#why would a God of Justice not see it as her duty to return stolen power to its rightful owner

[saccharinerose]

Ascension voicelines may not necessarily be "canon" but uhhhhhhhh....

#saccha's thoughts #neuvillette #genshin impact #genshin #4.1 spoilers #genshin 4.1 #genshin 4.1 spoilers #crazy spoiler to put in an ascension voiceline of all places if this is what happens in 4.2 #tbh i could see it #if not to solve the prophecy #why would a God of Justice not see it as her duty to return stolen power to its rightful owner #even if to do so she has to go against the highest divine authority

[jackoshadows]

 “You,” Ned said, kissing her lightly on the brow, “will marry a king and rule his castle, and your sons will be Knights and princes and lords and, yes, perhaps even a High Septon.” - Eddard, A Game of Thrones

My featherbed is deep and soft, and there I’ll lay you down, I’ll dress you all in yellow silk, and on your head a crown - Arya, A Storm of Swords

“Aegon has been shaped for rule since before he could walk. He has been trained in arms, as befits a knight to be, but that was not the end of his education. He reads and writes, he speaks several tongues, he has studied history and law and poetry. A septa has instructed him in the mysteries of the Faith since he was old enough to understand them. He has lived with fisherfolk, worked with his hands, swum in rivers and mended nets and learned to wash his own clothes at need. He can fish and cook and bind up a wound, he knows what it is like to be hungry, to be hunted, to be afraid. Tommen has been taught that kingship is his right. Aegon knows that kingship is his duty, that a king must put his people first, and live and rule for them.” - Kevan, A Dance with Dragons

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So this is an essay of sorts on my speculation/theory that Arya is going to end up as a leader of the North by the end of the series. I will split this into several parts:

Arya and leadership

Arya and Northern leadership

Arya and Nymeria

Skillsets

Importance of being a Warg/Skinchanger

Succession

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Arya Stark and leadership

“Know the men who follow you,” she heard him tell Robb once, “and let them know you. Don’t ask your men to die for a stranger.“  - Arya, AGoT

Arya has always been a leader rather than a follower. Just like Jon at the wall, she initially chafes at having to follow orders instead of doing what she thinks is the right thing to do. Despite Gendry and Hot Pie being older than her, she’s the one giving the orders and making the plans. She manipulates or forces characters into doing what she wants – getting Gendry to leave Harrenhal and forcing Jaqen to help her free the Northmen.

Arya took the lead, kicking her stolen horse to a brisk heedless trot until the trees close in around her. Hot Pie and Gendry followed as best they could. From time to time Arya glanced over her shoulder, to make sure the two boys had not fallen too far behind, and to see if they were being pursued - Arya, ASoS

Like most of our protagonists, Arya is ambitious and interested in being an active participant at the top. She wanted to become a King’s councilor and build castles. That entire little speech that Varys gives about the ideal candidate for ruling fits Arya to a T.

Arya has gone hungry, scrubbed and cleaned, cooked and kept house, sewed and mended clothes, bound up wounds, been hunted, been scared for her life – and done all this with limited protection. Just survived on her wits. Arya can wield a sword, is fluent in several languages and has studied with a Septa.

We also see war torn Westeros and the suffering of the smallfolk through Arya’s eyes in ACoK and ASoS. It doesn’t matter if it’s Stark or Lannister, the smallfolk suffer the same – Septon Meribald’s ‘Broken Men’ speech in AFfC embodies what Arya observes. After Arya frees the Northmen using weasel soup and Vargo Hoat betrays the Lannisters, there are reprisal killings, torture and rape enacted by Stark bannermen and the sellswords. The smith, Maester and the head maid are executed for merely serving Tywin – something on which they had no choice. Gendry points this out to Arya and she feels guilty for her part in all this.

“I hate this lot worse. Ser Amory was fighting for his lord, but the Mummers are sellswords and turncloaks. Half of them can’t even speak the Common Tongue. Septon Utt likes little boys, Qyburn does black magic, and your friend Biter eats people.”

The worst thing was, she couldn’t even say he was wrong. The Brave Companions did most of the foraging for Harrenhal, and Roose Bolton had given them the task of rooting out Lannisters. Vargo Hoat had divided them into four bands, to visit as many villages as possible. He led the largest group himself, and gave the others to his most trusted captains. She had heard Rorge laughing over Lord Vargo’s way of finding traitors. All he did was return to places he had visited before under Lord Tywin’s banner and seize those who had helped him. – Arya, ACoK

"It’s not a village, it’s only black stones and old bones. “Did the Lannisters kill the people who lived here?” Arya asked as she helped Anguy dry the horses.

“No.” He pointed. “Look at how thick the moss grows on the stones. No one’s moved them for a long time. And there’s a tree growing out of the wall there, see? This place was put to the torch a long time ago.”

“Who did it, then?” asked Gendry.

“Hoster Tully.” Notch was a stooped thin grey-haired man, born in these parts. “This was Lord Goodbrook’s village. When Riverrun declared for Robert, Goodbrook stayed loyal to the king, so Lord Tully came down on him with fire and sword. After the Trident, Goodbrook’s son made his peace with Robert and Lord Hoster, but that didn’t help the dead none.”

A silence fell."  - Arya, ASoS

"Wolves, she thought again. Like me. Was this her pack? How could they be Robb’s men? She wanted to hit them. She wanted to hurt them. She wanted to cry.” - Arya, ASoS

The smallfolk in the Riverlands are caught between the Starks, Tullys and Lannisters with no good choices. And on the ground level, Arya sees this, understands this and acknowledges this. Her actions benefited house Stark and no one else. She understands the cost of war.

Arya is also very keen on justice. In that she not only thinks that characters deserve justice, but she wants to actively participate and deliver justice. She considers the execution of Dareon from the NW as a just one.

Dareon had been a deserter from the Night's Watch; he had deserved to die. - Arya, AFfC

“Guilty!” Arya shouted with the rest. “Guilty, guilty, kill him, guilty!” …

Arya could only think of Mycah and all the stupid prayers she’d prayed for the Hound to die. If there were gods, why didn’t Lord Beric win? She knew the Hound was guilty… - Arya, ASoS

Her father beat her so often and so brutally that she was never truly free of pain or fear until she came to us.”

“Did you kill him?”

“She asked the gift for herself, not for her father.”

You should have killed him.“ - Arya, ADWD

Arya drew back from him. "He killed the slave?" That did not sound right. "He should have killed the masters!" – Arya, aDwD

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Arya and Northern leadership

I would sooner my men die fighting for the Ned’s little girl than alone and hungry in the snow, weeping tears that freeze upon their cheeks. - Hugo Wull

The North has famously never had a female leader in House Stark. So is it possible for valiant Ned’s precious little girl to become the first Lady Stark to lead the North?

In terms of personality, Arya resembles some of the other female leaders/members of Northern houses. She is bold and forward like Lyanna Mormont and Wylla Manderly. She has trained with the sword and learned how to use a bow and arrow. She proactively engineers her own escape like Alys Karstark. Characters like Ygritte and Alys remind Jon Snow of Arya.

Arya venerates Ned Stark. She follows his advice as much as Robb, Bran and Jon do. Even more so. She executes a NW brother for desertion. And that is important for the Starks.

I should kill them myself. Whenever her father had condemned a man to death, he did the deed himself with Ice, his greatsword. - Arya, ACoK

The blood of the First Men still flows in the veins of the Starks, and we hold to the belief that the man who passes the sentence should swing the sword. - Bran, AGoT

“The Starks do not use headsmen. Ned always said that the man who passes the sentence should swing the blade, though he never took any joy in the duty.” - Catelyn, ACoK

“Rickard Karstark, Lord of Karhold.” Robb lifted the heavy axe with both hands. “Here in sight of gods and men, I judge you guilty of murder and high treason. In mine own name I condemn you. With mine own hand I take your life. Would you speak a final word?” - Catelyn, ASoS

The pale morning sunlight ran up and down his blade as Jon clasped the hilt of the bastard sword with both hands and raised it high. “If you have any last words, now is the time to speak them,” he said, expecting one last curse. - Jon, ADwD

Arya is one of the Starkiest Starks of the whole lot. She is also the only Stark to actually have the Stark look. She is stubborn and determined to do things the Stark way. She often uses her father’s advice to guide her way.

Her father used to say that a lord needed to eat with his men, if he hoped to keep them. “Know the men who follow you,” she heard him tell Robb once, “and let them know you. Don’t ask your men to die for a stranger.“ - Arya, aGoT

Arya had loved nothing better than to sit at her father’s table and listen to them talk. She had loved listening to the men on the benches too; to freeriders tough as leather, courtly knights and bold young squires, grizzled old men-at-arms.- Arya, AGoT

Whenever her father had condemned a man to death, he did the deed himself with Ice, his greatsword. “If you would take a man’s life, you owe it to him go look him in the face and hear his last words,” she’d heard him tell Robb and Jon once. - Arya, ACoK

Now there are theories that it is future Bran who was communicating with Arya through the weirwood at Harrenhal, but she does gain strength from her father’s words when she prays to the Old Gods.

Gooseprickles rose on Arya’s skin, and for an instant she felt dizzy. Then, so faintly, it seemed as if she heard her father’s voice. “When the snows fall and the white winds blow, the lone wolf dies, but the pack survives,” he said. “But there is no pack,” she whispered to the weirwood. Bran and Rickon were dead, the Lannisters had Sansa, Jon had gone to the Wall. “I’m not even me now, I’m Nan.” “You are Arya of Winterfell, daughter of the north. You told me you could be strong. You have the wolf blood in you.” - Arya, ACoK

And while Arya is travelling incognito, GRRM keeps her connected to the North, house Stark and the Northern plot. She starts her journey from KL with a NW brother Yoren. She’s disguised as a boy like Danny Flint, Manderly requests a song about brave Danny Flint at Ramsay’s wedding with ‘Arya’. In the Riverlands, Arya’s plot intersects with her father’s bannermen, she participates in the capture of Harrenhal for house Stark and is there for Roose Bolton’s war council. She meets both Roose Bolton and Aenys Frey – our antagonists in Winterfell facing off against Stannis in ADwD. She meets Robett Glover – who is currently in White Harbor - when she lets him out of the dungeons. She gets Jaqen to help her father’s men.

“Vargo Hoat’s come back with prisoners. I saw their badges. There’s a Glover, from Deepwood Motte, he’s my father’s man. The rest too, mostly.” All of a sudden, Arya knew why her feet had brought her here. “You have to help me get them out.” – Arya, ACoK

Arya looked. She knew all of her father’s men. The three in the grey cloaks were strangers. Arya, AGoT

Twin towers. Sunburst. Bloody man. Battle-axe. The battle-axe is for Cerwyn, and the white sun on black is Karstark. They’re northmen. My father’s men, and Robb’s. - Arya, ACoK

Harwin?” Arya whispered. It was! Under the beard and the tangled hair was the face of Hullen’s son, who used to lead her pony around the yard, ride at quintain with Jon and Robb, and drink too much on feast days. He was thinner, harder somehow, and at Winterfell he had never worn a beard, but it was him—her father’s man. Arya, ASoS

“I bet there are Winterfell men too.” Her father’s men, the Young Wolf’s men, the direwolves of Stark. - Arya, ASoS

Arya is also involved in betrothals/marriage – first to Elmar Frey and then married off to Ramsay Bolton to hold the North. As a side note, her connection to all these bastards is indeed interesting - Elmar Frey, Ramsay Bolton, Gendry and Jon Snow. Is GRRM trying to say something here?

We now have the Northerners and Freys that Arya sees in Harrenhal transposed to Winterfell and ‘her father’s men’ rising up for Arya Stark.

Now, we can speculate and assume that these Northerners would have done the same for the other Starks, but that’s not the point here. In the books, GRRM has written this story to revolve around Arya. The mountain clans are marching for ARYA. The Northern houses are fighting alongside Stannis for ARYA. When lady Barbrey Dustin points out the anger of the Northmen at the treatment of ‘Valiant Ned's precious little girl’ she is talking about ARYA.

GRRM has Stannis wanting to rescue Arya for Jon. He has Mance trying to rescue Arya for Jon. He has Jon breaking his vows and dying trying to rescue Arya. A large part of what drives this plot forward is that it’s Arya, and her special relationship with Jon Snow influences a lot of what is happening south of the wall. The story only happens this way with Arya in the North. And that’s why it’s Arya’s story and not that of any other Stark. Superimposing this or that Stark in place of Arya to make a case for why they would be leader of the North makes no sense. GRRM writing in the marriage of Arya Stark to hold the North makes the case for why Arya is important to the North.

So, Arya has actively helped free Northmen in the Riverlands, engaged with important Northerners and Freys at Harrenhal and drives the plot to take down the Boltons in the North. With her leadership skills, her ability to wield a weapon and fight, looking like Ned, following in Ned’s footsteps and advice, her fierce personality, her loyalty to bannermen, her desire for justice and to help the weak and powerless, her huge direwolf - she would be like the Kings in the North of yore.  I think the Northerners will be fine with Arya Stark being the Stark in charge.

