#yasmeen writing prompt

[icanbeyourgenie]

“ Oh, I'm just... I'm just used to it... I wasn't allow to eat with my siblings, always with my father and his council, so I suppose it became an habit... plus I doubt Nate and Cally would want me to eat with them anyway. ” – Malachai to Yasmeen after she asked why he was eating alone when Nathaniel and Calypso were eating together

Yasmeen had been surprised when she walked into the church to see Malachai there. Not because he didn't belong there - she spent more time in that place with him than alone, lately - but because, when he left after their training session, she assumed it was to go eat with his siblings. So it was even more surprising to see a bit of food packed in the bench next to him. When she asked him why he wasn't eating with the others, she didn't except this answer. She thought this through for a moment, and then decided to sit down.

❝Why wouldn't they want you to eat with them? They practically worship you.❞

❝I can be too serious for them, sometimes. A bit of a mood breaker.❞

Yasmeen didn't think he was a mood breaker. She actually always felt better when she was with him. But she understood what he meant. Calypso and Nathaniel had a very care-free nature. They liked to laugh and make jokes and talk a lot. Malachai wasn't like that. Still, Yasmeen didn't think the two youngest would mind Malachai's presence. But she kept it to herself, judging it wasn't her place to talk for them.

❝Why weren't you allowed to eat with them?❞

He looked away and stayed silent. She didn't push. Privacy was important to her. If he wanted to keep that part for himself, she would accept that.

Instead, he unpacked his food and gave her a fork. She did pause on the fact that he had two forks ready, but blamed it on royal customs and their habit to use way more cutlery than necessary (a side effect of not doing the dishes, she supposed).

She shook her head. ❝Thank you, but I can't eat with you. I can only eat the food from the changeling quarters.❞

❝Why? Because you shouldn't eat luxurious food? It's stupid.❞

❝No, because this food isn't made for humans.❞

He paused a second. ❝Is it true what they say then? That it binds you to the land?❞

❝Not exactly. But it can drive you mad. Making you see whatever they want you to see, and trap you forever. It's different for everyone.❞

❝Better not try your luck then.❞

❝I did.❞

She realized, when she said this, that she had been unfair with Malachai. He had confied in her many times before, but she didn't. Not truly. She was overly cautious and wary, and even when she started warming up to him, she tried not to say too much about her past. He had asked, but she always diverted the questions, so he stopped asking. She loved that clear respect of her privacy. But he was still curious, she could see it in his eyes right now. And somehow, she felt like giving him a part of herself.

❝I was young. Well, kind of. I tried to join the human world, but I was stuck in the enchanted forest and it was a true disorienting maze. I was starving, and I ate a few berries. Worst mistake of my life. My mind wasn't my own anymore. I almost died.❞

❝And what happened.❞

❝I got help.❞ It was the most she could say. Thinking about Viserys and the asylum still hurt.

❝And yet you're still here?❞ And it was probably the part that hurt the most. Nothing mattered in the end. She didn't escape that place.

❝You could come with me.❞ He had a bit of hope in his eyes but his words were unsure. ❝I could claim you, ask for you to be given to me as a gift. You'd come with me under the sea. For a time, just enough so it can be believable. Then I'll set you free.❞

Those words hurt more than she could imagine. This time, she looked away. ❝Don't be ridiculous. Who would look after Calypso?❞ She tried for light-hearted, but she did sound gloomy.

He took her hand. ❝Yasmeen I'm serious. Let me help. I could get you out of here.❞

❝You can't...❞ She squeezed his hand and looked at him. ❝Morgana would never allow you to take me away from her.❞

❝Why?❞ He still looked so hopeful, and it broke her heart. ❝You're a changeling. I mean - I - I mean that... to her... it's just what you are, but-❞

❝Because it'd be too dangerous for her.❞ She cut. She knew what he meant. But it wasn't the problem. She took a breath, readying herself for what she was about to say. ❝Because I'm a valuable asset to her. And because I know too much of her secrets.❞

Malachai stayed still as he processed her words, then his expression changed from hopeful to impassible. She couldn't read him as he withdrawed his hand and sat up straighter. He looked away and she wanted to scream. At the world, at herself for allowing someone to get close to her. For saying those words. But she stayed silent, watching him connect the dots. He was the one who understood, from their very first meeting, that she was a warrior, that she had too much knives hidden on her and that it made sense that she was sent as a guard, as well as a maid. But now, she was basically admitting to be a spy for Morgana.

It looked like an eternity passed when he spoke again, with a placid but distant voice. ❝Yasmeen, are we enemies?❞

She assumed it was his princely voice. The one he used to talk to his generals. He had never use it with here. She took another deep breath. ❝I hope not.❞

❝But she asks you about me. About my family.❞

It wasn't a question, but she still answered: ❝Yes.❞

❝And I should trust you?❞

❝I can't answer that. Trust isn't something that can't be asked for. It has to be given freely.❞

❝...Yasmeen my entire country relies on me.❞

❝I know what's at stake for you.❞

He stayed silent again, watching in the distance while she was watching him. She wanted to stop trying to analyze his very unexpressive face, but she couldn't. She was stuck.

❝You kissed me. Does she know about that?❞

❝No. She thinks we had sex, though. Many times.❞

❝Mh. And that kiss, was it all part of a game?❞

❝Well, first of all, you asked for that kiss.❞ Yasmeen were almost offended, but his question was legitimate. ❝Also, no it wasn't. It was...❞ She was almost embarassed, but she owed him the truth. ❝It was my first kiss. Well, not truly. But the first I wanted too, so I think of it this way. I wouldn't have shared this with her.❞

She tought he blushed for a second, but she couldn't be sure. He still looked so stoic. ❝How can I be sure you're telling the truth?❞

❝You can't.❞

She truly wished she could say something different, but she couldn't. He stayed silent and she did too. The silence stretched for at least a dozen minutes. Not a single sound in the church outside of their quiet breathes. Yasmeen turned away at some point, looking at the status of Farore. Even the goddess couldn't appease her right now. The girl thought about leaving, but she couldn't bring herself to do it.

It was almost twenty minutes later that Malachai spoke again. ❝My father and my mother made a pact when I was very young. I had a twin sister, but she was rumored to be a bastard. My father wanted to get rid of her. My mother protested. In return for keeping her, she had to allow my father to raise me as he saw fit. She couldn't intervene too much. And his idea of raising his first born was to make me actively participate in councils and meals with his general from a very early age. That's why I wasn't allowed to eat with my siblings.❞

Yasmeen tried not to show how deeply this admission touched her. In simply opening up again and answering her previous question, he stated without saying it that he chose to trust her, nonetheless. And, like always, she kept this information like a treasure. ❝That's... Well, that must have been very lonely.❞

❝What?❞

❝It was. And in the end, it didn't even matter. My sister was exiled anyway.❞ She could understand the feeling. They stayed silent, until he surprised her with his next words. ❝It was a peck.❞

❝That kiss. You said it was like your first kiss, but it was just a peck.❞ Yasmeen raised an eyebrow, a bit offended, and Malachai realized what he just said. ❝I mean- I, not that it wasn't, you know - good or anything. Just that - that - that if it was your first kiss, maybe it should've been better, and - and.❞

She smiled then, amused by the way he changed the subject, intrigued to know that this was in his mind somehow. He didn't only think about how she was a potential traitor, but also how her first kiss should've been better.

For once, she allowed herself to not think when she grabbed his shirt and pulled him towards her, until their lips almost touched. She stopped just a second, just to make sure he agreed to it. So when he nodded, she closed the gap between them and kissed him.

It wasn't a light kiss, not at all. It started this way, but she deepened it as much as she could, and he eagerly followed her. They both smiled into the kiss, and she wondered if she ever knew a better feeling. They only stopped kissing when they were both out of breath, but they didn't break apart. He put his forehead on hers, and she didn't move.

❝Is this kiss up to his Higness expectations?❞ she teased.

He laughed. ❝Yes it is. Although some might argue that kissing in a church is a sin.❞

❝Well then. Maybe we should spend more time in here to repent, don't you think?❞ She was flirty. She had never been flirty in her entire life.

❝I think we have no other choice, sadly.❞

They were still smiling as they broke apart, the food completely forgotten. But Malachai looked serious again when he asked: ❝Am I a fool to trust you?❞

❝I don't know.❞ She didn't want to lie to him. ❝But I truly hope not.❞

#i didn't planned it to be this long #but this scene didn't want to leave my mind #i so wanted to write how yas would tell him about morgana #and how they both understand how it's like to have the world on their shoulder #and not being able to make any promises #cause they're not in charge of their own lives #and them not being used to show feelings and being a bit awkward #also i wanted to write a second kiss idc #and yeah a kiss in a church #fight me #yasmeen #yasmeen x malachai #yasmeen writing prompt #writing prompt #likeafairytale

[likeafairytale]

"I always thought that princes got to choose their own destiny. I guess I was wrong." - Yasmeen to Malachai when seeing the pressure he's under

���This is just a myth, nothing else.”

Malachai shrugged, looking at the status of Farore in front of him. The prince wasn't a pious man, but he found himself being drawn to the place quite often lately. The fact that Yasmeen was there during her free time probably play a role in it, for her presence was quite relaxing to him, but he did not want to admit it just yet. As usual, they were silent, they did not need words, they were both content with the silence, which was perfect for Malachai. The man loved his siblings, but they were real chatterboxes sometimes, and the church was the only place here where he could avoid his brother and sister, for none of them would dare disturb such a sacred place. Yasmeen wasn't the talkative kind of girl, and it was refreshing. She wasn't trying to pierce through his shell, it even seemed that she was happy with him being silent.

