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#gwen is saying: Alice for once just shut up about things you know nothing about!
bluenoisen · 1 month
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Gwen can't bring herself to come to work the day after her first field assignment, but when she does return, she cannot help but see all her cases in a new light. They scare her. They could be real.
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xoluvx · 3 years
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betty; p.parker
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» pairing: peter parker x reader » song: betty » word count: 1.9K
There was a flutter in Peter's heart as he watched you from behind his locker. He was pretending to dig for something, but his head peeked from behind the door watching you enter the school. The glow of senior year oozed off you and the never-ending giggles of your friends wrapped around you like a safety blanket. Your bag hung on one of your arms as the other linked with an arm of one of your friends.
Peter's heart thumped as you approached his locker. Usually, you would come up to him, peck his cheek, tell him how much you missed him, and celebrate the fact you were finally seniors in high school. But that wasn't the case. You walked right past him as if he were invisible.
He followed you down the hall with his eyes, the chatter among your friends grew softer as you disappeared in the crowd of freshmen rushing to find their classrooms. His eyes were on you when you briefly turned your head finding his eyes. Embarrassed, you turned quickly. But his eyes were still on you until he lost you in the crowd.
Shutting his locker, Peter sighed.
"Hey," Ned's voice rang in the hallway as he hurried to Peter.
Peter greeted Ned, as they walked side by side towards their first period. "Are you going to her party?" Ned asked glancing at Peter. He knew it was a sensitive topic, one he hadn't disclosed all the details about yet.
"She hates me," Peter responded shrugging his shoulders digging his hands in the pockets of his jeans.
"What happened with Gwen anyway?" Ned asked bluntly. He was tired of being left in the dark, of tiptoeing around the issue and tired of his best friend ditching him for most of the summer.
Peter turned to look at Ned with a blank look, flashbacks of summer invading his mind.
"Do you need a ride?" The voice startled Peter. He'd heard the car coming, but he hadn't turned to see who was approaching him. When the car stopped next to him, he recognized the girl. She had been in one of his classes, but they'd never spoken before.
"Oh no, thank you." Peter shook his head politely. He was carrying his skateboard, a wheel was busted so he was left to walk the rest of the way home.
"It's not a problem, I have nowhere to be." She added smiling at him, lifting her sunglasses, Peter made eye contact. Her eyes were friendly, lips curling into an inviting smile. "I don't bite," she added unlocking her car.
Peter gulped but approached her car. If he walked, it would take him another half hour. Why not?
"Peter, right?" she said. It was then Peter realized she was chewing gum, she blew a bubble take popped as she brought her sunglasses down. Peter nodded.
"Gwen. We had English together," she mentioned driving down the road. "Why are you out here all alone?" she asked casually keeping her eyes on the road.
Peter shifted in his seat, his skateboard awkwardly between his legs. "I was at my friend Ned's house," He said looking at her briefly. "But my skateboard broke-" he continued talking looking down at the skateboard with the missing wheel.
"You know how to fix it?" she asked.
"I think I have to get it fixed," he confessed. Or maybe Ned could help, but that would require transportation that he didn't have.
"I can take you," she offered and Peter's eyes widen a bit. He was confused by her generosity. He barely knew this girl.
"I have to get home. My aunt is waiting for me." It was true. Aunt May didn't play when it came to dinner. Even though the sun was still out, he had to be home for dinner in less than an hour.
"Tomorrow," she shrugged nonchalantly glancing at Peter as they stopped at a red light. Peter's eyes scanned her face, her round features, and her long lashes. The gum expanded once again in a small bubble.
"Sure. Okay," Peter smiled as he gave her directions towards his house.
Peter should've known then. He should've known how things would end, but he was too gullible and he missed you too much. You'd taken the camp counselor job and though you would only be gone for five weeks, they felt like the longest five weeks. Gwen was filling that void.
Gwen's company made the days slightly more bearable. It was innocent. It started that way at least.
"I saw them at the arcade together," Inez's voice was becoming staticky. Your thoughts fogged as you heard what she was saying. "I wanted to call as soon as I saw, but you were at camp." She frowned, it was ingenuine though. Like she was living for the hurt expression on your face.
She went in for a hug, but you moved out of her way leaving the mall. You weren't going to entertain this. Is that why Peter wasn't there like he said he would? At your doorstep waiting for you to come back from camp?
You could feel the tears forming as you approached your car. Fumbling with the door you finally pulled it open sliding into the driver's seat slamming the door, gripping the steering wheel as you let the tears flow. Your chest felt tight.
This had to be the worst welcome home ever.
"Hey," Ned waved and you turned in his direction. He was waving at you with a friendly smile. Peter was next to him looking like a lost puppy. You faked a smile and waved, ignoring Peter, before you got pulled away by your friends to your table in the cafeteria.
"Are you going to talk to him?" one of your friends, Alice, asked drinking from her juice box. Another cut in and it was all too much for you to process. They knew as much as Inez had told you, and they knew you hadn't spoken to Peter since you left for camp.
"I think you should talk to him," Abigail added with a concerned expression.
"No, don't. He's not worth it. Remember how he didn't even come and rescue you when Jack refused to take no for an answer at the dance?" Rebecca retaliated.
You remembered clearly. You'd just started dating. Peter was still shy. It wasn't a big deal. You weren't even expecting Peter to come to the dance and you wouldn't have known that he was there unless Inez made it a point to tell you later that night as you walked towards the parking lot.
"We've already gone over that, it wasn't a big deal." You reasoned still on Peter's side. Because that was the thing, even if Peter had betrayed your trust, you felt like you'd always be on team Peter.
Glancing at his table, you saw him talking with Ned and you wished you could just go up there and forget everything ever happened press reset, and start senior year how you'd been planning with Peter.
"What if he shows up at your party?" Rebecca asked and you snapped back to your table. Shrugging you poked at your veggies before pushing your tray away. You weren't hungry.
The week went by in a flash, but each day felt longer than the previous. You wrapped your cardigan tightly around your body as you got out of bed. It was Saturday, in a few hours crowds of people would be in your backyard celebrating the start of the last year of high school.
But you were too caught up on Peter.
The sound of a text notification caught your attention.
Can we talk? - Ned
That was weird. Ned wasn't usually one to text you. Peter was always there as the middle man. You were curious.
What's up? You typed waiting for his text in anticipation. Your phone rang and you caught your breath. You were expecting him to continue texting.
"Hello?" you asked cautiously.
"Don't hang up, please. I need to talk to you. You need to hear me out, please-" it was Peter. His voice filled your body with warmth until you remembered.
"Peter," your voice cracked. What could you say to him? Nothing, you were about to hang up when you heard his voice again.
"Don't hang up. I was stupid. I missed you and Gwen was there, and I know that's not an excuse for what I did but I never stopped thinking of you-" he was out of breath speaking quickly.
You felt your heart tighten, the familiar feeling of tears forming in your eyes took over.
"I'm sorry, Peter." You hung up. You couldn't deal with this. Not when Abigail and Rebecca were on their way. Wiping the tears, you discarded the cardigan on your bed. The one he'd bought for you last Christmas.
-
"Are you having fun?" Abigail asked squeezing your hand lightly. She was speaking over the loud music, her nose close to your ear. Nodding, you feigned a smile before looking into the crowd. No Peter.
"I'll be back," you motioned towards your house letting her know you needed to grab something.
But in reality, you needed some space. You'd been looking forward to this day. Towards your last year of high school, but plans changed. Sighing you sat on your porch. You could still hear the music and though the party was in your backyard, you needed a breath of air that wasn't congested by teens.
Swinging on the porch swing, you leaned your head back looking at the silent street. That's when you saw a figure. One hand deep in the pockets of his jeans, a skateboard in the other. It was Peter.
