adscrypto

[koritea]

somebody come get this dumbass he's unknowingly flirting with the closeted gay

[orphicrose]

Fish out of water

(Arthur x OCPirate!Fem!Reader)

My art, don't steal please.

Prologue

Summary : Orphia has to leave her destined life as a pirate behind when she is marooned in America. Losing everything, and having to rediscover how to survive on the earth. Living a new life with little help. Till she falls in with a gang, not being able to bring herself to rejoin the sea and leaving those who she cares for.

! ! This is going to have a decent amount of chapters. I understand that it being long is intimidating for some to read, but despite if no one is interested i will be continuing this as its a passion project of mine. Skip the prologue if you want to! But it is important for the story. I do love a slow burn story with a lot of backstory so I apologise.

Warnings !! Guns, violence, swearing, slight g0re

Words : 3k

-----------------------

The mistress of the Atlantic was a old wives tale, told to children to petrify them into desired behavior. A name whispered in hushed tones across every tavern along the coast. Her true reputation proceeding her, striking justified fear into sailors and merchants alike. Eyes that gleamed with the cold fury of a storm-tossed sea, the embodiment of terror on the high seas. Not because she was a ruthless killer. Because she was a calculated woman, not afraid to teach those a lesson who under estimate her. She was feared for her sudden appearances, and her story. No woman during this time had ever accomplished such control over her men as she had managed, and in the eyes of those who had heard the stories they thought she was a witch. A witch who casted a spell on her crew.

Her uncanny ability to outmaneuver and outsmart her enemies struck a interest in the men she now called her crew. Never a boring day at sea with her. Respect being earnt, and not expected. That's one of the reasons they never left her side, her leadership was like no other. She pulled her weight and ensured the safety in return for their service. Till disaster finally stuck. Her luck sailing to an end.

It was 1890, Orphia had been a pirate captain for almost a decade. Learning from her experiences and growing as a leader. But even when the brightest minds are caught off guard, they can be overthrown.

A freeing breeze whipped through the sails as normal, waves crashing against the solid wood of the black pearl. Blue stretching for miles as the horizon curved at the edge of the earth. "Captain!" a voice hurried from behind her followed by a herd of footsteps. Orphia turned to find her brother, her first hand man. Stood in front of the audience of her crew. "They caught up with us, and they have friends" he pointed to the armed force of army ships a few miles away. The English army had been chasing them for years, they had grown too smart and advanced with their knowledge on Orphias crew.

The battle was short, but it seemed the dawn had caught up with them as the darkening sky came upon them as the deafening raw of dozens of cannons terrified the night. Ships closed in around the black pearl, suffocating it's structure. Orphia had to say goodbye to her life that day. The ship began taking on water fast as the four rival ships battered it beyond repair. Fires not being given the mercy by the salt water, bringing down the sails as they crashed into the deck. Cries for their captains help haunt her mind to this day.

If her brother hadn't pulled her from the burning pits of the crumbling platform, she wouldn't be here. Jumping into the pits of the dark blue below them with nothing but survival in their minds.

She had woken up on a muddy shore, a pistol still tangled in her hands. Sunburnt and covered in seaweed. The crew was scattered on the sea bed along with their former vessel. Determination to reclaim her lost glory was lost along with everything else, except for one other survivor. Enzo had been awake for a lot longer than her, pulling himself along the coast with bruised hands. Looking for his sister. She ran to the body on the floor, looking like a burnt corpse.

His shrapnel wound shifted her priorities to a pure motif of survival. "Am i going to die? Orphia?" his voice was desperate, digging his nails into the dirt next to him.

"Hush. I made a promise to our father that i wouldn't let that happen" she tightened the cloth ,that she ripped from her own shirt, around the bloody mess on the young boys leg. He gritted his teeth together in agony, refusing to let out a noise. "Right..." The pirate pulled the hat off her head, twisting it in her hands to ring out the water. "We need shelter, think you could stand"

The boy looked at her as if she was an idiot, motioning to the blood stained dirt surrounding his limb. "Think for a second. What do you think the answer to that question is?"

Orphia scoffed, her hat landing atop her hair once again. She hoisted the boy up, leaning his full body weight on hers as his arm clutched around her shoulder like a walking stick. "Don't be a smart ass, or I'll leave it here"

Dragging the harmed man through the deep swamps of mud was no easy task, but she managed. The morning sun setting over the Lemoyne landscape gave a nice feeling of their drenched clothes drying off.

A house stood, hidden behind bushes and a large forest along the coast. A miracle, she thought. The mansion itself is a grand, yet dilapidated structure. The surrounding marshland serving as an efficient barrier from unwelcomed guests. Though the atmosphere was eerie and foreboding, it was the perfect place to hide.

Enzo rested as best he could, tossing and turning as soon as night rolled around. Orphia spent the next week hunting with a small knife, not having much luck considering she had never done it before. Managing to steal a chicken from a farmers stead in the night was her best bet at survival. "My leg" The boy whimpered, gripping at his leg with both hands. His head was covered in blankets of sweat and his body burned to the touch. "Its not gone gangrene, you'll be fine" Orphia mumbled, peeling away the rotting dressing that covered it.

"Tell that to the metal in my leg" He hissed in pain.

She made attempts at stealing medicine from a small town, but their guns were intimidating enough to make her turn the other way. The gun powder in her pistol soaked, not having the right tools to fix it she was effectively weaponless. Defenseless. Back to being the damsel in distress, not being able to help herself or her brother. She was no one on land. A fish out of water.

"Use your knife" "against a whole town of fully armed Americans?" She scoffed "I don't think so, kid"

"So, steal a gun."

"You aren't very smart are you?" the two bickered around the fire they had made outside the home. Sharing an old tin of beans they found in an old wagon. Orphia spent the night pondering. Her next task was to find some sort of weapon. Perhaps she could trade for it. Or sell something. But what.

Society scared her, the unnatural order of it all. The stillness of the land made her feel ill. But she had to somewhat conform if they were going to survive. Then it hit her, that farmer she stole chickens from had a nasty shotgun on him. She'd nearly fallen victim to him countless times. She knew he was a drunk, a drunk who passed out when consumed to much. She can use that to her advantage.

The next night, she waited. Watched him from afar. The man was sat on his porch, polishing said shotgun funnily enough. A bottle of beer sat next to his chair. Not long passed before the old farmer fell asleep, rocking on his chair and spilling the contents of his drink all over the wooden floor.

Orphia suck up to him, a cloth tied round her face as to not reveal her identity. It was too easy to be true. She snatched the gun from the floor next to him and ran like she was being chased by it. Snatching a chicken on the way put because why not. The alarm calls from its friends woke the man, he stood abruptely to the sight of the figure running away like a fox. Even more alarmed when he went to reach for his shot gun and finding his hands empty.

"I'll catch you, little maggot!"

Orphia laughed with relief as her legs carried her further and further away, holding both the chicken and the gun.

"You did it? You beautiful bastard" Enzo cheered at her as she entered the home. "Who's not very smart now" He prodded at her, pulling himself to his feet using the table in front of his chair. His sister moved round the table and pushed him back onto the chair. Causing a painful sigh to escape him.

"Now i just need to somehow steal medicine" She threw the now deceased animal onto the table alongside with her newly obtained wespon.

"Going at night would be easier, no?" The boy began to pluch the feathers from the chicken.

"That's a idea, but the sheriffs is right next door. and I'd have to cause a lot of noise to get in." Her hands were rested on the table as she leaned on them. pondering once again. "I'm going to wait till morning, when it first opens. The sheriff on morning duty is another drunk so there's a high possibility he will be hung over or passed out"

"Look at you go, cowboy" Enzo threw a feather at her playfully, Orphia lightly whacking his head in return.

"Dirty pirate" She laughed back. "someone has to get us out of this"

Early the next morning, before the sun even had a chance to unveil itself, Orphia threw on her jacket riddled with holes. The shotgun was thrown over her shoulder, and fabric was tied around her face to once again hide herself.

The town was close to the farm she had been robbing for, the citizens calling it Rhodes. It had everything you'd need. So she didn't want to cause to many issues, as it was the closest civilisation to her apart from the big city. Saint denis. But she would be avoiding that sespit at all costs.

The sun peaked over the horizon as the doctor unlocked the door into his establishment. The rest of the town quiet of people. Orphia snuck through the door as he was settling into the desk in front of her. Pointing the gun at him to see when he turned around. A frightened 'Oh!' left his lips, immediately raising his hands as if he had done this before.

"I don't want to hurt you" was her first words, pushing forward towards him. "Keep quiet, and give me something to treat a wound, and you keep your head"

The pharmacist began sweating profusely, his poor mustache twitching above his lip. His hands still in the air, a finger stretched and pointed at the shelf on the far end of the shop. Bandages and tonics sitting idly, rising sun shining through the glass bottles and reflecting on the wood of the floor.

Her gun never left his site, keeping a keen eye for any sudden movements as she walked sideways to the cabinet. Using a free hand to stash anything she could find into her satchel, and backing away into the door behind her. When she was out, she ran. As fast as she knew how to.

It wasn't long till she could hear the Clerk shouting for help, the sluggish sheriff flying through the doors to see the commotion. But it was too late. She was already out of site.

Enzos wounds were tended to properly, disinfected and bandaged. A wave of relief hit the two, hope for a better tomorrow. "You know, you could have just casually stole this shit without pointing a gun at the poor man" Orphia tightened the fabric around his leg, causing him to wince in pain.

"Yeah well, I haven't exactly been cowboying for that long" she tapped his leg, again, causing him to hiss. "Maybe you can give me some lessons when you get up off your ass"

"Hey, it's not my fault i can't walk" He fell silent after the sentence left his mouth. Neither of them having a chance to grieve, to really think about what happened. Their whole life was on sea, they barely remember anything before that. That ship had been their home since they were children, baring victim to its cellar for a large portion of their childhoods.

"Are we going to talk about what happened?" Enzo mumbled, looking up to his sister from his resting place by the fire. She shook her head. "There's nothing to talk about, our luck ran out and they got us."

"We lost our friends. Are we just going to ignore that?"

"What do you want me to say? Want me to throw a funeral for all 22 of them without their bodies?" She bit back rather quickly, pulling the hat from her head and playing with the feather. "If we think too deep about it, we wont be able to move on. The army believe we are all gone, so we have the chance to start over. Lets take it" Orphia's tone shifting to a more desperate one, turning to see him. "You're only 19, brother, you still have so much ahead of you"

His face solemn, looking deep into the pits of the fiery blaze in front of him. "Where do we go from here?"

She thought for a second, sharing his view. Then looking over at the house behind her. "We already have shelter, lets focus on food for now. Maybe i'll look into getting us some money."

"What? You want to join this shit hole?"

"If we are going to stay here, we need to play the part. I don't like it either"

Enzo made quick progress over the next week, on the third day he managed to catch a rabbit. Orphia will never know how it happened but she was grateful to have a proper meal that night. They made acquaintances with some of the locals, Enzo sweet talking some strangers into lending him a bow. Which massively improved their diet. Adapting rather fast to their new life style.

In means of money, they kept to a piratey rout. Setting up small heists and jobs around towns to get some simple cash flow.

These jobs consisted of simple robberies, stealing carriages and selling them. Things like that. But with the new rise in crime, they also had competition with rival gangs. The lemoyne raiders being especially a pain in the arse, more so than Sherrif grey.

"Hey, check this out!" Enzo was heard, shouting from outside the gates of shady bell. His figure not visible. Orphia stood from her seat on the porch, looking around for the source of the sound.

His head bopping over the hedges around him, finally revealing a large black and red horse he had found. His legs flung around as his arms wrapped around the neck of the beast for dear life. "I don't know how to control it!" He yelped, turning to a worried mess as the horse attempted to buck him off its back. Orphia sat back down, agreeing that this was his well earned Karma.

"Orphia! Help! Please, i'm going to die up he-" His back his the floor with an 'oof'. Leaving the horse to roam freely around the edge of the swamp, still visibly disturbed. "She was fine earlier, maybe she saw you and was spooked" He clutched at his winded abdomen. His sister stifling a laugh as she shook her head.

"You're going to have such a stupid death one day." she laughed between words, resuming to polish her gun. Her idiotic brother climbing to his feet and attempting to win over the horse once again.

"Lets call her Pearl. She will be our new vessle" He shouted over, now standing a meter from the rearing horse with his hands out ready.

"No, you cant just use the same name again"

"Okay, you think of something."

Orphia looked up at the horse. "Hmm" she readjusted in her seat.

"What about Atlantic. No. Atlantis"

"Atlantis" He repeated. "Makes sense, she was lost before i found her."

[itsmayedarling]

I messed up his arms😭😭

[faustianfascination]

Write You Erotic

Written for @scummy-writes & @oigimi’s  12 Days of Arthur event Prompt:  Day 1: warm drinks / sharing and inspired by Late Night Feelings by Mark Robson ft Lykke Li

Rating: M/Explicit  Pairing: Arthur/OC M/F (my Ikevamp OC Persephone)

Minors DNI 

Summary:  Set during the Ikevamp Interlude In the aftermath of Vlad’s attack on the residents, the mansion is thrown into a state of disarray and everyone’s emotions are running high Arthur steps back into his role as Doctor. But who cares for the carers? Persephone decided to spend a little time caring for Arthur in the quiet hours of the night and two damaged hearts begin to come together

3696 words

The aftermath of Vlad’s theatre of horrors weighed heavily on the residents. Shakespeare was in a bad way, but he’d recover, however everyone else was still shaken by their pasts literally coming back to haunt them. Arthur and Dazai escaped direct confrontations with their own ghosts, but that meant they went into overdrive looking after the fallout of everyone else’s. Dazai taking the role of clown to try and lift everyone’s spirits, Arthur taking up this medical bag again to ensure the physical injuries were taken care of. The mental injuries would be added to the list of traumas each of them carried and would have to fade with time.

