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bon2bonn · 1 year ago

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Bang Bang

Agent!Charles leclerc X vigilante!reader X agent!Max verstappen , established!lestappen X reader.

Words count : 1.3k

*I'm in my lestappen feels 🤷🏻‍♀️

Warnings : guns , violence ,cursing?, knives, morally grey character, blood .

The gala was in full swing , high society with lavish attires and jewelry that screams "filthy rich" , the crowd chatting up , exchanging pleasantries and gossip , striking alliances and negotiating deals but that's what to expect from such gathering .

Up on the balcony overlooking the crowd stood Charles or more known as (agent Percival) looking as handsome as always adorned in a three piece black suit gaze Sharp and focused as he scanned the lively crowd before stealing a glance down at Max or (agent Emilian) who stood by the bar discreetly scanning every exit while keeping a keen eye on the flowing crowd all while nursing a glass of something strong and in his words "very much necessary to go through these kind of shit shows" smirking at his fixed cold stare that discouraged any of the ogling women trying to flirt or even try to strike a conversation with him away .

Nodding subtly at one of the fellow agents as he passed by him , taking a glass of champagne from a waiter standing by before turning back to the crowd once again , shoulders tensing as he felt a delicate hand sliding in the crook of his arm but her scent repaxed his worries but he kept his guards up . looking down to locking eyes with her gleaming ones , her signature red lips inviting him to steal a kiss and as bad as he wanted to it wasn't the time nor place , the black backless dress with long sleeves hugging her curves didn't help at all , with her hair descends down her back in relaxed elegant curles with two price framing her face , he scolded her in a defeated tone " amour " as she reached for his glass taking a sip and giving him an innocent smile as he gave her a deadpanned one back , sliding her hand out of his arm to reach up fixing his slightly crooked tie before settling it on his chest as she gave him a sly smile " hello darling , missed me yet? " His hand instinctively went to her waist moving subtly to shield her from any possible attack still keeping his disapproving stare " you know we do " before looking down and as she followed his gaze she gave a wink at Max who's already looking at them with fiery eyes before leaning up to whisper in Charles's earpiece "hello , my emil " looking back down rising the glass on greeting with a wide smile as he raised his with a smirk that slipped into a full grin for a split second before turning back to the task at hand leaving Charles for now to deal with whatever she doing there .

Looking at her he asked in a defeated tone "you're not supposed to be here amour , not tonight at least" she tilted her head to the side giving him a mischievous look "can't a girl have a fun night out , I even got all dolled up . What do you think?" He only tugged her closer leaning to voice to her ears only " you know damn well what I think , what we both think of doing to you right now Mon amour " and went on " but that's not the point , now tell me what are you doing here? " Giving her one more look he added "or should I say what have you done ? " She just shrugged taking another sip "nothing anyone can prove , so don't worry " , " but you know I'm always worried with those too many close calls " before she could argue back alarms went off cutting their chat short as the majority of the gaurds securing the exits starts heading to the west wing of the venue , the rest escorting the guests out in a haste .

" Well , this is my cue " She gave Charles his glass back "and yours too " then she leaned up close for the earpiece to pick up "I'll see you soon" before giving him a light kiss on the cheek turning to head to east wing dodging cameras before slipping into a dark corner .

With a sigh he turned to head to the closest exit tuning in with the rest of the team "where's our target?" Lando's voice came in " north wing , exit 3 , four guards and two on the lookout " . " Copy that" Charles answered followed by Max's curt "copy" before switching back to his Chanel with Max "she's probably out there causing havoc" who gave an amused Huff " you know her , never a dull moment with her around" before taking out his gun "alright, I got the target locked in position . I'll handle the gaurds , the lookout are by the fountain , I'll meet you in extraction in five" , "copy that" .

Taking up the stairs , one right and two doors down she reached her destination , picking the lock and straight towards the grand painting pausing as she took it in "an original" she mumbled before shrugging it down revealing a safe behind it 30 seconds to crack it open taking what she needs and 10 to hung back the painting giving it a pitiful pout "what a shame" then heading back out to go down the back entrance , but not everything goes as planned as she found two guards on alert right as she took the corner , one stepped out to grab her " hey! You're not supposed to be here!" . With one move she took him down throwing a blade at the second one before he could reach for his gun . And From the window above she saw Max taking down guards , and far enough there was a hidden figure lurking with a gun and she hurried to head out but not before leaving a little gift behind .

Max took down two , quick and easy , the third made the stupid move to face him and went down in a second , the last one took the chance to try to tackle him down but received a right hook that knocked him down followed by a swift bullet , that left the target, a cowardly man gaping at the falling men who were supposed to get him out safely before turning to make a run for it but didn't take two steps before a bullet Peirced the ground few inches from his feet as Max gave a warning shot "don't even think about it , I'll gladly put the next one in your head " and that got him to shrink and raised his hands in surrender , now with his hands tied behind his back being led out through a secret gate .

Both reached the extraction at the same time, finding the blackedout SUV waiting as planned , handing over the target , preifing is in two hours back in headquarters. and as the car rolled out a bullet shot through hitting the curb and before they could shoot back a thud of a body was heard , and as they suspected a small curved knive stuck out from the back of the shooter's neck.

A heeled figure emerged out before she bent down taking her knive out wiping away the blood with a handkerchief huffing out " it's rude to shoot people in the back " then throwing it away after . As she reached them she slips her hand into Max's outstretched one "Schat" he greets fondly then gave her a kiss in the knuckles before turning her hand giving her palm another one both turning to Charles who remarked loudly " it's quite , too quite" . That earned him a dazzling smile as she stepped away heading towards her car parked few metres away from the back entrance " you know me too well , I never go out without a bang" and as if on cue a loud explosion went out , taking down half of the venue in flames , and with that she blew them a kiss as she drove down the road .

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everlastingdreams · 15 days ago

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The Weeping Monk x Fem!Reader : Forged Of Fire Chapter 28

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Story Summary: Raised under the tiranny of your own family, and forced to steal to earn your keep, you struggle to survive. Born from a Fey mother, and a Manblood father who wanted only sons, you are forced to hide your Fey side. When you are ordered to steal from Father Carden by your half-brother, Cassian, your life spirals out of control and you find yourself at the mercy of the Weeping Monk. The life you knew changes drastically when Cassian betrays you in the cruelest of ways. A trade is made, a promise is broken, and a debt must be paid.

Chapter Title: Face The Raven

Notes: /

Warnings: Angst. Hurt. Trauma bonding. Intrafamily violence. Depression. Self-harm. Suicidal thoughts. Violence. Torture. Gore. Pining. Trauma. Self-Flagellation. Manipulation. Strong Language. Blood. Misogyny. PTSD. Spicy and smut parts. Slight redemption arc. Lima/Stockholm syndrom-ish. Childhood trauma.

Other warnings: Jealousy. Forced Marriage. Forbidden Love. Romance. Slow-burn. Found Familly-ish. Comfort. Fluff. !SMUT and SPICE!

Word count of this fic: +250K

Chapter: 28/47

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You stopped fighting, your body came to an abrupt halt and it made him move his hand away from your mouth. In the darkness you could not see his eyes past the gap in the helmet he wore, but he stood so close that your nostrils vaguely caught his scent. That awful plant’s effect had also been weakening your heightened sense of smell. “Lancelot?”

Those candle holders proved to be an enemy to him when they stood between you and him. The sight of one in your hands made his head hurt at the memory.

He nodded, his hold on you changed drastically, he cupped your cheek and rubbed your arm. “Are you hurt?”

“You’re alive…” Seeing him alive and well had a strong reaction in you, you threw yourself into him, embracing him with all your might. First you felt him tense up, but he quickly relaxed and brought his arms around you to reciprocate.

He knew he should make haste before they found the dead guard down in the dungeons. But this… was hard to deny himself of.

It felt so serene to hold him in the dark, to feel his chest move with each breath he took, if only it had been in a different location.

