for you to step in.

You left the secrecy of your hideout; quietly walking towards them.

"You wouldn't be if you kindly allowed me to join you".

The three clones showed various levels of surprise and fear; jumping at the unexpected sound of your voice. Their eyes widenned.

"P-princess!" Fives stuttered, back in your native language.

Echo and the clone with the blond hair straightened inmediately.

"I desire to visit the Soulmate Lake as well" you continued, undisturbed. "I've always felt curious about them. If you allow me to tag along, and the guards find us, you may even tell them I asked you to follow me there; since I wasn't keen on going on my own. Do we have an agreement?"

Fives grinned; the other two looked unsure. Upon the first's incesant pleadings, they finally gave in, nodding in silence. The blond one turned towards you, speaking to you with a timid politeness.

"Your majesty, you may want to change to a less delicate shoe choice" he pointed out, carefully, and your eyes travelled down to your cristal sparkling sandals.

"Oh!" You blushed softly. "You are right, of course. I'll retire and switch to a more comfortable pair. I will see the three of you in the North Door in ten".

You gave them a firm nod and walked away. You were going to see the water dragons for the first time ever.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

At first, Fives, Echo and Rex were incredibly wary and tense around the princess. They had grown up learning about her; about how important she was and the responsabilities she was destined to carry. They were taught how to behave around royals; how they were not the same. It was shocking, the fact that she had even talked to them. The way she phrased things was a bit unusual, and perhaps so were some of her gestures and manerisms; but in all honestly, for a princess, she looked pretty normal.

The small trip to the Lake of the Soulmates was filled with Fives animated story-telling; Rex and Echo having long learnt how to filter him out, while the princess looked almost engrossed in his tale. All words extinguished when they finally arrived, though; the beauty of the scene that powerfull. The water looked almost like a mirror of the sky above; the trees painted in vibrant greens and oranges. There was a sort of magical peace that could almost be breathed in.

"Woah" Fives looked and wandered around almost in a trance.

Echo grabbed his shoulder and tugged him back before his brother could accidentally dip a feet on the lake's water.

The three clones and the princess made their way to the edge of it and kneeled on the grass, carefully pushing their bodies forward to inspect it; trying to get a peak of the creatures swimming beneath. But the creatures stayed hidden –as Echo had predicted–; and soon the adrenaline and excitement of the adventure extinguished.

Rex discovered himself observing the princess instead. Her hair was pinned up in an intricate updo; and a small sparkly tiara was perfectly positioned on top of her head. She had what looked like diamond earings too; and she was wearing a –expensive, he was sure– violet dress with some more accesories around her wrists and neck. Under all of that, Rex noticed her big expressive eyes and the warmth of her smile. He had always thought royalty as cold and distant –no matter how well they governed–; but perhaps he had been wrong all along. The princess chuckled at something Fives said; and Rex's eyes couldn't stop staring at her.

A splash and a gasp finally called his attention; wonder and excitement shining again in all of their faces. There was a water dragon close to the surface; it was a blurred mix of blues, cyan on it's head and turning progressively darker towards the blue indigo of the tail. The creature seemed to be curious about them as well; as it swam close to the four kids for a few minutes before dissapearing into the depths of the lake again.

They all glanced at each other in shock before chuckling and smiling happily. They stayed for what felt like another hour there, with mainly Fives and Echo bickering and Rex and the princess quietly observing. It was peaceful; freeing. Rex tenderly saved the memory in his mind.

The grins were still painted on their faces with their return to the palace.

"I had a wonderful time" the princess aknowledged them before they had to part ways. "Thank you for your company".

Fives grinned, showing a silly thumbs up.

"Yeah, cool shit, princess".

Echo rolled his eyes at his brother's choice of words and lack of proper decorum; and smacked the back of his head.

Fives shot a glance at him, pouting and catching up on Echo's silent complaint inmediately.

"Hey! I said princess!"

Luckily for all of them, the royal only watched them in amusement.

"We enjoyed your company as well, your majesty" Rex tried to spare them, nodding politely, golden brown eyes making contact with the princess's. "We wish you a good rest of your evening".

She smiled genuineningly; then courtsied in a last goodbye, walking away timidly, a small happy skip to her step.