But who cares for the carers? It’s something that had been on Persephone’s mind since the dust had settled and everyone retreated into their rooms. She’d popped her head round every door and sure enough the facade of normality was back up but there was someone who kept appearing in her mind.

Arthur.

Despite the rocky start, she’d come to care for him quite a bit. More than she’d expected certainly and tonight confirmed the dirty flirt had wormed his way well and truly into her affections. When she heard the Gauguin had pulled a gun and Arthur had intervened her heart felt like it stopped even though it would take more than that to fell him. But in the aftermath he’d cheerfully put on his carefree act and had been tending the Will for hours. As she padded down the hall, the light from his room was finally seen spilling out under the door and she knew she needed to do something for him.

The kitchen was surprisingly chaotic, even Sebas was too weary to put everything back in its right place but thankfully the coffee tools were easy to find. It may be late but coffee and fudge always cheered him up and it seemed more important tonight than ever. The ritual of grinding and brewing leading to the smell of smoke and herbs filling her nose, proving to be soothing in its familiarity; but it needed something more. Arthur was terrible at holding his drink but a measure of whiskey in his coffee shouldn’t floor him. Well, perhaps two measures - it had been a long night. She prepared herself some too, with a bit of fudge placed on a tray.

The trip to his room was surprisingly quiet, she’d expected someone to be around but thankfully they weren’t. The silence and the moonlight her only company, even the sound of her steps muffled by the carpet. The light was still creeping from under the doorframe, she let out a sigh of relief at the fact he was still up because she didn’t want to wake him from what little sleep he could manage.

The knock was tentative, and there was a pause before she finally heard him answer. Even through the door she could hear an undercurrent in his voice. He’d not escaped his ghosts after all she mused.

“Come in” the slightly confused voice beckoned, the door handle feeling slightly awkward as her hand trembled while opening it.

Turning to face her, his eyes didn’t hide their shock, perhaps the weariness making schooling his expression less smooth than usual. But, his face settled into his usual smirk, albeit wearier his voice taking on a slightly deeper huskier tone. It felt more sensual than usual, making her skin prickle as he spoke

“Why dove, bit late for you to be about but must say you are a sight for sore eyes” he leaned back into his writing chair, letting his body relax again, with his legs crossed over one another watching her cross into his space. The scent of coffee already perking up his senses. She sets the tray down near the chaise lounge, and he slowly makes his way over to sit next to her.

“Seemed like you could use a pick me up after a day like today” she said placing the coffee mug in one hand and the fudge in the other making his eyes light up with joy

“Coffee and fudge, by jove I’ve been blessed by the goddess of the mansion” he theatrically said, taking a swig, only to register that his coffee has an added treat. The slight shock on his face morphing from smirk to full on grin.

“Thought a slightly Irish boy could use a slightly Irish coffee” Persephone smiled taking sips of her own drink. The comment on his ancestry taking him off guard and earning her a slightly baffled look “How the devil did you guess-wait the name wasn’t it” he corrected himself and cursed his lack of sleep for making such a painfully obvious comment. 

“Well that and your talent for spinning a yarn” another sip of coffee and whiskey warming her up. The near positive comment reminded him of what she said on their first night she arrived and he introduced himself. The comment on his body of work was ‘oh, the detective stories, they’re cute’ bristled him more than he cared to admit despite his adversarial relationship with his most famous creation.

He chucked with a wry edge “I thought you said my stories were ‘cute’”

“Well, yes your detective stories. I always preferred your ghost stories” she said between sips. Arthur nearly spat his coffee across the room, she continued ignoring his reaction “A particular favourite is the Captain of the Pole Star, I’ve always been curious at what the captain was grasping for to die with such a smile on his face. I read it a lot after my family died and it was a surprisingly comforting story despite its eeriness. Actually when I was trying to make the decision between pursuing ballet as a career or going to uni, it was those ghost stories that spurred on my choice to study English Literature & Art History. Actually wrote my dissertation on some of your work…” Her voice trailed off as her body relaxed into the seat, allowing her legs to stretch and exaggerate their lithe shape, the robe falling just enough to bare her claves. The leanness of her dancer’s body becoming apparent beneath.

Arthur let his gaze travel once he recovered enough from the fact that not only did she actually know of his other work but she had just opened up more than he’s ever heard. The mansion’s newest resident had been a particular mystery to him, ask affable as she was, she was surprisingly cagy about her own life so trying to get more than superficial details from her proved a challenge; her speciality was to deflect and focus on the residents the moments he began to prod more so this candidness somewhat strange and endearing. Adding the coffee in making him feel warm and relaxed. The whiskey giving his mind a haze and the comfort he rarely allowed helped too.

“Persephone luv, I’m not sure I’ve ever heard you talk so much about yourself. Feeling somewhat honoured to get to see a little more beneath the surface” the flirtation in his voice amplified by the husky edge of exhaustion “surely not this little amount of booze has loosened your lips”

“Effy. You can call me Effy. It’s been a long time since anyone used that nickname but you can…if you want. Probably safer than letting you pick” she chuckled thinking of poor Newt, but her eyes were gazing off past him, scanning the titles on his bookshelves. “Well, suits you better than Percy” Arthur mused “Still someone is rather open tonight. Must say despite coming across like a little lost bunny whose face seems to give away her every thought, you’re more tricky to unwrap that expected”

“Seems like a good night for it” she simply stated looking him in the eye “and if I ask you how you’re truly feeling you’ll just find a way to deflect. Plus, even for immortals apparently time is no guarantee. Guess it’s a round about way to thank you for your writing” her thoughts tuned back to Shakespeare’s bloodied form and trying to get enough rouge in him so he can heal. It was a quiet thanks, but it still reached him. It meant more to him right now than he could really elaborate with words alone.

“Y’know, I was a doctor on a whaling ship like the Pole Star, you’ve can probably guess how that inspired me” he grinned “granted, for all the things I learnt, the smell haunted me for years” he gave a light shudder that made both of them laugh, ending up in a comfortable silence as they continued their drinks. Effy ended up stretching her legs into his lap, enjoying the sensation of him lightly running his fingers over her ankles, it was intimate but neither cared to comment and break the peace between them. He enjoyed the last piece of fudge before asking

“Where did you go to university?”

“Edinburgh, doubt it’s changed much since you attended” the softness of her gaze and her answer brought a grin to his face

“My, what a coincidence” he looked over his nearly drained mug finding something quite sweet in the happenstance “often want to sneak back there and see the old place again, but there may be a few issues regarding my timeline and as much as I like winding up daddy, he occasionally has a point” they looked at each other as he shrugged.

Their eyes stayed trained on each other, seeing who would make the first move. Arthur was weighing up if a move would even be welcome right now. Despite the intimacy of the quiet hours of the night, when the morning comes consequences would come with it and for all his levity, the fear of pushing her away by acting too forward now bubbled amongst the other anxieties that were threatening to burst fourth. A constant reminder of his own cowardice always there to creep up and ruin the most peaceful moments, if it wasn’t for the shifting of the seat and the feeling of Effy straddling him dragging him from the darkness of his own mind he’d consider this all a delusion.

It took him aback but he managed not to show it, the feeling of her body beginning to make his warmer, more sensitive. Her eyes held his, making the words dry up on his tongue, the feeling of her hand gently caressing his face made the blush forming on grow as her touch tickled down his neck, her hands finally starting to slip under the fabric of his shirt. Each touch felt so delicate he dared not move as she worked the remaining buttons open, he was losing his composure and knew he had to stop her before this could go beyond the point of return

“Effy, luv-“ he was silenced by a finger on his lips and it took all his restraint not to try and draw it into his mouth. He wanted to taste her, but he didn’t trust himself.

“Shhhhhh” her lips made a pretty shape he wanted to commit to memory “Arthur just relax. You’ve been busy doing the caring. Now you need someone to care for you” and with that, Effy gently undid the robe and let it fall from her shoulders, revealing that there was nothing underneath. Dark hair cascaded over a long and lean frame, her freckles extending from her face down her body like constellations across her skin, Arthur wanted to trace every one but was almost to scared to touch, in case the apparition in front of him was simply the hallucination of a sleep deprived mind.

As if sensing his trepidation, she took one of his hands and placed it upon her breast. Then slowly drew it down to the curve of her waist, never once looking away from him. She only let go to capture his face between both of her hands and planted a surprisingly chaste kiss on his lips, a light taste to tease him, remind him she was here and wouldn’t vanish without having to say it. He felt like he was falling, so her grounded himself by holding onto her hips; soft but more muscular than he expected but it didn’t do much to help as her lips became bolder, his body reacting and making him dance to her tune. She was unexpectedly forward, leading him for a change. He was enjoying the feeling of her melting into him, feeling skin on skin where his shirt had opened. He wanted more, needed her closer. His arms wrapped tightly around her and he slipped his tongue through her lips.

Her taste was mixed with the whiskey and coffee and it made for an intense flavour. Paired with the sensation of his shirt being fully removed and her hands beginning to work on his belt, the jingle of metal a prelude to the feeling of her hand fondling him. It felt like electricity jolted straight to his groin making his hips buck gently. An opportune time explore her more.

Wet heat awaited him as he slid his fingers down her hip and between her legs. The moan she made as he began to explore her made his head feel light. The sensation of her body massaging his digits and beginning to grip onto him intoxicating. The thought of this on his cock made him swell in her hand.

He used his free hand to pull hers away from his cock because he knew he’d lose the last shred of composure he had, so he pulled her wandering hand to his lips, kissing each finger while gazing at her. He’d fantasised about this, the prospect of having her at last but it was better than he could have imagined, even just having her ride his fingers felt incredible and he didn’t want it to end, so when she pulled away he couldn’t help but let his face drop

“Shhhhh” she murmured lifting her hips “tonight I want to care for you Arthur” she whispered into his ear, her breath grazing over the shell of it. “Although…” Her face flushed a deeper shade as she said “it’s been a while so forgive me if I'm a bit rusty” she bit her lips causing them to look even more swollen and tempting. The sight absorbed Arthur fully until he felt her lower herself onto him slowly.

They moaned in unison, her body adjusting to the size, the slight stretch making her back arch until her was sheathed to the hilt. Arthur’s mind went blank, his body sensitised and overwhelmed by the feeling of her, being really inside her. He couldn’t hold back a growl of desire while trying to keep enough sense to reassure her

“Luv, you had me fooled” he said with a smirk on his face making the lust in his eyes look more intense. He was curious, as much as he wanted to take control and push her down onto the chaise and ravish her, his patience held and relaxed into the feeling of her beginning to ride him slowly. This moment was even more perfect than anything he’d ever imagined.

Effy was struggling to keep her mind on track, feeling him fill her and enjoying the sensation of him inside, the heat, the heaviness but she began to move with a gentle roll of her hips. She couldn’t help but feel conscious of her movements, especially with a man like Arthur, someone who knew his way around pleasure. The thoughts kept disrupting her slow rhythm but looking down at him her heart skipped.

He was looking at her like she was the most precious thing in the world, his eyes blown with lust and head falling back but it was the smile on his face that stunned her. Not a smirk, not a grin but a gentle smile making him look almost boyish, vulnerable. The emotions swelling in her causing her to stop her movements just to kiss him, feel him this close. There was a passion but moreover a fragile intimacy between the pair caused by a rawness that only happens in the liminal time between now and tomorrow. She broke the kiss and began to build her pace, not too fast nor rough but with more force as she sunk down his cock causing Arthur to begin panting her name, his hands settling on her hips with force and beginning to guide her movements more. Each thrust made her shake, the head of his shaft brushing against the sensitive spot in her depths maker her voice sing out his name, the feeling of her wetness pooling all over his balls making the most obscene noises as they moved.

Arthur began to take more control, moving his hips in unison causing his cock to delve even deeper into her, getting faster and rougher. Sweat tricking down his neck, the veins and muscles twitching, his Adams apple moving making his sensual masculinity even more pronounced and driving her even wilder. The pace began to become ragged, unpredictable making his hands on her hips the only thing anchoring them together until she felt him sucking her nipple, light bites and his tongue rolling over them, his fangs scraping against the sensitive flesh.

“Yo-you, ah” she gasped between thrusts “bite me” her voice almost pleading him as he worked her breasts. She could almost feel his cocksure smirk as he spoke into her chest, making his breathless voice muffled and somehow more arousing “Patience be luv” the vibrations of his murmur adding to the sensations ripping through her.

Arthur began to power into her. Despite being on the bottom she begun to realise he was in control and all she could do was hold on as he pounded into her, her cunt tightening due to the stimulation, the sudden flutters and clenches making Arthurs eyes roll back “Fuck Effy, you’re gripping me so tight you’re going to drive me over the edge before I’ve even had the pleasure of feeling you come on my cock like a good girl” he practically growled into her ear. A predatory edge taking over his handsome features, she could have sworn his eyes were practically glowing. His hand slipped from her hip and before she could register his fingers were rubbing the pearl between her legs making her already overstimulated mind and body burn hotter.

