#miladys-servant-gwen

[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 .

[sorceress-queen]

Morgana fights the urge to roll her eyes while she listens to the conversation between Elyan and Gwen. She reclines in her chair and reaches for one of the books on the table in front of her, she might as well look busy herself; pondering just how they would react to her with a sword or other weapon of her own, she has mastered a few over the centuries, but she found that none are as fun to use as her magic.

Something she needs to stick to, she is strictly a witch in the eyes of the Slayer's little group, a knowledgeable one at that, but still she is supposed to be human and have her limits.

She sighs as she flips through the pages of the book with furrowed brows. She bloody loathes the way modern works interpret Dracula. Heavens, even the historical text do no justice to the digusting gremlin that he was in reality. Morgana shudders and closes the book promptly, so loudly that even she flinches at the sound. "My apologises," The raven-haired vampire says as she pushes the book away from herself, when all she wants to do is tear or blast it into tiny little pieces.

"I feel like I should change into something more... durable before we charge into the enemy's territory." She muses as she stands up from her seat and glances at the siblings; the thought of being back in her brother's arms crosses her mind once more, Gods being gone from him for this long truly seems to be taking a toll on her mentally, damn him.

@arthur-rex

arthur-rex​:

sorceress-queen​:​

“No, I got them from a friend working at a bakery nearby where I live, I will let her know that you enjoyed them.” She smiles at the man, so much younger than her despite appearances.

“I could ask if she would take on commissions for any events, it’s a small bakery, however.” She muses and watches with glee as they eat before the conversation turns back to Arthur, and vampire lore, she leans back in her seat and simply listens, observes. Amused by the idea of other vampires thinking themselves to be of such importance historically as Arthur and her, the Slayer’s little group has no idea what they are in for.

Morgana shrugs at the mention of the change in terminology, she prefers nest herself, but coven could work just as well, at least that’s what Arthur has been using, something they have bickered about a lot over the centuries.

How noble, she muses at Elyan’s sacrifice, noble and foolish to think that his plan could work, however, should Gwen agree to it, a nice little trap could be set to capture her. Get Arthur his Slayer Queen on a platter.

Listening to Gwen’s pleading to her brother is touching really, or would be if she could bring herself to care about his fate or hers. “Show us the way and then what? How do you imagine getting to our delusional vampire? Close enough to stake him, no less?”

Morgana questions, as much fun as it could be to lead them straight into danger, she has to be smart about this, months she has spent undercover, surely she can handle a little more, just a little more and she’ll be back with Arthur, try as she might she misses being with him physically.

@arthur-rex

Elyan blinks, would that he could, he might tear up a little at the way Gwen is talking with him, pleading for him not to take drastic measures in the vampire’s lair. But the thrall is no longer fully human. He takes his sister’s hands in his anyway, attempting to calm her.

“Gwen, it’s ok. I’m not intending to die.” I’m half-dead already. The vampire hunter smiles awkwardly at his Slayer sibling. 

“You have to do this though, it’s your job to dust these creatures, and I want to help you. I will help you rid this city of my… my Master.” 

Elyan shivers. The designation of the blond devil who shared blood with him slips out, almost unbidden. 

The thrall shuts his eyes. A creeping sensation, akin to the feeling mortals have of the hair standing up on the nape of one’s neck, slivers up his spine. Morgana’s eyes are upon him. A witch, they called her? Elyan breathes lightly; he can’t help but feel drawn to her, as if she is hiding something more, something rushing in her blood that would drive any mortal into the highest state of ecstasy.

Uther grumbles something along the lines of well let’s get on with this then - and the next moment, the gang have dispersed. The two Watchers depart together, leaving the office to re-enter Albiondale’s extensive library. Within the rows and rows of bookcases, dotted around the building were locked glass cabinets containing various weapons, stakes and enchanted amulets, some of which the men intend to take with them on their hunt. 

Picking up a particularly hefty battle axe, Uther shifts the weapon from hand to hand, testing its weight. At his shoulder, Gaius collects a crossbow, silver bolts fitted neatly together in a pack that could be hung off one’s belt. The two men glance at one another. After a moment, Uther clears his throat.

“Just like the old times then?” 

Gaius smiles at his husband, winking. “In a manner of speaking.”

Further down the hallway, the Slayer and her brother collect their own gear. Usually, a coat of chainmail would be worn under his clothing, to protect his heart and vital organs, but now the thrall feels there is little need to do so. His body is already changing. 

Sighing, Elyan shakes his head as he places the armour back down.

“You know, I can move faster now. Almost as fast as you.”  He looks over at the Slayer, anxiety present in his tone.

“These vampires have a hierarchy, Gwen. The younger thralls, if they are not resting in the basement, are not worth dusting, they won’t keep up with you. The knights however… the Master has them fully-blooded, like him. They’ve been trained in combat, using swords and daggers for the most part. The one called Percival, however, he prefers to use his fists. He wears knuckle dusters and metal gauntlets that will snap a stake in two. I’ve seen him fight. Don’t allow him to back you into a corner.” 

@miladys-servant-gwen​ 

Gwen pulls a hand from her brother’s grasp to whack him lightly on the shoulder. “You bloody better not,” she warns with a watery smirk, then swipes with her sleeve at the tears gathering in her eyes–how embarrassing for the Slayer to be crying over something like this. “Don’t tell me my job, El. I’ve been doing this for longer than you.” The attempted humour in her tone falls flat. She can hear how it does.

