#miladys-servant-gwen

[letaliabane]

Saving the Butler! - Valet!SimonRiley and Maid!Reader (heavily centred on our Butler Mr Kyle Garrick)

You were sitting beneath the oak tree, taking in the early morning sun while the ladies of the house had their breakfast trays in bed when suddenly the shrill ring of the bike bell rang. Turning to the gate you saw the postman who handed in a singular letter before disappearing out of site.

Glancing at the aged parchment you noticed it was directly addressed to Mr Garrick himself.

Kyle Garrick was a young butler, younger than any you had met anyway. But you could say he was a bit of an old soul. Another of Lord John's close comrades from the war. Probably one of the very few he put all his trust in, especially making him the man to oversee the running of Downton Abbey.

He was a closed off man, by the book and firm when needed. Though sometimes you saw a tiny smile on his face when a joke was particularly funny in the servant's hall.

Making your way inside, you walked down the corridor and knocked on his office door.

'Enter,' you heard behind the closed door. You gave the butler a smile, 'Morning Mr Garrick, this just arrived at the back for you.'

'Thank you Y/N,' He said, giving you a tight-lipped smile as he took the letter.

When you had disappeared out of sight and the door shut, he slipped his paper knife through the envelope, letting it fall to the desk as he unravelled the letter.

Reading the words upon the page it felt like his heart had stopped. Lunging to his feet, he grabbed his coat and was out of his office, and out the back door.

A week later

As the kitchen staff were preparing to serve tea, the rest of the servants gathered from their jobs upstairs for a brief respite. You found yourself thirsty and decided to get yourself a glass of water.

Going into the now-empty kitchen, you were quick to grab a glass from the cupboard reserved for the staff. But as you went to turn the tap at the sink, a loud 'CRASH' had you gasping in shock, nearly dropping the glass in your hand.

Turning towards the sound, you saw the pantry doors wide open, within the threshold various vegetables and fruit rolled by and gathering them into a satchel was—Mr Garrick?!

He was out of breath, a red warmth to his cheeks as if he'd been in a hurry, his usual smart and presentable attire in disarray. Mr Garrick got to his feet only to freeze at the sight of you, mouth agape, unable to speak.

'Um,' You started, taking in the satchel he tried to hide terribly at his side, 'Can I help Mr Garrick?'

'No, not at all Y/N, not at all,' He said, giving you a nod before hurrying out towards the back door, leaving you quite dumbfounded.

You soon found your wits, returning your glass to its place before returning to the hall where the staff were all seated. Mr Riley was writing in his journal, Gwen going on about her lack of confidence in Matthew Crawley because of his 'class.'

As you took your seat, Mr Riley looked to you, eyes softening. 'You alrigh' Miss?'

'I've just seen something ever so odd—' You started, only to be spoken over by Gwen.

'I'm sorry but I have standards! If you expect me to bow and courtesy to this nobody from bloody nowhere-'

'Gwen?'

The voice had you all on your feet immediately. There standing at the door dressed in a beautiful yet simple lavender day dress, curled hair done in an updo with makeup light, was the Lady of the house Liliana Montel.

Though American, she had been one of the kindest women you had served, and probably the youngest. You could see why his Lordship had fallen for her. Beauty, kindness, and smarts are all in one package. Though rumour through the country was that he married her just for her father's money, you highly doubted it by the way they doted on each other and their three girls.

In this instance, however, her usual kindness was overshadowed by shock and sternness.

'Were you just discussing Mr Crawley?' She asked, staring directly at Gwen.

'Yes, Milady I was,' The woman in question choked out in her shock.

Liliana raised her eyebrow. 'Is it your place to do so?'

Gwen gulped heavily, gathering herself before saying, 'I've got my opinions milady, same as anybody else!'

The sharp clicking of heels caught your attention as Ms Laswell came from around the corner, going to her Ladyship's side. 'May I help you in any way Milday?'

'I just came down to pass on this button from my new evening coat, seems to have come undone,' Liliana says, putting the little black button into the head housekeeper's hand, eyes quickly moving to Gwen again. 'However I was ... quite shocked by the chatter I heard as I came in. Mr Crawley is his Lordship's distant cousin and heir. You therefore should please show him the respect he is entitled to.

Gwen puffed her chest, saying with a chortle, 'You don't like him yourself! Milday I overheard you say it, you never wanted him to—'

'Enough!' Liliana silenced her, expression now sour.

You had to hold back your shock. Every maid, let alone ladies maid knew there was a strict code to be followed. Of course, being able to assist the women of the house was a privilege, but hearing the gossip and secrets behind closed doors was an even bigger one. It was never to be shared or repeated elsewhere.

'You are sailing perilously close to a line that should not be crossed! If you are to remain a ladies' maid you will not speak in that way again about the Crawleys or any of my husband's family again.'

She was quick to take her leave, leaving the servant's hall in an awkward silence as you all took your seats again.

A embarrassed and red faced Gwen remained standing in shock before stating to the room, 'A real Lady of the house would've rang for me not come down herself.'

Without another word, she plucked the button from Ms Laswell and disappeared out of sight.

Glancing towards Johnny, his face bright red as he tried but failed to hold back his laughter. Quickly turning your body towards Mr Riley you couldn't help but giggle against his shoulder, his own laughter muffled behind his mask.

'Oh I haven't had a goo' laugh like tha' in a long time,' Johnny gasped, wiping the tear from his eye.

Mr Riley shook his head. 'Gwen had it coming to her. Regret to say it but I savoured it.'

You tilted your head with your eyebrow raised, smirking. 'You don't though do you?'

There was a particular glint in his eye which told you he did not regret it. He put his journal down, turning his attention to you. 'Now tell me about this odd thing you saw Miss.'

A week later

You sat in the servants hall, this time all alone, patching up the jewels on a pair of heels for Lady Edith. In the solitude, it was easier to get the work done without any distractions.

'Where is everyone?'

The rumble of Mr Riley's familiar voice had her turning to see him walking to your side, a coat over his arm, pulling out a chair beside you.

'They've gone down to the village, some travelling salesman has arrived and settled in a pub for the night. They all wanted to see him,' You said.

He raised his eyebrow, settling into his chair. 'Alone at last it seems.'

Chuckling, you continued cleaning the shoes. Just as he looked over his lordship's coat he muttered, 'Shouldn't be without both footmen, wonder if Mr Garrick knows?'

'Ms Laswell does! She went down with the others. They probably won't be long.'

A comfortable silence fell over you both, you working on the shoes while Mr Riley cleaned up the coat. His arm grazed yours every so often but you didn't mind. It was almost comforting. It reminded you of how he had raised your hand to his cold mask's lips. You imagined what his real lips were like. Were they warm? Gentle? Chapped—'

He piped up once, distracting you from your thoughts.

'So you see to all three girls, AND you are supposed to be head housemaid? You should put in for a raise?'

You couldn't help but scoff, sending him a cheeky smile. 'What do you mean 'supposed to be'?'

He chuckled but his reply was interrupted by the shrill ring of a bell. Your smile fell. Upon the opposite wall were all bells for every room in the house when service was required. This particular one was for the front door.