Arthur was in bliss, having her wetness all over him and sweaty body pressed against him. The first stirrings of her climax and having her cling to him like he was the only thing that mattered in the universe bringing out his more vampirish instincts. The want to possess her, consume every part of her from her pretty swollen lips, pert little nipples rubbing against him to the liquid soaking his balls and most of all, her blood which smelt sweeter and more enticing than ever. All she could do was moan, pant and say his name as he got faster, determined to feel her come for him, come on him, made keeping his fangs out of her a difficult task. So much so he almost gave in. But not yet, he wanted her on the brink before he drank from her. He wanted her at her sweetest and drowning in a pleasure only he could give her; even he was mildly surprised by quite how possessive he was getting. To the point, part of him never wanted to let her out of his room again.

The scraping of her nails across his neck and shoulders drew him back to the moment, a pride swelling in him at the prospect of her leaving scratches all over him as he felt her orgasm build, each flutter, jerk and moan pushing her closer until he felt it. The tension in her body signalling her hitting her limit was the sign he was waiting for and he sunk his fangs into her causing her to scream his name. The pleasure of his bite and the climax of his stimulation making her body tremble as she clung onto him while he fucked her through it his own high not far off.

Effy felt like she’d not only been hit by a wave of pleasure but battered by it and drowned in it, her mind was rendered incoherent between his bite and the rather powerful orgasm he gave her converging, leaving every never in her body raw and sensitised to the point where she was struggling to even remain conscious. Thankfully Arthur wasn’t far behind her as he stopped drinking from her and buried his head into the juncture of her neck and shoulder damn near growling as she felt a warm sensation filling her up, her body clinging to every part of him in a vice like grip. To her surprise, he was shaking too, his body seemed to be humming with pleasure so much so they both stayed still, panting and trying to come back to reality neither daring to move too much and break away from the other. Arthur even refraining from some witty remark just to pant into her skin. He’d used the bite as foreplay more times than he could count, but using it now at the point of climax like this was more explosive than he had imagined; to the point he nearly was overwhelmed with the desire to drink a dangerous amount from her.

Time felt suspended around them, their bodies coalescing while they shared the experience of the slow fall from their joint high, the wait for the sensations to calm and the afterglow to dim. Eventually he pulled out from her reluctantly but the exhaustion of the events of the last few days paired with the sexual and emotional intensity wore away even Arthur’s inhuman stamina. Effy was barely clinging to consciousness and only let out a quite murmur as he lifted her to his bed and laid himself down next to her, their bodies intwining again as they both dropped into a deep sleep. Too deep for even his nightmares to reach.

[caspers-arthur-morgan-imagines]

Stag & Doe

Summary

In a world where outlaws are no longer wanted, the past seems to be another foe. Seven years and one disappearance can hold many wounds. Even as you learn that those wounds are about to be torn right back open.

|| Masterlist ||

| Prev | | | Next | Word Count: 2,471

AN: Hey! Finally getting something done with writing. Don't know how long this will last, but here you go!

____

| 6 | Trains and Sweaty Palms

Arthur rests his foot against the track and when he felt the familiar rumble of an upcoming train he signalled for Sean to join John and Charles hiding among the trees and bushes. Arthur climbs up onto the oil wagon, huffing out breaths as he calms the nerves from the job they were about to do.

“Here she comes,” Arthur grumbles as he pulls his bandana over his face, hiding his small grin. He shoulders his repeater off his back, holding it in his left hand for the time being. The rumbling on the track vibrates the oil wagon beneath his feet as the train chugged closer and it’s lantern could now be seen in the distance.

The train rounded the corner and Arthur huffed one more breath before pumping a round into the barrel of his repeater. He stood with his head slightly down turned as the train came to a halt as the conductor saw the oil wagon. The wheels squealed on the track as it slowed to a stop, Arthur saw Charles, John and Sean begin to make their way to the passenger carriages.

“Hey what’s the big idea?!” The conductor yelled as he stepped from the train. Charles whistles behind him and when the conductor turned he was met with a shift hit in the head from Charles’ sawed off shotgun.

Arthur climbed down from the wagon and made his way up to the first passenger carriage where John was waiting.

“After you,” John gestures to the door.

Arthur kicks it open, holding his repeater for all the frightened passengers to see.

“Now! This here is a robbery, hand over your goods!” John’ hoarse shouts gets most of the passengers to begin taking off their jewels and opening their wallets.

“Put your donations into the bag and no one has to get hurt!” Arthur demands as he follows behind John. He held his repeater in sight of the frightened elites, partnered with his stoic eyes they all took their jewellery off and threw it into John’s bag. But-

“I ain’t giving you a dime, trash.” An elder man grit out as John approached him with the sack.

“Oh, seems our good friend here needs help. Mr A if you please.” John side steps just in time as Arthur brought the butt of his repeater down onto the man’s temple. The old man was dazed and blood swelled under the skin of his cheek but he got the picture and handed over his wallet.

They continued on through the carriages of frightened elites who handed over their valuables, save them being beat with the butt of Arthur’s repeater.

“You go up ahead and help Sean, I’ve got the rest.” John told Arthur as they made their way between two of the end carriages. Arthur gruffed and strode his way through the carriages with a menacing glint in his eyes. Frightened passengers clung to one another and shuffled closer to the windows as Arthur passed them – least they knew he wasn’t to be riled against.

Arthur spotted Sean just as he was approaching the baggage car.

“For Christ’s sake. You ain’t even taken a look yet?” Arthur hollered at the young Irish man. Sean waved his hand off at Arthur dismissing him as he tried to get the car door open. The man slammed the butt of his repeater into Sean’s head.

Arthur didn’t think twice as he drew his revolver and shot the attacker in the head. Then two more appeared, one through the carriage and one on top. Arthur made quick work of them and then turned back to Sean.

“This time I’ll look and you provide the cover.” Arthur grunted before he entered the baggage cart. He threw open any and all crates, suitcase, boxes, anything that would show him exactly what they were there for.

“I’ll try my best, brother, but… ah, I’m seeing double here.” Sean groans as he holds his forehead and crouches behind a crate on the open cart.

“That gives you twice the chance of hitting someone.” Arthur chuckles.

“Very funny.”

Arthur found quite a good take within the baggage cart, watches, jewellery, money and-

“Are those tennis rackets in there? Posh bastards.” Sean shook his head as he went back to keeping an eye out.

Arthur found another clip of money and some extra whiskey for himself before Sean spoke up.

“Arthur, we got a problem. There’s two arseholes on horses.”

“How many you say?” Arthur demands as he stomps out the baggage carriage and joins Sean.

“I just see a pair of them.”

“Alright, in that case, we’re fighting. Marston, Smith, get ready.” Arthur ordered as they all got behind cover, save them starting the gun fight early.

“You men come off the train now, do you hear?” The man closest shouts out and holds his rifle over his lap.

“We said you men come out now!” He echoed again after no movement from the train.

“There’s only two of you, you fools! We got a whole less to lose. Why don’t the two of you ride away? That way neither of you get killed. Goddamn liberties.” Arthur ended with a grumble.

“Um, there’s a few more of them turning up.” Sean hit Arthur’s shoulder and pointed north of the train where more men on horses with guns and lanterns that were coming out between the trees. How did they get here that fast?

“Me and my big mouth. Okay, let’s deal with them.” Arthur grunts. All four men grip their revolvers and rifles, ready to fight their way out of this. Then one of the men were dragged from his horse and his screams echoed into the night.

“Sir, behind us!” Another man shouted as multiple horses became uneasy and started stomping at the ground and shaking their heads.

Another man was dragged off his horse with hoarse screams that disappeared into the darkness of the trees. The men turned to start firing aimlessly into the woods as their horses bucked and whined in fright.

John, Charles and Sean all looked at one another as Arthur watched with curiosity about the scene unfolding upon them. Then some of the men turned back to them and the shoot out began.

Arthur fired on anything that moved, the others matching his efforts. Sean was shouting his mouth off at the law, insulting them and their mothers. Arthur’s ears were ringing with the shots that banged out of the barrels of their guns. The adrenaline ran through his body and pulsed him full of enough confidence to stand and fire four shots in succession and hit each target above the waist and watched them fall.

“Get on your horses! Gotta get outta here!” Arthur hollered over the gunfire. The other three men all heard him as they started whistling for their horses and backing off from the carriage. Arthur was the last one to leave, but it was violently rocked before he hopped down. Did someone just run their horse into the train?!

Arthur climbed up into the saddle of his horse and took off behind the others. Their horses pounded and galloped away from the train, Arthur could still hear some terrified screams as they fled.

*

Arthur had decided to stay near camp for the next two of days, heading out only to hunt or fish to keep the food supplies up. After the train job the four men who went hadn’t spoken another word about it other than it was successful. They didn’t know what was killing the law men but they were all glad that it was on their side. Arthur didn’t want to put too much thought into it – but what had been out there with them?

Then Sunday rolled around and he remembered the agreement he had made with Camille. So now he sat in the saloon in Valentine waiting to finally get some answers on her disappearance from the gang.

But Arthur wasn’t holding onto to much hope in getting all the answers. He wasn’t sure he wanted to know some, especially finding out why she was okay with just leaving him.

He nursed a beer at the bar, leaning on his elbows against the counter, he kept his head down – especially after the bartender had asked him for no more trouble after the whole Tommy business. And the crazy night that he had with Lenny. He really needs to give up the crazy nights.

A few patrons came and went from the saloon, some men got their haircut by the barber in the corner by the stairs; but there was still no sign of Camille. Would she even turn up? Arthur was holding out hope on a woman who periodically proved that she wasn’t always going to stay. Or that she would want him…

He was a fool for even believing that she could want to be with him.

“Drinking without me already?”

Arthur turns as the saloon doors swing close behind Camille. She hadn’t worn her hat today and he inhaled at the sharp glint in her eyes and the soft smirk on her lips.

“Reckoned you weren’t comin’.” Arthur responds before swigging the rest of the beer in the bottle.

Camille huffs as she joins him at the bar and leans on her left elbow and looks up at Arthur through her lashes.

“Can I butter you up enough to join me in private?” Camille asks. Arthur looked down at her with a raised brow. Was she serious?

“Not want a drink?” Arthur clears his throat.

“I just want to cut right to the chase. Left you high and dry enough.” Camille’s surly tone disappears as she leans into Arthur with her lips close to his ear.

“Too many eyes and ears around, especially after your little job.” She pulls away and trails her hand along his arm as she heads towards the backrooms.

She was putting on a show for the other men in the saloon, Arthur almost wanted to punch the man that leered at her as she walked past him. He straightened up and followed behind Camille.

He watched her enter the room and took a deep inhale through his nose before following in after her. She was facing away from him as he closed the door but the moment it was shut she span on him.

“Sit on the edge of the bed.” She demands.

Arthur was about to argue before she reached up and started unbuttoning her blouse.

“Cami what’re-”

“Just sit on the bed, Arthur.” Cami points at the spot on the bed that she wanted Arthur to go. Arthur felt the heat in his neck but did as Cami asked. He fell back onto the bed and rubbed his hands on his thighs; his palms sweating from the sudden heat from the room and how close he was to an undressing Camille. She tugged her blouse down her left shoulder, exposing the smooth skin underneath and then messed her hair up a little at the back of her head.

Then she sat on his lap.

“Don’t look so startled, not the first time I’ve done this.” Cami teased as she took hold of his limp wrists and positioned them on her waist and back. He hears his own heart beating in his ears, drumming away the reality of Camille forcing him to hold her like he had once before. Camille lifted his hat off his head and placed it beside them on the bed before interlocking her hands around the back of his neck. His heart felt about ready to explode as her fingertips toyed with the hairs at the nape of his neck.

“Something on your mind, cowboy?” Camille tilted her head to catch his eyes.

“Why you doin’ this Cami?” Arthur sounded pathetic to his own ears, his voice small and almost too quiet. How could she make him feel like this?

“Better we be caught like this, less time to explain.” Cami glanced back at the door. Arthur moved his hand up her spine causing her to look back at him.

“Caught by who? You in trouble?” He let his eyes wander slowly from her face down to the curve of her throat.

“Nothing for you to be worried about. How’d your job go? Have anything to do with that train I heard about?” How’d she find out so fast?

“Don’t know what you’re talkin’ about.” Arthur denied with indifference. His eyes straying from her throat down to her collarbone.

“Right. But that’s not why we’re here.” Camille used her index finger under Arthur’s chin to guide him back to her. Arthur swallowed the lump in his throat and took in the fire behind Camille’s eyes.

“Where you been?” Arthur asked. Cami hesitated answering, her hands uncurling from his hair and coming to sit on his chest before she toyed with the buttons of his shirt.

“Away. I know how I… left was unorthodox, but it was for the better.” Camille started to unbutton Arthur’s shirt and he didn’t see sense in stopping her. He wanted to feel her, wanted to know this was real.

“Leaving me?” Arthur watched her jaw tense and tick before she looked him in the eyes.

“Was the hardest choice I’ve ever made.” Cami paused her unbuttoning, her fingers tentatively tracing over the hair that lined Arthur’s chest.

“Yet you still made it.” Arthur took a deep breath and Camille flattened her palm against the middle of his rib cage.

“I can’t explain why right now.” Camille sighed, a ghost of an expression crossed her brow before she tilts her head down. Arthur didn’t want to lose the chance at knowing – perhaps even understand – everything about the enigma that was Camille. He used his index finger under her chin to raise her gaze back to his own eyes.

“Why not Camille? Isn’t the whole point of this?” He traced his thumb over her bottom lip, a heat pooling into his stomach he hadn’t felt for a long time as Camille shivered.

