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Sneak PEAK!!!!
#tf2#tf2 medic#tf2 medic oc#team fortress 2#medic tf2#tf2 ocs#medic#tf2 au#egyptian mythology#egyptian#Egyptian oc#mythology#mythology oc#Almaealij
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Tiberias x Reader
Part 2
A lot of people have been asking for part 2 so…Here you go. Hope you’ll like it.
You smiled on your way to the market place. It was the first day outside of the castle since you were brought forth before the king and you had missed the busy streets of Jerusalem. You took a long inhale and smiled to yourself at the familiar smell of almond pastries and pipe smoke. You belonged. It was your home.
And then, another smell mixed with the others...one of iron and sweet musk. It commanded your senses and lead you forward towards its source. When your eyes fluttered open, you smiled. Here he was.
The champion of Jerusalem.
The kind one.
Your knight in shining armour.
...Tiberias.
His unwavering gaze fixed on you, but no hostility in his eyes full of unspoken wisdom built on years of service...and great sadness. His eyes spoke of years of suffering, serving a cause he didn't believe in, but following his heart into battle. Oh...A knight at birth. A hero born in the womb. One of the true ones.
Your bare feet almost danced on the rough stones when you made your way to him and even though he didn't speak, his eyes spoke for him. You could recognize a begging soul.
"...You once told me you didn't need a healer, my friend. I helped your king. As you wished. Will you let me help you now, kind one ?", you asked with a kind smile on your face. Your fingertips brushed against his cheek and your face was just a mere inches from his. He refused to speak, but what a pity...He had words the world needed to hear. His eyes spoke loud enough however. They were begging you so sweetly to free him. He opened his mouth, but another cut him.
"Almaealij Aleazim ?"
You snapped your head towards the person who had just called you and your eyes widened as you found an old woman before you with a small snake in her hands. You tilted your head quizzically at her as she handed you the animal with care and asked with tears in her eyes.
"Please...This snake was the last gift of my husband. He is dying and...I want him to stay with me."
You looked down at the snake in your hands and you rubbed its little head. But, it was too late. You could feel that it was too late. You didn't want to tell her, but your tears spoke for themselves. The old woman could feel your sorrow and before you even said anything, she broke into tears. You looked around and saw a small crowd forming around you and frowned before shielding the poor woman's face from the crowd. Tears were personal. No one had the right to see them unless they were invited to.
"I am sorry. A snake is a beautiful creature. It shows your husband loved you very much...", you whispered and the old woman nodded before wiping her tears and smiling up at you. You didn't see resentment in her gaze, but acceptance.
"...I know. That snake was the only thing I had left from him. And it was always so faithful to me.", she murmured while gently stroking its silver head and you could feel her pain through her broken voice. You kissed her cheek and asked her if she wanted you to relieve the pain. She didn't know what you meant by it, not until you opened your mouth and black ashes started billowing out of her before being swallowed by you. Some people came to you to relieve them of their physical pain, but some had much deeper scars, woes that needed to be forgotten before festering and becoming destructive calamities.
Your gift didn't only work on diseases, but pain. You relieved the innocent of their pain and it was the reason why some thought of you as a drug. They had once locked you away for this power out of cupidity. But the old woman deserved to be relieved of her pain—if only for a little while. She shivered in your grasp, but didn't resist. You could feel Tiberias' eyes on you, but didn't pay it any mind.
The old woman smiled and a single tear rolled down her face as she squeezed your hands.
"Thank you...", she whispered and you smiled back. She then dropped your hands and proceeded to walk away.
The pain would come back. It always did. But, you had at least given her a moment of respite. You didn't notice when the crowd started to surround you with their hands raised towards the sky. They all wanted to be blessed. And if you could, you would take away all of their pain. But, unfortunately...You were exhausted and knew that if you were to try to heal one more unfortunate soul...Yours would be lost.
You staggered backwards and thought you would pass out on the floor, but your back hit a strong and sturdy chest. You looked back to find Tiberias, holding you up and his gentle eyes met yours. And in a hazy moment of delusion, your brain made you utter desperate words to the old soldier of your heart.
"...Don't leave me." You pleaded and Tiberias' eyes softened significantly. He gently pulled you closer and stroked the back of your hand soothingly.
"...Believe me, princess. Nothing could possibly tear me away from you. I will be there until you—and only you—decide that my services are no longer required."
You smiled and couldn't help but laugh before daring taking his hand and kissing the back of it—forgetting all about the public around you. They all suddenly fell silent and if you had been in your normal state of mind, you would have realized what you had just done...But, all you could was smile in bliss as Tiberias' fingers trembled in your hands. To think the man would be so affected by such an innocent gesture...
You fell unconscious in his arms.
He held you closer and his eyes then gave a circular glace at the gathered crowd. But, they didn't seem to mind the gesture and, even worse...some cheered.