"Hi," his voice echoed drowning out the music. Your heart skipped a beat and you straightened up on the porch swing. You planted your hands on either side of you grounding you.
"What are you doing here?" you asked carefully getting off the swing.
"Just listen to me please," he said climbing up the three steps of your porch. "I messed up, I know I did." He looked at you with sad eyes placing his skateboard down. "It meant nothing to me. Gwen was a distraction. One that ruined the best thing that's happened to me," he was sincere with his words. His tone was gentle as he stepped forward.
"I thought becoming an Avenger was the best thing that happened to you," you joked folding your arms. That got a small chuckle out of Peter.
"That's a close second," he joked back, this time it was your turn to laugh softly. You were falling back into your comfortable state. One where only you and Peter existed.
"I can't ask you to forget what happened-" he was stepping closer. "-but please forgive me, I will do anything." He reached for your hands, your fingers intertwining easily.
"Anything?" you asked, your voice cracking.
Peter squeezed your hands nodding.
"Kiss me," you whispered pulling Peter closer with your hands still tangled together. A goofy smile spread across Peter's face and he happily closed the gap between your bodies.
He let go of your hands so he could cup your face. Yours instantly wrapped around his torso.
"I missed you," he whispered against your lips, your noses touching.
Smiling you kissed him again. The fabric of his soft lightweight sweater felt right under your fingertips. You could smell his fabric softener and shampoo.
It felt like home.
folklore masterlist
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swearwolf-writes · 3 years
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Merlin: Magic for the Masses
bcs magic isn't evil and this is my personal comfort fic
[CROSSPOSTED ON: AO3]
Season 1
AGES:
MERLIN:17-18
ARTHUR: 20-21
MORGANA: 22-23
GWEN: 17-18 (YOUNGER THAN MERLIN BY MERE MONTHS)
MORDRED: ~10-11
The Dragon’s Call
Valiant
The Mark of Nimue
Gwen finds out Merlin has magic (bcs he somehow knew her father was better) and keeps his secret
The Poisoned Chalice
Gwen sees the scrying lights
Lancelot
A Remedy to Cure All Ills
The Gates of Avalon
Merlin talks to Morgana about her seer abilities and promises to keep her secret
The Beginning of the End
Uses magic to save Mordred
Helps Arthur smuggle Mordred away
Excalibur
The Moment of Truth
The Labyrinth of Gedreth
To Kill the King
Le Morte D’Arthur
6 MONTHS PASS
Season 2
AGES:
MERLIN: 18-19
ARTHUR: 21-22
MORGANA: 23-24
GWEN: 18-19 (A FEW MONTHS YOUNGER THAN MERLIN)
MORDRED: ~11-12
The Curse of Cornelius Sigan
The Once and Future Queen
The Nightmare Begins
Tells Morgana of his own magic and now they’re boys
He can help her to an extent but they both need some help and so want to go to the druids together (bcs she’s got magic and he’s somehow Emrys although she doesn’t know the name yet) but he has his duties with Arthur and so she goes alone
Merlin find her with the druids during the panic in Camelot
They keep each other’s secrets (even if she doesn’t know Merlin is Emrys just yet)
Lancelot and Guinevere
Beauty and the Beast
Arthur sees Merlin with the mirror and asks him how he got the mirror down there without any rope
And voila the moron’s magic is revealed and it is then that he realises Merlin uses his magic to save his butt whoops (but he doesn’t tell Arthur about Morgana’s abilities bcs that’s not his secret to tell) 
But still doesn’t believe Merlin when he mentions that she’s a TROLL
The Witchfinder
Arthur kicked Merlin’s magic book under the bed and says it’s all clear bcs he doesn’t want anyone to be executed bcs no one got hurt with the magic and it was just a bit of fun
Merlin: “We know Aredian set Gaius up and then he’s coming after us-”
Arthur: “Us? Us who?”
Merlin: “I can’t say bcs that’s not my secret to tell”
Arthur: “If you know another sorcerer-”
Merlin: “Then what? What, you’ll execute them?”
Arthur: “I- I mean, no, but-”
Merlin: “But what? If it doesn’t matter with me then why should it matter if anyone has magic?”
The Sins of the Father
Morgana shows Merlin the bracelet Morgause gave her and he can feel the magic in it and lo and behold: she’s a sorceress too
Their mother, Lady Vivienne, was a sorceress and as was Morgause’s father that’s why Morgause was given to the High Priestess of the Old Religion but Uther thought that as Morgana had one non-magic parent, she would not develop abilities (he was wrong)
Merlin tells Arthur it was a lie to stop him killing his father but then reveals the truth once Arthur could not get to Uther and he also reasons that while it was Uther’s fault, no one was to blame as he didn’t know what’d happen (and was too headstrong to listen) and Nimue had no choice but to comply, on pain of death
The Lady of the Lake
Sweet Dreams
The Witch’s Quickening
Morgana tries to tell Merlin the plan but he stops her
Merlin: “I’m the future king’s manservant - plausible deniability is my only saviour right now. I will not aid you nor will I stop you but if I think innocents will get hurt, I will stop you.”
Morgana: “I would expect nothing else.”
Ignores Kilgharrah
Helps Mordred escape safely bcs he was innocent and brainwashed by a fanatic “I will not forget this”
Morgana tells him, after the fact, that she let the fanatic go bcs he just wanted to free magicfolk
They continue their training in private bcs insomnia via dragon
The Fires of Idirsholas
When Morgana sees Gwen sick, she tells Merlin about Morgause as soon as she gets the chance
Merlin tells Morgana about how she’s the source of the curse albeit unknowingly but the only way to save everyone is if she dies but they need to figure out how to save her so she took the hemlock and poisoned herself
It still hurt her bcs yk it’s poison so her telepathic pain was still a thing and Morgause came along and she took her after stopping the curse
The Last Dragonlord
1 YEAR PASSES
Season 3
AGES:
MERLIN: 20-21
ARTHUR: 23-24
MORGANA: 25-26
GWEN: 20-21 (A FEW MONTHS SHY OF MERLIN)
MORDRED: ~13-14
The Tears of Uther Pendragon 1
Merlin is so sorry that she had to poison herself and was so glad she was back
Arthur thinks there’s a thing between them meanwhile Morgana thinks there’s a thing between he and Arthur and Gwen
Morgana knocks the guard out and wipes his recent memories but she’s still not the best at her magic so he was just injured so Morgause spells him from afar to kill him bcs Morgana is not a murder even if she does hate Uther
Morgause: “You should have killed the guard”
Morgana: “I will not be like Uther and kill anyone who irritates me - he was in my way but simply following orders”
Morgause kidnaps Merlin but Morgana asks her not to kill him - he might just be a servant but he’s well-liked and popular - people will notice
The Tears of Uther Pendragon 2
Magic jokes with Arthur yay
Tense Mergana
Morgana: “You know I don’t wanna hurt you but this is to help our people so please don’t get in my way or whatever I have to do, I’ll do it.”
Merlin: “I’d expect nothing less”
More magic jokes with Arthur feat. armour
Morgana and Merlin fight in the crypt and use magic causing the ceiling to cave but Merlin saves her bcs “you’re my friend” but uses magic to break the staff while Morgana runs to safety and takes the credit to keep up appearances 
Morgana: “sorry Merlin but our people come before us and they deserve better”
Merlin: “if that’s the case then why should our legacy to better ourselves begin with the massacre of innocents?”
Morgana: “it may be wrong but what other beginning do we have other than the slaughter of our own people, our women and children? Innocents weren’t supposed to get hurt but that was Cenred’s army not ours - the skeletals were only supposed to attack knights fighting us”
Goblin’s Gold renamed Gnome’s Gold
Gaius: “Gnomes are mischievous but not always dangerous in nature so long as they get what they want: gold. They have often been known as guardians of treasures, of mines and of precious stones.”
