#lancelot gets exasperated

[deathmetalunicorn1]

hi can i request another part for king Arthur reader,whare a few days after Ragnarok, leonidas & Apollo are looking for y/n because they have a date in a few minutes,but only to find y/n, y/n's Valkyrie & Guinevere, turns out Guinevere is trying to get back with y/n

because when she watched y/n fight she realized y/n was "better" for her and shouldt have cheated on him & also said y/n should just break up with Apollo & leo to get with her again, (in short being a despite bitch, worst part she's still with lancelot)

but y/n's Valkyrie IS NOT HAVING IT,y/n's Valkyrie is having a literally cat fight with Guinevere(and is winning 💅y/n's Valkyrie would be leonidas, Apollo & y/n's 1# supporter...cus she see's y/n as father figure's😭)and y/n is just there trying to calm her down to have a mature conversation with Guinevere as why he doesn't want to get back together (but Guinevere doesn't listen)

and so how would leonidas & Apollo react to the scene, would they intervene with someone trying to mess up there relationship or would they let y/n take care of it?

-You were late, which is something you never were, you were always the one to show up early, to be the one to greet your lovers, Leonidas and Apollo- but you weren’t at the meetup spot and instantly Leonidas knew something was wrong.

-The two were quick to rush to your home, Apollo was trying to stay calm, “Maybe Y/N just overslept?” his optimism was helpful, but Leonidas knew he was just as worried- this wasn’t like you.

-They weren’t prepared to find you holding back Thyra from another woman who was also beautiful, the two of them screeching at each other.

-You looked exasperated, but doing well in keeping calm, “Thyra- sweetie- angel- violence won’t solve anything.” You were holding her under her arms as she was flailing, doing her best to get free.

-This other woman was Guinevere, your ex-wife, and the woman who betrayed you and led you to your death. And from what your lovers were easily able to gather, Guinevere had approached you, wanting to get back together with you.

-She was glaring at Thyra, “You need to stay out of this- this doesn’t concern you! Y/N- leave this child and leave those male lovers of yours and come back to me- you know I’m so much better than they are!!”

-Apollo and Leonidas were both instantly pissed, seeing that she was trying to get back with you after you won your match, after you proved yourself as a powerful fighter, and a worthy man.

-Thyra went still in your arms, like she was stunned before she turned bright red, furious, “Doesn’t concern me? BITCH! You broke Y/N’s heart and helped get him killed! How is that better for him?!”

-You sighed softly in defeat before you noticed your lovers who were watching, amused by Thyra’s rage, giving them a weak, apologetic smile before Guinevere shouted, “What would you know- you’re just a child?!”

-It was true that Thyra was young looking, looking like a teenager, but you doted on her like a daughter, and she looked up to you like a father figure, but she was like her sisters, far older than you were, being a Valkyrie.

-You directed your attention to Guinevere, trying to stop the situation from getting any more heated, “Guinevere- you have no place in my heart nor my life any longer. I am happy with Apollo and Leonidas. Please leave.” You were being cordial to her, willing to treat her with respect.

-She was stunned, hearing this, hearing that you were telling her to leave, and you didn’t love her, your beloved Guinevere- any longer! Her eyes narrowed and she lunged, her claws bared, “You bastard- who do you think you are?!”

-You turned, taking the hit across your face, but it didn’t really hurt, as you protected Thyra who gasped, and instantly a boxing bell was heard (from somewhere) as your grip loosened just enough for her to get free and she instantly attacked, getting into a cat fight with your ex-wife.

-Apollo instantly had your face in his hands, looking at your face, checking out the mark as you smiled softly, lifting a hand to cover one of his own, “Sorry about that.” Apollo wouldn’t hear any of it, “You have nothing to apologize for my love.”

-When you noticed Leonidas wasn’t there, you both turned, seeing him cheering on Thyra, who was straddling Guinevere, who was screeching loudly, demanding for Thyra to get off her.

-You sighed, exasperated before you spoke, “You get two minutes- then we’re leaving.” Thyra beamed up at you, looking elated, “Really?” as you nodded.

-Once Thyra was done, you hauled her off, holding her under your arm as she whined, “Oh- I wasn’t done yet~~!” you cracked her a small grin, “Yes you are- lets go eat.”

-Guinevere had gotten her ass beat, and as she was panting in pain and with adrenaline, she screamed after you, “You’ll come back! You always do!!”

-Leonidas, Apollo, and Thyra all flipped her off over their shoulders, something you did scold them for, as you headed to the restaurant you had all planned to meet at.

[dxncingwithastrxnger]

1. uh oh, i'm falling in love

A/N: Hello!!! I said I was gonna write and post this story ages ago and I am so sorry for how long this took!! But now I've finally posted it!!! And chapter 2 is almost finished so look out for that one!! I super hope you enjoy this series and that it was worth the wait!!!!

Pairing(s): Lancelot x GN!Tristan's Twin!Reader (No pronouns specified and I never specify whether they're identical or not, that's completely up to you!)

Summary: The King of Liones throws a party and among all the socializing, Lancelot and (Y/N) decide to spend their time breaking a few rules.

Tags: Alcohol Consumption, Underage Drinking, Meliodas, Fluff, Drunkenness (Is that a word??)

Word Count: 3,088

Song Inspiration: Labyrinth By Taylor Swift

Not beta'd, all mistakes are my own.

~*~

[Series Masterlist]

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[Read on AO3]

~*~

You lean back against the cold stone wall behind you, sighing softly. You can feel the chill of it on your back through the thin fabric of your tunic, but you don't really care much. You’re a bit overheated from the partially crowded dining hall you had been in just a few minutes earlier and you really prefer it much more out here than back in there at the moment.

Nearly everyone you know is there. All four apocalypse knights as well as all their friends, Hendy and Dreyfus, mom and dad, Aunt Margaret and Uncle Gil. It’s a celebration of sorts. It’s someone’s birthday, one of the knights that isn’t Tris or Lance, though you’re not sure which one. Not that your father really needs much of a reason to throw a party anyways, but it is a nice sentiment at least.

It's not that you don't enjoy having fun with everyone, you do, but despite knowing every single person in that room, most of them aren't really your friends. Not including family, there’s only one person in there that you’re close to and by the time everyone had finished eating and scattered into different groups and conversations, you were the only person left by yourself, floundering to figure out what to do next. And so, you came outside to get some air.

"What are you doing now?" A voice says from beside you, the person sounding exasperated.

You turn to the right and crane your neck up towards the doorway leading from the dining hall to the balcony, your (Y/E/C) eyes locking with bright red ones. Your face flushes and you look away, bringing a hand up to rub at the back of your neck sheepishly.

"...sitting outside?" You ask uncertainly.

Lancelot sighs before he's sitting down next to you, so close that his shoulder is touching yours. You suppress a shiver at the warmth he radiates and loosen your hold on your knees, letting your legs stretch out in front of you. You mimic his sitting position, letting your leg touch his as well, and try your best not to think of your reason for doing so.

"(Y/N), you can be friends with them, too. Friendship isn't exclusive, you know." He points out for probably the millionth time in your guys' friendship.

"I know that, Lan, but you've never managed to succeed much in making friends in the past besides me and Tris, especially not an entire group of them, and I really don't wanna get in the way of that. You deserve to just have a group of friends without any interruptions." You tell him with confidence, even though you know it doesn't make much sense in the long run.

"And that wouldn't change just because you are a part of that group. You're my friend, too, my best friend, whether you're friends with the rest of them or not." He tells you, and you can feel his eyes on you, but you force yourself to keep looking away from him for just a little longer.

"Well, still. The five of you guys have a very unique bond and I'm not gonna take the chance of getting in the way of that." You say matter-of-factly.

Your best friend snorts. "Is that the same excuse you use with your brother? Cause I know you have this same argument with him just as much as you do with me."

You groan, throwing your head back and letting it hit the wall, causing a dull ache that you ignore. "Can we not talk about this right now, please?" You finally look at him, your eyes pleading for him to switch topics.

His expression softens as he looks at you and he nods. "Fine. Instead, let's drink." He gets a little grin on his face that's similar to an expression you'd seen on his father's face plenty of times, but at the same time, it's somehow still just all Lancelot. He holds up a dark green bottle and two chalices which had been on the other side of him, out of your line of sight.

You were glad for the conversation change and it was your turn to snort. "What did you sneak away this time?" You ask him knowingly.

He sits up a little straighter rather than slouching against the wall and places the chalices between his legs in front of him. "I have absolutely no idea but I snatched it from one of the castle guards. Heard him bragging about how good it was to one of his buddies, so you know, I thought you and I could test it out just to be sure he wasn't lying." He smirks as he opens up the bottle and starts pouring some for each of you.

You feel a slight flutter in your chest at the thought of him specifically wanting to share it with you and you stay quiet as you inspect the liquid in the chalice he hands you. The alcohol is a light pink color, almost translucent, and the first thing you can think of to compare it to, as random as it is, is Isolde's hair. Maybe a little darker, though. It's pretty. And not at all like any alcohol you'd ever seen or heard of before.

"You sure this is safe to drink?" You ask him sceptically as you turn your face towards him, though your eyes stay on your drink. "This isn't gonna turn out to actually be poison or anything, right?"

​​​​​​You bite your lip as you hear him let out that arrogant chuckle of his under his breath. "No, it's not poison, (Y/N). Now, c'mon, are we drinking or what?" He holds his chalice out and looks at you expectantly.

You shake your worry away and look at him with a small grin, tapping your chalice against his with a soft clink before you both take your first sip. Your eyes widen as the taste hits your tongue. It's sweet, with a slightly bitter undertone, and a deep burn as it slips down your throat that isn't unpleasant and definitely wouldn't be expected based on how sweet it is.

"Damn." Lancelot mutters appreciatively against the lip of his cup.

"Agreed." You mumble before taking a deeper gulp and enjoying it, closing your eyes and humming.

You pull your chalice away from your lips, intent on savoring what's left in it since it's your first time trying it, but Lancelot is gradually relaxing more against your side and the feel of his body still touching yours feels so much nicer than it should and you guys have an entire bottle to yourself and suddenly savoring your drink is the last thing on your mind as you shrug your shoulders and chug the rest of it down, sighing softly at the sweetness of it.

You relish in the taste for a few moments longer before grabbing the bottle from its spot in between Lance’s legs and refilling your chalice, though you misjudge and almost spill some of it over the rim of the cup. You giggle softly at yourself. You're quickly starting to realize that whatever this stuff is, it works fast, but you don't really mind.

"Hey, don't spill any of that, I only got one bottle this time and I don't wanna waste any of it." The boy beside you says sternly and at his words, you put every ounce of your focus into not spilling a single drop of alcohol until your chalice is filled and you hold the bottle out in his general direction.

He takes it from you and you take a long drink, sighing softly in content and slouching back against the wall, allowing your head to tip to the side and land on Lancelot's shoulder. He stiffens slightly beside you even as he leans his head against yours and you wonder if it’s the alcohol. Somewhere in the back of your mind, you have a fleeting thought that it’s strange for you to be so physically close with him, but it was gone as quick as it had come.

It seems that Lancelot's mind, however, lingers on it a little longer. "What are you doing?" He asks you softly, his voice almost a whisper and his words slightly slurring already.

"I'm relaxing." You state like it's obvious, noticing the same slur in your own voice. You take another drink as your eyes close before continuing. "Your shoulder is a really comfy pillow. And you're so warm." You find yourself leaning further into him as the cold wind blows against your mostly uncovered arms.

"(Y/N/N), people could walk right over here and see us like this." He says in that same soft tone, some emotion in his voice that you can't quite place in your current state of mind.

"So what?" You slur, finishing off your second drink. "'S not like we're doin' 'nything. Don' worry 'bout it, Lancey." The nickname you hadn't called him since you were nine slipped out without you asking it to, but thankfully, he doesn't acknowledge it.

You hear him sigh and you open your eyes to see him refilling his own drink and then yours, the bottle now empty. As you bring the chalice to your lips once more, you hear him speak so quietly that you're certain his words are only meant for his own ears, not yours.

"What am I going to do with you, huh?" The question is asked with a voice full of affection and you can't help but smile.

"Ya know, gettin' back to our rooms is gonna be a pain in the ass." You point out. "Next time, you gotta try an' find out how strong the stuff is before we drink it."

"Ah, shit." He curses and you snicker.

"Mmmm, maybe we can jus' sleep righ' here." You suggest, seriously considering it.

He lifts his head off of yours and you can't help but pout slightly as he starts shifting beside you. "We can't jus' sleep here, (Y/N/N). We gotta try and get to our actual beds." He reasons.

You groan as you sit up. "Ugh, why do you gotta be right?" You mumble.

He laughs softly as he sits up, leaning over your legs to nestle the empty bottle and now once again empty chalices into the corner of the balcony beside you. Seeing the action suddenly makes you wonder how he had even snuck any of it onto the balcony in the first place, but you're quickly distracted as Lancelot stands up.

He wobbles slightly as he does, reaching a hand out to steady himself with the wall, then he reaches a hand down to you. You grab it and allow him to help you stand, both of you taking a moment to gather your bearings and get used to standing. The world around you is wobbly and keeps going out of focus, but you have no choice but to force your vision to stay as clear as possible, as you will now have to walk quite a bit before you can get off of your feet again.

Simultaneously, you both step through the doorway and into the dining hall slowly and you squint at the brighter lighting, blinking quickly. "Here goes nothin'." Lancelot says quietly, and you both start making your way across the room as fast as your alcohol-infused brains will allow without either of you falling flat on your face. You manage to avoid catching the attention of anyone else in the room until about halfway to the doors leading to the hallway.