“I’m so happy to see you.” you murmured against his shoulder.

Slowly he began to loosen his hold. “I feared the worst…”

So many scenarios had run through his head whilst searching for you. He feared Aldith had taken you to the paladins, or worse, Abbot Wicklow.

“Please, Lancelot, don’t let go of me yet.” Your hold on him got tighter, you didn’t care that it would betray how vulnerable you felt in that moment.

His hand came up to cradle the back of your head, what you had said must have meant more to him than you had expected. That light scratching at your scalp of his fingers was ridiculously comforting, it was such a good feeling especially when he included the back of your neck.

You forced your wandering thoughts back together. “They have Percival, they’ve been keeping him locked inside the dungeons. If I didn’t obey Lord Leoric, he said he’d hurt him.”

“He is safe.” he hushed. “Percival has never set foot in this castle.”

You leaned back to look at him, ignoring the urge to rip that helmet from his head. “What-… he was never really here?”

Lancelot shook his head, understanding why they had wanted you to believe this. “He was with me. Currently he is waiting for us outside.”

“They lied to make me obedient.” you scoffed bitterly. “But I am glad that it was a lie. Unfortunately they used that lie to make me drink some of that plant’s sap that they used on me before.”

“What?” he grew gravely concerned, just days ago it had nearly killed you. “Are you ill? What is it doing to you?”

“It’s to make me too tired to use my magic.” you explained. “My father learned about my ability to create fire, but I don’t think they know just what that green fire truly is.”

“He is here?” he asked, “Aldith is here?”

It was a sickening thought that you were in the same building Aldith was in. “Yes. Ravenwick is no longer safe. After your indiscretion towards the Church, the Trinity Guard went to Ravenwick, no doubt to see if we would show up there.”

“My ‘indiscretion’?” He was smiling under that helmet.

Hearing that slightly playful tone was like a salve to your mind. “You know, that time you humiliated the Trinity Guard in front of Abbot Wicklow.”

He nodded a few times, chuckling warmly, then pointed at one of the chairs. “I found your clothes by your scent, they are over there. I believe they will be more comfortable to ride in than that dress.”

You were sure glad to hear that. They had found and taken your clothes away even though you had hid them. And a dress was not very handy if it would come to battle, you didn’t want to trip over the fabric of it. “How did you even find me?”

He sounded like it was such a normal thing to remember a small detail like that after so long. “You told me once that Aldith knew someone here in Morrowstead who was interested in you, I simply sought out the wealthiest person here.”

It left you near speechless. “You remember that?”

He nodded, then steered you by the arm towards where the clothes were. “We should leave. Percival is waiting by the horses in the forest. Go and dress yourself.”

That was a risky thing. “They could find him!”

“He’s not alone.” he said. “Fear not. The boy is safe.”

Who was with him…? “Not alone?”

The sound of footsteps approaching the door made your heart jump into your throat. “Dammit. You need to hide!” You quickly grabbed the stack of clothes, pushing them into his hands, then took him by the arm and rushed him towards the bathing area behind the curtain, whispering, “Don’t come out until he’s gone.”

That curtain was only just closed behind him when the door opened and Lord Leoric walked in, looking a bit surprised to see you there.

“Still awake?” he questioned out loud and placed the candelabra he carried on the table. “That spares me the trouble of waking you. Come here.”

You feared what would happen if Lancelot was found, this place had to house many guards and no one could fight off such a large group of them if they were to attack, not for long at least.

Lord Leoric watched you approach and made you halt when you were halfway there. “Did you bathe tonight?”

That answer came fast. “Yes.”

“Good.” he said, getting closer. “I could not sleep. My study keeps me awake. I came to find answers to some of the questions I have yet to solve.”

Gods… what did he want now? More Fey Fire? Or were you going to have to drink more of that plant’s sap?

He stopped a few steps away. “I see no Fey marks on your face, while the Weeping Monk apparently had ones beneath his eyes. How come you do not have them?”

Your back was facing the direction of the bathing area, and you could only hope that Lancelot was staying hidden. “Mine are different. They are hidden.”

“Hidden where?” he asked.

You dragged a finger from beneath your eye and over your cheek. “Here. Sometimes they show themselves. But I have no control over it.”

You considered it unwise to give him too many details about the Ash Folk. An Ash tree was one of the things that would certainly cause your markings to appear. Why? you did not know. And you certainly didn’t want to be experimented on to find out.

Lord Leoric hummed pensively. “Are there other places where they would show?”

“No.” It made you wary.

“I should not trust you to speak the truth. You would lie to spare yourself.” He crossed his arms. “Take off the dress and then turn slowly. I want to see if what you say is true. You can dress again once you have done that.”

There was absolutely no way that you were going to oblige, and he couldn’t use Percival to blackmail you to do it. “No.”

The reaction was expected, but he was displeased nonetheless. He grew agitated quickly. “Must I call upon my guards to help you?”

Something dropped to the floor with a loud metal sound in the bathing area and caused you to jump a little. Your reaction to the noise may have been what made Lord Leoric not view you with suspicion. The Hidden’s whispers warned you of the storm about to break loose from behind the curtain. And in that moment, you were counting on it. This sadistic bastard asking you to undress was the last straw. Study or not, this was madness.

“Go and sit on the bed.” Lord Leoric commanded as he drew his sword. “Do not move from there!”

You walked to the bed as he approached the bathing area and sat down, with patience and odd curiosity you watched him move the curtain a little and step behind it. Somehow you weren’t worried, not even when more sounds of falling items reached your ears. That Lord was not a good swordsman, he held his sword wrong, you knew because Lancelot had told you many times when you did it yourself. The bathing area grew eerily silent and only then did you feel how your heart went a little faster. The curtain opened and Lancelot stepped out, taking off the helmet and putting it down on the dresser. Even as he stood in the shadows you could see that his hands were unsteady. You rose to your feet, it was all your legs managed at the sight.

He tapped the top of the helmet with his finger once, fixing his eyes on it. “That shard was meant for him, was it not?”

“It was.”

“Good.”

Slowly you approached him, feeling the adrenaline radiate off of him. “Are you alright?”

“Yes.” He turned his eyes to you. “Did he behave this way towards you before?”

You knew what he was worried for. “I’m quite certain that he was only interested in studying me. But he went to cruel measures to do so. He even made me bathe constantly, like I was drenched in something vile. Like he wanted me to be just perfect for him.”

“The only one bathing now is him, in his blood.” He deadpanned, not caring if the jest was inappropriate. That bastard had been inappropriate too.

Hearing him speak of the dead in such a way was not what you expected, your mouth was a little agape. “Lancelot.”

He bit his lip for a second, but knew you did not expect for him to feel regret for saying it. “I will not pretend to have respect for a dead man who locked you away in here. I have been here for hours, I have heard the guards speak, I know he was trying to learn all about our clan through you.”

Seeing him so protective, and knowing he went through the trouble of even coming here to help, had made your heart wrap him inside of it warmly again. As he continued to quietly utter his dismay over what he had heard about your treatment there, you reached out and took hold of his hand, cradling it inside your own. He fell silent mid-sentence, his hand was completely still.

“Are you certain you are well?” he asked, worried by the gesture.

“I am now.” Your eyes met his. “I was just thinking how grateful I am to know someone like you. Not many would do all that you have done for me. I am a little overwhelmed by that knowledge.”

He felt his heart increase it’s pace. Drawing air into his lungs felt suddenly quite a task. This was not the time to let himself be distracted and risk making a mistake.

His free hand closed what was the entanglement of your hands together. “Even if you were not my wife, even if you still hated me, I would still do it all for you.”

“I know.” Even to you, it was freeing to admit it.

His voice was somewhat unsteady. “We need to leave. I have found a path we can take. One moment, I will fetch your clothes.”

He went to get the clothes and handed them to you. You would have went to the bathing area behind the curtain to change clothes, but…

“Could you… uhm…” You made a circling motion with your index finger.

