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grigori77 · 2 years ago

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Critical Role, Campaign 3 Episode 54

All right then, can we FINALLY get to what's happening with the others now? I'm so scared for Laudna especially right now, she must be going SPARE without Imogen ...

NOBODY is sponsoring them? Hmmm ... does that have anything to do with the recent D&D copyright debacle? Suspicious ...

Ooh, Midst sounds pretty cool, definitely deserves support, guys! Yeah! SUPPORT CREATIVES!!!

Yup, obligatory Creator Clash plug!

Okay, here we go, here we go, here we go ... (nervous nail-biting ensues)

Noooooo ... no no no ... STILL?!!! Still, guys? Come on!

Sponsorship deals? Hmmm ... sounds good ...

Saludin? Oh, SIR Ludin! Okay. A Royal invite? Fancy.

Ah yes, the grouchy minority vote, that feels more like normal.

Yes, where's Chetney? Oh boy, here we go with the Sending ... how's THIS gonna go? Ow! Here we go ... nuts ... but the Bagel helped Imogen avoid a headache, at least.

Wilford Brimley? Hmmm ...

Yeah, Chetney's definitely laying it on a bit thick with the ham ... time to go!

Further roll of the night? Yes, that sucks balls. Just follow the crowd ... oh, here he is. Yup. "A quick fling?" Hmmmm ...

Apparently Chetney is the kryptonite to the good mood. XD

"Two pump chump?"

Ooh, tiny cozy small person home, I love it. :3 Prestidigitation? Oh, yes, get rid of the smell ...

Fearne gets the bed, there you go. Imogen too? Oh, okay ... A million saucy fanfics just got started ... hello, AO3 crowd. XD

Wait, Chetney wasn't ALWAYS like this? Intriguing. Oh, "Vacation Chet"? Cute ... oh, so Imogen thinks there IS a real spark there? Double intriguing.

Yes! Hugs! Hugs are good.

Voltron? What?

Is this ... are the aeormatons FLIRTING?!!!

Yeah, the sleeping arrangements really are causing some chaos ... this show ...

"Do aeormatons ... dream of electric sheep?"

Oof ...

Wow, apparently Chetney really SNORES ...

"You got legs, and you ... you know how to use them." Oh boy ...

ENAMOURED?!!! Oh ... oh, platonic? Hmmm ...

Oh for go ... the flat earth thing again? Wow ...

Powering down, then ... aeormatons sharing dreams ... okay ... oh, a fancy light? Hmmm ... oh, THAT'S FRIDA ... okay then. That means it worked.

Exandria! Cool ... so it IS a globe, then, there you go. In the dream ... damn it Mercer, don't give him ideas!

Wait ... is FRIDA NOT actually an aeormaton? Are they human? What? Now I'm confused ...

A child? What does THAT mean, then? Oh ... so FCG sees it but FRIDA doesn't ... hmmm ... this is just strange.

Time to wake up ...

They wake up HOLDING EACH OTHER?!!! Oh my ... and everybody goes awwww ... :3

A boy they were PROTECTING ... I see ... so they were once a caregiver, a bodyguard ... that's interesting. A recording? Oh, intriguing idea ...

FRIDA: "Why do you help? Always?" Yeah, this is kind of the point with Letters isn't it?

FCG: "You can't spell enemy or friend without ne." What?

Pillow fight! LOL

The sweet FUCK is that? Oh, that flask is CRUEL in the best way! Yes indeed ... Laura: "Someone very close to Matt Mercer has BETRAYED him." My gods ... Matt threatens FCG with DEATH jn thd night ...

What the ... A T-SHIRT!!! Sam, you FIEND!!! XD I love it ...

Fuck ... Deanna is overcompensating with THIS breakfast. Chetney: "Oh ... IT'S REAL!!!"

FRIDA breaks out some collected precious metals as compensation for FCG. :3

Plans for the day ... yeah, Oltgar's Chest might not be the best idea for Chet ...

Chetney wishes he had a disguise. FCG: "Can't you turn invisible?" Chetney: "Damn it!"

Ooooh ... Nat1 creates a Space Merkin ... yeah ...

Talking zbout getting FCG some legs. And then a THIRD leg enters the conversation ... oh gods ... yeah, this is going EXACTLY where I thought it was going to go ...

So, to Oltgar's Chest first, then ... on to the pain, then.

Is Chetney having a stroke? Wow, Travis is ACTUALLY rolling to check ... XD

D&O's? Jeez ...

