#medieval fantasy kingdom

[chaotic-orphan]

A Benignant Mischief (6)

Read part one here

Continued from here

Hahahhh I finished it finally! I love my boys so much, they fill my heart with so much joy :;) @annablogsposts this obsession is all your fault! I need to make a masterpost for this... anyways, ENJOY!

*~*~*~*~*

They rode in silence back to the Kingswood as one of the soldier’s had called it. Cosimo had scrunched his nose up at that name. How can a woods be owned by a King? Nature was its own master. Besides, there wouldn’t be Elfbows there if the original inhabitants of the forest were humans. No, Cosimo had the sneaking suspicion that this was the forest Henrik had told him about in his story of Niko’s father.

Cosimo remembered his tutor, one of the Elder Elves, telling him about the histories of their people. How they would live in harmony with nature, together as one, both giving and taking in equal measures. How the humans would come like an invasive species and only ever take… upsetting the balance of the earth to build their soulless cities and castles and nature be damned. Animals be damned.

“Nothing is sacred to humans, Cosimo,” Ludwig had told him. “They are selfish creatures. They would sacrifice anything to satiate their own greed.”

Cosimo’s eyes had gone wide at Ludwig’s cautionary words. He spoke them with such hatred that was foreign coming from the teacher’s mouth. Ludwig was patient, kind, compassionate — so hearing him speak with such malice, it struck a chord within Cosimo that echoed now in his mind and his chest. Jarring, eerie and wrong.

Was he making the right choice in leading the humans to the boy that Cosimo was trying to protect? Was there any way he could possibly distract them? Sneak off and find the boy and the fox and run?

Nestor’s laugh made his chest ache, as he floated into the memory without Cosimo’s permission. Nestor and his happy-go-lucky grin. After he heard Ludwig’s take on the humans he joined the conversation, leaning down heavy on Ludwig’s shoulders. Cosimo remembers smiling as the Elder rolled his eyes.

There was only one elf who would do such a thing.

“Ah, Ludwig. You are scaring the boy.”

“I am merely teaching,” Ludwig said, the hatred gone from his voice as he straightened his spine and grabbed Nestor’s arm lifting it from around his neck. “You should know better than to interrupt.”

“Always good to be a little nosey,” Nestor said, lifting his eyes to meet Cosimo’s and winking at him. “Eh, Cosimo?”

Cosimo’s smile grew into a cheap copy of Nestor’s mischievous grin. “You should know better than to fill his head with such nonsense, Nestor. Not all elves have the freedom to be as carefree as you.”

“If he’s learning the bad he can learn the good of the humans too, no? About their music? Their art? Their love, Ludwig.”

“The boy is but a child,” Ludwig hissed, glaring at Nestor. Cosimo swallowed as Nestor’s smile fell from his face. Ludwig stood to his full height, turning his body slightly to stare at Nestor down his crooked nose. “It is better he be cautious around humans than seek them out for no good reason.”

Cosimo’s heart pounded in his skull but he couldn’t just sit by and watch Nestor be scolded. “I would never do such a thing, Ludwig.”

The two elves turned their head to look at Cosimo who was standing now too, head high, chin up, determined. “I heed your warning. You’re my teacher. I want to learn from you, and from your experiences. What reason would I have to leave court in search of humans? I have everything I need right here.”

Ludwig cocked an arched brow at Cosimo’s words, a begrudgingly proud tightness wound his jaw. “You are too smart for your age, Cosimo.”

“That’s because he has an ancient elder schooling him,” Nestor said with a cheeky laugh, slapping a hearty palm onto Ludwig’s back. “I’m heading out on a reconnaissance mission today.”

“To the humans?” Cosimo asked, ignoring the scolding glance Ludwig sent his way.

Nestor scrunched his lips up. “Sort of. More like, seeing them at a distance. If they’re close to the court we can disguise it better or hide it well, make sure the humans don’t disturb us and just walk past the court.”

“You should go do it then,” Ludwig told him. “Let me get on with my job.”

Nestor hummed sagely, nodding in agreement. “Yes. I agree. Cosimo remember to frown when he speaks so he knows you take him seriously.”

Cosimo laughed as Ludwig shoved Nestor away playfully in reply. “Get out of here.”

“I’m gone.”

Cosimo stared after Nestor who waved before disappearing from sight. Ludwig settled back down, sitting once more and gazed up at Cosimo. “What is it, boy?”

Cosimo swallowed, snapping himself out of his daze and sat back down across from Ludwig. “I just wonder what reconnaissance missions would be like.”

“If Nestor’s anything to go by, clearly it drives you mad.”

Cosimo smiled, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “I mean being that close to humans.”

Ludwig’s gaze was heavy on Cosimo’s face, studying the young elf’s features. His high cheekbones and shrewd eyes, always busy, always calculating something behind them. It wasn’t the first time Ludwig had been left out of Cosimo’s musings, but even so… he wanted to know what the boy thought. How his mind worked. But that wasn’t Ludwig’s job.

“We resume,” is all Ludwig said. Cosimo blinked and he was staring at Ludwig, focused once more. He nodded and shifted in his seat, clasping his hands together in front of him. “We resume.”

The memory left, leaving a sense of uneasiness in its wake. Maybe Ludwig was being over-cautious, sometimes he was like that.

And the humans only ever treated us with kindness, a sarcastic voice hissed in the back of Cosimo’s mind. Take off the hood and see their true colours.

Cosimo ignored the voice and focused on the task at hand. They were amongst the trees now, coming close to the camp. Maybe another twenty minute ride.

“Everything okay, Cosimo?” Henrik asked. Cosimo took a deep breath. Everything seemed too big right now. Too much for him to grasp between his fingers and wrestle under his control. All he needed to do was find the boy. Once he saw him, he would be fine. Everything will be fine.

“I just want to find my brother,” Cosimo told Henrik, careful to remember that’s what Cosimo had told the King and his right hand. A lie. He had told them a lie, and when they found out… what would they do to Cosimo then?

When they arrived at the camp Cosimo’s heart jumped into his mouth, remembering the events that happened here yesterday? Today? That brought him back here. How Henrik was the one who kicked him to the ground and kept him there. Cuffing him, bringing him to the palace… it turned Cosimo’s stomach.

Henrik climbed off Ebony behind him, and Cosimo lifted his leg over the saddle to slide down himself beside Henrik. He brushed the hood back off his head, the earth under his feet feeling like a sigh of relief. Nikolas came over to the pair as someone led Henrik’s horse away to be tied off.

“Well, Cosimo,” Nikolas said with a sweeping gesture. “Lead the way.”

Cosimo nodded, searching for the stream he had crossed. He prayed that nobody had been through here since he was. No elf, nobody who came looking. Let the boy be there.

He crossed the stream first, then looked over his shoulder to the King and his right hand. He straightened himself, shoulders pulling back, making himself taller before speaking. “Would it be okay if I went and retrieved the— my brother before I introduce him to all of you? He might be frightened.”

Nikolas tilted his head slightly, regarding Cosimo with his discerning green eyes. Nikolas pursed his lips. “No, Cosimo. I think it’s best if we find him together. What if you get lost?”

Cosimo scoffed. “I’m an elf. I can’t get lost in the forest.”

“All the same,” Nikolas said with a kind smile and a little shrug. Cosimo swallowed and faced forward again, gathering his discarded water container and walking up the slippery bank to the trail on top. He was so close… he could run, the likelihood of the humans catching him was slim. He could disappear in the trees, come out when they had given up looking for him. The boy would be safe in the Elfbow.

Unless the elves started looking for him too. The thought unsettled him more, in which case he would be better off with the humans. So Cosimo planted his feet even though he wanted so badly to run. He had to remember who he was, he wasn’t some scared boy. He had to trust his instincts, they got him this far. Everything would be fine.

“I could do with your long legs,” Nikolas said to Cosimo with an airy laugh as he climbed the bank.

“Or maybe it’s the lack of shoes,” Henrik mused, nodding at Cosimo’s bare feet. “It gives you more grip.”

“Perhaps you humans should whine less,” Cosimo said with a smirk, which only grew when the two humans full attention was on the elf. “It seems to weigh you down more, makes you slow.”