“I thought that if I was staying in the Fae kingdom, I could avoid my responsibility, but it seemed that I was completely wrong.” He sighed, before looking at Yasmeen who had her eyes on him.

“What are you going to do?”

“What my father want me to do. Meet the ladies he'll send for me.” He answered, but Yasmeen could see that it wasn't the answer he wanted to give her. “I really was hoping that Morgana will reject my father request to send them here.”

“The High Queen isn't threatened by young ladies, even less if they come from the sea.”

“Is that an insult?”

“Not at all, just an observation.”

The prince laughed a little, and he felt a bit more relax now. Yasmeen had this effect on him, every time he was tense, he just needed to spend a few hours with the servant for him to forget what was troubling him. Sometimes, when she wasn't there, he just needed to think about her smile for him to feel better. But right now, it seemed that the young girl's presence wasn't enough to make him forget the discussion he had with his father, a few hours sooner. Triton had had enough of his little game of avoidance. He knew that if his eldest son was so often at the Seelie Court, it wasn't only to make sure his sister was safe, but also to avoid his duty, and the duty he was avoiding the most was marriage.

Triton started to talk about it a few months back, and Malachai did not think much about it. He knew that, as the eldest, he should have been married a long time ago, but with Calypso's ordeal, he succeeded to deflect the situation. But now that things were settled, he knew he couldn't escape anymore. But the High King of the ocean was growing tired of his son's game, and was becoming more insistent in the idea of marrying him. If Malachai did not want to come meet the bachelorette his father found for him, then they will come to him instead. The prince knew that, with a pending war against the fae, Triton wanted to be sure he'll secure his bloodline. He did not know why it was so important for his father, for he knew he'll never give his throne, so having an heir shouldn't be his priority.

“You do not want to see them.” Yasmeen said, which bring him back to reality, and it was more an observation than a question.

“I do not want that, no...” Malachai admit before sighing.

“Why? I mean, maybe you'll find a match among them.” She whispered, and Malachai thought he heard a bit of resentment, and the perspective of that made him smile a little, but he might have imagined it.

“You know perfectly why.”

To go with his words, he slowly and softly put his hand on Yasmeen's one. He thought, for a minute, that she would withdraw her hand, break the physical contact that he was daring to make, but she did not. She even surprised him by squeezing his hand, while looking in front of her. They stay silent, holding hands like children would do when they are in love. This was the only physical contact they allowed themselves to have in a semi-public place, here, in the church. No one ever came here, they knew it, so they knew they wouldn't be disturbed or caught, but that does not mean they weren't careful, they were constantly on the look-out. Even now, when they knew they were at peace, alone, they couldn't help but look behind them to be sure no one sneaked into the church without their knowledge.

The only place they allowed themselves to be open and affectionate was in Malachai's room. And yet, even there it was quite hard for both of them to be truly affectionate with one another, for both of them weren't used to it. Sometimes, the prince was envious to his sister and brother, who were showered with love by their mother growing up, making them more comfortable to express their feelings. Malachai had to grow up in a strict environment, with Triton, who believed that physical contact and love were just weaknesses.

The merman did not let go of Yasmeen's hand, although he knew he should. To be honest, he was craving for more, he wanted to hug her, tell her how lovely she looked right now, and most importantly, that he loved her. He wanted to say those words again and again, but he did not have the luxury to do it outside the comfort of his room.

“Believe me when I say I don't want to do this.”

“I do believe you.”

“But I can't go against my father.”

“I know that.” Yasmeen showed no emotion, like usual, but she squeezed his hand a little more, and he liked to believe she was as annoyed as he was by his father's decision. “When are they coming?”

“In two days.”

“That means we won't be able to see each other as much.”

“I wish things were different. For us.”

“Do you wish I was noble blood?”

“I wish I wasn't a prince.”

The girl looked at him, quite surprised by such words. She really thought Malachai was quite content with his status, just like his sister was, but right now she was seeing a different side of him. A prince with too much responsibility on his shoulders, someone his father was asking too much from. Someone who would never be able to leave the life he wanted and deserved. It was the first time the merman voiced those words. It wasn't the first time he thought them, many times in the past he was wishing he wasn't a prince, at least not the firstborn, but it was the first time he felt comfortable enough to confess it to someone. After that, they stayed silent. They both did not know what to say more. After a moment, Malachai kissed the back of Yasmeen's hand, that he was still holding. He did not want to break this only physical contact they had, but he had too. It's with a heavy heart that he let go of her, before standing and adjusting his jacket.

“Will you come tonight? We can discuss a strategy for me to avoid those boring ladies.”

“I'll be there, yes.” She answered with amusement, and he couldn't help but smile.

“With a bit of luck, Aeron will distract them all from me.”

“I do think that he will definitively try.” This time she laughed, and his heart missed a beat to the sound of it. He once again took her hand, before kissing it, making her smile in the process.

“I'll see you around, Meena.” He said before quietly leave the church.

#malachai blackwater #kai x yasmeen #maleen #malachai writing prompt #writing prompt #i hate it so much #but i was far away in the process #i didn't want to delete everything #but i am not proud of it #some part are fine #but others are crap #it's hard to write for a character who doesn't show emotions #when you're used to show yours #but kai is interesting to write about #so i guess it's fine #icanbeyourgenie

[ynx1]

4 out of 5 is an 80%.

( MY PICTURE OF MY STUDENTS WRITING) 🗣

They’ve been getting 4 out of 5 for a while. It stresses student out so bad when they try so hard and can’t get it right. So, I decided to give them an A+ to show them that it isn’t that bad. It’s a letter that defines if your a failure or not. I tell my students it’s important to answer the writing prompt in the order it’s written. My student said a B shows her that she isn’t getting better because she’s gotten a B for a month now. I told her it’s just as important as an A+. It’s a passing grade and we have to learn to accept passing grades. I remember getting my first B+ in my final math class and I was extremely excited. Why?? I am truly the worst at math, I hate it completely. But, today took me to a place where a grade can suck the life out of someone. It can steal their drive to make improvement and it’ll kill your motivation.

- Yasmeen N. 🦋

[anchorarcade]

Frustrated by Congress, Trump signs order to weaken Obamacare

http://ryanguillory.com/frustrated-by-congress-trump-signs-order-to-weaken-obamacare/

Frustrated by Congress, Trump signs order to weaken Obamacare

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – President Donald Trump on Thursday signed an order to make it easier for Americans to buy bare-bones health insurance plans, using his presidential powers to undermine Obamacare after fellow Republicans in Congress failed to repeal the 2010 law.

Trump issued the executive order aimed at letting small businesses band together across state lines to buy cheaper, less regulated health plans for their employees with fewer benefits. Such new insurance options, however, may not be available until 2019, and the order could face legal challenges from Democratic state attorneys general.

It was Trump’s most concrete step to undo Obamacare since he took office in January promising to dismantle Democratic former President Barack Obama’s signature domestic policy achievement.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer accused Trump of “using a wrecking ball to single-handedly rip apart our healthcare system.”

Republicans call Obamacare, which extended health insurance to 20 million people, a government intrusion into Americans’ healthcare, and have been promising for seven years to scrap it.

Trump’s order aims to give people more access to cheaper plans, which do not cover essential health benefits such as maternity and newborn care, prescription drugs, and mental health and addiction treatment.

Obamacare, known formally as the Affordable Care Act, requires most small business and individual health plans to cover those benefits.

“DESTROYING EVERYTHING”

“The cost of the Obamacare has been so outrageous, it is absolutely destroying everything in its wake,” Trump said at a White House signing ceremony.

Trump’s order was aimed at making it easier for small businesses to join together as associations across state lines.

Unlike large employers that can create their own health plans because their work forces are big enough to spread risk – mitigating the effect of individuals with serious illnesses – small employers have few options to offer reasonably priced health coverage.

Allowing small employers to band together in associations is meant to give them options similar to larger companies. The White House also said the associations would give employers more leverage to negotiate with insurance companies in purchasing health insurance plans for employees.

Some of the business groups that the order is aimed at, including franchise organizations and retailers – which generally have large number of hourly employees – said they are interested and want to be part of the rule-making process at the Department of Labor, but cautioned that there are many details to tackle.

President Trump smiles after signing an Executive Order to make it easier for Americans to buy bare-bone health insurance plans and circumvent Obamacare rules. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

“It’s not something we’ll be able to open a suitcase tomorrow and be in business with. There are a lot of issues to be worked out and to consider,” said Neil Trautwein, vice president of health care policy at the National Retail Federation.

A spokesman for the National Federation of Independent Business, the largest small-business association in the country, said it would be watching to see “how the regulatory architecture develops” and make a determination in the future.

Small businesses have been among the biggest critics of Obamacare.

The order also sought to change an Obama-era limit on the time span that people can use short-term health insurance plans, which are cheaper but cover few medical benefits. Those plans are currently limited to three months.

Joseph Antos, a healthcare expert at the conservative American Enterprise Institute think tank, said he did not believe the order would have much of an impact because employers from regions with lower healthcare costs, like Iowa, would not want to join up with those from regions with higher costs.