Deanna: "You're making a blood eagle out of the toy maker?" Snort ...

1they need a safe word? Hmmm ... "macaroni" ... fuck ...

Leftovers, yes ... "Pocket bacon!" XD

And so we enter D&O's ... hmmm ... this place is FLASHY ... turquoise? Really? Hmmm ... pop tarts? Really, Matt? Laura: "So spot on!"

Fearne: "Is this what it was like when you were here?" Chetney: "No, this place had RESPECT."

Fire? What's going on?

Wow, this dwarf ... Laura: "Does he have a little twinkle in his eye?" Oh dear gods ...

Oltgar Dredagon ... a very FESTIVE dwarf, clearly ...

He called Fearne "little miss"? Oh, I love it ... XD

Whizzle-cages ... oh, yes, I can see where THIS is going ... yup ... fire sprite infestation!

Drix? Oh, here we go ... a"snide Willy Wonka"? Fuuuuuuuck ... oh yeah, this guy is clearly a PRICK ... yeah, I get it now.

Awwwww, Fearne ... Nice one ... the wolf carving! Yay! Yes, Chet is INDEED a master.

A pet? What? Where's THIS going ...

A Craskalid? What?

Wow, Drux really is A LOT ...

Fearne, be persuasive ... dirty 20? Skillful ... 500 gold all in reward to 500 apiece! Nice ...

Oh, shenanigans! Nice, go for it, FRIDA! Oh ... nice, that went BEAUTIFULLY. XD

Werthers? LOL

Stealth attack! Sweet ... vengeance! XD

Oltgar gets a lovely home cooked breakfast ... sort of. Yeah ... oh wow, he REALLY misses Chetney now, clearly. I can't blame him with THAT unbelievable prick.

Into the workshop ... the smell of burnt wood and hair ... hmm ...

Oh, time for a break, good place for it!

Ooh, shenanigans when we come back, too ... they're children I swear ... XD Matt suffers on ...

I love that Chetney thinks they're just going in to destroy the place. XD

Yeah, Matt really is laying the Festive scene setting on VERY thick. Ooh, toys! Cute ...

Imogen smashes a metal toy to make Chetney feel better ... then FCG eats it. XD I love that they love him enough for that.

Chetney (mortified): "It just ... SITS THERE?!!!" Oof ... backpeddle, Fearne! Backpeddle!

Oh shit ... it's a SWARM ... yikes ...

Deanna is REALLY trying to COMMUNICATE with this shit? Hmmm ... wait, is this actually WORKING?

And now she's COVERED in glowbugs ... and syrup ... yeah ...

Ouch ... botched persuasion check ... that's not good. Wait ... Fearne can make a BUBBLE OF AIR?!!! Do that!

Wow, and Ashley hasn't even thought this through beforehand ... classic D&D ... and now Matt's essentially invoking Rule of Cool to msjd this work ... oh fuck that's a shit roll ...

Fearne: "I got this!" BOOSH!!!

Matt: "Roll initiative!" Aaaaaaaaaaah!

Holy fuck, the swarm rolled a NAT 20 on initiative ... fuuuuuck ... XD

Aaaaah!!! They're getting bitey! Wait ... I thought Fearne was fireproof ... I thought she was some kind of super fire druid, she's not immune to fire? Bah, I say! Bad luck!

Nice one Imogen! Oh yes, the Whizzle-cages! Good plan!

Dazing Shot? Okay ... 24? FRIDA continues to be a badass!

Matt rolls MONSTER well on con check ... these are some TOUGH BUGS!!!

Turmoil! Here we go ... Shatter? Crazy ... 26 points of Thunder Damage! Holy fuck! And bonus collateral damage! Chetney: "Oh no! The store (sarcastic)!"

A butterfly net? Hmmmm ...

Deanna: "Everybody needs to calm DOWN!!!" And she casts Blindness on both swarms at 3rd Level! Oh shit! Deanna: "Hmmm ... this ... may not have helped!"

Matt's limited miniature collection means they've got little metal pizzas on the map ... at least according to Laura's short-sightedness. XD

FCG (as he's swarmed): "I don't blame you! It's your nature!"

Compulsion! Okay ... I am NOT confident with this plan ...

Wow ... creepy floating groping ghost hand ... yeah ...

OBVIOUSLY the swarm is resistant to bludgeoning damage.

Guiding Bolt? Whoa ... go off, FRIDA!!! Some confusion over the rules ... which was entirely unnecessary! Hmmm ... 24 points of damage! Yeah ... Holy fuck, that killed ALL OF THEM!!! Wow ...