Merlin tells Arthur and Morgana about gnome!Gaius (separately)
Gets his butt kicked by Arthur when he sees that Merlin didn’t undo the donkey curse immediately
Merlin: “sorcerer’s magic and gnome magic are two very different things- how was I supposed to know it wouldn’t fully do the trick-”
Gwaine
Arthur: “I could’ve beaten them on my own Merlin, I didn’t need your help-”
Merlin: “well if not mine then certainly Gwaine’s at least-”
Arthur: “shut up, Merlin”
The Crystal Cave
Morgause is the one who was supposed to kill Uther bcs Morgana doesn’t want to kill anyone
Arthur gets her jewellery instead of a knife bcs Merlin actually tells him the prophecy
Morgause fails lmao
When Morgause tries to kill Merlin, she steps in and ends up needing the infirmary so Morgause runs
When Morgana and Merlin find out her lineage, they tell Arthur bcs ‘wtf?? I have a sister? You’re older so ig you’re the heir??’
The Changeling
Merlin tells Gwen and Arthur about lil changeling Elena and they’re like wait he/she knows??
Elena is a respectable thembo by the end of it all
The Castle of Fyrien
Merlin uses magic to light a campfire in front of Morgana, Gwen and Arthur to which again there’s the whole wait you know stuff
Morgana: “and you’re okay with it? After everything Uther says about magic users?”
Arthur: “I know Merlin and he has a good heart even if he is an idiot. And the druid boy wasn’t evil either, he was just a child. Merlin’s shown me that magic isn’t evil but instead just a tool and it’s the person using it incorrectly that should be punished rather than magicfolk as a whole.”
Morgana: “so you disagree with the ban on magic?”
Arthur: “So what if people use magic to do their chores faster? They’re not hurting anyone. It would be like condemning every person who’s ever owned a sword bcs they might hurt someone.”
Morgana: “how long have you known?”
Arthur: “since Father tried to marry a troll”
Morgana: “and you never said anything to anyone?”
Arthur: “it’s not my secret to tell”
She goes back to their side and saves Arthur from Morgause’s fire but it blows back and knocks her over so she wants to make sure her sister’s okay but gets pulled to safety by Merlin
~ later ~
Merlin: “Why did you save Arthur? You could’ve let him die and left Camelot without an heir but you saved him; why?”
Morgana: “bcs he protects you. If he was protecting a knight, I still wouldn’t trust him but you’re just a servant and yet he protects your life and our secret. Arthur is a good man and I don’t want any bloodshed - if we can give our people peace again with Arthur, I will stand by him.”
Merlin: “thank you.”
Morgana: “this does not mean I stand by Uther -  I will still fight against his tyrannous ways every chance I get.”
Merlin: “I’d expect nothing less”
The Eye of the Phoenix
Morgause gives Arthur a bracelet while disguised as an old woman “for good luck on your journey” and Gwen sees her real face in a puddle
Tells Morgana about it and they, along with Gaius, look for some way to counter the spell (and thus Morgana reveals her magic to Gwen)
Love in the Time of Dragons
Merlin doth be a snitch but they believe Alice when she says she has no choice and they try and help her as best as they can (Arthur is a sweetheart to old people (no offence, Alice-))
Queen of Hearts
Morgause tries to break Arthur’s heart and cause the rift between father and son by manipulating a young sorcerer into doing all the stuff that gets Gwen tried for magic
Dragoon and Arthur deal with stuffs but this time, he knows it’s his personal dumbass
Morgana helps with the anti-aging potion for Merlin bcs magic squad!!
The Sorcerer’s Shadow
The Coming of Arthur 1
Sir Leon is made immortal (by accident) by the druids who save him with the Cup of Life
When Morgause finds out Leon lives, she finds out about the Cup
Gwaine catches Merlin trying to heal Arthur and thus finds out about his magic too
Morgause rules with an iron fist and threatens to kill her and everyone else if Morgana doesn’t become queen and her mouthpiece bcs “you betrayed me sister so your life means nothing to me. And these peasants are mere cockroaches - whether they live or die, I don’t care - in fact, if they die, our people could live here in Camelot but regardless, those poor, innocent villagers’ blood will be on your hands, sister. Now, yield.”
The Coming of Arthur 2
Gwen tells everyone of how Morgana is just as much a prisoner as she was
Morgana uses magic to help fight Morgause but hurts her and despite everything “she’s my sister - I abandoned her once, I will not do it again. I will ensure her safety and ours in the process - rule well, brother” and she leaves with her sister using magic
1 YEAR PASSES
Season 4
AGES:
MERLIN: 22-23
ARTHUR: 24-25
MORGANA: 27-28
GWEN: 22-23 (A FEW MONTHS SHY OF MERLIN)
MORDRED: ~15-16
Morgana becomes the High Priestess of the Triple Goddess
The Darkest Hour 1
Kara’s mother, Ealdgyð, was helping Morgause bcs Morgana was forced to leave her when she began attacking her, all faith in her younger sister lost
Morgana was back in Camelot but yk “I couldn’t kill her- she’s still my sister- I’m sorry”
Knowing how much Morgana hated him for the things he did still left Uther crippled, even upon her return
Ealdgyð opened the veil upon Morgause’s death and she, Merlin and Morgana all passed out and saw the vision
Emrys was Morgana’s destiny and Ealdgyð’s doom
Emyrs’ identity is protected from Ealdgyð (and later Kara) by the Triple Goddess bcs they may be followers of the Old Religion but they perverted the peaceful nature of druids and so lost that information which was most valuable to them
Agravaine, being loyal to Morgause, now reports to Ealdgyð and tells her about their plan
Merlin and Morgana both want to be sacrifices to the veil
Merlin: “it’s my destiny to protect Arthur”
Morgana: “but this was my sister’s doing and therefore it is my responsibility to undo”
The Darkest Hour 2
Morgana tries to heal Merlin from the Dorocha but is unable to
Morgana continues on the quest with the knights while Lancelot and Merlin go their own way
Agravain on Ealdgyð’s orders knocks out Gwen bcs she convinced the council to reduce rationing the lower towns
The Wicked Day
Merlin tries to save Uther for Arthur’s sake but Morgana refuses to try
Morgana (to Arthur): “I am sorry you’re losing your father but he literally massacred our people - I will not save him”
Uther still dies but they noticed the pendant and want to find and take Ealdgyð’s head but they don’t know who she is bcs she’s smart
Arthur: “Magic will one day live freely in Camelot once more but not today - it is easier to find one sorcerer among no others than one from hundreds and despite your hatred of the things he did, you must know what this person did was wrong”
Morgana: “find them and bring them to justice, not for practicing sorcery but for committing murder”
Arthur: “of course”
Morgana is all for Arthur being the king bcs she knows after everything with Morgause and Cenred, the people would never accept her as queen but at least this way, her people stood a chance
Aithusa
Arthur doesn’t plan on destroying the egg but doesn’t really care what happens to it so long as Broden is captured
Morgana goes with the knights as magic is her lineage too and they will keep her secret
Merlin tells them of the Druids warnings about the trap bcs knight squad knows the magic squad secret (that they’re ✨magic✨)
He and Morgana witness the birth of Aithusa who immediately takes a liking to Morgana
His Father’s Son
Ealdgyð allies herself with Annis after Caerleon’s death
Morgana hints at Arthur to get Gwen flowers
At this point Morgana is just as strong as Merlin as they train together
A Servant of Two Masters
Ealdgyð takes Merlin
Thinks Dragoon is Emrys
The Secret Sharer
Ealdgyð: “I do this, not out of spite, but to ensure my daughter does not have to live her life as I did, afraid and in hiding”
Lamia
Morgana searches with Arthur and Agravaine
Lancelot du Lac
Ealdgyð will not have some common non-magic child take her throne and title (believes it is rightfully hers as magic is superior and she is the chosen heir of a high priestess (Morgause))
Merlin uses magic freely in front of those who know
Frees Lancelot’s soul but cannot stop Gwen’s banishing bcs Agravaine
A Herald of the New Age
Merlin tells Arthur about the Druid boy and Elyan’s situation but they need to figure something out bcs knowing intimate knowledge of magic wouldn’t help their case
The Hunter’s Heart
Arthur: “Well what am I supposed to do, Merlin? Tell the whole court we’ve been committing high treason for years - they would think us in league with the other sorcerer and take our heads”
Gwen avoids the sorceress smartly bcs she has brain cells
Morgana: “Do you think I’m happy about all this? I’ve been planning their wedding for years - who wouldn’t want their closest friend to become their sister?”