"Everything okay, (Y/N)?" Your dad calls from behind you and you freeze. Neither of you dare turn around, knowing that if you do, he'll immediately know what you and the blonde next to you have been doing. From your slow, uncertain steps to the bright flush that you just know is covering your face, your drunkenness would be completely obvious, and you know Lancelot is in a similar state.

You try to force your voice into some semblance of normal, trying to keep from slurring. "Yeah, F-Father, 'im fine." You tell him. Out of the corner of your eye, you see Lancelot nod his head in agreement with your statement.

Your dad gives a small hum as you blink and suddenly he's right beside you. Your eyes widen and you hear Lancelot choke before trying to cover it up with a cough. Your dad's expression is the same as always, just a casual, neutral expression that gives away none of his actual thoughts. However, in one of his hands is a bottle, and in his other is two empty chalices. None of the items ever had any special markings. Those could be any two chalices. That could be any old bottle of alcohol. But knowing your father, you know for a fact that they're the exact items that you and Lance had just left behind on the balcony.

You internally curse as you give your father an uncertain and sheepish grin. Your dad doesn't say anything else or react at all at first, but then he adjusts his hold on the chalices so that he can hold the bottle with the same hand as well, leaving one of his hands free. He suddenly gives his signature grin and his hand pats your back. It would've been a perfectly normal gesture except his hand comes down a little more forcefully than normal, causing you to stumble forward and almost fall on your face.

"Well, that's good! Go rest up, 'kay? We got a big day tomorrow!" He starts walking away but stops to do the same back patting move on Lancelot before he's moved across the room to do something else.

You and Lancelot turn to look at each other with wide eyes before you both turn forward and move as quickly as you can to get out of the room and into the hallway. Once the doors to the dining hall close behind you, you loop your arm with his without much thought to it, but you end up needing the support anyways as the two of you stumble through the halls.

Once you make it to your door, Lancelot starts to pull his arm away from yours, but you're quick to latch onto it again. "You gotta help me get to my bed." You whine softly, not caring much how you sound at this point.

He chuckles softly and the sound fills you up with a slight giddiness. "'Kay, fine." He says, pushing your doors open.

You both stumble into the room as the closing of the doors leave you in the very dim lighting of your bed chambers. You walk further into the room before your foot hits the corner of the long rug across the floor and you trip, falling forward. You yelp as you hit the ground and you hear a curse from beside you. You realize that you were still holding onto Lancelot's arm and had ended up dragging him down with you.

"'M sorry." You mumble quietly.

"'S fine." He reassures me.

You realize that you should probably get up now, but you're starting to get sleepy and your carpet is soft and you feel yourself sagging more into it. You look beside you to see Lancelot flipping over onto his back.

"Floor's comfy." He says softly.

You hum your agreement and after a moment of hesitation, you roll over and snuggle right up to him, your head going onto his shoulder and your arm throwing itself loosely over his chest and waist.

He gasps softly, freezing up, and you think for a moment that maybe you shouldn't have just done that. You're not really sure why you did it in the first place. Ever since laying your head on his shoulder earlier on, you had wondered what it would be like to snuggle all the way into his side, what it would be like to maybe even have his arms completely wrapped around you. You refuse to admit it right in this moment, but you’ve been wondering these types of things for awhile now, despite knowing you probably shouldn't. He’s your childhood best friend, you should see him as a brother, not as a potential romantic connection. But deep down you know that these feelings for him are inevitable considering you’ve had them for years. And so, when you saw him just laying there, you couldn't help yourself. It was like an instinct.

But now you’re wondering if he's been uncomfortable with you being all over him as you recall the way he stiffened earlier and the way he questioned your actions. You push away from him, opening your mouth and getting ready to apologize, when he suddenly beats you to it.

"No, wait-" His voice is suddenly filled with a strange sense of panic as his arm quickly curls around you and pulls you back against him, your head coming to rest on his chest this time, though neither of you voice any complaints. Your arm goes back around his torso as his stays curled around your waist. "Stay, please." He says in a tone of voice that even you very rarely hear from him. It’s pleading, vulnerable. Almost afraid, in a way. Of what, you aren't quite sure. But you aren't going to question him about it, not sure you'd even get an answer if you did.

"Okay." You try your best to pronounce the whole word, feeling it important to do so. "'M here." You say, trying your best to reassure whatever fears are currently nestled into that strange brain of his.

He suddenly turns onto his side and wraps his other arm around you as well, pulling you closer, your face in his chest and his face in your hair. The motion was quick, like he was in a hurry to do it. You relax completely, practically melting into him and the floor under you. You're completely surrounded by him and suddenly you want nothing more than to stay here for the rest of your life.

You nuzzle your face against his shirt as your eyelids start to droop. It's been a long day and the alcohol coursing through your system hasn't added to your energy at all. The last thing you hear before you fall asleep is Lancelot mumbling something that sounds like, "Smells nice." As he burrows his face further into your hair.

~*~

A/N: What do y'all think?? Please let me know!! I should have chapter 2 finished soon, there's going to be both a male!reader version of it and a female!reader version of it. Pronouns still aren't specified, but there's a certain part of the chapter that differs greatly depending on gender, tbh, so if you'd like to be tagged for the next chapter, let me know which version you'd like to be tagged for!! You can also ask to be tagged for both versions if you'd like to be!!! Thank you for reading!!!

~*~

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@kalopsiakey

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[gingersnaptaff]

Comprehensive list of couples that need therapy - Mabinogion edition:

1. Rhiannon and Pwyll - Famously stupid dude marries famously smart woman. Nothing bad happens. (Oh, ur son's mysteriously disappeared, and ur wife's maids say ur wife ATE HIM?! Punish ur wife for seven years, make her become a horse, and give people rides like an uber. Don't think twice about this.) 6/10. I think couples therapy would probably help. At the very least Pwyll might fuckin think about things.

2. Branwen and Matholwch - Um, well, their marriage causes a war. And Matholwch is an ASS. I don't think couples therapy would've saved them. I think Branwen should've been allowed to fuckin deck him. 9/10

3. Brân and the Pair Dadeni. Um, the couple that slays together stays together. WAIT! NO, NOT LIKE THAT! WKDKDKF (The Pair Dadeni got blown up. They cannot have couples therapy.) 0/10

4. Manawydan and Rhiannon - They Do Not need couples therapy. They are very well-adjusted. Manawydan makes shoes, and Rhiannon just chills. They talk a lot. Rhiannon calls Manawydan a bad bud to Pryderi, though so there is that. In his defence, Pryderi was stuck to a golden bowl at the time and unable to speak. 4/10

5. Cigfa and Pryderi - Both idiots whom I love. Both snooty. Pryderi takes offence to shoemaking, and Cigfa takes offence to farming—match made in heaven. 0/10

6. Gwydion and Gilfaethwy - They fucked. They're brothers and they fucked. Their uncle made them become animals and they fucked. I think they just need therapy, never mind couples therapy. 100/10

7. Blodeuwedd and Lleu - Woman made out of flowers marries man who doesn't pay attention to her. Woman kills man. Man becomes eagle, and woman becomes owl. It's a tale as old as time. Yes, they NEED couples therapy. 1000/10

8. Arthur and Gwenhwyfar - Honestly, they kinda need it. There's no Lancelot, but Arthur is still an idiot. Plus, he has a list of worldly possessions that are super important to him, and his wife is like seventh. 5/10

9. Cai and Bedwyr - They do not need couples therapy. They just need naps because they're tired of dealing with Arthur's shit. 0/10

10. Peredur and Angharad - Manic pixie dream boy and exasperated golden-handed woman. They're also cousins? 6/10

11. Geraint and Enid - These two need therapy. Geraint so he can stop being an abusive sick and Enid because she's spent so long putting up with Geraint's dickishness. 10/10

12. Owain and Luned (and, by extension, the Lady of the Well) - Do they need therapy? Not they just need to work out their misunderstandings. Still, therapy would kinda benefit them. 4/10

13. Macsen and Elen - Roman Emperor who saw pretty lady in dream. He needs therapy. 7/10

14. Gwenhwyfar and Edern ap Nudd - MY GOD, THEY NEED THERAPY! Edern sending a dwarf to whip Gwen's lady? Edern whipping Geraint? Insulting the woman who is sometimes seen to be his lover? BRUH, 10/10

15. Gwyn ap Nudd and Creiddylad - Ehudjfjfjf Gwyn tries to kidnap Creiddylad and then is forced to fight for her. He kills a man in the battle that Creiddylad's fiancé wages to get her back and then makes the son of the man EAT HIS HEART?!?!? (Gwyn still has a cute dog, though) A million out of 10.

16. Dylan ail Don and the waves - 0/10. Dylan is in his lane. Moisturised. Flourishing. (Just don't do an Uncle Gofannon and smash his head in with a hammer.)

(This is supposed to be funny. Pls don't yell at me.)

[rosietrace]

『 “Off kilter” 』

| Lancelot Lucretius and Marina Baleen | 🛡️ + 🐚 |

✎ᝰ. synopsis : “The boys, the girls, they all like Carmen–” “She gives them butterflies, bats her cartoon eyes.”

✎ᝰ. content warnings : descriptions of murder, davis /hj, implied mafia business (?)

✎ᝰ. genre : alternative universe (noir/mafia au), romance, (poorly communicated) mutual pining

( ˚₊· ͟͟͞➳❥) a/n : AUGHHHH THIS TOOK SO LONG TO COMPLETE BUT I'M SO GLAD IT IS 😭 this kinda lacks proper proof-reading so idk chat maybe it sucks balls but </33 Ellis pookie I rlly hope I did Marina justice here so I'm super sorry if she's ooc :'))

✎ᝰ. reblogs > likes

Lance watched Davis sneer at the hard pouring of the rain, an eyebrow raised and his arms crossed. Pure, potent, exasperation was hardly enough to describe how tired Lance was of his brother.

But alas, thought Lance, who drew out a sorry breath. It's better than nothing.

Their plans for the day, generally consisting of Davis spoiling himself rotten while Lance accompanied him with nothing tucked in his behind other than wallowing compliance, came to a screeching halt.

Due in part with the murder of Nyx Leech, beloved songstress of the Monstro Lounge— a restaurant seemingly drawing the attention of individuals from all across the criminal underworld.

Davis harrumphed, walking to the wooden coat rack and draping his coat over his shoulders. “You think going to the lounge is still a good idea?” questioned Davis.

Lance's eyes narrowed. “Why wouldn't it be?” They were supposed to be investigating a murder, entertainment was hardly a priority.

Or, at least, it was for Lance. Davis sent his baby brother a faux pout. “Oh, boo hoo… I've been itching for another try at the serpentine casino..”

With a roll of his eyes, Lance followed, his hands tucked into the pockets of his coat. “If that's the case, then you're not a detective, you're a slot machine.”

“And you'd slit your own throat for six bits plus tax.”

Davis scoffed. “You overestimate how high my confidence is.”

“I reckon your confidence is on a pedestal, readying itself to be renamed arrogance.”

“I’d hardly call it arrogance when one acknowledges their talents.”

“And it's hardly confidence when all you do is boast about your talents,” Lance shot back, opening the door and gesturing for his brother to leave first.

Grumbling whatever chattering complaints he wanted to say below his breath, Davis strode out of the office. Lance lingered at the doorway, however, contemplating.

Right now, they were low on any actual evidence— and even worse, lower in leads to finding the true culprit.

As the nights grew colder, and the rain poured harder, all Lance could think of…

“Hey,” Davis called. He gave Lance a wrinkle-nosed look, and pointedly side-eyed him once he walked out of the office and locked the door shut.

“Anything on your mind, brother?” Davis questioned. Although Lance didn't want to notice it, Davis' sly little smile was hardly subtle.

Lance shook his head, a valiant effort on his part. “Nothing.”

“Are you sure?”

“I'm sure.”

“Are you really sure?”

“Positive.”

“Are you really, really, really—”

“Say really one more time, and I'll make sure you won't have a tongue in your mouth once we get home.”

Frustrated far beyond reason, Lance shoved past Davis, even when he didn't mean to; and all Davis had to respond to that?

A smirk. A hardly subtle, very amused, all-knowing smirk. Damn it.

“This should be fun.”

“Anything?”

Normally it would take a large bribe or two to be given entry into one of the restricted, ‘employees only’ areas of the Monstro Lounge; but with the circumstances that life had dealt for the notorious restaurant, Azul Ashengrotto had reluctantly allowed Davis and Lance to initiate a look-through of the crime scene. No bribes needed, free of charge.

A figure of chalk was drawn on the floor, positioned the same way Nyx had been found.

From how Davis looked, he looked like he wanted to hurl. It still reeked of a rotting corpse, and that fact didn't go unnoticed by Lance, either.

It was just that Lance did a better job at hiding his disgust, in contrast to… Davis being Davis.

“Anything so far?” Lance repeated his question and looked underneath the shelves that lined the room, waiting for Davis to reply whilst inspecting the area to the best of his ability.

“Nope.” Truly, Davis missed his true calling on the stage. With how nonchalant he sounded, Lance would've gone and assumed his brother wasn't taking the case as casually as he should.

But that's a lie. Lance thought, with every fiber of being all unanimously going to that agreement. He does care about this case.

Just not in the way he probably should.

“Found something,” Davis announced, getting to his feet and properly inspecting whatever was in his hand. “Could be something of interest.”

“Could be?” Lance repeated with a hint of skepticism. ‘Could be’s and ‘Maybe’s weren't what they were looking for.

Davis gave him a look, clicking his tongue. “Do you truly think so low of me, baby brother?”

Without even a moment's notice or a hint of hesitation on Davis' part, Lance's eyebrows shot up at the sight before him.

Some kind of seal. Not quite a brooch, but more akin to a cufflink, or a pin. It bore the symbol of two interconnected snakes wrapping around each other— their grasps at each other almost suffocating just by looking at it.