Mr Riley glanced up, eyebrows furrowed in annoyance, shaking his head. 'Didn't I say we should have had at least a single footmen left behind?'

'You'll have to answer it,' You say nervously, 'Mr Garrick won't like a lady's maid answering the front door.'

Assisting him up the stairs, you stood a ways away as Mr Riley answered the door. You couldn't hear very clearly, but there seemed to be a man asking for his Lordship. When Mr Riley refused, he said he knew Mr Garrick to be the butler.

Turning away from the door he came to your side, whispering frantically near your ear, 'Go and find Mr Garrick as fast as you can.'

You nodded and just as you turned away, the double doors were pushed open by the visitor. Tanned skin, black hair, he was dressed in a plaid suit, bowler hat in hand as he waltzed in.

Mr Riley looked to you once more, squeezing your hand, 'Go through the front door. Trust me.'

Giving him a nod, ignoring the man who looked you up and down you rushed out the door. Glancing around, you saw a distant figure walking down the garden path towards the house who vaguely looked like the butler.

Your heels clicked against the pebbled path, running as fast as you could towards him. 'Mr Garrick?'

The man looked up, revealing it was indeed, Mr Garrick, eyes wide in shock at the sight of you. You stopped in front of him and tried to catch your breath.

'Good God Y/N, are you—'

'No time!' You gasped, 'You're needed at the house at once. A man is asking for you!'

Mr Garrick's expression morphed into fear. With him at your side, you both rushed back towards the house. Following behind him into the library, you found the man in question, a perplexed Lord John and Mr Riley.

'Beg pardon your lordship!' Mr Garrick said as he rushed into the room.

Mr Riley glanced towards him then turned at your arrival, coming to your side as you tried to quietly catch your breath, pressing a firm hand to your back as if to steady you.

'You two can go—'

'No!' John bellowed over the butler, stopping you and Mr Riley in your tracks, 'No one is going anywhere! Do I take it you know this man Garrick?'

The unknown man grinned, but it wasn't in a friendly way. More like to tease. 'You gonna tell 'em or shall I?'

'I'm going to!' Mr Garrick said, rather angrily. 'This is Thomas Grig. We grew up together.'

Thomas scoffed, stepping up towards Mr Garrick. 'That's an understatement. We were brothers—'

'We were not!' The butler opposed, shoving his hand off when he went to embrace him. His smile no longer remained, stepping away from Mr Garrick.

Mr Garrick's eyes jumped nervously from each person in the room, head hanging low. 'This was long before I was taken in by an orphanage. But we grew up in a poor part of Manchester. And that led to us ... to steal to survive.'

You angrily stared at Thomas who looked around in glee as if proud of his act. You couldn't believe he would try to shame Mr Garrick for only trying to survive.

'He turned up in the village a week or so ago with no warning. On the run of course. Wanting a place to hide, and of course, for money!' Mr Garrick explained, 'He was wanted for some petty crime that he is obviously guilty of—'

'Hey steady on!' Thomas growled, shoving the butler. You felt Mr Riley stiffen beside you, fist tight as he glowered at the man. Quietly, you reached for his hand, and his eyes were quick towards you, briefly taking your hand into his.

Mr Garrick sighed, 'He blackmailed me, saying if I didn't help he would expose my past. I put him up in one of the empty cottages. I couldn't buy food from the village. Would've raised too many questions. So I stole, from the kitchens here. Y/N saw me,' He sighed, pointing towards you.

You shook your head. 'I wouldn't 'ave said anything Mr—'

'My Lord,' Mr Garrick said over you, looking to his lordship guiltily, 'I understand if my resignation is needed.'

John, who had remained silent this whole time taking in the encounter, cleared his throat, turning to Thomas.

'So why have you come here today? Especially if he has done everything you have asked of him?'

Thomas scoffed, glaring towards Mr Garrick, before, with absolute gall, he sat down on one of the great sofas. 'Because he hasn't! He didn't give me any money!''

'If I did you would've just come back for more. You are nothing but greedy!' Mr Garrick muttered, Thomas laughing.

John glanced between the two before smiling. 'Mr Grigg I'll tell you what's going to happen. When I've given you twenty pounds you will leave Downton immediately and we will never see you again.'

Though he brightened at the mention of money, Thomas grimaced. 'I'll will have to see?'

'If you return I will ensure you are convicted for theft and blackmail,' John continued, even as Thomas jumped to his feet in a bumbling mess, pulling a couple of noted of money out of his wallet, 'You will serve five to ten years in His Majesty's custody.'

The man eyed the money, grabbing the money with a huff. 'One day your lot will fall, you'll have to toe the line like the rest of us.'

John smiled brightly. 'Thankfully for Kyle Garrick, that day has not come.'

Thomas glared at Mr Garrick before turning on his heel and stomping out of the room. Mr Riley pulled you behind him as the man stomped past, quickly following him, probably to ensure he had left.

'I'll take it my resignation has not been accepted sir?' You heard Mr Garrick ask quietly. It was the least confident you had ever seen him. It almost made your heart break a little at the fear in his voice.

John turned to him, gripping the man's shoulder. 'We all have chapters we would rather keep unpublished Kyle.'

'You and I are gonna have to treat Mr Garrick like a God for a month to calm his nerves! He'll be afraid it'll change the way we think of him,' Mr Riley said from a corner of the garden. Once again, night had fallen, Mr Riley's mask was off as he smoked in the shadows, while you turned your back as you sat beneath the oak tree.

You giggled, 'Well we mustn't let it! We should admire him more because of it!'

'Either way, it will change the way we think of him somehow. It always does.'

You couldn't help but frown at his words, shaking your head. 'I don't see why. I shouldn't care what I found out about you, whatever it was. It wouldn't alter my opinion one bit!'

There was a long pause after you spoke you almost thought Mr Riley had gone inside. It was the crushing of cigarette beneath boot heel that brought you back into the moment, Mr Riley grumbling, as if to himself.

'But it would. It certainly would.'

Call of Duty Masterlist Happy New Year all!~ New chapter is here! Thought I'd make this one about Kyle, but also put a bit of angst at the end. What could Mr Riley be referring to ;) Taglist @lostintransist @teapartydreams @darkangel4121

[rawbutprecious]

He shook his head. He was to be King. He had been the next in line of throne. It was his duty to look after his subjects and his family. Morgana was his family. She'd been his father's ward and ultimately she was his stepsister.

"But she came to me. She asked my opinion on magic. She saw how I treated those with magic," he whispered, resting his face in his hands. "I cared... care about her, Gwen. I wanted what was best for her. I didn't give it. But I didn't give her that and... and now I don't even have my kingdom. I need your counsel, please. What do I do?"

rawbutprecious​:

continued from x for @miladys-servant-gwen

“Oh, Arthur…” Gwen pulled her own blanket tighter around her shoulders and moved to sit beside him. “…Of course it’s not your fault. You couldn’t possibly have seen any of this coming. None of us could have.”

Arthur sighed. He scrubbed his face with his hands. “But, Guinevere, she came to me many times. I brushed her off. I kept her at arm’s length. If only I’d helped her. If only I’d listened,” Arthur prattled, with a shake of his head. “I don’t know what I am going to do.”