~ while on the hunt ~
Morgana: Wait a minute, you like Mithian-”
Merlin: “what no-”
Morgana: “you’re doing the thing”
Merlin: “what thing? I don’t do a thing.”
Morgana: “yes you do, It’s that thing you do when you think Gwaine isn’t looking”
Merlin: “shut up-”
Morgana: “oh this is gonna be fun”
Arthur calls off the hunt when Merlin tells him the deer is really Gwen but he and Mithian can’t be gone long so he and Morgana help after dark, Merlin being a physician and helping her wounds and Morgana turning her human again
She spills the beans and reveals the sorceress’ name as Ealdgyð and that Agravaine is definitely in league but they had to proof and couldn’t just accuse the king’s uncle especially given that they’re only a servant and an exile
The Sword in the Stone 1
Ealdgyð and Helios attack Camelot on Beltaine
Morgana is captured
Ealdgyð (to Morgana): “You betrayed our people”
The Sword in the Stone 2
Morgana is made to starve “like so many of our own have bcs of your precious family”
Ealdgyð: “You, Arthur Pendragon, are in fact worse than your father. You pretend to be a man of peace while upholding an unlawful law that has killed countless women and children”
Aithusa stays with Morgana but Ealdgyð is saved by random folks who think her simply a lost, hurt woman
3 YEARS PASS
Season 5
AGES:
MERLIN: 26-27
ARTHUR: 28-29
MORGANA: 31-32
GWEN: 26-27 (A FEW MONTHS YOUNGER THAN MERLIN)
MORDRED: ~19-20
Arthur’s Bane 1
Mordred is on Ealdgyð’s side bcs she’s Kara’s mother (eventually realises she’s wrong bcs what kind of mother drags her child into war)
Morgana and Aithusa stay with Gwen to help protect the castle bcs “the knights already have a sorcerer - if something happens here, Gods forbid it, you will need someone”
Merlin tells Arthur of the seer’s vision to which he reminds the young warlock that Morgana was supposed to also be their fate and yet she was saved and so will the boy be
The group is captured by Ealdgyð and here we meet Mordred
Arthur’s Bane 2
Mordred tries to get food to Merlin and Arthur but cannot ‘sorry, Emrys’
‘I said I would not forget what you did for me and I meant it’ and so Mordred tells him about the Diamair
They fight the Saxons with Mordred secretly helping them escape
Merlin: ‘thank you Mordred’
Mordred: ‘just returning the favour’
Merlin is attacked by a druid Saxon who he knocks out
~ confrontation time ~
Arthur: “We want to help you, Ealdgyð, but when you attack and enslave our people, it doesn’t exactly give us much confidence in you.”
Ealdgyð: “Liar! You force Morgana to hide away and to forget who she truly is-”
Arthur: “Actually she’s at the castle protecting everyone bcs we know that magic isn’t evil but your hatred, Ealdgyð, has made you evil.”
Ealdgyð: “If you are so good and kind, why do you not lift the ban on our people?”
Arthur: “Finding one sorcerer, you, amongst few is much easier than finding you amongst countless others. We have not persecuted any magic users since my coronation - the law is just there in name and once you are gone, it will be removed once and for all.”
Ealdgyð: “So you think killing me will make our people love you?”
Arthur: “I don’t want their love, only their forgiveness but you killed the king and that is high treason, regardless of magic.”
Mordred stabs Ealdgyð when he hears their conversation bcs o hey she’s nuts and yk he’s not evil :)
~ later ~
Merlin: “Actually, Arthur, Gwen and some of the knights know I have magic.”
Mordred: “When did he know?”
Merlin: “A couple of months after you and I first met. It’s actually quite a funny story-”
Arthur: “Merlin, shut up-”
Merlin: ‘I’ll tell you later.’
Mordred calls Merlin Emrys around Morgana and she’s like eh?? and he’s like yeah, druids call him Emrys and she remembers the prophecy but keeps her mouth shut bcs ‘wtf? My destiny?? lol no’
The Death Song of Uther Pendragon
Morgana does not join the pair even tho she was his ward bcs Uther was Uther ew
~ before blowing the horn ~
Arthur: “If something goes wrong, you can help, right?”
Merlin: “Maybe. But magic involving the dead isn’t something I typically deal with.”
~ during the crazy shite ~
Arthur: “Are you certain?”
Merlin: “What else could’ve escaped the horn but the person summoned by it?”
Arthur: “I refuse to believe that my father’s ghost somehow attacked a knight”
‘Poetry’ is still a thing bcs Arthur didn’t want to tarnish his father’s respect name but wtv
He spills the beans to his dad that he knows of Merlin’s magic and that if it wasn’t for him and Morgana, everyone would probably be dead so fuck off :D
Another’s Sorrow
Ealdgyð disguises herself as Hilda
Mithian and Merlin and Morgana flirt bcs they’re bi nightmares, or yk, bi-ghtmares
Plus more flirting between Merlin and Gwaine ft. panicked bi!Merlin
Morgana goes with Mithian and Arthur upon Merlin’s injury and fights Ealdgyð
Morgana: “3 of us and one of her, I like our chances”
Merlin: “But she’s growing stronger fast”
Mordred: “and so long as we keep studying and training, we’ll still be stronger”
Merlin teaches Mordred and Morgana physician stuff bcs bonding
The Disir
~ training montage ~
Arthur: “Next time try combining your sword skills with your magic”
Mordred: “but that’s not a fair fight-”
Arthur: “you’re a druid. Magic is the first tool you were born with and it’s our birthright to use it. Plus in a war, magic will help us”
Merlin still worries whether he’s too young to be out fighting with the rest of em
Arthur: “he’s a sorcerer - he has an inbuilt defence system regardless of whether he has his sword. He’ll be fine - and honestly, Merlin, you’re not his wetnurse or his mother.”
Merlin: “prat-”
Arthur: “what was that?”
Merlin: “I called you a prat, my lord”
Arthur: “I will not bow to the Triple Goddess for I do not follow her. But please, my friend is a sorcerer, a druid and a follower of the Old Religion. He is innocent. Spare him, please.”
Mordred is spared bcs they were impressed Arthur would risk their wrath but bcs he didn’t bow to them, his fate is still sealed
The Dark Tower
Ealdgyð kidnaps Gwen
Merlin, Mordred and Morgana do cooperative magic to try and find Gwen but to no avail
So they all go to the Dark Tower together f is for friends who do stuff together, u is you and me-
They use magic and swords to hack at the overgrowth but again, to no avail
He tells them all of Queen Mab and leads the way
Morgana saves the falling Merlin from impaling himself on the sword
~ psychological torture time ~
Ealdgyð: “My sweet child, you know Camelot is doomed if Arthur and Morgana are to rule. Arthur longs for the old ways and the security of his father while Morgana wants a magical revolution. They will tear the city apart in their wars and countless will die.”