“Arthur I-”

A man bursts into the room and Arthur aims his gun at him. Camille latched to him and hid her face in the space between his neck and shoulder.

“Whoa! Sorry mister, thought I saw an old friend come in here.” The man held his hands up half arsedly and Arthur caught the glance he sent Camille’s way.

“Well you didn’t, so get lost.” Arthur growled.

The man chuckled as he left the room and closed the door behind him. Arthur slowly lowered his gun back into its holster and then turned back to Camille – who had gone rigid.

“You know that fella?” Arthur asked, a cautious hand trailing down Camille’s spine. Another shiver, but this one was followed by a muffled moan.

[crazybutconfidentaf]

Too all in the Merlin fandom, please help!

I'm looking for a really good piece of fanfic. It was long and had great writing. Problem is, I can't recall where I read it from.

Here's what I do remember:

It's a Arthur x OC story

OC was Merlin's sister / twin? Had magic too

Oc was very steadfast, strong willed, brave girl who spoke up to Arthur

She didn't like him at first (like boderline hated his guts)

She's good at swordfighting? But it wasn't regular swords, some kinda other weapon

It was also a Merlin x Morgana later on as it progressed

Merlin became a lord later in the story

Morgana was good (as she shld be)

Arthur called Merlin brother (cuz that's what happens when you marry someone's sister)

Oh ya, he married the oc

I think one of the first scenes was Merlin being at the stocks and oc stepping up for her brother right as she arrives to the kingdom?

If anyone can point me in the right direction that would be amazing, I've tried searching on older other platforms but to no avail. It was a really good read, well written too, if anyone knows anything, please do let me know! Thank you!

[plongitudes]

Arthur x OC artists I love you. Keep rootin keep tootin keep shootin 😎👉👉

[mephistia-arts]

Blood and gunpowder

Arthur finds himself face to face with Jeremiah, a calm kid Dutch has took under his wing by the same time as John, who he had long thought dead. As they confront each other, old wounds are reopened and new truths are revealed. Jeremiah's past, filled with religious fanaticism and physical abuse, sheds light on the reasons behind his disappearance, but also puts into question the very ideals that Arthur and his gang had been fighting for.

As Arthur struggles to reconcile his conflicting emotions, he clings to the hope that his gang could once again be reunited as a family. But the memory of broken bonds, once thought to be unbreakable, now leaves him uncertain of what the future holds.

Rating: Mature

Work Tags: Canon-Typical Violence, Scars, Reunions, Eventual Romance??, Fluff and Angst, Serious Injuries, satanic symbols, Implied/Referenced Child Abuse, Horror Elements, Emotional Hurt, Friends to Enemies

Read at AO3

[fandomficsnstuff]

Redemption For All - 12

(Warnings: Fluff!! Fluff and fluffy hints at smut!<3)

Notes: I do NOT speak spanish but I think it is a very beautiful language and sadly all I can say in spanish is ‘I can’t speak spanish’, so I used google translate, sorry. Some words are in Italic, which is the translated words, and others are just straight up spanish.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When Dutch’s hoarse voice could be heard, it was like Abigail could finally breathe again, tears streaming down her cheeks as she hurried over while Dutch called for her, John and Arthur behind him, both saddling off and John carefully took Jack off from the horse John had been riding, Jack having been sitting in front of him the whole way from Saint Denis. Leah watched from afar as Abigail kneeled down and embraced her son, who was completely unharmed, in fact, after everyone had greeted him again, he asked if he could go play, Abigail laughing with tears as she agreed, guiding him to one of the campfires while proudly and joyfully announcing her son’s return, Dutch and Hosea joining her, along with John, Arthur approaching Leah as she stood by the front doors to Shady Belle, leaning against one of the posters as she watched the exchange, the night air filled with joyful sounds, not a single person, except Micah of course, were unhappy or not planning on celebrating the night away. “You alright, darlin’?” Arthur asked as he walked over, a cigarette in his hand, already lit and Leah frowned, sighing softly “you know, smoking isn’t-... one of my favorite things that you do” she admitted hesitantly, Arthur looking down at the cigarette, around to throw it away when she stopped him, gently catching his hand before he could flick it away. “It’s an unhealthy habit but-... I don’t want you to change your habits just because I don’t like them. I just wanted to let you know and that’s it” she quickly informed, Arthur nodding and she let go of his hand, only for him to flick it away anyway and Leah frowned at him, making him smirk.

“What? I’m listenin’ to my doctor, ain’t I supposed to do that?” he asked with amusement and Leah chuckled, Arthur wrapping an arm around her shoulders and she leaned into the hug with a smile “since when do you listen?”

“I don’t know, must’ve hit my head or sumthin’” he joked and she laughed again, Arthur smiling at the sound. It was the sweetest sound in the world when she laughed. “Thank you for finding him and returning him, Arthur, it meant a lot to Abigail” Leah stated softly, looking up at Arthur who nodded, looking down at her with a soft smile “I know.”

“It meant a lot to me, too.”

“I know that too, darlin’” he spoke quietly and softly, Leah smiling up at him, leaning up and kissing him softly. “Come on, I could use a beer” Leah stated, parting from Arthur to take his hand and lead him towards the campfire where people were already singing along with Javier as he strummed his guitar and sang, Jack in the lap of Abigail who would probably never let go of him again. “You? Drinkin’ beer?” Arthur asked with shock, teasing her and she giggled lightly, shrugging “I feel like celebrating” she admitted, grabbing two beers on the way, sitting down on the ground with Arthur on the log right behind her, her shoulder against his knees.

“You want me to open ‘em?” Arthur asked and gestured to the beer bottle and Leah smirked up at him “you just want to see me do the trick.”

“Guilty” Arthur admitted sheepishly yet with a chuckle, the camp seemingly perking up at this and everyone stared. “What trick?” Bill asked and Leah smirked. She put the cap between her teeth and tipped the bottle, the cap popping off the bottle and she spat it out, doing the same with the other bottle before handing it to Arthur, the camp laughing and cheering. “Ay! How’d you do that?” Javier asked with amazement and she chuckled “something I learned in med school, my girlfri-... then partner was around a lot of people of-... dubious morals, they taught me that trick” she admitted casually, the others laughing before Javier went back to playing, Leah sipping her beer as she leaned against Arthur, enjoying the atmosphere. The joy, the laughter, the off-tune singing, the crackling of the fire in front of her. At one point, she closed her eyes and sighed heavily and with a content smile on her lips. She liked this… it felt like home… to think that it took going back in time just to remember what home felt like…

“Ay, you still with us, hermosa?” Javier asked with a smirk and Leah blinked but nodded, forcing a smile “I just remembered the party I learnt that trick at, it was the party that I sang at too” she admitted with amusement and a small blush, Javier smirking at her “you play?”

“Not really, I’m a better singer than player. And it’s very rare that I do” she admitted, taking a swig of the beer, finding that Javier, and the others, were all staring at her. “What?”

“Well? Come on! Let’s hear a song!” Hosea urged and Leah’s eyes widened, cheeks turning dark with a blush as she put her beer down “I-... I-”

“Oh, come on, Leah! Jack is back, we’re all having fun!” Dutch exclaimed and people began to agree, Leah wincing before sighing heavily, taking a swig of her beer before nodding, getting up and sitting down next to Javier. “Okay, uhm… can I borrow…?” she trailed off, pointing to Javier’s guitar and he nodded, offering it to her and she thanked him quietly, strumming along the guitar. When she was ready, Leah took a small breath before nodding to herself, fingers tucking and plucking at the strings, playing the tune she had in mind.

“Okay…” she cleared her throat “Sera was never an agreeable girl

Her tongue tells tales of rebellion

But she was so fast

And quick with her bow

No one quite knew where she came from.

Sera was never quite the quietest girl

Her attacks are loud and they’re joyful

But she knew the ways of nobler men

And she knew how to enrage them.

She would always like to say;

“Why change the past

When you can own this day?”

Today she will fight

To keep her way

She’s a rogue and a thief

And she’ll tempt your fate.

She would always like to say;

“Why change the past

When you can own this day?”

Today she will fight

To keep her way

She’s a rogue and a thief

And she’ll tempt your fate.

Sera was never quite the wealthiest girl

Some say she lives in a tavern

But she was so sharp

And quick with her bow

Arrows strike like a dragon.

Sera was never quite the gentlest girl

Her eyes were sharp like a razor

But she knew the ways of commoner men

And she knew just how to use them.

She would always like to say;

“Why change the past

When you can own this day?”

Today she will fight

To keep her way

She’s a rogue and a thief

And she’ll tempt your fate.

She would always like to say;

“Why change the past

When you can own this day?”

Today she will fight

To keep her way

She’s a rogue and a thief

And she’ll tempt your fate.”

People cheered once she finished singing and playing, Bill being one of those cheering the loudest, but he was also one of the drunkest. Micah was nowhere to be seen, thank God, and Miss Grimshaw seemed to actually be enjoying herself, Lenny was clapping, so was John and Abigail and the other girls, Jack in Abigail’s lap, grinning from ear to ear, nearly bouncing up and down in his mother’s lap. “Again! Again!” Jack cheered and Leah let out a brief and nervous chuckle before looking at the others, all of them seeming to agree with the four year old and Leah looked at Javier, giving him back his guitar “think you can keep up, Amigo?” she asked teasingly and he scoffed “of course, I got it” he admitted, looking at Leah who gave a nod to him, Javier starting to play the tune he’d heard her play, Leah starting to sing the song over again, Arthur watching from the back, leaning against a tree with a beer bottle in his hand, a fond smile on his lips as he watched her, his eyes solely on her, and her lips, watching them part and form the words. She wasn’t the best singer in the world, but it was a pretty voice all the same, loud enough to be heard over the guitar but not deafening and drowning it out. Her voice became a bit fainter when the others started to join in and sing as well, but if he focused solely on her, watching only her, he could still hear her above the others, the way she smiled as she sang.

She was a strange woman, he’d admit that, a female doctor who dressed like a man, but not in the way that Sadie did, her clothes different, except for that dress she’d worn at that party… The memory still made his blood run a little hotter, a blush creeping up his neck at the thought of seeing her in it again. “Not enjoying the party?” a hoarse voice asked and Arthur turned to look at Dutch as he approached, a lit cigar in his hand and Arthur smiled a little, looking back at the others as they enjoyed themselves, now singing another song but she sang along with them, a few laughs interrupting the song when she got the words wrong, but it never ruined the mood. “Nah, just watching the fun a bit, it’s good to see all of them having fun like this, it’s nice to see all the smiles” Arthur spoke casually, taking a sip of his beer. “Oh, that so? Watching for a particular someone’s smile?” Dutch asked with a knowing smirk and Arthur blushed again but still smirked at Dutch “whatchu implyin’, old man?” he asked half jokingly and Dutch chuckled “nothing except that it’s good to see you so in love, my boy… and it’s nothing to hide, son, she obviously cares about you as well. I’d say you go over there, sit next to her and have some fun yourself. She’s looking at you” Dutch whispered the last part with a smirk and Arthur lifted his head, looking up from under his hat, finding her looking at him, giving him a big grin as she sang with the others, her eyes locked with his and Arthur found himself smiling fondly, like a lovesick school boy, something he was far too old to do, but he did it anyway. It was like she made him twenty years younger to when he was just a boy, to when Dutch and Hosea found him, that same spark lighting inside of him.

“It’s good to see you like this, Arthur” Dutch spoke, moving to stand next to Arthur, watching the others enjoy themselves, even Karen seemed to have some fun, although the bottle in her hand was far from the first, and probably wouldn’t be the last, Sean’s death had hit her hard, harder than the others. “Now, go over there and sit next to her, that’s an order, I have a few things I need to… plan out, before I join everyone” Dutch half-joked, Arthur smirking a little, looking down, his face hidden under his hat as he nodded a little “well, if it’s an order…” he trailed off jokingly, Dutch nodding “it is. Now go, have fun” he ordered teasingly and Arthur looked up at him, nodding before leaving, walking towards Leah who smiled brightly at him when she saw him approaching.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

A few hours had passed and Leah was currently sitting in Arthur’s lap as he played poker with  the others, Pearson and Uncle, Miss Grimshaw having joined not long ago and Arthur was currently sitting with quite the hand, a beer on the table and Leah in his lap with her own beer as she leaned against him, obviously enjoying the evening, her eyes shut some of the time as she smiled, enjoying the feeling of Arthur’s arms caging her in as he held his cards. “Whatchu say, darlin’?” Arthur asked with a smirk and Leah looked down at his cards but also at the others, sneaking glances at them, humming quietly with a smirk as she leaned down and whispered something to him, making him nod and chuckle “I’m gonna go all in” Arthur announced casually, pushing all his chips towards the middle of the table and Pearson and Uncle immediately folded, Miss Grimshaw narrowing her eyes at the couple, Leah smirking at her with a small shrug. “I’ll see ya” she decided, pushing her chips in as well and putting her cards down. Two queens and three fours. Not bad. Until Arthur put down his own cards. A Royal Flush. Miss Grimshaw stared with shock as Leah grabbed all the chips, hoarding them back to herself and Arthur, who laughed with amusement. “Well, I think it’s about time I let some of you win some money too, instead of hoardin’ it all for myself” Arthur suddenly decided and Leah frowned at him. Until she felt his hand on her thigh under the table, his hand so close to the apex of her thighs and she felt a shiver run up her spine, his thumb rubbing gentle circles and patterns into her skin, so close to where she wanted him to touch her. “Awww, no, come on!” Uncle complained but Arthur just chuckled, tapping Leah’s thigh, urging her to stand up, standing up after her “come on, Uncle, I’m giving you a chance to save your hide” Arthur joked with a smirk, turning to Miss Grimshaw as she bought herself back into the game “Miss Grimshaw, would you be so kind as to give the proper amount to the donations box?” he asked with a smirk and Miss Grimshaw eyed the pair before humming and giving a nod “I will, Mr. Morgan” she stated curtly and Arthur nodded, tipping his hat “thanks” he muttered, wrapping an arm around Leah as he guided her into the massive mansion. The second they were inside of Arthur’s room, her back hit the closed door, one of her legs wrapped around his hip, her hands clawing at his clothes, undoing them in a hurry as he did the same with her clothes, their lips moving in sync, dancing together as their tongues battled for dominance, a dominance that she willingly gave up after a bit of a fight, something that made him groan. “You’ll be the death of me, woman” Arthur groaned when she reached down to palm the hard outline of his cock through his pants, Leah smiling against his lips, kissing them before moving to his cheek, down his neck and to his ear “but what a way to go” she teased, gently nibbling on the shell of his ear and he bucked his hips up into her palm, picking her up suddenly and she yelped with a grin, letting Arthur carry her to his cot. “What a way to go indeed” he hummed with a smirk, leaning down to kiss her softly before helping her out of her clothes, his lips trailing down her chest to her breasts and she gasped and moaned quietly in delight, arching her back, pushing her chest further into him, a silent encouragement that he eagerly agreed to, the broken windows in Arthur’s room and the party outside long forgotten as Arthur trailed his hands down to her jeans, having finally worked out the ‘zipper’ after nearly a month since she got that job in Rhodes and they first slept together, something he was secretly very proud of.