Lance couldn't help but wonder aloud, “What is it?”

Davis' smirk was horribly contagious. Far too proud for his own good as he indulged, “A seal.”

“Particularly to our matter of interest, baby brother of mine, one belonging to a subordinate working under the Eden’s Serpents.”

Not knowing who the Serpents were was the equivalent to living under a rock and not knowing the sky was blue— so of course Lance knew which group of the criminal underworld Davis was referring to.

“Is it a possible lead?”

“Could be.”

“We're not here for that could be bullshit.”

“Don't be such a debbie downer,” with a flick of his fingers, Lance felt a small flash of pain on his forehead. Courtesy of his older brother.

Barely another word in to snap back at Davis, in walked owner of the restaurant himself, Azul Ashengrotto; clad in all black, say for the silk blouse he wore beneath his black and silver coat and vest.

“Novellions,” Azul said in greeting, accenting it with a well-practiced polite shell of a smile.

Davis, ever the charmer, did the talking. “Mr. Ashengrotto.” They shook hands like merchants making a deal in the midst of the exchange.

“I presume progress remains slow as always?” The question sounded polite enough; but Lance didn't miss the way Azul veiled the condescension in his tone.

Davis' charm didn't falter, but his smile took a more sharp turn. “Surprise, surprise, today that isn't the case.”

Azul raised a brow. “Oh? There's progress after all?”

“Certainly. Truly, Mr. Ashengrotto, do you have such little faith in me and my brother?”

“Certainly not,” Azul waved a dismissive hand.

Lance folded his arms across his chest. “Have I not been informed, or have we been given some sort of time limit to how long we can stay here?” Azul had to have sauntered over to them himself, for a reason.

The chuckle that left the ever conspicuous business man's lips made a vein pop up on Lance's forehead.

“I am merely doing my job as the owner of this establishment.” Azul and Davis were silently at odds with each other; projecting humbleness in the way they said every little reply, no matter how miniscule.

“Care for a bit of relaxation, gentlemen? Surely, the act of investigating a murder can entail quite a bit of exhaustion.”

Lance's lips pursed. “That won't be necessa–”

“How generous!” Declared Davis, who not-so-subtly sent a glare directed at Lance once Azul gave them a hearty, performative laugh, and escorted them to the main dining area.

Lance had his qualms about Ashengrotto, and especially his staff, but he could at least admit to himself that he had little qualms about the restaurant Azul owned.

The Monstro Lounge was dimly lit, its only source of light were the bulletproof glass walls made to display all sorts of oceanic creatures for guests to marvel at while they ate— much of the decor made to resemble sea creatures, as well.

Looking up, Lance commented in as polite of a voice as he could manage, “Quite the chandelier.”

It was like Azul didn't even try to hide how perfunctory his responses were to him and Davis. “Thank you. It feels like almost a lifetime ago since I first opened this place… oh, how far we've come, indeed.”

And in that time, Lance couldn't help but think, your establishment is the number one meeting place for a private tussle between rival groups in the criminal underworld.

Hardly a positive evolution, but one nonetheless.

Azul sat the two brothers down in one of the tables closest to the stage. Whether that was deliberate on Azul’s part, it was hard to tell.

“I do hope you two stay for entertainment,” Azul said earnestly, but Lance knew better than to expect fully packaged honesty where Azul Ashengrotto was concerned.

He turned on his heel, that polite smile fading, and giving way for a smirk to grow.

“You'll see that Marina's quite the talent, indeed.”

Marina Baleen wanted to chuckle when she first saw the look on Lance's face once she strode on to the stage, dressed in sparkles, opera gloves, and a fur shawl.

But much to her dismay, that just wasn't an option. Sure, Marina was one of the potential suspects behind the recent murder of Nyx Leech, but that didn't equal to Azul wanting to put her talent to waste.

She was a spectacle, all eyes on her, like there was nothing more natural than the way her looks — and most especially her voice — captivated the audience like a siren guiding poor unfortunate sailors to a death they wouldn't foresee until it was all too late.

She tried keeping the act of the alluring, sultry songstress, she truly did. But it was just too hard to ignore how comical it was to see Lance's jaw go slack and see how his (quite frankly, rude) older brother closed it shut for him.

Quite cartoonish, that one, thought Marina. When he wants to be.

The stage was set, the lights were on and all were directed at her. Front, back, and everything in-between, Marina was what every aspiring singer wanted to be.

A star. A spectacle, made for the stage and only the stage. The industry was like that, y'know. You're either born with star power, or you aren't.

Marina was just lucky enough to have the looks to get where she was today.

When the song neared its end, the corners of Marina's mouth curled up into a tiny smirk. There was nothing wrong with messing with Lancelot Novellion a little, was there?

She strutted across the stage, heels clicking rhythmically until her steps came to a halt. And she stood directly over Lance and his brothers’ table.

Her hand went beneath his chin, lifting and tilting it at just the right angle so their eyes would meet.

With his parted lips and her thumb brushing against the lower half, Marina engaged with a fermata until her voice slowly faded in what she could only assume was the most natural way it could.

“I…” she could audibly hear the quiet, hard, swallow from Lance.

She was enjoying this far too much. With a cheshire cat grin and a wink, she pulled back from him, taking several steps back and awaiting for a standing ovation that never came.

That was fine. That was natural. Not everyone would want to give her some hurrahs, let alone throw roses at the stage in appreciation.

The silence is better than being thrown porridge, Marina amended. With how prolonged her little smile was, many working under Azul assumed she wasn't capable of doing anything other than smiling.

Azul gave her his praises, Jade following suit; Floyd was the only one not in attendance. Marina wasn't given the specifics, but she knew it had to do with Nyx's sudden murder.

Whatever tightnit, glued-to-the-hip bond the Leech siblings had, it wasn't Marina's prioritized concern. Her current topic warranting caution was trying not to make herself paint an even redder target on her back.

She wasn't the one who killed Nyx. She'd have known if she did, but Marina had no reason to.

Lance intercepted Marina on her way to her dressing room. To which Marina only reacted with a wry smile, brushing past him and not looking back; an obvious, but no less clever way of getting him to follow her.

“I'm not taking autographs right now,” she drawled, her head tilting to one side at a precarious angle once she and Lance made their way into her dressing room.

Lance huffed. He was so cute when he looked painfully constipated with irrigation. “I'm not here for an autograph.”

“I'm not accepting fan meetings.”

“I’m not here for that, either.”

“Then why,” Marina strode closer, her nose briefly brushing against Lance's, “are you here?”

The investigator took one look to the side then focused his gaze on her. “I'm here on business, not to ask for your autograph or a kiss that'll make me refuse to take another shower ever again.”

“You sure about that, Lancie?”

Lance gave her an adorable wrinkle of his nose at the unexpected nickname. He tried covering up by (very unconvincingly) maintaining his business persona.

“Again, Miss Baleen, I'm not here for an autograph.”

The opportunity jumped at Marina as she replied with, “Then is a kiss still on the table?”

“And definitely not that.” Lance sucked in a breath. Marina couldn't tell if the redness of his ears were from being flustered or not, but either way, it looked cute to her.

“Shame…” Marina pouted, slipping off the shawl and tossing it on to the top back of her dressing room chair. “I would've enjoyed making you my personal canvas.”

Lance blinked. Marina counted up to thirteen times before he uttered, his tone gutted and hoarse with disbelief: “What?”

Marina shrugged that off as quickly as the offhand comment came. “Nevermind, that,” said Marina, who tossed her hair over her shoulder and looked back at Lance.

“So, detective, any progress?”

“About clearing your name? Not much.”

“Hmm.” She clucked her tongue. “Shame… am I too memorable to let off the hook?”

“If by memorable you mean conspicuous,” corrected Lance. “Your connections to the victim, as well as your alibi doesn't make you that much of an innocent victim turned suspect.”

“Me and Nyx were never that close, anyway, Lancie.”

“And you think that matters to the press?”

She released a groan. “I already told you what I know.” Her lips pressed together, frustration gleaming in her eyes as she stared back at him.

“What more do I need to do to prove I'm innocent?”

“... I know you're innocent.” Marina could've almost sworn that Lance's eyes flash with an uncharacteristic softness, if only for a moment. “But—”

“But?”

“The press don't believe you are. My brother too, but he isn't important in this conversation.”

“Such a strange way to say that about him,” Marina noted, motion always constant with her pretty head cocked to the side at an angle that bordered on the blurred line of acceptable and concerning. “Though, I can't say I disagree. Your brother is hardly the most agreeable.”

The corners of Lance's mouth ticked upwards, then lowered. “Then I am shocked to say we're in agreement on something for once. However—”

His hands went to her shoulders, the proximity of their bodies hardly registering to Lance as he pushed Marina back and lowered her down to her chair before she could say anything else.

“— I am not here to talk about things we may or may not agree on. I'm here because I was called to investigate with Davis, so I may as well make it worth my while?”

She smirked, leaning into the chair and crossing her legs. “Oh? Well, now you're making little ol’ me blush, Lancie.”

“Don't make an innuendo out of this…” Lance closed his eyes, keeping them that way with a pained twist to his lips.

With a relent, she decided to go along with it. She gestured to a chair from the corner of the room for Lance to sit on, and he did so in quick succession; ready to ask whatever questions he had unprepared for her.

“Where were you on the night of Nyx Leech’s murder?”

“After the duet Nyx and I shared, she told me she was in charge of closing up for the night and told me to leave early.”

“Interesting. Did she go into further elaboration?”

The fact you're acting like you don't already know the answer is cute, Lancie. “From my memory, I don't think so. Whatever she was up to, I merely minded my business and entered my dressing room.”

“And that's…?” Lance arched his brow, waiting for her to continue; anticipating what he already knew but still hoping for a new lead regardless.

Marina's bulletproof pleasantries wavered. “... That's when I heard the screaming.”

Liar or not, Marina was a fantastic actress. Had she not pursued singing, she would've been a household name among Hollywood's finest stars. And she knew that was why Lance kept up the skepticism in her alibi.

He felt something for her. She didn't know what it was, but whatever it was, he wouldn't let it get in the way of him doing his job.

Emotions are kept on the back burner most days, and when they aren't… Marina knew it'd be better for her to not know how Lance would act if he wasn't as patient as he was right now.

But now was not the time for that. She could only keep little Lancie, him and his golden eyes and adorable freckles, in her dressing room for so long. It would only be a matter of time before Davis barges in and drags his brother back to their office by his ankles.

She heaved a sigh. “I tried to ignore the screaming. I thought I just heard things. But then it came again, and it kept coming until it became unbearable and–”

“... And?” She was tense. It didn't take a genius to notice that.

Marina swallowed, hard, forcing down the feeling of bile trying to force its way out of her throat. “I… I opened the door to one of the employee-only sections of the lounge.”

“Nyx tried to crawl to me, tears ruining her mascara. But she could barely move. I ran to her, foolish enough to try and shake the life back into her and–”

“— that's when Azul found you.” Covered in the blood of a fellow performer. The look on Lance's face said it all.

“Yes.” The starlet kept her hands on her lap, her body so still she looked like she belonged in a painting rather than on the stage she stood on prior. “... Not exactly the best alibi, I know you're suspicious of me either way.”

Lance didn't deny that. “I am. However, I'm obligated to believe you until further evidence suggests that you're telling the truth or not.”

“You think I'm lying?”

“I did not say–”

“No, you're implying that I could be lying to you to get off your radar.”

“I've heard your alibi three times now, Miss Baleen. Once when I first interrogated you, second when I was listening in on your interview with my brother— and most recently, right now.”

Marina sputtered, eyebrows knitted together. “What– Just because you heard my alibi thrice now, you think there's cracks in what I'm trying to convey??”

“Ma'am, I'm doing my job.” Lance leaned back — or, at least tried to, he was sitting on a stool without anything supporting his back — as he continued, “your descriptions, while tragic and filled with emotion… don't give too much detail on what had actually happened that night.

“At most, you're one of the only members of the lounge who doesn't go into explicit detail in the same way everyone else has.”

Marina harrumphed. “Why should explicit details matter?”

“It gives investigators better insight and a clearer visual. I'd say it matters more than the monthly salary Mr. Ashengrotto has been more than generous in giving you, despite being a prime suspect.”

But they both knew why that was the case. It stank the atmosphere of the room, sensitizing Lance's senses in ways more than the type of perfume Marina was using.

Azul valued Marina for her talents. It's precisely why she's paid so well, and why she's such a favorite over all of his other patrons serving entertainment for the lounge.

Whether she was a suspect framed, innocent or not, business was business. And nothing could motivate Azul Ashengrotto more than cash.

It wasn't soon enough for Lance to stand, the abruptness nearly knocking over the dusted stool, its bottom still lined with cobwebs.

“Miss Baleen, I swear to you, I will find whoever it is that murdered your colleague and it will take an act of God to stop me from accomplishing that.”

His hands, so calloused but so wrongly delicate, caressed her face, tilting her chin up.

“I won't allow personal feelings get in the way of that. No matter what.”

Lance let go of Marina's face, the silence falling on deaf ears as his eyes found its way to the clock hanging over her mirror.

“... I should go.”

He'd been gracious enough to put the stool back where it'd once been, dusting off any remnants of web or dust and ready to make his way out of her dressing room as soon as—

“Wait–”

Marina's words cut off when Lance looked back at her, eyes seeming so devoid of any emotion left in his system, but filled with plight; like he was asking — begging — her for a reason to stay for longer than he should.

Sadly, her words had cut short. And she shook her head, smiling wryly and turning her attention to her reflection in the mirror. She heard Lance huff, and watched from the mirror as he left— her smile wiped clean.

Lance leaned his back against the door of her dressing room, his head on the ceiling. He cursed himself, disbelief painted harshly on his features.