Gwen: No, no, that’s wrong- you’re lying-”
Ealdgyð: “And yet you know I am right bcs if Arthur was not still waging his war against magic, I would be safely with my daughter but instead she is made parentless by the Pendragons and if Arthur is to continue having his way, my daughter will be made an orphan.”
Succumbs to Ealdgyð
Elyan still died unfortunately
A Lesson in Vengeance
Merlin uses magic subtly to save Arthur so Gwen doesn’t notice
The knights arrest Merlin for sorcery even tho they know he wouldn’t do it bcs who else could have
He still doesn’t tell Arthur about Gwen’s brainwashing bcs to accuse the Queen is a serious accusation
The Hollow Queen
Gaius tells Arthur the truth about Merlin going to save the young girl in the Valley of The Fallen Kings instead of the usual tavern business
(flashback) Sarrum took Kara hostage and forced Ealdgyð to comply for her sake and they were kept separately for the two years, only getting to see each other for mere moments
Merlin reveals to Daegal that Arthur knows of his magic and one day, magic will be commonplace in Camelot once more
Morgana agrees with Arthur that Merlin hasn’t got a girlfriend but Gwen teases her and asks if she’s jealous
Morgana: “of course not- in fact, I’m happy for him” but yk she’s lowkey jelly
With All My Heart
The Triple Goddess responds best to women so he (disguised as the Dolma (who is a pretty young lady might I add), not that it mattered bcs he’s is a he/she/they enby and I stand by that) and Morgana summoned the Triple Goddess (thank fuck that Morgana is Her High Priestess)
Morgana, Merlin, Mordred (having saved them mid-journey and then joined them), Aithusa and Arthur take Gwen to the Cauldron of Arianrhod
Mordred stays behind to try and cover their tracks, physically and magically, but is caught by Kara
Kara: “why do you stand behind someone who kills our people?”
Mordred: “Arthur has never killed any of us-”
Kara: “he stands by the law that put me and my mother through two years of hell! He is evil and if you cannot see that, you are not the Mordred I once knew and loved.”
Mordred: “Kara, please-”
Kara: “no-”
Mordred: “Kara, he knows! He knows about my gifts and he has not once even scorned for using them. The ban on magic is only up because we need to stop Ealdgyð from killing everyone-”
Kara: “why do you immediately forsake my mother? She is the only reason I am still alive, no thanks to you. The Pendragons are the reasons why we have been running for our lives our entire lives. And they are the reason why countless more children will never reach their truest potential and will never know who they truly are. Yet you still blame my mother who has done nothing but protect our people-!”
Mordred: “Your mother was going to kill everyone in Camelot just to spite Morgana! I still believe in the cause, Kara, but I do not believe in her and her ways!”
Kara: “We are druids and magic is our birthright!”
Mordred: “And druids are a peaceful people but Ealdgyð? She perverted our ways and has used the darkest magics, hurt countless people and all bcs she wants the throne. I will not join her so please, for the love of the Gods, don’t make me fight you Kara.”
Kara: “Tell us, tell me, who Emrys is and we won’t have to.”
Mordred: “Never.” *knocks her out w/ magic* “Forgive me, my love.”
The Kindness of Strangers
Ealdgyð thinks Alator a traitor for supporting the mighty Emrys who refuses to help their people in their time of need and so the torture begins
Merlin still doesn’t tell Arthur about the Alator-and-Finna-of-the-Catha situation bcs he’s busy yk and so tells Morgana and Mordred bcs it’s magic stuff so it’s their business too
He and Morgana go to find Finna
Merlin still attacked but Morgana stays with Finna and fights Ealdgyð and Finna is saved and on their side (bcs she is a Bendrui and they stand by Emrys, always)
The Drawing of the Dark
Mordred tells them it was Kara not some deer but still let her go
~ Later ~ 
Merlin: “why didn’t you stop her?”
Mordred: “how could I have?”
Morgana: “your magic is strong”
Mordred: “if you caught the love of your life after she killed someone, would you want to turn her in?”
Merlin: “you said it yourself, she killed someone”
Mordred: “she’s never wanted to hurt anyone. She only does this for her mother”
Morgana: “do you think she’d hurt her if she disobeyed?”
Mordred: “think about it this way: she practically raised me, called me her son in every way but blood and yet she now wants my head on a pike almost as much as she wants yours”
Arthur and Mordred patrol together (bcs they’re knights) w/ Merlin (bcs he’s Arthur’s) and find Kara and Mordred is shooketh at how bloodthirsty Kara has become
She is much confused when Merlin deflect the knife magically and he uses magic to bind her in front of them and no one bats an eye bcs she fr thought Mordred was bullshitting about Arthur being chill with it
She tries to kill Arthur again and does not take the chances he kept giving her for Mordred’s sake
Kara: “why do you continue trying to help me? You, who puts our kind through hell everyday.”
Arthur: “I want to make things better for all our peoples including you and yours but that cannot happen while your mother continues to attack, plague and kill our people, innocent people.”
Kara: “you’re lying - my mother would never hurt innocents”
Mordred: “we can show you”
Kara: “how?”
Mordred: “we were at the battle - you know the memory retrieval spell?”
Kara: “of course”
*le spell*
Kara: “that can’t be right- this must be some trick-”
Mordred: “Kara, look at me, look at me. You know me and you know I would never trick you like this. We did the spell together, out loud, and you can hear my thoughts so listen now. I did not trick you and we are not lying to you”
Kara: *crumples* “then the people I’ve hurt, the people I’ve killed-”
Arthur: “you were simply following orders, trying to make your parent proud; I know what that’s like. You are not to blame and you can save so many others if you only help us. Please.”
Kara: “to hear a king say please is a strange thing indeed.”
She comes back to the light
Magic squad is weirdly big considering the laws at this point but Camelot needs all the help they can get
Ealdgyð realises Merlin has magic bcs of the miraculous things that happen around Arthur and yk it’s too much to be just some coincidence plus she was keeping an eye on her daughter and saw Merlin deflect the knife and he is what keeps the magic squad together and she can only use the Gean Canach very few times bcs ‘tis rare
The Diamond of the Day 1
Merlin tells the knight squad and magic squad about his loss of powers and that he’s gonna go get them back somehow
Kara snitches that Eira is a spy for Ealdgyð and she gets dungeon time
Merlin, Gwaine and Finna go to the Valley of the Fallen Kings while Mordred, Kara and Morgana stay behind and protect Queen and kingdom
Ealdgyð knows Merlin will go the Crystal Cave to regain his powers
Gwaine stands guard at the cave mouth while Finna and Merlin go in but Finna has to stop and stay with Gwaine after a moment
Merlin: “this is a journey I must make on my own”
Gwaine: “could’ve told us that before we came out into the woods with you”
Merlin: “you’d have come with me anyways”
Gwaine: “yeah, you’re probably right”
Ealdgyð leaves after Gwaine sleeps with invisibility and silencing spells on to mask herself from Finna (who’s on watch at that point)
The Diamond of the Day 2
Merlin comes along looking like himself instead of Dragoon bcs there was no time to waste on disguises
The magic squad are beating Ealdgyð bcs yk there’s: Emrys, the High Priestess of the Triple Goddess, a Bendrui priestess and two highly skilled druids against Saesons
Merlin beats Ealdgyð and before she dies, Kara and Mordred get to say goodbye
Ealdgyð: “I’m sorry it came to this- all I ever wanted was a better life for you both and instead I dragged you into a war”
Kara: “we understand and we’re sorry too - we should’ve at least tried peace”
Ealdgyð: “that’s my fault”
Mordred: “and it’s our too. We could have insisted on it but we just blindly followed instead of talking to you”
Ealdgyð: “I’m so sorry my boy”
Kara: “rest easy, mother. Magic is returning to Camelot and we will be free once more”
Mordred: “goodbye Ealdgyð”
Post Battle-of-Camlann
Arthur (29) repeals the ban on magic
Kara (22) is formally pardoned bcs of her role in the Battle of Camlann bcs she saved Arthur’s life
Merlin (27) is Court Physician first and Court Sorcerer secondly after Gaius retires bcs mans is old af and Finna is Court Sorceress (and she still studies under him)
Alice returns and she and Gaius finally marry
1 year post Battle of Camlann
Arthur (30) and Gwen (28) have a daughter, Avlyn Pendragon, 1 year post-Battle-of-Camlann
Takes a year for Morgana (33) and Merlin (28) to finally get together and start courting
2 years post Battle of Camlann
Kara (23) and Mordred (22) marry
4 years post Battle of Camlann
Arthur (33) and Gwen (31) have a son, Cadwr Pendragon, 4 years post-Battle-of-Camlann (Avlyn (3))
Gwaine (33) and Percival (31) marry and we’re gonna pretend homophobia ain’t a thing bcs this is a comfort fic not a whump fic
Leon (37) starts courting Mithian (31) (idk y but they fit really well for some reason imo) and married after 6 months
5 years post Battle of Camlann
Merlin (32) and Morgana (37) marry and Hunith is very happy for them
Merlin (32) and Morgana (37) have twins, Morfydd and Ywaine
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ai-katsuu · 4 years
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Wonderland Ball (2/4)
Chapters: 1  2  3  4
previous chapter   next chapter
featuring several characters from other fairy tales!!