Gwen frowned faintly. “It’s not your fault,” she repeated softly. “There were…many things that contributed, aside from your treatment of Morgana, I’m sure of it. She kept secrets from all of us, and we kept secrets from her. If anything, His Majesty’s far more at fault than you, for what’s happened. And he’s not the only one. You only did what you thought you were supposed to do. That doesn’t make it your fault, Arthur.”

[thisisjustmefangirling]

Merlin rewatch, 2x10 : Sweet dreams.

Episode rewatched on the 16th of april 2024

Summary :

Dignitaries from rival kingdoms descend on Camelot for peace talks, but what King Alined really wants is war and he'll do everything in his power to stir up hostilities, even if it means using magic. 

Alined's jester Trickler puts a spell on Arthur to make him fall madly in love with rival King Olaf's daughter Vivian. Chaos reigns in the palace and Camelot is once more poised on the brink of war. 

Can Merlin free Arthur's heart before the prince loses his head in battle?

Sounds like a crucial piece of information for Arthur's future, as he is supposedly destined to unite Albion.

Alined looks as amiable as a prison door. Funny to see how he treats his servant and compare it to how Arthur treats Merlin. I wish we'd see how Uther treats his own servant but it seems like this character doesn't exist.

That knight handshake cracks me up all the time. Supposing that we don't sneeze or cough into our elbow, this is a very Covid-era like way of saying hello.

Oh hi Georgia Tennant ! <3

Arthur, you can be such a gentleman sometimes !

Oh wait THIS IS THE "Destiny and chicken" episode !!!!! Aaaaah I'm excited ! I love this line.

Why does the servant's face looks so familiar to me ? He must have acted in something else I've watched.

Vivian quickly revealing herself to be a brat like one of those Upper East side nepo babies from Gossip girl... That's gonna be fun ! I wonder what Georgia remembers from shooting this episode.

Arthur praising Guinevere <3

"She is one of Camelot's finest". "Then I fear for Camelot".

Milady. You're getting Lady Morgana's private maid. This is special treatment. Be graceful about it.

The disbelief on Arthur's face !

"Good luck with that one".

And then they laugh. How cute !

I think Vivian is an incredibly interesting character because she serves as a contrast for several character : Guinevere, and Arthur.

Let's not forget that she is acting like a spoiled brat, just like Arthur was when he first met Merlin. He's made some progress since then, and we see that in how he reacts to Vivian's behaviour.

Then, Vivian is a contrast to Guinevere : one is spoilt, demanding and arrogant, the other is hardworking, sweet, humble and kind. Two kinds of woman, two kinds of love interest.

"You should have heard what she said to Gwen".

I love these scenes between Arthur and Merlin when they're going about their daily routine, especially when they're in Arthur's bedroom being all domestic. Here, Arthur is dressing for the feast.

He had a hole in his first shirt, created by moths ! It's pretty weird that Merlin doesn't seem to care it would leave a bad impression on the five kings present at the feast. I like to think Merlin is both a bad and an extremely competent servant in his own way. He'll mess with unimportant stuff but will be extremely careful with Arthur's armor and making him look good to other people, especially foreign dignitaries. Well, that's my headcanon.

Merlin truly has no fear, he can just bring up Arthur's love for Gwen like that, out of the blue, when Arthur doesn't want to talk about it and is denying it (even after admitting his feelings about her to Merlin a few episodes ago when they were on their way to rescue Gwen from those bandits).

Arthur's threats can't make Merlin back down. He knows deep down, Arthur won't hurt him. He can keep on teasing him and laugh a bit about it.

"You're blushing !" "No I'm not."

Morgana should always be surrounded with pretty women. This should have been her destiny.

ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME ? BLUE BUTTERFLIES ? MERLIN'S FAVOURITE MAGIC SPELL ?

How can Alined treat his servant like a total buffoon when he knows he has magic ?

Also while sometimes love potions can make people act stupid and in funny ways on tv, I think we'd laugh way less if this was GHB.

Are the CROWN PRINCE'S CHAMBERS never properly guarded ? I swear ! Fuck ! No wonder prisoners keep escaping, the security in this castle is a vast mess ! And why is Arthur not waking up ? You're a soldier for fuck's sake. The way the guy pops up and down like he came from under the mattress and is going back there... Comical but illogical. Get up and leave, maybe ?

"You're dressed".

Everytime Merlin shows up to Arthur's room in the morning and Arthur is awake, up and dressed, Merlin is surprised.

"Indeed, you are very skilled... at getting people to do things for you." "That is your job".

Merlin is not afraid to spit the truth hahaha.

"I wish to make a proclamation of love".

Arthur you never speak of your feelings so openly. Ever.

Aww I love when Merlin is arranging Arthur's clothes and basically touching him as part of his job.

"Right. What will you tell your father?" "What does my father matter?" "Well, that's one way of approaching things."

"Of course" Merlin replies, and Merlin rolls his eyes, because of course even in love Merlin has to do Arthur's job for him.

Arthur you are clumsy with your feelings and how to express them even under a lovespell, but you still look extremely cute <3

You know what, this is the kind of scene that make me doubt that Merlin is bi and think he might actually be gay, and his short lived affair with Freya was more about compassion and the feeling of finally be with kin, people who understand him, that about attraction and romantic love.

"Flowers ?" "Excellent. Find some. Perhaps you should also send a note". "Brilliant idea". "Something moving. Something... from the heart. Something... You'll think of something".

Arthur relies so much on Merlin omg. I would say that this is because he's enchanted but I think I remember him making Merlin pick flowers to give Gwen in season 5.

OHMYGOD MERLIN THIS IS WHAT YOU WROTE TO GWEN ? You have strong Cyrano powers ! It never ends well. Gosh. And the flowers are in the colours of Gwen's favourite outfits : cream and light purple. Merlin, were you ever to court someone, you would have a VERY strong game. Anyone you would woo would fall under your charm instantly.

Intricate ritual : manhandle your servant as you talk about what you made him do to court the woman you are enchanted to be in love with. Touch him, grab him. And then talk about how beautiful that woman is.

Merlin you're finally picking up on something.

This is the face of someone who realised that :

A) There's something wrong happening with Arthur

B) He fucked up.

Two things to know about Merlin :

He never knocks.

He always has the lamest excuses for being somewhere and they usually involve vermin : moths, woodworms, and now rats.

I love seeing Gwen smile... Her life probably isn't easy, and it shows a nice attention like a bouquet of flowers can change someone's day for the better <3

Haha Merlin trying to get Gaius to help but he can't tell him the specifics because he can't reveal Arthur is actually in love with Gwen ! He's being a good friend.

One of my favourite lines ever from the show.

Help he's so insistent and into the food x)

He's so lucky Merlin arrived when he did! Poor Arthur, his feelings are hurt...

There is no straight explanation for this, Alined.

Arthur, you're cute. You need a hug.

"It might be worthwhile returning to your old love."

You know what, this is actually the first time I hear Merlin expressing doubts about Arthur's feelings for Gwen and their relationship.

Part 2 in another post, I can't add more pictures to this one.