Wood AND metal ... Chetney: "An unholy alliance of materials!"

A second level of battle map! Okay ... FUCK!!! TWO swarms! Eep ... Chetney wolfs out because he's about to get My Girl'd! Cue sounds of amused nostalgic horror, mostly from Laura.

Inflict Wounds on the swarm? Ouch ... oh, that is just MEAN ... Deanna got a dark side!

Aaaaaah! Macauly Culkin death swarm attack on werewolf Chetney! Aaaaaah!

Fly swatter Spiritual Weapon! And it is THOROUGHLY pointless! About par for the course ... oh wait ... Sam remembers his rules in the end ... fuck, SWEET SAVE!!! Nat20! Splat!

Imogen makes Deanna FLY!!!

Flaming enswarmed Chetney is now BLOCKING THE STAIRS!!! AAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!!

Guiding Bolt again!

Apparently the werewolf is NOT really the natural predator of the fiery magic glowbug swarm.

Fearne thinks it's all over. XD And now she's coming over all klepto. OF course she is. :3

That covered section of the map us really making me paranoid now ...

Deanna attempts to just INTIMIDATE the swarms into chilling out ... and botches her roll. Balls ...

FCG turns their propeller hand into a shocking shredder ... and it JAMS! Oi ...

Wait ... CAN a Spectral Weapon waft right through the floor? HOLY SHIT I can't believe that actually WORKED!!! Plothole exploitation!

Yes, it's true, the Addams Family movies really do still hold up ...

Wow. Imogen literally turned that bunch into a telekinetic crickett bat ... and Laura briefly manifests Jester as she tries to work out what to do next ...

FRIDA gets the HDYWTDT!!! NICE!!!

Sam: "Check the bodies for loot!" XD

Oh yeah, I forgot, this IS Deanna's first time really interacting with werewolf Chetney. She is WEIRDED OUT.

Oh dear ... chrysalis ... oh, and it's HATCHED!!! AAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!! Not good ...

Fearne: "Yeah, Mister and I were downstairs making dolls have sex." Wait, what? I can't believe everybody but Sam just completely blanks on that ...

Dawn ... hmmm ...

FUUUUUUUCK!!! IT'S ON THE FUCKING CEILING!!! ALIENS!!! It's that bit in ALIENS!!!

Oh sweet fucking FUCK what even IS that thing? O.O

Scorching Ray! Torch it, Fearne! Holy shit Ashley is rolling fucking EVIL there! This us gonna hurt ... 34 points of Fire Damage! Noice! AND Mister gets to chuck the flaming shit ... at the wall. Balls ...

Lightning Bolt at FOURTH LEVEL?!!! Holy shit, Imogen! Everybody starts shooting Ghostbusters quotes while Laura calculates her damage ...

The Crasskalid's tufn now ... oh boy ... this thing is NASTY ... NOOOOO!!! Leave Fearne alone! Ouch, that is A LOT of damage ... AND she's grappled! Aaaaaah!

I can't believe FCG's Spiritual Weapon actually hurts it. And now the bolt thrower ... 20 points of damage AND it pops one of its eyes! Nice!

Aabria: "DM to DM, why are we obeying physics with our pretend brains?"

Meemaw's MAD!!! XD

Wow ... being a dumb animal Chetney is running right into the light to attack ... he's kicking arse with Turmoil, though.

Oh shit, its blood is like BOILING OIL!!! AAAAAAHHH!!!

Chetney backs off and gets bit! Oof ... oh no, FRIDA has imposed a disadvantage ... 16? It MISSES!!! Yesssssss! Nice ...

FRIDA shoots in in the face to get it to let Fearne go ... only 2 shots because they need to reload? Shit ... 45 points of damage for one found with the Action Surge! And Fearne is now FREE!!! Noice!

Fearne Polymorphs it back into a baby. Okay. This will last for an hour, so she plans on leaving it for Drix to deal with. Ooh, that's just EVIL. I LOVE IT. XD

Oh my gods ... child labour in sweatshops? That scumbag ... wow, this is a truly diabolical teail of criminal horrors that elf prick is responsible for. He needs to be SQUASHED.

Deanna Mass Heals everybody got 16 points. Nice.

Tickle Me Oltgar ...

Ooh, fancy gloves. Cool.

Fearne's mad dash to get the angry beast baby outside the city before it morphs back ... I love this ... oh, she's going to Plinko the creature off the cliff ... brilliant ...

