#OracleQuill's Writing

[oraclequill]

Spotpass - Gen, Modern AU. Priam

Not on AO3, but check out my other writings on AO3 at -> OracleEther. An unedited, bit of a personal piece this time for 2/9. Just as a means to try and heal. My best friend died in 2024 and the wound is closed, but fuck if it doesn't still hurt. Warning for healing grief/pet death. If you've been there, you've been there.

Had it truly come to end like this? So sudden and unexpected, despite his instincts warning him–screaming even–that the time was near. If only he’d known how near, he’d have made sure to have put more time aside to spend with his dog. Even in the dog’s senior years, the shepherd-mix held the worn leash between its teeth. Her tail idly thumping in expectation of their shared running routine. But now, the leash was simply a strip of leather, the worn metal buckle and pin. Unable to be looped around the neck of the canine who it’d belonged to, once upon a time. An ongoing story with a page torn from the spine of the book. Priam felt not quite hollow, but as though some piece of him was still missing. It was not violently ripped away and neither quiet in its vanishing.

It was merely just…gone.

— Priam wasn’t sure why he carried the leash in hand on his morning runs. The clink of metal and cord gave him a sense of ease, that he wasn’t alone on a jog, but the lack of strength pulling at his hand made him long for the days he couldn’t get back.

Someone patted at his back with their hand–it was Robin, who ran in place to keep her breathing pace as Stahl jogged in after her, taking a drink from his water bottle–“Hey, Priam. Mind if we join you?” “Sure,” Priam gave a small smile, one that seemed easier to show despite all that’d happened. “I guess I could use the company… ”

Robin gave him her own smile, her eyes understanding as she took place beside him. The passing conversations had been simple and with some laughs and friendly banter. Priam felt his heart sting less at the company of those two. Store windows showed the interiors. Robin paused to glance at a set of novels she’d been thinking of picking up. Already, Stahl carried two books under his arm, one about cooking and the other about medical practice under his arm. Priam glanced at some of the war related novels and almanacs before returning them to where he got them; in comparison to Stahl and Robin–he wasn’t as dedicated of a reader.

Priam gave Stahl a friendly bump to the shoulder with his fist, nodding that he was going to wait outside. The leash was still carried in his hand. The metal clinked in rhythm as he walked out the bell-equipped door which jingled shut behind him. Taking a deep breath, Priam listened to the sound of the city traffic, the beginning beat of soft late night jazz…and the sound of animals from the building next door.

His legs carried him over there before he could second guess himself. Another bell-equipped door chimed when he walked through. Fish tanks lined the walls, glowing with lights, accented pieces and different scenery backdrops. Colorful birds chirped and twittered as he passed those, too. Hamsters rolled in their wheels and orbs, often losing their footing and rotating comically to the top, where they now were upside-down.

Priam approached the cornered off play-pit, his blue eyes passing over the puppies inside. They bumbled over each other, play-snarling and yapping in excitement. Their whole bodies wagged along with their tails at the sight of him. Priam lowered his hand into the pit, clicking his fingers and tongue to his teeth. Some sniffed at his hand, others nipped him in affection or demand for food.

He thumbed a pink patched nosed puppy before it hurried off to play with its littermate. A cold dark nose bumped under Priam’s palm, catching him by surprise. Golden ears that were tipped a darker brown made him frown. The puppy bounced its own head under his hand, panting happily with her tail wagging in place as she sat on the floor. Taking his hand away, Priam blinked at the puppy’s dark furred face, her brown eyes large and warm as her head tilted in wonder at him.

Priam felt his heart warm and he gave the dog one final pet on her head. She licked his fingers and stood up on her back legs, wanting to be closer to him. The door jingled and Stahl’s voice called his name–“Priam, are you in here?”–which Priam answered, “Yeah, I’m at the back.”

Robin’s footsteps approached after a few minutes of Priam’s playing with the puppy. In her own arms was a black kitten that purred and pawed at the tassel Robin waved in front of it.

“You trust that you’re ready for it?” Robin said, her free hand sweeping over Priam’s back.

With a nod, Priam leaned forward, scooping the pup in his palm. The puppy’s tail wagged faster and Priam held her safely in his arms.

—

Some short time later, with “see you laters” given to Stahl and Robin, with his wallet lighter and his left hand carrying a bag of assorted toys, treats and bedding for the puppy, along with the licensed form of ownership and collar, Priam walked home to his apartment. The puppy turned her head every which way, barking or growling at new sights. She settled down in silence when Priam gently tapped her nose with a soft, but firm, “No. Good girl.”

Dropping the bag in front of his apartment door, Priam fumbled the keys to unlock it before doing so. He placed the bag inside and set the puppy down to lock the door and catch his breath. The puppy’s pawsteps pit-pattered throughout the apartment’s wood floor. Priam stooped down to start unloading the bag and put away everything he’d bought today.

The bag tipped over from the weight of things inside it. At that moment, the puppy came barreling in. She rolled past the rubber toys, the tug-o-war rope and chewable rawhide for pups her age. She grabbed the aged leash in her small jaw, dropping it quickly and she stepped on it, beginning to whine.

Priam watched the spectacle, wide-eyed, but in silence before he reached for the leash. The puppy bumped her head against his scarred fingers, her nose was cold as she licked at his hand with her tail quickly wagging.

Priam smiled, having to clear his throat and brush the tears that came to his eyes. He realized then that not everything had fallen out of the bag. Diving his hand into it, Priam fished out the small collar, enclosing it comfortably around the puppy’s neck and the nameplate shined under the apartment lights.

“Welcome home.”

[oraclequill]

Playing with Light - Chapter 1/2(?) - Rated E

Or read it on AO3 - A kudos is appreciated! Character(s) - Link, Rauru (Background/Implied Zelink Pairings - Background/implied ZeLink Alternate Universe/Canon Divergence, General vague Spoilers for the plot Tears of the Kingdom for those that know. Closing Notes: I might just break this up into short idea drabbles from all my written concept notes so far if I can't commit to full chapters.

The marbled slabs were heavy against his hands as he pushed at them. A ghostly light began filling the lettered scales of the twin dragons that were on the door. The disturbed dust shook from the ceiling, spilling down onto the shaking temple floor. The wind seeped past Link as he stepped forward with the open gate. A long, open-walled hall led to an altar stretched before him. His chest heaving, Link worked to gather his breath. A sharp sting came through the limb given to him by the stranger that named himself “Rauru.” Link winced, holding at the limb as light threads of red smoke seemed to bleed from it. A green gleam, like the one from the dragon-marked door, brightened the arm. “Ah, good. I see you have managed to open the door.” Rauru’s projected spirit now stood before Link. “You haven’t fully recovered yet,” He nodded to Link, who gazed again at the dark smoking limb and the wisps that trailed into nothing. “but that is to be expected–you were almost beyond saving…”

A light wind pulled through the open temple space. “Though our time together has been brief, I am so happy that we finally met…” Link watched as Rauru turned ahead, looking into the distant, open sky. “You are exactly as Zelda said. I’ve done everything I can for her.” His head lowered in a respected nod. “Now it is up to you.”

“Wait, Rauru.” Link spoke up, his voice calm.

“Link?”

The blond Hylian looked from the glowing arm, which he grasped it with his own wrist before looking up to him, to Rauru; “Come with me.”

Rauru let his mouth come open, letting his eyes become wide. He closed his ghostly fist, unable to feel his missing arm and his great ears tucked low.

“You would ask me to join you?” Rauru could almost taste the bitterness on his own tongue. “Me? A mere spirit of what he once was? One who failed his assigned duty?”

Link gave a slight start at that before nodding firmly, “I don’t know your story or things you’ve been through, but,” His voice trailed. “I have once failed too…”

It was now Rauru's turn for a taken pause, making him stare at Link and further see the burdened look that showed in the young Hylian’s eyes. Link then lifted his head higher to now fully meet Rauru’s gaze.