-----
The door opened to a maid with a curious face on, “Is everything alright..oh! Miss Audrey, Where did everyone go? I heard something and everything started shaking.” 
“Isabella,” she said, “Um...yeah. Everyone just left.” 
“Pardon?” she asked, still confused. 
Audrey shook her hand, “Nevermind that, we’re spending Christmas Eve without them. So what should we do?” 
Deciding not to press on the matter Isabella asked, “This is your first Christmas here in Golden Goose is it not? Last year you all traveled.” 
Audrey nodded, “What do you guys usually do around here?” 
Isabella smiled “There’s a lovely festival organized by the townspeople! Food as a far as the eye can see, music, children getting presents, colorful lights and trees to decorate...oh my lady, you really must see it, it’s wonderful!”
Audrey thought for a bit before nodding, “That sounds amazing, Isabella. How about a change of location?”
Meanwhile on the far end of the Island the group had resurfaced to a large room. As the purple smoke cleared the group were in their original positions, just in a different setting. 
“Were we just transported here?” Merlin looked around. “Is everyone alright?” 
“Yeah,” Goldie said, fingers on her temples, “Just a little hazy..” 
“This interior looks like the Wonderland Palace.” Gretel said looking around 
“So the cat really did bring us all here.” Arthur said. 
“All our stuff seems to be here too.” Kio walked around. 
“Wait, where’s Audrey?” Jack looked around. The group indeed saw that all of them were here except for her. 
“Do you think she got left behind?” Gwen looked left and right. 
“That Cat was very particular in singling her out when he was greeting all of us.” Pino thought, “Do you think he left her behind on purpose?” 
Jack frowned at that response, to which Pino raised both his hands “I’m just saying that’s a possibility.” 
“The doors are locked too.” Briar shook the handles. 
“You must first change to your proper attire!” 
“Eep!”
Briar jumped back as soon as she saw a little white mouse appear from the keyhole. “Hurry! Quickly! Hastily! The ball is soon! Please change to your highness’ formal attire!” As soon as the mouse had left, thirteen closet doors had opened with their old gowns and uniforms that represented their Kingdom. They always had to wear those whenever there was an audience or social obligations. 
“Uh oh..” Peter frowned at his uniform. 
It took a bit but they were all able to fit in their outfits. The triplets had matching blue, yellow, and brown uniforms, as did Hans and Gretel with their green, yellow, and brown colors. Merlin’s donned blue as well as a red sash. Snow had blue, yellow, and red. Jack had blue, purple and brown. Arthur had red and orange, Goldie had blue white and yellow, and Peter’s was green and brown. Briar Rose’s dress was interesting as it often changed between pink and blue, depending on how you looked at it. 
“Wow, you look like Mama.” Hans looked at Gretel. She looked at him for a bit before looking at herself in the mirror, twirling occasionally, 
“Thanks, you look nothing like Papa.” 
Hans playfully rolled his eyes as she laughed. On the other end of the room stood Goldie helping Peter with his cuffs. “I don’t understand, what’s not to like? I love my dress, always have.” she said.
“Makes me feel stiff,” Peter told her. 
Jack usually looked for any excuse to bring out his uniform, but he wasn’t feeling it very much around this time. And the others could tell once they started making their way to the ballroom and he didn’t gawk at the jewels and roses they had on display.
An uptight looking man donned with a white suit stood beside them as a pair of twins held their hands on the knobs of the double doors. “Ah, finally! You know just because you’re the Island’s greatest heroes, that does not mean you get to be late! Time is of the essence!” the man scolded them. He took out a pocket watch and wiped his forehead, “You just barely made it..” he muttered.
“Get ready,” he quickly made his way to the door as one of the twins opened it for him. The F7 heard his loud voice through the doors.
“Here ye, here ye!” 
“Told him his voice was too loud.” one of the twins holding the door handles said.
“Honestly, never listens.” The other responded. 
The man's voice continued, “Announcing the arrival of Fairy Tale Island’s greatest and bravest heroes. Who suddenly disappeared but have now resurfaced. The princes who heroically protect this land from danger with their strength, prestigious backgrounds, and talents. The princes’ we have all been awaiting, The Fearless Seven!”
“Let’s go, boys.” Merlin told them.
The twins had opened the door on cue, and as if they were used to this, the F7 had walked in the ballroom with an overwhelming amount of presence. Their perfect formation and aura as a group lived up to their reputation. And the fact that they have been gone for years only made their entrance bigger, as this was their first formal reappearance.
“Prince Arthur, Prince Hansel, Prince Kio, Prince Noki, Prince Pino, Prince Jack, and their leader, Prince Merlin!”
 Familiar faces to them were around the room, faces they had only seen occasionally but knew each other from previous balls. Faces that were now in awe, some princes and princesses looking at them with lovestruck gazes, some that were much too happy with their reappearance, and others who couldn’t believe they were in the same room as them. 
And although they knew better now, they would be lying if they said they didn’t miss this just a little bit. 
Once they had reached the altar, they knelt on one knee, put their right hand on their chests, and bowed their heads in perfect synchronization to the woman sitting on the throne. 
“Queen Alice, it is an honor to be here. You have my gratitude for extending the invitation to us.” Merlin said with his head down.
Her Majesty warmly smiled, “Nonsense, it is my honor to have you here at my party. I’m glad Cheshire convinced you all to be here, I wasn’t sure if he’d be successful!” she lightly laughed. To her right was the gentleman Chesire Cat who only grinned at her, and to her left was the person who everyone knew to be the Mad Hatter, who rolled his eyes at the man. “Please, raise your heads.” Alice told them. 
They did as she said and stood up from her throne. “Everyone! Please join me in giving a warm round of applause to our Island’s greatest heroes. The Fearless Seven!” 
After the formalities were over, the F7 had made their way back to their friends. “Wow, some introduction they gave you guys.” Gretel rolled her eyes. 
“Oh don’t be jealous, Gret.” Hans handed her a drink.
“I’m not jealous.” she frowned at him.
“She is, she looks at me the same way whenever I finish repairing something faster than her.” Pino laughed.
“Gretel? I’ve missed you!” a woman with the longest braid they had seen walked up to them. 
“Rapunzel? Wow, it’s been so long.” Gretel greeted her former neighbor. 