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Arya and Nymeria

“What if the wolves come?” “Yield,” Arya suggested - Arya, ACoK

The direwolves are an important part of the books, and an important aspect of the Starks.They are as much a part of the Starks as Dany’s dragons are a part of her. They cannot be ignored as unimportant pets who will end up serving no purpose.

“He is part of you, Robb. To fear him is to fear you.”  - Catelyn, ASoS

Ghost did not count. Ghost was closer than a friend. Ghost was part of him - Jon, ADWD

“Part of you is Summer, and part of Summer is you. You know that, Bran.” - Bran, ACoK

“Wolves and women wed for life,” Haggon often said. “You take one, that’s a marriage. The wolf is part of you from that day on, and you’re part of him. Both of you will change.” - Varamyr, ADWD

You have five trueborn children,” Jon said. “Three sons, two daughters. The direwolf is the sigil of your House. Your children were meant to have these pups, my lord…The direwolf graces the banners of House Stark,” Jon pointed out. -  Bran, AGoT

“Roose Bolton has Lord Eddard’s daughter. To thwart him White Harbor must have Ned’s son … and the direwolf. The wolf will prove the boy is who we say he is, should the Dreadfort attempt to deny him.“ - Davos, ADWD

GRRM has mentioned several times that they are important.

The Lannisters are always likening themselves to lions, for example, and their motto “Hear me roar” speaks of a certain way of looking at life. But I think for the Starks it goes a little bit beyond that, especially in this generation, with these direwolves. It’s more than just a handy metaphor with them - GRRM, interview

"Wolves have been part of European folklore, of which America's descended, going back thousands of years. In Rome, Romulus and Remus -- there's always been this relationship between wolves and men." That relationship is seen time and again in Martin's series, and it's one that will Martin says will continue as the last two books are eventually released. Arya's wolf, Nymeria, in particular, will play an important role. "You know, I don't like to give things away." says Martin, a grin spreading across his face. "But you don't hang a giant wolf pack on the wall unless you intend to use it." - GRRM interview

The direwolves are important especially for Arya whose theme is ‘The lone wolf dies but the pack survives’ and there are constant mentions of the pack in her POV chapters. Nymeria is an alpha, a leader of her pack like Arya is a leader of hers.

“She says there’s this great pack, hundreds of them, mankillers. The one that leads them is a she-wolf, a bitch from the seventh hell.” - Arya, ACoK

Throughout ACoK and ASoS, Arya mentions the wolves in the Riverlands. They appear to be just ahead of her or behind her. In her chapters there are mentions of wolves eating people, of Roose going wolf hunting. It’s almost like the wolves are traveling with her. They even help her escape – the wolf howl giving the signal – from harrenhal. And it’s possible the pack was picking off Roose Bolton’s riders chasing Arya because they were following right behind.

She could hear the sound of her own breath, and the wolves as well, a great pack of them now. They are closer than the one I heard in the godswood, she thought. They are calling to me. - Arya, ACoK

Once, from the crest of a ridge, she spied dark shapes crossing a stream in the valley behind them, and for half a heartbeat she feared that Roose Bolton’s riders were on them, but when she looked again she realized they were only a pack of wolves. She cupped her hands around her mouth and howled down at them, “Ahooooooooo, ahooooooooo.” When the largest of the wolves lifted its head and howled back, the sound made Arya shiver.   - Arya ASoS

Nymeria keeps amassing this huge wolf pack and Arya being a strong warg can sense this

She was no little girl in the dream; she was a wolf, huge and powerful, and when she emerged from beneath the trees in front of them and bared her teeth in a low rumbling growl, she could smell the rank stench of fear from horse and man alike. - Arya, ASoS

She dreamed of wolves most every night. A great pack of wolves, with her at the head. She was bigger than any of them, stronger, swifter, faster. And her brothers and sisters were with her, many and more of them, fierce and terrible and hers. - Arya, ASoS

In her wolf dreams she was swift and strong, running down her prey with her pack at her heels. - Cat of the Canals, AFfC

The wolf dreams also helps Arya connect to Bran, Jon and Rickon. We see Ghost able to sense the other direwolves and Bran trying to communicate with Jon.

Nymeria is a grey wolf and the stark sigil is a grey wolf on a white background.

 “The rain had washed the guard’s blood off her fingers, she wore a sword across her back, wolves were prowling through the dark like lean grey shadows, and Arya Stark was unafraid.” - Arya, ACoK

“Arya had her father’s eyes, the grey eyes of the Starks.” - Reek, ADwD

What’s in a name? I have already mentioned in another post, the symbolism of the names for the direwolves and them being an indication of the future for the Starks. Arya’s direwolf is named Nymeria – a Rhoynish warrior queen who led her people to safety. Something that Arya may well do in the future when the North is under attack from the Others.

More importantly, Nymeria in Dorne changed the customs and rules of house Martell to follow those of Rhoynar and allowed for female rulers. Nymeria herself was the first female leader and was followed by her daughter. Nymeria changed the norm for Dorne and we could see the same happening with Arya Stark in the North.

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Skills and Education

Look with your eyes, Syrio had said, listen with your ears.- Arya, ACoK

Education at Winterfell:

Arya was mainly taught by Septa Mordane and received the same education as Sansa. She would have been taught history and about the Faith by the Septa, she can read and write, and is good with sums. She’s better than Sansa at managing a household. She can ride a horse like a Northman and is an excellent swimmer. She knows some high Valyrian. Besides the Septa, Arya also hangs around Ned Stark when he is teaching the boys. Many of his words of wisdom that she remembers is from when he is teaching the boys. She mingles with her father’s men, the cooks, the stable boys etc.

Kings Landing:

Water Dancing style of swordfighting from Syrio Forel.

Harrenhal:

Being incognito allows Arya to move around like a mouse or the ghost of Harrenhal and observe and learn things. She is privy to Roose Bolton’s war council and listens to them discuss the Northern campaign against the Lannisters. We get the first inkling of the Red Wedding in these chapters between Roose and the Freys.

Arya observes the different people, analyzes their movements and figures out how to approach them.

The night she was caught, the Lannister men had been nameless strangers with faces as alike as their nasal helms, but she’d come to know them all. You had to know who was lazy and who was cruel, who was smart and who was stupid. You had to learn that even though the one they called Shitmouth had the foulest tongue she’d ever heard, he’d give you an extra piece of bread if you asked, while jolly old Chiswyck and soft-spoken Raff would just give you the back of their hand. - Arya, ACoK

And as lords and ladies never notice the little grey mice under their feet, Arya heard all sorts of secrets just by keeping her ears open as she went about her duties. Pretty Pia from the buttery was a slut who was working her way through every knight in the castle. The wife of the gaoler was with child, but the real father was either Ser Alyn Stackspear or a singer Lord Lefford made mock of ghosts at table, but always kept a candle burning by his bed. Ser Dunaver’s squire Jodge could not hold his water when he slept. The cooks despised Ser Harys Swyft and spit in all his food. Once she even overheard Maester Tothmure’s serving girl confiding to her brother about some message that said Joffrey was a bastard and not the rightful king at all. “Lord Tywin told him to burn the letter and never speak such filth again,” the girl whispered. - Arya, ACoK

She aids in the escape of the near hundred Northmen imprisoned in the dungeons and even Roose is impressed enough to make her his cupbearer. And the next time, she conceives of, plans and executes their entire escape all by herself. She plans for the logistics – weapons, transportation, people, travel route, what to wear.  She makes sure she is warmly dressed, takes the map from Roose’s chamber, uses her position of cupbearer to manipulate several men,  manipulates Gendry into escaping with her, takes down the guard and leads them away. It’s an endeavor that showcases her intelligence, cunning, determination, ability to strategize and lead.

Arya also shows a lot of restraint and keeps her secrets. She doesn’t trust the Glovers or any of the Northmen in Harrenhal - and considering the Red Wedding, it’s a good decision.

Their captors permitted no chatter. A broken lip taught Arya to hold her tongue. Others never learned at all. - Arya, ACoK

Arya watched them die and did nothing. What good did it do you to be brave? One of the women picked for questioning had tried to be brave, but she had died screaming like all the rest. There were no brave people on that march, only scared and hungry ones. - Arya, ACoK

On the road Arya had felt like a sheep, but Harrenhal turned her into a mouse. She was grey as a mouse in her scratchy wool shift, and like a mouse she kept to the crannies and crevices and dark holes of the castle, scurrying out of the way of the mighty.- Arya, ACoK

Braavos:

Arya’s education here is not limited to killing for the Faceless Men. She is also educated in poisons and languages. She improves on her high Valyrian and is now fluent in Braavosi and other Essosi languages. She learns acting/mummery. Not showing emotions on one’s face, detecting emotions in another person.

“A man does not need to be a wizard to know truth from falsehood, not if he has eyes. You need only learn to read a face. Look at the eyes. The mouth. The muscles here, at the corners of the jaw, and here, where the neck joins the shoulders.” He touched her lightly with two fingers. “Some liars blink. Some stare. Some look away. Some lick their lips. Many cover their mouths just before they tell a lie, as if to hide their deceit. Other signs may be more subtle, but they are always there. A false smile and a true one may look alike, but they are as different as dusk from dawn. Can you tell dusk from dawn?”

Arya nodded, though she was not certain that she could. “Then you can learn to see a lie… and once you do, no secret will be safe from you.”  - Arya, AFFC

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People skills

“I will remember, Your Grace," said Sansa, though she had always heard that love was a surer route to the people's loyalty than fear. If I am ever a queen, I'll make them love me.” - Sansa, ACoK

Arya’s ability to make friends wherever she goes highlights her people skills. And Arya is able to communicate and connect with people from all walks of life.

Sansa knew all about the sorts of people Arya liked to talk to: squires and grooms and serving girls, old men and naked children, rough-spoken freeriders of uncertain birth. Arya would make friends with anybody. - Sansa, AGoT

She had loved listening to the men on the benches too; to freeriders tough as leather, courtly knights and bold young squires, grizzled old men-at-arms. She used to throw snowballs at them and help them steal pies from the kitchen. Their wives gave her scones and she invented names for their babies and played monsters-and-maidens and hide-the-treasure and come-into-my-castle with their children., Arya, AGoT

Her father used to say that a lord needed to eat with his men, if he hoped to keep them. “Know the men who follow you,” she heard him tell Robb once, “and let them know you. Don’t ask your men to die for a stranger.“ - Arya, AGoT

Cat had made friends along the wharves; porters and mummers, ropemakers and sailmenders, taverners, Brewers and bakers and beggars and whores - Cat of the Canals, AFfC

Her girls were nice as well; Blushing Bethany and the Sailor’s Wife, one-eyed Yna who could tell your fortune from a drop of blood, pretty little Lanna, even Assadora, the Ibbenese woman with the mustache. They might not be beautiful, but they were kind to her - Cat of the Canals, AFfC

She’s also loyal to her pack. She doesn’t betray Jon even to her father. She helps free her father’s men. Despite Gendry talking of leaving Lommy or Weasel behind, she refuses. And despite the odds, she tries to help Gendry.

It didn’t matter. The only thing that mattered was that they had Gendry. Even if he was stubborn and stupid, she had to get him out. She wondered if they knew that the queen wanted him. - Arya, ACoK

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Importance of being a Warg/Skinchanger

She was the night wolf, no scraps of skin could frighten her. - Arya, ADwD

Since this is a fantasy series, magic is a big part of the story with a magical existential apocalyptic threat on the horizon. The North is the first bastion facing this threat. Jon and Dany both have magical pets and prophetic dreams. Bran is the 3ER. They are leaders or will become leaders by the end. Arya is a strong warg/skinchanger. Apart from Jon and Bran, she’s the only other Stark to use these abilities so far. As GRRM as indicated, having a direwolf is going to be useful in battle – we are going to be seeing direwolves involved in the battle for Winterfell for example. Arya is able to warg Nymeria from all the way over in Braavos. She skinchanges cats and sees through their eyes, when she is blind. She is deft with a sword, knife and decent with a bow and arrow (she could be better now using her FM senses). She would be an effective fighter to have against the Others and her warging skills could prove useful in battle.

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Succession

I’m not a lady, Arya wanted to tell her, I’m a wolf. - Arya, ASoS

And finally we come to succession. This is the hardest part and entirely speculation and we need the next book to get an inkling of where GRRM is heading towards. I am also basing all of this on Hibberd more or less confirming that King Bran on the Iron Throne is GRRM’s ending.

So of the true born Starks, Arya is pretty much last in line. With the inclusion of Robb’s will, we have 5 Starks left. Bran is the rightful heir to the North. Taking him out of the running, leaves Jon, Rickon, Sansa and Arya. Assuming Jon ends up North of the wall – in his dreams the Old Kings in the North in the crypts reject him, maybe foreshadowing that he doesn’t belong in Winterfell - that leaves Rickon, Sansa and Arya.