“Together, maybe we can find those answers,” Link now looked over his shoulder at the collapsed temple bridge.

Rauru sighed, but he smiled, despite believing he'd been ready to pass on and grant his soul rest. What was some weeks more, given he'd already survived the long centuries? Imprisoned in that endless abyss of darkness. To see what Hyrule had become in the present day?

“Alright, Link,” Rauru nodded to him. “I will be with you for your journey.”

Link gave a loud cheer, his fist thumping at the air and Rauru could not help but laugh at Link's child-like joy. The Hylian took off to the spirit's surprise, running the length of the broken temple path. Rauru then flew behind him, following and ascending alongside Link when he warped through to the higher levitating platform.

Floating just above the small stone altar was a small shimmering mass of light. Link slowed before it, hesitating as he approached it. Rauru floated beside the hero, curiosity and pause mingling as he, too, stared at the source of power. What resonated inside seemed familiar somehow, but before he could speak this to Link, a careful chime made Rauru glance to the Hylian's back.

“Link, your sword...” Rauru remarked quietly.

Lifting his arm to his shoulder, Link let his fingers wrap around the decayed Master Sword's grip. The tattered cloth knot that tied it to his back slipped loose with ease as he bought it forward. A blue light pulsed in ringing rhythm when held before the altar. Rauru let his ears quirk in wonder at the heard whisper of a woman's voice.

“What should I do?” Link spoke more to the sword than to Rauru, staring at the wounded blade. The weapon gave another gleam of light at Link's question. “Alright. I trust you.”

Rauru watched the scene unfold in silence. Link raised the sword up, letting it sink and be steeped in the glowing, golden light. The energy seemed to grasp and gently touch at Link's own wrist before releasing him. He, too, let go of the Master Sword, watching as it hovered in the air while contained in the golden light.

The energy swelled and blazed, glowing around the broken sword. Zelda's reflected golden-made image had now come to stand across the altar from Link. It were as if she were somehow there and equally elsewhere in the world. Her hands raised to catch the broken Master Sword. Zelda looked curiously at the blade, with her hand around its grip. She closed her eyes, as if in prayer before turning away from Link's own gaze. And in a mere blink, with the bell of the temple sounding into the air, the light closed and Zelda and the Master Sword were both gone...

The temple grounds and even the skies themselves had begun to shake. Link staggered but kept his footing as he hurried to the platform edge. The long body of a bright dragon lifted through the dense clouds, pushing the whole of them back with its ascension higher into the skies of Hyrule. Link pushed his palms over his pointed ears at the dragon’s roar shook the empty world around it. It was as if someone was screaming his name. The shout rattled to the very insides of his bones. Even Rauru had vanished at the noise of painful call. Only when the silence settled did the Source of the Right Arm appear once more.

A warm wind flowed from the inside of the temple, careful in the way Link thought it seemed to push at his very back. Urged forward, Link peered past the temple edge, seeing Hyrule Field expand out far below. He gave a calm breath, running a small pace back before he sprinted to the platform's rim. Rauru swooped in front of him, his arms open as though he could interact with the beings of the physical world.

“WHAT are you doing?!”

“I...” Link gave a shy grin, running his clawed hand through the back of his long hair. “I was going to jump off the platform?”

“TO YOUR DEATH,” Rauru bought his palm over his eyes. “Link, please. You still have much to recover from, and as I clearly need remind you,” He looked over the stone's edge, able to see a large pond down below. “Solid water is greater in density than the bones of a Hylian when the surface is slammed into at high speeds. Even when those bones belong to a Hero.”

“How did you know--”

“As I said when we met; I heard a great deal about you from Zelda,” Rauru now smiled, seeing that Link's face had become pink. “It is not the likes of I that that girl gained her food palette from.” Rauru gave his own grimace, his shoulders shuddering. “Frogs... That is a tale I will share for another time.” He then pointed behind Link, (who seemed to be laughing behind his fingers) toward the platform floor. “This should make your descent easier, despite the fabric's age.”

Link turned to where Rauru acknowledge. Seeing that tied to a small dragon statue on the altar, with its ribbon strands fluttering in the wind, was an abandoned paraglider. Searching the green pocket in the sleeve of his tunic, Link withdrew the sharp blade horn he had picked up from the pieces of lone Construct guard who had protected the temple.

“Give me a moment?”

Link had already cut the frame of the paraglider loose, grasping the frame of it in hand as he readied to dive smoothly from the temple. He then hesitated, seeing how Rauru looked on at the silent Temple of Time. The quiet hum of Rauru's soul was the only noise with the two of them standing in the marbled building's shadow that cast onto them from the early morning light.

“Let us be off.” Rauru said, his smile sad but assuring.

“We can linger a bit longer if--” Link began to say, but Rauru shook his head to him.

“I am grateful, Link,” Rauru motioned with his transparent arm at a sweep to Link's shoulder, unable to truly reach out and touch him. “but even in my time? Hyrule's lands were, by no means, small. When one spends his years in darkness, silence and loneliness?” His face became grim before he managed another fatherly smile at the sight of Link's own worried gaze. “The light of day and familiar faces in treasured company is good for one's soul. Even the soul of a dead man.”

Rauru faded from sight and Link watched as his arm glowed before becoming dark once more. He hopped from the temple, holding onto the frame of the paraglider. The sharp winds flowed around him, catching in his sleeve to float lopsidedly on their current. Closer to the unobscured grounds, Link then opened the paraglider to safely sail the rest of the way.

“I know I have lots of questions for you and a duty to now find Zelda and the Master Sword,” Link called to Rauru, who now reappeared to join him on the flight.

Rauru nodded, “I will answer them in due time over the course of our journey. You have my word.”

“I heard her voice! Zelda's,” Link clarified at Rauru's look of wonder. “She called out, 'Link... You must find me.' I have to know who that corpse was beneath the castle. I have to check in with the people of Hyrule--and with my friends most of all. I hope everyone is alright.”

Rauru's great ears gave a slight twitch and his brow came closer together. “Where do I even begin with all of this...”

Link's feet had touched to the ground, splashing into the water and sending pebbles skittering under his sandals that he clearly had not heard Rauru's own mumble.

“Rauru?” Link folded the frame of the paraglider neatly and he placed it into the pocket sleeve of his tunic. (It was almost as if the available space inside it was near endless!) He looked to the tall spirit, who had his fingers against his own chin, appearing deep in thought.

“It's nothing, Link,” Rauru said, now following along at Link's side. “Perhaps we should explore central Hyrule Field? That great tower has piqued my interest...”

[oraclequill]

Night Static - (Phoenix/Maya) Rated E

Or read on Ao3 This was basically a speed-run fic I turned out within a night for a friend. Ace Attorney isn’t my normal playing field, despite playing the majority of the games.

Maya Fey jerked with a small start and she let her head swerve, taking in her surroundings before calming down. "Take it easy, Maya. You're at Nick's place, not at Engarde's stuffy wine cellar... de Killer isn't gonna Bogeyman creep up on you."

She blew out a long breath, sweeping her hand through her fringe. A trace of clamminess clung to her forehead. A musical jingle sounded from the television, making Maya almost smile at the ongoing showing of another Steel Samurai episode. Maya shifted, moving to reach for the remote that was on the table in front of her, but her arm came up short; the reason was in the form of her younger cousin, Pearl. The younger medium snored lightly, mumbling in her sleep, "Mystic...Maya..."

Pearl had sworn that she could last the entire marathon, fighting off the lull of sleep for as long as her little body could last and then succumbing to sleep. Maya knew that Pearl wanted nothing more than to not have Maya leave her sight, even for an instant. It was out of the instilled fear that someone awful would tear them apart from each other again.