Henrik laughed his deep heart chuckle, and slapped Cosimo between his shoulder blades playfully. It was Nikolas who spoke next: “You lead the way from here, Cosimo. Hopefully we can find your brother before dark.”

Cosimo’s smile dimmed a bit at the edges as he bowed his head slightly. “Of course. This way.”

They trekked in silence back the way Cosimo came, the trees and trail familiar, the forest floor almost guiding him to where he needed to be. Cosimo prayed that the boy be okay. That he’s safe. That the elves didn’t find him and take him back to court or worse.

When the elfbow came into Cosimo’s sight he took off into a run. “There!” Henrik and the King’s footsteps thundered behind as Cosimo ran through the thick coat of leaves with ease. He craned his neck around the tree, chest heaving to see the fox in the nook, cuddled up beside the sleeping boy. Sweat soaked hair clung to the boy’s forehead and he looked far more pale than the last time Cosimo had seen him.

“Cosimo?!”

Cosimo pressed his forehead against the elfbow under his palm and closed his eyes in relief. Thank you. I’m here to take him again.

“Cosimo?” Henrik called from faraway. “Where are you?”

Cosimo’s eyes shot open. Humans couldn’t come into the sanctuary of the elder trees. Elfbows served elves and were almost sacred in their protection. After the humans started destroying forests to clear way for cities and villages, the elder trees made a pact with one of the first elves: that if the elves protected the tree then, it would serve as protector for future generations. Or so the story went.

The court elders always made a point of telling Cosimo that if he was ever lost or scared to find an elfbow and he would be safe from humans. It only occurred to him then, that he could just hide with the boy here and Henrik and Nikolas would never find them.

The humans wouldn’t find them, he reminded himself. Elfbows don’t protect elves from elves. A smaller voice, a childlike voice in the back of his mind continued: and who are you more scared of?

“I’m here,” Cosimo called back, unsure if they would be able to hear him. “He’s here, he’s alright. I’ll be just a second.”

The fox tilted her head as Cosimo entered the small nook, and watched silently as Cosimo hooked one arm under the boys neck and the other under the boys knees and lifted him from the soil and blanket of leaves. The boy was cold and covered in a thick sheen of sweat that made Cosimo’s heart race.

Surely the humans could heal him, they could fix him. Do something! They would know more. The fox chirped at Cosimo’s heel, bowed into a deep stretch her tail swishing as she stood. Black beady eyes peered up at Cosimo and he understood that she was asking: what now? Even if he wanted to, Cosimo couldn’t dissuade the fox from following and protecting the boy. Foxes were far too cunning to be tricked by a young elf.

The boy was far more lifeless than ever, his chest rising shallowly. Cosimo didn’t waste anymore time in the Elfbow’s protection. He emerged from under a sheet of leaves to see Henrik and King Nikolas with their backs turned to Cosimo.

“Here,” Cosimo rushed out, voice hitching as his feet carried him quickly across the distance to the two humans he decided to trust. Even though this could all be a farce, Cosimo was desperate. The fox pattered along behind him.

The humans turned at the sound of Cosimo’s voice, eyes drawn to the half alive boy in his arms. Henrik rushed over went to take the boy out of Cosimo’s hands but Cosimo turned at the last moment, wide panicked eyes meeting Henrik’s stunned gaze turning sympathetic.

“I have him,” Cosimo said, tone clipped. Henrik straightened, nodding.

Nikolas was the one to move them along. “We need to get him to Artzet immediately.”

“Will he be able to fix him?” Cosimo asked, following the humans back through the forest to the camp.

Henrik leaned into Nikolas and said quietly: “Niko, did you—”

“Yes,” Nikolas replied quickly, cutting Henrik off. He glanced over his shoulder at Cosimo, but the fae had his eyes and attention fixed solely on the unconscious boy in his arms, expression tight with worry. “Now’s not the time, Henrik. We can talk more once we get the boy back to Artzet.”

“Did you see the fox?”

Nikolas laughed, low and rich. “Yes. I saw.”

“Do you think it’s coming along too?”

“I don’t think we could dissuade it even if we tried.”

Cosimo was oblivious to the conversation ahead of him as he carefully stepped down the bank of the stream and hopped it effortlessly. The fox padded along beside him, not even faltering when they emerged into the humans camp.

“Come, men,” Nikolas called to the camp. “We are to be off as soon as we ready the horses.”

They didn’t need to be told twice. Soldiers milled to action. It was a smaller party than Henrik was with so within minutes they were packed and on horseback again.

Henrik stood beside Ebony and held his arms out to Cosimo. Cosimo’s sharp eyes cut into Henrik, narrow, untrusting. Henrik tried to look as reassuring as possible.

“You can’t get on the horse with him in your arms, Cosimo. Don’t worry, I’ll give him right back.”

Cosimo worried his bottom lip before nodding with a sigh. He passed the boy to Henrik’s strong arms and hesitated before releasing the boy. He quickly climbed up onto Ebony and held his arms out for the boy again.

Henrik’s smile was kind and reassuring as he passed the boy up to Cosimo before mounting the horse behind them. The fox sat in front of Ebony’s snout as she grazed, beady black eyes peering up at the elf.

“Will the fox be joining us?” Henrik asked.

Cosimo nodded. “She will walk behind. I don’t think she’ll mind the distance.”

“Still, it is a long way to go for such little legs,” Nikolas said coming to a stop beside them. “Will she let me carry her?”

Cosimo looked at the fox who tilted her head at him. A silent understanding passed between them, and Cosimo nodded.

“Yeah, she’ll let you pick her up.”

“Come on sweet thing,” Nikolas said, crouching and extending his hands to her. The fox walked towards him, sniffing his hand before plodding up to him and letting herself be lifted. “Oh, she’s so soft. I think I’ll ride with her beside you, so she can still see you both.”

Cosimo nodded. “Of course.”

Nikolas did just that and then they set off out of the king’s wood back to palace, Cosimo holding the boy tight to his chest. Henrik put the hood over Cosimo’s head before they reached the city gates, the cloak partly obscured the sleeping boy’s face, the other pressed into Cosimo’s chest.

Nikolas had one soldier ride ahead and tell Artzet to prepare a bed for the unconscious boy. They didn’t stop for chats with villagers this time, the air of urgency within their ranks must have carried outwards because no one stopped Nikolas for a catchup as they raced through the streets. Hooves clapped like thunder with steady, rhythmic beats as they passed the village to the wealthier residential area and finally the gates of the palace came into view.

“Just hold on,” Cosimo whispered, tightening his hold on the boy as they trotted to the stables. Henrik dismounted quickly, spreading his arms for the boy. Cosimo hesitated, again, but he didn’t have time to waste. This was life or death and Cosimo vowed he would keep the boy safe. They had come too far to risk it all over Cosimo’s feelings.

Cosimo had just passed the boy to Henrik when Nikolas appeared beside them, fox at his heels. Anxiety at not having the boy close crawled thick up Cosimo’s spine along with a sudden warm feeling as he jumped off Ebony. He had only begun to take a step towards Henrik when his vision swam with an impenetrable darkness. The world swayed and his body became like lead and he was falling.

A warm chest caught him before he could make contact with the ground. Cosimo let out a startled gasp, hands reaching up to hold onto the solid person that kept him upright, his body shivering as strong hands wrapped around him, reassuring.

“It’s okay, Cosimo,” Nikolas told him. “You’re okay. You’ve had a very long day.”

“The boy—” Cosimo mumbled, his tongue heavy as he tried to push his legs to work properly so he could stand on his own. An elf leaning on a human… what would the Elders think?

“We’ll get him to Artzet, as promised, dear boy. Henrik will carry him—”

“No.”

“Yes, you can barely stand. Don’t worry, you and I will head up together. Henrik and Artzet will take good care of him.”

Cosimo wanted to protest but there was no time. Instead he fought back tears as he nodded meekly. “Okay.”

Nikolas nodded at Henrik. Henrik turned on his heel and within seconds disappeared into the palace. Cosimo turned in Nikolas’s hold, one hand fisting the fabric of the King’s tunic in a stranglehold to keep standing. He only stopped when he was standing shoulder to shoulder with Nikolas. Nikolas wrapped an arm around Cosimo, the other ready to catch him if he tried to make a move.