Fives and Echo bickered at his back. Rex only wished their escapade to remain a secret –for their safety–; and to have shown the princess –she'd be their queen, someday– that clones weren't that bad.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Weeks pass after that evening with the clone boys; but thoughts about them haven't yet left your mind. You don't have much contact with people your age –or any at all, for that fact–; and you somehow find yourself yearning for more. You had enjoyed the afternoon with them; void of responsabilities and the pressure of being a princess. A royal. There was no-one to watch you with a critic at the tip of their tongue; no one to tell you how to talk or move, to punish you for things that weren't considered lady like. The memory of that tiny bit of freedom, of life, had stayed roaming around in your mind.

You had carefully asked around; tried to find more information about them. They worked in the kitchens; and though there were a few complaints about them being a bit of trouble, you generally only heard good things about the three clones. They were only two years –one, in Rex's case– younger than you; though a maid had –tried to– explain to you that with the clone's accelerated aging they'd look progressively older very soon.

Temptatively, you had tried to interact with them in the few months that followed the first escapade. They reacted exactly the same way as the first time; first with cautious wariness, and then slowly easing into a quiet, gentle friendship. Fives was the main source of trouble; Echo being the one to often reel him in and cut his crazyness short. He still joined him in few ocassions, though, and then it was Rex's turn to be the voice of reason. He was not boring by any chance –in fact, you find him very intriguing–; he just seemed more mature. Rex was observant, and surprisingly firm for someone as young as him; but he knew how to relax too. You felt warm each time you caught sight of his gentle smile.

You're on a quest to personally ask the palace's main cook to bake your favorite pie when you caught sight of them again; though not in a pleasant situation. Fives, Echo and Rex are all standing up in front of a –very obviously– angry chef; heads lowered down in a sign of repentance while the man screams inches away of their face. A quick glance around is enough to know what this is all about. The kitchen is a mess; almost as if there had been a fight –or an explosion– of flour all around. You understand the need to reprimand them if this has been the case; but the way the cook is spitting ill-words so close to their faces rubs you the wrong way.

"Useless clones, genetically engineered for what? You can't even behave in a kitchen! It's a relief you can't roam around through Bahr!"

Different degrees of hurt and anger crosses the boys faces. It grows like a flame inside of you as well.

"We understand your point, sir" Rex grits out, eyes still on the floor but posture firm. "It won't happen again".

"Of course it won't!" The cook suddenly invades his personal space and takes a violent hold of his face, nails digging into the skin of both cheeks to obligue Rex to look at him. "Because if you do, i'll make sure you're all sent back to Kamino and never see a ray of sunglight ever again!"

Something inside of you fiercely wakes up and shakes. A wave of ire and an overwhelming need to protect spreads through your veins; and you take a step into the kitchen and clear your throat, eyes settling on the cook in a heated stare.

"Princess!" The man exclaims, releasing the boy's face and taking a step back in utter surprise.

The three clones inmediately look at you. You want to comfort them, but it is a priority to get them away from this man first.

"Let this be the last time you dare to treat anyone this way" your voice holds an authority that doesn't really come from being a royal, but of a fierce heart that won't let any other option exist. "You will request a transfer to any other of the Crown's properties and leave inmediately".

The man is so shocked he almost sputters in his place.

"B-but princess..." his eyes flicker over your smaller form in a desperate way to find something to convince you with. "I'm the only one who knows how to bake your favorite Jhogan pie!"

Your expresion turns to one of disgust. The fact that this man...

"My favorite dessert can't be more irrelevant as opposed to the safety of other's lifes. I have given you the option to continue working elsewhere as a courtsey for all the years you've been working for us; but if you insist, I can make sure you won't find a job anywhere in Bahr".

The clear warning is enough to shut all of the cook's complaints down; and he turns around to send a hatefull glance to the three clones as if they have been the ones to dig his way out.

"Leave" you almost hiss then, years of trained patience coming to an end.

The man nods tersely, huffs, and walks away.

You breathe a sigh of relief when you're left alone in the kitchen with the other three boys. Their posture relax too; inmediately aproaching each other and mutually making sure they are all safe and good. The need extends to you.

"Are you alright?" You ask them, slowly aproaching them.

Fives and Echo look at you. Rex, for some reason, keeps staring at the floor.

"Yeah" Echo eventually answers. "Thank you for the save, princess. It was a kind gesture of you".