As for Sansa, again there is a plot significant reason for why GRRM has put an obstacle in her path, allowing for Arya to jump the queue. Sansa is currently married to Tyrion Lannister, a marriage that cannot be easily annulled (With an enemy regime in KL) or ignored like the show did. Robb Stark has most likely disinherited/removed her from the line of succession and named a legitimized Jon Stark his heir and Lord of Winterfell. If he has the support of the Northern houses who want an experienced, older Stark to lead them, Jon Stark could well be the next KITN over Rickon Stark. I don’t think a 7 year old Rickon would object to Jon in charge. So that makes it Jon Stark, Rickon Stark and Arya Stark.

Does Rickon have to die for Arya to become Wardeness of the North? It’s possible Rickon dies, but it’s also possible he doesn’t.  It could be that Rickon does not want to lead the North – by the end of the book, he would be 8 or 9. Of course there’s the argument of a regent doing the job for Rickon until he’s ready. Or, he could just give way to his sister because he wants to. Something similar to Aemon refusing the throne and it passing to his younger brother Aegon.

Or we could have the traditional situation where Rickon becomes lord of Winterfell as next in line, while it’s Arya who is involved in running the day to day affairs. However, that would very much be status quo - with Rickon at WF and Bran down south in KL, it would be men ending up in positions of power everywhere once again, except maybe Dorne. If this happens, then Arya would be a leader of the North, but the Stark line would continue with the male line.  

It’s possible Jon Stark as King could change things for the North. Jon treats the spearwives the same as the brothers of the NW, he respects Val’s abilities, he trusts in Alys Karstark. If Rickon refuses the mantle, it could very well be that Jon Stark relinquishes his position to his favorite person ever, Arya Stark, to be the next Wardeness of the North.  Thus paving the way for Arya Stark to be the first female leader of the North like her hero Nymeria in Dorne.

It would be fitting for the character who introduced Jon Snow to equal rights for women.

“The Lannisters are proud,” Jon observed. “You’d think the royal sigil would be sufficient, but no. He makes his mother’s House equal in honor to the king’s.”

“The woman is important too!” Arya protested. - Arya, AGoT

Could King Jon reverse Sansa’s disinheritance after her marriage is annulled when KL is in friendly hands? Sure. But we don’t know how the Sansa/LF/Vale group will react to Jon as KITN and whether they will mount a challenge in Sansa’s name. And if Jon has to choose between Sansa and Arya as to whom he wants in charge of Winterfell, we know who it is he will think is more capable and will always choose.

I do think Winterfell succession will not be as clearcut as many Stark fans are hoping. Too many factions supporting the different Starks. GRRM loves to write about dysfunctional families and the Starks are not anything special in that regard. TWoW will tell us of whether there will be any kind of Stark civil war.

Is Arya too young for all this? I predict that by the time we get to the end of the books, about 5 years would have gone by. At 14, Arya would still need a regent – one of the many lords of the houses in the North. But I think considering her experiences, skillsets, a huge direwolf, Ned Stark’s wisdom and strong connections to the North, she will be an able leader. As GRRM said,

“[Arya is] older than some of the 40-year-olds in the book.” - GRRM

Either way, whether she gets Winterfell or not, Arya will end up as a leader in the North. Either she rules for Rickon and takes care of the day to day responsibilities or she does so in her own right as Lady of Winterfell/Wardeness of the North. She’s not going anywhere or sailing off on a boat. The show’s ending makes absolutely no sense for a character yearning for home in 5 books after going on the nightmare ‘adventure’ from hell. She will be in the North, in Winterfell, being a leader and continuing Ned Stark’s legacy.  She will counsel her brothers and build and her people will love her just like they loved her father.

So in conclusion, I think there is enough story, character build up, characterization and set up for Arya to go North and take over as a leader of house Stark to face the threat of the Others along with Bran, Jon, Dany and Tyrion.

#Arya Stark #asoiaf #TWoW speculation

[aalissy]

Pantheon/Mythology AU

Just a short lil chapter today! I hope I did this prompt justice bc I don’t know tooo much about mythology haha. Lemme know what you think :)

AO3

Chat ran his hand through Marinette’s hair, tugging her pigtails off as he kissed her rather desperately. The only sounds of the dark forest they had managed to gain a stolen moment in was the sounds of crickets chirping. The stars and moon twinkled above them but the sun threatened to come up at any moment, leaving him without her once more. 

He clutched her to him tightly, not wanting to let her go. When she was gone it was almost like he couldn’t breathe anymore. All of the colors in his vision dimmed and turned dull leaving him in misery. Marinette brought him life. He didn’t want to be without her again.

“We should not be doing this,” she murmured, leaning back even as he tried to chase her lips. Chat whined softly as he stared down at her pretty, pink pout, wanting to kiss her once more. He heard Marinette whimper in return before her lips slammed back onto his, her arms wrapping around the back of his neck. He trailed his kisses to her collarbone, with Marinette tilting it to allow him better access. She sighed softly before whispering, “If my mother finds out that I have fallen in love with a mere mortal, there will be tremendous consequences for us both.”

“And that is why she must never know.” Chat clutched her shoulders, staring into her deep, ocean blue eyes. “Marinette, I could not bear it if I lost you. I am in love with you.”

Her lower lip wobbled before she threw her arms around his neck again, kissing him passionately. After a while, Marinette pulled back to whisper, “I love you too, my Chaton.”

A wave of happiness bubbled up within him and he moved towards her to wrap her up in a hug. “How did I get so lucky? You could have had any man or God that you wanted,” he murmured. “Why pick me?”

She leaned back once again, a frown marring her pretty face. One of her hands reached up to caress his cheek.  “Because you are my Chaton. I will always choose you. In any lifetime.”

“And I will always choose you.” Chat looked at her adoringly, planting a row of kisses on the hand on his face. “My love. My Goddess. My everything.”

Marinette let out a cry, diving towards him in another tight hug as she buried her head in his shoulder. “How am I to leave you? I do not know if I could bear it. I would miss you too much.”

“So don’t go.” He clenched his eyes tightly shut, inhaling the sweet, strawberry scent of her hair. “Stay with me. Run away with me and leave all the other Gods and Goddesses behind. All I need is you.”

She shook her head, stepping back away from him even as he longed to hug her once more. Her eyes brimmed with tears and even when she sniffled, she was still the prettiest woman that he had ever seen. “I cannot. My mother and father need me. If I were to abandon my duties for a mortal they would make it so that I never saw you again. And, as I said before, mon minou, I cannot live without you. I will not live without you.”

“I will miss you desperately.” Chat’s heart fell with every backward step that she took away from him. How was he meant to survive like this? With but a few stolen moments alone in the dark of the night with the lady of his dreams. It was not enough. It would never be enough. He was always going to need her.

“As will I, my kitty. But I will see you soon. Wait for me once more?” Marinette said, giving him one last sad, heartbreaking glance before she was gone, vanishing from his sight like she was never there. A hint of sunlight broke over the trees, causing him to clench his eyes shut at the bright light.

Chat bit back a sob, falling to his knees in the dirt, uncaring about his dark pants. Once more she had disappeared. And once more there was nothing that he could do to stop it. One day, he would figure out a way for Marinette to stay with him. They needed each other and he couldn’t bear to be apart from her this long. As the sun slowly began to rise, so did he, dragging himself out of the lonely woods. He would wait for Marinette for the rest of his life if he had to. He loved her too much to ever let her go.

#marichatmay2022 #marichatmay #marichat #miraculous #miraculous ladybug #ml #mlb #ml fic #fic #fanfic #mythology au #goddess marinette #mortal chat noir

[serenityluanebunny]

The cost of the Pomegranate

Hello and I hope you all will enjoy this story, it is part of my book I am writing. This the first chapter

Chapter 1 - The deal

     Hades had spent the last century as a solidarity god, as he had not seen the surface for over 1000 years. The way his brother had decided to run the pantheon had made him retreat, along with the rumors of what they spoke of him. After the war with the Titians mortals feared him because he mostly resembled his father Cronos, the tyrant king of the Titans. He gave up trying to convince them that he was not like his father but his own person.  

Hades was the oldest of the three brothers and by birthright should have ascended to the throne of Olympus. He did not aspire to but knew of his birthright, so when Zeus has suggested they draw lots he thought nothing of it. He was one for fairness and justice, so they drew lots and he got the underworld the opposite of what he wanted. Hades had been bitter in the early days, as both brothers walked away with what he thought at the time great prizes, while he was casted to the underworld to be alone for centuries. He over the centuries had begun to retreat from his family and the mortal world.  He would go to counsel in the early days for they all had a fair voice but as the century went in Zeus offspring claimed their own voiced in the counsel he retreated. He got tired for their games, the looks at him and their biting words. Hades over time never corrected what was being spread about him, as his demeanor become cold and indifferent. 

Hades was one to keep those he trusted close and, his those he hated as far as way as he can. He knew that he needed to interact with the gods as they always need something, and that is when they thought of him.  The way the gods interfered with the mortal loves was sickening to him.  Instead of being a model of how to behave and furthering their race, they played, destroyed and used them at their whims.  There were very few deities who valued the importance of the mortals that worshipped them.  Hades was one of those gods that to him he felt that the mortals should be treated much better as they are one of the life-lines to the gods.  The Olympian gods needed constant worship to maintain their power, as he did not require that to keep his power. Hades kingdom grew as those very mortals gave up their lives, or they died, and Thanatos claimed their souls.

Hades kingdom was massive as all soul’s immortal and mortal alike came to him. He had become very power right underneath his younger brothers nose. He held two-third of the gods immortality.  Ambrosia and the very nectar the gods consume all come from a very special plant in Elysian. Demeter his younger sister half the other third of their immortality as she was in charge of the humans.  Hades had not bragged about this control, but he knew his brothers secretly new that is why they had left him alone to his own devices.  He knew that at one point this would come into hand, where he could upper hand his brothers.

  Hades had been on his throne when the familiar flutter of wings could be heard, and he knew exactly who it was. Hermes the god messenger, had been pestering him as per orders to Zeus. Zeus king of the gods wanted hades to come to the harvest festival. He held this festival every year the bounty was plentiful, and it was. Hades finally gave in when he found out that Persephone Demeter’s daughter would be in attendance.  He recalls the last time he had seen her, as she was only 10 years of age, and was lost on Olympus. The poor young goddess was very curious about the world around her, so she would leave her mother’s protective grasp. Persephone had run into him as she had not watched where she was going, and he to the surprise of the other gods, was understanding. Hades that day spent some time with her, but soon her mother found her and scolded her for running off. He remembered the way the child looked at her mother, and how she felt disappointed to leave. His heart had been touched because no one wanted to be around him. Everyone feared the Lord of the Underworld, but not this beautiful child in front of him. She instead wanted to know more about him and talk to him as if he was her best of friend. When they parted, and he return to his world he thought of her, but as with time soon forgot the event that happened between them.  

  He went this day to the harvest festival as his brother wouldn’t leave him alone. Zeus had requested his presence something he did not dare disobey so he rose up from the underworld and joined his so-called family. Hades prepared for this day as he wore the finest clothing he had.  He wore a striking deep blue with a gold belt He looked around and Olympus was decorated to the nine, such a stark contrast to his home. As he walked the cobblestone gods would gasp and he brushed them off as he reached the tallest temple. The temple of the gods Zeus home.

  Persephone's eyes glinted over the vast landscape before her. Beauty and abundance glimmering in her classic features. Her silhouette the very definition of grace. Her smile was the silken ivory of the pearls adorning her neck, her laugh was like bells on a Sunday morning. A class act, with stars in her eyes and beads of promise adorning the very essence of her. Of all of the gems, she was the most priceless. She was helping her mother, as Demeter tended to the flowers of the land. Her beautiful voice echoing in all of its immaculate perfection, as she tended to her duties. Persephone's smile was genuine but the brooding in her eyes was becoming evident. She was becoming rather bored of her mother's watchful gaze, her protective nature shielding her from any onlooker to cross her path. Youth resided in her features. The light dusting of freckles cascading her face just over the brim of her nose. She bit her lip with a sigh as she toyed with the dandelion between her fingers bringing it to her lips as her heart whispered a silent wish and the fluffy white spores dispersed as the wind carried them. Just once she wished Demeter would loosen the reins. She fell back into the grass with her hands falling at her sides as she breathed in the atmosphere and exhaled her thoughts. Her long reddish blonde hair falling in waves around her.

  Demeter was the goddess of the grain and fertility as she always thought it was funny given that she only had one child at the moment. She loved her daughter so much, but she had so much fear that her daughter would fall to the same fate as her that she strangled her freedom. She had nymphs watching her constantly so that she would not be left to her own devices. She had learned as Persephone grew she has gained Zeus ability to be curious and wanting new experiences. Demeter made sure she curbs that by keeping her guarded and naïve. Demeter was a beautiful goddess with green eyes, and red auburn hair, which she got from her mother Rhea. She always wore conservative clothing as she didn’t want to be eyes to any of the gods that couldn’t keep it in their chiton “Persephone, come here please we have been summoned to Olympus for a harvest festival in our honor. This was one I couldn’t say no to.” She said looking at her daughter and showing her the golden envelopes, so she can read it. “we have about 3 hours to get ready, listen to me carefully you are not to speak to anyone there. All those gods and goddess are like wolves I do not trust them around you “She said as she motioned her to follow her to the house, so she can see the dress she had made for her.