“Easy, Cosimo.”

Cosimo risked a step forward. He would have fallen if it wasn’t for Nikolas’s strong arm holding him up. Cosimo let out a breathy curse in elvish, frustrated at his temporary weakness. He needed to get to Henrik and the boy. He needed to make sure they didn’t do anything bad to him. What if they locked him in iron cuffs? What then?

Something scratched the back of his brain but Cosimo didn’t have the energy to focus on it or give it the light of day.

“Just wait a second, Cosimo, it will pass. Your brother’s not going anywhere.”

The air around him was thick and clammy, like there was no actual oxygen getting to his lungs, as if he was inhaling tiny amounts of iron with every breath. He wouldn’t put it past Rochus to do something like that, poison the air while Cosimo was away.

Nikolas reached over to Ebony’s saddle bag and pulled Henrik’s waterskin from it. “Here, drink this. You’ll feel better.”

Cosimo took it from Nikolas, unscrewed the bottle and drank it down. The cool liquid was soothing and refreshing as it went down Cosimo’s throat and he found the more he drank the more he wanted to drink. He finished the container of water and opened his eyes, already feeling a ten times better than before.

Nikolas grinned. “Better?”

“Yes,” Cosimo said, handing him the empty water-skin. “Much better. Can we go to Artzet now?”

Nikolas laughed and shook his head fondly. For a short, heart-stopping moment Cosimo thought the king shaking his head side to side meant no, and Cosimo’s mind conjured up the worst.

“You are a determined boy, Cosimo.”

Cosimo felt his cheeks flush pink as he stepped forward, trying to hide his reaction from the king. Nikolas stepped with him until they got to the railing on the stairs. Cosimo let go of Nikolas’s arm and placed all his weight on the railing. He could do this. He could get to the boy. He was so close to saving them.

Once they were up the stairs Nikolas led Cosimo, arm in arm, to Artzet’s clinic. Cosimo almost cried when he saw the boy, something in his arm that connected him to a bag of water. A damp cloth over his forehead.

Myshka was sitting on one bed over, observing Artzet as he worked. Henrik greeted them. “Ah, you’re here. Good.”

“Is it serious?” Cosimo rushed out.

“No, no. Boy is good, strong, healthy of heart,” Artzet replied, smiling at Cosimo over his shoulder. “He will make full recovery.”

“He’ll be okay?” Cosimo whispered, not willing to believe his ears or eyes or anything as he walked with heavy feet to the end of the boy’s bed. The fox was laying there, curled up at the end of his bed and made a noise of recognition when Cosimo approached.

“He will be fine, boy,” Artzet said again, looking to Henrik and Nikolas with a shrug. “I thought that is what I said?”

“Cosimo’s had a long day,” Henrik said. “The two of them both need some rest.”

Cosimo didn’t dare blink in case the world would trick him and make the boy disappear. He couldn’t sleep, not until the boy woke up. He had to make sure the boy was okay. That he didn’t doom them both.

“You say boy is your brother?” Artzet asked, eyes as wide as an owls. Cosimo swallowed the lump in his throat and nodded. Did he catch him in a lie?

“Good,” Artzet said happily. “Then I know he will be okay. He will be as strong as his big brother, uh? Now, I set up bed beside him for you to sleep.”

Cosimo glanced up at Artzet and nodded fervently. Nikolas made a noise behind him. “Cosimo, I think a proper bed would be better. Hospital beds are uncomfortable—”

“Niko,” Henrik said softly. Nikolas sighed. Cosimo turned to look at the King. His shoulders sagged as he yielded.

“Okay. Fine, I know I won’t convince you otherwise, but Cosimo, the minute you and your brother are better you—”

Nikolas cut himself off as Cosimo crossed the distance between them and wrapped his arms around the King, squeezing tightly.

“Thank you,” Cosimo whispered. Nikolas let out a soft, shocked breath of a laugh, wrapping his arms tentatively around the elf.

“It’s my pleasure,” Nikolas replied as Cosimo stepped out of his embrace. “I will go and prepare your rooms. Artzet, I leave the boys in your capable hands.”

“Your majesty,” Artzet said with a bow.

“I’ll stay too,” Henrik said, patting Cosimo’s shoulder. “Until you’re asleep.”

“Full house!” Artzet cried, drawing the covers back on the bed beside the sleeping boy’s. Cosimo walked over to it and climbed in, thanking Artzet and Henrik as he pressed his head to the pillow. Artzet and Henrik started talking in low, hushed voices while Cosimo watched the boy’s chest rise and fall, rise and fall, rise and fall.

Alive and safe.

Cosimo did it. He rescued them. His eyelids suddenly grew heavy and Cosimo didn’t fight them as they slid over his eyes, darkness welcoming him like an old friend. Sleep took him somewhere far away, somewhere he didn’t have to think and worry and fret. Somewhere he didn’t betray his race and seek refuge in humans.

Henrik stayed even when he was sure the elf was fast asleep, his chest rising and falling softly. He looked so much younger when he was asleep, Henrik thought, without the hard crease between his brows. His jaw wasn't clenched, his face relaxed, no stubborn, steely gaze to contend with. He looked like a boy, a human boy around fourteen years old.

Already Henrik had developed a protective streak for the elf, wanting to comfort and care for him as much as the elf would allow. More than the elf would allow. The fondness in Henrik's chest for Cosimo wasn't the only recent feeling that had taken hold of him since he met the boy. There was something foreboding, unnatural, as if there was a presence watching him from somewhere unseen to the naked eye, and Henrik knew that Cosimo's presence here would only spell trouble. Still, he couldn't find it in himself to let the boy go now that he had met him. He still had so many questions to ask him; why he ran, who he was, will he stay?

All those questions could wait until Cosimo and his brother awoke. For now, Henrik pulled up a chair and rest his head against the backrest, content with watching over the newest residents of the palace.

*~*~*~*~*

Orphanage roll call (zee tag-list, lmk if you wanna be added or removed): @tippytappytyping

[suzannahnatters]

all RIGHT:

Why You're Writing Medieval (and Medieval-Coded) Women Wrong: A RANT

(Or, For the Love of God, People, Stop Pretending Victorian Style Gender Roles Applied to All of History)

This is a problem I see alllll over the place - I'll be reading a medieval-coded book and the women will be told they aren't allowed to fight or learn or work, that they are only supposed to get married, keep house and have babies, &c &c.

If I point this out ppl will be like "yes but there was misogyny back then! women were treated terribly!" and OK. Stop right there.

By & large, what we as a culture think of as misogyny & patriarchy is the expression prevalent in Victorian times - not medieval. (And NO, this is not me blaming Victorians for their theme park version of "medieval history". This is me blaming 21st century people for being ignorant & refusing to do their homework).

Yes, there was misogyny in medieval times, but 1) in many ways it was actually markedly less severe than Victorian misogyny, tyvm - and 2) it was of a quite different type. (Disclaimer: I am speaking specifically of Frankish, Western European medieval women rather than those in other parts of the world. This applies to a lesser extent in Byzantium and I am still learning about women in the medieval Islamic world.)

So, here are the 2 vital things to remember about women when writing medieval or medieval-coded societies

FIRST. Where in Victorian times the primary axes of prejudice were gender and race - so that a male labourer had more rights than a female of the higher classes, and a middle class white man would be treated with more respect than an African or Indian dignitary - In medieval times, the primary axis of prejudice was, overwhelmingly, class. Thus, Frankish crusader knights arguably felt more solidarity with their Muslim opponents of knightly status, than they did their own peasants. Faith and age were also medieval axes of prejudice - children and young people were exploited ruthlessly, sent into war or marriage at 15 (boys) or 12 (girls). Gender was less important.

What this meant was that a medieval woman could expect - indeed demand - to be treated more or less the same way the men of her class were. Where no ancient legal obstacle existed, such as Salic law, a king's daughter could and did expect to rule, even after marriage.

Women of the knightly class could & did arm & fight - something that required a MASSIVE outlay of money, which was obviously at their discretion & disposal. See: Sichelgaita, Isabel de Conches, the unnamed women fighting in armour as knights during the Third Crusade, as recorded by Muslim chroniclers.