To your surprise, Fives steps forward and envelops you in a big, sudden hug.

"It was awesome! Did you see his face?" He laughs, and you chuckle as he releases you and takes a step back.

"It looked like his head was going to explode from holding all his anger back" you confirm with a tiny smile.

Your eyes travel back to Rex; who is still painfully silent, expresion closed off as if he were thinking of something deeply emotional and delicate.

"Hey" you carefully squeeze his shoulder and he breaks off of his trance, golden eyes locking on yours. "Are you okay?"

His eyes flicker over your face. He nods without saying a thing.

Your hand moves up and your fingertips carefully graze the skin of his redenned cheek. They won't be hurt like that ever again.

"You should get that checked by the doctor" you advise gently, lowering your traitorous hand to it's rightfull place. "Some marks have managed to break the skin and they might scar if you don't tend to them".

His golden eyes continue staring at you; creating a mess of contradicting and confusing emotions and thoughts you're too young to descipher yet.

"I will" Rex finally says.

When you leave the kitchen two minutes later, you murmur a soft and quiet "keep an eye on him" to Fives. The clone nods and grins.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

It has been a long day for Rex and his brothers. Their working conditions are vastly different from those of two years ago; from when the princess had faced off the main palace cook and sent the monster away. When she had protected them. The memory is still vivid and clear in Rex's memory. She had been so small, so young; and yet her voice had held such a fierce authority. She clearly cared for them; and in a world where clones –where he– meant nothing, that had touched Rex's heart.

Not having a dickhead for a boss doesn't make the hours and hours of baking any less demanding, though; and Rex can feel the ache on his muscles begging for a rest. He's on his way to the servant's floor when he hears music floating down the stairs; it's such a beautiful melody that the curious clone is already following it with quiet steps. He recognises the sound of the clarinas; small air instruments native from Bahr. But there's someone singing as well; and Rex's instincts are pushing him towards it, for some misterious reason he has no time –or desire– to analise.

He comes to a stop in front of the music salon; and takes a quiet peak inside to scan the room. At first, his eyes widen in surprise; then, he's left staring enthraced, hipnotized. He didn't know she could sing like that. The princess's voice is sweet and delicate; her range gently dancing over the notes in a peaceful melody. The song has a hint of melancholy; like a bird who sees the beauty of the outside world and feels awed and warmed by it, but can't quite hold enough strength on his wings to fly in it.

Rex golden eyes are absort on her face for the few minutes he stays listening; until a maid passing by the corridor softly reprimands him and he flushes in silence, straigthening back up guiltily.

"Don't just stand there all day, young boy. Go on" the woman tuts with a knowing smile on her face, and Rex fights down his blush and walks away.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

When you almost run into Rex in one of your late afternoon walks through the gardens, you can't help but gasp and stare at him in surprise. And not just because of the unexpected, clumsy encounter; but because of how different he looks. His growth has sprinted in this last four years. While you're looking your age –fourteen, now–, Rex –his brothers too– appear to be seventeen or so; the physical signs and changes of their teenage years dissapearing in a blink and quickly transitioning into his current appearence. He's tall, really tall now; slightly towering above you when you had once been of the same height. His facial features have changed too; shaped into firm, sharp lines. Gone is the kid Rex once was; he's certainly turning into a young man.

"Your majesty" he gives you a small courtsey and you smile at him with warmth. No matter how many little interactions you've both had over the years, Rex has never dropped certain formalities around you. It's endearing, really. "Enjoying a bit of fresh air before dinner is served?"

You nod without dropping your smile.

"Yes, indeed. The gardens are beautiful this time of the year, and a break from the noise of the palace is always welcomed" you pause and study him briefly. "Would you like to join me?"

Surprise fills his expresion; an sort of timid hesitance following.

"If you're sure, princess. I wouldn't want to disturb your moment of peace...".

You chuckle and tilt your head in a carefree grin.

"I wouldn't have offered if I found your presence disturbing, Rex" you tease him in good humour, gently linking your hand around his arm and tugging forward carefully. "It will be a short stroll, don't worry".

He doesn't say a thing. His golden eyes travel down to your hand anchored on his –surprisingly defined– bycep; then back to your face. It almost looks like he's thinking what the kriff you're doing with him. Ah, you suppose this tiptoes the line of being a royal, taking a walk with a –male– servant; but you can't help yourself. You enjoy his presence; always have, and right now a relaxing stroll between friends sounds nice.