[beautifulsnake2162020]

The Vitulation Cycle: An Arthuriana fanfiction (King Arthur x OC and Arthur x Guinevere x Lancelot) CHAPTER 11: AYRMIDA

Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfiction I do not make any money from this. Cultist Simulator elements belongs to the Weather Factory, House of the Dragon/Game of thrones elements belongs to George RR Martin and Arthuriana while generally regarded as under the public domain, it comes from the culture of Britain.

Chapter 11: Ayrmida

"So what do we tell people when we arrive at Camelot?" You ask your uncle, sir Kay who despite being your father's foster sibling looks surprisingly a lot like him only with blonde hair and a few inches taller than him. You do your best to have Goldie keep up with his horse's pace since you wanted this to be private.

"I say we go with the truth while leaving out certain details. That way you can still call me uncle and my father grandfather. We won't specify our exact relation just that you are my niece from the Fisher King's kingdom. Your father is of course my relative."

"Is there anyone who might know?"

"Only Ector, and he's going to know either way." He tells you assuredly.

"That's somewhat comforting." You tried to keep the uncertainty outside of your tone but by the look of your uncle's face he wasn't deceived.

"Your parents told me that this isn't the first time that you are travelling alone."

"That was different uncle. I was already familiar with my route back then. And I also knew at the back of my mind that my mother had people watching me."

"Well this time I and Ector will be watching you and you'll be learning a lot more of your father's work. I have to admit, you are really brave and smart to do this."

"Ever since I learned of what my father does and who he is I know things will change and so will people's perception of me and my family. I want to know what it's like without him there. And if people are going to talk about me I want it to be on my own merits and not who my father is." Your uncle smiles affectionately at you.

"I approve of this endeavor and I'm excited to see how members of court and of the round table will take to you."

"What would be my position in court again?"

"I'll be introducing you as a lady in Queen Guinevere's household. She has been looking for new members for awhile."

"And she won't be suspicious or bothered by someone from another Kingdom? Or how young I am?" Your uncle chuckles, partially at you and partially affectionately.

"We are used to many immigrants from many parts of the world who wants to live in Camelot. It's not unusual at all. You are just the right age to enter court since you are beginning your adolescence and your journey to becoming a woman. Besides there are some who are a year or two younger than you. In my opinion they are still too young to appreciate courtly life."

"Forgive me sir Kay for interrupting your conversation but how much further is Camelot?" Joffrey one of the soldiers from the Fisher King's kingdom asks. He was a bit younger than your father, but not as flexible. He was rather plain for your taste and didn't have anything to say that interested you.

"Provided we don't run into any bandits, we could reach there within one week."

"That soon?" You ask startled. It seems so close now and yet you cannot help but be nervous too despite this being your idea.

"Are you sure I won't be suspicious at all?"

"You'll be fine Ayrmida. Trust in yourself, you are half of your father after all." You do your best to take your uncle's words to heart. Yet you can't help but feel both nervous and excited at the prospect of living an ordinary life without magic but not prohibited from it either. All your life you've either been suffocated by magic or have lived in fear because of your blood's association with magic. Sure it had been convenient and wonderful - even you couldn't deny that you miss the ease that you could get almost anything you wanted while you lived with the mages.

Anything except freedom.

With the exception of a few mages such as Kyrelle, you've always felt that you were being watched by the mages and how no matter what you did, whether it was dancing your heart out or writing little stories in your diaries, it was always never enough for them. You were too energetic, too much in her imagination, or too many questions.

Questions like why you weren't allowed to leave the magical palace.

Why you weren't allowed to climb trees or to do anything fun like the games other children played.

Questions like where was your father.

It was clear that your mother still loved him. She made sure to tell you all she knew about him, the good and the bad. And for many times growing up it made you mourn and wonder why the hours have deprived you and Daeron of a father. In all your little unofficial travels and when you would sometimes interact with other children your age and learn that you were fortunate in the sense that he had sounded like a good person, even with the flaws your mother would make sure you and Daeron knew.

Daeron had once questioned if your father was secretly alive somehow. You thought at first he was ridiculous but after thinking about it and realizing the many holes in the story your mother and Kyrelle told you...It was clear that both of them had reasonably thought he had died. That much was true. But in some conversations with the mages that you eavesdropped you began gathering that he may have indeed been alive but there was great effort into making it appear to your family that he had died.

That was until your mother refused to take another male lover to make more children, then the conversations began changing and you secretly began to hope that you could at least meet him. To do what, you didn't know. Perhaps it was just to answer any questions you had. Did you abandon us? Did you wonder or think about us? Where were you all this time? What did the mages do to you?

You weren't expecting to accidentally meet him along the way back after finally being allowed to officially spend sometime outside the magical palace. Sure there were mages still watching you, but it was the best compromise you could have. All you knew was that you needed to be away from the magic, away from the illusion, away from your mother arguing with the mages to not involve you and Daeron in whatever they want to do with your blood. It broke your heart and you were upset that it seems you were powerless to do anything to help her when all your life she had been the one protecting you.

You had noticed him first, he seemed to be exhausted and yet determined. An unusual look for a traveler. Most travelers reveled in the leisure time of their pilgrimages or visitations. Messengers would have the same look of exhaustion and determination but by his attire he wasn't one. He was more at a loss if his journey was worth continuing.

It intrigued you enough to choose him to dine with. And you could tell that you two bonded almost right away. Sure you did most of the talking but he didn't seem bothered by it. He was surprised by your company but it wasn't unwelcomed. As a matter of fact the more you two talked that fateful dinner the more he enjoyed having you as a companion.

When it turned out that he was your father and all this time he had thought your mother had died...that night you said a prayer in thanks to the hours of the Malachite and the Colonel. Perhaps there was a reason why it is only now that they brought your father into your life.

"Do you see that Ayrmida? That's Camelot right there."

Your heart beats rapidly as you gaze upon the golden city, it seemed to shine even more as the sun began setting and the darkness of night slowly crept in. The next day you would make your first step in the place where your father ruled, meet his court, his Queen and their shared lover. You hope they wouldn't hate you but if they were then at least its for who you are as a person and not your association alone.

You tried to sleep that night but you just simply could not. You decide to gaze more at the Kingdom that you were about to enter tomorrow. Perhaps it was the abundance of stars and the full moon but it seemed to be beautiful in the night time. Camp was not far away and you could see some of the soldiers of the Fisher King still up and drinking a bit. They were preparing their armor to be worn tomorrow as they would meet with your father's own troops under the direction of your uncle.

You hear a twig snap behind you which startled you out of your late night activity.

"Who's there?" You ask doing your best not to be scared. You shouldn't be. The nearest tent was your uncle's. There is no reason for you to be scared.

Says your mind not your heart.

Your heart begins beating rapidly as you hold the hilt of your dagger. It wasn't obsidian like your mother's but it was one of the best blades the Fisher King has in his kingdom which he has gifted to you.

"Ugh." You hear a groan and then hear someone or something collapse.

"Uncle!" You find yourself running towards your uncle's tent.

"Uncle! Uncle!" You hear him groan as he awakens.

"...Ayrmida? What's wrong?"

"There's something or someone among the trees. And I don't know who it is." You hear him quickly dress into something decent before he comes out of his tent.

It turns out that was a good choice to make.

"Mordred? Mordred are you alright?" Upon a closer look was a teenage boy close to your age who has a large gash on his knee.

"Argh Kay, I'm - ugh."

"Mordred stay with me. Ayrmida go to the soldiers who are still awake, I'll need assistance."

"Yes uncle."

He was running a high fever and upon closer inspection it seems his wound has Gangrene on it. You cleanse the wound with the medical supply of distilled alcohol as your uncle puts a damp cloth on his forehead to break the fever and Joffrey was making a soup that would help.

"Stay awake Mordred. You're almost a knight, trust me on that."

"Of all the times for a hunt to go wrong. I bet no one's looking for me in Camelot."

"You're wrong, my father would be and so will the Queen and Lancelot. I know the others may tease you but they will also mourn you if you were to die before they did."

"Here's more soup for the boy Kay, if it's alright with you I feel like I need rest."

"Very well, thank you Joffrey."

And soon it was just the three of you in his tent and Mordred could not stay awake any longer.

"Uncle, maybe I could...um..."

"Out of the question Ayrmida, your father promised you and your mother that I keep you safe. That will only put you in danger."

"But his fever is so high and it seems he might not make it. It's only the two of us in here and I have permission from my mother to do it discreetly if someone is dying." He sighs.

"Let's wait a bit more, if his fever is still high..." He doesn't finish as he soaks a new cloth in water and replaces the one he placed on Mordred's forehead.

You don't know how long you've waited but eventually your uncle fell asleep in treating Mordred.

Now was your chance.

You take out your blade and briefly run it through the candle used to light up the tent to see Mordred's injuries. You then quickly submerge the blade in the water your uncle used to help keep the cloths wet and damp in the hopes of breaking his fever.

Then you position the blade against your non-dominant hand making sure that your thumb is out of the way.

And then you make the cut.

Not all doors are wounds; but all wounds are doors.

You watch as your blood drips on his injuries and the areas where the Gangrene has begun developing and you watch them begin to heal.

Maybe just a little bit more blood, just in case.

You watch the injuries heal and his body restored itself. It was only then that you begin bandaging the area that previously had the open wound and Gangrene. Maybe by the time you enter Camelot you could just pass it as someone magically healing him.

Soon you too feel yourself in need of rest and you head back to your tent and you succumb to your own darkness.

You aren't sure how long you were asleep only that you must have awakened long after everyone has broken their fast.

"You did it didn't you?" Your uncle asks as you break your fast and he uses this as a chance to talk to you in private.

"I'm sorry uncle, I just couldn't let him die." He sighs but gives you an understanding look. You hear him mutter something about being your father's daughter.

"We'll have to find an explanation on why he no longer has Gangrene and his wounds are closed up and healed now."

"That's why I still bandaged it. I thought maybe if he doesn't see it yet then by the time we are in Camelot we could excuse it in a magical ritual?" He raises an eyebrow at you.

"He's still going to feel the difference. And that's what he has been saying when we were breaking fast earlier."

"...Maybe a magical miracle? Or being touched by the Grail? That's technically not a lie." He was about to rebut when Mordred being assisted by a soldier - his name is Gruffydd from what you can remember - as he go towards you.

"Sir Kay, I'd like to thank you again for healing me. I don't know what you and the other's did but it seems my wounds and infections are gone now."

"Oh there's no need for that Mordred. But just because you are healed now does not mean that you shouldn't take care. You'll be riding with me to relieve the weight from your injury."

"I couldn't possibly."

"It's fine, Mordred. Once we return you are getting checked by Morgan or Seren. Come Ayrmida, let's get ready to ride if we are to make it to Camelot before sun down."

"Yes uncle." You say as you get up and begin packing up your belongings.

Your uncle and some others assist Mordred in getting up the saddle without putting pressure on his bandaged leg. From the looks of it and knowing that your blood has managed to heal his injuries you would say that his discomfort is more of the presence of the bandages.

And soon you arrive at the gates of Camelot. There was much fanfare from your uncle returning, but also immediate concern upon the boy named Mordred being injured who was riding with him.

"Get Morgan or Seren checking on Mordred to be sure, tell my father once his meeting ends that the Fisher King has sent troops to help with the Saxon problem and the witch hunters." He tells his squires as he leads you to help you get settled.

"My my sir Kay, who is this fine young girl you've brought?" One of the female servants ask. She's about Mordred's age or maybe even one or two years older than him.

"Laurel I'd like you to meet my niece, Ayrmida. She's from my relatives in the Fisher King's kingdom. She had wanted to live in Camelot for awhile now."

"Oh welcome to Camelot dearie, let's get you settled in now. Queen Guinevere will probably meet you tomorrow." She says as she helps you with your belongings and leads you to where your room would be.

"Tomorrow? But I just arrived and I barely know anything about being in court."