Tolkien's Eowyn is a great example of this medieval attitude to class trumping race: complaining that she's being told not to fight, she stresses her class: "I am of the house of Eorl & not a serving woman". She claims her rights, not as a woman, but as a member of the warrior class and the ruling family. Similarly in Renaissance Venice a doge protested the practice which saw 80% of noble women locked into convents for life: if these had been men they would have been "born to command & govern the world". Their class ought to have exempted them from discrimination on the basis of sex.

So, tip #1 for writing medieval women: remember that their class always outweighed their gender. They might be subordinate to the men within their own class, but not to those below.

SECOND. Whereas Victorians saw women's highest calling as marriage & children - the "angel in the house" ennobling & improving their men on a spiritual but rarely practical level - Medievals by contrast prized virginity/celibacy above marriage, seeing it as a way for women to transcend their sex. Often as nuns, saints, mystics; sometimes as warriors, queens, & ladies; always as businesswomen & merchants, women could & did forge their own paths in life

When Elizabeth I claimed to have "the heart & stomach of a king" & adopted the persona of the virgin queen, this was the norm she appealed to. Women could do things; they just had to prove they were Not Like Other Girls. By Elizabeth's time things were already changing: it was the Reformation that switched the ideal to marriage, & the Enlightenment that divorced femininity from reason, aggression & public life.

For more on this topic, read Katherine Hager's article "Endowed With Manly Courage: Medieval Perceptions of Women in Combat" on women who transcended gender to occupy a liminal space as warrior/virgin/saint.

So, tip #2: remember that for medieval women, wife and mother wasn't the ideal, virgin saint was the ideal. By proving yourself "not like other girls" you could gain significant autonomy & freedom.

Finally a bonus tip: if writing about medieval women, be sure to read writing on women's issues from the time so as to understand the terms in which these women spoke about & defended their ambitions. Start with Christine de Pisan.

I learned all this doing the reading for WATCHERS OF OUTREMER, my series of historical fantasy novels set in the medieval crusader states, which were dominated by strong medieval women! Book 5, THE HOUSE OF MOURNING (forthcoming 2023) will focus, to a greater extent than any other novel I've ever yet read or written, on the experience of women during the crusades - as warriors, captives, and political leaders. I can't wait to share it with you all!

[raeynbowboi]

History side of Tumblr, if a king dies with only a daughter who cannot inherit, and the crown passes to her uncle, is the daughter of the first king still titled as Princess? Is she demoted to Duchess? Or is she simply addressed as Lady [name] now that she has no claim to the throne? How would she be treated as a no-longer princess? Does she still have duties to the royal family? Thanks for the insight.

[medievalandfantasymelee]

COME ONE, COME ALL to the MOSTE ILLUSTRIOUS TOURNAMENT of the FINEST, the MOSTE PUISSANT and HOTTEST MEN MEDIEVAL MEDIA HAS TO ITS CREDIT.

Be it known that we shall accept submissions of the hottest men OF THE PEOPLES’ CHOOSING from any live-action* TV or movie media property set between the years AD 500 – 1550 (Tudors WELCOME!!), and any fantasy properties which emulate said period!

KNOW ALSO that we, by the grace of this fine hellsite and with the counsel of the moste honorable and illustrious @hotvintagepoll (many thanks), have made

THESE GUIDELINES here given:

ANY HOT GUY who appears in any movie or TV show released in ANY YEAR, from ANY COUNTRY, shall be deemed eligible for entry. Below are listed examples of eligible properties. If YE BE NOT CERTAIN whether your hot guy is eligible, submit him anyway!

Examples of Eligible Properties: The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-03), Game of Thrones (2011-19) House of the Dragon (2022), Wolf Hall (2015-2024), The Tudors (2007-2010), Ladyhawke (1985), The Princess Bride (1987), The White Queen (2013), Rise of Empires: Ottoman (2020-2022), Vikings (2013-2020), The Last Kingdom (2015-2022), Diriliş: Ertuğrul (2014), A Knight’s Tale (2001), BBC’s Robin Hood (2006-3009), The Last Duel (2021), The Story of Minglan (2018), The Borgias (2013), Robin Hood (1939), Outlaw King (2018), Pilgrimage (2017), Legend (1985), Braveheart (1995), The Green Knight (2021), Excalibur (1981), Beowulf & Grendel (2005), The Lion in Winter (1968), Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993), The Black Adder (Blackadder Series 1, 1982), Rashomon (1950)

Remember: This is just a list of examples—WOW ME!

These following titles are examples of properties that do not fall within or emulate the stated time period and therefore DO NOT QUALIFY: The Three Musketeers (Any Version), Pirates of the Caribbean (2004), Barbarians (2020), Gladiator (2000), Ben Hur (1959), Shogun (2024), Elizabeth (1999), 300 (2006), Troy (2004), Xena: Warrior Princess (1995-2001), Disney's Robin Hood (1973)**, Yojimbo (1961), Shakespeare in Love (1998), King Arthur (2004)***

For the purposes of this tournament, "Man" and "Guy" are defined as any bi-pedal humanoid male character played by a man. As such, characters belonging to non-human races such as Hobbits, Orcs, Elves, Demons, Fauns, Werewolves etc. ARE admissible, and, indeed, encouraged.

If you have propaganda you forgot to include in your submission, just hold onto it and send it in an ask after the Tournament begins.

You may submit as many hot men as you like but please submit only ONE ENTRANT per submission.

Do not hesitate to submit ANY hot guy you think may qualify, no matter how popular he is. There is no such thing as a shoo-in with these tournaments. If you think "Someone MUST have submitted him already!" Everyone else is probably thinking that too and then he may well NEVER get submitted and we don't want that.

Do not worry about how many submissions your hot guy might have had already--I need to get a sense of who the strongest contenders are in order to fairly seed the draws, and the best way to do that is volume of submissions.

We are voting on the hotness of the characters. While the actors who portray them are of course a major factor in this, we are not voting on the actors themselves, therefore propaganda pertaining to the actors real lives (aside from anecdotes relating to their portrayal of the character) is not admissible.

By that same token, in the case of historical figures (e.g. Henry VIII) we are judging hotness based on the fictionalized portrayals of them in these properties, not on historical fact.

Regarding immortal/time-travelling/dimension-hopping/extremely long-lived characters, regardless of when the character was born, the main action**** of the story must take place within the Medieval Period (see dates listed at the top of this post) or Medieval-esque fantasy fantasy realm in order for them to be eligible for submission. As such, characters like the Pevensie brothers (The Chronicles of Narnia) and Ash Williams (Army of Darkness) are admissible, but Asgardians (the MCU Thor films) are not.

I, as the Administrator and Master of Revels of this tournament, am exercising discretion in the admittance of characters from works by Shakespeare, since many of them have no set date.

Re: characters adapted from books/written works - Book quotes by/ about your character are not admissible as Propaganda for their tv/ movie counterparts unless said quotes were also written into the show/movie.

Book illustrations and fanart are not admissible Propaganda

SUBMISSIONS SHALL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL MIDNIGHT, JULY 1st

The Tourney shall begin at a date yet to be determined with the Melee (Qualifying Rounds), wherein the entrants with the fewest submissions and least propaganda will duke it out in a free for all brawl to determine who will enter the Lists.

SUBMIT YOUR ENTRANTS HERE TODAY!!!

-- Master of Revels

*The "live-action" qualification does have a caveat: exception may be made for those CGI films which were all the rage in the mid-00's that used the motion-capture and likeness of the actors; for example characters from, Robert Zemeckis's Beowulf (2007) are admissible.

** this one doesn't qualify, not because it isn't the right time period, but because it falls solidly under the "Animated" category.

***Yes, sadly we are deprived of the beautiful countenances of Clive Owen, Mads Mikkelsen, Ioan Gruffudd et al because the producers of this film in their infinite wisdom and in an attempt to seem "more historically accurate" chose to set it during the Roman withdrawal from Britain, which occurred in the 5th Century (About a CENTURY earlier than Authurian tradition) and is generally agreed to have ended by AD 410. It therefore does not fall under the Medieval umbrella and is not eligible for submission.