Trying not to dwell on the fact that your bodies are touching –and the tingling sensation derived from it– you fill the –perhaps initially akward– silence with curiosities and stories about the plants you pass by; wether it's just their medical use or a particularity of a flower, or some other tradition that is rumoured in Bahr. He listens attentively, quietly; only intervening here and there. It's only after a while when you grow self-conscious; realising you're perhaps talking a bit too much.

"Forgive me" you smile guiltily, hand dropping from where you had been pointing at the petals of yet another flower. "You probably don't find all of this rants about flora interesting. You might not even like flowers for all I know..."

To your honest surprise, Rex carefully tugs said hand forward and holds it in his, gently squeezing.

"I do" he replies calmly, soothing your worries, voice deeper than it had been just a year ago. He glances at the green jade flowers and back at you. "It's the colour of your eyes, princess".

It's such an unexpected comment –and more so coming from him– that you can't control the flustered blush that inmediatelly spreads through your cheeks and down your neck. You shyly tuck a strand of hair behind your ear with your other hand; warmth spreading from where you hold him with the other one –as if some sort of energy were flowing between the two of you–.

Rex doesn't retract his comment; temptitavely caressing the dorso of your hand with his thumb, and a peacefull, almost pensive expresion on his face. You fall equally enthraced by him; gaze lost in the tenderness of his warm, golden eyes, on this new feeling sparkling between the two of you.

You had just started to see boys in another way; and Rex... Rex is beautiful. The sunset does wonders on his bronze skin, brings the gold out of his gentle brown eyes, he is undeniably handsome and his physicall appearence has nothing to envy the...

"Princess! Your majesty!" the urgent voice of your maid breaks the moment rather abruptly, tearing you out of your trance cruelly. "The King and Queen have been waiting for you in the Grand Comedor for almost ten minutes now!"

The woman continues to rant from far away, and you turn to look back at Rex with an amused chuckle –cheeks still redenned and already missing the warmth of his hand in yours–.

"I shall better go before they send a flock of angry maids to find me" you joke, still a hint of shyness on your voice and face.

Rex nods and takes a polite step back. You ignore how much your heart complains about that.

"Of course" he agrees, eyes still fixed on yours. "Have a good night, princess".

Your smile is as soft as melting butter.

"You as well, Rex".

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

The next day, upon numerous innapropiate whispers of maids and servants all around the palace that reaches the rulers ears, three clones are sent away to be trained in Bahrs army. When a week later the princess's personal maids finally ask the royal sucessor the reason for her late melancholy, she brushes it aside and conjures an empty smile. She's a bird; but she has no wings.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Seven years later, life has not changed much. At least for you. At 21, you have more responsabilities as the Crown's succesor, and take a participant role in Bahr's important decisions; but that aside, life around you moves like it always has. Slow and boring; though comfortable and coveted. Diplomatic travels have become part of your favorite rutine At least that way you're able to explore Bahr's diverse cities, though you're not completely free to roam around as you'd like, but tied to long dinners and debates.

Your father has subtly questioned you about wether if you feel connected to any of Bahr's important houses heirs. Your answer has always been short and clipped. It's not that you hate all of them; some are not pretentious and fairly good company –hadsome, even–, but none make your heart skip a bit. You'll settle for someone eventually; but for now, you'll still hold onto the hope that someone who can will appear.

You're lost in thoughts when the sound of someone arriving at the Lake of the Soulmates –you had taken to visit it sort of regularly lately– pulls you out of your mind. You glance back at the new comer; a gasp inmediately abandoning your lips, face shifting with shock and surprise.

"R-rex?"

You stand up from the blanket you've placed on the grass, carefully making your way towards him. He looks just as shocked; stunned. It has been seven years since you last saw each other. He's so... He's a man, now. His eyes, though... His golden eyes hold the same gentleness.

"Princess..." he takes two slow steps towards you as well –until you're both standing in front of each other, your chin tilting up so you can see his face–. "Long time no see".

You shoot him a fond smile.

"Yes" your eyes flicker over every inch of his face. His brow is more pronounced, his jaw sharper. His lips... pouty. "You've changed".