"Oh don't you fret dearie, the Queen is most gracious and is happy to guide your way in court."

"I will also be here all the way Ayrmida. You won't ever be alone." His reassuring tone  and his matching smile helped settle your nerves as Laurel lead you to your room to help freshen you up before dinner. Tonight it was to be a private affair since you and your uncle just arrived and it would also allow you to talk freely with him and sir Ector your grandfather.

"And how do you find Camelot so far young one?" He asks in a gentle yet stern tone. It is probably from him that your own father learned this from.

"Honestly speaking I haven't really noticed my surroundings yet. My main concern on my mind was Mordred."

"Oh?"

"She healed him with her blood father. A secret that should not be revealed yet."

"OH."

"He was dying and I did it as discreetly as possible. That's why I still wrapped the area with a bandage so hopefully there's deniability? Besides I doubt he would even remember me being there."

"Don't underestimate things Ayrmida. What you may think is a small matter might be a big matter to someone else. How is Mordred doing?"

"Morgan is checking on him right now. She might be able to connect the dots but as long as we don't mention Ayrmida's involvement we may assert deniability just a little bit longer."

"Hmm good. Now Ayrmida for the meantime and while your father isn't here yet please refrain from doing that again. Both for your safety and for the success of this experience of yours."

"Of course, I understand...grandfather." A ghost of a smile dances on his lips briefly before he begins talking a little bit more about what to expect when being in court.

Funnily enough the first person you meet in court is not the Queen but Mordred who was waiting nearby as your uncle and your grandfather was escorting you after the three of you broke your fast in the private dining hall.

"Oh Mordred shouldn't you be resting?"

"Lady Morgan has told me that I could walk again Sir Ector. Forgive me my lady but I believe we haven't properly been introduced. I am Mordred, cup-bearer and a squire of the knights of the round table." He bows to you before looking up at you with his dark brown eyes.

"I am Ayrmida, I'm not quite a lady yet since I have yet to meet the Queen."

"Then let's not keep her waiting." Your grandfather says as he leads you to court and tells you how to conduct yourself while Mordred followed by your side.

"It won't be as formal as you are thinking, when all else fails just follow what the Queen asks you to do." Your uncle says before your grandfather stops to inspect you.

"Kay will take over from here now, but if you still have any questions after your meeting with the Queen you need only ask where I am. Goodluck Ayrmida."

You nod in thanks as he leaves the three of you.

"Ready?"

"No - but I may as well." Your uncle chuckles as he opens the door leading to the hallway to the court proper.

"Your majesty, Sir Kay and the squire Mordred." The herald says as you walk behind your uncle. You take a deep breath as you make yourself relax as you gaze upon the Queen, her ladies, the other knights and the rest of court whom you could hear was whispering as to who you were.

"Your majesty." He bows and Mordred follows suit. You do your best to do an acceptable curtsy though you have no doubt that someone in court will take issue with it.

"Sir Kay, thank the heavens you have returned to us safely and even returned Mordred whom we have been worried about. Though Mordred should you really be walking already?"

"The lady Morgan has said so your majesty. I don't know what miracle happened that healed me but I am nevertheless thankful for it."

You keep your face lowered down since you have not been addressed yet.

"And who is this young girl you have brought before us?"

"I would like to introduce my niece from the Fisher King's Kingdom. The Lady Ayrmida, your majesty."

Silence followed. You keep your head down.

"Look up Lady Ayrmida and come closer. I would like to have a better look at you." The Queen says with a gentle yet commanding tone.

You finally allow yourself to look up and to see her for the first time.

Appearance wise she was quite different from your mother. She had rich brown hair with matching brown eyes from what you could tell. She was also beautiful with her being slimmer than most ladies. Her fair skin heightened the contrast of her features even more.

"You seem nervous child. What's wrong?"

"Forgive me your majesty. But this is my first time in any court and I don't know how exactly I should behave." She gives you a warm smile.

"Oh don't worry, we are less formal than other courts. All of us are not born with knowledge of courtly life. I welcome you to our court and I feel you will fit right in here. Sir Kay has she been introduced to the members of the round table yet?"

"I plan to do so after this session your majesty."

"Good, afterwards have her join me and my ladies in my sitting room."

"Of course your majesty, and before I forget the Fisher King has sent troops to aid us against the Saxons and the witch hunters."

"Good make sure they are all settled. I will entrust you and the other knights with the militia plans."

"Very well your majesty." He then leads you to the side to allow you to observe the Queen as she continues holding court. From what you could see so far she was decisive yet still allowed room for change, warm and yet you feel she wouldn't hesitate to put you in your place if you threaten or disrespect her or anyone she loves.

You have to admit she's a good match for your father. They may not have been each other's first choice but you could so far understand why he grew to love her. Whether that is entirely reciprocal or if she vastly preferred Lancelot over him was yet to be seen.

You soon meet members of the round table, people who didn't know that you were technically their relative though they did not know that yet.

"Is this what all ladies go through in their first day?" Sir Gwaine and his siblings chuckles.

"Not exactly, usually we meet them during a ball or a party. Because we would be in a meeting with our King. But since our King is still away, her majesty must have thought that this would be more convenient for everyone to meet you." Says Sir Gwaine.

"Yes, it is rather unfortunate that you arrived at a time when he is away. King Arthur loves entertaining new members of his court no matter their rank is. I have a feeling you and he would get along." Sir Dagonet says with a peculiar look on his face. You sincerely hope it's not the possibility of you being their King's eldest child. True you heavily resembled your father but your features were not uncommon among the common folk. You recall many times when you would ask your mother or a mage if a child you saw with red hair and green eyes was related to you only for them to say no.

"And what gives you that feeling Sir Dagonet?"

"You have a hidden rebelliousness within you that I could sense. That ought to put Arthur on his toes, and he always loves new perspectives."

"That's quite an insight of me for my first day Sir Dagonet. Perhaps you may be mistaken."

"If I was mistaken it would make familial relations very awkward in meeting your foster relative in the King."

"Okay no need to pressure her Sir Dagonet." A new voice enters the room and you turn to look at the latecomer. He had long black hair, broad built but it tapered to a narrow waist - or so his clothes alluded to - and had a little bit of a beard growing. Like many others in the room he was rather attractive and you could understand why many ladies would want to immediately meet your father's knights.

"Sir Lancelot, you've finally arrived from your morning training. I would like to introduce my niece from the Fisher King's Kingdom. This is Lady Ayrmida, today is her first day here." Ah so this is Sir Lancelot, technically he is your step-father since he is also your father's lover. You curtsy to him as he bows to you.

"Ah so this is Lady Ayrmida, the Queen has asked me to escort you to her sitting room."

"Oh come on Lancelot you've just came here, you barely even got to know the girl." Lancelot chuckles as he goes to you and offers his arm.

"Gwaine this is just her first day, I think she could take a breather from you trying to impress her. Sir Kay, Lady Ayrmida, may I?"

"Certainly Sir Lancelot, Ayrmida I'll just be here with the other knights discussing militia plans. If ever you need me I'll be here and your grandfather will be in his room should you need any help. Am I clear?"

"Yes uncle, thank you so much." And with that you take Sir Lancelot's arm and he escorts you while also acting as a guide to the layout of the castle.

"I'm confused Sir Lancelot, I thought the Queen would only meet during court sessions?"

"For formal affairs such as an introduction of a new face in court who isn't part of the serving staff. Her majesty much like the King prefers more informal settings. She and her ladies would gather in her sitting room when not in courtly sessions."

"But my uncle says this court is more informal than any other court."

"And your uncle is right. But there are still some things that are still too informal in courtly sessions. This is why her majesty specifically requested that you join her and her ladies in her sitting room after you've been introduced to the knights of the round table."

"Oh...Sir Lancelot may I ask how many times do I have to curtsy?" He chuckles with an affectionate air.

"Trust me that's not something you will have to worry about when you enter the sitting room. You will feel the difference between the court session earlier and the simple gathering of the Queen's ladies in her sitting room."

"Why do I feel that I am the youngest in this court?"

"There's nothing wrong with that Lady Ayrmida. Honestly speaking I think this court is in need a lot more youths around your age. Some things have become stagnant ever since our King is away on a Grail quest."

"Grail quest? Is that why he isn't here?"

"Yes, he has been mandated from a magical being to find the person called the Grail. Once he finds it, it is believed to benefit us as well." He speaks with reverence about it. Almost hoping that it is about to end soon. But then again your uncle did tell your father that he has told both him and the Queen that he was still alive but did not tell them the probable location where your father was hiding.

"What will this Grail person do?"

"I honestly don't know." He gives you a sheepish smile.

"I have yet to figure out what thirst the Grail will help satisfy. In all honesty Lady Ayrmida, I'm more interested in his return than whomever the Grail may be." Longing, a similar longing to what you sometimes saw in your mother when she thought your father was dead. Maybe it was similar to your longing to finally see him and ask him questions that had been plaguing you for awhile.

You both stop on front of a door.

"Just relax and be yourself." He says reassuringly.

"Really?"

"Really. Her majesty genuinely wants to know more about you. If she didn't she wouldn't have made this request, let alone in open court. Everything will be fine." All you can do is take a deep breath as he opens the door and you follow him in.

"The Lady Ayrmida, your majesty." He bows his head briefly before nodding to you and as he makes his exit.

You make a curtsy just in case only to be stopped midway by the Queen herself.

"Oh there will be none of that Lady Ayrmida, there's no need to be formal here." It was only when you feel her hands on your arms that you realized that she had walked to where you were and was now leading you to sit beside her among her ladies who appeared to be closer to her age. She briefly introduces you to each one before she returns her attention to you.

"As you can see you are the youngest person to become one of my ladies which is why we are all a little bit excited."

"I'm not sure where to start your majesty."

"Well why don't you start by telling us why you want to come to Camelot?" Her friendly and warm tone did nothing to calm down your nerves. Nevertheless you were thankful that this was one of the questions wherein you could be honest while omitting a few details here and there.

"I've heard plenty of stories from my father and uncle about how Camelot was a golden city. I thought they were just giving me pretty stories, but as we travelled around a little bit I heard similar thoughts from strangers and other travelers who have been here and who are going here. So I took advantage of my father asking me what I desired for my twelfth birthday to come here and see Camelot for myself. He agreed under the strict supervision of my uncle and grandfather."

"Your father must be really trusting to allow you to be here with your uncle and grandfather." One of her ladies - Brigid from what you could recall - commented as she drank from her goblet.

"Not entirely my lady, he'll be arriving here with the rest of my family a bit later. He and my mother are just taking care of my aunt - or is it grandaunt because she is also my uncle's and my father's aunt?"

"Well I'll be delighted to meet them when they arrive. How do you find Camelot so far?" The Queen asks curiously.

"Unfortunately I haven't had the chance to take in the sights. I was focused on helping my uncle with Mordred's injury for me to truly see Camelot and I have yet to venture outside of the castle yet."

"That won't do, I have the rest of tomorrow off I'll personally give you a tour of Camelot."

"But-but aren't you the Queen?" She gives you a warm expression.

"All the more that it should be me who shows you around." One of her other ladies snorted in laughter.

"Are you trying to beat Arthur in welcoming newcomers Guinevere?"

"He's not here and therefore he cannot snatch this moment from me. But yes it is true that had you arrived when my husband Arthur is here, he'll want to be the one to give you a tour of Camelot. He does this with every new member of court and I'm lucky he's not here to snatch my chance to do this."

"Scared he might be interested in this new lady?" The same lady who made the earlier comment said. You aren't sure if this was teasing or if there was tension between the Queen and her. Perhaps just because you were Queen didn't mean that you could simply choose who would be a lady in your household.

"Very funny Galinda. I'm secure in Arthur's love for me, just as I am secure in the hope that he will one day return." The Queen says with an underlying threatening tone directed towards the lady Galinda which was unexpected for you. Your earlier intuition might be right in that her warmth does not mean she was scared to respond to any possible threat no matter how small or large it might be.

The rest of the day which you have spent with her and her ladies went fairly well. She introduced you to the art of embroidery after you noticed her needlework on a nearby table. While Daeron may have been the artist that didn't mean you didn't also dabble in creative works. Needlework and embroidery had always fascinated you and you remember being upset that you weren't allowed to pursuit it out of fear of the needles injuring you. Only the mages were allowed to have needles which were attached to the syringes they used to gather your mother's blood.

While your nerves did not go away, you did calm down more and you found yourself looking forward to the Queen's tour of Camelot. So far you couldn't find anyone who suspected what you had feared in order for this experience to give you true insight. And you hoped that everyone will understand why you needed to do this when the time comes for this experience to end.

AN: I'll be honest I did not have a specific appearance for Lancelot in mind when I began writing this story. But then I encountered the Choices option for Lancelot as I was scrolling through tumblr (The Asian looking one with long straight hair and with a bit of a beard) and I fell in love so this will be the image of Lancelot I will be writing on.

[camelliagwerm]

I mean, once we've stopped the assassins and all that.

[drinkinggblood]

You're a ghost You pass through me You're here, then you're gone I can see you from the corner of my eye.

based on this post

[nataliabdraws]

Since you all seemed to like my last Ramona and Arthur art here are more!! They are so fun to draw

[lecsainz]

it's you and me

pairings: arthur leclerc x girlfriend!reader

summary: the one where you are arthur's girlfriend and want to go to a harry styles concert

authors note: my first smau with arthur hope you guys like it 🫶

✩. . . masterlist !

yn.team

liked by leclercfc, yourusername, and 1.652 others

yn.team y/n mentioned her boyfriend arthur_leclerc in her stories yesterday. what do you guys think?

view all 726 comments

leclecs I love how y/n always exposes arthur to us, lol

arthur_leclerc personally, I didn't like it because I know how to park very well

↳ yourusername arthur, you hit a tree!