“Aw Hans look at you!” Rapunzel cooed at the ginger haired boy who sheepishly rubbed the back of his hair, “You’re so big now! I remember when me and your sister used to dress you up in my old clothes when you were a baby. We used to put all sorts of accessories on him,” she then suddenly remembered, “We called him Princess Hannah!” 
Gretel gasped and grinned at her brother, “Oh my god, Princess Hannah. I forgot about that!” Hans’ smile had only morphed in disapproval when he heard the name. Briar Rose listened in to the conversation, a mischievous gleam in her eyes.
“Wait is this why I get scared when I smell freshly made leather bracelets? And why I hate the sounds of corsets? Gretel that caused me trauma.” he told her.
She scoffed, “Yeah, you're the one who has PTSD between the both of us.” to which Hans frowned at, “Kidding, kidding,” she told him, “So are you here with anyone Raps?” 
“Yeah, my cousins are here. The Snow Queen and her sister.” she gestured to the other side of the room.
“Look at all the royalty here,” Jack said in awe, “I almost forgot what it feels like.” 
Arthur took a sip of the champagne, “Ten o’clock. Snow Queen is approaching you.” 
“Hm?” 
Jack looked towards the woman with the white gown who curtsied in front of him, “Prince Jack, a pleasure to see you.” 
Jack returned the gesture by kissing her hand, “Your Majesty, I am honored by your presence.” 
She smiled and averted her gaze slightly, “Forgive me for being so blunt, but I want to ask, have you met a man that goes by Jack Frost?”
Jack humored her by rolling his eyes, “I want to tell you I haven’t, Your Majesty. Unfortunately the opposite is true.” 
The Snow Queen let out a giggle as her eyes began to quite literally sparkle with tiny snowflakes, “Do you see him often? What is he like? Oh! Does he do that thing where he balances on his staff then pretends to fall, only to surprise you from behind?” 
“I would be mortified if he ever did that to me. Do you know him?” he asked her.
“A little,” she bashfully tucked her long white hair behind her ear. It was a sight for Jack and Arthur as they had always expected the Snow Queen to be serious and formal. “He comes by my castle sometimes, and oh, we have the loveliest conversations but they’re always cut so short.” 
“If I may be so bold, Your Majesty, I’d say you fancy the lad.” Arthur smiled. 
“Fancy? Me?” At Arthur’s suggestion she laughed and accidentally froze his drink with her hands, “Oh, sorry. But I don’t know what you're talking about, Prince Arthur. What a silly imagination you have. Excuse me.” she bowed smiling. But not soon before she mumbled to Jack, “Please mention me next time? Thank you, Your Highness.” and she ran off to her sister.
“I wanted to tell her ‘run away’.” Jack sipped his drink. 
“Arthur!” Merlin called out from behind, “You remember these buffoons don’t you?”
“Shut it, Merlin. I’ll throw you off the balcony again.” Edmund laughed as he gently pushed the wizard. 
“Arthur! You’ve gained weight!” Peter punched his chest, “Oof, nevermind.” 
Arthur laughed and pulled him in for hugs, “Oh I’ve missed you jackasses too.”  
“Hello, Prince Arthur,” two ladies stood beside Merlin. 
Susan smiled, “You and Merlin are still getting along well, I’m glad.” 
“We caught up with Gwen earlier, I’m so happy for you two!” Lucy beamed.
“Ah, meeting the two fairest ladies in all of Narnia, and now their brave and heroic sisters Susan and Lucy. Seeing all four of you brings tears to my eyes.” Arthur dramatically said, followed up by an angry Peter and Edmund trying to bring him down. 
“Well look at that. I’m not surprised to see Arthur being beaten up by a bunch of princes at a ball.” Goldie noted. 
Peter Pan laughed, “I’ll say, it wouldn’t be a shock if he got kicked out early by destroying Queen Alice’s tea set.” 
The triplets let out a loud laughter and spilled their drinks on the carpeted floor. 
“Boys, I am quite disappointed.”
The familiar voice that reached the triplets' ears immediately made them stand up straight as they quickly removed their hats. 
“Honestly, making a scene like that. Your father was right to send me here.” a man in a black coat and blue top hat held his head high as he examined the boys one by one. “Good posture, clear skin...oh your hair is a mess, Kio.” he rubbed Kio’s blind hair with his hands. “Mind your manners, boys.” 
“Yes, Jiminy...” they let out a dragged response to which Jiminy eyed them and they said a clearer response, “Yes, Jiminy, sir.”
“Good, I suppose these are your beloveds, Noki and Kio.” he looked at the pair, “Princess Goldilocks and Peter Pan.” 
“Oh thank god you got my name right.” Peter sighed in relief.
“I hope my boys have been treating you well. I did not raise them to act otherwise. Thank you for blessing them with your affections” 
Noki and Kio flushed a bright red when they heard that, “C’mon, Jiminy. Stop that, nobody says that anymore!” Noki frowned at him. 
“Afraid I’m embarrassing you in front of your girlfriend, Noki?” he raised his eyebrows and proceeded to whisper to Goldie, “When he was younger he had problems wetting the bed at night. Use that information however you please.” to which she let out a laugh. 
“Oh I will definitely use that as ammunition.” she told him. 
“Have you met Gretel, Jiminy?” Pino asked. 
“Oh, red hair, glasses? I met her earlier along with Princess Snow White. Lovely woman, polite manners, well done.” Jiminy responded, “If I’m not mistaken that's her and Princess Rapunzel chasing Prince Hansel, am I right?” 
Pino raised eyebrows before putting his hat back on, “Should probably see what that's about…” and ran off.   
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ai-katsuu · 4 years
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Wonderland Ball (3/4)
Chapters: 1  2  3  4
previous chapter    next chapter
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At the opposite end of the room, Queen Alice, finally done with greeting her audience members, sighed back on her throne in content. “This is the best outcome of any party Fairy Tale Island has had. I mean you’re amazing, Hatter!” she grinned at her dearest friend. 
“But of course, Alice dear.” he tipped his hat, “Throwing parties are my specialty after all.” 
“I was the one who brought the guests over,” the Cheshire Cat intervened. “Wasn’t easy, you know?” he smiled at the Hatter who only frowned back.
“Oh, yes. Tell me, how did you manage to get the Fearless Seven to come?” Alice excitedly asked him. 
“He transported them here without warning,” a short witch with a grey bun walked into the scene. “I saw the whole thing myself from my room.” she calmly mentioned. 
Alice gasped at the Cheshire Cat, who now had his tail in between his legs, “Is Zeniba telling the truth?” 
“Well, in a sense yes.” he mumbled. 
“He was also rude to Prince Jack’s wife.”
“Yea, called her a servant.”
“You know I don’t fancy you two being here.” the Cheshire Cat frowned at the twins who had just entered. 
“Cheshire, how could you?!” Alice scolded then turned to her friend in the white suit.  “Rabbit, could you call her for me please? I want to apologize on his behalf.” 
“Wife isn’t here, miss. He failed to include her in his transportation spell, just like how the F7 fails to be on time.” he grumbled. 
“You left her behind?” she stared at him. 
“I wouldn’t say left, more like, dis-included?” he looked sideways. “Alice, with all due respect she wasn’t even a princess. He married a commoner.” 
“Your point?” Alice challenged, “Royalty or not that is his family, now both of them will be apart from each other on Christmas Eve. I want you to write an apology letter to this woman and apologize to Prince Jack yourself. That’s an order.”
“Oooh, someones in trouble.” the Mad Hatter grinned. The Cheshire Cat glared at him before bowing at Alice,
“As you wish, Your Majesty.” 
“Your Majesty, Prince Howl is here,” Zeniba smiled, a young blonde man charmingly smiled at her. 