Age has done nothing but make him look more atractive. The white and blue armour he's currently wearing –clinging to his strong muscles– only make the picture prettier.

"You as well, princess. You look..." he stops himself, cheeks tinged in red.

You can feel your heart trying to beat it's way out of your chest. You're nervous, but excited; you encourage him to finish the sentence with bright eyes and a tempting smile.

"I look?"

At first, Rex seems to hesitate; then, the soldier squares his shoulders and fixes his eyes on yours.

"You look more beautiful than ever, princess".

He tells you this tenderly but firmly; like there's no option to disagree, like it's an universal truth. The quiet passion swirling in his golden eyes makes your heart clench; tugging the corner of your lips into a radiant smile.

You close the small distance between each other with another tiny step; your body almost grazing his.

Years and years of lessons on politeness and decency, on how a royal should behave, sprints through your mind; though they are quickly shut down in favor of the fire that burns bright in your heart. Rex... Rex makes your heart skip a bit. Perhaps he always has –even when in your young age you couldn't see it as clearly as now–.

"You do too, Rex" you whisper fervently, looking up at him. "Beautiful".

Rex releases a deep breath; almost as if he had been afraid of you reacting badly to his compliment. He closes the eyes for a few seconds; as if saving the moment in his memory.

You gather your courage and swallow your own insecurities down; temptitavely caressing his hand with the very tip of your fingers –a sort of cautious invitation to do more about it–.

Rex opens his eyes and glances at you in surprise.

"Is this... okay?" you ask him timidly, hand almost trembling with your nervousness.

Rex looks to be lost in your eyes; he barely reacts, not moving a single inch.

"Y-yes, yes. If you want to, princess..."

The carefull caress turns into proper holding hands. You smile at how right such a simple thing feels.

"Will you ever call me by my name?" You tease him in good humour, a little amused chuckle escaping your lips.

Rex's eyes travel around as if you have put him in a four way crossroad.

"I shouldn't..."

Perhaps years and years of lessons on how not to behave around and with royals are flickering through his mind too.

The fire inside of you burns stronger. You end the distance between your bodies, softly anchoring yourself to him and gently wrapping your hands around his shoulders. He freezes, eyes fixed on your face, now so close to his.

"But I want you too" you reply, fervently.

Rex swallows; and you can almost feel his throat move.

"It might take some time for me to get used to it. But I can try... meshla".

You release all your tension and nervousness with a long, happy sigh; closing your eyes and pressing your forehead against his plated chest, breathing the warmth feeling he provoques in you in. Rex hands tentatively takes place in your back and caresses you gently. His tension deflates as well in the tender embrace.

Splashing water sounds force you to break apart; you both glance at the lake, but upon finding everything as usual, quickly return to search into each other's gaze. You already miss his arms around you –yours around him–; though there's still minimum space between you.

"How have you been all this time, Rex?" You ask him fondly. "You've been working for the army, have you not?"

"Just got promoted to Captain, yes" he confirms, and your eyes fly down to quickly study the pauldron on his shoulder and his blue kama, armour touches and upgrades you know well. "It has been..."

He hesitates, and you encourage him to continue with a soft smile.

"Go on. You can be frank with me".

Rex sighs and confesses.

"It's better than staying in the palace all day, every day. It makes me feel more usefull, valuable. I'm protecting people. Doing good things" he takes a breath in and quietly admits, a troubled expresion on his face. "It's not an easy task, though. I've seen... Men and woman die, lost friends. I never realised just how many brothers I had in Bahr until I started to feel like I was losing them".

His words and emotions are so honest and raw it brings tears to your eyes; though you don't allow a single one to fall.

You hold his hands in yours.

"I'm sorry, Rex. That Fives, Echo and you all felt trapped in the palace and then forced to walk away. Every native servant has decided to be there; but you clones never had the oportunity to choose. I'm sorry you've lost family as well. I hope one day you'd be able to forgive me, Rex..."

He shows you a fond smile and gentle squeezes your hand with one hand; the other coming up to cup your face.

"It's not like you had any say in our creation, meshla, or what we came to be. You were just a child as well. And honestly, the King treats us much better than other clones in other parts of the galaxy. I'm happy with where I am now; Fives and Echo as well".

"How are they, Echo and Fives?" You curiously ask him, wanting to know about the other two boys –now men– as well.