Experts also questioned whether Trump has the legal authority to expand association health plans.

Democratic state attorneys general have said they will sue if Trump tries to destroy Obamacare. California Attorney General Xavier Becerra said Trump’s executive order is just another step toward imploding the Affordable Care Act.

“It should come as no surprise that California is prepared to fight in court to protect affordable healthcare for its people,” Becerra said.

The association health plans could attract young, healthy people and leave a sicker, more expensive patient pool in the individual insurance markets created under Obamacare, driving up premiums.

The American Hospital Association said Trump’s order “could destabilize the individual and small group markets, leaving millions of Americans who need comprehensive coverage to manage chronic and other pre-existing conditions, as well as protection against unforeseen illness and injury, without affordable options.”

Small health insurers and state insurance regulators also criticized Trump’s move.

Hospital stocks edged lower in Thursday trading, with HCA Healthcare down 1.7 percent and Tenet Healthcare down 4.4 percent. Medicaid insurers also fell with Centene off 2.5 percent.

Trump has taken a number of other steps to weaken or undermine Obamacare. He has not committed to making billions of dollars of payments to insurers guaranteed under Obamacare, prompting many to exit the individual market or hike premiums for 2018.

The administration also halved the open enrollment period, which begins Nov. 1, slashed the Obamacare advertising and outreach budget, and allowed broad religious and moral exemptions to the law’s mandate that employers provide coverage for women’s birth control.

Reporting by Yasmeen Abutaleb; Additional reporting by Caroline Humer, Michael Erman, Jilian Mincer and Lewis Krauskopf in New York, Jeff Mason in Washington and Dan Levine in San Francisco; Writing by Alistair Bell; Editing by Will Dunham and Leslie Adler

Source link

[awesomefelicitylewis-blog]

Frustrated by Congress, Trump signs order to weaken Obamacare

http://ryanguillory.com/frustrated-by-congress-trump-signs-order-to-weaken-obamacare/

Frustrated by Congress, Trump signs order to weaken Obamacare

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – President Donald Trump on Thursday signed an order to make it easier for Americans to buy bare-bones health insurance plans, using his presidential powers to undermine Obamacare after fellow Republicans in Congress failed to repeal the 2010 law.

Trump issued the executive order aimed at letting small businesses band together across state lines to buy cheaper, less regulated health plans for their employees with fewer benefits. Such new insurance options, however, may not be available until 2019, and the order could face legal challenges from Democratic state attorneys general.

It was Trump’s most concrete step to undo Obamacare since he took office in January promising to dismantle Democratic former President Barack Obama’s signature domestic policy achievement.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer accused Trump of “using a wrecking ball to single-handedly rip apart our healthcare system.”

Republicans call Obamacare, which extended health insurance to 20 million people, a government intrusion into Americans’ healthcare, and have been promising for seven years to scrap it.

Trump’s order aims to give people more access to cheaper plans, which do not cover essential health benefits such as maternity and newborn care, prescription drugs, and mental health and addiction treatment.

Obamacare, known formally as the Affordable Care Act, requires most small business and individual health plans to cover those benefits.

“DESTROYING EVERYTHING”

“The cost of the Obamacare has been so outrageous, it is absolutely destroying everything in its wake,” Trump said at a White House signing ceremony.

Trump’s order was aimed at making it easier for small businesses to join together as associations across state lines.

Unlike large employers that can create their own health plans because their work forces are big enough to spread risk – mitigating the effect of individuals with serious illnesses – small employers have few options to offer reasonably priced health coverage.

Allowing small employers to band together in associations is meant to give them options similar to larger companies. The White House also said the associations would give employers more leverage to negotiate with insurance companies in purchasing health insurance plans for employees.

Some of the business groups that the order is aimed at, including franchise organizations and retailers – which generally have large number of hourly employees – said they are interested and want to be part of the rule-making process at the Department of Labor, but cautioned that there are many details to tackle.

President Trump smiles after signing an Executive Order to make it easier for Americans to buy bare-bone health insurance plans and circumvent Obamacare rules. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

“It’s not something we’ll be able to open a suitcase tomorrow and be in business with. There are a lot of issues to be worked out and to consider,” said Neil Trautwein, vice president of health care policy at the National Retail Federation.

A spokesman for the National Federation of Independent Business, the largest small-business association in the country, said it would be watching to see “how the regulatory architecture develops” and make a determination in the future.

Small businesses have been among the biggest critics of Obamacare.

The order also sought to change an Obama-era limit on the time span that people can use short-term health insurance plans, which are cheaper but cover few medical benefits. Those plans are currently limited to three months.

Joseph Antos, a healthcare expert at the conservative American Enterprise Institute think tank, said he did not believe the order would have much of an impact because employers from regions with lower healthcare costs, like Iowa, would not want to join up with those from regions with higher costs.

Experts also questioned whether Trump has the legal authority to expand association health plans.

Democratic state attorneys general have said they will sue if Trump tries to destroy Obamacare. California Attorney General Xavier Becerra said Trump’s executive order is just another step toward imploding the Affordable Care Act.

“It should come as no surprise that California is prepared to fight in court to protect affordable healthcare for its people,” Becerra said.

The association health plans could attract young, healthy people and leave a sicker, more expensive patient pool in the individual insurance markets created under Obamacare, driving up premiums.

The American Hospital Association said Trump’s order “could destabilize the individual and small group markets, leaving millions of Americans who need comprehensive coverage to manage chronic and other pre-existing conditions, as well as protection against unforeseen illness and injury, without affordable options.”

Small health insurers and state insurance regulators also criticized Trump’s move.

Hospital stocks edged lower in Thursday trading, with HCA Healthcare down 1.7 percent and Tenet Healthcare down 4.4 percent. Medicaid insurers also fell with Centene off 2.5 percent.

Trump has taken a number of other steps to weaken or undermine Obamacare. He has not committed to making billions of dollars of payments to insurers guaranteed under Obamacare, prompting many to exit the individual market or hike premiums for 2018.

The administration also halved the open enrollment period, which begins Nov. 1, slashed the Obamacare advertising and outreach budget, and allowed broad religious and moral exemptions to the law’s mandate that employers provide coverage for women’s birth control.

Reporting by Yasmeen Abutaleb; Additional reporting by Caroline Humer, Michael Erman, Jilian Mincer and Lewis Krauskopf in New York, Jeff Mason in Washington and Dan Levine in San Francisco; Writing by Alistair Bell; Editing by Will Dunham and Leslie Adler

Source link

[icanbeyourgenie]

[sirens attacking Aeron's ship]

It all happened so fast.

Morgana had finally agreed to let Aeron take a trip on his ship, and the fae couldn't be happier. He even had a pirate suit adjusted just for Calypso, who came with him, and was at first dizzy because of the movements of the ship. But Yasmeen held her hand until she got a grip of it, and now she seemed fine. She was even chatting with her husband, who was in better mood now that he was holding the helm of his ship that he had been in months. Yasmeen knew he loved piracy since... well, since he was a boy always asking her for pirate stories. Malachai came along, and spent more time watching Calypso and Aeron than actually talking. Yasmeen was content just admiring the move of the waves as the ship glided along it, when it all exploded.

The brutal contact with the cold water made her react. She was deep in it, now. Something was holding her leg. She grabbed one of her knives. The water slowed down her movement and blurried her vision, but somehow she was able to make enough damage to her oponent of them to let go of her. It was only when she finally reached the surface that she took a grasp of what happened.

They had been in a narrow path of a shoreline between two rocky cliff. Aeron had not been worried for a second. He had navigated worst paths a million times. But this time, something threw the ship against the cliff, effectively breaking it. Two somethings, actually.

The threat in the water was a bit difficult for Yasmeen to see, but judging by the speed at which the water moved, she would bet on sirens. The threat in the air, however, she never saw it before. Big birds, she thought, before she realized they were only half birds, and half human.

Her blood ran cold, but she snapped out of it. She only had a few seconds to react. She couldn't see where Malachai was, which meant he probably was fighting under the water. Aeron was in the sky, his wings spread. He seldom used them so Yasmeen almost forgot how they looked like. Aeron aimed for the weird bird that currently had Calypso between its claws. It dropped the girl into the water to fight Aeron, and Yasmeen swam towards her protegee.

Her knives slowed her down, but she arrived just in time to fatally wound two sirens that attacked an already injured Calypso. Yasmeen's moves were more difficult in the water. Thankfully, Calypso had turned into a mermaid already. And when Yasmeen became too exhausted to stay afloat after her fourth kill, the princess took her by the waist and quickly made them join the rocky shore.

❝Are you okay?❞ They spoke at the same time, but something moved in the corner of Yasmeen's eye and she was already on her feet, throwing a knife on the head of the bird that was aiming towards them. A few others followed and got closer, using their claws as effective weapons. Yasmeen managed to fatally hurt them before they got to Calypso and, thankfully, Aeron took over and drawed them to him, giving Yasmeen the time to kneel to assess Calypso's wounds. She had a few scratches on her waist, but it was mostly her tail that was bleeding. It probably explained why she hadn't turn back yet.

❝You're hurt.❞

❝So are you.❞ Calypso sounded worried, but Yasmeen had no time to assess her own wounds.