**** "Main Action" here defined as "More than half an hour of a movie and more than two episodes of a series"

[time-woods]

How would you describe the kingdom in your medieval fantasy au? I'm so curious about its rules and society

ok i need to put this down somewhere so im gonna take this as the opportunity to do such bc this things been brewing in my cranium-

The kingdom is a fairly young one, destroyed a few hundred years ago by a falling asteroid, it created a crater in its place. Few survived but those who did instilled the fear of the sky and what dwells in it to those who remained. So anything from the sky is no good, this includes birds. Things that aren't grounded basically. They also blamed it on magic and that a evil magic moon god did this to them, sending one of its children down to tear down their home.

the interesting thing is- they didn't relocate. they cleared what remained of the asteroid, using the stone as their new foundation. They say this is like showing their power over what tried to destroy them or whatever. but yea they built their new kingdom in the crater. Now I hear you saying 'what abt when it rains? wouldn't everything flood?' your right. but you see, they hate what dwells above, they covered the top. its flat. the kingdom is flat up top. (besides those who don't live at the heart of the kingdom- like farmers who need land n such)) Everything is illuminated by thousands of lanterns that carry a flame said to be of the very asteroid that created this pit. This is yet again them taking power over what crushed their kingdom all those years ago. (flame that never dies? doesn't sound very grounded to me mr kingdom..) Those at the crown seemingly hate magic and any form of 'ungrounded' thinking. They are tolerant to those who are half human but if you are deemed too 'monstrous' they lose that tolerance very quickly. rumors are that the kingdom in recent years has started getting double standards for what they allow in their home. aka the head guard being 'half monster' (hes a bug. hes literally a whole bug. there's no human there at all) when the people thought entrusting that care to someone unlike them would be unthinkable, but surprisingly they've been safer these past years with him at the helm.

also yea most of the kingdom is this purply rock cause of this, as well as the flame in the lanterns. despite it being underground it manages to be fairly bright !

OH YEA one of their symbols is a stylized lotus/flame (lotus' can be seen as a symbol of rebirth and that put in place of the asteroid's flames makes for a good cycle like a phoenix sorta)) (this design is seen on Carmine's armor/ alt version on the bg guards))

this is just some stuff thats been in my head as of late that i havent gotten round to writing down.

[baudouinette]

Baldwin IV x HotD & HTTYD

A WIP of Baudouin and a dragon I am making for him. This drawing will be accompanied by a short story inspired by House of the Dragon and How To Train Your Dragon. It is basically the Kingdom of Jerusalem + dragons, and other fantastic beings like griffins. Saladin for example has a giant eagle, a “Great Eagle” sort of like Tolkien’s, called Rishat Sawda. Aware am I that dragons were usually seen as evil serpents to be slain, this is where the HTTYD aspect comes in and why I remarked it in bold.

Ignore the way the dragon looks atm, I’m still figuring it out. His name will likely be Nacre, and he is what I called a “golden albino”. Will also make a dragon-y coat of arms.

[renjwoo]

𓅇 ⚔ ♕

♔ ⚔ 𓃵

𓃭 @wiotas.

[ahsoara]

[vintersang]

𝐁𝐨𝐫𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐢𝐫, 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐦 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐰…

please  ♡  /  ↻   if you would like to interact with an indie roleplay blog for  ELSA OF ARENDELLE  from  DISNEY'S FROZEN FRANCHISE. this independent blog is headcanon-based with inspiration from the broadway musical, books, and other canon sources. written and loved by ophelia.

[2minutetabletop]

The Kingdom of Scalecrown, Part 1 – The Capital

The people of Scalecrown have allied with a dragon in a desperate attempt to prevent further attacks, but not everyone is happy under the rule of their scaly overlord...

→ Read the full article here!

[extrathicccarlwheezer]

Here's my fifth build in Tiny Glade. I was inspired by one of the pictures on the game's steam page, and put together most of this build in like 5 hours one night. as always, more after the cut :)

the main defensive goal of this castle (like all castles, really) is to buy time. in order to achieve this, there are SEVERAL heavily defended checkpoints you'd need to pass through before you can truly claim the castle proper. let's walk through the process of capturing the castle.

first, there's a gatehouse across the bridge from the castle itself, which has all its defenses pointed outward (and none pointed back towards the castle, which means that even if you capturs it, it wouldn't be very useful since there's nowhere in the gatehouse that can't be fired upon by the castle).

next you'd need to cross the bridge andbreak into the first entry hall. fwiw, the hall has a small stable to its right, but that wouldn't grant access any further into the castle. the entry hall also has a fortified room above it, which would have plenty of murder holes to drop rocks or other projectiles onto anyone attempting to take the castle (with no access to said room from below).

next up you have the two walkways ascending the side of the castle. while crossing the lower walkway, you'd take fire from the upper level, before having to break into the second entry hall (which slowly spirals upward to reach the second level). this hall also has a fortified room above it, again with plenty of murder holes. again, you'd then need to break onto the second walkway, and again fight your way up to the secondary hall (while taking fire from above).

next up you'd need to break into the secondary keep. this building would contain the throne room, a guest suite, and living quarters for servants and soldiers. it may be half the castle, but it's definitely not the most important half, and you haven't truly captured the castle yet.

next up you need to cross this bridge, the only way from the secondary keep to the primary keep. this primary keep contains the grand dining hall, the kitchen, the royal quarters, administrative rooms, food storage, the treasury, and more quarters for servants and soldiers. only once you've fully captured this keep can you consider the castle yours. however, you may not have accomplished all your objectives…

because the primary keep also contains the sally port, a small and heavily fortified rear doorway with access to the river that encircles the castle. without a thorough blockade surrounding the castle grounds (and covering the river), the royal family may escape with the treasury, leaving the kingdom's leadership to fight another day.

capturing this castle would take so many soldiers (and the accompanying resources to feed and pay them) that it could only be done with a full nation behind the endeavour. this is the castle of a king, the capitol of an entire nation, with the resources and supplies to hold out until the enemy runs out of funds or until reinforcements arrive to drive said enemy off. as always, defending a castle is a matter of buying time, and this castle takes that to the extreme.

so yeah, that's the build. this was my first time going Big and Grand with tiny glade, seeing what massive structures were possible in the game. it also inspired my city build; a castle like this would have a town near/around it, and while tiny glade's build area didn't allow me to have it literally nextdoor, i imagine the city is a short ways downriver of it. however, working on this and the city back to back kinda wore me out; such complex structures require a LOT of work and planning to make them look good. for my next build i decided to go back to a smaller scale settlement, which i'll post soon enough :)

[chaotic-orphan]

A Benignant Mischief (7)

Read part one here // continued from here

This part is dedicated to @paperprinxe — I am working on your ask (you sent ages ago), it is difficult but fun, so while I am finishing it, enjoy the next part of the story ^.^

*~*~*~*~*

A hand on his shoulder and Cosimo woke with a start. Cosimo’s eyes flew open and landed on the boy’s large, whiskey-coloured irises. He pressed a finger to his lips and gestured over his shoulder at Henrik who was still asleep in a chair.

Cosimo shook his head. “We’re okay,” he told him. “We’re safe.”

The boy frowned. He looked back at Henrik, studying him and then shook his head, pointing at Henrik’s ears. Cosimo swallowed, suddenly aware of his heart beating like a drum in his chest.

“I know,” Cosimo said, and the boy turned back to him. He was still pale, but not the deathly grey he was in the Elfbow, and his cheeks had a pinch of red colouring him alive and breathing. Cosimo sat up in his bed and grabbed the boy’s hand. “We had to leave the Court,” he said, putting on his best smile. “We had to go on our adventure, didn’t we?”

The boy frowned. “Cosimo…” the boy said, his voice hoarse from illness.

“I know, I know. It’s okay. We’ll be okay here, I promise. Come on, let’s get you back into bed, hmm?”

The boy rubbed his eye and Cosimo smiled as he helped him back into the bed beside Cosimo’s, pulling the blankets up to his chin and tucking him in. The fox stirred and stretched before cuddling up against the boy’s stomach.