He immediately turned around and took some steps further into the room to give you the space and privacy. You changed into your clothes quickly, then grabbed your boots from where they stood at the end of the bed.

After you were done, you approached his side. “Back in my ‘filthy’ clothes.”

He frowned. “They are not filthy.”

You could not resist. “Did you sniff them to be sure?”

He had walked right into that one and rolled his eyes a little, shaking his head at the blatant attempt to get under his skin. “No.”

Why had that sounded like a lie?

“Ready?” he asked.

You nodded and allowed him seize your hand to guide you along. He picked up the satchel from the bed and handed it over, giving you a moment to put it on.

And so began the journey through the castle together, his more advanced sense of smell worked to his benefit. He was so calm and calculated, so certain of what he was doing. You trusted him effortlessly because of it. He only let go of your hand when it was necessary, then blindly fished around for it again until he found it. Just once did you mess with him a little by moving your hand just out of his reach when he was blindly fishing for it with his, near instantly he turned his head to look at you, worried until he saw the little grin on your face. Your hand was caught by him in a demanding way after that and it took everything not to laugh at his response. It was clear to see that he was once responsible for protecting Father Carden, he knew where to stand and how to walk in a way that shielded you the most from the threats of potential danger.

Almost did you come into sight of some guard patrolling, but he was quick to move you into the shadows again. The guard had noticed a shadow moving on the ground and drew his sword, he called out a name that you assumed belonged to one of the other guards. Lancelot moved his arm, maneuvering you to stand back and against the wall behind him. If he drew his sword, the guard would hear. He reacted when the guard came to pass the corner you both were hiding behind. Lancelot immediately tried to disarm the guard, but the man was build much broader than he was and managed to slam him with his back into the wall. Lancelot sank to the floor down to one knee, he was disoriented.

You weren’t going to stay in the shadows and sprung to action. The guard was broad, but that didn’t stop you from coming up behind him and grabbing hold of his helmet to yank him back with it. He angrily stumbled backwards until the helmet came loose and in a spur of the moment you struck him in the face with it. The guard bled from his nose but it was not enough to knock him down. There, on one of those fancy low pillars, stood a candelabra. You grabbed it and used every bit of your strength, that the plant still allowed, to hit the guard over the head with it. The force of the blow had even you stumbling to the side, the guard fell to the ground with a loud thud, he was not getting back up any time soon after that. You hurried over to Lancelot who had tried to stand but sank back down again.

You rubbed his back and realized that the scars must have been hurting after he hit the wall with his back. “Lancelot, are you alright?”

He winced a little, taking a few deep breaths. “Just a moment.”

When he sat upright a little more, stretching his back, you cupped the side of his neck, it instantly made him fix his attention on you.

Worry flooded your eyes. “Do they hurt?”

He knew what you had meant. “It will pass.”

You let your hand slip down to rest on his chest while he took a brief moment to recover.

His eyes fell on the candelabra, then back on you. “Thank you.”

You withdrew your hand. “I wasn’t going to let that bastard murder you.”

His features softened, a gentle smile played on his lips. He rose from the ground and collected your hand in his own, then started to walk with you through the castle again, resuming the path to freedom.

“We are almost there,” he whispered.

And then a bell rang through the castle, followed shortly by more of them. They must have found Lord Leoric and sounded the alarms. Lancelot walked faster, leading you hallway to hallway until you reached a door that was easily overlooked if one did not know it was there.

He had to duck to pass through the doorway and after you did so as well, he made certain that the door was closed. A narrow stairwell led down into the catacombs beneath the castle, it was unnerving to be there but the Ash Man paid no mind to those long dead. A set of very dusty old stone steps led up to a trapdoor, it’s lock had been forced open by him earlier. You followed him closely up the steps at his request because he feared someone might come and steal you away from under his eyes again. The moonlight that met your face held the place under a mystical glow. He supported you by the elbow as you stepped out from the trapdoor and unto the grass.

“We need to make haste.” He looked in the direction from where the bells sounded.

With that, you agreed. Together you hurried towards the forest, it was necessary to get out of the open grass field fast, those keeping watch on the castle’s walls could detect two people rushing towards the woods at any time. The sound of galloping horses was heard just as you reached the trees. Lancelot came to a sudden stop and pulled you with him into the narrow open space of a rock formation that was overgrown by moss and ivy.

“We are close. But I believe the guards saw us heading here.” he whispered in a nervous manner. “We wait here for a moment.”

Just as he had spoken you could hear horses slow down behind the rock formation. Lancelot’s hand went to the pommel of his sword, his other took hold of your lower arm, but his eyes were fixed on where the enemy could appear from. The tension of being caught had you breathing shakily, if they found you here… after that… Aldith…

Lancelot turned his head to face you upon feeling the tremble in your arm, his hold on it changed to a comforting one. He spoke with his eyes in that second, telling you that it was alright, you managed a small smile that lasted only a blink. He listened intently to his surroundings, and then the horses galloped away again. A breath of relief was released by you.

“Come.” He gave a soft tap against your arm with his fingers, urging you to follow.

The small stop in the running had given you some time to catch your breath and now you walked through the forest at just a slightly rushed pace. The walk did not last long anymore and after a few minutes Lancelot came to a halt at another rock formation. He took off the plated piece of armor that had been part of his disguise and discarded it.

“Born in the dawn?” he spoke in a normal tone.

Percival darted out from behind the rocks, saw Lancelot, saw you, and a blink of an eye later the boy was embracing you. “You’re alive!”

You knelt down to his height and reciprocated the warm welcome. “It’s so good to see you. I was so worried about you.”

The view behind Percival caught your attention, a man dressed in armor came from behind the rocks, holding the reins of Goliath and two other horses. Percival stepped back and saw you look at the man.

“Lancelot? Who…” you looked at him to see how he reacted to this man’s presence.

“He’s the Green Knight!” Percival announced with a hint of pride. “He’s my friend.”

Lancelot walked over to the knight. “Lord Leoric is dead. Her father is here and I believe he forms a threat. There are guards scouring the woods for us.”

“Then we should leave before they find us.” the knight said, handing the reins to Lancelot. The man approached you and introduced himself to you formally. “The name is ‘Gawain’. You must be y/n, friend of Percival?”

You watched him give a polite inclination of the head. “I-… yes. I’m y/n. I’m sorry, but I thought the Green Knight was captured and killed by the paladins.”

Gawain could hear the confusion in your voice. “I was.” He looked down. “A dear friend of mine gave me a second chance at life, one I will not waste. But that is a story for another time, because we do not have time right now.”

From the corner of your eyes, you could see how Lancelot seemed to be rather relieved that this man was here, as if he had already formed a strange bond of trust with him. It greatly confused you how this knight, Gawain, did not seem to have ill intent towards Lancelot. You could tell that Gawain was Fey, Sky Folk by the scent of him if you really focused. And somehow you got the feeling that he looked a bit familiar, but you couldn’t recall ever even meeting him before.

“Percival, ride with me now.” Gawain beckoned for the boy.

Percival walked over to him but he did not reach the knight, an arrow flew just passed his head and the next moment Lancelot had grabbed him, shielding him from the threat with his body. There was barely a second to react when another arrow planted itself into a tree just beside you.

“We are under attack!” Gawain shouted.

All began to try and run from the direction the arrows were coming from, moving between the rocks to reach a more densely grown part of the forest. That chance was taken from you when the face of the one who had been a part of those abducting you appeared in front of Lancelot and Percival, bow in hand and aiming right at them. Percival had ran a bit up ahead of Lancelot.

“I wouldn’t move if I were you.” Kazamir mocked them, then looked at you and Gawain. “That goes for you as well. Move and an arrow goes through that boy’s skull.”