She hasn’t disarmed or disrobed yet from the previous night’s patrol. Elyan had surprised her right before sunrise, after all. There’s little she needs to re-place, though a few things need to be repositioned. She adds a second stake to each of her wrist holsters and makes sure the silver cross hanging from the collar-like leather choker around her neck is secure. She’s not letting a bloodsucker get anywhere close to her throat.

It’s happened once in her career as the Slayer.

Never again.

“Swords and daggers? Good thing I’m trained in those, too, then.” As well as knowing plenty of unconventional means of using said weapons, thanks to the courses she’s taken over the past couple years. “Sounds like this Percival’s probably a giant in his own right, then? I’ll be careful of him, Elyan.” She looks up from securing her arms and armour with a small smile. “Thanks for the advice.”

Seeing her brother set aside his own armour, however, the smile fades.

“At least wear this, if you’re not going to protect yourself otherwise,” she says, holding out a chainmail cowl and hood. “Even a fully sired vampire can’t withstand a blade to the neck. Nothing lives without its head. Nothing humanoid, anyway.”

@sorceress-queen​

[groundbreakingdot872]

@horse-music why’re you so fun 💖 I love these tag games sm

rules: choose an artist you like and use the names of their songs to answer these questions as closely to the truth as possible!

Artist: Regina Spektor ✨

What is your gender?: Lady

Describe yourself?: Older and Taller

How do you feel?: You’ve Got Time

If you could go anywhere, where would it be?: Tornadoland

Who is/ describe your best friend?: Two Birds

Your favorite time of day?: Summer in the City

If your life was a TV show, what would it be called?: Remember Us to Life

What is life to you?: What We Saw From The Cheap Seats

Relationship status?: Sellers of Flowers

What do you fear?: The Call

Tagging (no pressure ofc 💖) 😌

@miladys-servant-gwen

@we-pay-for-everything

@courtjestermerlin

@camelots-daffodil

@rainbowvamp

@firefly-fez

@fuckyeahsnackables

@one-fond-mortal

[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. “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. “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.

[sorceress-queen]

@miladys-servant-gwen 🥺 this is so precious

pirate gwen x mermaid morgana part 3. she got her little gifts <3

[multistoty]

he   collapses   onto   the   bed   in   such   a   state,   head   first   and   directly   into   the   pillow   —   a   loud   groan   muffled.   he’s   expelling   the   stress   of   the   day,   trying   to   release   all   the   tension   from   his   shoulders   and   chest.   ❛   if   those   doors   open   …   ❜   he   throws   an   arm   out   and   points   in   the   general   direction   of   the   door.   ❛   or   anyone   knocks,   whatever   it   may   be.   whoever   it   may   be.   tell   them   to   go   away.   ❜   he   turns   his   head   to   look   at   her,   there’s   a   smile   on   his   face.   he   wasn’t   serious,   that’s   a   given.   if   there   was   an   emergency   or   was   he   needed,   he’d   be   up   like   a   light   go   see   to   it. ❛   i   missed   you   today.   ❜   he   shuffles   himself   closer   to   her,   still   laying   on   his   stomach,   but  now   with   his   face   pressed   against   her   arm. (   he’s   trying   to   keep   his   boots   off   the   bed,   laying   at   an   angle   so   they   hover   off   the   frame.   )   ❛   sorry   i   missed   dinner   …   my   council   session   lasted   far   longer   than   i   thought   it   would.   ❜ it   was   more   or   less   routine   for   them   now.   catching   up   with   each   other’s   day,   arthur   apologizing   for   time   missed   with   her,   such   as   tonight   and   his   absence   from   dinner.   seeing   guinevere,   even   for   just   a   fraction   of   his   day   …   always   made   a   difference.   and   by   routine,   her   hand   is   in   his   hair,   fingers   trailing   through   and   ailing   him   from   all   that   had   been   built   up   during   the   day.   if   she   kept   this   up,   he’d   no   doubt   fall   asleep   …   again. eyes   close,   face   presses   deeper   against   her   arm   with   some   incoherent   mumbling.   he   wraps   his   arm   around   her   stomach   and   pulls   her   in,   refusing   to   now   leave   her   side.   what   he’d   give   to   stay   like   this   forever.   ❛   how   was   your   day?   …   i   hope   it   faired   better   than   mine.   ❜

@miladys-servant-gwen​

[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]

ooc: hello to new followers

@inkfated, @miladys-servant-gwen​, @asknoeloftheresistance, @noblesorrow ,

Thank you all for the follow. Yes even you sneaky duplicates / side blogs... it’s always nice to feel doubly appreciated, haha.

And - I have another Gwen follower! <3 I really need to arrange some sort of thread with a Gwen RPer soon, 2 months in and still no Arwen? This is getting a little ridiculous for an Arthur blog.

Anyway, thanks for following me - twice! 

Guidance for interactions (for actual newcomers):

RP writing style / rules / etc, found ( HERE )

Please read the above before interacting and/or sending memes/asks. Thanks.

Messages are always welcome from any of you. Happy to chat about roleplay, Arthur, Merthur or BBC Merlin/Arthurian legends in general <3

Arthur’s mun is currently watching the BBC series for the first time. The end is nigh, but I’m still spoiler free up to S5E2: Arthur’s Bane Part 2. Please help me keep things that way! :)

Also friendly reminder that if I don’t follow you back, that doesn’t mean I’m not interested in interacting, I’m just extremely picky on what’s seen on my dash. I also follow back on @silvasabadboy as Arthur here is just a side-blog. 

[sorceress-queen]

@miladys-servant-gwen 💕

what if we kissed in the library

check more of my work on instagram // buy prints here

[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!” 

[sorceress-queen]

@miladys-servant-gwen Her hair 😍

Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid (1948) dir. Irving Pichel