  “Yes, mother." Persephone sighed taking the envelope into her hands as she read the letters. She was growing effortlessly tired of her mother's protective droning. She felt alone in a world of pretty faces, more often than she didn't. She was naïve. Her mother kept her that way, but she was far from stupid. Persephone followed along with her mother skipping beside her as she took her hand linking their fingers together. Her aura was quite childlike at times. She jabbered on about the festival and who would be there as they went. She was excited to see the dress that her mother had fashioned for her. She wasn't sure what to think about the festival. She never had much fun at those kinds of things any way she was always under her mother's watchful eyes, and more often than not her thumb

  Demeter watched her daughter and caresses her face very carefully as she was her most precious possession. She kept her daughter naïve because she didn’t want her to fall into the same tricks she was out into When you are there you are to stand by myside. Dear do not drink anything you are not supposed to. She said as she showed her a beautiful golden dress. The pattern was intricate Dear please do not Entertain them or make them think that you are interested in them or they will eat you alive. She said as she started to prepare her daughter. Miasma and Kalin please help Persephone get ready and have her meet me in about 10 minutes. You have not traverse the aether so you will he dizzy and disoriented it is normal until you get used to it but that won’t be happening unless you are with me deal

  Persephone slipped into her gown and knotted her hair into a long braid, weaving flowers through the center of it. She looked grown up and beautiful. She could have cried as she saw herself. She felt like a woman. She was more than accustomed to her mother making her feel like a little girl, and she always played along. Sweet, innocent, quiet, Obedience was law. She smiled as one of the girls clasped her necklace around her neck. If only they knew of the secrets swimming around in her head. She wanted to feel. She longed to feel the weight of a heavy heart in her chest. She'd stolen a book once When her mother wasn't looking or found it rather and never returned it. It was full of tales of love and triumph. She wanted that. She wanted to fall in love and be swept away as any girl does, a fate she feared that with her mother by her side she would never capture. Never the less, she was curious, and she was determined. Persephone made her way out to her mother as she'd finally finished getting ready and took her hand as Demeter took a look at her spinning her around. The vibrant gold of the dress was absolutely stunning. The patterns were intricate and divine. She felt exquisite.

  Demeter entered the room as she had left to give her daughter privacy they she needed. Demeter decided to dress up for this affair, as it was a festival honoring both of them. She wore a beautiful orange dress to match her daughters. This particular dress in speaking was made of the finest silk and was woven to look like the sun was setting. The dress was stunning to say the least. She wore girl bangles and rings with a pendant having her symbol. Beauty was definitely on the grain goddess side. Many desired her but she looked the other way, for she was not interested in her kinds trickery. She always made it a point to point it out to her child. Men only care about one thing and once they have it they move on. “beautiful, stunning you look like a true princess more so then your other sisters. “she said as she placed a golden wreath on her daughters head. “Now we must depart before your father sends in the Calvary” she grasped her daughter hand tight and instructs.” Keep holding tight as we are traveling different planes to get to Olympus. Keep your mind focus on going to Olympus. “she said as she teleported them to Olympus in one easy flow. Once there she smiled at her daughter as their feet landed in the main entrance to the hall of the gods. Demeter gave time for Persephone to process what just happened and to place her foot on the firm floor. “how you feeling? Do not need you getting all queasy inside my dear “she said softly as she observed her daughter for any signs of getting sick.

  Hades watched her action and he smiled as she wasn’t scared of him or being alone with him. Many gods feared him because they assume he was cold and indifferent. He was but that was because of how others treated him “ I know she would not , that is why she kept you hidden, I like you Persephone you are not like most goddess . Yes ,I like you being Coy , when you do it it’s adorable when others do it they have ulterior motives . Your mother was right about our relatives you have to be weary do not trust easily here in Olympus. They are nice to your face but quick to cut you down and your reputation. “ he said as he agreed with Demeter. It was a shame their relationship went to the waste side when she had her daughter

Hades felt her take his hand and she started to trace his lines and each touch sent shivers down his spine and he felt very warm to her touch. Hades eyes her as he grasp her hand as he noticed she fit perfect to his hand and he clasped them . He pulled her towards him and smiled at her , and was brave enough to lean down and kissed her softly then brushing his lips on hers . He then leaned away not to scare her .

  Persephone's eyes fluttered closed as he took her hands and brushed his lips against hers softly. She wasn't startled. Simply surprised by the notion. She opened her eyes watching his cautious gaze as he leaned away and she smiled placing her hands on either side of his face as she brought her face to his kissing him deeply. It felt as if she'd kissed him a million times. Their lips morphing together as if one was made for the other. Persephone's skin erupted with chills as the fire of the kiss burned between them. Finally, she pulled away. Breathless and beaming she bit her bottom lip, feeling her skin begin to flush faintly. "I'm sorry- I don't know what came over me." She said sweetly. She knew her mother would have blamed it on the sensual nature of a God. She knew that she would assume Persephone had been tricked, but that wasn't it at all. Hades and Persephone had just fallen together. Two pin points on a road map that met in the middle. Two different trains with one stop. Hades seemed inevitable. All of him. Everything.

  Hades watched her as he began to kiss her deeper his hands cupped her face so that he was able to enjoy the sensation she provided . Hades body was on fire from just kissing her . Hades never had such an Intense reaction from any kiss he had gotten . When they both broke the kiss he was breathing irregular and had pushed her tight to him . He kept the moan to him as he felt her soft body on his . He stepped back and just allowed himself to cool down . He definitely was attracted to her and desired her that was evident in his actions and his body reaction. Hades smiled as she was flushed and her lips were swollen with the intensity of the kiss . “ why are you apologizing you can not help your bodies respond , I am sorry for know I got to do better I let it get to far . You just met me and I am here practically sticking my tongue down your throat . Just know I don’t do this to just anyone , you are the only one who’s made me have that much reaction . “ hades said as he kissed her hand again and smiled . “Your mother would kill me and call me a pervert if she saw this . We are running out of time aphie and Ares will only keep her occupied for so long . I would love to see you again .” He said as that was when he was going to take her . He now had to have her no matter what and would not share .

  You aren't a pervert, And most of it is my fault." She laughed smiling as he kissed her hand. "I'd follow you anywhere, I'd love to see you again." She said softly watching his eyes. Her mother would be absolutely furious. Her father she wasn't sure one way or another. Her thoughts were racing as her heart rate fought to become normal again. She still had chills littering her arms. Her face beyond flushed at this point. She couldn't explain the emotions she was feeling. She'd lost her mind. Thoughts swam whimsically in her head as she watched him. She didn't want to say goodbye to him. She was having too much fun. He made her happy, but she knew that he was right. Her mother would be along soon enough, and possibly seething if she found out.

  Thank you Persephone, but I will give advice to you don’t trust any make gods here . The males here including my two brothers only care about one thing and that is getting in the sheets with whoever they want regardless if you want or not . “ He said as caresses her face. He was in awe as she was still having a hard time regulating her body . He know knew that his thoughts would be consumed by this beauty he had In front of him . He caresses her face and looked into her eyes . “ I would never hurt you nor do anything that you would not approve” he said as he kept his touch light as he kept feeling the electricity between them . He heard Demeter in the background looking for daughter and sighed as he turned towards her . “ meet me tomorrow near that pomegranate tree your mother he near your house . Make sure to come when she is busy with her duties and I can see you then. “ hades said as he knew she would come . He was nervous in how things would go and play out . What if she didn’t like his realm and she hated him. What if she saw him a monster because he was plucking her from her fields and sun . He had so many fears and how things could go wrong . Now go before your mother cuts this before it even starts “ he said turning her so she can go inside

  Persephone smiled as she pulled away from him her fingers leaving him suddenly. She noted how cold she felt without his hand in hers she blew him a soft kiss as she turned away gracefully walking out of the garden and away from Hades. She was soon in her mother's arms as Demeter hugged her tightly. "Persephone where were you? I was so worried?" She said frantically as she held her daughter close. "I was picking flowers mother, don't worry." She smiled handing her the tulip she'd plucked free from a patch of wildflowers. "This one is for you." She smiled placing it into her mother's hair. Thoughts of Hades flooded her mind as she bit her lip remembering how it'd felt to kiss him. Her body pushed flush against his. Her head was spinning as she remembered the way she felt. The sighs. The panting. It was unlike she'd ever felt before. It was the desire she had read about so many times before.

#hades and persephone #hades #olympus #fanfic #persephone #Peresphone and hades fanfiction #Zeus #Hera #Ares #aphrodite #underworld

[baconwaffle2016]

Day 6: Pain/Disaster

Pairing: Howzer x Elizabeth (one-sided? Sort of? It's in an au so anything goes, more or less, haha)

Based off a drabble I wrote for the discord I'm in, which is based off an AU I've already talked to death to multiple people. If you know the story, you might understand why this prompt suits it:

==

Howzer’s life changes when he meets the woman with the silver hair.

Surprisingly, it’s on an island that he and his crew have docked. He has just discovered that one of his crewmates—a girl he’d picked up from the Caribbean months ago, with skin like amber, fierce violet eyes, and dark hair often tied in two ponytails; gorgeous and fiery, but a tendency to let her envy get to her—had stolen some loot for herself during their latest haul. As not only a smuggler, but a captain of smugglers, it’s Howzer’s duty to deal justice for such an indiscretion. As a man, however, just the idea of hurting such a beauty hurt him deeply, especially one he’s fallen a little in love with.

(A rather familiar occurrence, but Howzer finds no shame in it. It’s not his fault that he finds such beauty in women of all characters, shapes, and cultures, and that he often fancies a romance with such women every other week, even when his affections are unreturned.)

So, as he watches Diane be tied up, Howzer is left with much conflict. Much of his crew is asking for her head, which is fair. Others share his not-so-secret opinion that Diane shouldn’t be killed, but perhaps marooned on their next island, where she can possibly make a home with another crew. Anything but her blood spilled to the sand, and her beautiful eyes left empty.

It is while he’s figuring out what to do that he sees her wandering the beach, at first a flash of silver, and then all of her.

She is a tiny thing, not so much in height, but in form. Her hair is long and matted, while the raggedy clothes that cover her are dirty and ripped, just barely enough to cover her modesty. From a first glance, Howzer figures her to be in her mid-twenties, at least. Just past her bloom and reaching a ripened, but still marrying age. But when he glimpses at her eyes—or more specifically, the blue eye that isn’t hidden by a fringe of silver—Howzer feels his heart freeze.

My God, what happened to her? He can’t help but think as he stands to face her fully, taking in her appearance and the haunted look in her eyes. But then Howzer glances back at Diane and realizes he doesn’t have time to wonder that. He has found an impartial party to his problem, and he will use this opportunity to his advantage.

So, Howzer puts on a crooked grin and squares his shoulders as he places his hands on his hips. He senses his crew follow his lead in facing the strange young woman, who is already scowling at them, her eye sharply darting back and forth.

“Why, hello there, love,” he greets her in a voice carrying a meeting of charm and rogue. “You’ve arrived just in time!”

Her blue eye narrows, making her scowl more prominent, resembling a wildcat ready to tear into someone’s throat. “In time for what?” she asks, her voice light and carrying the hint of a Britannian accent.

And Howzer widens his grin into a smirk. “For the opportunity of your life!”

--

In the end, Diane does lose the clash of swords (and what a clash it was; How did this woman learn to swordfight?) between her and the strange woman—however, the woman decides not to kill her. Instead, she turns to face Howzer with her blade at her side, her hand wrapped tight at the hilt. Her gaze still hints at something haunting her, a hell that she has just escaped from, but there’s a sharpness there as well. Conviction, Howzer recognizes with a slight nod of appraisal.

“Captain, let Diane live,” she tells him. “She has already suffered enough at the prospect of being killed, and your crew have gotten their sport in seeing us fight. And with me on your crew, you will be gifted with another crewmember skilled with the sword.”

Howzer nods with a grin, seeing more benefits in this opportunity than he first realized. There is some charm to her voice, soft but stern, and it certainly doesn’t hurt that she’s quite the beauty herself, even under those rags. In the end, Howzer still ends up looking strong for his crew, and he maintains control—and he will have two lovely women to admire as he works.

So, after getting smirks and some cheers of approval from his crew, Howzer steps up and spreads his arms in welcome.

“Then, my dear, we have a deal!”

The crew cheers. One crewmember steps up, another young woman, with purple hair and gold eyes. “What’s your name?”

She opens her mouth to answer, but then falters, as if her own name sounds painful. As if the thought of who she was before all that had happened to her—either prison, or a stay in the most wretched St. Augustine’s Sanatorium, which isn’t too far from this island actually—is agony. Howzer feels for her immediately, but hides it by stepping up to wrap an arm around her shoulders and facing his crew with a grin.

“We shall call her Silvertongue!” he declares, adding with a warm grin at her, which she tentatively returns, “For her lovely voice and charming words.”