Lancelot and Gawain were examining the situation, but their plan to defend themselves evaporated when they saw that others were walking up to Kazamir. Aldith walked into sight, along with some of his men that you recognized from Ravenwick. Lancelot was visibly trying to resist the urge to grab hold of Percival and get him out of harm’s way, but Kazamir was clearly hoping he would do so, it would be the reason to send an arrow through him. All four of you were kept under the threat of an arrow being send through you, bows and arrows where being aimed at all.

Aldith looked towards Kazamir, fury blazing in his eyes. “I thought you said the Weeping Monk was dead, Kazamir!” He noticed how the sellsword was trying not to look at him. “You were going to sell him to Lord Leoric behind my back, were you not?!”

Kazamir gave up on pretending. “I am a sellsword, Aldith. You of all people must understand that coin speaks loud. And Lord Leoric would have given me more coin than you could.”

“And now?” Aldith demanded to know.

Kazamir held no shame. “Lord Leoric is dead. Your offer is highest again.”

You were not surprised in the slightest. Aldith was no saint and neither were the people who he chose to surround himself with.

Aldith gave Kazamir a nod and got closer in your direction, sword in hand, your sword. He commanded one of his men, “Grab her,”

The sellsword grinned at Gawain as he walked past him to reach you. You saw Lancelot take one step when the sellsword roughly grabbed you by your arm and twisted it behind your back, a sword was held to your throat.

“If he moves again. Kill him.” Aldith had seen the Ash Man’s reaction and spoke to him, “I would say you did me a favor by killing Lord Leoric, now I can sell her off a second time. You however, are too much of a risk to be left alive.”

Percival had a murderous glare, much like the ones Gawain and Lancelot had. The sellsword returned with you to Aldith, and you couldn’t bear to look at Lancelot or the others, knowing what they may witness from your father’s behavior.

Aldith moved past his men to reach you. “After all these years, you should know by now that you cannot run or hide from me. Did I not teach you this?”

You forced your eyes away from him and to the grass beside him, a response he did not like and it made him grab you by the chin. He held the point of your own sword against your throat.

“You will choose in what order they die.” Aldith found joy in his sadistic ways. “Name the first.”

You spat in his face, not caring about the retaliation that would surely follow from him. And indeed his favorite retaliation towards you came in the form of a hard slap across your face that send you straight to the cold damp ground. The taste of blood filled your mouth and you spitted it out, your teeth had broken the skin inside your cheek. Aldith reached down to pull you back to your feet, undoubtedly to just send you back to the ground again.

His hand never got close enough.

An intensely bright green fire erupted from all around. Had the plant’s sap worn out? No… no this couldn’t have been your doing. This fire was brighter, stronger and more ruthless than it had ever been. The Hidden let their presence be known and it seemed even those of Manblood heard them now. Chills ran over your spine, your markings rose to the surface of your skin. Chaos erupted, steel collided with steel.

Percival ran over to you, shaking your shoulder, and helped you up from the ground. “Get up!”

The flames were everywhere, two of the sellswords were rolling over the grass in agony to extinguish the flames who only engulfed them more violently. It was hard to see who was where, and even Percival had not let go of your hand as he struggled to see through the bright flames that contrasted against the darkness of the night.

And then you saw Lancelot, fear slammed into your heart at the sight of him in a viscous fight against Aldith. His markings were glowing a deep fiery crimson beneath his eyes. Percival saw it too, then spotted Gawain fighting two of the remaining sellswords. What neither of you saw was Kazamir approaching fast, you barely had enough time to avoid being grabbed. And as if it was instinct, you pushed Percival out of harm’s way. Kazamir lunged at you, aiming to hit you just as Aldith had done but you evaded it. Suddenly he sank to the ground, yelling in agony. Percival stood behind him, the small knife in his hand was bloodied from stabbing Kazamir in the buttocks. You reached for the knife, Percival already anticipated it and handed it over quickly.

You send that knife deep into Kazamir’s eye and swore to remember getting Percival a new one instead. “That’s for murdering Amelia, you scum!”

Kazamir fell face first into the grass and you ignored the sick feeling it caused in your stomach. Percival was looking at you with wide eyes, you on the other hand were looking where Lancelot and Gawain were. Gawain was fighting the last sellsword standing. Lancelot was still in combat with Aldith. Through the Hidden’s whispers you could sense his rage, the uncontrollable fury that was causing him to be reckless and unfocused. They were warning you of the danger that the Ash Man refused to acknowledge.

You picked up Kazamir’s sword and handed it to Percival. “Stay here!”

Percival nodded, then looked rather impressed with the blade he had been handed, it had been quite some time since he had held a sword.

Aldith was taking advantage of the blinding rage Lancelot was in, he even laughed as he parried the attacks. Aldith drew a dagger as he locked crossguards with him, your dagger. You foresaw what he intended to do and grabbed Aldith’s arm, preventing him from sinking the dagger into Lancelot. Lancelot was quick to steal the sword from Aldith’s grasp and discarded it to the side. Aldith tried to grab you, to use you as a shield, but that attempt received a gruesome reaction. A bone cracking sound sounded as Lancelot twisted Aldith’s arm and then dragged him away from you by the limp hanging limb. Lancelot threw Aldith to the ground and took one step back, trying to regain control over the storm raging inside of him. Two seconds passed and he kicked Aldith back to the ground when he tried to get up. He briefly looked at Gawain to see if the knight needed aid, but Gawain was just pulling his sword out of the sellsword’s guts.

“Lancelot.” You stepped to his side, holding up a hand to make him halt. His eyes were so dark and intense that you feared he would not listen.

Instead his eyes fixed on your face right away, before you could say a word to calm him and make him regain control over his anger, he reached out and cupped the side of your neck. His markings returned to their ashen-like state.

He was trying to see the damage that Aldith had done to your face. “I am sorry.”

He swore to protect you against him, that Aldith would never lay a hand on you again, and he had failed.

You were trying to understand what on earth he was apologizing for.

Aldith scoffed, mocking him as he tried to get up from the ground. “Pathetic fool.”

Percival pointed the sword to Aldith’s nose, Gawain proudly stood beside him and kept a watchful eye on it.

“Aim at his eyes, boy.” Gawain encouraged and saw Percival follow the given advice. “Good lad.”

You took Lancelot’s hand from your neck. “I need your sword.”

Lancelot did not react, not knowing why you were making that request. You reached for it and took it from his hand, slightly surprised by how he did not prevent it. Aldith watched you get closer to him, the sword restless in your hand. You hated how your hands were unsteady, it shouldn’t have been so hard to do what had to be done.

Aldith saw the doubt in your eyes. “First you kill Cassian, your own brother, and now me?”

Gawain tugged at Percival’s jacket, moving him out of the way. Lancelot did not take his eyes off of the threat on the ground for even one second now.

“You sold me. You sold me.” you gritted out, tears burning in your eyes. “After everything I did for you and Cassian, after all I suffered through at your hands, you sold me! You hounded me through the lands when you could no longer lay claim on me and you’ll try to do it all again and again.”

“You owe me a debt!” Aldith spat out. “My son is dead because of you!”

You refused to let him put the blame on you again. “He would have been alive if he didn’t treat me like I was cattle to sell!”

“You are nothing more than cattle to sell with that filthy blood inside of you!” he shouted back.

Lancelot took a step forward, you stopped him by holding a hand in his path. This was not his duty or responsibility, this was you taking back the control over your life that had been stolen from you.

Your grip on the sword tightened. “I am Fey. I am Fey! I won’t hide my nature any longer. My mother was of the Ash Folk, her blood runs through my veins, and I’m proud it does!”

Aldith began to get up from the ground, Gawain wanted to stop him but you gestured for him not to do so, he had no weapons in reach anymore. “Your mother was weak, just as you are!”

Inside you had shut down any form of bond there may have been to this monster. All you could see was the threat he posed, to you, to those close to you and to all the Feys unfortunate enough to cross his path. He was the darkness suffocating the light out of you, leaving you in ruins over and over again, haunting your dreams and poisoning your days.