❝It's my job to protect you princess, not the other way around. Now let me see.❞

Yasmeen was aware that they weren't safe. It wasn't an island shore, but the feet of a cliff, filled with pointy rocks that gave them something to sit on and made it harder for the sirens to get to them, but not impossible. Yasmeen trusted Malachai to deal with them, and she knew Aeron could fend against the sky threats. So she focused on Calypso.

Fortunately, the wound wasn't too big. Soon enough, the threats were all dead, and the boys came back to them. Yasmeen let out a breath there. Calypso had grabbed her hand at some point.

❝Are you guys okay?❞ The princess asked, visibly worried.

❝Yes. Are you? Did they hurt you?❞ Malachai answered and the girls shook their heads.

❝Aeron, are you okay?❞ Calypso asked, and Yasmeen thought she was too good for him.

Aeron didn't answer. He was barely standing on one of the rocks, his wings did all of the job. He looked gloomy, almost murderous. He didn't often wear this look. Not that he wasn't dangerous, but Yasmeen knew he was more of the care-free kind of dangerous. The "I'll laugh and smile one second before stabbing you" type. He wasn't the cold-angry type. But seeing this look on his face, she knew he tought of his ship. It was his only joy in the world, it seemed.

❝You'll make another ship.❞ She wanted to think that she said those words respectfully, but she clearly sounded pissed. How dare he care more the well-being of his ship than the fact that they almost lost their lives?

It made him look at her with that same kind of anger, and Calypso immediately changed the subject.

❝What were those things?!❞

❝Sirens.❞ Malachai answered and Calypso rolled her eyes impatiently.

❝I know that already, brother. I meant the weird birds.❞

❝Sirens too.❞ Calypso frowned and he explained. ❝They're very rare, but the siren transformation processus is not unique. When the humans are turned into sirens, their bodies are given two choices.❞

❝So, like... bird or fish?❞ Malachai nodded. ❝You're saying that our brother could've been a bird?!❞

Yasmeen almost laughed but held it back. She could see that Malachai struggled to stay serious too. ❝Pretty much. We do not usually concern ourselves with the bird ones, since they don't live in the sea.❞

❝It was an attack.❞ Malachai answered.

❝We used to. When we lived in the sky. My uncle told me about them.❞ It was Aeron's first words. He looked a little bit more like himself already, but still a bit too serious compared to the usual. ❝My mother said they disappeared, but I already encoutered a few during my travels. Not this many in one pack, though.❞

A look of understanding passed between the two princes. A look that testified that, despite their differences, they were both trained soldiers who represented their respective people, and they knew what they had to do next. They nodded to each other.

❝Calypso, can you swim?❞ Malachai asked.

❝I think I can.❞

❝She can't.❞ Yasmeen chipped in. ❝She needs medical care first.❞ Calypso wanted to argue, but everyone could see that her tail was pretty hurt.

❝Then you'll hold on to me as we go back to court.❞

She nodded, as Aeron turned around to hold out his hand to Yasmeen. The two princes had decided of a way to bring the girls back to the fae court, but Yasmeen couldn't take this hand. She looked at the cliff above her.

❝I can climb.❞ She decided, and she knew she could. ❝I'll just walk.❞

❝Don't be ridiculous.❞ Aeron said. ❝It'll take you days. And you know I can't let you do that.❞

He couldn't. The risk of escape was too high. But she held her ground. ❝I'm not flying with you.❞

Yasmeen knew she was making it difficult, but she would always remember the time she flew with him to that wretched island she'll never forget. Malachai and Calypso were probably completely lost, but Yasmeen could feel Calypso squeezing her hand a little stronger, as a sign of support.

Aeron rolled his eyes. ❝You don't have the choice, wraith.❞

❝Yes she does.❞ Calypso answered, using her authoritarian princess voice. ❝If she wants to walk, then we'll walk.❞

Yasmeen almost smiled, her heart a little lighter to see that, even if Calypso didn't understand the problem, she had seen enough of Yasmeen's discomfort to take her side. People usually didn't do that.

❝Or she could swim with me.❞ All eyes turned to Malachai, who looked at Aeron. ❝You take my sister back, I'll take Yasmeen.❞

They looked at each other again, and Yasmeen could see the beginning of a trust blooming. Or at least the mutual knowledge that they were both constantly trying to avoid their immature parents to start a war. They could at least count on that. They agreed, and the girls did too. Aeron was about to take Calypso in his arms.

❝Wait.❞ The princess turned, and without a word, kissed Yasmeen on the lips. ❝That way, you'll be able to breathe underwater for at least an hour. It should be enough time for both of you to get back.❞

❝Hum... Thank you?❞ Calypso laughed at this reaction. Malachai did not.

❝Okay, time to go Sunshine.❞

He took her in, actually paying attention to her wounds, and they went into the sky together. It's when they were finally alone that Yasmeen noticed Malachai's stretched silence.

❝Are you... okay with that decision?❞

❝Of course I am.❞ He lightened up, or at least forced himself too. Yasmeen didn't understand, but blamed it on the recent fight. ❝But, just out of curiosity, why didn't you want to fly with Aeron?❞

Yasmeen wanted to be honest, but she wasn't ready for that conversation yet. ❝I don't particulary trust him. Does that surprise you?❞

❝If it was just that, you wouldn't have let Calypso go with him.❞

❝He can't hurt her without risking a war.❞ He knew it was only half the truth, but he didn't push. ❝Besides... I lost almost all of my knives.❞ She looked almost sad now. ❝I'd rather be with someone I trust completely if I don't have them with me.❞

He swam away without saying a word and, as puzzled as Yasmeen was, she couldn't help herself but realizing that it was the first time she saw his tail. Red, just like his eyes. She didn't have any time to dwell on her feelings that he already came back, holding said knives in his hand. Her eyes widened.

❝You mean those?❞

She jumped out of her rocks and came closer to him - thankfully, she still had a foothold, since they were near the shore. ❝How did you-❞

❝They all landed on the water when you threw them. I just caught them.❞

❝While fighting a hord of sirens?❞

❝I know how you love those knives.❞ Yasmeen didn't even try to hide her smile. ❝Besides, some of them helped. One of them landed right next to me at the exact moment I needed a weapon. I almost tought you threw it on purpose.❞

She put back each one of her knife in their sheath, trying but failing to find a way to thank Malachai for it, so she just stayed silent. Until the moment he touched one of the cut on her cheek, and she winced. ❝I was truly worried for you.❞ He admitted.

❝Were you?❞ She smiled. ❝Well I, on the other hand, trusted you completely, so I'm a little offended. Have I not proven myself to you?❞ She joked, and was satisfied to make him laugh a little.

❝You always have a comeback, don't you?❞

❝I'm afraid so.❞ In the silence that followed, she noticed how close they were but didn't step back. What was it about Malachai that made him feel safe to be close to? She didn't know. He was a prince, and he had shown signs of interests, she should have avoided him like the plague. But she didn't want to. ❝I like your tail.❞ She said instead, and when he looked embarassed, she immediately regretted it. ❝Sorry, is this a weird thing to say? I'm not familiar with-❞

❝It's not weird. Not at all. Just..❞

She knew he wanted to thank her, just like she did earlier. It appeared they had a lost of issues in showing their feelings, so she changed the subject.

❝It was uncomfortable, I'll admit. Fighting in the water. I couldn't move properly, and my vision was blurry.❞

❝I saw you. You did great, but yes we should totally work on that.❞

❝I can't breathe under water.❞

❝As my sister said, we can easily fix that.❞

❝I'm not sure the princess agreed to kiss me before every training session.❞

❝Well then we'll just have to find someone who's willing to do it.❞

Was this flirting? Yasmeen didn't want to answer this question. Lately, they toyed the line a lot, but always came back into safe territory just after. Maybe it was for the best.

❝Something is bugging me, though.❞ She loved the way he immediately listened. ❝I don't really know what happened. One minute we were on the ship. The next I was in the water. But there's a gap...❞

❝The sirens sang. It's hypnotizing for humans. Even I was a little disoriented by the birds' songs. I never heard it before. But... our ears are more fit to it. It's why we had time to react with Aeron. They stopped singing when we fought back.❞

She hated being reminded how humans were so vulnerable. ❝Is there a way to get used to it? For a human, I mean.❞

❝I admit I don't know...❞

❝I'll ask Nate when we get back. I'd like to try.❞ Malachai nodded. Their smiles dropped when they realized they truly had to go now.

❝Just hold on to my shoulders and I'll do the rest. Tell me if I go too fast, I know humans don't always like that. And if you can't breathe anymore at some point, you know what to do.❞

#i know it's long #but i'm basically writing to forget #so idc #also i had this scene in mind and truly wanted to write it #caleen's friendship is so precious to me #kaeron teaming up and having a mutual understanding #i love the 4 of them so much idc #yasmeen #aeron le fey #yasmeen x malachai #yasmeen x calypso #aeron x malachai #aeron x calypso #yasmeen x aeron #aeron x yasmeen #yasmeen writing prompt #aeron writing prompt #writing prompt #likeafairytale

[icanbeyourgenie]

“ You're a very good fighter. Usually I win quite easily but you really put a fight. I needed it. ” – a breathless Malachai to Yasmeen while he has his sword under her throat but didn't notice that she has one of her knives right on his ribs too

Yasmeen raised an eyebrow. “Why are you talking like you just won?”

“Because I-”

She pressed her knife a little bit tighter on Malachai's ribs, making him noticing it. He seemed surprised at first, and for a second she wondered if he would be mad. But then he truly laughed, and she relaxed a bit.