“What the hell am I doing?...”

【 Taglist / Credits 】

↳ In order of OC appearances/mentions

Lancelot Novellion – Me 😈

Davis Novellion – Also Me 😈

Nyx Leech – Also (2) Me 😈

Marina Baleen – @starry-night-rose

@jasdiary | @authoruio | @fumikomiyasaki | @sakuramidnight15 | @hallowed-delights / @terrovaniadorm | @twsted-princess | @mystery-skulls-ghost | @lueerhythm | @valse-a-mille-temps | @absolutelyobsessedkiya / @twistedsongstressofstarz | @geminiiviolets

[rejectedbad]

Rejected Bad: King Arthur

The following is a rejected script from an early season of Breaking Bad.

INT. KING ARTHUR'S COURT - DAY

A grand hall filled with opulent decorations. KING ARTHUR sits on his throne, surrounded by his NOBLES. JESSE, dressed in modern clothing, stands before them, growing increasingly frustrated.

JESSE:  (Yelling)  I'm telling you, man! I'm from Albuquerque!

The court erupts in laughter.

KING ARTHUR:  Silence! You claim to be a Yankee from a land called Albuquerque? Preposterous!

JESSE:  (Holds up a baggie of blue crystals)  Look at this, King! In Albuquerque, we cook the purest, bluest meth that everyone wants!

The court gasps, intrigued.

LANCELOT:  Impressive! This strange man possesses great alchemical skills, Your Highness.

JESSE:  (Annoyed)  No, man! You're not getting it. I'm not an alchemist; I'm a meth cooker!

KING ARTHUR:  (squinting)  Meth cooker? Albuka-what?

JESSE:  (exasperated)  Albuquerque! It's a city in New Mexico, centuries from here! And I know how to make people desperate for blue ice!

KING ARTHUR:  Arrest this imposter! He clearly speaks nonsense and is a danger to our realm!

The GUARDS move forward to apprehend Jesse, but he holds up a BAG OF METH.

JESSE:  Back off, yo! One taste of this and you'll beg to believe me!

The King hesitates, then takes a sniff of the meth. His eyes widen, captivated by the blue crystals.

KING ARTHUR:  (astonished)  By the spirit of Excalibur! This...this is incredible! You shall be our esteemed Royal Meth Cooker.

Jesse smirks, satisfied with his victory.

EXT. CAMELOT CASTLE - DAY

Jesse, now dressed in mediaeval attire, stands before a make-shift meth lab. He explains the process to a baffled King Arthur.

JESSE:  (almost shouting)  Now, remember, you gotta mix this with that and then add some heat! Got it, King?

KING ARTHUR:  (carefully following along)  Yes, quite. Add this and heat, got it. I shall take this knowledge and ensure our kingdom prospers!

INT. METH LAB - NIGHT

Jesse watches King Arthur clumsily trying to replicate his meth. The room fills with thick smoke, alarms blaring.

JESSE:  (gasping)  No, man! You're ruining it! This is science, not some LARPing game!

King Arthur and his knights cough, struggling in the clouded room.

INT. KING ARTHUR'S COURT - DAY

Jesse, back in his modern attire, addresses the court for the last time.

JESSE:  (yelling)  You're all hopeless! I tried to bring some real power and order here, but you're stuck in your mediaeval fantasies!

The court stares silently, a mix of intrigue and confusion on their faces.

LANCELOT:  (firmly)  Perhaps we can find a way to balance your knowledge with our traditions, my friend. A union of old and new.

Jesse considers this, his frustration subsiding.

JESSE:  (dejectedly)  Yeah, maybe, man. I guess we could cook some blue crystal-infused mead or something.

The court erupts in laughter once again, but this time, it feels more welcoming.

FADE OUT.

[mizusswordtip]

Down The Rabbit Hole ⚝ Killian Jones x Reader (14)

find the story on wattpad

summary: Alice's plan to overthrow the Queen of Hearts is thwarted by a dashing pirate with a hook. Years later, after the curse is broken, they reunite once again.

masterlist

After climbing out of the pit we're led by some guards who keep their watchful gazes on us the entire time.

"Why couldn't you have just listened to us?" Snow asks with an undercurrent of hurt in her voice as opposed by my annoyance. I can imagine that having your own daughter not being willing to trust you would be hurtful. I can't exactly blame Emma, after all, they're both about the same age and she probably feels like a fish out of water in the enchanted forest.

"Why couldn't you have trusted me? I was just trying to find a way to get us home." Emma asks back, exasperated.

"Trying to find a way to get us killed." I correct, unable to hold my tongue. She shoots me an annoyed look.

"I could've handled her." Emma says confidently. I scoff.

"Cora? Don't be so sure." Snow says, disbelieving.

"Cora was able to rule over an entire land because of how powerful she is and you think going to her for help is a good idea?" I ask rhetorically. She looks slightly embarrassed but tries to hide it.

"Well, how was I supposed to know that?" She asks defensively."You not, that's the whole point. You know nothing of this world and yet refuse to listen." I say firmly.

"We've lived here, Emma. I know this world and its dangers." Snow says pleadingly, trying to get through to her.

"Wait here." One of the guards says before walking off. We stop and Emma turns to look at her mom with a look of contempt.

"Is that why you came through the portal? Because you thought I was helpless here?" She asks.

"No." Snow whispers with a shake of her head. "I came through to be with you." her voice sounds heartbroken. Her face switches suddenly, her face becoming joyful at something behind us.

"Lancelot?" Snow asks, a smile forming on her face. I turn around to find a handsome night, dressed in all black armor.

"Snow?"He asks in disbelief before the both of them run to each other and tightly embrace. "If I had known that you were the prisoners Mulan had brought back, I never would have locked you away. Please, forgive me." He explains with a sympathetic look.

"Of course." Snow immediately says. Shoulders sagging slightly, I feel a bit relieved. I may not know this man but I trust Snow enough to trust her judgment.

"Lancelot? Really?" Emma asks in annoyance.

"He's an old friend. We can trust him." Snow reassures with a nod of her head.

After a little while of catching up we're sat at a table and one of Lancelot's men brings over large plates of food. All my better judgment leaves my body at the sight of freshly cooked meat. I haven't ate since leaving the hospital. Having been fed nothing but a strange, mushy, creamy substance for twenty eight years, I'm practically drooling.

"What the hell is that?" Emma asks, picking at the meat hesitantly with her fork. Without asking I cut off a large chunk and plop it onto my plate. Emma and Snow give me weird looks but I ignore them.

"That is chimera. An acquired taste, but all our hunting party could bring back. One part lion, one part serpent, one part goat." Lancelot explains with a small laugh. I shove a large piece into my mouth and my eyes roll to the back of my head with a grin.

"Like a turducken?" Emma asks.

"It's delicious!" I exclaim. Lancelot raises an eyebrow at that.

"I don't understand, we were told this land didn't even exist anymore. How did you all escape the curse?" Snow asks, not bothering with the food.

"It is a mystery. The curse struck, and when the smoke cleared, most of us had been torn from this land. But some of us here, in this particular region, were left behind. We don't know how and we don't know why." His answers gives me pause, I drop my fork, studying his expression.

"What do you mean you don't know? The answers pretty obvious." I say, brows furrowed. Every one looks at me expectantly and this time it's my turn to roll my eyes. "Who's the only person in this land powerful enough to counteract the strongest curse ever made?" I ask, a suggestive brow raised.

"It's possible but I doubt she'd ever admit to doing so. Finding this safe haven wasn't easy. It took some spilt blood. But worry not, you're safe here." Lancelot reassures with a smile. There's something off about him but I can't quite put my finger on it. His answers just seem too... perfect. Rehearsed.

"We can't stay. My husband's back there. Emma's son, my grandson. We have to get back to them. Can you help us find a portal?" Snow pleads.

"No, leaving is unwise. The enchanted forest is not as you remember it. The ogres have returned." Lancelot warns. I shove another piece of meat into my mouth."Ogres? Like, as in 'Fee-fi-fo-fum'?" Emma asks, clearly finding the idea funny.

"Those would be giants." Snow corrects and Emma shoots her an annoyed look.

"Ogres are far worse. That's why we live here on this island, where it's safe." Lancelot explains to Emma before turning his attention back to Snow. "Please, Snow, stay here. There are no more portals left."

"I might know of one." Snow says, a look of realization coming over her face. I feel my heart skip a beat hopefully.

"Really?" I ask.

"You do? Where?" Lancelot cuts in hastily. Snow opens her mouth but I grab her hand before any words can come out.

"Don't. Cora's near." I remind her lowly.

"She's right, I don't feel comfortable voicing my plans. She's powerful." Snow tells Lancelot.

"Not anymore. The curse stripped her of her powers." He tries to reassure with a soft smile but I'm not buying it.

"That doesn't make sense." I speak up. He gives me a questioning look. "If the curse avoided these lands then how did it affect her?" I ask. He looks down for a moment before sighing heavily.

"I wish I knew. Perhaps that was the price she had to pay to protect herself from the curse." He says, lifting his head.

"That's a price she'd never be willing to pay." I say knowingly. He doesn't seem fazed by my clear suspicion but that doesn't mean anything.

"Perhaps she didn't know what the price was before paying it. Either way, given her reputation, we've kept her locked up as a precaution." He says, gesturing toward the pit.

"Nevertheless, I'm not taking chances. Trust me, I may have a way. Let us go." Snow pleads. He looks conflicted for a moment before making up his mind.

"I'll allow it. But on one condition, take my bravest warrior with you. Allow Mulan to defend you." He says, gesturing toward the dark haired woman who had dragged us here to begin with.

"We can defend ourselves." Emma says.

"Deal." Snow intervenes, causing even more annoyance from Emma.

"Extra swords never hurt." I tell her with a little nod but it doesn't seem to help ease her irritation. "Well they do but it doesn't hurt us." I joke under my breath.

"Thank you, Lancelot. For always looking out for me." Snow says before standing up. I grab a piece of meat and shove it in my pocket.

Mulan opens a chest filled with a variety of weapons.

"Choose wisely. We must be vigilant if we hope to survive the journey." She says firmly with a determined expression. Snow bends down and picks out a bow and quiver. I kneel down and rifle through the chest.

"Where's my gun? I want it back." Emma asks Mulan while shoving a dagger in her boot. Mulan pulls out the gun, examining it with a confused expression.

"Is it magic?" She asks. Emma holds out her hand expectantly and Mulan hands her the gun.

"Depends on who's pulling the trigger." She replies. I see a little glimmer in the chest and I feel my heart race. My mouth goes dry as I pull out the Vorpal sword. I hold it with both hands out in front of me.

"How did this get here?" I whisper to myself but I must have caught the attention of Mulan.

"Why?" She asks.

"It's... mine." I whisper back, looking up at her. Her confused expression matches my own.

"It was with Cora when she was captured." She explains with a small shrug.

"Curious. Very curious." I murmer, grabbing the sword by the hilt before standing and sheathing it. I feel a sensation I haven't felt since Wonderland, a sense of belonging.

"You know her then?" Mulan asks with a raise of her chin.

"A prophecy long ago said we were to be enemies. This sword was made for me to defeat her. It protects the user from any and all magic. At least that I know of." I explain to her with a rueful smile at the memory of Hook blackmailing me into the portal.

"If that is so, how did you manage to become cursed?" Mulan asks suspiciously.

"It was stolen from me." I reply bitterly. "But that's not the question you should be asking." Mulan raises a brow. "You should be asking yourself how the curse took Cora's powers away if she had this on her." She clenches her jaw, clearly unnerved by my words but I continue anyways. "So the question isn't how you captured her, but why she let you."

"Get to the point." Mulan snaps.

"Lancelot, he has to be helpi-"

"No."

"He wouldn't." Both Snow and Mulan speak at the same time. I shake my head with a humorless smile.

"If you say so." At my word, Mulan seems all too happy to change the subject. She straightens up.

"Follow my lead. Step where I step. Do exactly as I say, and we might survive." Mulan orders. I can tell she's not trying to be hostile, I think that's just her natural state of being.

"Thanks for the pep talk, but I think we're okay. We have a dragon slayer in our group." Emma says, gesturing to me. Mulan doesn't even spare me a glance as she steps closer to Emma, her face somehow more severe than before.

"Have you ever seen an Ogre?" She asks.

"Pretty sure I've dated a few." Emma Jokes.

"Legend has it that when they kill you, the last thing you see is yourself dying in the reflection in their eyes." Mulan says, clearly trying to scare her. I roll my eyes with a sigh.

"Riveting. Let's go now." I say, gesturing in the direction we're going. Before Emma can pass by me I step in front of her. "She's right, but it is possible to kill them. The key is to aim for the eye." I say with a nod of encouregment. She swallows hard.

"Have you ever killed an Ogre?" She asks a little breathlessly.

"Oh! I thought we were still talking about dating." I joke. Her nervous exterior cracks and she laughs a little. "No, I've never killed an Ogre."

[goth-emrys]

I have 2 short fics started I need to finish, but I cant get this silly idea out of my head:

If Gwaine had known about Merlin's magic, like Lancelot did, Gwaine would be asking Merlin for the WILDEST favors!!

Here is a snippet of whats in my head:

Gwaine leans on the doorway to Merlin's room, "Merlin...I need a favor."

"Gwaine. It's my day off-" Merlin's muffled voice came from the blankets on the bed, "it's my day off and I was hoping to sleep in."

"This one is simple I promise," pleaded Gwaine, flashing his dashing smile.

"Oh, simple? Like that time you released a flesh eating bat in the armory?"

Gwaine started to chuckle.

"Or is it more similar to that time you ate that weird berry off that ancient bush and could only speak in opposites?"