Maya felt guilt gnaw at her insides, causing them to twist and flinch in the pain she bought on her baby cousin. I've not hurt just Pearly... thought Maya, turning her head to look up the apartment hall to one particular door. Everything that's happened... It's been my fault. I've caused so much trouble for the people I care about. Getting pinned for murder... Losing my powers... Getting kidnapped... And I didn't do anything to help myself. I had to have other people come and rescue me. Again, and again, and again... How does Nick put up with all the trouble I cause? How can I be a leader to the Kurain clan...when I can't even take care of myself?

---

Phoenix had his eyes snap open as he lurched upright in a sitting position in his bed. Swinging his legs over the mattress, he dragged his hands down his face. He then cupped his palms against his eyes, wishing it would be enough to chase away the images of the nightmare he woke up from. A twisted shell, clutched in the hands of a murderer. The squawking of a Frankenstein-like radio. The smile of a heavily scarred man and the wine filled glass that the man gently swished the contents of.

"Meow!!"

Phoenix was slow to move his hands from his face, peering at the pressure that bumped back and forth against his pajama's legs. Shoe the Cat purred and made another pass before hopping on the bed and forcefully nudging Phoenix's hand up to be indirectly pet.

The cat was temporarily staying with him--or so he insisted--despite Pearls' squeals of delight and Maya's own opinion on the matter. Still, for a night such as tonight, Phoenix found the creature's presence a welcome one. Shoe continued to bump and purr into his hand, stopping only to take a spot on the bed corner, curl up, and go to sleep. Rising while shaking his head, Phoenix stretched his arms and felt his bones and joints snap in relief. He yawned, looking to the face of the clock and knowing he'd have to be at the office early. Shuffling toward the room door, Phoenix pulled it open, stopping just as he reached the bathroom door. A frown made his brow upon seeing the flickering light bounce on the living room wall.

---

"Maya? What're you doing up?"

Maya gave a small start at Phoenix's voice, but she hid her fear by smirking at him. "It's a Steel Samurai marathon, Nick, oh don't be so shocked," she added when he rolled his eyes at her. "Besides. Pearly was interested and she can't miss out on the best show on TV."

Phoenix's face twisted into a grimace, which showed he was thinking the opposite of her statement, but he kept his mouth shut. He crossed the living space and took a seat on the sofa.

"...I couldn't sleep, either," said Phoenix. "Maya, what you went through. If you want to talk about it... Or anything, I'm here for you. It might help the both of us out, losing the weight of what happened in court yesterday."

Maya gripped at a spot of her own nightdress, her nails digging into the fabric. She inhaled a breath, as if readying herself for a spirit to possess her, but none came through that time.

"Nick, I know my sister left a lot behind," said Maya. "Things that got forced on your shoulders; Her unexpected death. What would happen to the firm. Even your meeting me... You shouldn't be obligated to take care of me--of us--" Maya gestured to Pearl, who remained asleep to the whispered conversation. "I know I've hurt you a lot from just being here."

Phoenix stayed attentive, his thumb placed under his chin while his index tapped at his cheek. The gesture was enough to almost make Maya consider laughing, seeing it outside court, and she felt her face itch in an attempt to smile.

"Maya," Phoenix started, mulling over his words. "It started out as an obligation to Mia. To her memory," He then shook his head. "-but everything's changed. How I feel about you. About Pearls. My feelings just aren't out of obligation to you because of your sister's memory. You're someone I care about." He nodded to her and to Pearl, who was still fast asleep. "The both of you are. You're not just the spirit medium that helps me find evidence. You've become my partner, my friend--my best friend--" Phoenix clarified, "--that's dragged me out of my low points...even when I was ready to curl up into a ball on that courtroom floor. My friend," He continued. "Who's had commentary about witness testimonies. Or pointing out contradictions that I've missed. "Or," Phoenix went on, now smiling at her. "Arguing with me if it's a 'ladder' or a 'step-ladder'."

Maya puffed her cheeks out to him but let him continue. Phoenix's face then became strangely serious, and his gaze seemed shadowed as he steeled himself, "I was ready to do what I had to, if it meant saving you."

Maya watched Phoenix as he swallowed the lump in his throat.

"Even if you came to hate me for letting a killer walk free."

Phoenix now turned his closed eyes away from her, ashamed of himself.

Maya let her mouth work, wondering what she could say out of her mind that could comfort him. Her heart spoke first before she could think it through.

"I could never hate you, Nick..."

Maya shifted closer to him, letting her head rest on his shoulder. The large blanket that was pulled around her curved around his body too, sharing its warmth. He exhaled, his body losing all tension and he let his cheek rest on the top of her head. Unseen by both Phoenix and Maya, a fully awake Pearl smiled happily.

[oraclequill]

Through Words - Priam/Robin

Cross-posted to AO3! A reblog or kudos on AO3 is always appreciated!

Priam lunged the training sword he held in his hand, bringing it against the side of the secured training post. His arm and back ached as he leaned his weight onto the heavy weapon. It was his mind that turned with uneasy thoughts that kept him out of bed. Castle Ylisse was far from quiet at this time of night, but neither was there the usual chatter and volume of familiar voices spoken during the day. The night guards spoke to themselves in shushed whispers as a means to pass the time. Taking the sword up, he made to return to his training, but something gave Priam pause; the noise of approaching footsteps.

Listening, he turned in time to see Robin passing by the courtyard door. She wore her purple longcoat, letting it drape loose over her nightdress and around her shoulders. Robin placed her arms held around herself as she walked, but it was clear to Priam that she seemed to be hiding how her body was trembling.

Priam spoke her name, keeping his tone low to not startle her. His calling went unheard by her as she moved from his sight. Leaving the training sword behind, he followed after his friend. Robin’s walking speed was deceiving, as the moment Priam entered the one room, she had already gone into another. Her rustling coat told him she wasn’t too far ahead for him to be unable to catch up.

He turned into the next corridor, slowing in his gait to see the end of coat move through the open door archway. Priam followed, stopping in awe of the small garden. Beds of flowers and rows of hedges were simple in the amount and placement of the person’s choosing. Fireflies flickered and wove through the night air, passing back and forth over the plants.

Robin had sat down on the stone bench, facing the basin and she stared at the flowing water from the vase the statue carried. Her back was to him and he approached her, gently placing his hand to her shoulder. Looking away from the statue, Robin smile tiredly at him before she shifted to move to one side of the bench, giving him room to join her. Taking the seat she offered, Priam stared in worry at her.

“Another nightmare?”

“Yes, and no,” Robin said, her brow drawing together in her thoughts. “I heard the voice of a woman. I think it was a memory... I heard my mother's voice.”

“Go on.” Priam nodded for her to continue. “What else was there?”

Robin shook her head, “It's still hazy... Maybe someone was shouting? A woman was telling me to run. We were under attack? Grima...” She huffed with an angered breath.

“Hey,” Priam said soothingly. “Don't force the memory loose.”

“I don't want to remember any more of that monster,” Robin's voice became thick. “What if I want to remember my mother? What if I'm choosing to be selfish and demanding that one memory…of her final moments, back?” She inhaled a steadying breath. “She risked everything for me--her daughter--a daughter who can't…remember her mother's own face.”

Robin's skin became flushed with color and tears showed in her eyes that went down her cheeks. Standing up to kneel in front of her, Priam waved the sleeve cuff of his loose shirt to come over his hand. He used it to carefully swipe at‌ Robin’s face and she huffed again with a damp laugh. She reached for his covered hand, holding it to her cheek.

“This is naïve to say,” Priam seated himself back at Robin’s side and he leaned to rest his chin on the top of her hair. “but the love we know our families held toward us? When we remember that, even a little?” He placed his arm around her shoulder. “It’s as if they’ve never truly left us.”

“Priam,”‌ Robin placed her hand under his, making his fingers splay as their palms folded together. “Do you have memories about your family?”