The boy didn’t question her. His small fingers settled into her fur and gently stroked her as he stared at Cosimo. “Don’t leave.”

“I’ll be right here.” Cosimo said, smiling at the boy. He leaned over the bed and touched his forehead to the boy’s. “I promise. I’ll never leave you.”

He pulled back then, smiling a winning smile and walked the step back to his bed, never letting his eyes leave the boy’s, just to show him he was telling the truth; reassure him about his promise.

The boy smiled weakly as Cosimo got into his own bed under the covers. He must have looked like a wreck, covered in dirt and mud and probably twigs and branches sticking out from his hair, but he didn’t care. He and the boy were safe. Cosimo’s eyes went to Henrik who was still sleeping soundly in his chair, like the silent Guardians of the Court’s library. Cosimo would be lying if he said he didn’t miss home, Ludwig and his ramblings, Nestor and his boldness. His family. His…

Cosimo’s gaze settled on the boy again, his eyelids heavier, shuttering closed as he watched the boy’s chest rise and fall, his fingers now unmoving in the orange fur of the fox.

It was a necessary sacrifice, he told himself. It would all be worth it in the end. He thought of Oreste, what he would have to say about Cosimo being free of irons or chains and lying in a bed instead of a cot. What he would think of the boy, if he could accept— but he quickly shirked that thought from his mind. What would he care what a criminal thinks of the boy? It didn’t matter.

Without any ceremony, Cosimo drifted into sleep once more, his shoulders light but his heart heavy.

*~*~*~*~*

The next time he woke birds were singing and the medical room was flooded with light that reflected off the white stone. It entered from the arched windows behind Cosimo, with criss-crossed design on them making a pattern of square shadows on the ground that cut through the light. He blinked awake, the boy still sleeping soundly across from him, but Henrik was no longer watching over them.

The fox looked at Cosimo as he stirred and sat up, stretching his long limbs. His head felt lighter, better and his muscles relaxed. He needed that sleep, he realised with a sleepy compassion, and by the looks of it so did the boy. He was happy to see him conscious again, but he wished he was able to stop the boy from worrying.

“Ah, Cosimo,” Nikolas said from the entry his voice hushed, leaning against the round arched wall. “You’re awake. How are you feeling this morning?”

“Better,” Cosimo replied with a smile. “Thank you.”

Nikolas smiled back at him. He nodded and stood straight, gesturing behind him. “May I show you to your room?”

Cosimo hesitated. His eyes darted to the boy, afraid that during the interaction that he had somehow disappeared, that Cosimo had made this up in his head, the rescue, the King’s kindness, sleeping amongst humans. The enemy.

“I can’t leave him alone,” Cosimo said quietly.

“I’ll look after him,” came Henrik’s voice from behind Nikolas, and Cosimo looked towards the soldier. He looked tired, bags under his eyes and a steaming cup of something that smelled rotten in his hands. He smiled his reassuring smile at Cosimo. “You need a shower, Cosimo. It will do you good. Trust me.”

Cosimo was silent as he deliberated. He really did need a shower, if not to wash all this dirt off, then to see if he had any wounds from the last few days. His hair was sore, sticking in clumps together with what Cosimo could only imagine was a mixture of sweat, rain and muck.

He nodded, surprising even himself as he stood. Half of him wanted to stay, was telling him to stay, to not trust the humans, but trust worked both ways. One of the lessons Ludwig had taught him. Cosimo needed the humans to trust him. He needed to keep them satisfied that this relationship wasn’t a mistake, that their decision to trust him and protect him and the boy was right.

Besides, apart from Artzet, Nikolas and Henrik were probably the only humans who wouldn’t immediately think of killing him or throwing him in irons. He had to appease them a little, to make sure the boy, and Cosimo himself, remained safe.

Cosimo followed Nikolas out the archway, and with one last look over his shoulder, down a new hallway he hadn’t been down before. The carpet was the colour of wine and soft under his feet, finely crafted, and he felt bad for dirtying it as he followed Nikolas up another set of stairs.

“It’s a bit of a walk,” Nikolas said, apologetic. “But the living quarters are at the top of the castle. Furthest from the entrance.”

Cosimo didn’t have to ask why. He knew it was because of the story Henrik told him. It was safer to be above the chaos and have word get to them so they could prepare, rather than be surprised by it and killed living on the lower levels of the castle.

“It’s okay,” Cosimo replied. Then, hesitantly, “I’m sorry for dirtying the floors.”

Nikolas waved him away. “Floors can be cleaned, Cosimo. As can you.”

He escorted Cosimo to a giant, heavy, dark wood door. It was twice the size of Cosimo, and when Nikolas opened it Cosimo had to fight not to open his mouth in shock. It wasn’t a room. It was like its own floor of the castle. Bigger than the Hospital that he came from, bigger than the throne room where he had his trial. Not as tall but that was fine because it made the space feel warmer, not as imposing.

“Well?” Nikolas asked.

Cosimo stared; his eyes wide with wonder. He stepped in after Nikolas gestured for him to do so, walking to the centre of the room where a stone fireplace was prepared with logs and turf, and there were two cloth armchairs facing the fire with a table on each side of them. Bookcases in the small alcoves beside the fireplace and Cosimo couldn’t believe his eyes. Paintings of faces he never met, and landscapes he’s never seen, and a wide, blue field that rolled itself over.

“I will bring in more plants to liven it up for you, Cosimo. I want it to feel like a home — I—” Cosimo looked at him. Nikolas had flushed red, and he cleared his throat. “I mean, I want you to be comfortable for as long as you wish to stay. I’ll understand if you want to lea—”

Cosimo’s feet moved before his mind did and he was beside the King, wrapping his arms around the King’s waist and squeezing him with all his strength, cutting him off. Nikolas let out a soft grunt from the impact, staring with wide eyed surprise at the chocolate curls of the elf. His surprise ebbed to warmth that flooded his face, and he smiled softly, hugging the boy back tightly.

“Thank you,” Cosimo whispered wetly. He sniffed and Nikolas held him tighter. “Thank you for everything. I promise I won’t let you down. I’ll be good. I promise.”

“Easy, Cosimo,” Nikolas said, grabbing the boy’s shoulders and pulling him back. Cosimo gazed up with tears in his eyes, tracks of tears cutting a trail through the dirt on his face down his cheeks to his jaw. “You do not need to earn this. You already have. There are no conditions to living here. I want you to treat it like it’s your court.” Cosimo hesitated and Nikolas quickly added, “as if it’s your home. I do not expect anything of you, or your brother. Or the fox,” he said. Cosimo laughed lightly, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand, smearing tears across his face.

Nikolas’s smile was warm. “Except maybe a shower,” he said, and Cosimo laughed again, nodding his agreement. “I will leave you to it so. Don’t worry. I will wait outside your door until you are ready.”

“You don’t have to—”

Nikolas placed a hand in Cosimo’s curls, silencing him. “I want to. It’s no trouble. Take your time. Okay?”

Cosimo nodded. His smile small and a little embarrassed. “Okay.”

Nikolas nodded and stepped away from Cosimo, turning his back and walked to the door leaving Cosimo alone. Cosimo’s heart leaped into his throat, and he stepped forward, his hand reaching out before he thought better of it and tightened it into a fist and shoving it by his sides. He couldn’t appear weak, or needy, not when the King was doing so much for him already.

Nikolas paused at the door, smiling over his shoulder at Cosimo before he left and shut the door the heavy wooden door behind.

Cosimo took a breath and turned on his heel. He was fine. He was fine. There was no iron, or cells, or Rochus. He was safe, and Nikolas was outside if he needed him. He should just focus his attention on showering and stop freaking out.

The eyes of the portraits seemed to follow him as he wandered through Cosimo’s living quarters. Were they judging Cosimo being in the castle? Would they have killed Cosimo outright if he was found on their grounds? Cosimo ignored them as he walked past the wide, open fireplace and two cosy couches to the door directly in front of him.

He opened it to reveal a room with two beds pushed to the walls, a small table between them with a cluster of unlit candles on top of it. The beds looked soft, the blankets the colour of dried holly berries in the colder months. Cosimo couldn’t resist walking to one of them and sitting down. It was like laying on a bed of leaves piled high so you couldn’t feel the forest floor beneath you.