Gwaine glanced around a bit sheepishly, smile still on his face as he responded, "this time...it's a bet at the tavern."

Merlin sat up at that.

"Arthur already thinks that I spend my working days at the tavern! I cant be seen there on my days off, it will only solidify his idea that I'm a drunken idiot!"

"So you're leaning towards helping me then?"

Merlin shot a look at Gwaine, "You're a knight of Camelot. Shouldnt you be avoiding stupid bets at the tavern?" Merlin flopped back on the bed, pulling the blanket over his head.

"Alright then," Gwaine said with a dramatic sigh, "I'll have to figure this one out on my own then." He grabbed the door handle and made to swing the door closed, but stopped about halfway before opening it again. He repeated the motion.

creak. crEAK. creak. crEAK.

"ALRIGHT," Merlin said, exasperated, "what are we to do about your dumb tavern bet this early in the morning?!!!"

Gwaine beamed.

"Oh, thats not 'till later this evening. I've got morning training in a bit!"

Without closing the door Gwaine swiftly turned to leave the room, "I hope your abilities include turning water into wine!!"

Merlin groaned, knowing his head, already racing with solutions, would not allow him to return to sleep.

[legends-of-time]

Amelia’s Story (BBC Merlin Story)

Chapter 10: Lancelot

Masterlist

Amelia's POV

Amelia is still mostly on bed rest. No one will let her out of their sight. Uther gave orders for Guards to go around with her all the time, which she finds very annoying. Even more irritating is that Merlin, who was poisoned and practically died for a couple of seconds before the antidote worked, is told he must go and start work again as soon as he is able to stand. She is able to rest more, which is stupid as it is not like once she is up and about she will be doing any strenuous work. Society is stupid.

Soon rumours begin spreading of a creature with wings taking people from Villages. She finds out about it when Arthur and Uther come back from seeing the damage it had done to a Village.

"Arthur?" She calls from the top of the stairs leading to the Castle when she sees both of them dismount from their horses. She had escaped her watchers to have some time on her own but her curiosity got the better of her when she saw Uther and Arthur returning. "Where were the two of you?"

"Amelia! You should not be up." Uther chastises her.

"I'm not going to break at a slight amount of exercise. It is not healthy to sit about all day." Amelia reprimands. Uther acts like he hasn't heard her and walks past her and into the Castle leaving just Amelia and Arthur.

Arthur rolls his eyes and walks up the steps towards her. "Here. I'll take you back to your Chambers."

"Fine." She resigns and lets him guide her. "But where were you? Uther looks worried and so do you."

He sighs as he walks next to her, "A Village has been attacked by a winged beast that seems to have a taste for human flesh." At her horrified look, he says, "Do not worry, we are putting up sentries in all the outlying Villages and lookouts are on full alert. We will be ready for it if it arrives. Do not tell anyone yet."

Having got the jist that Arthur has closed the conversation, Amelia lets him take her to her Chambers and drop her off.

——

Later on, after having snuck out of her Chambers again, Amelia catches Merlin slipping into the Hall of Records so she follows and sees him search for a book then taking one. "Merlin?" She whispers. He jumps. "What are you doing?"

"Er... n-nothing?" What probably is intended as a statement comes out as a question. Amelia shakes her head and just watches him as he glances over his shoulder to Geoffrey of Monmouth who is watching him. "Homework." He says. Merlin opens the book, smiles down and closes it immediately. A cloud of dust rises and he sneezes. Amelia laughs at his face.

"You are planning something." She whispers to him.

"Maybe. You going to help?" He asks.

"I do not particularly like how you are trying to get me involved before I even know what this is about."

"Trust me." Merlin sits down then opens the book to a page of Northumbrian nobility and pulls out a piece of parchment. She frowns wondering what he was intending to do with a book about nobility. "Ic us bisen hræd tán hwanon." He chants. Amelia quickly glances over to Geoffrey in panic, hoping he is not listening but it seems he isn't. Merlin pulls out the piece of parchment, which seems to have copied the other.

Amelia hadn't noticed that Geoffrey had wandered over till she hears him clear his throat. Merlin quickly turns and hands Geoffrey the book. "It's a... real page turner." Before the both of them depart, leaving behind a confused Geoffrey.

——

On the way to Gaius' Chambers, Merlin explains the situation to Amelia. Apparently, a man, called Lancelot, had saved his life from the winged beast and the man really wants to become a Knight but he cannot do that as he is not a member of the nobility. So Merlin is determined to help him.

"You sure there will be no consequences Merlin?" She asks him worriedly.

"It'll be fine Amelia." He says exasperated but she is still concerned. She had checked her notes after Arthur and Uther returned to see any mention of the beast and the notes mentioned that when this beast turns up, Merlin helps a man called Lancelot to become a Knight but Uther figures it out yet the two of them later defeat the winged beast. Thanks for the details past Amelia.

They enter and Lancelot immediately stands up. "My Lady." He says bowing. He literally bows.

Amelia looks at Merlin awkwardly but he provides no help. "Ummm... hi? Er... I'm Lady Amelia Hallewell one of the King's wards."

"Amelia, this is Lancelot." Merlin introduces. Lancelot looks shocked at how informally Merlin addresses her, but he does not mention it as he notices the parchment Merlin is holding. "What's that?"

Merlin holds up the parchment, "This is your seal of nobility."

"I don't understand," Lancelot says, clearly hoping Merlin is not saying what he thinks he's saying.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Lancelot, fifth son of Lord Eldred of Northumbria."

"No, Merlin. No."

"Oh, right. So you don't want to be a Knight, then." Merlin says sarcastically.

"Of course I do!" Lancelot insists.

"Well... the rules don't allow it. Damn the rules! The rules are wrong!" Merlin vehemently declares.

"But it's a lie. It's against everything the Knights stand for."

"You have as much right to be a Knight as any man. I know it." Merlin says

"But the rules, Merlin." Lancelot desperately tries to explain to him.

"Don't let him go against his conscience Merlin," Amelia says.

"But we're not breaking the rules. We're bending them, that's all. You get your foot in the door. But after that, you will be judged on your merit alone. And if you succeed - if they make you a Knight - it'll be because you earned it, noble or not. I can't change the way things are done around here, but you can... if you let me help you."

——

All three of them head to Gwen's house so that Lancelot can get measured for his armour. As Gwen is taking Lancelot's measurements, Lancelot tries to awkwardly talk to her.

"Thi..." He clears his throat. "This is very kind of you, er..."

"Gwen." She tells him.

"Gwen." He repeats.

"Short for Guinevere."

"Ah. Then thank you, Guinevere."

"Don't thank me. Thank Merlin. Merlin would do anything for anyone, wouldn't you, Merlin?" Merlin shrugs as if to say it is nothing. "Sorry, can you raise your arms?" Lancelot raises his arms. "Thank you. Sorry. I think it's great that Merlin's got you this chance. We need men like you." Gwen says.

"You do?" He asks surprised.

"Well, not me personally, but you know... Camelot. Camelot needs Knights. Not just Arthur and his kind, but ordinary people like you and me." Oh, Gwen; so awkward.

"Well, I'm not a Knight yet, My Lady." That was a flirt there.

"And I'm not a lady." Gwen giggles.

"Sorry, my..."

"Okay, we're done. Erm... I should have these ready in no time. It's nice to meet you, Lancelot." Gwen reaches out to shake hands. Lancelot takes her hand and kisses it. Amelia leaves with Merlin and Lancelot before telling them she will meet them later when Lancelot tries to pass the test.

——

Merlin's POV

Merlin and Lancelot walk down the Courtyard Corridor after saying goodbye to both Amelia and Gwen.

"She seems lovely. Guinevere." Lancelot brought up awkwardly.

"Oh, yeah. Yeah, she is. And the best seamstress in Camelot, I promise." Merlin says enthusiastically not realising the real reason behind Lancelot's bringing up the subject.

"Are you two... you know." Lancelot once again says awkwardly.

Merlin laughs. "No, no. Just friends." Merlin says definitively, giving Lancelot a sideways look.

"Is there anyone? For you?" Lancelot then asks less awkwardly.

"N-no! No!" Merlin says somewhat nervous and shy now. Lancelot smirks at him.

——

Amelia's POV

Anne arrives at the Training Grounds along with Merlin, Gwen and Amelia to support Lancelot in his attempt to become a Knight.

They all watch as Arthur trains his recruits as Merlin and Gwen fix Lancelot's costume.

"One. Two. Three. Four. One. Two. Three. Four."

"Well... you certainly look the part," Merlin says nervously.

"Doesn't he just?" Gwen compliments.

"I don't feel it," Lancelot mutters unsurely. Glancing over to where Arthur is finishing up training.

"Okay, that'll do for today. Well done." Arthur announces.

"Here's your chance. Go for it." Merlin says nudging Lancelot forward. Amelia gives him a smile of encouragement.

As Lancelot approaches Arthur, who is putting a sword in the sword rack, Merlin turns to her and says, "I do not know why you are so worried everything is going to be fine. He deserves this."

"I never said he didn't." She replies. "I just do not believe you should just go against the rules like this Merlin. Lying is not the right way." Before looking over to see Lancelot handing over his 'seal' bowing and saying, "Sire."

Arthur suddenly smacks him and Lancelot falls down. Should have guessed he would do that. "Sluggish reactions. In a battle field you'd be dead by now. Come back when you're ready." Arthur says before walking off. Lancelot gets up and places his hand on his sword.

"I'm ready now, Sire." He says.

Arthur turns back around. "You are, are you?" He asks sarcastically. "Fine. You can start by cleaning out the stables." Onlookers laugh. Lancelot looks uncertainly at Merlin, who gives him two thumbs up while Gwen, Amelia and Anne give him uneasy smiles.

——

So Lancelot finds work at the stables. Merlin tells Amelia how Arthur had approached him to fight with broom handles. She supposes that is a positive even if it did sound a bit odd.

Suddenly the warning bells began ringing. Oh no. This means something had happened with the monster of the week.

She hurries out into the Main Square to see multiple people being brought in. She spots Gaius treating a woman's head near one of the gates and Merlin helping an injured woman to sit near him. She goes over to them forgetting what she'd been told about running around.

As Amelia reaches them, Gaius looks up at her, "My Lady, you should not be running." He says with a small smile on his face implying that he isn't being serious.

"Yes but you and I both know that I am quite physically recovered and am perfectly capable of running." She responds sarcastically.

He smiles at her before Merlin draws his attention away. "How is she?"

"Okay." Gaius answers. Lancelot runs up to them then. "What happened to these people?" He asks.

"Their Village was attacked by a winged monster," Gaius says. Amelia sees Merlin and Lancelot exchange a look. Had they seen it? Oh, wait she remembers Merlin telling her. Her memory sometimes goes a bit foggy on recent memories unless something reminded her of them.

——

Merlin later hurries up to her telling her that Arthur had agreed to bring Lancelot's test forward to the next morning, which leads to the four of them, Merlin, Gwen, Anne and Amelia, standing at the sidelines to watch.

Arthur and Lancelot stand dressed in full armour opposite each other. "Well, here we are. Your final challenge. Succeed and you join the elite. Fail and your journey ends here. Lancelot, fifth son of Lord Eldred of Northumbria..." Arthur nods to the timekeeper. "Your time starts now."

Arthur and Lancelot put on their helmets. They begin to fight. Lancelot then swings and misses Arthur. Gwen grabs Merlin's shirt in her anxiety. "Oh, sorry." She mutters before letting go. Amelia knows she doesn't need to be nervous, her notes say that he successfully becomes a Knight, it's just what happens after.

Arthur punches Lancelot causing him to fall back, his helmet goes askew. Arthur puts his sword in the ground, removes his helmet and goes to remove Lancelot's flag. "Shame." He says. Lancelot suddenly gets up, knocks Arthur off his feet and puts him at sword point. "Do you submit, Sire?" He asks him.

Guards restrain Lancelot. Arthur gets up, apparently angry, and grabs his sword. "On your knees!" Arthur angrily commanded. Oh Arthur, what a performance. Guards force Lancelot to his knees. Arthur puts the sword to Lancelot's chest.

——

Soon enough they are all in the Throne room watching Lancelot get knighted.

Lancelot kneels with a sword to his chest. "Arise, Sir Lancelot, Knight of Camelot." Uther says putting the sword on each of Lancelot's shoulders before Lancelot stands up and everybody begins to clap.

"Who is this man? He seems to have come out of nowhere." Morgana asks Anne, Gwen and Amelia. Oh Morgana you're missing out.

"I know. It's been a bit of a surprise to all of us." Gwen says giving Anne and Amelia a knowing smile.

Amelia looks over and sees Uther open Lancelot's seal and address a lady of the Court. Matilda something. Judging from his frown, he has realised something.

——

Morgana, Gwen, Anne and Amelia all enter the Hall of Ceremonies together approaching one of the tables before Gwen and Anne split off to walk towards Merlin.

She notices Arthur looking in her and Morgana's direction while Lancelot looks towards Merlin, Anne and Gwen, who are laughing and chatting together, from where they sit on a table. She wrinkles her nose when Morgana notices Arthur's gaze and deliberately looks back. The odd bit is that she knows that, other than being cousins, there is another reason why she does not like it but she can't remember.

"Stop that please," Amelia says to Morgana. She laughs.

Amelia leaves her, meandering towards Merlin, Anne and Gwen as Merlin grabs another drink from a passing servant. "Careful Merlin." She hears Anne joke. Merlin sends a small bashful smile in her direction blushing. Mmm...

"Hello," Amelia says when she places herself at Gwen's side. "What have I missed?"

Merlin snaps out of his embarrassed state and turns to her saying, "Lancelot seems to fancy Gwen!" Gwen shushes him as he had said it quite loudly.