They were both breathless. It was their first training session together, since Malachai was due to leave for his battle in three days. It was still early, too early for faes to be up - they always started their day late. But they both woke up at dawn to train.

“As I said, you put a really good fight. But I had my sword under your throat first.”

“How would you know? You didn't even notice my knife. In a real fight you'd be dead already.”

He looked outraged, but not the scary type. “I would not!”

“I'm in the perfect position for my knife to go straight to your heart.” She stated.

“I would've sliced your throat before you could do that. A sliced artery is a quicker death.”

“Not if I puncture your lung first and you can't breathe.”

“You wouldn't have time to do that.”

“Oh I would. I'm very quick.”

“You know what? Let's agree on the fact that we'd both die in this situation.”

“Okay. But you first.”

“Absolutely not!”

They were about to keep arguing when they suddenly realized that they hadn't move. Malachai's sword was still on Yasmeen's throat, and her knife still on his rib. Like none of them wanted to admit defeat. Yasmeen didn't consider herself a particularly competitive person, except when it came to fighting. At this very moment, they looked at each other's eyes, and they were very close, but she wasn't scared.

She couldn't point out what exactly made them burst into laughing eventually. Maybe their own pride. But it was only then that they both retracted their weapons and caught their breathes. Malachai took a step back and went to drink a bit of water. Yasmeen declined the offer when he handed some to her.

“When did you learn to fight like that?” He finally asked. “I mean. I know I had tutors, I was trained to fight since I was old enough to carry a fake sword. But I guess it's not the case for you.”

“Not, it's not.” She couldn't say the full truth yet, so she settled on half of it. “I taught myself. I'm very skilled at observing people fighting and then learning the same moves.”

“I can see that. Thank you for your offer. It was exactly what I needed to clear my mind.”

“Of the fact that you're leaving in three days for a very dangerous battle you might not come back from?” She hated these words as she said them.

“I fought worse battles.” He answered, but he did look tense. It was his homeland he was fighting for, after all.

“Let's do another round. We still have hours before anyone gets up.”

Yasmeen tried to clear his mind again and it seemed to work, based on his smile. But it wasn't a pure smile. More of a smirk.

“Let's spice it up a bit.” He said.

“How?”

“With bets. If I win, you have to..... find a way to distract the lady Euphemia the next time she tries to talk to me. She's really becoming creepy lately.”

Yasmeen laughed freely. “She wants to be queen, she won't be so easily distracted. But fine, I will try. Once. The rest, you'll be on your own.”

“Deal. At least one reception when she isn't trying to talk to me will be peaceful enough. What's your price if you win.”

Yasmeen thought this through for a second. There was many things she could ask from Malachai. After all, he was a prince, and an heir. He could get away with a lot of things. Maybe she could ask him to punch Aeron, or Rhysand, or better - Aldris. That psychopath wouldn't be able to fight back, it would get his ego in check. But it's not what she asked.

“If I win,” She said after a time. “I want you to come back. In one piece.”

He looked at her with an intensity that she couldn't decipher, but she didn't look away. They stayed silent for a while. They often did that, the silent didn't scare them. Yasmeen knew he couldn't truly promise that. It wasn't entirely up to him. But when he nodded and whispered “Deal.”, she believed him. And so she picked up her knives, ready to win the other round.

#i'm sorry but this is fluff to me #a bit morbid for a talk but still so cute #i wanted to write their first training session so bad #yasmeen writing prompt #writing prompt #yasmeen x malachai #likeafairytale

[icanbeyourgenie]

“ Are you stalking me, Wendy? ” – Achilles to Wendy!Yasmeen

❝Yes.❞

❝Okay........ Why?❞

Wendy crossed her arms. She had indeed been stalking this weird boy and his girl companion since they first put foot on the island. She was looking at him with unexpressive eyes and when she didn't answer, he took the lead.

❝I'm looking for my friend. Have you seen her?❞

Still no answer. Nothing but that wary gaze.

❝She's approximately this height.❞ Achilles tried again. ❝Brown hair - well, not always, but it's not the point. She was with me, but I lost her in the fog.❞

❝Why are you here?❞

❝Is it your island? I'm sorry if we trespassed. But we're on a quest from the gods and-❞

❝Why would the goddesses send you to that place?❞

Achilles paused again, realizing she mentioned only goddesses. Maybe they stepped foot in an island of girls only. Like the amazons. Maybe those girls were like Artemis' huntresses and worshipped goddesses only, not the gods. It was risky, but he could appreciate any disrespect made to gods. However, he had no time to think about this. He needed to find Nastya.

❝Look, lady, I can see that you're a very mistrutful person and I respect that. But I would truly like to find my friend. So, can you help me or not? This island is a mess❞

❝Your friend was taken by Tiger Lilly's clan.❞ Wendy finally said, still wary.

❝Okay. Where is that?❞

❝Doesn't matter. She's probably dead now.❞

❝No she's not!❞ Achilles replied, and he was truly mad at that simple suggestion. It didn't seem to rattle Wendy.

❝Your friend is a girl and Tigris Lilly don't let girls live too long.❞

❝Why?❞

Wendy shrugged. ❝She wants to marry Peter and doesn't want any other girl stealing him from her when he'll come back. But he won't come back. He went away many years ago now.❞

At this moment, Achilles thought he truly ended up in a island filled with crazy people. But he didn't care. ❝Nastya is resourceful. More than you think. She's not dead, I know it.❞

Wendy looked at him without saying a word before turning away. Achilles thought she wasn't interested in helping him at all. Until she stopped, a few meters away.

❝Are you not following me?❞

He paused, a little puzzled. ❝Are you leading me to her?❞

❝Yes. And if you make it out alive, you need to leave. We had more than enough lost boys on this island in the past. They're not welcome anymore.❞

#I had this first encounter in my mind for weeks now #it's short but I had to write it #the contrast between them at this point is so funny #I swear they're gonna end up true friends #but young yas needs time to trust people #yasmeen #yasmeen x achilles #young!yasmeen #wendy!yasmeen #in my mind nastya definitely has charmed the entire clan except lilly when they get there lmao #yasmeen writing prompt #writing prompt #likeafairytale

[icanbeyourgenie]

“ Did one of you discover anything at all about the Backwater? ” – Morgana to Aeron and Yasmeen

Aeron arrived last at the little meeting, and he could already tell his fun night out was compromised. Morgana was obviously seething. Such a shame, he was already pre-drunk for the party he organized.

They were not alone in the room. Euphemia was on the side, with an annoyed look that didn't leave her since Aeron and Calypso's wedding. Rhys put an arm over her shoulder and she made no effort to hide her disgusted face - he's been courting her ever since her engagement to Aeron was called off. Aldris was stoic next to them, looking every bit the sociopathic serial killer he was. Xanthe paid them no mind, scrabbling something on a page like the whole room was empty.

It was only when Aeron noticed Syrus that he lightened up a bit. His uncle was practically laid out on a chair, smirking at him, like they shared a private joke. Like he found Morgana's temper as laugh-worthy as him. Aeron repressed a smile. Despite his uncle laid out posture, he radiated power all the same. And so did the high queen. So the golden son straightened up and looked at her.

But she wasn't looking at him. Her ire gaze was directed at Yasmeen. Aeron suddenly realized how she was the only human there. He had a tendency to forget it. That girl had never looked fragile or weak to him, like all humans were. But here, in this room, he suddenly remembered her mortality. And if she did too, she didn't show it one bit.

❝I know about princess Calypso's interests.❞ Yasmeen spoke, voice clear. ❝Her hobbies, her favorite food, items. Nothing of interest to you, my queen.❞

Morgana relaxed a second at this mention of respect, and Aeron couldn't help but find this childish. ❝No, indeed. I was beginning to think that wasting your abilities on Calypso was a mistake on my part. But I heard that a few nights ago, the prince Malachai asked you to come to his chamber.❞

❝He did, your Majesty.❞

Euphemia chimed in. ❝And? What happened?❞

Aeron almost rolled his eyes at his cousin's ignorance. Yasmeen didn't react. She knew that answering Euphemia's questions while Morgana was directly talking to her would be considered disrespectful. Besides, it was a stupid question.

❝I assume that if you learned anything valuable, you would have reported to me immediately?❞ Morgana threatened, more than asked.

❝Yes, your Majesty.❞

❝Good. Because it doesn't align with me how my most skilled spy have found no valuable information about the enemy after two months in their constant presence.❞ Morgana grabbed Yasmeen's chin threateningly. ❝One might wonder where said-spy's loyalty lies.❞

This is when Aeron decided to speak. He didn't know why. ❝I've spent months trying to gather informations out of Calypso. I don't think she has extensive knowledge of her father's moves.❞

Morgana finally diverted her attention away from Yasmeen, back to her favorite son. But Syrus spoke first. ❝But his first son and general of his army will. Our lovely changeling here caught his attention. Now she simply has to keep seducing him and all the informations will be ours.❞

A part of Aeron wanted to argue that Yasmeen had shown she had other means to get information rather than sex. Another part wanted to argue that he believed Malachai to be less stupid than that. But instead he just said: ❝Let's all clarify why I was forced to get married to the daughter of Triton if we're still talking about a war, shall we?❞

❝I told you,❞ Xanthe answered, and Aeron was surprised to see that he actually listened. ❝We're just buying time.❞

❝And you could help if you spent a little more time with your wife gaining her trust instead of... whatever the hell it is you're doing.❞ This time Aldris spoke - the one person in this room Aeron disliked more than Rhysand.