“I wish I could say ‘yes’ that I have many of them, but no, I don’t.” said Priam, his head still leaning on hers. “I was woken up by a recurring dream I’ve had all these years about the both of them.”

“You’ve never mentioned this,” Robin lifted her head from his shoulder to stare at him in surprise. “What happened to them? Did you have the chance to learn where it was they went?”‌

Raising his hand to slow her oncoming slew of questions. Priam smiled, despite the old and familiar pressure that caused his heart to sink, unseen, in his chest.

“It was no mystery as to where the two of them were going,”‌ said Priam. “Any young and able body had been conscripted into the Ylisse-Plegia war by the, at-the-time, Exalt. …They’ve been gone for a long time.” Priam squeezed Robin’s hand as she rubbed his palm in comfort. “I guess something was in the air for me, too, tonight.”

He smiled when Robin pulled her fingers in a stronger hold to his hand. The noise of the fountain water and chirping crickets was the only sound as the two of them fell into a thoughtful silence. Robin let her head rest again on Priam’s shoulder while they stared into the garden.

“High Deliverer. Radiant Hero.”

Among the green and yellow glow of the fireflies, gathering glints of blue were beginning to shine at a spot in front of them. Priam came to his feet, pulling Robin to stand with him. The spirit of the divine dragon faded into view and she nodded in greeting to the both of them.

“Naga?”‌ Robin blinked, her surprise apparent. “What’s going on?‌‌ Did something happen? Is–”

“Be at peace, Robin,” Naga raised a comforting hand to her. “Your world is still safe, I swear it.‌ I am here to deliver a message to him.”‌ She nodded her head at Priam.

“You’ve been talking to the Divine Dragon?” Robin looked at Priam, her brow raised.

“She’s been talking to me, and I was just as surprised as you,” said Priam. “Clearly, seeing that I’m not among her chosen children.”

“No, you are–thankfully–not,” Naga replied, smiling when Robin snorted and Priam grimaced at her words. “I will jest another time, as time is running short.”‌

Opening her hand, Naga revealed a transparent set of stone doors. Fractures showed in the large pillars of the illusion and the light contained in the open space pulsed and waned and repeated.

“You remember the conversation we had some days back, do you not?”‌ Naga let the projection float in front of her. “This is the state of the Outrealm Gate that the Fell Dragon arrived through. In the wake of his demise,”‌ She inclined her head to Robin. “and with the last of his power truly fading? The doors to other worlds are vanishing and it will be some time before they open again. A long time.”

“How long do I have?” Priam asked, reaching his hand for the small visage of the gate.

“You have before the dawn comes. Today--”‌ said Naga, ignoring Priam's irritated scoff at her word. “Unless... You have dwelled on the matter and already come to your other decision?”

“His other decision?” Robin repeated, looking at Priam curiously.

“No hesitation in putting one of your mortals on the spot, eh?” Priam shrugged as he rolled his eyes, managing to smile.

“Apologies, Priam,” Naga appeared pleased. “Revered though I am by many. I, too, choose when to show wit through words... Perhaps you should do the same?” Priam looked from Naga to Robin, his eyes meeting hers and his heart gave a harder beat as his nerves were beginning to rise.

“You're leaving Ylisse?” Robin’s voice was level, but her words were weighed from the sadness in them.

“I considered it. For a long time.” said Priam, his hand rubbing the back of his head. "It was something I was set on doing. Seeing another world. Exploring new lands. Meeting new people, maybe friends or enemies...” He gave a short pump of his fist as he spoke. “The drive to follow through with it was so strong in my veins, but... I have a stronger--much stronger--feeling in...my heart.” Priam swallowed over the thickness that came to his throat. “And it's that I...think I have fallen...in love. With you.”

Robin set her hands on her hips, “So, you're going to risk a lifetime of great promise, glory and adventure,” She stepped closer to him. “All for and in the name of love, hm?”

“Love is it's own adventure,” Priam shrugged sheepishly and he placed his own foot forward. “and we'll be...together. If you'd like to stay with me?”

Robin hummed, the sound thoughtful as she tapped at her chin and loomed nearer. Priam leaned his face to hers, angling his head to meet Robin's own closing of the distance. From the corner of his eye, he realized that Naga was still staring. The divine dragon had her hands together and a bright smile that caused her to glow at a stronger gleam.

“Do you mind?” Priam grumbled, his brow narrowed.

“Oh,” Naga gave a small jump and she looked between them both. “Do not mind me. Please,” She waved her hand. “Proceed.”

Robin came down into a fit of giggles and she held her arms around Priam's neck to hold him close and stay upright. Naga, with the smile still on her face, vanished without any other word. Embracing Robin, Priam lifted her as his strength took her feet off the ground. Robin laughed more, her arms holding him tight while they spun together. From afar, Naga beamed to herself, believing that the two of them would be happy for the years to come.

[oraclequill]

Garden of Flowers

For @zetsubou--artsu Because I fell into a new circle of FE(H) pairing heck.

“Has anyone seen little Azura?” The heroes that were gathered in the main castle hall all muttered similar answers as to where they had seen the Vallite girl go. Under normal circumstances, she knew the expressions and confused gazes she would have gotten from people when asking where a younger version of herself had run off to.

Hurrying ahead into a branching corridor, Azura followed the growing tone of a familiar voice and she shielded her eyes from the sun as she left the shade of the archway. Little Azura was standing on her tiptoes, trying to see over the high barricade and at the distant garden.

Ike of the Greil Mercenaries stood with her, giving a gentle laugh, and older Azura found a smile showing itself on her own face, for her younger self pouted at the Commander.

“I can’t see over the hedge,” Young Azura said quietly.

“I can pick you up?” Ike offered.

Azura needed to cover her mouth to hold in her laughter when her younger self pouted more at Ike, and even his mouth’s corners went wider as they lifted, but he kept somewhat of his usual stern face in place.

“I can do it…” Young Azura mumbled, determined.

Ike nodded, letting her do things her way and he stood back to watch her try. Hopping twice in place, little Azura bowed her head, unsuccessful in seeing over into the garden. She spoke under her breath, to which Ike tilted his head in uncertainty. Little Azura raised her tiny hand, bringing her fingers all around Ike’s one pinkie.

“Commander Ike…?”

Ike nodded again, lifting young Azura from the floor and he set her to sit safely on his broad shoulders. Older Azura watched as Ike pointed at a far row of yellow flowers, remarking those were his favorite. Little Azura pointed to a purple flower first and a white and yellow two toned one next, that those were her favorite.

“Pardon me, Lady Azura, I don’t mean to interrupt,” Titania showed her a motherly smile before she moved past her. “Commander Ike. Kiran is asking for you to lead the troops in some training.”

“Alright,” said Ike and he carried the younger Azura from his shoulders and back on her feet with them flat on the castle floor. “Azura,” Ike lowered to one knee to be on almost eye level with her. “I have to go for a little while.”

“I understand, bye, Ike.”

Ike offered his pinkie to Azura and she blinked at his waiting hand before interlinking in her own small pinkie. With a shake of their hands and unsaid promise, Ike stood up and left. The older songstress turned her gaze away from the Radiant Hero as he passed her by.

Little Azura’s tiny feet pattered on the castle tiles and her hand pulled at her older self’s dress. Adult Azura bought herself low to be on an even height with her younger counterpart, “Yes, Azura?”

The small songstress crooked her finger, wanting her to come closer. Giving her her ear, Azura leaned in and little Azura covered one side of her mouth to muffle her whisper further; “I like Ike…”

Azura blinked and she looked in the direction Ike had gone. The Radiant Hero stood with his family and other companions, dismissing them to go ahead. He turned to look back and appeared surprised to see that she was staring his way. Ike raised his hand to her in a gentle, if shy, wave and he then walked out from sight.

“I like him, too.”

[oraclequill]

Bond of Devotion - Priam/Robin

Cross-posted to AO3. A Like/Reblog is always appreciated!