“Enough of this.” you adjusted your hold on the sword. “If you reunite with Cassian in the burning pits of hell, tell him I hope he burns as well as your sellswords just did.”

The cold comment took even Percival by surprise, the boy looked at you impressed and approvingly. Lancelot’s eyes were different now, his gaze swiftly moved over you.

“You!-” Aldith moved fast.

But the steel in your hands was quicker, it was just as you had imagined it happening. With one swift swing of the sword, the edge of the blade cut through Aldith’s throat. Aldith stumbled to the side in shock, his hand flew to his throat, he tried to speak but all words drowned in his blood. He stumbled all the way to a tree and leaned against it for support until his legs gave out under him. His body shocked a few times, then he was completely still. Lancelot was looking at it happening, processing how quick that had just all played out before him, as were Gawain and Percival. You walked over to Aldith, breaking your wrist free from Lancelot’s hand as he tried to prevent it. Aldith laid facing away from you and you walked around him to see his lifeless eyes. You need to see them, to know that it was truly over, that fleeing from him was over.

“It’s over.” you quietly spoke, hearing how monotone your voice was.

Lancelot had picked the sword, that had been stolen from you, up from the ground and walked over to you with it. It was Gawain who found the dagger that had been dropped to the ground in the chaos of the fight, he gave it to Lancelot who brought both weapons over to you.

“It is over.” he agreed, offering you the weapons.

With unexpected steady hands you took them, handed him back his sword, and returned your own sword and dagger to the belt at your waist where they belonged. The flames had almost completely extinguished, another proof that they lived only at their creator’s will. You were quiet when stepping away from Aldith’s corpse and going into the direction of the horses more.

Gawain was the first who dared to ask, “Are you alright?”

“I just killed my father.” you told him.

The knight send a sympathetic look. Percival came to your side, standing a little against you but not fully daring to intrude on the silent air you kept around you now.

Lancelot stepped to your side as well. “You made the right decision.”

“I know.” But learning to live with it would take time.

“We should go.” Gawain looked at Lancelot. “The fire will have drawn attention from afar.”

Lancelot noticed that questioning look the knight send him and knew he would have to explain himself later. The knight tapped Percival on the shoulder and gestured towards the black stallion with a small white pattern on it’s back.

“But we have three horses. I rode the mare here.” Percival scrunched his nose.

Gawain sighed and steered the boy towards his horse. “Y/n will ride the grey mare. We have Gringolet to carry us.”

Percival sighed in defeat, grumbling his inaudible disappointment. Gawain took the sword from the boy and helped him up on his horse making sure that the boy was seated safely. You went to the grey mare, brushing a hand along her neck. Lancelot stopped close at your side, again trying to see if your face had sustained damage from being hit. You didn’t feel very alert or present, it was a quiet state of shock that you hoped to hide. But it seemed that by hiding it, it got more obvious.

“It will just be a bruise.” you did not make eye-contact with him.

He was forward with voicing his concern, “I worry most about the state of your mind right now.”

You shook your head, taking in a deep sharp breath through your mouth that filled your lungs to the brim. “It should not have been so simple for me to make the choice to kill him, and yet it was.”

He spoke quietly, seeing how Gawain and Percival were waiting. “Aldith chose to keep hunting you and you had the right to react to it. You were defending yourself, he was always the one attacking.”

That was true… Aldith wouldn’t have mourned you or felt sorry for your death for even a second.

“You have a conscience.” Lancelot said. “And compassion. There is no shame in feeling it.” He patted the saddle of the grey mare. “Go on.”

As you hoisted yourself into the saddle, he stood near in case you would accidentally misplace your foot in the stirrup. It was a small gesture, but it once again showed his caring nature. Such a small thing and still it was enough to feel a bit better, to allow yourself to feel that all would be well again in time, maybe not now, but it would be. By reaching down just a little, you were able to touch his shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze. The moonlight touched his face when looking up at you and you couldn’t deny that that sight made the beat of your heart change it’s rhythm. The Ash Man snapped his eyes away, quickly moved to Goliath and hoisted himself into the saddle. Lancelot shared a look with Gawain, who nodded in return. Together you began to ride through the forest, away from Morrowstead and to a destination no one was certain of yet.

Taglist:

@ourlazydetectivekitten @the-great-adventures-of-me @linkpk88 @fxrchxldws @elenaoftheturks @slytherlight @beananacake @crystallizedtime @moonlightaura03 @angrygardendeer @have-aheart @5am-cigarette @arcanenature @thewinterskywalker @notyourwildestdream

@coloursforyourportrait @koressecretidentity @nike90 @n1ghtlux @rachlovesactors @luckyzipperscissorsbat @morena-doing-stuff @the-fangirl-diaries @gipsydanger17 @heavenly1927 @phantasmalbeiing @labyrinthonmymind @asarcastic-thiamstan @rainyv-skies @stclairesplace @katjusja @isla-bell-blog @beebeerockknot @sahvlren @lancedoncrimsonwings @weird123abc @elizabeth-holland24 @kissingandromeda @timeshiptraveler

Please let me know if you want to be added or removed from the taglist of this story. Using this old list from the previous fic.

#lancelot x reader #the weeping monk #weeping monk x you #weeping monk x reader #cursed lancelot #cursed netflix #weeping monk #cursed #the weeping monk x reader #lancelot

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power-rings · 19 days ago

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Light Consorting with Shadows (Collab)

Chapter 10: A New Plan

Collab with @e-vay!

Everything happened so quickly, that Sonic hardly had time to fit into his armor. His ears pricked in alarm when he heard a startling scream outside. With his speed, he was out of the palace. Sonic had expected to see Doom, and perhaps some soldiers that he assigned, but, to his surprise… he saw these blueish gray creatures emerging in what appeared to be thin air. He saw Lancelot already fighting against three of them near the gate. After spin-dashing one of the creatures into the side of the palace, he searched his surroundings, looking for Amy, and their teenage daughter. Hoping perhaps they were inside the palace… Would the palace even be safe anymore? He was attacked by three smaller creatures, before Percival defended the King. Sonic quietly nodded, grateful for her speedy save. One by one, he and Percival kept knocking the intruders down, the pair finally catching a break when reuniting with Lancelot. Under the dark hedgehog’s helmet, their gazes met. Whatever was spoken between them earlier that morning, was put aside. They had more concerning matters at hand. “I think Amy and Rory are still inside the castle. Help them get to the bunkers with the others.” Without another word, his best knight obeyed and in haste made his way to the castle.

The evasion seemed to have come to a stand still, and all of the knights gathered around the King. “Make sure that the bunkers are heavily guarded. Gawain? Check to make sure no one is still in their homes. Percival? I want you to take your spot at the north tower.” Sonic had a feeling that this wasn’t gonna be the last time they’ll see these alien-like beings. His eyes darted in the direction of his family exiting the castle. The royal family made their way out of the gate, and made haste to their safe haven. Sonic stopped at the entrance to their temporary underground home. As Sonic, and the queen spoke quietly, the king kept an eye on Lancelot and Aurora near the entrance of the stone perimeter around them. Amy got his attention, when she squeezed his hand. Worried in her jade eyes, but she trusted her king fully. Of course, as always, Sonic told her to wait for him. They embraced tightly, as if afraid to let the other one go.

Aurora lingered with her father…The king reached out his arm to hug his daughter farewell, but the princess remained still with her lips pursed.

“You need to get to safety with your mother.”

“But I can help!” she pleaded, clasping her hands.

“No,” Sonic stated simply. “War is no place for a princess.”

Tears welled up in the pink hedgehog’s eyes. “Then what is my place? My purpose? Isn’t it to serve the people–the land I love? How can I be expected to watch you and everyone in our kingdom risk your lives while I sit idly by?”

Sonic attempted to look away, an attempt to hide his emotions just as his armor shielded his body, but his daughter reached up and held his face in his hands. She turned him back to look her in the eye.