And now it's chasing her back up the slope ... oh my gods ... now she's running for he gates ... yes, SHOOT THE BALLISTAS!!! Dear gods that is a fucking riot ... pure beautiful chaos, I loved that.

Wow, they are just STEALING Drix' shit now as they head outside again. With a xhihload of smoking hotboxes. Cue more Ghostbusters references.

Oh, here we go ... Chetney reunites with Oltgar. Hmmm ... this will be interesting.

Yeah, Chet just lays it all out for him. Tough love indeed. The full facts in all its horror. Oof ...

Wow, they really are going all out with the Festive jokes here ... the List ... I love it.

Oh, WAS HE in on it? Hmmm ...

He's giving him the prototypes? Wow ... genuinely reconciliation! Nice ...

Fearne returns. "The baby's dead!"

Chetney gives Oltgar 2 days to get out if the city. He decides to reward them ... from Drix' private cache! XD Cute. Wow, that's a lot of platinum.

Chetney: "Get yourself a dozen goats and a sleigh and just get outta town." Oh my gods!

The Festive jokes reach a crescendo ...

Chetney realising Fearne doesn't know how to put fire OUT ... XD

666 gold each ... Ashley flashes the sign of the Devil! LOL

Off to their meeting with the Royals, then ... Matt: "And that's where we're gonna end tonight's episode."

Sam: "Yeah, this episode will be released in December, right?" XD Stop please just STOP ...

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absurd-aesthetics · 7 months ago

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I knew he was going to cheat but ahhhhhhhhh it still hurt me 💔💔💔

As always your writing is amazing. Your reader is so well written. Descriptive enough to give her a personality but leaving enough out we can still insert ourselves and habits as well.

She's funny and witty and hyper Intelligent and bold but still respectful of traditions outside her own. I really love how you write her.

I enjoy her chess matches with Saludin and the way she teases him, poor (old) man. Also the ending!!! I can't believe Baldwin cheated!!! I really hope there's a real reason and he doesn't want a harem or something. Reader was warming up to him, she was excited to see him!!! And omg that you are my whole world line as he was spinning her, he's such a romantic he can't be a cheater. He CANT

I love your writing I can't sing !!!

Time Traveller AU pt 4

Part 1 is here. Part 2 is here. Part 3 is here. AU masterlist is here. Check out my MASTERLIST for more.

Two weeks had passed since you and Baldwin had met Salauddin. As much as you tried to stay in your room to try and work on your time machine a bit, Sibylla was far too excited with the wedding preparations and was dragging you along. Even the maids were too eager to do everything, be it dressing you up or accompanying you around the castle. You suppose it was their way of trying to get in your good graces so that you'll choose them to be your court ladies. Its all politics really. The few moments that you did try to have for yourself, they'd be with Baldwin. You cant ever have meals without him, even if you were sneaky. You theorised that Baldwin probably had someone in the kitchen to inform him the moment you're having a meal made so that he can join you too (and proceed to handfeed you the first and last bite from his plate).

You decide its finally time to bring up the agenda you had in mind. "Baldwin?" You call softly, earning a surprised look from him because he's used to your admonishing tone. "Yes, princess?" he quickly closes his book, giving you his full attention.

"Do you think... it could be arranged for me to travel?" He raised a brow. "Travel? Where?"

You mustered up the courage. "Egypt."

"Egypt? Why?" Of course he was alarmed because at the time Egypt was under Muslim rule, and Salauddin was the sultan of Egypt. It was his territory and it was far too.

"Why not? I thought you said you would show me the world." You reminded him of his promise when he was trying to bribe you into marrying him.

He sighed and nodded. "That can be arranged. Come on, now." He took your hand and pulled you towards him as he moved towards the corner of his room, keeping you facing him. "I always keep my promises, princess." He whispered kissing your chin before turning you around to face the mirror.

"See? Now you've seen the world. In fact-" He spins you back to him before turning you towards the mirror again. "-ooh! Now you've seen the world twice!" He keeps on spinning you back and forth a couple of more times making you laugh before you get dizzy and lightly smack his arm.

"Be serious for once, Baldwin!" You glare at him. "Dont you get tired from your flirting attempts?"

His eyes twinkled as he cupped your face with his hands. "Never!"