❝My wife is happier away from me, and it works both ways.❞

Morgana came closer to him - Yasmeen forgotten, the girl was as silent as the dead. Morgana cupped his face in a more gentle way. ❝But ruling a kingdom isn't about being happy, my son. It's about doing what you have to do.❞

Rhys immediately stood up. ❝He doesn't understand this, mother. But I do.❞

Aeron rolled his eyes shamelessly. What a sucker his brother was.

❝So if I recap, Yasmeen and I are expected to slut our ways into getting informations for your awaited war. Is that what I'm supposed to get from this little meeting?❞

Syrus chuckled at his impertinence. Aeron knew that no one else in this room would have gotten away with that kind of answer. He had privileges on that part. ❝That's pretty much it, yes.❞ His uncle said almost fondly.

❝Then Xanthe should join us too. After all, he had Nathaniel in his bed like what... six ? seven times?❞ Xanthe looked at him with an unreadable expression. But Morgana cut before he could reply.

❝Xanthe will do his part to help the family and so will you. I hope I am making myself clear. Now, Yasmeen, escort my son back to his chambers. His wife awaits him.❞

Aeron didn't say a thing as he followed Yasmeen. It's not like he had any real agency here, and neither did she.

❝You must truly hate us all.❞

❝I love my queen, and I am loyal to her.❞ She answered with a placid voice that made him smirk.

❝Lies are so fascinating. You have always been a great liar. Maybe this is why you told the best stories.❞

❝I didn't know you liked to dwell on memories.❞

❝I don't. But I'm rather drunk, even if it doesn't show-❞

❝It does.❞

❝Ouch. Okay.❞

They walked in silence for a while until Aeron grabbed her wrist to stop them. She immediately grabbed one of her knives.

❝I know Calypso is nice to you. But no one is worth losing your head over. She'd betray you in an instant if her father asked it of her.❞

❝You don't know her.❞

❝It doesn't matter. Everyone is like that, no matter how nice. Sooner or later, they'll turn on you. You should know that.❞

❝I do.❞ She answered coldly while retracting her hand. ❝There's nothing to betray. I didn't lie. Now, if you'll excuse me, we reached our destination and I have other places to be.❞

Aeron frowned when he realized they were not in front of his marital chambers, but his old ones, that he still used. ❝I think my mother intended for you to escort me to Calypso.❞

❝Then she should've been clearer. I'm only human after all. Besides, the princess deserves better than your drunk company.❞

He laughed while her gaze remained icy. ❝You like her too much. It'll get you killed.❞

❝Your Highness is ever so kind to worry about me.❞ The sarcasm was now clear in her voice. She opened the door. ❝After you.❞

Aeron sighed and entered the room. He opened his mouth to say something but she had already closed the door. He knew that if he were to open it, Yasmeen would already be long gone. So instead he just fell on his bed, trying to find every possible ways to get out of the castle and back on his ship as soon as possible, until the moment sleep claimed him.

#idk what this is but i was inspired by the ask and wanted to write it #I didn't know how to end it #but I really wanted to write about the insides of the faes dynamic #the 'Le Fey' family and Yasmeen's role in all that #they're truly game of thrones material in my head #aeron le fey #yasmeen #aeron writing prompt #yasmeen writing prompt #writing prompt #likeafairytale

[icanbeyourgenie]

“ You know, I have a door, you should come from it, it's less dangerous. ” – Malachai to Yasmeen, who entered his room in the middle of the night by the window

Yasmeen smiled lightly while closing the window behind her. She didn't make a sound, outside of her knocks on the glass.

“Is it really?”

“I'm on the highest floor of the east tower. It's raining outside. The walls are slippery.” He said, and followed his words by handing her a towel. She liked how he kept a distance while doing so.

“I like the height. And the fresh air.”

She welcomed the soft feeling of the warm towel on her face, and then around her shoulders. Noble people always had such fluffy towels. Nothing compared to the rough fabric the servants were occasionally given. She could get used to it.

“What are you doing here? Are you in trouble? Did Rhys claim you ag-” He must've seen her tense, cause he stopped talking on his own.

“Nothing like that.” She tried to steady her voice. She had no reason to be angry, it could've very much been the truth. “You looked tense.”

Malachai looked puzzled. “What?”

“Earlier, on the church. You looked tense. Like something weighted on you.” It was not just the church, where they didn't talk much this time, but the entire day. Yet she wasn't ready to admit that she watched him that closely. “You helped me last night. I figured I could try to do the same.”

“You don't have t-”

“I know.”

He paused for a moment to look at her, deep in his thoughts. Like he was truly debating something. Yasmeen didn't know what exactly. But she knew that it was the first time she wasn't uncomfortable under a man's gaze.

Then, without a word, he went back to the table in the center of the room. The spy followed but this time, she didn't find checkers, but a real war board. She didn't understand. Triton and Morgana weren't at war. Not yet at least.

“The sirens.” Malachai said, like he read her mind. “They're gaining territory lately. ”

Yasmeen didn't know exactly why Malachai trusted her with this information already. But she could see in the way his shoulders sagged that he was truly tired, even if he hid it pretty well. She had just be trained to observe, and right now she could see him fixed on a board he barely saw anymore after hours of reflexion, the red of his eyes expending and his eyelids struggling to stay open until he found the solution to a problem he didn't explain to her yet. She felt the need to assist. She didn't understand why, but wasn't it why she came here? She had noticed him looking tense all day and had dread the worst - her mind had a way to make up the worst scenarios possible in second or less - and she had come to confirm one of them. So she came closer.

The war board was a pretty basic one, simply put on the table - which made sense since Morgana wouldn't have allowed a true war board to be built on the borrowed chamber of the enemy. Yasmeen stayed silent. She had seen enough war council to understand what was happening, but she wanted to let Malachai the option to either confide in her, or change the subject. Still, she was surprised when he started talking (She was always surprised when he told her little secrets about him when they were alone in the church, but this was another kind of trust entirely).

“This is the war base of the Greenland sea. If they manage to take it, they'll soon take control over the Norwegian sea, which would significally extend their territory, and persuade some of the most dubious sea lords to switch sides and turn against my father. If they win this battle-”

“The blow on your father's reign will be too big. And if he appears weak, Morgana will strike immediately.”

They looked at each other with some kind of understanding. Yasmeen saw a bit of mistrust in Malachai's red eyes. He wasn't stupid. It was Morgana that sent Yasmeen as a guard and maid for Calypso, and he was clever enough to know that Morgana probably used Yasmeen's abilities in some other way. It was logical to doubt her. So this time, she talked first, without breaking eye contact.

“And you're outnumbered.”

“Barely. But sirens fight dirty. They're stronger and faster.”

“Prince Nathaniel doesn't seem to be stronger. He seems rather weak.”

Malachai choked on a laugh. “My brother has not fed since he was a little boy. It does weaken him - don't tell him that, though. But those sirens will be freshly fed, and out for blood. And our army has taken a lot of blows lately, and some are fighting other battles. The men I was given are not enough to win this time.” Malachai looked away, which made Yasmeen realized that they didn't break eye contact once. He looked ashamed. “My father wants to send civilians.”

“But they'll die.”

“That's the point. They'll be used as a decoy, a given feast, so we can still win while the sirens are distracted.”

“I see. And do you want to do that?”

“Not really. But I might not have the choice.”

He looked at her this time, and found no judgment in her eyes. Instead she examined the board for a few silent minutes.

“Or you could use yourselves as a decoy.” Malachai raised an eyebrow. “You said it yourself, your army is weakened, and there's other battles to fight. The sirens won't have any idea how many you're supposed to be. You take one part of your army and you make them march to them. You should be amongst them, so the sirens truly think it's the entirety of your army. Meanwhile, soldiers will be hidden on both sides of the zone. When the sirens all came to you, they'll come out. This way, you'll encircle them. And any encircled army-”

“-is a dead one.” Malachai finished, eyes brighting up. “Great strategy.”

“One that doesn't involve sending untrained men, women and children to their deaths, at least.” She drew a smirk from Malachai with her remark but didn't dwell too much on it. “It might still be a bloodbath.”

“Yes, but as you said, only with people who chose this path. And we might actually win... Thank you. Truly.”

He looked at her and she smiled for the first time since she was here. A shy smile, but still a smile. She suddenly became aware of how close they became during this conversation, and took a step back.

He took a moment to gather his thoughts. “Calypso doesn't know about any of it. Can you please keep it that way?”

“I wasn't even here.” She replied, and just like that, this night and many others to come became their secret.

She turned to leave, and she was almost at the window, when he started to talk again, which effectively stopped her.

“It's my home, you know? I was born in the Norwegian sea. I have responsibility over it. If they take it...”

He didn't finish, but Yasmeen could make up the rest in the silence that trailed. She took a decision, here and then. “When are you leaving?”

“In three days.” It bothered her. “Hopefully, I'll return.”

“Do you want to train with me tomorrow?”

His eyes widened. “I thought you preferred to train alone.”

“I changed my mind. Tomorrow, 8 o'clock?”

He nodded. “Also you... you can come here... Whenever you want, I mean.”

“Only if you return.”

“The maybe you could pray for me?”

“You truly think you have to ask?”