“Did you enjoy today?” “That is what I should be asking you,” Robin teased, letting her nose crinkle in her smile. “It is your birthday, after all.”

“I am one year older,” Priam nodded, letting his own smile show on his face as well. “but I think my wife would argue if I’ve gotten any wiser.”

Priam chuckled at the gentle tap Robin delivered to his arm. Placing his large hands to cover and warm hers, he squeezed Robin’s palm and swayed lightly in place. Robin moved with him, humming under her breath a song he was unfamiliar with.

“These festivals have a long history,” Priam said quietly. “They’re a celebration of devotion to the bonds we make to others.” He thought back to at an old memory. “I never attended, because I didn’t have anyone to make such a bond with.”

Robin reached to Priam’s face, bringing her pointing finger to smooth and erase the crease that furrowed his brow.

“The one who made them, Priam, those bonds?” Robin placed one hand to cup his cheek. “Was you. You made one with me. With Yen’fay and Say’ri,” She continued. “And you’re almost an equal to Walhart.”

“Almost?” Priam pretended to pout at his wife, knowing she was pulling his leg. “I think possessing a sword gives me leverage over the Conqueror's axe.”

Robin giggled, swaying to a standstill as Priam stared at her face for a moment before his gaze moved to rest at the bundled wrapping that she had secured safe to stay around her chest.

“My bond and love to you, to the both of you,” Priam lowered his voice. “is one that I treasure most.”

One-handed, Robin unbound the tied knot and handed Priam the bundled Morgan. The baby stirred at being moved, but he calmed at the sensation of being held in the warm crook of his father’s arm. Robin held Priam close, her own arm around his hip. Priam pulled his arm over Robin’s shoulders and they set off to their shared home.

[oraclequill]

Commission - To Not Be Lost; Robin/Tiki

For @knightlysong, who commissioned me with the request of something with Robin/Tiki. Its set right around after Paralogue 17 in Fire Emblem Awakening.

A sea of black waves rolls around him, bringing him deeper into the chasm below. Robin stares up, letting his neck lift, to where the surface is. His arms are too heavy to lift and push himself over and break above the cold, churning water.

Opening his mouth in the attempt to call for help, the deluge invades his lungs, and further he comes to sink. The silence is made to tremble when a noise flows in with the water. Robin lets his eyes widen as they began to lull shut, trying to hear the sound better.

More noises come in, matching in strength of the waves around him. The calls disturb the water that now froths and bubbles from far below. Robin feels his body sink faster when something works to keep him pulled under.

The noise, he understands, are voices that echo into the deep. Each becomes louder and more fervent in their demand of him. Their urging fuels him to fight against what holds him back and away from returning to them.

As he struggles and the water trembles more, a person’s voice calls out. The sound rings from a smoked figure, basked in solid light. The ends of the figure’s fingers reach for him and Robin drifts his hand to touch and take the help that is offered.

–

Robin shifts on his bed cot, opening his tired eyes slowly. He stares at the tarp and lulls his neck to look at the inside of his tent and his senses begin to soak in his surroundings; the sight of the things he owns.

The sounds of the insects that buzz and flutter across the Divine Dragon Grounds. The roar of the ocean and how the water lunges and slams against the cliffs. The dull drift of salt spray that descends on the ground from the waves, which are but a few short miles away.

A feeling of unease comes to rest in his stomach and Robin shudders. His shirt vest and long hood are beside his place of rest. Robin pulls his shirt above his head, fitting it properly to his chest and he hesitates in taking the jacket.

His fingers lift up the sleeve, tracing the pattern in the fabric that, in recent weeks, has begun to glow and shine. Three of the six eyes on the coat’s arms have opened and no one has paid the change any mind at all.

His mind questions if it is only his eyes that are able to see the change. Bringing up his hand, Robin feels the skin heat over; a new eye in the Brand of the Defiled is working on joining the others in its opening.

He throws the sleeve back down, letting the cloth pile and stay in a heap on the ground. His nerves still clamoring, Robin walks out from the tent. The pitched camp is more lively than what he thought it’d be, given the hour.

He contemplates joining the Shepards who’ve gathered around the fire. The sound of grouped laughter and the sight of them sharing a cooked meal lightens his heart but he decides to step away from their line of sight before they notice his presence.

Robin lets his legs carry him to where they please and his thoughts trail onward. His thumb soothes over the surface of his branded palm, the pain tingling again in his hand. He then stops, seeing the soft glow from a ring of flowers that are just before his feet.

White with a yellow center, Robin comes down on one knee to pick one. As his fingers cradle the bloomed plant, it shrivels to his touch and wilts. His own voice whispers to him, “You are the Wings of Despair and will breathe Ruin into this land… Why do you resist, Robin?”

“Robin?”

Robin feels the presence drift out from his mind at the sound of someone calling his name. He feels the red tinged fade from his eyes and Grima’s presence is no longer a weight on his mind. A touch brushes against his face and strokes away the cold sweat on his cheek.

“Tiki?” Robin whispers, swallowing past the lump in his throat when he sees her face sharpen into focus. “I’m sorry. I was lost in my thoughts. Did you need something?”

“The others said you returned to the Divine Grounds,” she said. “I sometimes come here as well to think,” Tiki then smiled. “And I thought it sweet of you to visit my mother’s garden one more time before we leave at daybreak.”

Robin blinked at that and he studied the rows of grass and rings of flowers, ‘No wonder why he sought to destroy this place…’ “Tiki, I need to tell you something… I heard Grima’s voice a moment ago.”

Tiki blanched at him, “You heard the Fell Dragon…when you were…” She swallowed. “here?”

“He is becoming stronger,” said Robin. “To be able to affect me when I’m here. At a place of blessing for divine dragons,” He gave his own swallow. “I am scared. Not just for myself, but for all of you.”

“You’re choosing to be wise in the knowledge that any harm could befall us over being arrogant that nothing will,” Tiki said, her voice gentle in its understanding. She touched at his face again, making his eyes meet hers. “Your fears are well founded, but you will overcome Grima with my being with you.”

Robin lowered his head, but not quickly enough to see the smile fall from Tiki’s face. His fingers looped around her wrists and he gently took her hands from his own cheeks.

“My fear is what overcomes me,” said Robin. “If I were anyone else, I would commit to being with you,” He shook his head. “I am to be the Fell Dragon’s host and you are Naga’s one, and only, daughter.”

“You are a fool,” said Tiki, taking her hands and placing them around his. “You are a strategist of Ylisse. Your name is Robin and you’re my dear friend and someone who I like very much.” She then smiled. “If the fell dragon wants you, then I will show him what it means to incur the wrath of the Divine Dragon’s daughter.”

Robin smiled, despite himself, as he raised his eyes to look into Tiki’s. Inside, he could see the old fear that made her eyes appear wet from unshed tears, “I will not lose someone else I have come love.”

Behind her, the moon began to steadily sink over the horizon and it eclipsed her in a dull glow of light. The shadow that overtook her made her eyes and skin glow as she met and held his gaze with a firm resolve.

“For the one I love,” Robin placed his head to rest against hers. “I swear to not be lost.”

“See that you do not upset my daughter, High Deliverer,” Naga’s voice said firmly. “Or the Fell Dragon will be the least of your worries.”

They both looked at each other in concern and then laughed. Robin smiled while Tiki continued to giggle, her cheeks reddening by the second. Having the opportunity, Robin stooped, picking a flower from the grass. He brushed a strand of her hair away from her long ear and placed the chosen flower to rest and stay near her head. Tiki’s smile came in full as she looked at him, and it was a sight that he would remember, til the end of their days.

[oraclequill]

Made Unbroken - Priam, Morgan/Cynthia

Read on AO3 A like, kudos or reblog is always appreciated! It’s that time of year again. Happy Birthday, Priam!