[angelswing236]

"We can't do this on our own."

Fictober 2023

Category: Fanfiction

Fandom: Downton Abbey

‘Oh, my goodness,’ Anna said, her hand going to her mouth as she stared at the body on the bed. ‘He’s… he’s dead. He’s really dead.’

‘Yes. I told you he was,’ Mary said, standing beside her maid, also staring at Pamuk’s body, lying exactly where and how she left him when she ran upstairs to get Anna.

‘I know, but… well, I hoped…’

‘What? That he would resurrect like Jesus?’

‘No. That you were wrong.’ Anna swallowed, unable to rip her eyes from the body. ‘What do we do?’

‘We have to move him. We have to take him back to his own room,’ Mary said, not taking even one step closer to the dead man in her bed.

Anna shivered, unwilling to touch him.

‘Right. Well. Let’s… let’s see if we can’t get him between us,’ Mary said stoutly, mustering up her courage.

‘But he’s…’

‘What?’

‘Naked,’ Anna said, wrinkling her nose.

‘Well, yes.’

‘I’ve never seen a naked man before. Let alone touched one,’ Anna confessed.

‘Well, I don’t think he’ll mind you touching him. Not now. And probably not before, come to think of it,’ Mary snapped, anxiety getting the better of her.

‘Still, milady. It doesn't seem right,’ Anna pressed, deeply reluctant to touch the late Mr Pamuk.

‘Well, we can wrap him in a sheet or something! But we must move him, Anna! And we have to do it now!’ Mary hissed, not relishing the task herself. ‘Please! I need your help!’

Anna set her jaw, deciding it was best just to get on with it and not think about it. ‘Right, let’s do it then.’

Gratitude flooding through her, Mary walked up to the bed, girding her loins to deal with the situation.

‘Let’s try and turn him over.’

Anna nodded, coming to stand beside her.

Mary put her hand on the corpse’s shoulder and pushed gently. Mr Pamuk did not budge, not even an inch. She looked up at Anna helplessly.

‘Push him harder,’ Anna said, reaching for his arm, flinching at the feel of flesh that already felt cool to the touch. Don’t panic, she told herself, trying to quell the feeling of revulsion. It’s just because he’s naked on a cold night in March, that’s all.

Mary pushed again at his shoulder as Anna lifted the arm draped over the side of the bed.

Mr Pamuk wobbled a bit and then faceplanted onto the bed, his wide, open eyes staring sightlessly at the wall.

‘Oh, my God! Oh, my God! He’s so heavy!’ Mary whispered, panic edging into her voice. ‘How are we going to get him all the way over to the Bachelor’s Corridor if we can’t even turn him over?’

Anna bit her lip. ‘We can’t. We can’t do this on our own. We have to get help.’

‘Help? Who on earth can we get to help us, Anna?’ Mary squawked, her heart thumping at the thought of more people knowing her shame.

‘There must be someone. Think.’

‘I don’t know! I don’t know!’

‘Your sisters?’

‘No! Absolutely not. Sybil’s too young and Edith… Edith would lord it over me for the rest of my days on this earth and I simply couldn’t bear that,’ Mary replied, firmly. ‘What about Gwen?’

Anna shook her head. ‘No, Gwen’s going to have to cover for me if I’m falling asleep throughout the day tomorrow. We can’t both be absent.’

‘Who else then?’

‘What about… Mr Carson?’

‘No. Carson… no. He would… no,’ Mary replied, adamant about that.

‘Mrs Hughes? She’s very practical,’ Anna suggested, thinking aloud.

Mary shook her head. ‘I think she’d feel honour bound to tell my parents.’

‘I’m not sure that she would, milady.’

‘No, I can’t risk it.’

‘Well, who then? I can’t go into the men’s side of the servants’ quarters, so I can’t rouse any of them to help us. Anyway, I’m not sure who I’d trust besides perhaps Mr Bates. I wouldn’t trust Thomas. And William would not be able to keep it a secret.’

‘I wish my Aunt Rosamund was here. She’d be steely enough to help us move a corpse,’ Mary said, absolutely sure that her aunt had the backbone to do such a thing.

‘But she’s not here, is she?’ Anna said, trying to rein in her impatience. ‘So, who else?’

Mary closed her eyes, a realisation settling on her that made her want to vomit. ‘There is one person.’

‘Who?’

‘My mother,’ Mary said quietly, opening her eyes and looking directly at Anna.

‘Her ladyship?’ Anna questioned in disbelief. ‘But… I thought you said you didn’t want your parents to know.’

‘Think about it, Anna. She will do whatever she has to to keep this from being discovered. The scandal would ruin me, perhaps even ruin the family name, too. She will help us because she has to.’

‘But…’

‘What?’

‘She’s so slight.’

‘She’s stronger than she looks. I think between the three of us, we could move him.’

‘Well, if you think so,’ Anna said doubtfully, unable to imagine the elegant Countess of Grantham hoicking a dead body across her home in the middle of the night.

Mary sighed, her hand going to her forehead. ‘I think it’s our only choice.’

‘Do you want me to go and fetch her?’ Anna offered.

‘No, you stay here. It has to be me who goes in and wakes her. I can only hope that Papa is either sleeping in his dressing room tonight or he is sound asleep.’ Mary gave her maid a wry look. ‘Wish me luck.’

‘Good luck, milady.’

Squaring her shoulders, Mary headed for the door, preparing to confess her sins to her mother and beg for her help.

Behind her, Anna cast a wary look at the corpse lying on the bed, its arm still dangling off it, determined to stay as far away from it as she could before she had to touch it again. She only hoped her ladyship said yes to helping them.

[damagedward]

Starter For @miladys-servant-gwen

‘𝔄 ℌ𝔦𝔡𝔡𝔢𝔫 𝔄𝔩𝔩𝔶’

( ‘A Hidden Ally’ )

She turns at the sudden sound , she had only recently returned to the castle and after recent events her jumping was more plausible but her friend didn’t even know .

Her father had sent her away once again after the ‘incident’ as he had referred to it as . He had acted as if it hadn’t even happened when she’d been brought back to the castle disheveled and a mess of sobs .

“Gwen — I ,” she swiped at her eyes to try and cover what had been happening but it was obvious . “Just got back in , I didn’t want to bother you right away I’m sure you’ve grown accustomed to new duties in my absence .”

She moves now from the window she had been stood by , towards her maid and friend .

“I missed you ,” she hopes questions don’t come , she knows she doesn’t look well , she knows there is evidence for once . All she wants is to have a nice bath and meal perhaps just head to bed .

“Have I missed much ?” It was only a week she had been gone this time . It was a mystery as to why she acted as if Gwen hadn’t witnessed her disappearances from time to time before . But they had never spoken of them . The reasons or anything as even she was not entirely sure of it all .

[jonquildove]

sonofpendragon:

Now that he was able to see who was calling to him, he couldn’t help but to think how she was a beautiful woman. She seemed to be a visitor to the castle, he pausing in going to the throne room to talk about druids; yet he wanted to keep his promise, heartbroken and drinking water reminded him of the suffering druid boy ; a pale shimmer of what he was. He didn’t know if he wanted to truly admit that he was an awesome prince; wanting to be a honourable and kind king, or just to say his name. Better to just be polite and forget titles for the moment. “Arthur, milady, my name is Arthur. Title isn’t important, but what may I address you as?”