Rex smile can only be defined as proud.

"They're doing well. Both got promoted to ARC's at the same time, which is why we're all in the Capital now. There's going to be a small ceremony in the palace for all new ARC's, Commanders and Captains".

You blink in surprise.

"Oh, I wasn't aware of this".

Rex shrugs.

"I don't believe the royal family attends this" he explains "just some other high ranks from the army and the war council. It's a small thing".

You tilt up your chin and make up a quick decision.

"It's a big thing for you. I'll be there"

"You don't have to, prin... meshla..."

You smile and squeeze his hand.

"I know. I'll still try".

Rex nods, innerly touched and gratefull; and you're both left in silence for a few seconds, studying each other's hands and eyes.

"I thought of doing this a lot when we were kids" you confess, voice quiet.

Rex shoots you a surprised look.

"Holding hands?" He asks, a timid expresion on his face too.

"Among other things" you admit with a blush.

Rex is shocked by your confession; but his eyes only fill with tenderness and warmth.

"Why didn't you?"

You shrug.

"I was reprimanded a lot, told to not interact with the three of you. I was also afraid of you only accepting because you'd be afraid to say no and... And I was shy and just a child. I didn't truly understand what I was feeling and what to do about it" you glance to the say and chuckle, cheeks painted in an embarassed red. "You were my first boy crush".

Rex can't believe at first the words that are coming out of your mouth. But he sees the honesty in your eyes, the vulnerability, the tenderness and the desire; and he knows it's the beautiful truth.

He smiles and caresses your cheek with his thumb. He decides to confess as well.

"I would have accepted anything from you, princess, and not out of obligation".

Warmth spreads inside of you; this time the title sounding more of a sweet, personal pet name on his lips than a polite status reference.

Rex decides to risk it all. His other hand also travels up to cup your face in his palms; softly tilting it up towards him so he can study and caress every inch of your skin with his golden eyes.

"And now, meshla? Now that we aren't kids?"

"I..." you want him. You love him. He's the one. "I want the same things".

Rex's relieved breath flickers over your face; and barely a second later, he dips down to catch your lips in a tender, heartfelt kiss. You make a small, pleased sound in your throat and surrender to him; body melting in his embrace and kissing him back with the same softness and hunger, both mixed into perfect bliss.

When you're forced to breathe, Rex rests his forehead against you in what you know is a Keldabe kiss; taking each other in.

"I've told myself a million times iver the years that this couldn't be. That you were just a dream, an illusion I would never reach".

Your heart aches. Perhaps true, honest love is just like that; so raw and powerfull it heals as much as it aches.

You nuzzle your nose against his and answer him softly.

"I know there's responsabilities to both and that we'll face more than one public judgement. We will need to be carefull. But I've always felt curious about you, Rex. We're both older now. Perhaps things won't work out, and that's okay; but I feel very strongly towards you and I'd like to have the chance to see where this goes now".

Rex smiles and pecks your lips again. Oh, you'll soon grow addicted to it.

"Like I said, princess, I'll take whatever you're willing to give" he grins, and you're so happy you can't help but laugh against his lips.

There's a louder splash coming from the water again; and this time, a quick, initially uninterested glance turns to be an overwhelming shock. You both watch, stunned, how two blue water dragons repetitively jump up and down the surface of the lake, clearly playing with each other and having fun, oblivious to the two of you.

You stare at Rex in shock.

"Are those... Did we... Are we..." you can't seem to form the words, too overwhelmed and nervous about the possible implications of this.

Rex stares back at the small creatures.

"If we were... We should be able to call them towards us, right?" He cautiously asks.

You nod, heart pounding. The two water dragons stop playing and hover over the surface of the lake, as if suddenly realising they were being watched and looking back at you curiously.

You take a deep, centering breath and close your eyes; focusing on trying to conect with any of them. To tug at some sort of invisible connection.

You gasp at the feeling of something wet and slippery pressing against the skin of your neck; opening your eyes in wonder, staring at the almost magical female water dragon that is nuzzling against you and chirping happily.

"T-try it" you tell Rex, hands shaking to caress the legendary creature, the animal playfully nipping at your fingertips.

Rex imitates you; closing his eyes and trying to find his own connection with the other water dragon. He frowns, and nothing happens at first; but then, the creature –darker in colour but with also more white streaks in it's tail– shyly aproaches him and spins around his forearm, then moving to hover in front of him.