The Radiant Hero all but sprung out of his skin in looking from the equally stunned faces of his son and protégé, Cynthia, who stood in the Ylisse Castle library as if they'd not been missing for the last several weeks.

"Where the hell have you two been?" Priam demanded, looking first from Cynthia for an answer. Her fingers began twisting nervously at end of her pigtail, after her silence, whereupon Priam looked to Morgan.

"We..." Morgan started to say, looking to Cynthia who patted his back and gave him an encouraging nod. "We were on Valm, Dad..."

"For what?" Priam asked, raising his eyebrows, still looking between the two. "Morgan, I'm the last to coddle you. I know the both of you are great warriors, but even with the Fell Dragon gone?" Priam stared at his son who met his gaze still. "There are still the straggler packs of Risen, roaming across the country. They're violent and desperate to survive without his magic to keep them moving. Any-" Priam pressed the word. "-life they can manage to steal to sustain themselves? It'll do for them. It was dangerous that the two of you ran off without letting someone know." He then sighed. "Why did the two of you go out west?"

"Morgan read about this in a book," Cynthia piped up, standing with her shoulders straight and her head held high as she looked at Priam in his face. "I saw him sneaking out at night and followed him."

"Go on," Priam drawled, letting his palms bear his weight against the table edge.

"I wasn't sure it would work, but I had to try and see if there was any truth to it," Morgan gulped, now beginning to quail under his father's narrowing brow. "I know Ragnell breaking was my fault."

Priam gave a sharp sigh, letting his own head hang. He knew the guilt had been weighing on the poor boy.

It was in a fleeting moment that, in shielding the two before him, and letting Ragnell cut down one of the more titanic Risen, causing it to scream in a final call before the corpse exploded. Things were still a blur to him from that battle, the distorted voices, screams and cries of his name. The worst sound of all had been the dull clatter of metal that dropped at Priam's side. In his hand, held in a shaking fist, was Ragnell's hilt and the blade. The middle half of it appeared charred gray and warped as it smoked from the blast. Coming to stand, now seeing the shape at his feet, was the other half end of Ragnell, just as smeared gray and the once great sword had been violently shattered.

"Listen to me," said Priam, giving another sigh and letting his voice be firm and clear. "It was no one's fault. Do you understand? I knew--I was told, even--that the sword's time would be coming to an end, sooner or later," He continued, smiling gently at his son. "The sword was meant to protect the bearer's loved ones. Even though it came to pass in its loss? She served a final purp--"

"Dad. I fixed Ragnell."

Those words were enough to cut Priam short, his brow rising again before it knit close as he looked hard at Morgan. The young tactician waved his hand, wordlessly asking for a moment as he left. Cynthia reached into the carrying pouch on her hip, bringing out a small book that she placed in Priam's hands. Toward the book's end, was a dividing leather slip Cynthia had used to keep the spot for easy finding.

Opening it, Priam began to read what little passages were on the pages, but full illustrations were done across the paper. A large, full blooming tree gave him reason to frown again. The same tree was large enough that it could be seen anywhere on Valm. Even on the Garden of Giants, the tree's silhouette cast a shape on the far horizon. "It's an old story," said Cynthia. "about Valm's first King and Queen of their united empire. The King penned the Queen's words to memory; 'They say that where divine dragons sleep, sacred trees take root and grow. The kingsfang was blessed, made new from dew.'"

Priam could now only stare at the book, his heart beating at the drawn illustration of the inked tree. The whorls and spirals made up the tree's trunk. It may have been a choice of the artist's rendition, but the shape of a sleeping dragon could be seen coiling in the drawn bark. He shut the book and returned it to Cynthia, who placed it back in her pouch.

Morgan's footsteps announced his return, and in his arms was a cloth wrapped Ragnell. Priam watched his son place the bundled sword on the table surface. Opening the bindings, Morgan pulled off the sheet piece. Priam let his mouth fall open, seeing the restored sword glint by the nearby firelight. The blade lacked the cracks Priam had grown used to it having over the course of his life. Even with every attempt he made in trying to care for the weapon, regular tools neither dented nor repaired it.

Bringing his fingers around the hilt, Priam squeezed his hold tight and then lifted the sword up. Ragnell gave an audible hum, the blade's light briefly flashing blue as a wordless message to her master. Setting the weapon back on the table, Priam turned to both of the children. He embraced them, speaking his thanks in a shaking voice.

Cynthia gave a watery laugh, sniffing and wiping at her eyes. Morgan breathed in relief, returning his father's hug and managing to smile. Clapping them both on the shoulder, Priam nudged the children to take the lead.

"Let's go show your mother," Priam said to Morgan.

"Ooh, I hope Robin won't be too mad at us..." Cynthia winced, looking hopefully at Priam. "Um..."

"She might be more happy that the two of you ended up safe and sound," said Priam, wanting to calm Cynthia's worries. He took up Ragnell and returned it to the empty sheath on his back. "C'mon."

Cynthia then cheered, almost fumbling on her feet before she went speeding ahead of them. Priam laughed, watching the young pegasus knight go. Morgan watched his Father follow after Cynthia and gave a sigh of relief. Reaching to the sword at his own hip, Morgan drew his own Ragnell. The breaks in it were more distinct and it still appeared to be showing its age.

"'Protecting our loved ones,' huh?" Morgan repeated, looking at his reflection in the cracked sword.

Ragnell briefly shined blue and the sword hummed in his hands.

"Morgan?" Priam's voice called to him.

"Coming, father!" Morgan called back, returning the weapon to his hip, a smile on his face.

[oraclequill]

The Future Child

Going over some old writing, I revised my personal favorite from what remains my favorite Morgan art. And its high time that I get back on my writing feet.

"Wh-where am I? How'd I end up here?" Morgan lifted his face from the tile floor and he stared around at his surroundings. The place looked to be an old shrine, the remains of the pillars that once supported the roof were covered in weapon dents and scratches. Whole parts of the stone work had been blasted away by magic that could have lead to the ceiling caving in. He looked up toward the the sky, now clear as the rain had to of recently stopped, the shrine floors were still wet and the surrounding trenches were filled with fresh water. Getting on his feet, Morgan searched his pockets and found his worn tome. Tearing a page loose, he muttered the incantation softly to apply enough power that caused the writing on paper to glow and help warm his freezing hands. As the parchment turned to ash, he waved his free hand to get feeling back in his fingers.

Morgan began to put the tome back into his coat, when something made him hesitate. He could feel movement from what had to be a group of people in another part of the shrine. Swallowing, Morgan moved toward what looked like the former entrance to the place. A swordsman came up the stairwell, blade drawn and approached. Morgan held fast to his tome, he knew he was shaking again. The swordsman's skin was sallow and sunken, his eyes lacked pupils, but it was the red glow from them that made the young boy step back. Other monsters joined the first man. Riders, all who shared the decayed look as well sat on their own horses, wyverns and griffons.

"Oh no..." Morgan gulped. "This is bad."

Morgan knew that his Elfire tome would expire before finishing them all off. He wasn't strong enough to face them by himself. He continued to step away from the approaching corpse of the myrmidon. The myrmidon rasped, growling at him and he then spoke clearly, "Must...kill...future child."

They all then began to whisper the phrase, chanting it one after the other. The myrmidon kicked Morgan in his chest, both knocking him flat and stalling his breath short. Morgan followed the blade tip with his eyes, seeing it come high. He flinched and closed them the moment it fell, lifting his arm in front of him, expectant of pain.

The noise of clashing metal made him wink one eye open as the light of day revealed the unexpected scene; a tall, blue haired man with a green headband had come to stand between him and the Risen, shielding him from certain death, his own sword drawn. They clashed, weapons sparking as they battled. The creatures all screamed and shrieked in a single voice. Somewhere, another man gave the order to dispatch the creatures, calling them 'Risen.'