She smiled at him, a tinge of nervousness upon her lips. Her red hair was shining, as she wears a dress she sewed herself. “It’s good to meet you, Arthur.” Milady was certainly the correct term to address her as, but she supposed Arthur greeted every woman he’d just met as that, out of politeness. Including Gwen, who was a servant, they meeting in the hall as she walked in the castle, yet he said she was a lady. Unbeknownst to her, Gwen and him dated at her home, eating dinner at her table; the servant girl smiling fondly. She was a princess going to Camelot, as she sometimes travelled from her home in Winterfell to meet dignitaries. “My name is Lady Sansa Stark, of Winterfell. But you can just call me Sansa.”

[legends-of-time]

The Journey of Living at Downton

Chapter 4: End of May 1913

Masterlist

Emma goes into the Village with Anna, Mr Bates, Gwen and Gemma to watch the setup of the fair that had come to town.

"Isn't this exciting!" Emma exclaims excitedly. The others laugh but come on they don't get to do anything really outside of our duties.

"When does it open?" Gwen asks.

"Tomorrow afternoon." Mr Bates says.

"Well, let's get up a party in the evening after we've had our dinner," Gemma says.

"Yes, if Mrs Hughes lets us." Gwen agrees.

"You're right. It doesn't come often and it doesn't stay long." Anna replies.

"What about you, Mr Bates?" Emma asks the man.

"I don't see why not."

"Well, there's Lady Mary," Anna speaks, causing them to glance over to said woman not far from them. Anna then grabbed Emma's arm. "You three go on ahead. We'll see you back at the house." Well, guess she's saying hello to Lady Mary too.

"Right you are, then," Gwen says as Anna and Emma walk over to Lady Mary

"Good day, Milady. Is Her Ladyship all right? Has she recovered from...?" Anna tentatively asks as they walk along.

"If you think she'll ever recover from carrying the body of Mr Pamuk from one side of the house to the other, then you don't know her at all." Lady Mary remarks.

"Well not exactly recover, but just... get past it. Is she coping?" Emma pipes up.

"She won't do that either. When she dies, they'll cut her open and find it engraved on her heart."

"What about you? What about your heart?" Anna softly asks.

"Haven't you heard? I don't have a heart. Everyone knows that."

"Not us, Milady." Anna softly reprimands her. Emma nods.

——

The new chauffeur is turning up to say since the previous one, Taylor, has gone off to run a tea shop as his retirement.

Emma spots him as he comes down the stairs to the downstairs area. Likely after meeting Lord Grantham.

"Are you the new chauffeur?" She calls drawing his attention as he reaches the bottom of the stairs to where she's standing by the entrance to the Servants' Hall. "Emma Byrne." She says gesturing to herself.

He smiles. Emma can't help but think he looks rather nice actually.

"Yes. Tom Branson." He sticks out his hand for her to shake. "Byrne? That's Irish, isn't it?"

"Yes, from my paternal grandparents." It didn't feel harmless to let slip some information and let him make up his own mind about when exactly her grandparents came over to England. "Most people don't notice that." She smiles at him.

"Well, most people are all English." He quips cheekily.

"Technically I am as well." Emma quips back with a smirk on her face. It felt very easy to talk to him.

"Sort of. Your Irish blood makes up for it even if you sound very English." He replies.

Before Emma can reply, Gemma calls her name from the stairs. "Emma, I need you to help me with this stain on Lady Sybil's dress!" She glances at Mr Branson curiously.

"Yes of course," Emma says to her as she walks off to where she would find the cleaning products.

"Got to go and help," Emma says to Mr Branson.

"Of course. I should get back to my own job. Can't mess up on the first day." He chuckles.

Emma laughs. "No, we can't have that." She rushes after Gemma knowing she's probably getting annoyed at waiting for her.

——

The next day there was a kink in their plans when Anna began sneezing and coughing and just generally being all stuffy.

"Ugh." Anna groans as she walks into the Kitchen from the direction of the Servants' Hall, past Mrs Patmore at the stove and Daisy at the sink. Other Kitchen staff potter about.

"You've got a cold, I want you out of here." Mrs Patmore tells her as Emma walks into the Kitchen.

"She's right, you're not being sanitary," Emma says.

Mrs Hughes enters the Kitchen from behind her. "Anna, there you are. You know I'm out tonight because I don't want to come home to any surprises."

Mrs Patmore laughs. "That'll be the day."

"Well, we thought we might go to the fair later. You'd like that, wouldn't you, Daisy?" Emma says turning to Daisy who had been quiet this whole time.

"You ought to go. She's been that down in the mouth since the death of poor Mr Pamuk." Emma shifts uncomfortably at Mrs Patmore's words.

"Don't say that." Daisy mumbles.

"She has."

"We could all walk down together after the service dinner if that's good..." Anna breaks off to sneeze.

"You won't be walking anywhere. She's got minutes to live by the sound of it." Mrs Patmore quips.

"Go to bed at once." Mrs Hughes orders.

"Yes, Mrs Hughes." She leaves the room.

"I'll bring up a Beecham's powder." Mrs Hughes turns to Mrs Patmore, "Right if there's anything you want to ask me, it'll need to be before I go."

"What would I want to ask you? I'm preparing a meal for Lord and Lady Grantham and the girls. No one is visiting. No one is staying." Mrs Patmore digs. The tension with the key for the Store Cupboard once again.

"Well... that's settled, then." Mrs Hughes mutters before leaving.

——

Since Anna is ill, Miss O'Brien has been roped into helping Emma with looking after the girls as only they are trained as lady's maids.

But at this moment, all the girls were busy so Emma has a moment of rest and she's sitting in the Servants' Hall with Mr Bates, Thomas and Miss O'Brien when William walks in.

"Is Daisy going to the fair tonight with the others?" William questions Mr Bates nervously. He has this hopeless crush on the young girl and said girl is completely oblivious about it.

"Why don't you ask her? She needs taking out of herself." Mr Bates says before noticing Thomas staring at him. "What's it to you?"

"Nothing," Thomas mutters.

Daisy then enters and begins cleaning up.

William turns to her. "Daisy, I was hoping that—"

But Thomas interrupts. "Would you like to go to the fair with me, Daisy? There's a few of us going later on." Emma glares at Thomas who grimaces slightly at her look and Emma smiles proudly inside.

"Do you mean it?" Daisy says hopefully. Oh, dear Daisy he really doesn't care about you.

Mrs Patmore then calls her. "Daisy, don't let it get cold. Come on, come on, come on, come on, come on!" Daisy quickly darts out of the room.

"You bastard." Mr Bates snaps. Thomas just simply blows out some cigarette smoke but he shifts uncomfortably when he glances over to Emma and sees the darkened look on her face.

——

Thomas asks Mr Carson for the okay to go down to the fair after dinner, who gave it and after dinner, they head down. So the large group of them all head down after the family has finished eating and the women have gone into the Drawing room. Mr Carson did not seem to argue about Emma leaving with them despite leaving only Miss O'Brien to look after Her Ladyship and the girls or maybe he just had not noticed due to seemingly being a bit lost without Mrs Hughes. There were whispers between them as to where Mrs Hughes why had headed off.