"Anyway." Merlin draws out. "Gwen, just for the sake of argument. If you had to, Arthur or Lancelot."

"But I don't have to and I never will," Gwen says humorously. Oh Gwen, you have no idea.

"Oh, you are no fun, Gwen," Merlin says. They all laugh.

Arthur then pounds on the table he is sitting on getting everyone's attention and stands up. "Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in a toast to our new recruit, our new Knight of Camelot, Sir Lancelot." He raises his goblet with everyone else. The crowd applauds. Lancelot and Arthur toast.

——

Turns out lying about your status has consequences as Lancelot has been arrested, stripped of his title and thrown into jail.

Merlin had gone to see Lancelot, who had, typically, been all noble and selfless despite the fact that Merlin is the one that had a larger amount of the blame between the two of them.

Merlin now sits sadly on the stairs in Gaius' Chambers in front of Gaius and Amelia.

"Merlin?" Gaius tentatively asks.

"Whatever you do, don't say, "I told you so."" Merlin says stopping him.

"I have no wish to gloat, Merlin. What's done is done." Gaius says.

"Well, Gaius has found something if you are interested?" Amelia asks.

Merlin looks up. "What is it?" He asks.

"Here. Come and take a look at this." Gaius says, opening a book. Merlin and Amelia follow him. "I realised my mistake. I've been looking for the creature in the wrong place, in the records of all known living things in the Kingdom. And then I thought, but what about creatures only recorded in legend? In myth? Then I discovered this." He opens up onto the page of the beast of the week. A Griffin.

"That is it. That's the monster." Merlin says seemingly perked up. Warning bells suddenly sound. Merlin, Gaius and Amelia go to the window. People are running wildly around the Square, screaming as the Griffin swoops down overhead.

"On me! On me!" Arthur cries from the centre of the Square. Knights surround Arthur in a defence pattern. "Defence!" The Knights crouch down. The Griffin attacks. The Knights get up and reform attack pattern. The Griffin lands in the Square. "Charge! On me!" Arthur strikes the Griffin in the chest with a spear. The spear breaks. Arthur looks surprised and falls backwards. A Guard tosses him a torch. Arthur reaches for it and waves the torch at the Griffin and it takes off making hissing sounds.

——

Merlin, Gaius and Amelia are already standing in the corner of the Council Chambers as Arthur, Uther and their entourage enter.

"You said your Knights were the best in the land. You proved that today." Uther says.

"All I know is it's still out there," Arthur says, not as quick to celebrate as his father is.

"Let's not wait for it. The Kingdom has been menaced by this creature for too long. We finish this now." Uther says determinately.

"Sire, if I may." Gaius pipes up.

"Gaius?" Uther asks distractedly as if he has only just noticed their presence.

"I've been researching this creature, Sire. I believe it to be a Griffin."

"A Griffin? What's in a name?" Amelia quietly sniggers at that response. She hadn't drawn Uther's or Gaius' attention but both Merlin and Arthur give her an odd look.

"The Griffin is a creature of magic," Gaius says drawing her, Arthur and Merlin back to the conservation.

"I don't have time for this, Physician." She doesn't know why Uther dismisses Gaius so much, he wouldn't be able to survive without him.

"It is born of magic, Sire, and it can only be killed by magic." Gaius persists.

"You are mistaken. It's a creature of flesh and blood like any other. Arthur proved that today." Idiot.

"I'm not so sure, Father. I think there may be some truth in what he says." Thank you, Arthur.

"What truth?" Uther asks annoyed. He hates to be proven wrong yet he so often is.

"The Griffin was unharmed, Sire. Our weapons seemed useless against it."

"Useless? I think not. No, it's tasted our steel once, the next time will be its last. When will your Knights be ready to ride again?" Once again an idiot.

"An hour. Maybe two." Arthur says resignedly.

"Good. We finish this tonight." Uther says with finality. Amelia purses her lips in annoyance.

——

After grabbing Anne, as she believes they need all the magical help they could get, Amelia enters Gaius' Chambers along with Gaius and Merlin.

"Is it true? The Griffin can only be killed by magic?" Anne asks.

"Yes. I'm certain of it. If Arthur rides out against it, he'll die." Gaius says surely.

"Then he must be stopped. Uther must see reason." Merlin says.

"Where magic is concerned, our King is blind to reason. And yet...magic is our only hope." Well, at least Gaius is aware of their King's stupidity.

"You're not suggesting..." Merlin's sentence pans out as Gaius nods his head. "Why not Anne?"

"It is your destiny, Merlin. The true purpose of your magic." Anne answers him.

"You have all seen it. I can't go up against that thing." Merlin says determinedly.

"But if you do not, then Arthur will probably die," Amelia says.

"No... this is madness. I don't have magic that powerful. There must be another way." Merlin says doubtfully as he paces for a moment.

"You should have more faith, Merlin," Amelia says walking up to him. She personally needs it after her memory loss.

"This is the only way," Gaius says.

"Do you even care what happens to me?" Merlin turns his frustration to Gaius. "Oh, just do this, Merlin. Do that, Merlin. Go and kill the Griffin, Merlin. I'll just sit here and warm my feet by the fire." His voice sounds a little watery as if he is trying not to cry.

"Merlin! Merlin, you are the only thing I care about in all this world. I would give my life for you without a thought. But for what? I cannot save Arthur. It is not my destiny. You know." Gaius says encouragingly, it is quite sweet actually.

"I'm sorry," Merlin says sorrowfully in an almost whisper.

"I don't know what else I can say," Gaius says resignedly, Anne hums in agreement.

"I'll say it for you. We have two hours to find a way to kill that thing." Merlin says with more confidence.

"Well, what are we standing here for? Let's get on with it!" Amelia cries. They all chuckle at her announcement.

——

Before long they are flipping through Merlin's magic book to find the spell.

"There. You must do this for Arthur." Gaius says pointing at one of the pages.

"I've never cast a spell of enchantment this powerful," Merlin says sounding insecure again.

"Nothing less will kill it," Anne says.

"Here." Gaius hands Merlin a rusty dagger. "Try. You have it within you. I know you do."

"Bregdan anweald gafeluec." Merlin mutters. Nothing happens. They all look at each other.

"Don't worry, Merlin, we have plenty of time," Amelia says hopefully.

Merlin continues to try the spell around the Chambers and even crouches at one point and it doesn't work.

"Don't worry, Merlin. I know you're trying." Anne says putting a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

"And I'm failing. And if Arthur dies because I'm not good enough..." Merlin says angrily sitting on the steps to his Chamber.

"Merlin!" Gaius reproaches from his seat.

"Maybe you need the adrenaline of the moment?" Amelia suggests. But before anything can be said Gwen runs in.

"Merlin! Lancelot's riding out to kill the Griffin!" She cries.

"He's what?" Merlin says in shock. Gwen shrugs helplessly causing to Merlin stand up and run out.

"Merlin?" Gaius calls but Merlin doesn't answer him. Anne and Amelia run after him.

"Merlin!" Amelia cries, he turns around to them.

"No, no!" He says indisputably. "You two are not going." Anne opens her mouth to protest but it was too late as Merlin has run off again.

"I suppose we wait," Amelia says resignedly. Anne purses her lips in annoyance.

——

After what felt like hours, Merlin bursts into the Physician's Chambers.

"You did it?!" Gaius exclaims from seeing Merlin's cheerful expression.

"I did it," Merlin says with a bright smile taking over his face. Gaius and Merlin hug while Anne and Amelia look at each other smiling before joining in.

"Thank God!" Gaius says.

——

Merlin, Anne and Amelia round the corner and are faced with the closed doors of the Council Chambers with yelling coming from inside and Lancelot waiting anxiously in front of them with two Guards blocking the entrance.

"What are they doing?" Merlin asks.

"Deciding my fate," Lancelot answers simply.

"They'll restore your Knighthood, of course they will. You killed the Griffin," Merlin says confidently.

"But I didn't kill the Griffin," Lancelot says. The rest of them look at each other in shock though Amelia's is faked. Lancelot walks slightly away from the Guards and they follow. "You did."

"That's ridiculous," Merlin says trying to dissuade him.

""Bregdan anweald"... I heard you. I saw you." Merlin looks worried. "Don't worry, your secret's safe with me and I suppose they know." Lancelot nods toward Anne and Amelia. They awkwardly smile at him. "But I cannot take the credit for what I did not do. There'll be no more lies, no more deceit." Again with the nobility.

"What are you going to do?" Amelia asks.

"The only thing I can do, My Lady." He says bowing before passing the Guards and bursting through the Council Chambers doors.

"He's going to leave isn't he?" Anne said sadly. Amelia nods.

"I believe he will return though." She says with confidence.

——

A/N: Amelia has forgotten a lot of main points that she won't realise has happened. Like main plot points she assumed that she wouldn't forget and did not note them down. She's going to have to deal with going a bit more blind than she is used to.

Anne's magic is a secret, for now, as it is dangerous for people to know plus Anne doesn't really know Lancelot.

Please leave comments on how you're enjoying this story and what you think.

[lit-in-thy-heart]

It was a sunny day and Lancelot was fighting the urge to hurl himself into the lake.

A walk to the nearby park, that was meant to have lasted no longer than twenty minutes, had quickly transformed into a completely unnecessary rescue mission and Lancelot was watching with growing despair as Gwaine waded into the water. Despite being told that the ducklings would be able to get up onto the grass by themselves, Gwaine had complained about the bad parenting from the two ducks serenely looking on as their offspring drifted aimlessly along an invisible path and had promptly decided to intervene himself. Merlin had gone to get coffee, so was no help whatsoever, and Gwaine was attracting stares that were not the usual stunned and admiring ones always shot his way.

Struggling in silence for several moments more, Lancelot took a breath and, casting a glance towards the coats they'd left strewn across the bench, advanced towards Gwaine. When Lancelot approached, Gwaine turned around, his hair obscuring one eye but not quite concealing his grin. In his palms was a duckling and Lancelot felt his internal tension melting away at the beauty of the image before him, fingers itching for something to sketch with. Instead, he fumbled with his phone and captured Gwaine with his camera just as a flower of blossom stumbled down from an overhead branch and dusted Gwaine's hair. It adorned his head like a statue of a deity from antiquity and Lancelot lowered his phone, soft smile flickering on the corners of his mouth.

The duckling had started to make noises and Gwaine tore his eyes away from Lancelot to address the small creature, bringing his hands closer to his face. 'What is it that you want, buddy? Because if it's love that you're after, I can give you endless supplies. I'm sure Lance and Merl won't mind me drawing some stores from theirs because you are absolutely adorable.'

'They probably want to be put down, Gwaine,' Merlin chipped in, picking his way through the grass with his eyes fixed on three levitating cups. 'Poor things haven't learnt how to fly yet; this is probably the most terrifying experience that they've had.'

Taking the closest coffee cup to him, Lancelot removed the lid, took a sniff, and hastily put it back on again. 'I believe that's yours, Merlin,' he said, holding it out to them.

Merlin, dropping the spell and catching the other two cups in their hands, delicately frowned as he snatched a sample of the scents issuing from the slots in the remaining cups. Then, deciphering the caffeinated code, they passed one drink to Lancelot and accepted the one that Lancelot had been so offended by. 'What is Gwaine doing?' asked Merlin lowly, taking a sip of his black coffee.

'Rescue mission. Ducklings couldn't get up onto the bank and Gwaine thought they were going to drown.' Lancelot ignored the burning sensation in his mouth -- it would be the perfect injury for Merlin and Gwaine to kiss better later -- and pulled an impressed face. 'This isn't half bad. Though what syrup did you get?'

'Take a guess.'

Wrinkling his nose, Lancelot took another sip. Then, for good measure, he pressed a kiss to Merlin’s skin with a frown, pulling away. 'Well, it's not cinnamon.' He took another sip. 'Vani--No, caramel?'

With a grin, Merlin nodded. 'Soft and sweet, like you.'

'And what did Gwaine get?'

'Gwaine got a mocha with two espresso shots.'

Thinking for a moment, Lancelot smiled. 'Richly warm and sweet with a bit of a kick? Perfect.' Then he glanced over at Gwaine, who now seemed to be berating the two ducks who were doing absolutely nothing. 'I mean, proof right there.'

Laughter sharply reverberating through the air, Merlin raised their own cup to his lips. 'So what does that make me, then?'

Gently, Lancelot wrapped an arm around Merlin to draw them close, kissing the nose that wrinkled at him. 'That makes you a shot of pure energy and undiluted strength. Now, are you going to help me entice Gwaine away from the ducks?'

'As long as I don't have to get in the water,' murmured Merlin. 'This skirt is vintage, I'll have you know.'

As Lancelot caught part of the material between his fingers, tracing the flowers printed across Merlin's legs, he smiled again. 'I won't make you get in the water, my light, don't worry. I might make you take my coffee again, though.'

'That raises no qualms with me,' Merlin said, eyes transforming into the familiar shade of gold Lancelot was accustomed to as he took the third cup and retreated to the bench that had been abandoned with a muttered: 'Good luck'.

Watching them pick a path through the dying daffodils, Lancelot turned around to observe his second significant other. 'Gwaine. Gwaine.'

Gwaine, who had moved onto lecturing about the importance of families staying together and had seemingly forgotten the alleged fact he'd recited earlier about ducks only being able to count to four, spun around at the call of his name. 'Yeah?'

'Merlin has coffee.'

Gwaine's eyes momentarily lit up. 'Are they going to bring it here then?'

'Not when you're stood in the middle of a lake--'

'I'm not in the middle, I'm right by the bank--'

'Gwaine, the fate of your coffee is in my hands. You do not want to argue with me,' threatened Lancelot. 'Now put the duckling down and carefully get out.'