↳ arthur_leclerc she was in the middle of the parking space

↳ yourusername she was on the sidewalk, amour

ferraricharlos I love this couple

f1week can arthur fight??

yourusername

liked by lilymhe, yourbestie, and 12.876 others

yourusername look who came to pick me up at the airport

view all 1.826 comments

12leclerc where are you guys?

↳ yourusername monaco baby!

↳ 12leclerc SHE REPLIED TO ME!

formula1days who parked the car??

↳ charles_leclerc y/n obviously

↳ arthur_leclerc 🙄 I parked it

↳ lorenzotl so it was you who hit the pole because everyone was saying that a ferrari had crashed when leaving the parking lot

↳ yourusername it was arthur, enzo!

↳ arthur_leclerc chéri you should defend me 😭

ferraritears THEY ARE SO CUTE

yourusername

liked by danielricciardo, sabrinacarpenter, and 18.568 others

yourusername right here, right here spinning out, waiting for ya anddd arthur didn't even get jealous of harry looking at my photo 😎

view all 2.675 comments

arthur_leclerc y/n I took the photo and you were shaking so much that harry asked if you were okay

↳ yourusername guilty as charged 🫣

ynlover you managed to charm him!

arthur_leclerc let's be honest, harry was looking at me 😜

↳ yourusername I'm pretty sure he wanted to be a thruple with us

↳ charles_leclerc oh my lord, what am I reading?

ynarthur what's your favorite song, arthur??

↳ arthurleclerc obviously cinema!

↳ yourusername liar! it's watermelon sugar

f2girl I want a boyfriend to go to harry's concert with me 😭

danielricciardo they didn't even invite me, traitors!

↳ yourusername you were in AUSTRALIA danny

harrygirl the caption being satellite

arthur_leclerc

liked by olliebearman, f2wags, and 18.568 others

arthur_leclerc baby, you and I, we've had our crazy moments, like when you traded me for the one direction boys (just kidding, love!). but through it all, I know deep down that you're mine and I'm yours ❤️

view all 3.659 comments

yourusername who can blame me, it's the one direction love (but I wouldn't trade you for even their concert 😉)

forarthur I want a boyfriend like arthur

yourusername I love you so so so so much

↳ arthur_leclerc I love you more chéri

ynhouse I'm dying from all this cutenes

lorenzotl didn't arthur hate one direction until yesterday?

↳ charles_leclerc y/n made him love the band

↳ yourusername now he knows the whole history and discography of the band

↳ arthur_leclerc cmon now I’m a directioner boy!

[bones-of-a-rabbit]

Smthn about escapism and why someone (me) might choose to stay with Kinito even tho he was a bit mean and also didn’t like that u had freewill lol

Also a little bit of thinking abt how Kinito and the Player Who Stays (the Stayer???) share a lot of parallels (working hard to deserve nice things, crippling loneliness, selfish reasons for clinging to one another, self awareness, dissatisfaction/disappointment with their respective realities leading to them idealizing the concept of each other, etc etc)

(The song lyrics are from ‘Woof woof’ by ARTHUR. It took a few listens to rlly appreciate it, now it scratches my brain in v nice ways)

[fandomficsnstuff]

Redemption For All - 11

(Warnings: Some fluff with Jack, some angst about Jack, more angst, a bit fluff and some fluffy fluff)

Notes: I do NOT speak spanish but I think it is a very beautiful language and sadly all I can say in spanish is ‘I can’t speak spanish’, so I used google translate, sorry. Some words are in Italic, which is the translated words, and others are just straight up spanish.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Arthur couldn’t help but smirk as he watched Leah sat with Jack in her lap, a book in front of them both, Abigail behind her as Leah was teaching Jack how to read, Abigail gently chastising Jack for, once again, saying that he couldn’t read the words. “You have to sound them out” Leah said softly, pointing to one of the words in the book “remember what sound that letter makes and not what it’s called? And this one? Try saying the sound each of them makes, right after the other.”

“T H E… H E A R T... I S... A N... O R G A N” Jack sounded out and Abigail grinned brightly behind the two of them, Leah nodding with a large grin as well “see? That wasn’t so bad, was it? Try saying the letters again but much quicker this time” Leah encouraged and Jack did as told, a large grin forming on his lips and he looked over his shoulder at Abigail “I did it mama!”

“You sure did! Now what’s all of that ‘bout not bein’ able to read, hm?”

“I know, but reading is boring, mama!”

“I’ve told you before and I’ll tell you again; stupidity is boring. Now, go on ahead and play while I talk with your Aunt Leah for a minute” Abigail ordered and Leah put the book away, Jack getting off her lap to run off and play, Abigail smiling at Leah “thank you for doin’ this while Hosea is out” Abigail stated softly and Leah shrugged, putting the book into her bag and getting up “don’t worry about it, I like reading to Jack and helping him read. But my offer still stands. And it wouldn’t have to be medical books I’d teach you to read.”

“‘cept those are the ones worth readin’, with all them fancy words” Abigail hummed and Leah chuckled lightly “but not the fun ones. Reading has to be fun when you learn it, otherwise it won’t stick” she advised, Abigail sighing lightly when the two of them noticed Arthur standing there. “You spyin’ on us, Mr. Morgan?” Abigail teased, Arthur sheepishly shrugging “nah, ain’t like that, just-”

“You just wanted a word with your sweetheart” Abigail concluded with a giggle, giving Leah a wink before leaving, Leah shaking her head at Abigail with a smile. “So, you two seem close” Arthur noted as he walked over, Leah turning to smile at him “we are… I don’t think I’ve ever had a friend like her” Leah admitted sheepishly and Arthur chuckled lightly, wrapping his arms around Leah who dropped her bag to wrap her arms around his neck. “So, you workin’ today?”

“I am, actually, I have a few house calls to make.”

“That so?”

“Mhm… one is the Braithwaite manor” she revealed with a mischievous glint in her eyes and Arthur smirked “that so, hm? We’ve had a few dealings with them…”

“I know, that’s why I volunteered” she whispered with a smirk, feigning innocence as she shrugged, her arms still around him “I wanted to get in and make a good impression with the locals, everyone should trust their doctor, right?” she asked innocently and Arthur chuckled “that they should. You gonna nose around in there?”

“Probably, people always talk to their doctors” she winked at him and Arthur chuckled, leaning down and kissing her lovingly, feeling her smile against his lips as she kissed him right back. “Well, don’t want you to be late, then” he hummed against her lips and she sighed lightly “got that right, I’ve been working at the doctor’s office for almost three weeks now, it’s about damn time I made a house call at a rich house” she admitted and Arthur laughed loudly at her half-joke, shaking his head at her “you really are somethin’, Doc” he murmured, kissing her again and she eagerly kissed him back before forcing herself to step back and pick her bag back up again “I’ll see you later” she called and Arthur waved with a smile, watching her put her bag over her head and shoulder, saddling up on one of the camp horses that she had been allowed to borrow when she needed to get into town to work. “I ain’t ever seen you this happy, Arthur” Mary-Beth popped up, Arthur turning to look at her, his neck flushing a deep red as he sheepishly rubbed the back of her neck “well, you know…” he trailed off, Mary-Beth giggling “you two seem perfect together, like one of those romance novels or something, one of those that always has a happy ending, the couple marryin’, havin’ a bunch of kids” Mary-Beth sighed dreamily and Arthur actually found himself smiling at the thought “ havin’ a  buncha kids, in this life? We got Jack, sure, but more than one? We’d all lose our damn minds” Arthur joked awkwardly and Mary-Beth gasped “oh my stars… you wanna marry her!” Mary-Beth gasped, Arthur’s eyes widening as he looked up at her “w-what? Nah, ain’t like that-”

“You say that, but I see you, Arthur. You love her and she loves you… and marryin’ her wouldn’t be so bad, would it? I mean, what’s the one bad thing that could come of it?” she asked and Arthur hesitated, mouth half-open, his mouth dry with a lack of an answer and he closed his mouth again, Mary-Beth smirking at him “just let me know when you pick your jaw off the floor” she teased before leaving, Arthur rubbing the back of his neck nervously.

Would she even say yes?

----------------------------------------------------------------

Leah had barely arrived back at camp on top of the borrowed horse when she heard Abigail. She had been working again while Arthur was out doing whatever it was that he did when he was out, Leah’s money from her work in her pocket, ready to pay half to the camp when Abigail came running over to her just as she saddled off the horse “Leah, Leah! Have you seen Jack??” Abigail ran over in a hurry to the horses, Leah barely hitching the horse before giving Abigail all of her attention. “No, why?”

“I can’t find him! Kieran said he heard someone that might’ve sounded like the Braithwates but-”

“Okay, calm down.”

“No! My son is missing!”

“And going off the rails won’t help find him” Leah stated harshly, yet it seem to get through to the distraught mother, Abigail nodding as she stepped back “if anythin’ happens to him-”

“Hey, easy. Nothing is going to happen to him. He probably just wandered off somewhere without even realizing it. I’ll go talk to Hosea while you keep calling out for him, okay?” Leah asked in a calm and even tone, Abigail nodding frantically, hurrying off to continue calling for Jack while Leah hurried over to Dutch and Hosea as they sat together, talking. “Have any of you seen Jack?”

“Jack? Why? He gone?” Dutch asked and stood up instantly, Leah nodding with a heavy sigh “Kieran said he heard someone, Abigail is frantic. Can you please help me look?”

“Of course, I’ll talk to the others, Hosea, you go help look for the boy” Dutch ordered, Hosea instantly standing up, leaving with Leah to search the area around the camp, Leah’s own heart starting to race with each second that they didn’t find him. “He knows how to swim, right?”

“Yes-”

“But kids drown all the time, even those that can swim… Jesus fuck, Hosea, what if-”

“Now now, don’t you start too. You’re supposed to be the sane out of all of us” Hosea scolded lightly and Leah nodded hesitantly “you’re right, sorry…” she muttered, looking around as Hosea patted her shoulder. They continued to look before hurrying back to camp to report their findings. Or rather, their lack of. As they reached the camp, Abigail hurried over with hopeful eyes, pleading, begging for something, anything, but all she got was a shake of the head and she nearly broke down. “Oh my God…” she nearly sobbed and Leah wrapped her arms around her “it’s okay, just breathe. Maybe Dutch had some luck” she spoke softly and Abigail parted from Leah to march over to Dutch, finding him talking with Arthur who had apparently just returned. “Where’s my goddamn son? Where is he? Where’s my son?!” Abigail asked harshly and with panic as she reached Dutch and Arthur, Leah right behind her “they took him, didn’t they? They took my son!” Abigail nearly wailed.

“Who took him?” Arthur asked calmly yet clearly with a frown, Hosea appearing to join them “we think the Braithwaite woman took him. That Kieran saw a couple of fellas sound like Braithwaite boys” Hosea announced, a little out of breath and Leah guessed it was because of him running around for Jack and his asthma. Leah had a constant hand on Abigail’s shoulder, an attempt at comforting her, and so far Abigail hadn’t shrugged off her hand, which was good news. “Where’s my son?! If anything…” Abigail trailed off in distress and Leah quickly jumped in “don’t. Nothing has happened to him, I promise. They wouldn’t hurt a little kid.”

“Y’all don’t know that! Where’s my son, Dutch Van der Linde?!”

“We will find him, we will bring him back to you, and we will kill any fool that had the temerity one hair on that boy’s head. Abigail, you have my word.”

“Just get me back my son!” Abigail spat, Leah looking up at Arthur with pleading eyes, stepping away briefly from Abigail while Hosea consoled her. “You alright?”

“I’m not the one who’s son is missing…” she muttered, glancing at Abigail with worry “she’s completely out of it, Arthur” Leah added, looking back up at Arthur and he nodded, sighing softly “well, you keep close to her.”

“Always… and Arthur?” she asked just as he was about to leave, watching him stop and turn to look at her, waiting for her, and she finally managed to find the words. “Kill those assholes. All of them” she hissed harshly before returning to Abigail, the woman almost throwing herself at her in a hug and Leah gladly comforted her, Arthur nodding and tipping his hat “yes ma’am” he muttered darkly in agreement before saddling up on his horse, riding out with the others to get the boy back, making sure each and every one of his guns were loaded.

---------------------------------------------

Everything was quiet around her as she sat near the water, just staring at it, the gentle waves, the occasional fish jumping up, it was only when a hand touched her shoulder that she broke out of the trance, all the noise flooding her senses and she blinked before clearing her throat “sorry, what?” she asked sheepishly, a small frown on her brows and Arthur studied her “what’s wrong, darlin’? You alright? You ain’t feelin’ sick, are ya?” he asked with worry and Leah smiled softly at him, stepping a little closer to him “no, I promise that I’m not. I just-... spaced out, I guess…”

“Well… is somethin’ botherin’ ya?... Is it Micah?” he asked with a quiet growl and Leah smirked at him before wrapping her arms around his neck, his hands on her hips, giving them a tight squeeze as she shook her head “no…”

“Then what’s goin’ on in that pretty lil’ head ‘f yours?” he asked with a smirk and she shrugged before looking down, fiddling with her hands behind him as she looked out over the water “just-... I’m worried about Jack. Abigail is beside herself and he’s just a kid… he’s just four years old, Arthur.”