He immediately shot up, aware that he was filthy, and the bed was clean. Master Ludwig would have scolded him for ruining such finery. Cosimo saw two wooden doors at the end of the room which when opened revealed different types of human clothes. A tunic and trousers like what Niko wore, comfortable enough to move around but still showing his status and wealth. Cosimo stared at them.

Was he supposed to look like a human now? Is that what this meant? His living here? He supposed it was, and if it was what was expected of him so he and the boy could be safe then Cosimo would endure it, even if the fashion was a little restrictive for his tastes. Oh god, did he have to wear shoes as well? How would he be able to feel the earth beneath—

He stared at his feet, a frown growing across his lips. Oh. Right. There was no earth beneath his feet. It was stone. Cold stone and treated wood and warm carpet. Human structures were dead, Master Ludwig told him. They weren’t like court, a living, breathing thing to be treated with respect and care. Instead, it was cold, dead, something that functioned with a sole purpose rather than something sacred.

Cosimo’s ear twitched and he looked towards the door of his room, but the sound wasn’t in front of his door. He could hear King Nikolas’s breaths, but it was past that, a hitch in a breath and Cosimo sprinted across his quarters and grabbed the handle to the door. He yanked it open; two surprised forest green eyes found his and frowned.

“Cosimo?”

“He’s awake!” Cosimo gasped, and then he took off running through the halls. He didn’t know the way back to Artzet’s room, but he could hear the boy’s frantic breaths, the fox’s subtle growl and he was there then, bounding towards the bed where Henrik stood.

The boy was standing on the bed, his back to the headboard, hissing at Henrik who had placating hands up towards the boy. Panicked whiskey-coloured eyes went to Cosimo as he ran in, and the boy faltered slightly.

“I’m here. I’m here. I’m sorry, I was— uh, relieving myself.” Cosimo heard Nikolas’s footsteps come up behind him and the boy’s eyes flickered to the King and he hissed in warning again. “It’s okay!” Cosimo tried, holding his hands up like Henrik did, trying to plamás the boy into calming down. “They helped us.”

“They’re human,” the boy croaked.

“I know,” Cosimo said as he moved delicately around the bed. He extended his hand to the fox who sniffed it and settled a little, her heckles lowering a fraction. “It’s me. Trust me.”

“Why are we surrounded by humans?”

Cosimo stiffened as he felt all eyes go to him, because that had to be question on everyone’s mind, right? Why had Cosimo risked their lives to get away from court?

Cosimo swallowed. “We got lost,” he began, licking his dry lips. “In the woods do you remember?”

The boy straightened and tilted his head to the side regarding Cosimo with a piercing stare. His whiskey eyes narrowed again. “You’re lying,” he said after a beat. Cosimo frowned.

The boy didn’t give him time to answer or come up with another lie before he jumped off the bed, landing gracefully on his bare feet. He stepped closer to Cosimo, his gaze turned inquisitive, imploring and cautious.

“Why are you lying your majesty?”

It felt as if all air left Cosimo’s lungs, as if the boy had reached down inside and grabbed his breath and held it hostage with his question. From the silence that followed Cosimo could tell Henrik and King Nikolas felt the same.

Cosimo straightened to his full height; his gaze fixed on the boy’s face. “I need you to trust me.”

“Then tell me the truth!” The boy argued, shoving Cosimo’s chest with his hands. Henrik let out a disgruntled noise at that, but Cosimo held up a hand to tell the human not to interfere.

“Can we not do this here?” Cosimo pleaded.

The boy’s expression hardened. “I am not going anywhere with you until you tell me why we are so far away from court?!”

“Please, I will explain everything—”

The boy’s voice only got louder, more desperate and punching. “Explain it now! Tell me why we’re amongst humans, Cosimo!”

“Because they were going to kill you,” Cosimo hissed. The boy faltered back a step, his whiskey-coloured eyes going wide. Cosimo ran a nervous hand through his hair and let out a shaky breath, turning away from the boy and palming at his temple.

“W—what?”

“Cosimo?” Henrik asked, but he didn’t answer. Instead, Cosimo walked to his cot and sat down heavily into it. If they were to stay here… everybody should know why Cosimo acted so rashly. Maybe they’ll understand why he had to flee from his duties, and responsibilities, and his people.

Nikolas focused on the boy who looked lost and confused, still pale from whatever illness he caught in the woods, but his eyes were bright, cat-like and incredibly expressive that Niko found he couldn’t look away. He watched as hurt, disbelief and fear flashed across his gaze until the boy’s eyes went to Niko’s and hardened.  

Cosimo held his head in his hands, his elbows on his knees. “The Elders,” Cosimo continued, his voice hollow. “On your name day… they—” Cosimo didn’t want to repeat it. He didn’t want to tell anybody, let alone the Boy, the awful things that he had overheard the Elders say.

A hand settled on Cosimo’s knee, pulling him from a trance he didn’t know he was in. Henrik was crouched in front of him, smiling up at Cosimo encouragingly.

“It’s okay, Cosimo. You’re safe now. The both of you.”

Nikolas glanced between the boys, catching Cosimo’s eye with a resolute nod. “Nobody can harm you here.”

The boy’s lips drew back into a snarl. “Have these humans been polluting your head with nonsense, your majesty? Is that what’s wrong?”

“No,” Cosimo said, catching the boy’s gaze over Henrik’s head, imploring him to calm down, to just listen to him. “What’s wrong is that your ears aren’t like mine!”

The boy frowned. He reached up to his cheek, small fingers going to his ears. He felt the conical shape of the bottom like a pebble that went up into a point. Maybe not as sharp as Cosimo’s but everyone looked different.

“I’m still growing,” the boy stammered.

“No,” Cosimo said again. “You should be grown.”

All colour seemed to drain from the boy’s already pale face, leaving his skin a papery, spectral grey. The colour of wild mushrooms that Master Ludwig said were poisonous to elves.

“That’s…” the boy began but faltered. Cosimo stood from the bed and walked over to the boy who was shaking his head. “That’s— no, no! Don’t touch me!”

Cosimo’s hand froze in the air. “I’m—”

“No!” The boy howled, pulling at his ears now. “I was raised in the court! I grew up with our laws, with our customs! I- I-” the boy looked around the room wildly before switching tongues to elvish. “I am an elf. Tell me that it’s true.”

“It’s true,” Cosimo replied in their native tongue, going to his knees in front of the boy. “It’s true you are elven. You know our way, but The Elders assumed that you are also part—”

“Human,” the boy whispered, tears pooling in his eyes. He looked so defeated in that moment that Cosimo just wanted to reach out and hug him and tell him everything was a cruel joke and that this was a dream, or a nightmare. Cosimo didn’t know how the boy knew the Elders thought he was half human, but maybe the boy just knew somewhere deep down. The boy’s bottom lip trembled as he looked at Cosimo. “I — they didn’t- I don’t even have a name…”

“I know. I’m sorry. I’m sorry,” Cosimo whispered, pressing his forehead forward and squeezing his eyes shut. “I had to take you away before your naming ceremony because they planned to execute you, and I couldn’t just stand by and watch. I— I— please. Please forgive me. I promise we will celebrate your name—”

Two small arms wrapped around Cosimo’s neck and jerked him forwards. Cosimo’s eyes widened in surprise at the boy’s strength.

“You saved my life,” the boy whispered. “There’s nothing to forgive.”

Cosimo tried to swallow the emotion in his throat, but it was too much to suppress in the moment because he was so worried that the boy would hate him; shun him when he awoke and then Cosimo would be left with nobody of his kind. That he would be alone in a foreign world that spoke a foreign tongue. All the stress bubbled to the surface and Cosimo wrapped his arms around the boy, squeezing him tightly and tried not to let the tears fall.

It wasn’t all for nothing.

He didn’t abandon his home for nothing.

A throat cleared behind them and Cosimo stiffened, forgetting that they had an audience. Cosimo pulled away from the boy and smiled at him.

“We are in a local Kingdom,” Cosimo said. “Like the court only… bigger and this is King Nikolas and his General, Henrik. They… well,” Cosimo said, feeling his face flush pink at the very violent encounter that led to them meeting. “They offered us a home here, in the Kingdom. In the palace to stay and sleep and be safe.”