And that is how Captain Howzer and his band of smugglers came into a very beneficial business with the woman they call “Silvertongue”—who would later become known to him as not only her given name, but also the Countess of Monte Cristo.

#nnt #nnt au #nntcrackship week #howzabeth #the count of monte cristo #countess of monte cristo #count of monte cristo au

[thehelleniclunarwitch]

His Darkest Obsession:04

Pairing: Edward Nygma x Reader

Fandom: Gotham, Batman, DC

Warning: Language, Violence, Mental Abuse

One     Two     Three  

Bruce and Selina watched you nervously pace back and forth in Bruce’s study. Selina glanced over at Bruce.

“What do we do?” Selina mouthed.Bruce only shrugged he wasn’t sure if he should say something or let you take your time.

“Y/n, what’s wrong?” Selina finally broke the silence.

You turned towards your friends.

“I don’t think it’s a secret admirer I have. I think it’s a stalker,” You told them.

“Why do you say that?” Bruce asked.

“The boys at school get me in trouble that same night they’re murdered. My backpack gets stolen and the man, who I didn’t even get a look at, by the way, shows up at the police station with my bag in tow, and now this whole thing Cal it only makes sense,” You said.

“What thing with Cal?” Bruce asked.

“Remember he was that officer that was in that really bad car accident,” Selina pointed out.

“Why would he have anything to do with your stalker?” Bruce asked.

You looked over at Selina and she gave you a look. You let out a long sigh.

“Cal and I were kind of seeing each other,” You admitted.

“You were dating an adult?” Bruce asked.

“Okay, you’re acting like I’m some child. I’m seventeen, eighteen in three months, plus Cal is only twenty-one,” You explained.

“Yeah, Bruce it’s not like Y/n is dating a forty-year-old,” Selina added.

“And, Jim, your brother, who is a police detective is okay with that?” Bruce asked.

“He knows and somewhat approves. I mean the dude is a cop, so Jim has his eyes on him at all times,” You replied.

“Okay, so say we go with this that your admirer is actually you’re stalker what do we do?” Selina asked.

“We need to try and figure out who it could possibly be,” Bruce said.

“Well, we know it’s not anybody at school. Nobody wants to date the sister of a police detective,” You pointed out.

“True, but we can’t rule anybody out. If we think it’s a stalker they could be trying to use you to get to Jim,” Selina said.

“I’ll ask around the school and see what I can manage to get out of them,” Bruce said.

“Does Cal have any idea who would have cut his brakes?” Selina asked.

You shook your head.

“Unfortunately, no,” You replied.

“How is he doing?” Bruce asked.

“Thankfully, nothing major, just a broken an arm and some cuts and bruises,” You answered.

Your phone chirped.

“I gotta go. I’m meeting Jim at the station before we go up to see Cal,” You said.

“Don’t worry Y/n we’re going to figure this out,” Bruce said.

You hugged your friends before excusing yourself. When you were gone Selina turned to Bruce.

“Who could be doing this to her? What do they have to gain by taking it out on her?” Selina asked.

“I don’t know Selina but we’re going to find out who it is and bring them to justice,” Bruce growled as he bunched his fist.

“Come on, come on, please,” You begged as you bounced up and down next to your brother.

Jim sighed.

“Jim, I never ever ask for anything,” You pleaded.

“What’s the princess begging for now?” Harvey asked as he came to sit on the desk next to you.

“Mr. Johnson who lives on the floor below has a litter of puppies up for adoption,” You began.

“Oh come on Jim, you gotta get the kid a puppy,” Harvey said.

Jim glared at Harvey. “You can stay out of it,”

“Jim, I get good grades, I play a sport, I do my own chores, I have a part-time job. I am the definition of a responsible teen,” You explained to him.

Jim looked over at you. You and Harvey gave him the most sorrowful puppy dog eyes. He sighed.

“You will be the one who will need to train him, pay for all of his vet dates, and everything else,” Jim said.

You cheered as Harvey high fived you.

“Okay, let me go finish up some paperwork and then we’ll get out of here,” Jim said.

Jim and Harvey went their separate ways. You slid off the desk to head to Lee’s office. You hadn’t seen her so you weren’t even sure if she was still at work. When you got to her office the door was closed, you knocked once before entering. Lee was nowhere to be seen. Sighing, you turned to head back to the main part of the station. Gasping, you gently pushed Edward away from you.

“You scared the shit out of me,” You hissed.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you,” Edward apologized.

“Jeez, Eddie, you really need to wear a bell or something,” You teased.

Edward only smiled.

“I haven’t seen you around the station lately,” Edward pointed out.

“Yeah, between school and soccer, I’ve been pretty busy,” You replied.

“And also the visits to the hospital right?” Edward asked.

Your furrowed your eyebrows. “How did you know about the hospital trips?”

“Silly girl, Jim mentioned to me how the two of you have been spending a lot of time at the hospital with Mr. O’Brian,” Edward explained.

“Oh, right, well Eddie, how have you been?” You asked.

“Still heartbroken, they can’t find Kristen,” Eddie said.

“I hope that they can find her. You two had just started dating, right?” You asked.

Edward nodded slowly. “Yeah, I still think her ex had something to do with it,”

“What? God that’s awful, I hope he didn’t do anything to her,” You said.

“Probably just ran away together,” Edward said.

You looked up at him. “Why would Krissy just run away without saying anything? That seems so unlike her,”

“How would you know what she’s like?” Edward snapped.

You nervously took a step away from him.

“I just mean, from the little bit we talked, I couldn’t see Kristen taking off like that, that’s all,” You explained.

Edward could see how uncomfortable you were.

“My apologies, I didn’t mean to snap, I,” But Edward was cut off.

“Hey, there you are, we better go see Cal before we pick up the pup,” Jim said.

You nodded.

“Bye Mr. Nygma,” You said before running over to join your brother.

Edward wanted to shout at you to call him Edward, but he knew he had scared you. The way you flinched away from him really ticked him off. He didn’t want you to be afraid of him. He wanted you to love him. Edward was going to have to slow down and rethink a few things. Maybe he was rushing things with you because he wanted you so badly, but it was obvious that you weren’t there yet.

With Cal O’Brian still in the picture, Edward knew that he didn’t have a chance with you. Edward couldn't fathom on why you would want to be with Cal anyway, but he’d take a few steps back and maybe up his gift game. You hadn’t put the clues together yet, which was okay, that gave Edward more time to woo you.

Smiling, Ed turned on his heels and stormed away as another brilliant idea popped up in his head. He just knew the perfect gift for you!

After a trip to the hospital, you and Jim returned home. You stopped by Mr. Johnson’s place so you could put your name down for a pup. It would still be another two weeks before the puppies would be ready. You couldn’t wait to have one of them as your own. Ever since moving to Gotham you had wanted a pet so you were very pleased that Jim had finally broken down. You were going to have to get Harvey a thank you gift because you knew that he had been working on your brother about easing up on you and letting you get a pet.

Jim had just unlocked the penthouse door when his phone rang. You took the bag of take-out food so Jim could answer his phone.

“What’s up Harvey?” Jim asked.

He looked at you.

“Yeah, no worries, I’ll be back in a few,” Jim said.

You sighed.

“You really have to go?” You asked him.

“Sorry, kiddo, duty calls,” Jim said.

“Okay, I’ll save you some orange chicken,” You said.

Jim kissed your cheek before hurrying back down the stairs. You pushed open the door entering the penthouse you were greeted by Barbara. She sat on the long couch with a glass of wine in her hands.

“Where’s your brother?” She asked coldly.

“Harvey called, he had to go back to the station,” You answered.

Barbara watched as you placed the bag of Chinese food on the table. When you lifted your other bag, Barbara quickly stood.

“Why did you two stop at the pet store?” Barbara demanded to know.

“Jim is letting me adopt one of Mr. Johnson’s puppies,” You told her.

Barbara stormed over to you, snatched the bag out of your hand before going through it.

“I cannot believe your brother is letting you adopt a dog,” She growled.

“I am more than responsible,” You began.

Barbara slapped you. “I don’t care if you’re responsible or not! I’ve been asking for a year to get a pet, but Jim always said no because we’re too busy, but of course when his precious little sister wants something she gets it,”

You held your stinging cheek.

“God take up your problems with my brother with my brother,” You snarled.

Barbara slapped your other cheek. You recovered and straighten your back. As Barbara stared at her hand in the realization of what she had done she quickly looked up at you.

“Oh, Y/n, I’m so sorry,” Barbara began to apologize but you ran away from her.

“Y/n!” Barbara shouted.

As you ran to the front door you snatched up your backpack on the way out. Barbara was still shouting at you as she ran after you. You ran all the way down the stairs and out of the apartment building. You hurried off to the side in case Barbara came looking for you she wouldn’t be able to see you.

With shaky hands, you pulled your phone out of your backpack. Bruce would already be in bed and you couldn’t call Jim at work, and who the hell knows if Selina would even answer or if she’d have minutes on her phone. Knowing that you couldn’t go back into that apartment without Jim you only had one last person to call.

Putting the phone up to your ear you waited impatiently for him to answer.

“Y/n?” He answered on the final ring.

You held back the urge to cry.

“Eddie, can you come get me?” You asked.

This was his chance.

“Where are you?” Edward asked.

“On the side of the apartment building currently hiding from Barbara,” You told him.

“Stay there, I’m coming for you,” Edward said before hanging up.

Pulling your jacket a little closer you leaned up against the building. Ten minutes went by when a familiar car pulled up to the curb. As you moved to round the corner, Edward jumped out of his car and hurried over to you. As the two of you neared each other he grabbed your face. You knew that your cheeks were still red from when she slapped you as your cheeks were still stinging.

“Did she do this to you?” Edward demanded to know.

You slowly nodded.

“I’ll go talk to her,” Edward hissed.

As he turned to leave you grabbed his arm.

“Please don’t,” You pleaded with him.

Edward watched a few tears slip down your cheeks. He pulled you in close before leading you over to his car. Once you were tucked away safely in his car, Edward looked up to the floor your penthouse was located and right then and there he swore his vengeance against Barbara Kean. His lip curled up in disgust. Nobody would ever hurt you again, Edward swore to burn down all of Gotham to keep you safe.

If only you had known that you just sealed your fate with the devil himself.

#Edward Nygma #Edward Nygma x Reader #riddler #gotham #batman #dc #dark themes #obsession

[daebakinc]

Love Paramount

Pairing: Changkyun x OC Genre: Romance, Robin Hood AU Word Count: 2.9K Summary: When the rogue archer you love faces death, you must face the fact that your life is about to be forever changed. A/N: Dedicated to @loveshackbaby because we both had archer Changkyun feels after ISAC . Thank you for indirectly giving my ass the kick it needed to start writing again. Loosely based off a scene from Errol Flynn’s 1938 The Adventures of Robin Hood.” Go watch if you haven’t seen it.

           Oft you have heard that pride is one of the deadliest sins. How many times has the priest intoned that pride cometh before a fall. Pride breeds sorrow. Pride invites the wrath of God. But is it still a sin if the action is motivated by love as well as pride? While you would like to hope not, for Changkyun, it still carries the weight of condemnation. A sentence of death.

           As you sit on the edge of your seat on the royal platform, hiding your trembling hands in the pleats of your dress, you cannot help wondering whether it was more pride or love that drove him to come to the archery contest even though he must have known it was a trap. Did he come to win the title of best archer in the land or for one glimpse of you?

           You hope it is the latter, for Changkyun has ever been in your mind since that fateful day he stopped your caravan in the forest. The arrogant smirk on his mouth and clever glint in his eyes that made his face more handsome than any you had seen in your life. The gentle way his hand held yours as he led you through camp to show you why he became a rogue, the callouses on his fingers from an unforgiving bow string brushing your soft palm. The brief press of his lips against yours in a stolen kiss, a kiss you would have gladly given again and again.

           That had been weeks ago, but you had recognized him the second you laid eyes on him on the green, seeing right through his disguise as a tinker. The cheeky grin and wink he sent you let you know he knew you were watching. A quick glance at the prince and knights beside you showed no recognition, but a feeling of dread curdled your stomach. Some plot was in motion, and you had not been wrong.

           No sooner had Changkyun’s arrow hit the center of the target, splitting that of the prince’s champion, did soldiers jump upon him and wrestle him to the ground. By the time they threw him to the ground at your feet, they had his fine hands trapped in chain with an ugly collar around his neck as if he was a dog.

           But then, to the prince and knights that surrounded you, he was. A noble of a conquered people, but a fallen noble who has done nothing but harass and deal out his own justice upon them. His unending victories hurt their pride as much as their purses and now, they had him at their mercy as helpless as Sampson after Delilah cut his hair.

           The prince already had Changkyun’s death warrant ready and signed it with a stamp of the royal signet. Changkyun was not to be given death by the ax as befitted a noble, but to be disgraced and hanged like a common thief.

           You glance at the gallows, the wood dark against the bright sky and the long rope innocently swinging in the breeze as if batted by a cat. Trepidation quickens your heartbeat. If your plan fails, Changkyun’s body will soon swing there. Your own screams echo in your head at the image, but then you see a flash of scarlet hair on the other side of the gallows platform, saving you from your nightmare.