"CONGRATULATIONS TO ALMA AND THE KIND ONE !", they chanted and knelt at your feet. Tiberias sighed before shaking his head. Of course they would misunderstand...The girl was just too naive and he was too old to waste his time with arguing. However, you were promised to the king. And he wouldn't let it be heard that you were unfaithful.
"QUIET DOWN ! THIS WOMAN IS NOT MINE ! SHE BELONGS TO THE KING !"
The crowd suddenly fell silent, but one man stepped forward with a frown on his face as he saw the way you were holding onto him. You seemed so peaceful in his arms, and yet...
"Almaealij Aleazim doesn't belong to anyone."
The people around the both of you raised to their feet and started muttering between themselves. Tiberias' eyes widened as he realized the mistake he had just committed.
"Of course not. Forgive my words. I only meant...", he tried to correct himself—but the man shook his head and smiled.
"We know what you meant, kind one. Your king has made sure to keep our Alma to himself forever by asking for her hand. But, Alma hasn’t given him her answer yet, has she ?"
Tiberias’ jaw twitched. The fool didn’t know what his impertinence would lead to. But, he decided to change subjects. before the people of Jerusalem took his words to heart.
"....Alma ?", he asked with a curious tilt of his head and the young man looked at you significantly.
"Her name. Alma. Our healer." The man replied.
The way the young man's 'our' sounded almost possessive didn't go unnoticed by the old soldier who narrowed his eyes suspiciously at him.
"For a man who pretends that this woman doesn't belong to anyone...You seem very keen on what side she belongs in."
The young man's expression darkened and his smile felt fake as he answered.
"Because she belongs to her people. Not to the white devils."
Tiberias narrowed his eyes at his very treacherous smile, the smile that hid the truth. His jaw twitched again as he held you closer to his chest.
"I won't allow her to get hurt. Not anymore...", he answered with certainty—but the man didn't seem convinced. He took a step forward, but Tiberias didn't even flinch as the stranger leaned forward and his smile became malicious.
"Are you sure about that, kind one ? Do you really think your own kind will remain gentle when they see where your true loyalty lies ?"
Tiberias took a step back at the man's accusations and suddenly, he felt surrounded. It was suffocating. He gazed down at the girl in his arms and held her closer.
…His true loyalty ?
He scoffed and took a circular glance at the people before thundering, his voice alone commanding respect.
"Your Alma shall be returned to you soon enough. My king is a just one ! And the girl will not be harmed. Not as long as the truce between our two people shall stand !"
The young man—who seemed to be the leader—scoffed before taking a strand of your hair in his hand.
"And how long will this truce last ? You took something of ours, kind one. And we want it back."
Tiberias’ expression hardened as he grabbed the man’s arm and forced him to let go of you. He only understood the young man’s intentions when the muttering around you became louder and louder and the eyes became judging and menacing. He immediately released the man’s arm. However, the harm was done. They were know looking at him with distrust and suspicion while Tiberias’ heart beat a thousand miles a minute at the realisation that he had just unintentionally made an enemy out of the people of this city…
"This city knows her heart. We trust our Alma will take the right decision." The young man said and disappeared in the crowd while Tiberias got back on his horse to return to the castle with you in his arms.
He looked down at you and sighed.
So much trouble for just one woman…He couldn’t even imagine how hard it must have been for you all these years without anyone to protect you…But, he was here now. He would never let you suffer again.
"…I will protect you, Alma. I promise."
A few hours later :
When you woke up, you were disappointed not to see Tiberias in the room with you. He had covered you with a blanket and left you to get some rest. However, you found him before dinner and he was taken aback when you suddenly took his hand. He was about to admonish you for already having forgotten his earlier request about physical affection in public when he noticed you frowning in worry. He found it puzzling and dropped on one knee to look you in the eyes, just to make sure you were alright.
"What is wrong, Almaealij Aleazim ?", he asked and you took a deep breath. You had healed the king, but what was to happen now that he had what he wanted ? He was no longer sick. Therefore, you were no longer needed.
You blinked your tears away before answering truthfully.
"I...I would have liked to stay with you." You confessed and Tiberias' eyes widened as he looked at your hands in his. He bent forward to press his forehead against your knuckles in reverence. His eyes softening as he sought to reassure you.
"I would never ask you to leave, princess."
Your brother was a great leader, but you had never been called princess before. You blushed a little and found that from his lips, it didn't sound as much a title as a term of endearment. At least, you liked to think so. Unfortunately, your moment was cut short by laughs in the corridor and you both turned to find three of the nobles standing there.
"Here. The bitch and her hound." One of them had the audacity to say and you flushed in embarrassment. You didn’t mind their hateful words, but you didn’t want it to tarnish your knight’s reputation. You tried to pull away from him, but it was Tiberias who refused to let you go this time around. He glared at the nobles who suddenly lost their smiles.
"She saved our sovereign. She deserves respect. You were all so frightened to fight for our sick king, when all she did was fight for him. Next time you dare open your mouths, your tongues will be cut off."