Rex looks at his dragon in awe and then turns towards you.

"We're soulmates" he voices, love and wonder shining in his golden eyes.

You smile and close the distance to kiss him.

"I guess that explains why I have always felt drawn to you. Yes, we are".

Rex swallows your happy chuckles and you smile against his lips. The two water dragons play around your entwinned shape, chirping happily.

THE END.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Author note:

I love Rex so much godddddd...

Ps. With this one we only have one more prompt left for the 100blueceleb. It's a short story of a demon!echo / angel!ofc ; I have already planned it through and am in the process of writing it. It's gonna be a blast, mark my words! I'm so excited to share it with y'all. Stay tunned!

Xx, Blue.

Check out the 100blueceleb masterlist:

Check out my general masterlist:

[veriitasu]

FINALLY REACHED BOND 10 YAAAAAAAAAAAAY now to get to LB6..........

[wiirocku]

Revelation 15:3-4 (NASB1995) - And they *sang the song of Moses, the bond-servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying,

“Great and marvelous are Your works, O Lord God, the Almighty; Righteous and true are Your ways, King of the nations! “Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy; FOR ALL THE NATIONS WILL COME AND WORSHIP BEFORE YOU, FOR YOUR RIGHTEOUS ACTS HAVE BEEN REVEALED."

[artblock-tm]

A couple months ago, I reached Bond Level 10 in FGO with a couple Servants, and I drew them to celebrate! We shall have a spring wedding

(I reached Bond Level 10 with Heracles too earlier this week… I’m not sure what to draw for him…)

[aeriondripflame]

my mind has been developing this delusion world in which tywin lannister was the mad king’s sugar baby. aerys was “vain, proud, and changeable, traits that made him easy prey for flatterers and lickspittles” (awoiaf p.190). upon becoming king, he fired his father’s older and wiser hand and named tywin in his place, making tywin the youngest hand in the entire history of the seven kingdoms, but how did we get there?

there were childhood friends. tywin served as a page in court and we know from genna that tywin mistrusted laughter due to hearing too many people laughing at his father. at this point in time, the lannisters were a laughingstock or at least tywin wholeheartedly believed this, so the subsequent friendship he makes with the crown prince thrusts him upwards in status and into higher scrutiny. tywin is the elder, but aerys is the prince. they spend years together with the established dynamic of aerys being the one with power and tywin (albeit his friend) his servant. it is only when tywin dares to step outside this master/servant dynamic aerys has cooked up, that they begin to fall apart.

they go to war together. aerys chooses tywin, a newly made knight, to knight him. this was the war of the ninepenny kings, he could have chosen gerold hightower. he could have chosen roger reyne, or any number of distinguished knights and commanders, but no he chose tywin who had likely just been knighted himself. for added context, during this war tywin’s father stayed at home with his mistress rather than taking to the battlefield. nearly a year later, aerys is crowned and tywin is named hand of the king. as hand of the king, tywin is allowed any expense, any decision, literally allowed to do anything he wants at aerys’ leave (up until their toxic breakup era).

something that always fascinated me within this was why after gaining power of his own merit and name does he make his father’s mistress do a walk of atonement? at first, i believed this to be a way to embarrass his father further from the grave and cement his notoriety. however, right after he forces the walk of atonement, aerys and tywin rule the kingdom from casterly rock for a year (awoiaf p.194). if we believe that tywin has a subconscious or conscious shame in regards to using aerys’ fondness for him (whether you want to see it romantically or not) for seize of power and political gain, the walk of atonement is so interesting as it is a public self-flagellation of a transactional relationship that he himself mirrors. it is after this very act that aerys holds court (and tywin) at casterly rock, the scene of the crime in a sense. here tywin is, like his fathers mistresses in the same very home, flattering and bootlicking the same man for money, influence, and power. it is only after this year in casterly rock where tywin is forced to reconcile with these similarities that their relationship dissolves.

in conclusion, tywin was playing sugar baby to aerys and their relationship soured when tywin decided he wished for power that was truly his own rather than through aerys.

[leslutdepointedulac]

How many of Destroyer's kittens do you think took a shine to Armand? Do you think Armand named any of them? Pretended to be irritated but was secretly thrilled when one of them would sit on his lap?