He smiled, and she turned away before he could see her own smile. In a breath, she was gone, window closed behind her like she was never there. She couldn't explain why she was so eager to start their training session the following day, but this was a question for later.

#okay i suck at battle strategy so i hope it makes sense #the struggle of writing characters that have knowledges that you don't lmao #but I love them talking about battle strategies together #and having midnight secret meetings #so I really wanted to write one #they're so cute I love them #they're both a bit wary but it's normal and it'll change slowly #they need to learn that they can trust someone else #yasmeen #yasmeen writing prompt #yasmeen x malachai #writing prompt #likeafairytale

[icanbeyourgenie]

“ This is where you're hiding? Pretty place. ” – Malachai to Yasmeen while following her to the palace's chuch

Yasmeen was startled. She did not startle easily, since she was usually always on her guard. But something about the church always made her feel safer, more relaxed. So she let her guard down and didn't hear Malachai come in.

A second later, she was standing, two of her knives in her hand. It was not the right move. Drawing weapons against the eldest prince of the sea could easily backfire on her. But something about being alone with a man - a prince - in a recluse place turned her survival instincts on. She noticed Malachai looking at her lately. Calypso talked highly of him but Yasmeen never took a sister's words on her brother's behavior. They were usually clueless as to what they did in the dark. And even though she couldn't really refuse him if he asked anything from her, maybe seeing her knives would make him reconsider.

She expected some anger from him. But he only raised his hands in surrender, as to show he wasn't a threat.

❝I mean no harm. My mother was deeply religious, she used to take us to many churches under the sea. I wanted to be in a sacred place for a while. It helps me think. I can leave if you want.❞

Yasmeen didn't expect this answer. She never heard of a royal person being respectful of religious practices before. She took a pause, examining him. Then slowly put back in knives in their sheath and sat back in her place, in the back of the church. She didn't say anything, but it was clear that she wanted to keep an eye on him, so he sat in the front.

He said a few random things, here and now. Probably to break the ice. But Yasmeen stayed silent so he stopped talking too. Usually her silence made some people uncomfortable. Maybe he would leave. (Maybe he'd do something worse).

It was only after a long moment that he spoke again.

❝This place is sad. It's so dull. There is no decorations, no colors except those flowers.❞ She put the flowers there, but she did not mention it.

❝Your Highness should come back during a time of celebration.❞ It was the only time faes seemed to pretend to care about their goddess... She did not say that out loud either. She did not want to talk longer than planned.

After a few minutes, Malachai turned to look at her. ❝Do you want me to leave?❞

❝I don't own the place.❞

❝Yes, but do you want me to leave?❞

She wondered if he'd just leave if she asked. He was a prince and she was a mortal servant. Surely he would just laugh. But then again, he looked sincere...

❝It's fine.❞ She replied after a long pause. ❝You can stay. This place is in need of more visitors, as your Highness can see.❞

They stayed in silent after that. Yasmeen was still tensed, but she didn't know yet what all this place would bring to both of them.

#they need a beginning #and it's their first scene in the church for sure #yasmeen #yasmeen writing prompt #yasmeen x malachai #likeafairytale #writing prompt

[icanbeyourgenie]

[ Peter!Viserys listening at the window to a teenage!Yasmeen telling a story to young!Aeron, the night he came to take them ]

Yasmeen always found it strange how prince Aeron never seemed to know what her purpose was. He was still young after all - not technically younger than her in age, but immortal beings took way longer to grow up, so younger in maturity at least. But she also knew that there was no age for fae cruelty, and that they were initiated to what could be considered 'adult activities' very early in life. But the first night she was sent to him, he only asked for a bedtime story.

As strange as it seemed, she complied. The next time he asked for her specifically, she felt dread sinking into her stomach. Had she made the mistake to be too interesting? She could easily get taken away into her stories, she knew that... But when he asked for another story she realized: she could probably borrow time with her stories. Make them as interesting as she could so he'd always want that instead of something else. She knew the bad part would come, but she could stall. Sherazade did it first, right?

The young prince loved pirates and aventures, so that's what she gave him. Tales of piracy and thiefs and freedom. He didn't particularly like romance, but he adored the part where they fought monsters and found treasures. She was in the middle of a tale, deep into the part where the main character had to fight the mightiest of sea monsters. She had a fake hat and a real sword in her hand, she talked with a fake deep voice and he was laughing. Truly laughing. Until suddenly, he stopped.

The room went chill and Yasmeen clang to the sword as the strangest figure came by the window - she had no idea how to use a sword, she just found it lying around and used it for story purposes.

The figure came in and she realized it was a boy. Around her age - at least in appearance. A little yellow pixie flew around him, casting light on his face.

"Hey I saw you before! You like my window." said the young prince, apparently not frightened at all.

The boy smiled, but it did not quite reach his eyes. Aeron didn't notice that. Yasmeen did. She went as quiet as possible, almost invisible if she didn't stand in the middle of the room too.

"I'm Peter. I was watching you, to see if you were the right man for the task."

Aeron, whose eyes lit up at being called a man, got up from this bed, all excited already. "What task?"

"I'm living on my island, but there's a pirate who is always looking for trouble. He wants my land and I want to fight him off, cause that's mine and there's not supposed to be adults in Neverland!"

"A pirate?! I want to be a pirate!"

"Then you have to prove you can fight other pirates first, right?"

"Yeah! And there's no adult in your island?"

"No. Only children. Adults are too boring to play with us."

"They are!! My mother is always asking me to do boring stuff, but I just want to be a pirate and I want my own ship!"

"If you come with me, we can steal captain Hook's ship. Would you like that?"

"Hell yeah! And 'captain hook' is a lame name. I'd have a much better one!"

"You could. We can do whatever we want in my island, no adults to tell us no."

"How do we go to your island?"

"The sky. We need to fly. Second star the the right, and straight on 'til morning."

"Hey I know how to fly!"

Peter's lips twitched. Only for a micro second and then his charming place was back. Yasmeen could've think she dreamt it, but then her looked at her. He looked charming and a part of her wanted to like and trust him. But another part had the alarm on. He almost looked nice but his eyes were cold. And the pixie that flew around him was looking at her with a death promise in her eyes. The young human girl didn't exactly understand what was going on but she understood these 3 facts: Peter was here for Aeron and the prince seemed eager to join. That Peter was probably not what he seemed. And no matter what, she couldn't escape what would come next.

"That was a nice story." Peter said to her, and all hope of being invisible flew through the window. She stayed silent. But Aeron did not.

"She has the best stories! She's just a human so she's going to die. I didn't know dying people had good stories but she does! It's stupid to die when you have good stories..."

"Indeed it is. Such a waste.." Peter came closer to her. He looked nice. For a second she didn't understand why she was so on guards. Then her alarm came back on. "In my island, nobody dies. Or at least not because of time. No one grows up because adults are the worst. I need somewhere there to tell stories. You're coming?"

"Yes she is!"

"...... I don't know how to fly."

Peter laughed. "Of course not. But that can be arranged."

"Let's go let's go let's go! It's so boring in here."

Aeron was already dressed and ready to go and Yasmeen realized she did not have much of a choice. If she stayed, and was the last person to see the prince, she'd probably be executed for his disappearance. Even if she wasn't, she'd have to go back to the pleasure house, and she'd do anything to get out of this hell. So in the end she took Peter's hand, not yet realizing that she was treading one hell for another.

#that's just me having too much anxiety at 3 am #yasmeen #aeron le fey #yasmeen x viserys #aeron x viserys #yasmeen x aeron #aeron x yasmeen #writing prompt #yasmeen writing prompt #aeron writing prompt #likeafairytale #neverland era

[icanbeyourgenie]

“ Can I ask you one thing? You're allow to refuse it. I give you permission to slap me, if that offence you. Even if that will make me sad, you can even refuse to see me again after that. But... Can I have one kiss? Just one, I won't ask for more. Just one simple kiss. And then, we'll be friends, without anbiguity, I promise you. ” – a shy Malachai to Yasmeen

Yasmeen stayed silent for a few long seconds, examining Malachai's wish. Her first instinct was to flee. But then she realized he was asking, not demanding. And even more, she realized she really trusted him. So she wondered.

Could she actually do it? Kissing was never something she enjoyed, because it's never been something she chose. But she was still. just a girl. So for a moment she wondered: could it be something nice, if it was done because she wanted to, as much as the other person? Or would she vanish anyway?

"You don't..." Kai started, probably destabilized by her long silence. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked that. You don't have to say yes."

"I know."

But she wanted to. She wanted to try, especially because there was no obligation. So she took a step forward.

"Can you... Can you please stay still?"

She sounded nervous, but she needed to be the one in control here. She needed to fight the demons that still plagued her mind daily. Kai nodded, seeming to understand. He knew Rhys had abused her - and could still do it on a whim. He didn't know about her past on a pleasure house. She didn't want to share that part, not yet - but he still seemed to understand that she needed time.

Yasmeen got closer and closer until they were almost touching. She steeled her breath and heard his catch in his throat. But he still didn't move, he still didn't touch her, and she was grateful for it.

Her demons were already ragging, trying to drag her out of her body, but she fought to stay present. She grabbed on Malachai's shirt and put her other hand on his cheek. She tried to focus on all the details she could to stay there. The redness of his eyes - surreal but beautiful. A few freckles that could only be seen from this distance. A few scars too.