“I can fight,” she urged. “Lancelot has been training me for this. Please, let me fight with you and the other knights. Let me protect our kingdom. I can do this.”

The king grimaced at the mention of Lancelot’s name on his daughter’s lips, but there was truth to her words. Aurora had been training with the best of his knights, which would make her plenty capable in battle. Still, Sonic wouldn’t allow himself to sacrifice his daughter so easily. He would only allow Aurora to fight if it were the very last resort.

He placed his hands firmly on Aurora’s shoulders. Brows furrowed, he gave her a weak smile. There was a sense of sadness behind his emerald eyes and for a moment she was no longer speaking with ‘a king,’ but with her father. “I know you’re strong enough… And that’s why I need you to go with your mother. Keep her safe. For me?”

It wasn’t what she had asked for, but it was a step in the right direction. Soon enough, she’d be able to prove herself.

“I will,” Aurora nodded weakly. She quickly hugged her father and gave him a kiss on the cheek before turning on her heel and sprinting off to the safe haven.

As he watched Aurora join her mother, and slowly leave his sight. He started to truly realize something. His daughter was no longer his baby girl, anymore. As any parent, it pained him to realize this. However, Sonic couldn’t be more proud of her for standing her ground for their kingdom.

Unfortunately, he couldn’t dwell on his pride for his now young-adult daughter. More creatures were coming from all around them, not hesitating a moment to attack. Flying creatures even hovered above them, occasionally attacking them when one was distracted with their “siblings” that fought on the ground.

It felt like hundreds of these alien’s kept coming from out of nowhere, while they held a handful from the perimeter surrounding the bunker where the townspeople were huddled together in safety, more and more climbed the stone walls and attacked the archers, and the knights that were ordered to help were on their tail and tossed over like a rag, not standing a chance.

Everything froze. All the creatures suddenly dropped.

Doom had made his arrival. Both Sonic and Lancelot could feel him; and the chaos energy that surged through him.

“How disappointing, my son.” Doom spat at the ground, and slowly approached the two hedgehogs. His eyes narrowed coldly from the King to Lancelot. “Together we could have ruled this land, instead, you choose to die to defend his throne?” His crimson eyes darted toward Sonic.

Lancelot scowled, “indeed.” Rage was still fresh towards his estranged father, after the event that took place only days ago.

Doom scoffed, “so be it. If my army doesn’t destroy you… “ He grabbed Lancelot by the collar, “I will destroy you. After I kill your King.” Before Lancelot could attack him, he was gone. A dark cloud taking his place near his opponents.

Lancelot glanced back at the royal highness, Sonic’s emerald gaze scanned their surroundings. “We need to get those Chaos Emeralds back, Lancelot.” The king never looked at him, staying focused on the view of his palace standing on the hill. Perhaps, Doom would be waiting for them there. Doom’s mission was crystal clear. Now that Doom was out of sight, slowly his army became alive. Perhaps he had paralyzed them like he had done to Sonic, and the others the other day? Before Lancelot could even turn around to withdraw his sword, and decapitate his opponent, Sonic grabbed the Knight by the arm, and was pulled away from the battle. “I have an idea.”

Five lanky creatures discovered them just a few feet away, Lancelot and Sonic quickly took care of them, soon they all lay lifeless at their feet.

Lancelot took this chance to remove his helmet, and wipe his sweaty brow. “What’s your idea, sire?” Although he trusted Sonic with his life, he was always known for not making plans, or at least taking them seriously. All of a sudden, the king swung a fist. Lancelot was taken off guard, stumbling back.

It wasn’t rare that the two hedgehogs would spar from time to time, but in the heat of a battle? “C’mon, hit me.” Perhaps, the king was starting to lose his mind. When the knight didn’t hit him, Sonic attacked him again. “You don’t usually hesitate like this, Sir Lancelot.” Sonic laughed, and dodged Lancelot aiming for him.

“This fight is not with you, my King-”

“... But if we could use our wits to fool him.” Sonic stopped the brawl between them, his hands on the knight’s shoulders. “We can get the Chaos Emeralds back.”

Lancelot blinked at him, “we could win this.” Sonic grinned from ear to ear, and then looked over the knight’s shoulders back at the battle. They both mutually agreed to help the other knights fend off a large number of aliens, before they would carry out their plan.

Several feet away, it seemed like a larger number were attacking the stone perimeter that protected the sanctuary underground. Sir Percival, Gawain, and several other armored guards were attacking their opponents from all around them, swords piercing the chests of these aliens, or arrows aimed at their heads before they could even climb all the way to the top of the perimeter. Meanwhile, some of these creatures were near the entrance that was quite hidden from the naked eye. Guards that held their place on the top of the tower soon jumped down to block their attempt of a break-in.

When Lancelot, and the King felt like they would never be able to head back to the palace - when a bulky alien creature suddenly started to charge toward them, Lancelot took this chance, and muttered an apology to his king, as he although very hesitant, hitting him below the armor just inches from his groin. Sonic had been hurt several times before in his past life, especially any friendly compact with his faithful knight. He was almost numb to the pain, but had to admit it hurt like hell when Lancelot’s fist made contact. Lancelot whispered something into Sonic’s ear, and he immediately played along and fell to his knees. While Lancelot, lifted a hand toward the Alien. “Halt. Take me to your master. ” To his surprise, the creature actually froze in place. It grunted, and then glared at the “injured” King, before stomping ahead, leading them in the direction of the palace; perhaps they had assumed right that Doom was waiting for them in the throne room.

What a coward, Lancelot thought. He worried slightly that this plan wouldn’t even work. What was the next step if they had tricked Doom? How would he win the Chaos Emeralds back? He had a feeling that he would have to do the planning from there.

Instead of familiar, and friendly faces at the gate… stood two more aliens that were much taller than the alien that led them in this direction. Much easier to knock out, quite frankly. Lancelot noted. But, he resisted; they didn’t need to draw unnecessary attention.

Soon, the gates opened, and they stepped inside. More of Doom’s army were scattered here and there, snarling, and some of the smaller creatures even snapped at Sonic’s feet. Which, he just kicked off. From behind, the bulky alien shoved at Sonic, and snarled a warning.

When they finally reached the stone steps leading into the palace, the king started trying to get out of Lancelot’s grasp. Almost catching the knight off guard. They had to keep the act going. Sonic proceeded to fight against his grasp as they approached the throne room. As expected, Doom was sitting in Sonic’s seat.

Sonic, remember to burn that chair after we win this. The king noted, disgusted that Doom’s rear-end was in his chair.

One of the alien-soldiers approached Doom, and kneeled. If he spoke to Doom, neither of them heard it, or could understand it. Lancelot proceeded with the plan, and hurled the King towards his estranged father.

Sonic grunted as if the fall knocked the wind out of him. The alien quickly jerked aside, and allowed Doom to step down towards the King. His brow rising in disbelief. “Finally, did you come to your senses?” Doom leaned down to take off Sonic’s helmet, and tossed it aside. Sonic proceeded to play defeated, and weak.

Lancelot panicked slightly, and stepped forward. “Wait, Father…” The knight almost puked when he even used that word to describe such an evil being. “Mustn’t you end him this quickly?” He trailed off in thought, trying to find the words without giving them away, and costing both of their lives. “Shall we let him suffer by seeing his kingdom fall, before you end his life?”

Doom hesitated, quite intrigued with his son’s plan.

“Together. You and I. Like you wanted.” Lancelot could have sworn that Doom’s eyes beamed in excitement. If he could hold such an emotion.

Doom cackled loudly, his laughter echoing throughout the palace. “Brilliant.” The dark hedgehog turned to one of his soldiers, “take him to the cell.” Doom also advised them to heavily guard the cell Sonic would be in.