           Hoseok leans against a building on the opposite side of the small square, bow strapped to his back, separate from the shouting crowd. His gaze meets yours in its sweep of the area and he slightly inclines his head. The rest of Changkyun’s men must be spread out, but you only glimpse Hyunwoo’s solid form in a yeoman’s uniform and not far from him, Jooheon in his friar’s habit, staff in hand. He gives you a reassuring smile before his attention is torn away by the sudden roar of the crowd.

           Changkyun sways as he stands in the cart that emerges from the castle. His hands are bound behind him, his clothes more torn than before. Dark bruises like shadows mar his face and dried blood is petrified in its trickle from the corner of his mouth. You shudder to think what more he would have endured if Sir Guy was not in such a hurry to have his wolf’s head.

           Changkyun does not even glance your way, his face giving hint of neither fear nor concern at the mounting clamor, the townspeople shouting his name and trying to push their way through the line of soldiers to be closer to their hero.

           “Don’t you worry, my lady.” Bess’ hand closes over yours, offering comfort despite its own quivering. Your lady’s maid glances between Changkyun and your face. She whispers, “They won’t let him hang.”

           You squeeze her hand and smile weakly. You trust Changkyun’s men, but if even one soldier becomes suspicious, all your efforts could be for naught. You are glad Sir Guy is focused on Changkyun, for you can already feel your cool mask of indifference slipping as Changkyun is pushed from the cart and ushered up the steps of the gallows. Your teeth clamp down on your lower lip as the hooded executioner slips the noose over Changkyun’s head.

           Finally, those dark eyes find yours. You are spellbound, straining to understand what lies within them while sending your own message. All is not lost. You are not alone. I will not let you die.

           An arrow’s scream splits the air, abruptly cut off when it buries itself in the executioner’s back as he climbs the ladder. Bedlam erupts.

           Sir Guy and the other knights jump from their places, drawing their swords. The other ladies flee in a flurry of skirts and screams. You bolt up as well, but your feet are frozen to the floor. You cannot leave yet. Not until you know.

           Changkyun’s men throw off disguises to fight the knights and soldiers. Townspeople join in with fist and pitchforks. Shouts and metal clangs fly above the mass of struggling bodies. Above the crowd, the gallows platform becomes a stage. Changkyun slipping from the noose to headbutt the remaining guard. Hooves clatter against cobblestone as Kihyun and Minhyuk race through the throng who fall away to avoid being trampled. They lead a third horse and pause only long enough for Changkyun to leap off the steps and onto its back before galloping towards the town gates.

           As soon as the trio of riders are out of sight, your knees give out. You collapse back into your chair, scarcely hearing Bess’ fretting. Nothing else matters now. Like the blue sky you stare up at, Changkyun is free. If only your heart was still so.

           “You should rest, my lady. You know you don’t need to keep looking at the moon.”

           You tear your gaze away from the night sky to look over your shoulder at Bess where she sits by the fire winding yarn into a ball. The fire crackles comfortably behind her in your bedchamber. All other light is gone, but you are too restless to sleep.

Temporarily distracted from your internal battle, you reply, “And why is that?”

           A teasing glitter comes into the older woman’s face. “She is already in your eyes plain as day now that Changkyun is safe. She’s been there before that as well.”

           “Oh, Bess.”

You walk away from the window to sit beside her and rest your head in her lap like you did as a little girl. With so many thoughts swirling in your head, you wish you were one again, so you did not have as many troubles. Your heart is split between the duty taught to you since birth and the new stirrings of an emotion you dare not name. Although you know which you want to choose, you do not know if the latter is true or a fleeting fancy that will grow cold and die.

Bess’s hand naturally strokes your hair when you sigh. “Is it that obvious?”

           “Is what obvious?”

           “Don’t jest,” you pout. “I cannot help it. He’s unlike any man I’ve ever met. He’s clever and reckless, but thoughtful and kind too.”

           “A rare man indeed,” Bess chuckles.

           With your heart threatening to burst, you need to know. Lifting your head, you ask, “How do you know you’re in love?”

           “Well,” Bess’ hand slows as she ponders.

           Suddenly impatient, you burst out, “Is it hard to think of anyone else but him? Does it make you want nothing else except to be with him all the time?”

           “Yes. That and more, my dear.” Her smile softens, and her eyes grow distant as they travel far to sweet memories. “When I met my husband, God rest his soul, my legs were weak as water and my heart fluttered like a bird’s. When he so much as looked at me, I’d get this tingly, floaty feeling like I was falling into something wonderful.”

           Your own heart beats with a loud thump as if it were proud of itself for recognizing the feeling before your head.

           Bess glances at your face and pats your cheek. “Oh, yes. That settles it.”

           “Settles what?” you ask even though you know the answer.

           “That you’re in love,” a deep, male voice replies from behind you.

           You leap to your feet, shout caught in your throat. Bess does as well, putting herself between you and the figure who stands out of reach of the fire’s exposing light near the window. A black cowl hangs low over his face, hiding his features. His shoulders are broad beneath the cloak, made more threatening by the shadows.

           You swallow your fear and infuse your words with the haughtiness of an annoyed noble. “What do you want?”

           The man steps forward, hands slowly reaching up to push his hood away.

           Relief and happiness flood your heart and replace your scowl with an instinctive smile. “Changkyun.”

           He smiles back, eyes drinking you in like a parched man would a goblet of water. “My lady.”

           “I’ll go watch the door,” Bess whispers when the two of you do nothing but stare at each other. She stops in front of Changkyun and shakes a stern finger in his face. “You dare act improper with my lady and I will have your head.”

           “I will behave, pretty one.”

           A girlish giggle escapes Bess when Changkyun adds a wink to the compliment, but she continues out of the room.

           In the time it takes Bess to leave, your common-sense returns. Rushing to him, you hiss, “Are you mad? Why did you come back here?”

           “To see you,” Changkyun replies, looking not the least flustered by your sudden change in tone.

           “But-”

           “My men told me I owe my escape to you,” he interrupts. “How you told them of the secret tunnels, where Sir Guy’s men would be. I wanted to thank you and after that conversation I overheard, I am most glad I came when I did.”

           Your heart skips a beat. Mortification shoots red into your cheeks as you try to recover your dignity. “That- We, we were talking of a story. I accept your thanks and now you must go.”

           “I believe I am familiar with the story you were discussing. Perhaps I could offer some insight.” Changkyun smiles a smile so charming you could almost believe it was something he learned. “I do know something you do not after all.”

           He steps closer, so close you can smell the forest on his clothes, fresh leaves and old earth. The scent invites you closer, as do his lips that shine pink in the firelight. You find yourself leaning closer, throwing up a hand to his chest to stop yourself. One of his hands comes up to cover it, his fingers curling around yours. Not possessively, but tenderly. The subtle difference has your eyes flicking up to his. An unearthly fire burns there, one you know too well now, but you dare not believe it to be true.

           You have to swallow to wet your throat to speak. “What do you know?”

           “That I love you as well. You do love me, don’t you?”

           Those simple words steal yours from your mouth. You want nothing more than to say yes, to throw your arms around his neck and shout it for all to hear, but it is too dangerous.

           It takes all your strength to reclaim your hand and conjure the lie that leaves your lips. “No, I don’t. Changkyun, you must go.”

           The adoring expression on his face drops to one simple puzzlement. “Oh? So I was mistaken.”

           You can only nod, not trusting your voice.

           “Then my humblest apologies, my lady. I’ll take my leave then.” Changkyun bows and without another word strolls to the window.

           You follow quietly, needing to use every last moment to memorize everything about him to lock away in your heart for who knows when you will be able to see him next.

           Changkyun swings a leg over the sill and pauses to peer into the courtyard. “Getting down will be harder than I thought,” he says. He turns to you and points at a guard standing below. “That one looks sturdy enough to break my fall, don’t you think?”

           You stare at him. He cannot be serious. “Changkyun.”

           “Oh, wait. There’s a group of five guards over there. Less chance of missing them. Fare well, my lady.”

           Your heart jumps into your throat as he swings his other leg over the stone. Desperate, you grasp at the edge of his cloak. “Changkyun, don’t!”

           Changkyun shifts his weight to spin on the ledge so he faces you, your body caught between his legs. He quirks an eyebrow and asks,“Yes?”

           “Please.”

           A triumphant grin blooms on his face. “Then you do love me, don’t you?”

           You cannot help but laugh as you realize you have been tricked. Letting yourself fall into his arms so your face is hidden in his chest, you tell him, “You know I do.”

           “Then come with me.”

           Your head jerks up. “What?”

           “Come away with me.” If he were a lesser man, the edge in his voice would be begging. “I do not offer much, only a life on the run in the forest, but we could be together. I cannot live without you, my love.”

           Another yes races to the tip of your tongue. The danger, the loss of luxury, would mean nothing if you were with him. You lace your fingers tighter around him. “Changkyun.”

           “I know I am asking much, but who knows how long it will be until the king returns. Jooheon can marry us. Will you?” His hand cradles your cheek. You can feel the faint way it trembles.

           “Changkyun, I love you. I love you so much nothing would matter except being with you, but, but I cannot.” You rush to hold his face when his hand drops for yours, his expression falling. Kissing his forehead, you explain, “I am of more use to you here. I can find out what other schemes the prince and Sir Guy are plotting. I can help you keep our people safe until the king comes back.”

           “Our people?” he asks casually.

           “Yes, our people. You made me realize regardless of blood, this is all our home and those with the power to protect others against the prince’s cruelty and greed must do so. For love of you and our people, I will do my part.”

           Changkyun gazes down at you, his disappointment softening into something else. He grasps your wrists, slowly pulling your hands away from his face to press soft kisses on each palm. The touch of his lips sets the nerves on fire.

           “As brave as you are beautiful.” His whisper is gravelly, but each word rings clearly in your ears. “By what stars am I so blessed to be loved by such a woman.”

           You are speechless, unable to correct him. You are the unworthy one, so far behind him in valor and selflessness. At least, you manage, “You really must go before someone spots you.”

           “I will,” he says quietly, but he makes no move and you cannot bring yourself to push him away.

           Changkyun’s eyes fall from yours to your lips. You close your eyes and feel his breath against your mouth. He hesitates only a moment and then he is kissing you. Your body melts into his, fingers curling in the short hair at the nape of his neck to pull him closer so you can breathe in everything he is. His arms encircle your shoulders as his lips move with yours in the same need, the same desire neither of you can control.

           When he at last pulls away, you feel your knees sway with the dizziness clouding your mind. You both let your hands fall back to your own bodies, reluctant as they are to part from the beloved they only just gained.

           “Goodbye,” Changkyun says.

           “Goodbye,” you repeat.

           He carefully lowers himself onto the overhang outside your window. You trail after him as if pulled by an invisible rope until the stone ledge stops you.

Changkyun’s glance follows the castle rooftop before he looks to you again. You see the same conflict in his eyes that you feel in your heart. Knowing you may not see the other again for months, knowing it will bring you pain but keep your loved one safe.

When he lifts his head in silent askance, you bend to meet him for one last kiss. Then he is gone into the night, leaving the promise of his love and his return still burning on your lips.

#changkyun #monsta x #monsta x scenarios #i.m scenario #kpopwritingnet #i.m #changkyun scenarios #kpop scenarios #kpop au

[tyrantdk]

Would I lie to you Ch 5

So, this gets me caught up to what I have posted on AO3. This ride’s gonna get a lot more crazy and wild. I hope you’ll stick with me, everyone!

Minkah- name meaning justice

There’s a procedure Isis uses on Atem in the last scene. It is a real procedure used in ancient Egypt. I’m trying to keep this as accurate as I can.

Yugi glanced over at Atem as they stood before the entryway of the palace’s main hall. Both were dressed in blue, the only other color was his tail and the scarlet cloak. It brought a sad smile to his face to see his wedding gift clasped around his shoulders. He leaned over to nuzzle his mate’s cheek. Atem turned into the gesture, pressing his forehead against his husband’s. He wrapped him in his arms.

“Are you alright, Treasure? You don’t have to do this, if you don’t want to. I shall fry anyone who tells you otherwise.”

“I appreciate your words, my dragon. I owe it to Olufemi. She would have wanted the people to know of her passing and our union. Father raised us to think of Egypt before ourselves. He said one could only be a worthy Per’a’ah when one puts the people over oneself.” Yugi kissed him lightly. “Having you beside me makes me feel much calmer. I can do this, with you here.��

“I am not going anywhere, Atem. We are a mated pair; a dragon-god and his Per’a’ah. My place is at your side, as your place is at mine. We will weather this together.”

“I love you, Meri-I. You are breath taking today.” Yugi smiled as he leaned closer. He could steal a few more minutes with his mate.

“I love you, Koibito. You are the breath that gives me life. It is time.” Reluctantly, they released each other from their hold. The gates opened, people flooding the wide courtyard. Atem held his arm to Yugi, who laid his on top. He angled his hand so that it could be held by his mate. “When you are ready, my treasure.” The pair moved as one to the beginning of the steps leading to courtyard. The people cheered at the sight of their Per’a’ah.