With your face still in his hands, you repeated your request. "I want to go to Egypt, Baldwin." "But why? Do you want something from there? Because I can have it brought here-"

"No." You cant believe you have to manipulate him. Eh, he'll get over it. "I... I dont have a family, Baldwin. I was an orphan and well- things werent great at my orphanage, so I ran away. I wanted to find out about my family, about my parents. What happened to them. So I've been travelling here and there. I suppose thats how I developed an interest in history." You could seem his resolve melting with the way his eyes softened, so you continued on. "Please, let me go to Egypt. I think... I think I might find some clues about my family there. And if I dont..." you chuckled. "Well, I could always write something on Salauddin."

"Do you really want to go?" You nodded eagerly. He smiled. "Alright. I'll talk to Salauddin. If he gives permission, then you can go. I dont think I could accompany you there. Guy has been stirring up some problems here and I cant have him try to start a rebellion."

"Its okay, I can go alone." "Well, not alone. I'll send my best knights along." Shit. Oh well. Better them than Baldwin.

Breaking the pattern for once, you decided to initiate affection and gave him a hug. "Thank you, Baldwin!" You heard him inhale sharply, his body stilling for a moment before his arms slowly but surely wrapped around your frame, and you felt him melt into you a bit. This is psychology 101, okay? Pavlov's dog experiment, if you reward him for "good behaviour", he is more prone to be "good".

If only you knew this may have been the first time in more than a decade that he's been hugged. And now that he has... it only cements more in his mind that your hugs are his- you are his.

As expected, Salauddin agreed and allowed you to come to Egypt. However, Baldwin still delayed your trip by almost a week under the pretence to make "necessary arrangements for your trip".

It was just him trying to find excuses to make you stay longer, or even change your mind about leaving at all.

"You know it's going to be soooo hot in Egypt? What if you get a heat stroke?"

"I'm going with Salauddin. He's been living in the desert for so long, I'm sure he'll teach me how to protect myself from the sun."

"You- what if you get thirsty? You won't get cold water!"

You looked at him baffled. "Salauddin literally had a box of ice in the desert- he served us ice water. Did you forget? I'm beginning to think you might be suffering from a heat stroke."

He huffed. "Surely, you cant be safe in Egypt without me by your side. People will attack you for being my weakness!"

Your heart skipped a beat. I'm his weakness?

You shake your head. Not the time. "How would they even recognise me? I'd be in a niqaab! Besides, I thought you were sending your "best knights" with me." You said turning around to fold your clothes.

Baldwin's hand reached for your wrist and he pulled you back to him, your body stiffening against his hard chest. Damn, how long did he work out for? Just a few weeks ago, he couldnt even stand for long without passing out.

He rested his chin on your shoulder. "I'll miss you." He mumbled, and the corner of your mouth quirked up. "I know." You replied as you tried to break out of his arms and return to your packing. But Baldwin spun you around, his brows furrowed. "You wont miss me?" His eyes held deep concern, while his voice reminded you of a scared child.

He's adorable.

His grip on your arms tightened the longer you stayed silent. Fearing he'd change his mind about the trip, you cupped his face and brought it closer to yours, staring into his eyes.

"No." Hurt flashed through across those blue pools, but you continued. "Because the mere thought that you would be waiting here for me will make me want to return home early." His face softened.

"Home? You consider this your home?" He whispered, clearly affected by your words.

Oh, he's about to die when he hears what you've got next.

Your eyes smiled. "You're my home, Baldwin." You knew if this was an anime, then right now Baldwin would be animated with a pink background with halo behind him, and probably cupids shooting arrows and crying.

His reaction proved you right. Baldwin pulled you in for a tight hug, hiding his head into your shoulder and before you either of you could react, you both fell on your bed, though Baldwin didnt let go of you.

When he finally pulled away, he caressed your cheek with one hand. "What?" you asked with a lazy smile. He didnt say anything, just kept tracing your face with his fingers, looking at you as if he was in a trance. Considering you were leaving tomorrow, you didnt move from the bed. You didnt want to break whatever fantasy Baldwin was in (truthfully, you didnt have the heart for it. He looked like something was healing inside him.) So you stayed there next to him, letting Baldwin run his fingers though your hair and falling asleep to that.

"How did I get so lucky?" He whispered to himself, still looking at you in awe.

Baldwin didnt sleep that night. No, he wanted to memorise your face.

The next morning, you were sent off with a small entourage, even though Baldwin wanted to send you with a bigger one, but you reasoned with him that a large group of people would only draw more attention to you.