“I’ll take him.” Lancelot offered. He honestly wasn’t sure whether Sonic would actually be killed on the way to the cell. He couldn’t have that. Thankfully, Doom didn’t question his son. The soldiers lingered back, while Lancelot picked Sonic up and “dragged” him towards the prison. It has honestly been awhile since Lancelot actually walked down these stairs, Sonic hardly liked to lock anyone up. Unless, they had been guilty of murder. When they reached an empty, and dusty cell, they both waited to make sure they hadn’t been followed.

Sonic was grinning from ear to ear. “Way to go. Boy, you even had me fooled for a moment there.”

Lancelot hushed him. “I’m not sure about this, sire. What’s next?”

The king shrugged, “I didn’t think we would get this far, Lancelot.” Sonic lowered his voice, “don’t look at me like that,” Sonic’s voice got high-pitched under Lancelot’s gaze, “… I did bring this.” Hidden in his quills was a familiar Chaos Emerald, although it lacked its appeal like the real one. They could use it to their advantage. Or at least… Sonic could easily escape when he needed to. Perhaps, he could even use this one to find the Chaos Emerald that Doom had taken.

Lancelot shook his head. “Let’s pray to the gods it’ll work. I’ll figure out how to coax the Chaos Emeralds out of his grasp.” Sonic beamed, and gave him a thumbs up. “Now, get in your cell.” The knight encouraged, slightly too amused with the situation than he actually should be. Lancelot watched the King hesitate, but Sonic trusted him. He wouldn’t be here too long. Lancelot was worried though. What if Sonic was caught with the fake Chaos emerald? What if fooling Doom won’t be as easy as they had hoped. They got this far… so, they couldn’t back away now.

The knight felt Doom’s eyes on him, as he returned upstairs. He expected the older hedgehog to speak, but he was silent. “Ahem. What happens now?” Lancelot searched their surroundings. Taking notice of the damage inside the palace. If they win this, they have a lot of work to do. The knight cursed himself for not getting rid of Doom quicker. He also hated that he was away from Aurora, and the rest of the citizens that were safe in their fort. Or, at least for the time being. How long would it take before they break through? Doom’s soldiers were persistent. Too many lives were at risk. Lancelot felt like he shouldn’t linger much longer, but what of Sonic? Their plan?

Next: Coming Soon

#shadow the hedgehog #sonic the hedgehog #light consorting with shadows #my writing #collab work #aurora the hedgehog #lancelotxaurora #sonic fanfiction #satbk #satbk au

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thatpodcastkid · 6 months ago

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Magnus Archives Relisten 20, MAG 20 Desecrated Host

Father Pruitt from Midnight Mass but if he was still an old man. You agree, reblog.

My MAG 20 analysis, spoilers ahead!

Facts: Continuation of the statement of Father Edwin Burroughs regarding his claimed demonic possession. Statement given May 30, 2011.

Statement Notes: A hallucination sequence is one of the best modes of horror. The inability to distinguish between the real and unreal aspects of the vision combined with the symbolic imagery and attempts to determine the cause of the hallucination itself often means the audience experiences the same level of fear and confusion the character does. However, I very rarely see them done well in non-visual mediums. The best example I can think of is the dream of Percival Glyde in The Woman In White. But this episode is really effective in that. You don't understand anything that is happening, you're just stuck on the ride with no hope of getting off, and Father Burroughs is in the seat next to you. If you know of any other really good dream or hallucination sequences in horror narratives, tell me about it in the notes.

I also noted how whatever was possessing Burroughs really reveled in his guilt. I discussed this in the Part I analysis, but the conflation of guilt and fear as two sides of the same coin is an incredible choice, especially in a religious story. You are guilty because you are afraid of your own actions, you are afraid because you did something you should be guilty for. You are afraid of being found guilty, you are afraid of punishment, you are afraid you will never stop feeling guilty.

Entity Alignment: This is another mixed bag episode. This definitely seems like a lot of effort to make Burroughs afraid and/or just to kill two people. I briefly wondered if Burroughs could be involved in some kind of ritual, but the overall events of the episode don't feel directed or focused enough. If there was goal aside from torturing Burroughs and his victims, I couldn't determine it.

The line from Genesis "Behold, thou hast driven me out" obviously invokes some Eye imagery. I did note how much of religion, particularly Catholicism, centers around viewing and reveling in the majesty and horror of God/a god. Religion's ability to unwittingly turn people into voyeurs of their messiah connotes it with the Eye. Furthermore, the previously mentioned focus on guilt and the horror's apparent delight in Burroughs suffering associates with the Eye as well.

Burroughs isolation heightening his fear does tie in elements of the Lonely, while the smiling imagery is reminiscent of the Stranger. Of course, the hallucinations and loss of control of one's mind associates Burroughs with the Spiral, and the cannibalism associates him with the Flesh. But if I had to pick a true second to the Eye as the main entity associated with this episode, I would have to go with the Web. Burroughs is incapable of making any choices. The demon controls his actions, eliminating his independence and manipulating him. Even if it is not really a possession but some other manipulation of his psyche, it prevents Burroughs from acting independently.

Character Notes: Breekon & Hope mention! In spite of my earlier doubts, their involvement does signal some kind of ritual. Usually, they're only involved in deliveries associated with high level entity action, such as the coffin or Jon's lighter. I don't recall this stole being mentioned in any other episode, but if Breekon & Hope delivered it, it must be relevant somehow.

Another reason this episode might be affiliated with a ritual is that Gertrude was apparently the last person to read it. In her final days, she was primarily focused on stopping rituals, which indicated this case was particularly important.

When will my Martin return home from the war.

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artzzyb00-27 · 10 months ago

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Tavern Tales{Elyan x OC}

Robin Hood and his Merrymen meet the Knights of the Round Table. Along with King Arthur and Merlin. What could go wrong? Not much actually, but Elyan deserves more love so here you go.

Arriving at Camelot came a minstrel, one came from a land near Mercia. Who sang tales of Robin Hood and his legion of Merrymen. The people gathered round to hear the tale. The rhythm of the tale became engraved in everyone's head.

Robin Hood and Little John, walking through the forest

Laughing back and forth at what the other'n has to say

Reminiscing this and that and having such a good time

Oo-de-lally, oo-de-lally, golly, what a day

Never ever thinking there was danger in the water

They were drinking, they just guzzled it down

Never dreaming that a scheming sheriff and his posse

Was a-watching them and gathering around

Robin Hood and Little John, running through the forest

Jumping fences, dodging trees and trying to get away

Contemplating nothing but escape and finally making it

Oo-de-lally, oo-de-lally, golly, what a day

Eventually, the word made its way to King Uther. He wasn't pleased with the thought of rogues attempting to steal from nobles. So he sent his knights to disband the group. Out of the twelve that left, only five returned. When Arthur became king, he wondered what happened to the group of Merrymen, he had only heard stories in passing at the tavern whilst spending time with his knights and manservant.

Till one faithful day.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

"Merlin! Feed the horses, they're no use to us dead!" The knights could only watch amused at the banter between King and servant. Wondering if they would ever become a normal pair of serving and be served.

"Unlike you right?" Dodging a blow to the head, Merlin ran off to feed their trusty steeds. Turning back to his knights Arthur addressed Leon.

"Where to next?" Looking at the map in front of the curly-haired man, he looked up to his majesty awaiting an answer. The long trip from Mercia taking its toll on the man.

"If we head through the Plains of Othanden, we'll cut travel time by a day. As long as there's no trouble with that my lord?"

"None at all, Sir Leon."

"Speak for yourselves, I'm famished." Gwaine, the lazy oaf he is, dragged out as he leaned on Percival who shook his head fondly. Once the horses were ready, they made haste to cut through the plains as best they could.

With Lancelot keeping Merlin from going insane and Gwaine sharing stories with Elyan and Percival, it made the trip bearable. Arthur and Leon would only chip in their two silvers when necessary(when they wanted to). Once near the edge of Camelot, they spotted a village nearby.