The boy stared at Cosimo as he spoke, something hard in his expression that Cosimo couldn’t quite discern, and it unsettled him.

“They promised we’d be safe here. That no…” he swallowed the lump in his throat at the thought of their court coming to find them and drag them home. Since when had his mind decided that his kind were the enemy? His people. His friends. His teachers and mentors and family. “…elves will find us.”

“But what about your court, Cosimo? Your people? How can you just abandon them like this?”

It felt as though a branch had broken beneath Cosimo’s feet and he couldn’t save himself from the harsh and long fall to the ground.

Any words that came to his mind turned to ash on his tongue and Cosimo was lost again, floundering in the darkness for any speckle of light.

So, when the King spoke Cosimo wanted to cry out in relief. “It has been a long few days for you both,” Nikolas said with a measured tone behind them. The boy’s eyes cut into the king, but Cosimo couldn’t really blame him for his ill-ease around humans. Even if he was half human. “I think it would be best if you rested. We can discuss next steps when you have both eaten and had a full night’s rest.”

The boy stepped out of Cosimo’s hold and walked over to his cot, sitting down heavily. The fox curled into his side lazily and his hand went to her fur absent minded.

Cosimo stood and ran both hands through his hair before he schooled his expression into one of hopeful neutrality. To the boy he was still royalty, still his superior so he had to act like it if he wanted this transition to be as smooth as possible.

“I agree,” Cosimo said with a smile.

Henrik looked at the boy. “What’s your name, lad?”

The boy didn’t look at him when he spoke. “I don’t have one yet.”

Cosimo felt Nikolas’s eyes on him. “You don’t have one?” Henrik asked, baffled.

“I’m sure the boys will be able to figure it out themselves, Henrik,” Nikolas said eventually. Cosimo felt the tension uncoil in his shoulders at the closing of the conversation. “For now, I think you both should rest. I will summon Artzet, the doctor, and have him look over you now that you are awake.”

Cosimo smiled gratefully at the King. “Thank you, your ma—”

Nikolas held up a hand cutting Cosimo off, and smiled chidingly at him. “If you don’t want me to start calling you that, Cosimo, I suggest you stick to my name.”

Cosimo felt the blush tinge his ears pink. He nodded slightly. “Thank you, Nikolas.”

Nikolas nodded bowed to the fae boys before he made his leave. Cosimo looked over at the Boy whose eyes were trained on the spot that Nikolas disappeared around.

Feeling Cosimo’s gaze the boy looked at him and scrunched up his nose. “What kind of name is Nee-kol-louse?”

Henrik barked out a laugh, startling the boy. “Mmm, Gods knows. Be sure to tell him that when he comes back.”

Henrik winked at Cosimo who laughed with him. “He’d get a laugh out of that.”

“I wasn’t trying to be humourous,” the boy scowled.

“Good on ye,” Henrik replied, conversational and friendly, taking no offence to the boy’s sour mood. “You must be naturally funny, like Cosimo here. You’ll both fit right in. Trust me.”

Cosimo smiled and hoped, no prayed, that Henrik would be right. That they could be safe here, and fit in as if they were actual citizens of the Kingdom. As he turned his head to gaze out the window he felt an uneasiness settle in his gut, like an ancient power had just awoken within him, and turned his stomach into a storm.

The Kingswood flashed across his vision and he quickly looked away, a ghost-like wisp of smoke rising to his nostrils. He swallowed down the ill-omen and kept the smile on his face. He was safe. They were safe.

Henrik and Nikolas would keep them safe.

Maybe if he kept saying it to himself, eventually, he could believe it to be true.

*~*~*~*~*

Tag-list: @tippytappytyping @annablogsposts

[annieroleplayqueen]

Antiquity f x f prompts I've been into lately: - You've just been married off to a powerful warrior queen in the north. It's an arranged political marriage that has caused some scandal. You've never laid eyes on the queen or her country until you arrive to be wed. You find she's aloof, temperamental, and unused to the nuances of courtship and romance, though she has the capacity to be fiercely protective (and fiercely jealous). - You're a young noblewoman who has taken to frequenting the only lesbian brothel in the kingdom. You had hoped it would be a place to get your sapphic desires out of your system, but instead you find yourself falling deeper and deeper into those same desires, struggling to justify your secret life to yourself and to those who are closest to you. - When your reputation for keeping the company of women threatens your noble family's standing, they send you to a secluded isles where "women like you" are left to pursue their supposedly aberrant desires. There, you find dozens of women living openly sapphic lives, spending most of their time drinking wine, bathing in the sea, wandering the forests and mountains, writing poetry and making art, and experiencing the full range of love, desire, and heartbreak. - You're the newest addition to the harem of a powerful lesbian queen, who conquered your people and took you as a prize. With your old life gone forever, you're now left to navigate the complicated politics and carnal jealousies of harem life, vying for the Queen's affections while forming rivalries, friendships, and relationships with your fellow concubines. (larger cast; domme/sub dynamics)

[zomboire]

long time, no post :’) i come back with dimitri fanart. i’m on my 3rd playthrough of FE3H (played verdant wind twice and now azure moon).

[macknus]

The Queen and the Politician

The Queen walked through the gardens with the young up-and-coming politician at her side. She let her delicate fingers run over the red rose petals, and spoke to the politician without looking at her.

“There was a time when all of this was divine,” she said, her voice regal, carrying the air of authority, while appearing disarmingly feminine. Though, Politician knew, that all of it was a cleverly crafted mask to make her appear more woman than beast. “We would look at flowers bloom and think ourselves blessed by the Gods. Now, you would have the people believe that it is a mechanical thing, something to be understood.”

Politician didn’t waver.

“Yes, your grace. However, I don’t want to paint an impression that knowledge is above divinity.” The queen looked at her. “I believe knowledge doesn’t destroy the beauty of nature, or the hitherto conceived notion that the world is filled with magic, and divine blessings.”

Politician stepped closer to the Queen, bowing to smell the roses that perfumed the air. They smelled like summer in the country, bringing Politician back to her childhood. The Sun beaming down on her as she played in the fields with her friends.

The Queen raised a perfectly sculpted brow at Politician as she stood to full height again. Politician smiled a genuine smile at the Queen. “I believe there is also beauty in revealing the secrets of our world, and presenting the opportunity to learn about them, equally, for all.”

The Queen’s hazel eyes studied Politician. Politician’s hair was tied back away from her face, not in the usual fashion that had swept through the noble ladies and girls of the city. It was practical, yet still presentable. Her skin was the same shade as the palace’s goat herder, and there was a resolute rigidness to her that seemed strong and dependable.

Unbreakable.

“You’re not from the city, are you?”

The tips of Politician’s cheeks flushed. “No, your grace.”

“Hmm,” the Queen smiled. “Perhaps we can help each other then. I commend you for your bravery of bringing this subject matter to the top, away from the other grouts in city hall.”

“I do work for the same grouts, my lady.”

“Of course,” the Queen said with a wave, hiding her cunning smile behind a pleasantly false one. A politician with loyalty and convictions, it was as if she was staring a fairy in the eyes. “Well I’d like to get to know you better over lunch.”

Politician’s hackles raised. “I couldn’t possibly impose.”

“Nonsense, my girl. We will eat, and then you will tell me more about this project of yours. How you intend to get this magical knowledge out to the public,” the Queen said with a wink to sweeten the pot. The truth was this Politician intrigued her, which is the first time in years— nay, the first time ever perhaps. “We shall talk business, you have my guarantee.”

Politician sensing that there was no room for argument, bowed to the Queen. The Queen stifled a laugh at the girl who bowed like the highest ranking noble men, no curtsy. One arm under her heart, the other behind her back.

“I will humbly accept your most gracious invitation.”

Perhaps this union could serve them both. The Queen nodded to one of her serving girls. “Be a dear snd tell cook that we shall have a guest dine with us for lunch.”

“Right away, your majesty.”

Politician straightened, smiling at the Queen.

[kyettoes]

Sorry for the lack of posts recently, I’ve been drawing my friends as medieval fantasy stuff hehe