"An evening of mystery," Thomas remarks as he, William, Daisy, Gwen, Gemma and Emma all stroll through the fair. "Mrs Hughes out on the tails, all dolled up like a dog's dinner. Then Mr Crawley hurried into the Library followed by His Lordship."

"What are you suggesting?" Gemma asks. Emma listens but doesn't really speak as she's still miffed off about Thomas' behaviour towards William and it does not help that he has Daisy on one of his arms.

"Who knows? There are more things in heaven and earth Horatio." Thomas replies.

"Who's Horatio?" William asks. Thomas simply drops and rubs out the cigarette he has been smoking with his shoe and sighs irritably before grabbing Daisy's hand.

"Come on Daisy." He says dragging her off and pulling her onto a fair ride.

"Cheer up. It may never happen." Gwen says, trying to comfort William. Emma lets out a snort. Gemma gives her a look.

"It already has," William says sadly. "Who is Horatio?"

Aww, William. Emma opens her mouth and begins explaining to him. "Well..."

——

They got their answer on what is going on with Mrs Hughes when they spot her later on with a man that is about her age giving her a prize he had won in a game.

"What did I tell you? She's found her Romeo." Thomas remarks.

"That might be her brother," Gwen suggests.

"She hasn't got a brother, I would know it by now, just a sister in Levinson Sands." Thomas corrects.

"You know everything, don't you?" Daisy says with stars in her eyes. Thomas smirks and walks to one of the stands to have a go at one of the games.

William scoffs. "Everything, my foot. You're hiding behind him, but he's not what you think he is."

"Oh, go on, William, if you're gonna be such a spoilsport." Daisy retorts uncharacteristically.

"All right, I will." William marches off.

"Oh, come back, she didn't mean it!" Gemma calls after him.

"She did. She's just being cruel." Emma snaps. Glaring at both Daisy and Thomas, well more his back, as she mostly blames him for Daisy's behaviour.

——

Other than the business with William, Thomas and Daisy, the fair was actually a lot of fun. It is interesting to see how simple entertainment used to be.

Gemma and Emma are laughing and chatting when they walk through the back door and into the downstairs area. Some other maids Anne and Jean ahead of them.

"Goodnight, Mrs Hughes." They call to her as they pass her. Said woman nods and smiles at them. The two of them linger by the doors to the Servants' Hall where Mr Bates and Miss O'Brien stand.

"Goodnight, Mrs Hughes." Emma hears Thomas call from behind her; he stops, along with Daisy, by the rest of them. "I was right when I said she was looking sparkly-eyed."

Mr Carson suddenly emerges from his pantry. "I beg your pardon, Thomas?" Before stepping back in.

"He can disapprove all he likes, Mrs Hughes has got a fancy man," Thomas murmurs recovering from being caught by Mr Carson.

Daisy snorts. "Him? A fancy man?"

"Don't be so nasty, Daisy, it doesn't suit you." Mr Bates walks away. Gemma and Emma glance at each other and leave to their rooms.

——

The next morning, Emma, along with Miss O'Brien, are in the Kitchen collecting the trays to go upstairs. The Kitchen staff are darting about them.

"Daisy? Chafing dishes, now!" Mrs Patmore calls.

"They're right in front of you, Mrs Patmore."

"Are you trying to trick me?" Well, no cause they are actually right in front of her. Clearly, something is going on with Mrs Patmore.

Mrs Hughes walks in interrupting. "Anna's still not well. O'Brien, you'll need to help Emma dress the girls this morning." By the look on her face as she walks out of the Kitchen, Miss O'Brien is not pleased with this idea.

Emma quickly darts past her with one tray almost bumping into Thomas. Emma barely glances at him and she goes up the stairs. The two of them have been barely talking recently as she's still angry over his recent behaviour and he is too prideful to beg for her forgiveness. He is probably worried that she might spill his wine stealing secret.

——

Managing to get all the trays upstairs, she's dashing between rooms, with the ever eager help of Miss O'Brien, to get the girls dressed to go down for breakfast, which by then it is practically midday.

Gwen enters as Emma is in Lady Sybil's room fixing her hair.

"Gwen?" Emma asks curiously. Lady Sybil also turns to look.

"Yes, Gwen?" She asks kindly while Emma does the bow in her hair finishing it.

"This came today." Gwen hands Lady Sybil a letter. The young girl grabs it and reads it.

Emma looks at Gwen confused. Gwen sees and explains, "Lady Sybil encouraged me to apply to a secretary job."

Emma smiles widely. "And do they want to see you?" This whole situation reminded her of when she first began applying for jobs in her own time. So much panic over one interview and the worry of rejection.

Lady Sybil nods and answers instead, "They do. I knew they would want to."

"Well, it's your reference what's done it," Gwen says modestly. "But how am I going to get there? They won't let me take a day off."

Lady Sybil perks up with an idea. "You're going to be ill. They can't stop you being ill."

"What?"

"No one has seen Anna for a whole day. They won't notice if you vanish for a couple of hours."

"I'll help cover for you if need be." Emma offers. All three of them smile at each other with conspiring looks on their faces.

——

Emma bumps into Mr Branson in the servants' corridor after he had taken Lady Sybil to measure for her new frock. She may or may not have given her some ideas for it.

"So, I hear you are using your position to influence His Lordship's daughters?" He asks, smirking.

"Whatever do you mean?" Emma says with obvious fake innocence given the smile on her face.

"I was talking to Lady Sybil in the car and it seems you have introduced her to politics, specifically women's rights. Whatever would Lord Grantham say?" He questions sarcastically.

"Nothing wrong with trying to improve the world," Emma remarks.

"No, I quite agree. I'm quite political myself."

"Quite opinionated for a chauffeur. Whatever would Lord Grantham say?" She quips back, enjoying the conversation.

He laughs. "Well, he lets me read books on politics and history from his Library so he really can't complain. Though I would like to discuss more with you." She smiles at him in agreement.

——

Emma passes the Kitchen to hear Mrs Patmore trying to awkwardly explain to Daisy why Thomas will never be interested in her.

"He's not for you, Daisy."

"'Course not. He's too good for me, I know that." Emma rolls her eyes at this. Daisy can be incredibly annoying sometimes.

"No. He's not too good." Oh, Mrs Patmore.

"What then?"

"He's not the boy for you, and you're not the girl for him."

"I'in't that what I just said? And why would he be when he's seen and done so much and I've been nowhere and done nothing?"

"Perhaps Thomas has seen and done more than is good for him. He's not a lady's man."

"But i'in't it a blessed relief?"

Emma decides that this is the moment to interrupt. "For god's sake Daisy. Thomas does not like you and never will. Nothing to do with you personally." She then walks off not waiting to hear more.

——

Emma is in Lady Edith's room with said woman and Lady Sybil while Anna is finishing off Lady Mary.

Lady Edith is sitting down at her dresser as Emma unclasps and fastens a necklace around her neck.