“Yeah, I know, but don’t you worry, we’re gonna get ‘im back, I promise. Dutch is already workin’ out a plan, as usual. But is that all that’s in that head ‘f yours?”

“Well-... it also kind of made me think about my-... my ex... Her name was Tonya. Seeing Abigail so frantic made me think about how horrible she must feel, how horrible any mother must feel, and then I remember Tonya… she was very-... she didn’t want kids… she said that the world was too messed up and that she didn’t want to celebrate yet another birthday, she said that it was enough to celebrate mine… and today especially makes me remember that…”

“Why? What’s special ‘bout today?”

“It’s my birthday, she hated things like going out to celebrate with me… she said she hated the way I dressed when I wanted to go out” Leah admitted casually, Arthur’s eyes widening as he turned to face her “today’s your birthday??”

“Yeah, if I remember correctly. It’s June 13th, right?” she asked and Arthur nodded before scoffing with a small grin “why didn’t you say nothin’ before??”

“Because it’s not a big deal?”

“‘Not a big’- it’s your birthday!” he stated with disbelief and outrage, making Leah blush a little “Arthur, please, it’s nothing-”

“Nah, I could’ve figured somethin’ out” he muttered to himself, as though he was beating himself up for not thinking of something, even though he had no way of knowing, making Leah scoff with amusement “how? You can’t read minds” she teased as she poked his forehead under his hat, tipping it back a little with a grin. “Well… we gotta make somethin’, then. A party or-”

“No. Just-... get Jack back first… if you want to give me anything, give me that” she whispered and Arthur smiled softly, placing his hands on her waist and pulling her gently against his chest “you’re a good woman, Doctor Riverra” he complimented softly and Leah grinned “a good woman to match a good man.”

“You still on that?” he asked jokingly with a laugh and Leah chuckled as she nodded “and I’ll never give it up” she stated softly before leaning up, kissing him softly, Arthur kissing her back, his thumbs rubbing gentle circles over her her skin, fingers having slipped under her shirt while holding her and she smiled into the kiss. “Now go get Jack back. I think Dutch wants to talk to you” she whispered against his lips, Arthur smiling softly, kissing her before nodding and stepping back, his hand holding hers “yes, doc” he stated teasingly and she chuckled briefly, watching him join Dutch, Hosea and John by the round table they had in camp, Leah watching as Arthur placed his foot on one of the barrels they used as chairs while talking with his two mentors and John.

Leah went back to watching the waters until she heard Lenny call out to Dutch, announcing a ‘problem’ and when she turned around to look, she saw almost everyone in camp gathering around, an unfamiliar voice speaking from inside the small circle the others had gathered around them and Leah hurried over, gently pushing past Jon and Dutch to stand next to Arthur, who wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her closely against his side in a protective display, silently letting the two strangers know not to try anything with her. “And who are you, miss?” the one who seemed to speak for the two of them spoke up and Leah frowned, leaning a little closer into Arthur, her own arm wrapped around him in return, her hand resting flat on his back while the other rested on his chest. “I’m Leah-”

“‘n she’s a doctor, so you better show her some proper respect” Bill growled and Leah couldn’t help but smirk a little. Bill was a flustered man around women, not great at communication and perhaps not always the most… ‘sharp’, but he was adorable and protective and caring, even though he pretended that he wasn’t. “A female doctor?” the man spoke with shock, looking back at Leah before stretching out his leather-gloved hand to her “well, ain’t that something. Name’s Milton. Agent Milton. And this here, my associate, is Agent Ross” he gestured to the man behind him and Leah watched his hand before hesitantly reaching out to shake it, trying to be polite but when she tried to pull her hand back afterwards, his grip tightened, keeping her hand in his, her heart racing in her chest as he leaned a little closer, despite the various clicking of gun hammers “now, what’s an educated woman like yourself doing amongst these savages? Are you here by your own accord, ‘Doctor’?” he asked and she scoffed, finally yanking her hand free from his grip “careful, a surgeon needs her hands” she muttered, clutching her hand a little, his iron grip having hurt her a little and he smirked “a surgeon, no less? Well, I’m thinking that’s a good thing, with the life your… ‘companions’ lead” he stated casually and Leah glared lightly at him “I see you’re rather fond of Mr. Morgan, here” he gestured to the man in question and Leah scoffed quietly.

“You’ve asked me a lot of questions so I’ll ask one in return; why are you here?” she asked sharply and Milton smirked a little “you’re traveling with fugitives, Doctor. Criminals” he stated sharply, as though he was some higher being looking down upon the company she kept, making her roll her eyes. “That doesn’t answer my question. I’d think a gentleman would answer a lady when she asked him something” she stated calmly and in a sweet tone, Agent Milton studying her with a small smirk, as though approving of her bite. “Forgive me, ‘Doctor’” he stated, using the title as though it was a slight.

“I don’t know if you’re aware but this,” he gestured to the ground below while looking at Dutch “this is a civilized land now, we didn’t kill all them savages only to allow the likes of you to act like human dignity and basic decency was outmoded or not yet invented. This thing is done” Agent Milton ranted, Leah almost laughing at him. “Human decency and dignity is not something you’ve ‘invented’, and if you ask me, bragging about killing people by the thousands and millions is far from decent” Leah spat “you’re a bigoted asshole who thinks that you’re better than everyone but you’re just as ‘savage’ as you think those poor people you killed were. This was their land and you killed them and took it because of your greed, they were here long before you lot got bored of Europe and sailed here, you’re not even the first ones to discover America, that was the vikings, another kind of people you’d call ‘savages’, so don’t act like you’re the messiah because you’re not, and I’ll see you in hell,” Leah snapped, straightening her back a little as she forced a sweet smile “please” she added politely, Javier trying hard to not laugh his ass off at the moment.

“I agree with our resident doctor here. This place… ain’t no such thing as civilized. It’s man, so in love with greed, he has forgotten himself and found only appetites” Dutch spoke as he approached Agent Milton and Ross, Arthur and Leah following, closing in on the two agents, Arthur’s arm still around Leah’s waist and he was almost trying to push her behind him, to shield her, but she stayed put, something that made him feel all warm inside. She stayed by his side instead of cowering behind him.

“And as a consequence that lets you take what you please, kill whom you please and hang the rest of us?!” Agent Milton asked Dutch loudly, “who made you the messiah to these lost souls you’ve led so horribly astray?”

“I could ask you the exact same thing, Agent Milton” Leah spoke with a soft smile and tone, Dutch nodding with a smirk “I’m nothing but a seeker, Mr. Milton.”

“You ain’t much of anything more than a killer, Mr. Van der Linde. But I came to make a deal. It’s time. You come with me, and I give the rest of you three days to run off, disappear and go and live like human beings someplace else.”

“You came for me?” Dutch asked casually “risked life and limp in this den of lowlives and murderers so that they might live and love?” Dutch added, gesturing briefly and subtly to Arthur and Leah without having to look behind him. “Well, ain’t that fine” Dutch stated and a few of the others chuckled. “I don’t wanna kill all these folk, Dutch, least of all your… precious ‘Doctor’, here. Just you.”

“In that case,” Dutch lifted his hands up, stepping closer to Agent Milton “it’d be my honor to join you. Excuse me, friends, I have an appointment to keep…” the sounds of guns leaving their holsters and gun hammers clicking into place filled the small camp. “I think your new friend should leave now, Dutch, he’s outstayed his welcome” Leah spoke casually, Agent Milton glaring lightly at her before looking around at the others “you’re making a big mistake, all of you. You especially, Miss” Agent Milton pointed at Leah, Arthur’s arm around her tightening a little and Leah felt calm. Safe. Protected. She hadn’t felt that way in a long time…

“Yeah,” Dutch chuckled at Agent Milton’s words “dreadful. And it’s ‘Doctor’ when you’re speaking to her, Agent Milton. We have got something, something to live and die for. How awful for us, Mr. Milton. Stop following us, we’ll be gone soon” Dutch lowered his voice a little as he spoke but it was still loud enough for everyone to hear. “I’m afraid I can’t,” Agent Milton admitted coldly “and when I return, I’ll be with fifty men-”

“Just fifty? I like those odds” Leah stated casually, a few in the camp chuckling at her words and she smirked at Agent Milton “bring a hundred, that might even out the playing field in your favor” she added teasingly, obviously making Agent Milton boil under that bowler hat of his. “All of you will die! Run away from this place, you fools! Run!” Milton shouted and it seemed that Lenny finally had enough, reaching for Milton with his rifle still in his hands “come on” Lenny hissed, Milton moving out of Lenny’s reach with anger “get your damn hands off of me, boy” he spat, glaring at Lenny and Leah scoffed “leave, and he won’t have to do anything” she ordered and Milton glared at her before leaving, pushing past Charles with his shoulder, Agent Ross following immediately as everyone watched the two men walk away.

“What now?” Leah asked after a small sigh, looking up at Arthur and then at Dutch. “We get outta here… and quick. Any ideas?”

“What about that place you and Lenny raided?” Leah asked Arthur in a whisper, Arthur nodding as he looked down at her “that might work” he muttered, letting go of her to step up to Dutch’s side “I know a big old house, hidden in the swamps outside Saint Denis. I’m sure they’ll find us eventually but it should buy us a few days, at least” Arthur admitted, looking between Dutch and Hosea, Dutch nodding subtly “a few days is all we need” he stated and Arthur nodded “it’s a spot out by Shady Belle. Lenny and I got into that dispute with the… previous occupiers. Place is well hidden…”

“You and Arthur ride out and make sure no one else has moved in” Dutch stated to John and Arthur before turning to Lenny “Lenny, you go follow those fools outta here, make sure that they leave” he ordered softly, Lenny already moving away, the small group disbanding. “And, John,” Dutch called out, the man in question stopping to look over his shoulder at his mentor “we’ll get Jack and we’ll get gone” he promised, John nodding before leaving for the horses while Arthur went back to Leah. “The rest of you, get packing!” Dutch ordered and Arthur turned to Leah, sighing softly “well, I got us a place to move into, I best get goin’-”

“Arthur” Leah stopped him before he could leave, hesitating before sighing “be safe, please?”

“I will, darlin’, don’t you worry. This old fool ain’t goin’ nowhere” Arthur joked lightly and Leah scoffed quietly, leaning up and kissing him softly “good” she whispered against his lips, kissing him again and he kissed her back, wrapping his arms around her, his hat nearly falling off but Leah caught it while still kissing him, Arthur smirking a little as he parted from her “ain’t you cute” he muttered, mostly to himself, and she smirked, adjusting the hat so it sat properly on his head as she leaned back down again “just trying to match you” she muttered, giving him a soft smile before stepping back, sighing softly “go on. I have to get packing” she muttered, Arthur nodding, leaning down and pecking her cheek sweetly before leaving to check out Shady Belle with John, Leah watching him saddle up and ride off before walking to her tent to get her things.

-------------------------------------------------------

Leah couldn’t help but smile when she saw the estate come into view, ignoring the small trenches and sandbags the previous occupants had put up as defenses. She saw a small lifted gazebo, the big house of course with the shipped white paint, the nearby water, though judging by the looks of it, it was perfect alligator territory, so that wouldn’t be quite as fun. “Welcome to my humble abode!” Arthur announced as they got closer, opening the big double doors, standing like a lord at his manor, welcoming his long-awaited guests of great importance and familiarity, making her chuckle briefly, saddling off Pru, the horse she’d borrowed from camp, and walking over, looking around as Arthur moved to meet her. “Ignoring the corpses and alligators, it’s paradise!” Arthur added cheerfully and Leah chuckled “we might make a homemaker out of you yet” she teased and Arthur chuckled, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her against him “that so? Thinkin’ of leavin’ us fools behind and settling down?”

“Nope… but I-... wouldn’t mind settling down at some point… i-if you want… just at some point in the future, when things are more certain and we’re in whatever paradise Dutch has imagined for us.”

“Think Strauss’ been talkin’ ‘bout Australia, maybe wanton’ ter talk ter Dutch ‘bout it too” Arthur admitted with amusement and Leah cringed “Australia?? That’s Satan’s backyard. Everything there is out to kill you” she muttered with actual horror and Arthur chuckled “and how’d you know that, you ever been there?”

“Arthur, sweetie, there’s giant bugs and insects, cows that chew on and eat snakes, kangaroos that can choke you out and break your ribs, sharks, venomous spiders, the world’s most venomous snake literally lives there, crocodiles, stinging stonefish, ticks that cause paralysis, an octopus that’s literally poisonous, aggressive bull ants, giant centipedes and a jellyfish the size of a penny with a sting so venomous that you will literally feel a sense of impending doom so terrible that most people beg to die just to escape it” Leah explained with a straight face and Arthur cringed, nodding “a’ight… I’ll talk him out of it before Strauss gets a chance to talk to him ‘bout it” he muttered with slight horror, Leah nodding “good idea” she stated plainly, Arthur smirking a little, making her frown “what?”

“Nothing, you’re just… smart as hell” he admitted with a nervous chuckle and Leah blushed but smiled, leaning up and kissing him “you’re not so bad yourself, cowboy” she teased, Arthur chuckling lightly. “Arthur, ride with me” Dutch called and Leah smiled, stepping back and away from Arthur “don’t get into too much trouble” she ordered and he chuckled and tipped his hat as he backed up towards Dutch, still facing her “can’t promise nothin’.”

“Don’t worry, Doc, I’ll keep him out of trouble” Dutch called, Leah scoffing with amusement “since when?” she called before turning around to begin helping put everything into place and make this new camp home. At least for the time being.