Holding Lancelot’s gaze for several moments, Gwaine blew the hair out of his face and twisted back towards the ducks. Gently setting the duckling down on the bank, he made an aggressive motion towards the parents that made it clear he would be watching them and began to wade across to meet Lancelot. As he approached the bank, he stretched out a hand and Lancelot took it to help haul him up.

Gwaine, however, was not hauled up. Lancelot was dragged down.

The world blurred as he plunged into the water, Merlin's laughter becoming muffled as Lancelot struggled to find his feet. Spluttering, he emerged from the depths and stumbled slightly before standing upright, completely drenched. Heart in his mouth, his hand jumped to his back pocket. 'My phone. I had my phone in my pocket--'

As Lancelot ducked beneath the water's surface, Gwaine glanced over at Merlin, who had started to stand in concern, having realised that Lancelot was panicked. Gwaine’s hand fumbled for Lancelot’s arm and he pulled him up, pushing the hair from his face with one hand as the other displayed the artist's phone.

'You absolute bastard, Gwaine.'

'Hey, now, would you prefer that I did actually put it in the water?' asked Gwaine, adjusting his grip so the device dangled precariously from his fingers.

Lancelot moved closer. 'If you fucking dare--'

'And I think I'd better take that,' Merlin interrupted, the phone bobbing from Gwaine's grip to his own. 'I was going to ask how on earth you managed to get it so smoothly from Lance's back pocket, Gwaine, but then I remembered that you know Lancelot’s buttocks like the back of your hand and that you are very good at being subtle with your hands when it comes to that region.'

Gwaine threw the warlock a wink. 'I know your buttocks like the back of my hand as well.'

'Oh, yes, I am very much aware,' smirked Merlin. 'Are you actually going to get out this time, or am I going to have to drink three coffees and bounce off the walls for the rest of the day?'

Sparing Gwaine a glare, Lancelot extracted himself from the lake and gave Merlin a gentle smile as they threw a spell in his direction and began to tease the water from his clothing. With a leap, Gwaine followed, taking his drink and scuffing the ground with his feet. 'I'm sorry if I upset you, Lance,' he mumbled. 'It was just too much of a good opportunity to miss.'

Jaw setting, Lancelot faced Gwaine, saying nothing for several seconds, and swept his legs out from underneath him, one hand expertly catching the liberated coffee as Gwaine collapsed to the ground. 'Now we're even,' he announced, taking a sip of his latte, as Gwaine groaned.

'I'll say.' Struggling to sit up, Gwaine groped the air with his hands. 'Pass me my coffee, would you?'

Not wanting to take any chances, Lancelot carefully sat down beside him and passed over the cup, sparing a second to kiss the corner of Gwaine’s mouth. 'It might have been a nasty shock for me, but it made Merlin laugh, so I'm not that mad.'

Grinning, Gwaine returned to Lancelot’s mouth with his lips. 'You taste of lake.'

'And whose fault is that?' remarked Lancelot as Merlin settled between their outstretched legs.

Summoning the coats, Merlin set his coffee down amidst the grass and draped all three of the garments over Lancelot’s shoulders. 'Honestly, I don't understand why either of you are complaining. You spent 1500 years in a lake, you'd think it would be your natural habitat by now.'

'No,' Lancelot said, glancing towards Gwaine, who completed the sentiment.

'Our natural habitat is with you.'

Beaming, Merlin knocked their ankles against the knights' thighs and the rest of the day melted into skittish touches and tentative sunshine.

[justaz]

merlin, morgana, and lancelot bonding over their heartbreak at arwen happening right in front of their eyes. morgana proposes instigating a breakup, lancelot jokes about being morgana’s competition, morgana laughs in his face. merlin (tired) lightly scolds them bc breaking them up would just hurt them. morgana (exasperated) tells merlin to forget his moral compass for a minute and fantasize about getting their happy ending. merlin tells her that his happy ending is arthur being happy. lancelot (merlin’s best friend) teases merlin for being disgustingly besotted with arthur.

they pause. morgana offers venting their frustrations by sword fighting, merlin complains bc he Can Not hold a sword. lancelot offers poetry as a way to let their emotions out in a creative way, morgana groans that lancelot’s poetry is ass and she will have no part in it. merlin offers magic as a way to let out their feelings, lancelot reminds them that he can’t use magic.

they pause. lancelot questions if he can. merlin and morgana are intrigued. lancelot asks if they can teach him magic to see if he can use it. merlin and morgana are ecstatic and drag him away. they are happy.

[botanicallyinclinednerd]

Thinking about the knights and wondering what their inside jokes were

[llamagirl28]

If you don’t mind, could you tell us the color of everyone's dragon friend? I try to search on Tumblr, but couldn’t find anything. TwT

Ok so I'll answer appearance and overall personality/random facts, too!

Elewen - Arthur's partner. Purple scales, crimson red eyes. Four times Arthur's height (Arthur is average height). Sweet, coy, surprisingly fierce when it comes to protecting Arthur. Favorite season is spring. Loves long flights and being in nature.

Melker - Lancelot's partner. Black scales, dark green eyes, horns. Two times Lancelot's height. Seemingly aloof and imposing but polite once you get talking. A considerate friend. Measured and calculated. Fond of reading.

Bridget - Kay's partner. Bright red scales, brown eyes. Fun loving, a bit reckless. Loves swimming and summer. A bit bigger than a Shire horse.

Ariawen - Gawain's partner. Orange scales, brown eyes. Friendly, playful, enthusiastic, extroverted. Can be too headstrong. Loves painting her talons and dancing. Grown up about the size of a Shire horse.

Callum - Galahad's partner. White scales, blue eyes. Gentle, shy, quiet. Insecure. Fond of painting. Grown up twice Galahad's height.

Felix - Elaine's partner. Blue scales, amber eyes. Loyal. Decisive. Protective. Loves swimming. Loves snow. Just loves being outside. Fond of plays, theater, music. About the size of a Shire horse.

Owen - Isac's friend, his family has long been friends with Isac's family. Calm, composed, brave. Beautiful singing voice. Exasperated by Isac but still loves him. Very good at fire storytelling (part of dragon culture). About the size of a shire horse, a bit bigger.

[Name Undecided] - Agravain’s partner. Black scales, amber eyes. Shy, insecure, but puts up an intimidating front. Twice Agravain’s height.

Claire - Tristan’s partner. Yellow scales, blue eyes. Patient, calm. Loves reading, calm. Can get easily anxious, a bit shy. About the size of a Shire horse.

Otto - Percival’s partner. Appearance: undecided. Twice Percy’s height.

Keri - Bronwyn’s partner. Deep brown scales, purple eyes. Twice Bronwyn’s height.

Agata - Dinadan’s partner. Green scales, black eyes. Twice Dinadan’s height.

Sera - Accolon’s partner. Yellow scales, blue eyes. Optimistic, cheerful, patient, confident. About twice his height.

[hoarder-of-dragons]

Merlin: Maybe if you weren't always staring me down then I would have concentrated enough to pack extra bandages

Arthur: Oh don't you dare turn this around you imbecile! Maybe if you actually brushed your messy hair then I would have not have been tempted to tidy you. You should have been ready since morning. Didn't it get through you thick skull that when I said we were going for a ride, we were ACTUALLY GOING TO HUNT!

Merlin: OH SHUT IT! YOU WOKE ME UP THIS MORNING SAYING IT WAS A EARLY PATROL WITH THE KNIGHTS AND TURNED IT INTO A HUNTING!

Arthur: WELL IF THOSE CUTE LARGE EARS OF YOURS ACTUALLY WORKED FOR ONCE THEN YOU WOULD HAVE REALIZED-wait where are you guys going?

Leon, with the others readying their horses: We'll just leave you to it sire

Merin: But Lancelot-

Lancelot, his hand wrapped around Merlin's neckerchief he inconspicuously removed while Merlin and Arthur were flirting fighting: I'm fine Merlin. Are you two finished yet

Arthur, blushing: Yes come on Merlin, We might as well head back anytime today

Merlin, rolling his eyes exasperated: Right sire

[rosietrace]

「 Three Roses 」

⊱────────────────────⊰

Central Character(s) ; 『 Maria Alarik, “Bloody Mary” 』 | 『 Lancelot Novellion, “The Second Son” 』

Others ; Davidson Novellion | Noor Jawahir

Mentioned ; Isfrid Aneira | Astrid Aneira | Roya Callistis | Gwendolyn Schnee (vaguely mentioned)

Pairing(s) ; Maria & Lance | Davis & Noor | Roya & Gwen (hinted at)

【 All Ocs belong to their respective owners and will be credited at the end. 】

Synopsis: “Nothing in the world belongs to me, but my love, mine all mine all mine.”

Warning(s): No angst just tooth-rotting fluff, okay that's a lie there's a little angst, Lance got advice from Roya so that's a plus, Door content‼️‼️, they're so Mitski coded it's actually insane, cute banter ig

[ Apologies for any out of character moments ]

⊱────────────────────⊰

⊱────────────────────⊰

Maria stared down at the rose in her hands, or rather, the multiple roses in her hands. Three, total.

They've been in her possession for somewhat of a long time, by now, and no matter how much Noor questioned on why she kept them for so long, Maria persisted in saying she'd rather keep the roses until they're nothing but wilted stems.

Lance had been generous in giving her roses during special occasions. It was embarrassing for Maria how silently giddy she was in the back of her head every time he gave her a rose— a small, but meaningful declaration of his affections for his Bloody Mary.

It made her chuckle, every so often, when she remembered the teasing Lance would get every time she and him parted ways, and Davis met his baby brother soon after to relentlessly throw onslaught after onslaught of teasing.

⊱───────────────⊰

“Another rose? For me?”

Maria smiled, crossing her arms. Yet another joint event between RSA and NRC — this time hosted by RSA — and Lance made it an opportunity of his to sneak Maria away from everyone else.

Now, they leaned against the bookshelves of one of the deeper, darker parts of the Royal Sword archive— with the second son of BlackHeart making a valiant effort in trying to, quote on quote, ‘kabedon’ Maria.

Which he failed. Miserably. He was lucky Maria wasn't teasing him, yet.

He cleared his throat. Barely a word in, and a flush of pink dusted his cheeks. “I… I guess I've turned it into a bit of a tradition.”

“A tradition I don't mind,” Maria's smile widened, if not ever so slightly. “It's not something to be embarrassed about.”

“Try telling that to my brother…” Lance felt exasperated just mentioning Davis; and that wasn't even bringing up what Maria could only assume was a massacre of teasing if Lance ever told Davis he'd steal her away from the crowd.

“Hmm, true,” Maria tilted her head closer to Lance, “your brother's kind of a handful.”

Lance raised a brow. “Kind of?”

“You have reason to doubt that, Novellion?”

“Many, actually.”

“Pffft- He isn't a manchild, Lance.”

“In public.” Lance clarified, crossing his arms. “He's not a manchild, in public.”

She giggled. “Is there something you aren't telling me, Lancelot Novellion?” Maria questioned with a mock-stern tone.

He smiled, tilting his head back at her. “Maybe, maybe not. You can never truly know.”

Maria whistled, her nose brushing against Lance's. “You're getting a whole lot smoother, Lancelot Novellion…”

He chuckled, his forehead soon pressing against her own. “I'm glad you think so.”

His arms wrapped around Maria's waist, bringing her close enough for his nose to breathe in her scent at the crook of her neck.

Maria lightly smacked his shoulder. “Lance!” She scolded, though it wasn't much of a scolding with the way she was smiling.

In retaliation, Lance's only line of defense was the rose that remained in his hands, which he soon offered to Maria. Thankfully, merciful Bloody Mary that she was, Maria accepted.

And for good measure, an additional kiss to Lance's cheek.

The highlight of Maria's day was the red of Lance's face after the fact, as well as the rose she received by way of unofficial tradition.

⊱───────────────⊰

The second rose given was just as special; Maria and Noor were the ‘plus ones’ of the Lucretius brothers during a particularly eventful noble gathering in the BlackHeart empire.

Noor eyed the sea of aristocrats before her, whistling lowly. “Hoo… would you look at that,” she gave Davis a look.

He recognized the meaning of that expression in less than a heartbeat. “At what, dearest Apollonia?” He brought her hand into his, amber eyes meeting hers.

“Lots of people to mess with,” Noor answered, a low laugh escaping her lips.

Davis brought a hand to his chest, his gasp nothing short of theatric. “Sweet Apollonia…” his feigned shock transitioned into a cheeky grin that was soon paired by a kiss to Noor's hand. “... you are nothing short of perfection.”

With that, the pair were off. Lance wasn't surprised Davis was so willing to go along with Noor's antics; being the heir to the throne, he might've had a lot of responsibility… but compared to his little brother, Davis was less likely to get a scolding from his mother while their father was currently bedridden from unknown circumstances.

“And… they're off.” Isfrid Aneira blinked, bewildered and possibly concerned over how the events of the night will go on from there.

Her sister, Astrid, was beaming with energetic intensity. “Not going to lie… I kinda wanna see how this'll go..”

Isfrid’s eyebrows raised. “Huh-?”

“She's joking,” Lance chimed in, eliciting a slight yelp on the part of Isfrid. “Hopefully.”

“You better start hoping a little more hopily!” Astrid decreed, rushing off to wreak havoc alongside Davis and sweet, sweet Noor.

“Hopily isn't even a word….” Isfrid murmured, letting out a quiet, ice cold breath. Naturally cold to the touch, even now.

Lance shrugged. “It'll work out… probably.” The probably was doing the heavy lifting for that sentence. Not a good sign, in Isfrid's eyes.

Lance and Isfrid eventually went off on their own ways; the latter following her sister to stop her from — hopefully — not getting into too much trouble, while the former…

Lance found Maria on the balcony, isolating herself from the rest of crowd. Dressed for spectacle with skin that shone like the moon, it was like he couldn't focus on anything else once his sights were set on Maria.