Lady Sybil paces the room. "Golly, my corset's tight. Emma, when you've done that, would you be an angel and loosen it a bit?"

"Mmh." Emma nods.

"The start of the slippery slope." Lady Edith comments.

"I'm not putting on weight." Lady Sybil remarks.

"It didn't shrink in the drawer."

Lady Mary enters. "Are you coming down?" As she speaks, Emma moves over to Lady Sybil and begins helping her with her corset.

"I don't know why we bother with corsets. Men don't wear them and they look perfectly normal in their clothes." Lady Sybil complains. Emma can't help but agree with her but at least she gets the glamour out of it.

Lady Mary snarks, "Not all of them."

"She's just showing off. She'll be on about the vote in a minute." Lady Edith warns.

"If you mean, do I think women should have the vote, of course I do." Lady Sybil declares. It's always weird being in the middle of their conversations but not part of it.

"I hope you won't chain yourself to the railings and end up being force fed semolina." Lady Edith says.

"What do you think, Emma?" Lady Mary asks.

"I think those women are very brave for fighting for their cause. Someone needs to do something." Emma speaks. Lady Mary pulls a face.

Lady Sybil is pleased, "Hear, hear."

——

The next day Emma spots Gwen staring disappointedly at an open letter as if its contents are not pleasing.

"Gwen?" She calls, causing her to straighten up as if to pretend nothing is wrong but relaxes when she sees it is her. "What's wrong?"

"N-nothing." She tries to say but Emma raises her eyebrows at her. "I-t's just that I'm not going to the interview. They've found someone more suited for the post and better qualified."

"So, this time it didn't happen. But you have to keep pushing Gwen. Someone will see your potential."

She looks hesitant but nods gratefully at her.

Further on in the day, Mrs Patmore goes on a rampage demanding the key to the Store Cupboard so Mrs Hughes was quickly sent for. Those two women are in a constant battle over that key. Mrs Hughes better not leave for that man she was with at the fair.

——

That evening, Emma can say that she is actually quite excited to help Lady Sybil into her new frock.

It consists of billowy blue trousers closed in tight around the ankles with a beaded bandeau headband across the forehead instead of the usual perched on the crown of the head. The new outfit followed the new harem style by someone called Paul Poiret and Ballet Russes Scheherazade.

Emma thinks, don't take her word for it! She's just trying to remember what Lady Sybil told her.

Anyway because of her investment and encouragement, Emma is there to get Lady Sybil into her new frock for her family to see.

Emma helps her into her dress and fetch her shoes. Lady Sybil giggles as Emma fixes a cloth in her hair. She shows off the complete look to her and Emma cannot help but giggle. Lady Sybil rushes down the stairs to meet her family as she is quite late down.

Emma is only sad she can't be there to see their faces.

——

Later that night, Gemma turns to Emma in the Servants' Hall.

"I heard about Lady Sybil's new frock."

"Oh, yes?" She says as innocently as she can.

Anna raises an eyebrow at her. "You encouraged her didn't you."

Emma purses her lips to contain her smile. "No idea what you are talking about."

——

A/N: Please leave comments on how you're enjoying this story and what you think.

[rawbutprecious]

Merlin frowned as he pushed away the panic or at least tried to keep it at bay the best he possibly could. It wasn't going well though. There were so many gaps in memory.

He saw bits and pieces of what had been but none of it made sense. What was he supposed to do? He had a job here, (why else would he have a jug in his hands?). He needed to do it. But it was so hard when he couldn't place any name with the faces and none of the faces looked familiar. He had a feeling he ought to know them. It was so hard to do his task when he was so focused on trying to solve his own mental puzzle. It was so hard when he wanted to hide and figure out what was wrong.

He had a feeling this was not a good thing at all. He had a feeling he needed to be sharp and fully alert in order to protect. Who? What? Why? Merlin didn't know.

A gentle voice spoke to him. He turned. He'd been looking about it seemed. "No? I... I have a job though," he stammered, holding up the jug. "I should do it."

He pulled away from the woman as the woman went to speak to the blonde. He poured a few people their drinks and then just wandered over to the window. The warlock stared out of it all the while holding tight to the container.

The same woman who had shown him care came over to him. "All right," he said, finding himself tired from the panicking and the mental strain of composure. "You are, Gwen... correct?"

Memory Problems

@theloyaldragonlord

Continued from here

Something had happened? Something Merlin couldn’t remember? A concerned frown pulled at Gwen’s lips. It sounded like Merlin could barely remember Gaius’ name, and her own had held an uncertain note upon his lips, too. “All right, I don’t think being in the dining hall right now is the best thing for you. Stay here, I’ll be right back.”

She made her way around the other servants in the hall and up to the head of the table, where Arthur sat in the midst of what appeared to be quite a lively conversation with Leon and the other knights. “Pardon the intrusion, Sire,” she interjected, bobbing a quick curtsy. Standing on status and expectations of such was not something she’d do very often, but at the moment she was only a servant–not the recently-crowned King’s secret lover–and it was best to avoid appearing overly familiar. “Merlin’s unwell. I think it best that I take him to Gaius and let another servant take over his duties for the evening.”

Arthur’s expression grew concerned as well, and he glanced over toward where Merlin stood by the window. His lips pressed into a tight line, and he nodded sharply. “I think you may be right, Guinevere. You are both excused for the rest of the night. Go take him to Gaius.”

Gwen smiled softly and bobbed another curtsy. “Thank you, Sire. I’ll be sure to return with news of Merlin’s wellbeing later.”

She returned to Merlin and gently took the pitcher of wine from his hands, handing it off to another servant.

“Come with me, Merlin. Let’s get you away from all this for a bit, all right?”

[incredibly-loyal]

Plotted starter feat. Gorgon!Gwen 💚 // @miladys-servant-gwen​ 

The Island of Seriphos, Ancient Greece

The King is here. The small island community is abuzz with excitement and nervous trepidation at his coming. The slapping of sandals fills the paved streets as young maidens in white garb mill around the central square, peering over the tops of the city ramparts to watch the Royal disembark from his ships on the shoreline below. He is coming to find and take a wife, it was said. Many had exalted at the news, saying it was about time the middle-aged King settled down and found a Queen from amongst his own people. The excitement of the females attending his arrival is palpable.

Surrounded by the women, Lancelot bears not one of them a glance, for he has another female in his company, one whom he desires to protect far more than all the rest put together. His mother, Danaë, is a beautiful young lady. She has the neck of a swan, and long hazel hair that fall down her back in tight ringlets, framing her face like one of the nymphs of legend. Certainly no maiden is she, though it was not known which man had lain with her to conceive her son. 

A rumour persisted that her boy-child, Lancelot, was the son of Zeus. For he had grown strong and true, loyal to his mother, and a pleasant and noble figure with his classical good looks (and even more attractive personality) to admire in every way. Wrapping a tanned, muscled arm around her lower back, Lancelot watches along with the others as the King begins his march up the sandy banks of the Aegean sea, following the worn stone staircase up to the city.

He is coming for his mother. Lancelot knows this, though the maidens continue to fool themselves that they might catch the eye of the blond monarch. King Arthur of Seriphos had always held great affection in his heart for the beautiful Danaë, ever since she and her boy-child washed up on the shores of his kingdom, nearly a decade ago.