His hands were twitching but he kept them to himself. Yasmeen was grateful. She was not feeling strong enough to have them encircle her waist. Not now. She needed to feel like she could run away any moment, like she was free.

Their foreheads touched and he closed his eyes. Could she do it? The next second, her lips was on his. She expected fear, disgust, the urge to ran away and the inability to do so.

Except all she felt was warm. Safe, even. She felt Malachai's smile on her lips and then realized that she was smiling too. It only lasted a few seconds before she drew back, not wanting to give her demons the opportunity to ruin this. His cheeks were flushed, hers must have been too, and she secretly wondered if she could consider this to be her first kiss? It would be a technical lie, of course. But it was the first kiss she ever wanted. The first kiss that made her want to smile instead of crying.

"Hum.. Friends, then?" Kai broke the silence, making Yasmeen laugh with joy. Yes, she decided. She'd consider this her first kiss. No one could tell her otherwise.

"Yes, friends." She kissed his cheek then. "Thank you. For not moving. It means the world to me."

#look at me dealing with my character's trauma to avoid my own mental breakdown #is it healthy? #not sure #but is it working? #hell yeah #idc i want to write about healing from traumas okay #yasmeen x malachai #yasmeen #yasmeen writing prompt #writing prompt #likeafairytale

[icanbeyourgenie]

“ Tell me the truth, brothers; is she prettier than me? Yasmeen, do you think she's prettier than me? You all can say the truth I won't throw a fist. ” – Calypso to Blue and Malachai, then to Yasmeen about Zelda

Yasmeen shared a look with the brothers, who both seemed confused and taken by surprise by Calypso's question. She knew Calypso's brothers for long enough to know that, out of the two, only Blue could give an actually reassuring answer to his little sister. However, Yasmeen wouldn't count too much on it today. Ever since Zelda presented herself at court, Blue couldn't take his eyes off her. He seemed intrigued by her. Even at this moment, where the four of them were in a corner of the palace room, looking at Zelda talking with Aeron in the distance, Blue's eyes went to the claimed lost fae - Yasmeen didn't fully believe her. Something wasn't adding up. She didn't know why but she for sure would do a little digging and spying later.

"Hum, Blue ?" Kai asked, clearly not planning on his little brother's lack of response.

"Yeah? Oh right... Hum, you're both pretty I guess."

"What does that even mean?" Calypso protested, her voice rising. Even Yasmeen had to admit that this was a lame response - but in Blue's defense, he was busy fighting with his memories at the moment. Or rather his lack of.

"What our brother is saying..." Kai corrected, clearly pissed at Blue to have to be the one to find the right words to comfort Calypso "Is, why is this important to you?"

"I don't know. Just look at her. Ulla let her present herself as her daughter. She barely doesn't even admit we're family! What's so special about that girl?"

That was part of the problem of course. But Yasmeen knew that Calypso decided to omit the fact that she was equally annoyed by a certain fae prince freely laughing with that blonde girl, just a few meters from them.

"Just forget about Ursula already." Blue chipped in, his anger against the sea witch strong enough to make him forget about Zelda for a second. "She betrayed you in the worst way possible. She's not worth your affection."

"I know, but..."

"And look." Kai added, seconds away from regretting his input. "Your trash husband seems all over her. If he likes her, she can't be that pretty or interesting, right?"

"Wow. You're both completely useless, thanks!"

Calypso didn't even let them the time to react that she was gone, probably in the direction of her chambers. Kai seemed completely surprised and lost by this reaction. Blue too, but he quickly gathered himself to go talk to Zelda.

Yasmeen tried to hold back her laughter at the view of a completely confused Malachai, but she couldn't. He seemed to remember her presence at this moment. She had that effect most of the time, she was so silent that she could almost disappear. It served her a great deal, mostly to collect secrets.

"Did I say something wrong?" Kai asked her, clearly lost, which made Yasmeen laugh even more.

"Oh yes. But it was an honest mistake. You can't predict the effects of jealousy."

"That doesn't make any sense. Does she think Ulla chose Zelda because of her looks? I know my sister and-" Once again, he was cut by Yasmeen's laughter. "What is it??"

"Nothing. Men are so clueless, that's all."

"Well then tell me!"

"I'm sure you can figure it out by yourself. Right now, I have your little sister to comfort, since you both did such a terrible job."

With these words, Yasmeen left Kai to his confusion and went back to Calypso's quarters. She wondered if the mermaid was even aware of her own feelings for Aeron. She also wondered if those feelings were a good idea. Regardless, she knew deep down that there was more about Zelda that she let on. And she'll figure out the truth soon enough.

#this one made me laugh so I wanted to answer it #yes even from my phone #the brothers are clueless and yasmeen is so amused by their family drama #yasmeen #yasmeen writing prompt #blue #blue writing prompt #yasmeen x calypso #blue x calypso #i love yas bullying every men differently lmao #making fun of kai and threatening aeron #i need to find something for blue #writing prompt #likeafairytale #yasmeen x malachai #blue x malachai

[icanbeyourgenie]

“ I promise you that one day, you'll be free, and won't live in fear. No more fea to bring you back in this hellish place. ” – Viserys to Yasmeen

Yasmeen looked at the man in front of her. Saying that she trusted him would be pushing, but she did learn to rely on the fact that he wouldn't hurt her. For all the tales there were about ogres eating children, Viserys was the proof that not all stories should be trusted.

"... They will. They always find humans in the enchanted forest. And they have sentinels in the human world."

Her throat was soar. She used to be so silent that Viserys was convinced she was mute until she started talking a few days ago. Still, it was so rare that her voice was ragged, like it was surprised to be allowed into existence.

"I'll find you a place where they won't think of searching. Somewhere in the human world where you belong." Yasmeen did not think she belonged in a world she never knew, but she kept this for herself.

"Or I could stay with you.."

The moment she said those words she regretted them. She knew how she sounded. Scared, desperate, lonely. She was all these things but she shouldn't show it. She braced herself, holding onto her knife, as Viserys looked at her with gentle but sorry eyes. He'd tell her the truth at least, and she'll appreciate it. Better terrible truth that kind lies.

"The life I'm living is not suited for a child, little one."

She wanted to protest that she wasn't a child. That she was almost fourteen. But wasn't this exactly what a child would say? He was right, she knew this. It hurt all the same, but all she did was nod her head and look away. She could at least trust that he would indeed get her out of here. Finding her purpose would be up to her.

"The human world it is then.."

#writing prompt #yasmeen writing prompt #yasmeen #yasmeen x viserys #likeafairytale

[icanbeyourgenie]

“ I give you everything if you save the baby. Please, I'll give you my soul, the throne, whaveter you desire, just save the baby. ” – a desperate Malachai to Ursula while holding Yasmeen

Ursula never thought she'd see her brother look this desperate. She grew up with him and never once saw him plead like this. It broke the heart she kept ignoring daily, but nevertheless she couldn't help him.

"I can't... I can't do anything anymore."

"Yes you can! I saw you doing it before! You brought back fishes when we were teenagers! You're doing it with your birds to this day!"

"It's not the same. I don't bring them back to life, not truly. Only their bodies."

"Please, please just try. I know you can do it!"

She couldn't, but Malachai was shaking, so she tried.

She put her hand on Yasmeen's belly. The girl - who was pleading too when she called the witch - was deadly silent now. And so still. If she wasn't gripping on Malachai's arms, Ursula might have thought she was looking at a statue.

The witch tried, she really did. But the baby was long gone by now. There was nothing anybody could do for him.

Malachai panicked, seeing nothing happening. "Please... I'll give you my soul-"

"Don't say that. I don't want your soul. Your soul can't fix this situation." Ursula replied, perhaps a bit harshly giving the situation, but she knew how people could be when they were deseparate. She did not want Malachai to be offering her soul to another demon because of his pain.

"There must be something-"

"Stop." It was Yasmeen who spoke this time. She sounded so tired, like she lacked months of sleep. "It really is too late, isn't it?"

"I..." It wasn't in Ursula's customs to stutter, but seeing the look on his brother's face did awaken something in her, something that she thought she left when she was exiled. "I can do something for the pain.."

"No. Don't. The pain is fine. Thank you for your time."

The girl silently put her head back on Malachai's shoulder, who held her tighter. She didn't cry, but an endless pain was visible on her face. She looked dead inside. And Malachai didn't look better, slowly realizing that nothing could be done. Ursula hesitated a moment. She almost hated herself for speaking again, but it needed to be said.

"There's more..." The two of them looked at her and she braced herself for what was coming next. "It was not... a normal miscarriage. It was magic. It was in something you ate or drink, Yasmeen... Someone did this to you..."

For a minute, something wild passed their face. A deep, profound rage - Ursula guessed it was better than looking dead. But soon the hurt and pain came back, and the whole room fell silent.

She knew she had no place there anymore. She needed to let them to grieve. Maybe Malachai could express his feelings in front of her, but Yasmeen looked deeply private, the witch didn't expect to see any single tear before she was gone. She did not want to go. But she had to.

"I truly am sorry..."

On this note, she called back the darkness to claim her and took her somewhere else. And even the coldness of the dark was more welcoming than what she left behind.

#this storyline is breaking my heart for real!! #so i needed to quickly answer that #ursula writing prompt #yasmeen writing prompt #ursula x malachai #yasmeen x malachai #ursula x yasmeen #yasmeen x ursula #likeafairytale #writing prompt