With a heart skipping its beat, Lance crept up to Maria, lightly tapping her on the shoulder to garner her attention away from her undivided gaze upon the night sky. No stars, only the company of the moon.

“Oh,” Maria smiled slightly, leaning back and relaxing against the balcony once it processed to her that it was just Lance. “Isolating yourself from the crowd, too?”

“You could say that,” Lance said softly, looking between her and the moon. “Davis and Noor are at it again.”

“When are they not, though?” Maria retorted.

Lance couldn't argue about that. “True.”

After a beat of silence, Lance muttered. “... You look beautiful.”

Maria averted her gaze from the color of his irises to the gleam of the moonlight that they were currently bathed in. “... Thanks.”

“You're someone who naturally attracts attention,” Lance's voice was soft, velvety. “You… you're like the flame that attracts so many, many moths.”

And I am one of them, he thought to himself. Not even the least bit ashamed of it. Because unlike his brother, Lance was okay with putting his pride aside.

He awaited Maria's response. He'd predicted that she'd comment on how he was one of those moths. But instead, what she uttered was, “You're becoming more poetic, as of recently.”

While he wasn't anticipating a comment like that, Lance also wasn't surprised she'd comment on it at all.

“You have Roya to thank for that.”

Roya — frighteningly and hopelessly enamored man that he was for, in Davis' words, ‘his special little snowflake’ — had given Lance a thing or two when it came to improving on his… lackluster efforts in poetic flattery.

Maria's eyebrows shot up. “Roya? Roya, as in, Davis-wants-him-dead Roya?”

Lance couldn't fight the laugh that unexpectedly left him. “Yeah… yeah, that Roya.”

There again, that dramatic pause of silence awaited them so exquisitely, so beautifully. Not as beautiful as the moon and the light that shone over them.

Not nearly as beautiful as Maria's entire being.

That being said, Lance knew he had to go. He had as much responsibility of being a prince as Davis; albeit, a much smaller reach, lesser influence on the people Davis would later govern in a not so distant future.

He looked over at Maria, his hand gently grazing her chin, turning it slightly; all so she could meet his eyes.

“I have to go now…” unlike his brother, Lance wasn't the least bit ashamed of how unapologetic he could sound with such simple words.

“Ah,” Maria brought Lance's hand, the one that tenderly grazed her chin, up to her cheek, pressing it against the touch of his palm against her face. “I… understand.”

Lance kissed the crown of her head, smiling at Maria. He needn't say another word to her, having bid her adieu.

Only then, when his presence was nowhere beside her, did Maria finally notice the rose he'd placed on the balcony’s stone railing.

⊱───────────────⊰

Lance never quite had what Davis had. The attention, the pride, the glory that came with being the heir to the throne— Lance had never grown up believing that the BlackHeart throne would ever be his.

And that was fine with him. He didn't want, nor need, the throne the way Davis did.

Nothing in the world seemed to truly be… Lance's. For even when the world was his playground, with an emperor that conquered realm after realm and an empire wealthier than most kings— nothing could distract Lance from the obvious fact that those were never his.

They were Davis'.

Davis, on the throne. Davis with the world at his fingertips.

Davis, with his charm and cruelty, destined to make the history books; whether good or bad it did not matter.

Undoubtedly, that was likely what made Lance's love for Maria so… perfect.

The world was never his. He could gaze up at the moon and tell its patron, Artemis, Selene, it did not matter who— he could tell the god with the moon as their symbol that the world was, and never will be, his.

Nothing in the world belonged to him. Not once, not ever, never for free. There would always be a price to pay if he were to be selfish.

The moon was there. Before and after, it would always be there, shining down on Lance.

He took a good look at it, now. Currently sitting on the balcony of his dorm room, he felt more comforted at that very moment than during any part of his childhood.

After one look up, he took a look down. Maria slept with her head nestled on his lap, lips parted, eyes fluttered shut.

Beautiful.

Lance had often called Davis ‘creepy’ for staring at Noor for longer than Lance would deem appropriate— but now… his brother was free to call Lance a hypocrite for that, now, with the way he gazed down at Maria's sleeping form.

Gently, he took out his gift for her, to end the day; a dark red, rose. Matching that of the streak in Maria's hair, the color of her eyes.

Lance stared at it for a long while, looking at it to make sure that it was nothing short of perfection in the same vein as his father expecting that from Davis— Maria deserved nothing but the best.

Breathing had never felt so difficult when it was around her; to Lance, she was the flame that attracted so many people, so many moths— treating him with humanity, not putting him on some pedestal.

He'll wake her, eventually. The night was still too young to do it, but when the time came, Lance would wake her; and he'd make sure that she'd wake with only the most perfect rose he could find. The one he held in his hands just wasn't enough.

He smiled down at her, the way only a fool in love would smile. His hands moved parts of her hair from her forehead, admiring every little detail he could find about it— memorizing every part until it was all he could think about.

Loving Maria felt right. Loving her felt as easy as breathing.

She taught Lance, a prince who'd done nothing but give until there was nothing left to give, that it was okay to be selfish.

⊱────────────────────⊰

【 Taglist / Credits 】

↳ In order of OC appearances/mentions

Maria Alarik — @jasdiary

Lancelot Novellion — Me 😈

Davidson Novellion — Also Me 😈

Noor Jawahir — @/jasdiary

Isfrid Aneira — @/jasdiary

Astrid Aneira — @starry-night-rose

Roya Callistis — Also (x2) Me 😈

Gwendolyn Schnee — @/starry-night-rose

|| @authoruio || @fumikomiyasaki || @nem0-nee || @sakuramidnight15 || @hallowed-delights / @terrovaniadorm || @twsted-princess || @absolutelyobsessedkiya / @twistedsongstressofstarz || @mystery-skulls-ghost || @valse-a-mille-temps ||

[midnight-in-town]

You have me intrigued, what is Kaamelot? From your tags, it seems related to the Arthurian legend. Feel free to ignore this if you're too busy.

Hey Anon! Ah, that's okay. :) Kaamelott is a French television series indeed based on the Arthurian Legends, which aired between 2005 and 2009. I think it’s probably the largest and most popular fictional work in France, with an enormous fandom. :))

To give you a bit of a background, the title of the series is a word play on both “Camelot”, King Arthur’s legendary court (also written “Kamaalot” in old French), and “camelote” a french word which means “worthless junk” because the series is mostly a comedy.

The initial gist is pretty common (though the story later adds some pretty neat twists to the plot): Arthur frees Excalibur, becomes King and tries to follow the path of the Grail Quest that the Gods intended for him as their Chosen One, but some of his knights are quite idiotic and he is constantly exasperated by their shenanigans. xDD

However, the story starts to take a really dark turn after a few seasons, with King Arthur slowly losing sight of his path and being unable to deal with the pressure of being the Gods’ Chosen One, falling into a severe depression (I’m summarizing a lot here). During that time, he has a falling-out with Lancelot, his most trusted advisor and friend, who foils him on many aspects. 

Eventually, after trying to kill himself, King Arthur gives up on Excalibur and his throne and disappears, while Lancelot becomes the official King and also a terrifying tyrant, ravaging the country and destroying the Round Table. 

This series is known for its hilarious dialogues with slightly stupid characters who have a lot of strong qualities, making them very likable, as well as for serious reflections on themes like war and depression. 

Personal fave for probably most of the fandom as well as for me, with a lot of development over the seasons, is Guenièvre. She’s Arthur’s wife, who was forced into a political wedding with him at the beginning of the series and, while they are never physically intimate with each other (for a reason that is explained by the end of the TV series), they still develop a strong bond that Lancelot, who is obsessively in love with Guenièvre, is very jealous of. 

(look at her, she’s so adorable, I would fight for her)

Anyway, in July 2021, a movie called Kaamelott the first chapter (first part of a trilogy) was released. The story happens ten years after Lancelot becomes King: as he mercilessly still hunts for Arthur's former allies, bleeding the Kingdom dry with the help of the Saxons, a bounty hunter randomly comes across the man who helped Arthur escape ten years ago.

Arthur is finally brought back against his will to the kingdom, which his previous allies and the people take as an omen that he’s here to regain his throne, despite Arthur claiming that he doesn’t care and that he’s leaving once more. It’s eventually upon learning that Lancelot jailed Guenièvre away from the world that he begrudgingly gets involved with the rebellion taking place against Lancelot’s government.

That’s about it! The fandom was eagerly waiting for the first movie for a decade and the movie did fantastically well upon coming out in theaters, pleasing the series’ fans. I think the series is available with subtitles on Netflix America (or so I’ve read somewhere) if you’re from there or can use a VPN. :))

I hope I answered your question! Have a good weekend Anon!

[fledbeast578]

Hello! I always felt like Xiang Yu was an interesting character both in gameplay and story, but was held back by an awkward skillset. So I decided to try and give him some rank ups, I didn’t want it to just be a boring “add battery add charisma add-“ type rank up, but wanted to have them synergize with his intended gameplan, and support his lore and personality.

—————————————————————

Tactical Body-

-Add an ability where it locks Xiang Yu’s cards and then deals new cards without replacing any of Xiang Yu’s cards currently on the field.

Im terms of lore Xiang Yu is supposed to be a master at combat, constantly at peak performance and ready to fight at a moment’s notice. However this translates poorly to gameplay, as his playstyle and card distribution often has him caught off guard.

In terms of gameplay this helps fix Xiang Yu’s main problem, even when you have stars there’s always just a solid chance you just don’t have enough cards to effectively crit. This is unfortunate because setting up for a massive crit turn is Xiang Yu’s entire gimmick, not having the instant readiness of a servant like Super Orion or the ability to crit across multiple turns like Saber Lancelot. This can be mitigated with card counting, but this doesn’t make Xiang Yu less awkward to use it just lets you know when he’s going to be awkward to use, and it’s disrupted if an ally dies mid cycle. I think this buff would do well to help add extra consistency to Xiang Yu, which he desperately needs.

Originally I had it just lock the current cards in place, but that’d step on Sumer Bb’s toes and would be awkward as you’d want to use it 1-2 turns before you actually start critting, which would waste the crit up.

—————————————————————

Art of a Conqueror-

-Add Np Damage Increase (15-30%) (3 turns)

or

-Add crit star drop increase 50-100% (1 turn)

From a lore perspective I think the np damage increase would be more fitting. His noble phantasm is intended to be his raw conquering might as a warlord, being an Idiom based on his prowess. While Arts of a Conqueror is his reputation as a conqueror given form and engraved into him. It makes sense it’d work well with his noble phantasm, given how one feeds into the other.

From a gameplay perspective there are two fronts to be tackled. Xiang Yu’s intended strategy is to use his noble phantasm and s3 generates stars, and then deal devastating damage to a single foe with his strong steroids. However, a large issue this this is his s2, you want to use the steroid on the crit turn because of it’s large buff, but it only lasts 1 turn so you can’t really use it to buff his noble phantasm. So overall Xiang Yu’s noble phantasm deals relatively low damage, the np damage buff would help mitigate that, and would line up with the turns you’d want to use Xiang Yu’s s3 anyway.

The crit star drop rate would help fulfill his noble phantasms role of generating stars, even as a multi hit quick noble phantasm, Xiang Yu’s natural crit star generation is so bad it often only gets around 30 stars, which can be awkward to work with. This problem is exasperated in boss fights and challenge quests, where Xiang Yu will often only be fighting one to two opponents. A crit star drop rate buff helps mitigate this problem, making it a reliable star generation skill.

You could probably add both of these without pushing Xiang Yu over the limit, but I don’t want every skill to have 4+ effects, as that’d get messy.

—————————————————————

Noble Phantasm

-Increase noble phantasm damage (standard)

-Remove debuffs from self (triggers before attack)

-Add debuff immunity (3 turns)

From a lore perspective this one is a tough nut to crack, since his skill as a conqueror is represented by his s3. I wanted to differentiate it based on the song the idiom comes from

“My strength plucked up the hills,

My might shadowed the world;

But the times were against me,

And Dapple runs no more;

When Dapple runs no more,

What then can I do?

Ah, Yu, my Yu,

What will your fate be?”

But this is a struggle because it’s actually Xiang Yu coming to terms with his fate, that despite his strength his time was coming to an end. To work with this I decided a debuff removal seemed fitting, as a sort of callback to his death in lb3. Where despite it all coming to an end, he refused to let the situation get to him, fighting until he was finally destroyed for the sake of Yu Mei Ren, fitting with the poem which has him put his strength on a pedestal in spite of his acknowledgment that it wasn’t enough. From a lore perspective this wouldn’t be Xiang Yu being straight up immune to debuffs, but being so focused on his conquering might that he’s able to push through them completely.

—————————————————————

I decided to leave Foresight unchanged because it’s strong enough as is, the evade is a bit stranded but that’s par for the course, and the crit damage and absorption more than makes up for it, especially with the other buffs to his skills that would aid in preventing the buffs only being for 1 turn to be such a downside.

This may all seem powerful because it is, but there are still some downsides to consider that I think preventing Xiang Yu from being overpowered.

-I added more reliance to his noble phantasm generating stars, but added no battery, so he needs outside support to get his noble phantasm off reliably. This gives him better synergy with units like Shakespeare (who can charge his noble phantasm and then buff his buster cards, which does more work than Hans’ crit buff because there’d be no buff fall off)

-He has little staying power, with only an evade linked to his s1 and no defensive utility elsewhere Xiang Yu is a one trick centaur, not being able to survive for a round two without extensive support from his teammates, which is necessary for a lot of challenge quests that have multiple break bars.

I know not many people are going to read this, but if you did give me your thoughts on my proposed rank ups, and anything you liked or disliked!