"Be safe, princess." Baldwin said, pressing his lips to your forehead. You smiled and nodded. "I'll be back before you know it." He gave you a lopsided smile before pulling out a pouch and placing it in your hands. It was heavy. "I have given the knight commander gold to cater to your every need, buy anything you like but- I still want you to have this. Just in case." You peeked into the pouch and your eyes bulged out at the gold coins in there. "Its too much, Baldwin. I cant take-" He cupped your cheek. "I insist. If- God forbid, things go wrong, I want you to use this to get out." You leaned into his touch. "Nothing will happen to me, Baldwin." He prays so (he and his church is praying for your safe journey). "I know, but please- keep it. For my peace of mind." You finally conceded, giving him a hug before starting your journey.

From Jerusalem, you first reached Salauddin's caravan in the desert, where the Kurdish leader was waiting for you.

"So, have you come up with a plan to leave Baldwin?" He asked, guiding you inside his tent, taking note of the niqaab you were wearing. It was the one Baldwin had helped embroirdered for you- he recognised the ugly flower on your sleeve.

"Its not a priority at the moment." You lied, deciding it wouldnt be good to reveal all your cards to him. After all, he is a conquerer. You dont know what kind of games he may be playing.

He raised a brow at you, setting up the chess board. "Then why are you going to Egypt?" He wanted to gauge your expressions, but your eyes were solely focused on the chess board as you made the first move.

"I have some matters to take care of. Personal matters." You watched him move his black pawn.

"Anything I could help with?" He asked. You took his bishop. "No, you have already helped a lot. Thank you. But I must ask- how did you just agree to Baldwin when he asked if I could go to Egypt?"

He scoffed, taking your knight. "You think I did this for free? Please, your husband had to pay a pretty penny to take his "little heaven's angel" through the desert safely. Honestly, how have you bewitched him?" Salauddin gazed at you. "Either he's too stupid or you're much smarter than you look, the latter is something I highly doubt, so it only leads to one conclusion- Baldwin is stupid." He mocked.

"Hey! Dont insult my fiance." You admonished, looking back at the board to make your next move. He leaned forward with his elbows on the table, looking at you expectantly. "Or else what?"

Your eyes finally made contact with his, and he could feel he had insulted you somehow. "Or else... you'll regret it." You threatened, which he didnt take seriously, because- why would he? You're nobody.

His eyes lit up. "If you were any less threatening, Y/n, you'd be a dandelion." You rolled your eyes, clearly not amused. "Say whatever you want, but you and I both know you didnt do it for the money."

"What do you mean?"

"Mmhm, I dont know. Dont you have enough money already? I think- oh, you made a mistake there." you smirked taking his queen and now his king was left wide open for attack. "I think... you were scared to say no."

"Excuse me?" He moved his king. You chased him with your knight.

"You heard me." Your rook pushed his king into the corner. Frustratedly, he tries to escape by moving his king diagonally, but you were quicker with your bishop.

"Why would I be afraid of a man whose own brother-in-law is starting a rebellion against him and he's been allowing him to do so just because his sister claims to love him?" He taunted at the messed up family dynamics. Of course he knew how ready Baldwin was to give his kingdom away to Guy to be perished, but that was before he was cured of his leprosy.

You had boxed his king from all sides. No escape. "Why wouldnt you be? The same man was only just a 16 year old when he defeated you on the battlefield devastatingly. And that too, when he was so sick, his face was melting off." You knocked down his king. "Can you imagine how strong he is now that he's cured?"

His anger was subtle. Eyes glaring at you, mouth pulled into a thin line, his nostrils flared ever so slightly.

Clearly, you had struck a nerve.

"You shouldn't play with fire." He warned. You twirled his king between your fingers. "Who said I was playing?"

You both sat in silence for a few more moments, with you mostly relishing in your victory. "So, what do I get for winning again?"

His eyes narrowed, though they werent as hostile as they were a few moments ago, "You get to keep your head."

"Am I always playing for my life everytime we play chess?" "Yes." "Huh. So how does it feel to know that I will outlive you?" You teased, making him roll his eyes as he stood up, leading you out of his tent.

"My men are going to accompany you to Egypt. They're ready, so-" he looked at you with a scowl. "Leave."

"Aww, thank you, aljedu!" You waved, leaving before he could get mad at you for calling him "grandpa".

The journey to Egypt took a little over 4 days, but you really cant complain with the small army of people at your service. Even the men and women Salauddin had sent with you made sure to cater your every need, and more importantly, help you and your entourage survive the desert.