The only trouble was, the affection was one-sided.

Bending down, Lancelot murmurs in his mother’s ear that it might be best for them to retire and find a place for her to shelter, at least until the King has gone to bed. For there would be a great feast tonight, and much boasting and lauding of heroic feats and saving of damsels that King Arthur had accumulated during his years out to sea and upon the mainland. While intoxicated, Lancelot has no doubt that the blond would make a move on his mother, and that he simply will not allow.

He would prefer to keep the King distracted. Perhaps by encouraging the arrogant man to speak of his legendary encounter with the captivating Gorgons.

Lancelot is certain he can keep Arthur’s attentions at bay, fully off his mother, should he pander to the King’s vanity in this way.  

[arthur-rex]

miladays-servant-gwen + vampire!Arthur

@miladys-servant-gwen​

Blood spills from his wrist, staining the lips of the fledging that laps from his Lord.

Baby licks, hesitant hunger. But Arthur Pendragon knows, Elyan is already addicted. That’s how it was with all of them. The mortals he took and corrupted; twisting to suit his purpose. It is his right, as well as his moral obligation.

A Pendragon needs his knights, and they need him. Of course, he will never let them down…

Leaning back in his seat, the Leader of the Coven of vampires sighs quietly as his child feeds. The evening is quiet and still and there is no one else in the vast room; the epicentre of the building in which Arthur’s family resides, except for him and his latest thrall.

He soothes his underling now, and there are no teeth to the vampire as he gives of himself. The blond aristocrat admires instead the flamboyant clothing of the other man. The fashions of this modern age are beguiling. Men dressing as women and women dressing as men. Publicly, and without half as much of the scorn and ridicule of the past. For the most part, anyway. 

Oh, but it amuses the vampire of centuries worth of wandering the earth to see such an age of Man come to pass. Humanity is being more truthful to itself; than it has ever dared to imagine. Everyone had their place in the world. Their role to fulfil, whatever the body or existence they were given to achieve such things.

Arthur Pendragon would always be a leader. This immortal life had taught him that.

Wiping a thumb over Elyan’s wet lips, he taps the undead man on the cheek.

“Enough now. Your scent is full of me. You will go. Find your mortal sister. Make her cry; make her weep that you are no longer hers. Then she will come to me with anger in her heart. I have waited a long time for the two of you to return. Soon, we will all be together again.”

Wicked, pale lips twist into the approximation of a smile.

The banners around the room flap in the breeze as the elegant man before him rises to his feet. It is cold in the large house that serves as their base; never do the inhabitants turn on the heating. They do not need to. The vampire fledgling bows before his Lord. Such a fine figure; such a noble disposition. Yes, Arthur admires Elyan. He could have made for an excellent Vampire Lord himself. A Master of his own Coven… and maybe in a few more centuries Elyan would break out and form his own group. But he would never forget his origins.

He has been sired by a Pendragon, and Pendragon blood is all he craved now.

Such loyalty.

The blond aristocrat ponders things a little more, rising to his own feet shortly after his child has left to embark on his quest. Walking towards an open window, the immortal looks out over the courtyard of the large stately house, sequestered within the suburbs of the wealthier quarters of modern-day London. They had taken it from a rather wealthy family; Arthur together with his vampire children. Stealing it out of the ownership of a rich, white family with links to the Masonic Society. Another stupidly male-dominated institution, but it too was at last learning. 

You needed both male and female energies combined to truly conquer the world.

Out there, in the darkness of London, a young female Slayer right now was decimating Arthur’s kind. Putting the sword and the stake through the heart of his immortal damned. 

Such a pity. 

The vampire turns his face away from the gathering dawn. Oh, no. There are far better things a woman of such talent could be doing.

Guinevere will learn too, soon enough.

*****

Perpetual hunger, and a deep shame gnaws at him. The thrall of a man that was once Elyan wanders down the cobbled streets. The blood of his Master has made him stronger, hardier and more sensitive than ever he was as a humble tradesman. He feels for his sister, he feels for his mortal family.

He wants to go home. But he cannot. Never again.

“Gwen! Sister… I know you’re there. I’m back. I’ve come back.”

He can smell her scent; his senses heightened by the vampiric curse in his blood. So little of Elyan is left in his veins now; a far older power has taken over. 

But some things will never change.

Elyan loves his little sister. He would not wish to be parted from her - whatever the cost to his soul.

[orderresisted]

jedishope replied to your post: *cries* i’m still living in 2019. y’all! all i can...

mood,,, it’s 10pm here so i’m like ������ what’s going on in the future fellas

!! It’s 10:45 here. *high fives*

miladys-servant-gwen replied to your post: *cries* i’m still living in 2019. y’all! all i can...

Ditto that! It’s only 8:45pm here!

WOWZA!! dang you got a while to go!

[twentyoneeightysevena]

miladys-servant-gwen replied to your post: The First Order educates their stormtroopers about...

That’s pretty accurate to actual indoctrination techniques. Just gotta say, I love your headcanons.

i may have been on a bit of a research kick when i wrote those. but yeah, i like doing deep dives into that sort of thing

[agirlofwinterfell]

NO

No to protect my muse

“Gwen!” Arya called out, as the other tackled her away from the fire... that Arya had accidentally started. She couldn’t let Gwen know that though, so she pulled the pair up, grabbing Gwen’s hand and running. “I just dropped a candle! I can put it out!” 

[tttype103]

□

Why aren’t we roleplaying?

□ - I don’t have any thread ideas

Could always have the Captain travel back to the Arthurian era. Maybe within your Time Lord verse, or within the regular Merlin verse?

@miladys-servant-gwen

[ofmorgana]

Category 5, #2

nsfw starters; fifty reasons to have sex

@miladys-servant-gwen

‘we pretended to be lesbian lovers to get a creepy guy to stop hitting on us, so we kissed to complete the charade and we both kind of liked it, so…?’ sex

Morgana took the girl’s face in her hands and kissed her, a soft yet convincing kiss left on her lips. Her heart fluttered, yet something stirred within her as well. It was why she deepened the kiss, why her hand moved to grip gently at the woman’s hair. She could’ve stopped when the creep left, but she pressed on a moment longer before pulling back slightly with swollen lips.

“Well, I should introduce myself. I’m Morgana.”

[bigdealeightseven-a]

miladys-servant-gwen

  Fantasy novel reader peeps out there: should I...

I’d say both, though it’s been way too long since I’ve read either of them to remember whether I actually did, lol. XD

LOL Hmm, I shall keep them in mind. I’ve been on a fantasy novel kick recently, and I’m looking for new reads. I still have to finish Kiersten White’s And I Darken, and Sabaa Tahir’s An Ember in the Ashes, and I definitely want to read the rest of their respective series, but I’m definitely gonna need some more stuff to read when I finish The Conqueror’s Saga (since that’s only three books) and the Ember in the Ashes series (there are only three out of four books released right now).

I dun wanna suffer book withdrawals from another book series like I have been with A Song of Ice and Fire (lookin at you, GRRM).