Morgan sat where he was, briefly dazed at the sight of the battle that had now broken out. The man kept his back placed to Morgan, fending off those that came at him in effort to get to where he was. A fourth risen, this one looking like it was a terrifying stitched scarecrow, rushed at the blue haired man.

Morgan raised his voice again, shouting a warning to the man, but the noise of the battle was too high. The warning went unheard as the Risen charged with it's claws ready to tear the adult man apart. A woman's voice lifted over the noise, screaming out, "Arcthunder!" The risen screamed where the white bolt hit it as it burst into flames, flailing wildly in black and purple smoke as it died.

The weight of a gentle, strong hand came to rest on Morgan's shoulder, causing him to jump at the contact. The woman’s voice was soft as she asked, “Are you alright?”

Morgan gawked openly, his mouth falling wide at the sight of her. The woman was almost as tall as he was, her hair cropped short into a bob that framed her face with bangs that covered her forehead.

Morgan felt his lip and legs equally quiver as he stammered over the word he so wanted to say, but it came out as the tiniest of whispers instead; "M-Mother...?" She cast a second thread of lightning magic, making the bolt flare and blast another monster to smoking bits of flesh. The woman then stared, fixed at him, her brown eyes bright and focused, though confused. Keeping her thunder tome open to charged and cast a spell at any other threat. The woman shocked another Risen that came their way.

She barked out in call to the blue haired man, “Priam!” and she then shooed Morgan to follow after him. Morgan nodded as he sprinted after the opening defenses the woman’s companion cut through the strange fiends.

Beginning to cast his own magic at them, he helped to fend off the monsters as the monsters began their second strategy and plan of attack. Morgan hurried to join where the man with the headband had taken cover. He blinked down to him, his eyes narrowed similarly as the woman had done.

The man named Priam opened his mouth, ready to ask him something, but the Risen leader urged his mount to come down on them, the wings of the griffon flapping hard. Morgan opened his Elfire tome, summoning the burning energy to singe the creature to ashes. The cover curled at the corner tips, cracked and fell apart in his hands. The undead form wheezed, cackling at him as he brandished his axe, swooping down to attack.

Morgan felt a large grip seize the back of his robes, tugging him from the range of the swing of the axe. The distance wasn’t wide enough for him to avoid it as it clipped his shoulder, pulling blood to the surface through his cut sleeve and tunic.

Morgan nodded in answer to Priam's command, “Careful!” as he helped balance him back on his feet; the Risen was coming in for another attack, furious in his failure. Morgan tucked his hand to his hip, his fingers closing around the bandaged hilt of a tall, gold-bronze sword that he drew from the scabbard at his side. He held it in front of his face, seeing his reflection in the gleaming metal.

"Kill...child." the Risen leader muttered, the beast bird which the corpse sat atop of clicked its beak together in acknowledgement.

“Not happening!” Morgan roared back, swinging his sword across the griffon’s chest, making it rear back in pain.

The front legs kicked and raked at the air, trying to use its claws to snatch at him. Morgan blinked at the forms of the two of them--the woman and the man named Priam--had come to act as his shield from the Risen’s last approach. Not a hair was out of place on his own head as he watched the corpse fall and vanish to the elements of thunder and cast flame, becoming nothing once again.

--

Robin breathed in relief as the battle came to an end. The Shepards were savoring their victory and relieved to have found the blessing known as Naga’s Tear. A reward well earned, as she could sense the aura surrounding the golden droplet.

It seemed to give any who held it a prolonged feeling of vitality and provided better strength to their fighting prowess. Stowing her tome away to her carrying belt, she moved from where the others had briefly made camp and approached the Radiant Hero.

Priam’s arms were crossed, his balled fist was near his mouth in thought. Robin followed his line of sight, now understanding what he was watching. She tapped his broad shoulder, folding her own arms around her torso.

”Does something about the boy worry you?” Robin asked.

”Yes,” said Priam as he jerked his head toward him. “Robin... This boy is carrying the Ragnell.”

Robin let her arms unfold and she faced Priam, staring squarely into his face, seeing the worry there. “How is that possible?”

”I think you and I, both,” Priam drawled quietly, his gaze meeting hers. “know the answer to that.”

Robin gulped as the Radiant Hero gently placed his broad hands to her shoulders, making her face the other way. Priam stood behind her and carefully, squeezing her shoulders with his own shaking hands and he nudged and guided her to approach where the boy was standing, all alone. Again, she swallowed past the lump in her throat, straining her ears to hear over the rapid beating of her heart that was now thundering.

The boy had his back to her, in his hands was the sword, his own Ragnell. The blade appeared more worn, faded in color and brittle compared to the one Robin knew. She had seen the sword up close when Priam had briefly given it to her when he traveled from Ferox to Chon’sin on Khan Flavia’s request. His leaving it with her for safe keeping was his display of ultimate trust and love.

Robin shook her head, wondering if it was just a coincidence, but just as there was only a single Falchion, there was only one Ragnell. She cringed at the meaning of a sword passing hands from that of a father and into the hands of that of child. Shaking her head, Robin steeled herself as she approached the boy, noting now that he had his hood cowl pulled over his head.

"I want to talk to you," Robin started, wondering if this was truly the best of feet to start on. "and it might be a lot to take in if I'm right." She paused, her hands on her hips. "My name is Robin and I thought I heard you call me 'Mother' when the battle started."

"I was separated from her," said the boy softly and he scratched at the back of his covered head. "We were traveling together," His posture seemed to waver and wobble, as if he were dizzy, but he stood his ground after shaking his head clear. "My mother's name was Robin, too..."

"Lower your hood for me?" Robin commanded gently, her heart speed quickening under her chest.

The boy twitched in hesitance at her words, but he complied and raised his head to look at her. She noted the color of brown eyes that gazed up at her from the shade of the boy's upturned cowl. He raised his hands up to the sides of the hood, pushing it back to rest across his shoulders.

Robin bit at her lip as emotion welled in her heart when the boy raked his fingers through his all too familiar shade of dark blue hair, clearly wanting to make it presentable to her. After fiddling with it in vain, he understood it was pointless to continue trying to do so, and he merely smiled at her, laughing nervously.

It was a wide smile, gentle and exactly like that of his father's, right down to the appearance of dimples at the corners of his lips. His eyes were colored like hers, but the strength was still young and new, though similar to that of his father as well.

Taking a steadying breath, Robin huffed it back out as she held back the tears that began to sting her eyes. Priam's heavier footsteps told Morgan that he had approached them both. With things no longer absolute chaos from the battle, he was able to get a better look at the older man.

Even when he stood on his feet, Morgan realized he tipped short to Robin's own height where Priam towered over them. Meeting Priam's gaze, Morgan blinked as the Radiant Hero tilted his head in thought at him.

"Well?" Priam prompted Robin, his voice nervous. "Is it true?"

"It's true," Robin nodded, laughing under her breath. "Priam, we're going to be parents to a beautiful baby boy."

Morgan flushed, embarrassed, as Robin pulled her arms around him and he peeked up at Priam. The Radiant Hero's stern expression cracked and fell away as a smile took its place as he then laughed in loud joy. Morgan placed one arm around Robin and the other around Priam, now joining in their unified laughter in a time of new, if yet to be written, beginnings.

[oraclequill]

Commission - Pledge; Kaze, Corrin

For @lazulines, who commissioned me to write with the theme of enemies to lovers for Kaze/Corrin. Its generally set on the Conquest side of things and it couldn’t have been at a better time, since some damage was done to my house because the weather was not kind to it.

“Let him go.”

Corrin held her hand to her own throat, watching as the wood-fingers of the spell-grown tree from Brynhildr made it difficult for the man to crane his neck. The branches creaked and squeezed, its grip growing stronger from the magic that coursed under the glowing bark. The man ensnared forced his gaze on to her, his eyes opened wide and his mouth worked to speak.