The pyramids were still as magnificent as in the future, though the area was now surrouded by a bustling market of sorts. As your caravan moved further into the town, you saw a large centre built that had the traditional Islamic architecure elements- huge domes, minarets, white pillars. The colourful tile works (prominents turqoise and dark blue themes) and a few gothic arches displayed the catholic influence as well.

"What's that?" You had asked one of the knights. "Thats the madarasas." You nodded as you recalled reading about it in "the golden age of Islam" era. Madarasa was essentially an educational institution that were devoted to the study of law, maths, science, medicine, religion, philosphy and other subjects. The complex itself consisted of a mosque, a library, a boarding house. They were home to both students and professors, and were maintained by charitable endowments and unlike a modern day college, it lacked a specific curriculum or institutionalise system of certification. Information was usually passed on informally from teacher to student, and both men and women were able to attend.

It was heaven for anyone who seeked to learn, and this was exactly where you would be going to get help for your time machine.

But that would have to wait, as you were now lead to Salauddin's palace for rest. It was massive and just like the madarasa, it was also beautifully constructed. The palace spread over on a large area of land, and although it was was around 80-100 feet in height with those humongous pillars at each corner, the palace was largest in horizontal dimensions. Inside, after passing a throng of soldiers stationed who kept their gaze lowered even though she and most of the females were completely veiled, you saw a huge pool that continued throughout the palace, even through sharp corners. It almost looked like the castle was built around the turquoise pool. Despite it being hot as hell outside, the palace was cool and insulated even though there were no air conditioners or fans and was open enough to be well ventilated. You had seen the palm date trees through the city, but there was a huge new variety of exotic plants inside that you dont think would be able to survive in the desert.

Egyptians were truly ahead of their time.

After dinner, you were sitting in your room with your maids. They were talking about the hospitality of Muslims and all, helping you unpack and get ready for bed.

"Alright, time to sleep." You said with a yawn and they all immediately began leaving. All but one maid, who had to stay by your side at all times even when you were bathing. Apparently, Baldwin had ordered her to do so because he didnt trust anyone in the foreign lands.

"You can go to your chambers with the others, Isabella." You smiled politely at the blonde girl, no older than 19. She shook her head, her brows furrowing in concern. "No, princess. It is my duty to be with you at all times. What if you need me for something?"

"I wont." You smiled tightly. The sooner she left, the sooner you could sneak out of here and go to the madarasa. "You must be tired from all the travel. Please, go rest. I insist." But it was like she couldnt imagine committing a grave sin like this.

Fine. If she's not going to leave then-

"Isabella..." you come close to her, fiddling with your thumbs. "Can I trust you, Isabella?"

She nodded obediently. "Of course, my princess."

"I need to get out of the palace for some time." You tell her slowly, letting her absorb the words. Automatically, she responds. "I can have them arrange a tour tomorrow-"

"No, Isabella-" you let out a distressed sigh, rubbing your forehead as you paused for a dramatic effect. "I need to go out right now."

"Now? At night time?" The young girl wondered what possible emergency you could possibly have. "Oh, um- well, I can have the guards prepare a-"

"No!" You turned around, reaching for her hands. Isabella's eyes widened. A princess- royalty is touching her? You tilted your head sligtly, eyes making a desperate plea.

"I have business that I need to take care of on my own. I-" you sigh dramatically before looking at her with most remorseful eyes. "I have to find my family. I need to- I cant get married without them attending. I- I- just need them and I know! I know they're here! I can feel it!" Isabella's face softened at your "distress" but you can still see her hesitance, and so before she could protest, you squeezed her hands. "I tell everyone I am an orphan but- the the truth is... I was a slave. I was stolen from my family and- and I was raised with other slaves. It wasnt until I was 8 that I had ran away. I've been running from my owners for a long time, all while trying to find my family. I dont care if they're dead but- I need to know. I need to know, Isabella. You... you understand why, right?"

Tears slipped from Isabella's eyes as she nodded her head feverently.

"Of course I do, princess!"

You pulled your shawl around you tighter. Temperatures really did drop significantly at night in deserts. You were now standing outside the madarasa you had seen earlier in the day after convincing Isabella to stay behind and pretend to be you under the covers in bed while you went out.

The building was much more quiet now, although the market was still alive but people were less and everyone was mindful of how much noise they made.

You quietly walked into the madarasa, pretending to be one of the several servants who were entering the place. Inside, the area was designed in the shape of a rectangle without a roof in the center. The moon light illuminated the common ground in the middle while lanterns were lit all around the 4 sides, numerous doors on each side.