“Good morn to you, our people.” Atem’s greeting was returned a thousand fold. It amazed Yugi. “We have glad tidings to bring, along with grief. Our joyful news is that we have wed! Beside us is our Prince-Consort, our god-dragon, Usire. He has blessed us with his hand. With our union, has come the end of the drought. The rain shall be plentiful as long as our consort desires.” Yugi’s smile grew large as the crowd roared. His tail wagged behind him. Children watched him in wonder because of it. He lifted a hand.

“I vow to be as faithful to you as my mate is. I will support Per’a’ah to the best of my ability. I will not abandon you. As you can see the palace is in mourning. Princess Olufemi was stolen from us not long ago. We ask for your indulgence while we mourn. This is a great blow to us, and we will find the one responsible for her death.” Beside him, his mate’s lip quivered almost unnoticeably. Yugi turned from the crowd. He cupped Atem’s face and brought him close. “If you need to cry, cry. No one will think any different of you.”

He broke. Atem’s arms wrapped vice like around him. He’d been trying so hard not to fall apart, but now here he was. He was unable to keep his emotions back. Yugi held him tightly, carding through his hair, rubbing circles on his back, rocking them as he whispered soothing words into his ear. He looked up as weight settled on his back. A child had run up the steps to hug him.

“Forgive me, Per’a’ah! I couldn’t help it. I lost my grandmother a few moon cycles ago.” Atem swept the boy into his and Yugi’s arms.

“There is nothing to forgive, Little One. I thank you for your empathy.”

“Forgive my boy, Per’a’ah! He just took off so fast.”

“You have raised a wonderful son. He has shown great compassion and you should be very proud of him. What is your name, Young One?”

“Minkah, Lord Usire!”

“Little Minkah, hold out your hand.” Yugi plucked a feather from his tail. He placed it in the boy’s hand. “What do you wish to be when you are grown?”

“I want to be a scribe, like my father.”

“Then, take this to one of my temples when you are ready for schooling. You will be welcomed and trained well.”

“Thank you!”

“No, Little Justice. Thank you.” Atem murmured as he kissed the top of the boy’s head. They sent him back to his mother. “I wish to retire, Meri-I. I am tired.”

“Of course, Treasure.” Yugi helped him stand, arms wrapped securely around him. They passed back into the palace.

Atem rubbed his head as another wave of nausea swept over him. He longed to retire to his room, to Yugi’s arms, and Olabisi’s little remedies. However, Akanadin was droning on about something or other. When would he stop? The next wave was worse, causing him to groan softly. Isis was the closest to him. She glanced over, noting his rather pale face.

“I believe we should wrap this up. I do not think Per’a’ah is well. Will one of the guards kindly fetch our Prince-Consort?” A guard nodded tightly as he slipped out. Atem leaned back in his throne as the nausea came and stayed. Isis and Mahado rushed to his side, one grasping his hand and the other pressing a hand to his forehead. “He just needs rest.”

The pair jumped out of the way as Usire’s dragon form curled around their Per’a’ah. Atem groaned as he rested his head against his husband’s scales. Yellow eyes looked at them. Isis repeated her assessment. He was off down the halls, his mate safely clutched in his claws. Usire placed him gently on their bed before turning back into his human form.

Yugi rushed about their room, throwing windows closed and tossing one of Atem’s ceremonial cloaks over the doors to their balcony. He lit incense scented in soft gentle smells. Next he stripped his mate of his jewelry and clothing, doing the same himself before shuffling them under the thin day blanket on their bed.

“Do you feel better, Koibito?” He asked softly as he carded through Atem’s hair. He shifted against him, laying on his chest.

“A little bit. Thank you, Meri-I. Is Koibito from your mother’s tongue?”

“Yes. It means ‘lover’. How long have you felt like this? I could have sworn you were well at the midday break.”

“I was. The nausea just came so suddenly. Some rest in your arms will do much good. I do not think I can return to court.”

“Sleep, Koibito. I will make sure you rest. No one shall disturb you as long as I am here.” Atem hummed as his eyes slipped closed. He listened to his husband’s heart beating, his breathing falling into sync. The nausea faded away slowly. He was asleep before it faded completely. Yugi played with his mate’s hair, drowsy, but not enough to sleep himself. He roused himself when he heard footsteps approaching their room.

“Lord Usire.” The old priest, the one who smelled of Sobek, opened their den’s doors. “If Per’a’ah has returned to full health, he should return to court.”

“My mate has fallen asleep. Court can be cancelled for the rest of the day to ensure his health.” The older human’s eyebrow twitched. “I am sure the petitioners would agree, if they knew the cancellation was for Per’a’ah’s health.” Yugi was beginning to grow annoyed. The old man hadn’t left yet. If he said anything about waking Atem, well, he might find himself on the receiving end of his lightning.

“My lord, with all due respect, it is Per’a’ah’s duty to the people.” Yugi shifted slowly, cradling his mate’s head as he set it on a pillow. His eyes were already changing. They glowed golden in the semi-darkness.

“Are you suggesting I disturb my mate’s slumber? You obviously know nothing of dragons or those of us with divine blood. A dragon would never wake their mate, even more so when they are feeling ill. I shall give you to the count of three. If you have not left our den and closed the doors, I shall chaise you back to your den.”

Atem bolted up a few minutes later to his husband’s dragon roar and his uncle’s fearful scream. He gathered the light blanket around him before racing after the scarlet tail. His cheeks burned in embarrassment as he ran. Every person in the palace could tell he was nude under the blanket, but saving his uncle’s skin was more important than his chastity. At least, he had an argument about why Yugi couldn’t scare the daylights out of anyone who had and would see him.

“Meri-I.” He spoke as he finally caught them. Akanadin was cornered against an outer wall. Usire’s massive body blocked his escape. From the way his tail flicked, Atem knew he was playing. “My dragon, please, you’ve given my uncle enough of a scare.” He groaned as the hall began to spin. The dragon-god curled about him, shrinking slightly. He took one look at him before retreating back to their bedroom. Yugi spent the rest of the day caring for him undisturbed.

“Isis.” Atem groaned as he sat on the chair. He rubbed his stomach, which could not decide if it wanted to be hungry or sick. She ignored him as she sat a clay bowl on his lap. She placed cup of milk beside him, and gestured for him to drink. He did as bid. He had learned very quickly that Isis was not to be trifled with when it came to simple remedies. He chugged the milk. As soon as the full amount hit his stomach, he was doubled over the bowl, vomit filling it.

“As I suspected.” Isis sighed as she handed him a cool towel. “I know about your body, Per’a’ah. I know it is both male and female, and your womb is fertile. You are pregnant with Lord Usire’s child. The milk I had you drink was from a woman who recently gave birth to a son. You got ill. You are pregnant.” Atem looked at her in shocked silence. His eyes shifted back and forth in their sockets as he tried to think.

“I have not had my bleeding since Yugi and I- The nausea does not come in the morning!”

“The nausea can come in the morning or the afternoon. Yours comes to you in the afternoon. Not having your cycle of bleeding is a good early sign of pregnancy. Forgive me for saying this, Per’a’ah, but you are gaining weight. Set the bowl aside and turn sideways for me.” He did so. Isis nodded. “You are beginning to show. When was your last cycle? The last time you remember?”

“A ten day before I wed Usire. We consummated our union not long after he scared you. I have not had my bleeding once after we wed.”

“I can surmise conception was close to that moment. At the very latest, you are about three lunar cycles along.” Isis smiled gently as she placed a hand on Atem’s shoulder. “The news is wonderful. I know it seems so frightening, Per’a’ah, but you shall have me, the other advisors, Mana, Olabisi, and Usire at your side. When we can no longer hide your belly, I will suspend petitions for your health.

“We can ready your bedroom for the birth closer to time. Per’a’ah?” Atem held a hand over his mouth. He looked at her with frightened eyes. “You are in shock.”

“Isis, I need- I need time.”

“Go. I will send Lord Usire to you and suspend court for the rest of the day.” He fled to his rooms as fast as he could. He curled into a ball. Tears flowed from his eyes. He couldn’t believe it! It was almost as if Amun knew his sister would be taken, and was giving him a new life to care for. He cried into a pillow, not sure why. Perhaps he cried just for the sake of crying.

Eventually his sobs quieted as he tired. Atem let himself fall asleep. He was exhausted. Yugi slipped in when the crying had stopped. He sighed softly as he pulled the thin blanket back. Slowly, so he would not wake his mate, he stripped him. He chuckled softly at how his stomach was now pudgy. He secretly loved it. It looked so much like a belly in the early stages of showing a pregnancy.

He rubbed his hand over it. Yugi frowned. He must be imagining things. He had felt the spark of life in his mate. It had to be his imagination. Creating an egg was the only way they could have children. He couldn’t have gotten so lucky. He wrapped his arms around Atem, holding him close.

#fanfic #fanfics #would I lie to you fanfic #in which I again express my love of hermaphrodite!atem #slifer!yugi au #puzzleshipping #blindshipping

[ricandhaiz]

The Rose of Castile, Part 9 (Witchcraft)

In the spring of 1079, Raul received word that he was again being called upon to accompany King Alfonso VI on a military campaign. This time, the king’s army was heading to the center of the Iberian Peninsula to contain the emerging threat that the Moorish taifa king of Badajoz, al-Mutawakkil, posed to Alfonso’s interests in that area. Although Raul was loath to leave Inés and Estela behind in Cuéllar, he felt obligated to comply with the king’s request, especially in light of the fact that his majesty had not chosen to impose a penalty or seize any of Raul’s lands or personal assets after he had stolen Inés away from the son of one of the most powerful Castilian families on the eve of their betrothal.

The king’s army and its accompanying general support personnel of carters, cooks, armorer-blacksmiths, and drovers arrived in Cuéllar in late March. Given that the town was still very much in its nascent stage, Raul fulfilled his obligation of hospitality largely through the donation of beasts, wine, forage and firewood rather than via food and lodging for the king only intended to pass through the town for a very brief period before pressing onward to his ultimate destination: the outskirts of Toledo. Knowing this, Raul did what he could to make sure that both he and the knights that were going to join him on the campaign would be prepared to depart with the king and that the merino, Ramiro Pérez, he had appointed to administer the town in his stead was fully prepared to do so.

Inés, who was seven months pregnant, was waiting by Raul’s horse, Bandido, in the courtyard while he gave Ramiro a few last-minute instructions before his departure.

“Rest easy, my lord. You couldn’t be leaving the town in more capable hands,” Ramiro boasted as he puffed his chest out and twirled the end of his mustache with his finger. “Construction of the citadel and walls will continue unabated as will the military training of every able-bodied man in town.  I will duly reward those who work hard and administer swift justice to those who choose to break the law.”

Raul stole a glance in Inés’ direction and said, “I’m counting on you to keep the town safe and to maintain order while I’m away. I will be leaving all that I hold most dear in your safekeeping. Don’t disappoint me.”

Ramiro’s eyes widened in both surprise and alarm in response to Raul’s implied threat of dismissal or possibly worse should he fail to meet the lord’s expectations. “You can count on me, my lord,” Ramiro quickly blurted out. “Your family’s well-being and security will certainly be a top priority for me, and I have told Doña Inés on more than one occasion that my door will always be open to her should she ever need my assistance.”

“Thank you,” Raul said. “Do you have any other questions or concerns before I depart?”

“No, my lord. I believe that I have everything well in hand,” Ramiro replied as he shook Raul’s hand and bid him God’s speed before taking his leave.

A lump formed in Inés’ throat as she watched Raul say goodbye to Ramiro, for it signaled that the time of his departure was at hand. Tears welled in her eyes as she thought about the coming weeks and months ahead that she would have to live without his companionship and love. Worse still was knowing that there was always the ever-present possibility that he might not return and that she would be left alone to grieve his passing for the rest of her days.

Believing Raul attention was still focused elsewhere, Inés tipped her head up to Bandido’s ear and patted the mare’s neck as she said, “Take care of Raul and promise me that you’ll bring him home safe and sound.”

“She always has,” Raul replied from behind her. “This old girl’s been through many a battle with me and hasn’t failed me yet. I see no reason why she’d do so now.”

Inés squeezed her eyes shut in a futile attempt to keep her tears from falling as she turned to face Raul. Within seconds, she felt his arms come around her waist and swollen belly. She laid her head against his shoulder as he gently patted her back and softly spoke words of endearment in her ear.

“I love you.” It was all Inés could manage to say between fits of weeping.

“And I, you,” Raul replied as he continued to cradle his very pregnant and emotionally distraught wife in his arms. “You and Estela mean the world to me. These last few years with you have brought me more joy and contentment than I could ever have possibly imagined. And, God willing, we’ll have many more years together to look forward to.”

Inés nodded and then pulled back as soon as she heard the pitter-patter of Estela’s feet bounding toward them.

“Estela, I’m so glad that you woke up in time to see me off,” Raul said as Estela jumped into his arms.

“Papá don’t go,” Estela said, fighting back tears. “If I promise to be good from now on, will you stay?”