"It's getting dark, we should rest in the village. Have some time to gather our energy." Merlin suggested. Thinking it over, Arthur agreed and led his friends to the village. Once there, people around whispered. Some are in awe of the king and his knights. Others appeared worried.

At this Merlin became paranoid. So he listened in more carefully at the villagers.

"Why are,..... think they'll,..... hope they,... what of,...?" Fortunately, one question was clear as day. "Do ya' wonder what Robin Hood will think?"

Merlin wanted to freeze in his tracks but his horse kept him along the others. Robin Hood was here. The man from tales at the tavern who stole from the rich and gave to the poor. Honorable, but bad news if he tried stealing from Arthur.

No gold or valuables were on them, but Arthur wouldn't hesitate to kill if attacked. Merlin prayed Robin Hood was smarter than that.

Once at a decent-looking Inn, they left their horses to the stable boy and left to a nearby tavern for a light dinner. Or drink in Gwaine's case. A table maid sat them at a window booth and took their orders. Gwaine had attempted to woo her.

It gave the others amusement especially when she was particularly interested in Lancelot. She was making the man bashful and he tried to give attention to Gwaine again.

After she walked away, music began playing louder and cheers were heard. Turning their heads to see the commotion, they saw a bright red-haired woman dancing on the bar along to the beat of the song.

Her hair was in a braid and she wore boots with baggy wool socks. Black pants that sagged at her lower legs and a white blouse that brought out her purple bodice. It seemed she was there alone.

When the violin played a certain chord, she jumped in the air towards the chandelier and swung in circles everyone around her. Including the visitors from Camelot.

Landing on a table nearby causing the men sitting there to fall over from shock, she continued to dance. Spinning around and swaying her hips along with the music. Getting wolf whistles from men and cheers of praise from women.

Entranced by her dancing, Elyan didn't hear the praise coming from his friends.

"She's good," Arthur said. Leon nodded while taking sips from his drink. Leon nodded his head in agreement.

"Elyan agrees, right mate?" Gwaine said laughing at his friend. Looking besotted at the bold red-head across from them. As the song ended she jumped off the table landing gracefully, giving a bow to the patrons around her. The knights and everyone else raised their glasses to her.

As she went to sit at an empty seat at the bar, Elyan debated on speaking with her.

"If you stare, she'll only think badly of you." Merlin's voice brought him back to reality as his friends sniggered at him. Turning towards the blue-eyed man, Elyan couldn't help but roll his eyes.

A woman as beautiful as her wouldn't be interested in him dressed like a peasant. When they headed into their rooms Leon implied it wise to change into something less formal for their trip to the tavern.

While the others agreed, Elyan couldn't deny he felt stripped. Despite Arthur's reassurance, being from no noble blood made him feel small. Even worse when some common folk looked at him in contempt. Which wasn't always because of his position or origin.

"I'd rather not. Besides she must feel tired, why keep beating a dead horse?" At his words the knights became rigid. Apart from Merlin and Gwaine who held in laughs.

"Because maybe it'll come back to life?" A different voice spoke behind him. An angelic voice. Turning around with a confused expression, Elyan met eyes with the redhead. Her green eyes glimmer despite facing away from the light. He tried to envision what they would look like in the afternoon sun.

"Perhaps that's true." He said after much debate internally, which was hilarious to his friends. Although, it did bring a smile out of her so maybe it worked.

"Glad to know someone thought my performance was exceptional."

"Very, love the bit where you jumped and almost hit the ceiling." Closing her eyes and laughing she headed off to another table shaking her head. She sat down at a table a good feet away chatting with some men sitting and drinking.

"Were you complimenting her or insulting her?" Lancelot may be honorable to anyone else, but his companions were at their wits end with him.

After getting their orders they headed off to the inn to get rest for tomorrow's journey home. Still while lying down on the bed next to Percival's he kept thinking back to the girl. He never got her name.

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The next morning they awoke and had a small breakfast. Just something to keep them awake for the start of the path. That is til someone broke into the inn screaming their head off.

"Robin Hood's attacked! Lord John isn't happy!" The people near the door piled out, including the knights. They had heard the tales but had never seen it in person. Now was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

"Robin Hood?" Arthur asked a patron who just shrugged their shoulders with a smile. Outside the village, people gathered around the middle fountain and grabbed bags of money from the Merrymen.

"Should we do something?" Leon whispered in Arthur's ear and he was debating himself. While they were meant to arrest outlaws, Robin wasn't an outlaw of Camelot. Uther had just been threatened by an outside power that most likely didn't even know of his existence.

"No, they're not a problem as long as they don't attack us. We should go."

And like that, they left. Leaving the village and heading into the forest was browsing but the mood and energy picked up when Gwaine began picking on Elyan again.

"So, did you end up getting her name or what Elyan?" Rolling his eyes he gave his friend a gentle glare.

"No, and for good reason. I'll never see her again. What's the point?"

"Don't speak like that Elyan, there are plenty of women who would love a courtship with Camelot's finest knights," Arthur said trying to console his friend which prompted Merlin to have his usual go at him.

"Makes you wonder why Gwen ever chose you." The knights 'Ooo'ed at this and the king simply threw a fake glare at his manservant. Looking past Merlin, he saw a group of horses running up to them.

Realizing it was the Merrymen, Arthur became tense. Noticing, the Knights drew their swords and turned to the charging quarry behind them. When they got close they slowed down and stopped a few feet away from them.

The figure in front of a white horse spoke from under the hood and mask.

"Relax boys, we know you don't have anything, we're just trying to get through. We're making a stop at Camelot. A friend of ours needs help."

"Who's this friend of yours? Perhaps we could assist you, after all, I would like to be more involved with my people."

The statement ran through the Merrymen. Except for the two in front.

"Her name is Marian and she needs money. Please let us through, she doesn't trust any type of nobility." Frowning Arthur went to retort but Merlin stopped him.

"Arthur no, let them come with us."

"He's right, it could give us a chance to keep an eye on them." Leon reasoned out Merlin's input.

"I for one would love to hear the real story of the mighty Robin Hood." A small chuckle from the opposite group could be heard. Guess they weren't as quiet as they'd hoped.

Elyan however, was more focused on the main hooded figure. Their laughter sounded familiar. Angelic almost.

"What do ya' think Robin?" The man next to the leader asked. The leader whispered and agreement and let the man next to him go up to Arthur.

The knights could tell he wasn't being threatening so they sheethed their swords back in their holsters.

"Very well, we'll accompany you. My name is John."

"Little John?" Percival asked gesturing at the man's size. Like Percival he was big and bulky, the only difference being a darker tone of skin and a subtle belly on him.

Laughter from John and the group startled birds out of the trees. They were called Merrymen for a reason.

"You're her! That girl from the tavern last night!" The Merrymen froze and exchanged looks. Some of them looked at their leader questioningly. Huffing out a small laugh only confirmed Elyan's belief and made him flustered.

The girl pulled off her hood and revealed wavy bright red hair that glowed in the morning sun.

"You got me!" She said and made her horse walk closer to Elyan. "Glad to see my biggest fan again." Smiling at her comment, Elyan went to speak but was interrupted.

"You were flirting with Robin Hood!" Gwaine was going to get beat when they got back to Camelot.

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"So how did people think you were a man? Don't think anything different, but your physique isn't very masculine." Arthur asked as they sat in the knight's quarters back in the castle. The trip had let Elyan and the others learn about the Merrymen's travels and adventures.

Their recent heists. Any gone wrong attempts that required daring rescues. Including any potential romances whilst on the road.

"I needed people to respect what I was doing, not patronize me for it. So when the minestrel we saved asked to write a song about us I told him to make me male."

"Certainly fooled me, I thought you were a prat like Arthur." That comment earned Merlin a good wallop to the head creating laughter throughout the room.

"Tell us more." Elyan urged Robin leaning back on the bench next to her.

"Well, there was the time we invaded Cendred's castle unnoticed."