Keeping your veiled head down, you walked past many scholars and students. You wanted to enter a room, but with all the doors closed, you feared you'd enter the wrong room with someone who wouldnt be as forgiving to a stranger entering this place.

But luck was on your side tonight, as your eyes finally caught sight of an ajar door, and you slipped in once you noticed no one was currently in the room. The room was far more spacious than you had anticipated and even though the equipment was far too old, you recognised it to be a sort of lab. Nearing the desk in the corner, you noticed some papers spread around with some maths done. Even though the numbers were in Arabic, you recognised it- algebra.

"What are you doing here, woman?" You look upto find a man in his late 30s with a white turban and a black beard looking at you angrily. "Who sent you here? By Allah! Leave right now or I will have you punished for trespassing and attempting to seduce a pious man you devil-"

"I'll leave but I cant go without correcting your error." You said pointing to his papers.

He blinked at you. "What error?"

You laughed tauntingly. "Im surprised you dont see it." The man's brows furrowed as he marched over to you. "There is no error! I am the finest mathematician of this decade, if not century! I study astrology, biology, physics, alchemy, philosophy and you dare tell me that I made an error?! I am Al-Abbas ibn Bashir! Who are you to correct me woman?!"

You stared at him unamused. "The square root of 8 is not equal to the square root of 4 + square root of 4." You said pointing at his paper. He squinted at you, trying to process your words before looking where you were pointing.

"Yes, it is. It is additive-"

"Not everything is additive." You sighed, pulling out a blank sheet of paper and solving the question step by step for him. "See? Square root of 8 is 2.818 while square root of 4 is 2, so since we have two square roots if 4, it'll be 2 plus 2, which adds to 4."

You sat down on his chair while he looked over your explanation, trying to find an error in your work. There were none.

Abbas looked at you, brows still furrowed. "You- fine, you are correct. I made a small error-" "Small?" You teased. "Yes, small!" He snapped back as you chuckled. He continued. "But that doesnt explain what youre doing in my office. Who are you?"

You rested your head on your palm and stared at him. "I have work for you."

"And what might that be?"

"Hmm, depends. Are your studies purely theory based or... experimental as well?"

Abbas gave you a nod. "I like to mainly focus on theories, but I like to test my theories as well, so from time to time, I do have to conduct experiments as well."

"Fantastic!" You straightened up and grabbed a paper as you began drawing a tool. "Here, I have mentioned the dimensions and I need you to engineer this for me." He took the paper from you. "What exactly is it?"

"I cannot tell you." "Why?" "Well, I'm a scientist too, and I dont want you to stealing my work." You replied as you pulled out your coin purse that Baldwin had given you. "I suppose this would be sufficient for you?" You placed 5 gold coins in front of him.

Abbas scoffed. "You think you can buy me? I dont care for money!" He stood up, turning away from you.

You raised your brow. "Name your price."

He shook his head. "I cannot be bought, woman. I am a man of science. I have far more important things to be doing with my time-"

"Like making more mistakes?" He glared at you. "One small error. Thats all it was. Besides, just because I made a small miscalculation doesnt mean youre smarter than me."

You smiled under your veil.

"Wanna test that?"

Abbas had decided to work for you after you had outsmarted him in every subject he presented. I mean you only had to touch the basics of what you had learned in 6th grade science class but he was- bamboozled.

After he had recovered from his shock, he had agreed to work for you on the condition that you check his work for mistakes and impart some of you teachings. He swears he wont copy any of your "works". You gave him the gold coins and told him to work under complete discretion and that you'd meet him again in 3 days time, when you're ready to return to Jerusalem.

The plan was to collect your tool from him and then give him a couple more tools to design which you would collect 2 weeks later when you visited Egypt again. Because while you do need to work on your time machine, you also need to find ways for Baldwin to go to war with Salauddin again, because originally Baldwin dies of leprosy, but since you already cured that... you need to find a way for Baldwin to die and so far, a war seems to be the only answer.

But youve seen their relationship... Baldwin and Salauddin wouldn't simply jeopardise everything like that. They have a good bond, a strong friendship even.

However, if highschool has taught you anything, even the closest friendships end because of misunderstandings.

And so, a week later, you were back in Jerusalem with your new tool and a new plan in mind.

You walked up the stairs and towards Baldwin's office. Since you had arrived earlier than he was expecting, you wanted to surprise him. Honestly, you missed him and his adorable expressions-

You stopped at the foot of the door, your heart dropping at the sight.

Baldwin and a woman... kissing.

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