“I’ll take care of this. Hatter, make sure he follows through.” Alice told him before standing up and greeting the wizard. 
“Of course, Your Majesty.”
Once midnight had struck, the ball had come to an end, and the others went back to their suite. Exhausted from all the mingling and formalities, the group immediately fell apart when they got to their beds. 
“I think I might have bruised my arm when I threw Peter over the table.” Arthur examined his bicep. 
“Shut it, at least you weren’t chased around by two she-demons who want to put a dress on you.” Hans grumbled. 
“You think Papa sent Jiminy on purpose?” Noki asked.
“Please, I don’t want to think about it.” Kio responded. 
They all awoke the next morning and spent the day in the Wonderland Palace. They had high tea in their suite, played several games, and even got a chance to meet with Queen Alice herself. They were wrapping up the conversation when Alice stood up, 
“Prince Jack, may I speak to you?” 
“Of course, Your Majesty.” 
She pulled him off to the corner of the room and it took Jack by a great surprise when she bowed; not as a greeting but as an apology. “Your Majesty? Please raise your head!” he told her.
“Prince Jack, you have my deepest apologies for how my right hand man treated your wife. I’m sincerely sorry she could not be here. His actions do not reflect Wonderland’s beliefs and morals.” 
“Your Majesty, I am not upset with you. You weren’t the one who said those things after all. Though I would be lying if I said I was not disappointed with how he treated her.” he sadly told her. 
“Apologies are in order from him. Please, allow me to let you and your friends leave early.” she said. And that’s what happened. The Cheshire Cat appeared right beside her and waved his hand, the purple mist covering them as they were transported back to the gates to the White Palace. 
“I will never get used to that.” Briar said, holding her head. 
“Well at least we’re back. That was exhausting, not gonna lie.” Pino said, twisting his back. 
“Do you hear music?” Gwen asked them. The others nodded and followed the sound that echoed through the halls. It led to the doors of the ballroom they saw bright lights that's shone through its cracks. Briar opened them to see a sight that none of them would have expected.
Townspeople, man and woman, kids of different ages, running around, singing, dancing to their heart's content. Elders gave gifts to their grandchildren, grandchildren played around with ribbons that were attached to a large pole, adults ate and drank while watching the band perform. 
Somehow, snow was falling from the ceiling and people of all ages were making Snowmen, sledding, having snowball fights, or creating snow angels. It was full of laughter and fun, a different energy radiating from the Wonderland Ball. 
It's the most wonderful time of the year!
With the kids jingle belling and everyone telling you, be of good cheer!
It's the most wonderful time of the year!
“What is this…?” Snow felt a small smile coming to her lips from the excitement and liveness everyone was exerting. 
“Are these all the people from Golden Goose?” Merlin questioned. 
“Why are they all here?” Hans looked around. 
“Oh, Your Highness'!” Isabella, in a lovely green dress, curtsied to the thirteen princes and princess’ “Welcome back!” she beamed. 
“Isabella, what is all this?” Jack asked her.
“Golden Goose's annual Christmas Eve Party, Miss Audrey had the suggestion of moving it to the palace ballroom so that it would be much bigger! She planned all the songs, the presents, and hosted the whole event.” 
“She did all this?” he looked around at the green and red festive lights. 
“You bet your high privileged ass she did.” Frost floated down to the group. “With my help and Isabella’s, this was all possible through her hard work.” he threw a snowball directly at him. A few sparkles appeared on his eyes before Jack started laughing, but quickly regained his composure. “Oof, tough one.” Frost laughed. 
“Where is Audrey?” Arthur asked. 
Frost smiled, leaning on his staff and gestured to the crowd behind him. 
There'll be parties for hosting, marshmallows for toasting
And caroling out in the snow
They'll be scary ghost stories
And tales of the glories of Christmas's long, long ago!
Amongst the crowd Audrey was singing along with the band, playing with the children and dancing with adults. Her hair was up in a bun, loose hair stands out, and wore a red dress that extended just below her knees. Her see-through heels made it a bit difficult for her to walk, but Isabella made them just for her.  Not a trace of sadness or jealousy was on her face as she sang an unfamiliar song to them. 
“It’s a traditional song from the outside world.” Frost told the group, “She’s been playing a lot of Christmas carols from out there. Honestly much better than the ones they have here.” 
It's the most wonderful time of the year!
There'll be much mistletoeing and hearts will be glowing
When loved ones are near!
It's the most wonderful time of the year!
The crowd applauded as the song ended, as did the group. Frost threw his staff up lightly after clapping, “Well your highness’ I have to help a big red man deliver his presents for Christmas and I’m already on the Naughty list. Probably,” he went to the nearest window and opened it, “later nerds.” the wind started blowing in his direction. 
“Snow Queen said hi by the way.” Jack called out.
“Wait, what?” Frost turned back, “No wait! Just when the conversation was getting interesting!” but was then blown away by the winds. 
The group had decided not to interrupt the party and went back to their rooms, hoping to greet Audrey after. After the party had ended, Audrey made her way to the parlor exhausted and removed her gloves. 
“I didn’t know you could sing. You always refused to.” 
Audrey turned around to see Jack smiling with his arms crossed. “Jack! You’re back!” 
Jack beamed as he welcomed her with open arms as she ran towards him. “I missed you so much, I’m so sorry you got left behind..” he buried his head on her shoulder, trying to make sure he didn’t ruin her hair. 
Audrey shook her hair, “It’s fine. I got to plan this party and meet everyone from Golden Goose. Oh Jack, they’re all so lovely and their traditions every Christmas are amazing!” 
Jack nodded, “I’m glad you enjoyed it, but it’s not okay. You should not have been left behind, that was rude of him to leave you out.” 
Audrey shrugged, “I guess, but at least something good came out of it.”
“Yes, you won’t have to spend Christmas with them next year, don’t worry.”
“What do you mean?” Audrey laughed.
“Spending the evening with commoners is hardly the right way to celebrate Christmas, there should be balls, and elegance.” he told her.
“Well, sure but there’s nothing wrong with their traditions.” Audrey’s smile thinned down. 
“It’s hardly fitting for someone married to nobility. You should be spending it with all of us at these balls.” he raised a brow.
“I’d love to spend it with all of you, but the traditions you just saw are not ‘hardly fitting’, they’re wonderful.” she frowned. 
Jack rolled his eyes, “Audrey please, why spend your holidays in the cold filthy streets when you can spend it warm and cozy in a palace.”
“There is nothing wrong with where they live.” she said now angry, “Their happiest memories are on those streets. And mine are too, wandering around several towns, I’ve seen the joy they all have.” 
“That’s impossible, no one can be truly happy there.” he firmly told her, “I don’t want you to live or be treated like a commoner, you deserve much more than that. For goodness sake, you’re married to a prince!” 
“What’s wrong with being a commoner? They’re the same as you, they just have a different lifestyle!”
 “Commoners don’t have all these riches you see around you. They’re not as well off as we are. We can easily afford anything we want. If we have the money then we can spend it, what’s wrong with that?!”
“Nothing! Nothing is wrong with the lifestyle of a noble but neither is the lifestyle of a commoner! They’re two different things but that doesn’t mean that either status is worth greater or less of value, they all deserve equal treatment!” Audrey stared him down, “Maybe if you actually experienced the life of one you see that we aren’t as pitiful or filthy as you think we are.”
That crossed the line for Jack as he looked at her one more time and stormed out of the parlor. The twelve people who had their ears pressed to the door heard footsteps coming and they quickly hid behind the large curtains. Jack pushed the door open with violence as he marched through the halls. Audrey on the other hand, not realizing the error both of them had made, made her way outside of the parlor and walked the opposite way.
Once the two were out of sight from each other, the twelve princes and princesses came out of the curtains. 
“That can’t be good…” Gwen frowned.
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