Leo lifted his hand to the ground, leaving his palm open and a section of cragged earth had been pulled up at his command. He balanced the two different spells in both hands. Corrin rushed between Leo and the tree that held the other man in its bramble.

“Corrin?” Leo jerked his head in the hope that it would draw her aside. "Get out of the way."

“No,” Corrin kept her place, bringing her arms up to act as a shield. “Leo, please. I ask that you show the Hoshidan mercy.”

“You're begging that I show mercy for a killer? His objective may have been for Father's life,” said Leo. “And if his target wasn't him? It would have been your life, Camilla's or Elise's that he desired to take.” Leo's mouth thinned as he swallowed and paled. “Xander would never look me in the eyes again if anything ever happened to the three of you.”

“And if I, as your sister, never speak to you again?” Corrin asked. “Just for your choice to kill a man in cold blood.” She continued when Leo gibbered at her. “You would be a hypocrite, when the one poised to take a life is you, not him.”

“You were always too soft,” he sighed, the sound coming more like a breath of relief over his usual exasperation. “Fine, then. Sister,” Leo dispersed his spell's magic and the tree cracked and loosened the unconscious man to the floor. “but he is still an enemy in our country's walls.”

--

Corrin shut the door to her chamber, leaning her face against the surface. Her thoughts twisted in her head at what to do now. The guards appeared to have bought the intruder's belongings up, per her request.

She began rifling through what little the man carried after up-ending the bag; a single, if oddly shaped, blade. Some food rations, a circle shaped crest with points that were aimed in the main compass directions and there was another pendant, one more heavy and finely crafted, as a blue jewel was placed in its center.

Corrin held the piece in her palms, blinking when it glimmered and wrapped around her with a soothing light. The echo of rushing water emanated from the necklace, calming her mind from the storm inside it.

“For something so beautiful,” Corrin muttered, bringing the pendant up to her eyes before she placed the chain around her neck and slipping it under her dress' collar. “I expected you to do something a little more remarkable... What should I do?”

Corrin knew that all had bought for the Hoshidan captive was time. Time she had to bide and wait to not cause suspicion. Camilla and Elise confirmed their success in sneaking the woman from the Fire Tribe out of the castle.

Staring angrily at the walls of her lavished room, Corrin assumed the outsider was doing the same in his prison cell. Pacing in that small prison, the clicks of his chains rustling at his wrists and feet. The sound of dry wind that seeped and pushed through the cracks and gaps in the brickwork.

Perhaps it granted the Hoshidan time to curse his own luck that she decided to save him. It certainly gave her time to curse her own foolishness in the decision of her letting him live and also to rot.

--

His cell had no bedroll and the ground he slept on was the same as the rest of the castle; hard stone, pebbled like that of a dried river bed. Standing up, Kaze made sure to not walk the length of his binding chain that secured his ankle. He jerked his bound leg from habit, dearly missing his lockpick tools.

He then heard the door open from the floor above and someone's accompanying footsteps that echoed. There was no armor that moved in rhythm with the person's steps; whoever approached was no guard, but that of someone wearing boots.

The princess he had seen months ago stepped toward him. In her moving closer, Kaze blinked, staring, perhaps a bit wide-eyed, at seeing the key in her hand. She had yet to open it for him. Her red eyes were furrowed thin in her glare, an odd light caused them to briefly shine in the half-dark of the prison.

“You will thank me, Hoshidan,” she snarled. “I bargained for your life from my father. You're of better use to us alive over your being another corpse on the pile that we spend limited resources on to burn.”

Kaze had seen people like this, ones who possessed a temper. Yet, as he thought longer of it, the Nohrian Princess' temper was colder, composed but more ruthless and as wild as a storming ocean's waves.

“Princess, why would you rescue me, now?” He asked, understanding the tongue common with Nohrians. “It has been months. You should have left me to die down here.”

"Are you mocking my kindness?" she responded, frowning at him. “Our people are enemies, but I have no reason to want you dead.”

Kaze hesitated and he approached closer to the cell bars. His heart began to beat faster on the inside of his chest, almost painfully so. The memory and distant noise of arrows whistling around him and the sound of a young boy's screams and a younger girl's crying echoed out to him from years passed.

“Princess,” Kaze asked, his voice trembling. “Do you not remember?”

“Remember what?” The princess placed the key into the slot, twisting it with a motion.

“Nothing, milady,” he lied, watching as she opened the door for him.

--

“What is all this?”

Corrin stood in awe, seeing the gathered inventory boxes of fresh produce. Kaze held a box in his arms, that was one filled with more vegetables.

“This is thanks to Prince Leo, milady,” said Kaze. “I merely offered my help when it came to tending and healing the soil.”

“So that was where you were sneaking off to,” said Corrin, reaching her hand into a box to pick out a round tomato. “Of course Leo would be sure to grow these...” She laughed, putting it back. “Kaze, this is wonderful!”

“Thank you, princess, but I was merely doing my part,” Kaze placed the box on the table with the rest of the inventory.

“Your part?” Corrin repeated, blinking in confusion.

“Do I not have a role to serve?” he asked. “You did fight to have my life spared when your father ordered that I be put to death.”

“You make my motive sound naïve and innocent,” said Corrin. “I meant what I said, cruel though it was. You were better alive to us, that you might serve a purpose.”

“I am another mouth to feed,” Kaze countered gently. “Another body to clothe,” He plucked at his tunic with his fingers. “I am an outsider and a prisoner, but if I am to have another purpose in a land not of my birth, so be it.”

“You would help feed those who have gone hungry for so long?” Corrin asked. “Those who call for war and violence, stealing whatever they can from others, just to selfishly preserve themselves?”

“The desire to live and provide is not selfish. And yes,” Kaze nodded. “Where there is food and plants to harvest, there are animals for hunters to hunt. Pelts and other things for trade. This is what Nohr needs, Corrin. Life over Death.” He gave a low exhale, bringing his hand to his own tense shoulder. “Some may not--they will not--agree with the sentiment, and they may not even agree that I, as a Hoshidan, are trying to offer them help, but I will press on in your service, regardless of the ill they may bare me. I have made the choice to pledge myself to you.”

“I am worthy to have your pledge, Kaze,” said Corrin, and she placed her hand to rest on his arm as she smiled. “Thank you.”

[oraclequill]

Giftbox

Since Blue surprised me early with Gift Art for Christmas. I had to break the thinking cap out. Happy Holidays, Blue, and a safe ending year to you all.

Placing it on the counter, Suzukaze lifted the sticky tape on the sides of the paper that kept it sealed and he opened the lid. Inside was an assortment of simple Christmas decorations with two were similar color shades of red, one was a contrasting dark blue that matched with the lighter one and one that was bright pink. The ornament that captured Suzukaze's attention was the smooth pearl colored bauble, the flecks of gold that glittered over the surface. Peeking inside the box, Suzukaze found and opened the letter as he began reading.

"Dear Kaze," he read to himself, smiling at the nickname a customer had once called him by.

'The medicine and tea you gave me helped my little brother recover from his fever. It isn't much, but my family put this together for you on short notice. We wish you a Happy Christmas Eve and my older brother, Ryouma, wants to invite you for Christmas Dinner. P.S. I think it's time I returned this to you, too.

Love, Kamui.'

Suzukaze laughed under his breath as his cheeks warmed while he re-read the letter. Coming back to the bottom, he bought his fingers up, tracing the ink that spelled out, 'Love Kamui.' Looking into the box, Suzukaze picked up the dark scarf--his own--from it and placed it around his neck. The scent of medicine was now mixed with the soothing scent of vanilla and cinnamon as he breathed it in.

Suzukaze poked the inside of his cheek with his tongue, carefully chewing before he shook his head. In a quick stride, Suzukaze hurried behind the checkout counter, grabbing his longcoat and the keys as he came to the front door of the shop as he opened it, flipping the sign to read, "CLOSED" as he locked the door and hurried to the address of the letter's sender.