Oh I think at least three of her kittens took one look at Armand and instantly thought 'yes! We love you!' The last kitten is a bit shy and is wary of his in-human-ness, so he takes a bit more time to warm up to Armand. But once he does, he's all over him and won't leave him alone.

Because Armand isn't thrilled over them to begin with (or so he claims anyway lmao), they tend to gravitate towards him the most. Although Louis is the kitten's favourite person, they love nothing more than to climb all over Armand, biting at his fingers and curling up on his lap so he can't move.

Armand totally names them but they're his own names for them. Benji, Sybelle and Louis give the kittens their actual names, but Armand likes to call them things like 'Ankle Biter', 'Menace', 'Terror' and 'Nightmare'. These names start out somewhat genuine but over time Armand calls them this in the most affectionate way possible. But if anyone else refers to them by these names, Armand will glare at them and tell them not to be so rude to the babies.

And he's totally pretending to be annoyed by the kittens. At first it is a bit more genuine because "Louis they're chewing up my trousers and leaving holes in them." And when they make themselves at home on his lap, Armand doesn't really know what to do with them, so it comes out as irritation towards them for that reason too. However, the longer he's around them for, the more he gets used to the kittens and loves having them curled up on him.

If they settle on his lap, he does what every good person does which is not move a muscle until they do. If he's needed somewhere, Armand will tell them it'll have to wait because nothing is more important than these kittens getting their rest. No one's allowed to tell them off for misbehaving because Armand will be in their defence and say something like "Well if you didn't want the new table getting clawed up, maybe you should have put it in one of the rooms they can't get into."

One kitten in particular is very fond of Armand, and likes to sit on his shoulder, which he lets her do. Even when she's grown up, she still perches on Armand's shoulder, and he just leaves her to it while he goes about whatever it is he's doing.

Years down the line, when it's Destroyer's kitten's descendants, Armand likes to form an alliance with them and they gang up on Lestat when he visits. They're usually rewarded with some kind of treat after lmao.

[jeweled-blue-eyes]

Headcanon that Derrick is the son from the Duke's first wife that he married out of duty and Reynold and Ivonne are the children that the Duke had with his second wife that he married out of love. I imagine that the Duke married below his station when he chose to court Ivonne's mother shortly after the former duchess had passed away. Compared to the Duke's first wife who was a stern but elegant and dignified lady, his second wife was a lively thing who always sought new forms of dispersion and spend enormous sums of money on her wardrobe and entertainment.

[mako-neexu]

you, who has lost your command spells and master rights is hunted down. no servant. no support. no chaldea in contact/chaldea no longer exists....fatigued and running for your life. you are on your own. your mystic code is broken. you have no one to rely on. you are running from. something. after everything happened, youre still pushing yourself to move since youre in danger. you have to live no matter what. or else everyone's efforts would be all for naught. you have to live you have to live you have to live.., but one of the things hunting you down catches up, injures you severely, you fall down and the things that want to tear you to pieces surround you. you have no way of escaping. you have no way out. but, of course...the sword that will always be in your hands and the abyssal insect who reaches out to the stars deliver a powerful blow to what hunts you to keep you safe. two servants wipe out what hunts you down. you didnt summon them. youre unable to summon. yet here they are. here you are. and you can only lie on the ground from relief, exhaustion, overwhelming joy and sadness and pain as you see two people- friends you love and cherish. but they turn to you, their faces cant be discerned. their entire being obscured by black fog. oh. they are shadow servants. they are shadows of the people you love. they arent the friends themselves. still, you reach out, you hug them even as you stagger from the injury. "thank you" you croak out, barely able to utter them aloud. theres something warm on your face. its a little wet. but youre not sure what it is. they cant speak. they cant respond unless its to fight. they are like whisps. you can barely touch them but still solid enough to hold. and in the embrace, you hear your name called out. the two people you love, though shadows, call out to you.

"▅▅▅▅" "▅▅▅▅"

....you realize you have to go. you let go of them, hesitant. yet you give them a determined smile, a grateful smile. though they have no expressions of their own as shadows, you feel as if you can imagine their usual reactions of snark and comments as they stare back at you. thank you, ill be okay, you say again. reassurance. a smile. a second of happiness. a step back. and another, along with one last look, you run ahead without looking back.