Raul smiled. “If it was up to me, little one, I would never leave your side. But as the king’s vassal, I am duty-bound to answer his call to arms whenever the need arises. It is not a request that I can simply ignore.”

“Would the king let you stay if I spoke to him myself?”

“I’ve already given the king my word that all these men that you see around you and I would go with him. I’m afraid that he would be most aggrieved if I attempted to renege on that promise now.”

“Why do you do it?”

After a brief pause, Raul said, “We do it for God, Alfonso, and Spain. That is the battle cry that every man in the king’s army utters before he engages the enemy in battle.”

“Will you be gone long?”

Raul looked thoughtful as he said, “I don’t know. All I can tell you is that I will be away for as long as it takes to achieve the king’s goals. No more, no less.”

“But Papá, what if you get lost along the away? How will you ever find your way back home?”

He smiled as pulled out an astrolabe and handed it to Estela. “As a boy, I was taught to use that instrument to get my bearings. It’s a skill that has served me quite well over the years.”

Estela furrowed her brow and was quiet. She stared at the astrolabe while passing it from hand to hand and then handed it back to Raul as she said, “Don’t lose this.” He nodded. “I will pray for you every night, Papá. Come back to us as soon as you can.”

“I will,” Raul said as he kissed her cheek and set her down next to Inés.

Just then, Don Alfonso came up to Raul and asked, “My lord, shall we go?”

“Yes, we don’t want to keep the king waiting.”

With that said, Raul mounted Bandido and waved to Inés and Estela before leading his men out of the courtyard. Even after he had gone and was no longer in sight, Inés and Estela stared after him and remained where they were until Estela placed her hand into Inés’ and said, “It’s going to be okay, Mamá. He won’t be gone long. You’ll see.”

 Less than a month after Raul’s departure, people in the alfoz began to fall ill and succumb to a fast-spreading disease marked by high fevers and severe stomach pains.  It quickly it spread into town.  As more and more people contracted it and died, fear and speculation about its cause and how it was transmitted began to run rampant among the population. Amidst this growing chaos, Abbot Pablo’s homilies fanned the flames of discontent and mass hysteria within his congregation by proclaiming to anyone who would listen that the illness that was the work of the Devil and those in this world who had committed themselves to doing his bidding.

In the midst of this growing crisis, Inés was advised by the only doctor in Cuéllar, a barber surgeon named Santiago, to remain indoors and to limit her exposure to others in town. Although the free-spirited part of her soul longed to rebel against such a restriction, she heeded his warning for the sake of her unborn child who was due in less than two months’ time.

During this time, Inés woke up from an afternoon nap and was going to check on Estela when she overheard a servant discussing the recent arrest of a woman in town who had been accused of witchcraft. Fearing the worst, Inés demanded that the servant tell her every fact and detail that she was privy to. To her great chagrin, she learned that the woman in question was Maria, the innkeeper’s nieta. She dismissed the servant and spent the next few minutes trying to formulate a plan to help the girl. Once she decided on a course of action, she informed Mencia of her intentions and then set out to pay Abbot Pablo, who lived across the street from her, a visit.

Although she had never been ill-treated by the cleric, there were certain things about him that gave her pause. Maybe it was the way his eyes seemed to linger on her when he thought Raul wasn’t looking or how she’d caught him leering at the female servants on the few occasions he had been invited to dine at her house. His often harsh and unforgiving homilies were yet another area of concern for her. Still, as the only Abbot in town, she knew that he was a force to be reckoned with and needed to be persuaded of Maria’s innocence if the girl was to have any chance of being cleared of the charges that had been brought against her.

Upon her arrival, Inés was immediately shown into the same small dining area where she and Raul had dined with Abbot Pablo on their first night in Cuéllar.  The Abbot appeared to be finishing up his evening meal when she came into the room.

“Welcome, my lady,” Abbot Pablo said as he wiped his mouth with a napkin and stood up. “To what do I owe this unexpected visit?”

“Abbot Pablo, forgive me. I didn’t mean to interrupt your meal.”

“No, not at all,” the Abbot said and motioned for her to take a seat. “Please come and sit down. It isn’t often that I have the privilege of entertaining a lady of your stature and beauty.”

Rather than observe the usual niceties of polite discourse, Inés opted instead to get directly to the point of her visit. “Father Abbot, I recently heard some very distressing news from one of my servants. I came here in the hope of enlisting your assistance in rectifying the situation.”

“Of course,” Abbot Pablo replied in an amiable enough tone as he sat back down. “I’m always happy to be of service to the lord’s wife. Please tell me more about this troubling news of which you speak.”

“I was told that Maria was arrested today on charges of witchcraft. Are you aware of this?”

A knowing smile spread across the Abbot’s lips, which sent a chill running down Inés’ spine. “Yes, I am. From the information that I have gathered so far, there appears to be more than one witness who is prepared to testify as to her misdeeds.”

“Do you know who her accusers are?”

“I do,” the Abbot replied. “I learned of her arrested from Ramiro himself. He’s a good man. He often comes to me often for spiritual counseling and guidance. From what I understand, the case against Maria appears to be quite solid. There are more than a few townspeople who are prepared to testify that she’s been actively dispensing a potion to ‘treat’ the fever that has been spreading throughout the town and alfoz.”

“And why not? It’s no secret that she claims to come from a family of healers. Why shouldn’t she try to dispense a potion to help those that have fallen ill with fever.”

“Then why is it that every single person she has given it to is now dead? One widow even told me that her husband started convulsing and crying out in pain within seconds after ingesting her supposed remedy.”  

“Even if that were true,” Inés stammered, “that doesn’t necessarily show that she meant to hurt anyone.”

“Dona Inés, you are clearly overwrought,” the Abbot replied in an overly sympathetic tone. “You musn’t worry yourself, especially given your current condition. I am sure that Don Raul would say the same if he were here.”

Undeterred, Inés asked, “Do you know of anyone who will testify on her behalf?”

“None that I know of,” the Abbot replied as he rose from his seat and walked around to her side of the table.

“But if I were to…”

The Abbot raised his hand to silence her protest and shook his head. “As the wife of the Lord of Cuéllar, you must be cognizant of how your actions may affect his standing in this community. Rightly or wrongly, coming to the defense of a woman who many believe to be a witch may very well do irreparable damage his reputation and greatly hinder his ability to govern these lands. Is Maria’s life really worth ruining his life and yours?” Inés remained quiet while contemplating the very real dilemma that the Abbot had brought to the fore.

As the Abbot leaned against the table directly in front of her and planted his feet more than shoulder width apart, Inés asked, “Is there nothing that can be done to help Maria?”

“There may be a way that you can help her…for a price.”

The hungry look in his eyes coupled with his looming presence left absolutely no doubt in Inés’ mind as to the kind of proposition he was making to her. Her instincts told her to run even though she knew that in her present condition that she would have neither the speed to outrun him nor the strength to fight him off if he chose to force himself on her. And so, she decided to try and talk her way out of her predicament instead.

“I see,” Inés said as she eyed the door and rose to her feet. “Is there no other way to persuade you to see things my way.” When the Abbot shook his head, she asked, “Is this your first and only offer?”

“It is.” The Abbot looked smug while Inés continued to step backwards until she had reached her only means of escape.

“Then I am afraid we have reached an impasse,” Inés replied as gripped the door handle and jerked it open.

“Are you sure?” Abbot Pablo asked as he took a step toward her.

Inés put her hand out to stop him from coming any closer. “There’s no need for you to show me out. I can do that myself. Good night, Father Abbot.”

After Inés turned to go, she heard him say from behind her, “Maria’s as good as dead. Nothing and no will be able to save her now.” Upon hearing the Abbot’s dire prediction, she quickened her steps even more and scurried passed the servant who had greeted her at the door. She didn’t think to stop or pause until she’d crossed the street and reached the safety of her own courtyard.

Once there, Inés made the impromptu decision to see Maria herself that evening. After informing the stable master, Ernesto, of her desire to pay a visit to the town’s jail, he hitched a horse to a covered wagon and volunteered to drive her there himself.

When Inés arrived, the burly and dour-looking jailer did not look at all pleased to see her and tried to dissuade her from seeing Maria. However, he ultimately relented in the face of her recalcitrance.

The smell of dampness and rot nearly overwhelmed Inés’ senses as she followed him via torchlight to the dark and dingy cell where Maria was being held. Once there, the jailer put his hand out and instructed Inés to not to come any closer.

At that point, Inés called out for the innkeeper’s nieta. “Maria, are you there?”

Within seconds, she heard a female voice faintly reply, “Who’s there?”

“It’s Dona Inés.”

“Milady, what are you doing here?” Maria asked as she ran up to the bars of the cell. “Have you come here to free me from this place?”

Before responding to Maria, Inés turned to the jailer and said, “You may go. I wish to speak to this woman alone.”

The jailer shook his head. “She’s been accused of witchcraft. You are the lord’s wife. If something were to happen to you, he’ll surely have my head.”

Inés sighed. “Very well then, but please do step far enough away so that we may have some privacy.” Although the jailer initially hesitated, he ultimately acceded to her request and took a few steps back. Once Inés was satisfied that he had stepped far enough away to be out of earshot of her conversation with Maria, she moved up to the bars of the cell and grasped Maria’s hand. “How are you faring?”

“I’m frightened,” Maria replied in a tremulous voice. “One minute I was in the kitchen helping the cook at the Inn prepare a stew and then the next thing I know I’m being dragged away to jail and told that I’m to be put on trial for witchcraft.”

“Not if I have anything to say about it,” Inés said under her breath. If only Raul were here…

“Milady, has Don Raul returned?” Maria asked hopefully. “If there’s anyone who can set things right, it’s him.”

“No, but I’m going to speak to Ramiro Pérez first thing in the morning. Although I don’t claim to know him well, he seemed like a reasonable and competent enough man to me on the few occasions that I did speak with him. And I don’t believe that Don Raul would have appointed him as the town’s merino if he didn’t believe that he was up to the job.”

“They’re going to hang me, aren’t they?”

“Nothing’s certain. Don’t lose hope,” Inés said as she gave Maria’s hand a squeeze. “I can’t be the only one in town who doesn’t think you’re a witch. What about the people who work at the Inn? Do you think that any of them would be willing to testify on your behalf?”

Maria was quiet for a moment and then said, “This fever’s got everyone feeling scared for their lives. Even if they wanted to, I can’t say if they’d be willing to go against the other people in town who think that I conjured the whole thing up somehow.”

Just then, the jailer called out to her, saying, “Doña Inés, are you almost finished?”

“Yes,” Inés replied and then turned once more to Maria and said, “I have to go now. But I promise you that I will do everything in my power to see to it that you get a fair trial.”

“Bless you, milady. You and Don Raul have always treated me fair.”

“Try and get some rest now. I’ll come back and see you again tomorrow.”

 The next morning, Inés awoke to the sound of servants’ animated chatter outside her bedroom door. Curious, she asked her lady’s maid, Elena, who had come in to help her dress for the day, what all the commotion amongst the staff was all about.

It wasn’t until after Inés was finished dressing and had her hair done that she finally pried the truth out of her. “Maria escaped.”

For a moment, Inés was too stunned to speak. How was this possible? Even if Maria had been able to get the jailer to open her cell door, how could she have possibly overpowered or gotten away from a man who was nearly twice her size?  Finally, she asked, “Do you know if the authorities have been able to apprehend her yet?”

“They didn’t need to,” Elena replied with noticeable unease. “I heard that she was already dead by the time they found her.”

“What?” Inés screamed. This can’t be happening. It can’t be true.

“They found her hanging from a tree just outside of town. Most people think that she did it herself since she knew that she was probably going to be found guilty and burned at the stake after her trial.”

“That doesn’t make sense. I spoke to her myself last night. She didn’t look or sound like someone who was thinking about taking her own life.”

If Elena was at all surprised by Inés’ admission, she didn’t show it, and instead said, “But how can you ever really know what’s going on with people like her? And…and I also heard that the tree she was hanging from had markings on it.”

“What did they look like?”

“Symbols…I think. I can’t say for certain since I haven’t seen them myself. But it wouldn’t surprise me one bit if it all had to do with some kind of Devil worship. I heard she was…”

At that point, Inés had heard enough. She abruptly dismissed Elena from her bedchamber and sat down on the bed.  Although she knew that she had done what she could to assist Maria, she couldn’t help but wonder if there was something else she should have done that might have prevented her tragic and untimely death. She hugged herself and started to cry. She thought of Raul and how she would have given anything to have had him there with her now.

After a time, Inés decided that she needed to get something to eat. But as soon as she stood up, she felt a sharp cramping sensation in her pelvis which nearly brought her to her knees. Somehow, she was able to remain standing as she took a series of slow, deep breathes, which seemed to help a little. And so, she decided to head for the door. But then, when she happened to look down at the floor near the entranceway to her room, she saw a trail of blood from the bed to the door. No, she thought as she slid to the ground and clutched her belly. It’s too soon. And then it happened again. And again. She screamed.

#hailee steinfeld #ricardo gomez #romance #love story #horror #historical fiction #medieval #reconquista