You gasped in unison with the nobles at his words. The nobles glared at him, but didn't dare utter another word. Tiberias was Baldwin's most trusted advisor and the finest swordsman in the whole city. He commanded respect by breathing alone, so the nobles only nodded and walked away—but not without throwing you one last nasty glare first.
You stayed by Tiberias’ side and looked up at him with nothing but admiration in your gaze.
"Wise Tiberias, tell me..What would it take for you to become king ?"
He was surprised by the question. You had never actually taken an interest in him or his life..But, he smiled and decided to indulge your curiosity nonetheless.
"It would take a very special princess to let me into her heart."
He thought of Sybil and laughed. What a funny thought..Him. King. Sybil had been born on the same day as Baldwin, but everyone knew that Sybil had came first. For him to become king, he would have to ask Baldwin for her hand and he'd rather cut his own dominant hand than lower himself to ask for the poor girl to marry him. But, your cheeks coloured red as you thought about it. You knew he wasn’t referring to you, but you were technically a princess. And you wouldn’t see anyone but Tiberias worthy of leading your people.
You seemed to ponder on it and Tiberias shrugged, not paying mind to the way your fingers seemed to grasp his even tighter. He didn't think more of it. He thought you would drop it and it would be another forgotten question.
He was wrong.
You suddenly stopped walking and Tiberias frowned as you lead him towards your bedroom instead. He didn’t question it though. When you were both in the room, you closed the door behind you and invited Tiberias to sit at the circular table in the middle of the room.
He sat. He sat and wordlessly looked at you—studying each of your movements carefully. He quickly understood that you were preparing him tea and he relaxed. He remembered the first time you had served him tea and the sweet taste of orange blossom that had filled his senses. He had missed it…
Thereby, he took off his sword and waited patiently as you stirred the tea in an elegant pot and poured it in two cups. You quietly sat down in front of him and gave him one of the fuming cups. He gratefully accepted it and took a long inhale of the soothing sweet scent of orange blossom, jasmin and other plants residing at the bottom of the cup. He then took a careful sip and his eyes closed at the sweet taste…such lovely fragrance and such enticing aroma.
He had asked multiple times for the recipe in order to learn how to prepare it himself, but you had always insisted on making it for him instead. You knew that giving him the recipe would be preventing you from having a reason to have those little private moments you treasured so much. You smiled as he took a second sip and seemed blissful for a while, his shoulders lowering and his features softening.
He was the perfect painting of an old soldier tired of war. And you wanted to give him the peace he so desperately craved.
You couldn’t wait any longer.
You had to ask.
"Marry me, Tiberias." The older man almost choked on his tea as he heard your request and opened his eyes with the furrowed expression you had grown accustomed to. It meant confusion with a mix of disapproval.
You thought he would laugh. He didn't.
He seemed to gather his spirits rather quickly and find the right answer to give you as your cheeks burnt bright red.
"…I am old.", he stated matter-of-factly after a few seconds and looked you up and down with a skeptical expression. But, you shook your head.
You cared for him. Deeply. And that was all that mattered to you.
"Age is of no importance to me. And it shouldn’t be of any importance to you either. The many books I have read on your marital customs taught me that an age difference is of no consequence over a union in your country."
His eyes widened and he was about to answer, but hesitated. It was true. It was of no importance to his kind. But…still.
"…The king already asked for your hand," he reminded you and you sighed.
"...I respect him. But, he is not you." You replied in a mere whisper, lowering your gaze in shame. It was true. You held the king in high respect. But…You couldn’t lie to your own heart. "I respect and value you more than any man in this entire castle."
Tiberias clenched his fists until his knuckles turned white and took a long and sharp inhale. Sybil had received many demands and it was normal for a young girl your age to feel discouraged when not receiving any. But, it was more than that.
A few days ago, Baldwin had officially announced that he would marry you in front of your own brother in exchange for peace. It was part of the peace treaty. And he would be a fool for not acknowledging that fact.
"Not enough to value my intelligence it seems. I won't sacrifice the kingdom and a possible peace for some childish crush, Alma." He said knowingly and your face became livid at the accusation. You had waited a long time to ask him, and he now wished to undermine you by calling your love a mere child’s game. You felt ashamed and humiliated.
However, it didn't stop your determination. You would marry Tiberias. You would marry Raymond the III of Tripoli.
"You are wrong, Tiberias. This is not a game. I will refuse the king’s demand. My heart already belongs to someone else..."
He frowned and was about to ask what you meant when one of your servants came to warn you that dinner was served. You nodded and both you and Tiberias stood up. You arrived in the throne room and Baldwin's face lit up at your arrival.
"TIBERIAS ! ALMAEALIJ ! WELCOME !"
You both sat down by his side and it was quite the sight to see Baldwin in such a good mood. He was given a second life and he seemed to enjoy it immensely. However, Tiberias was still thinking on your request to marry him. He sighed and looked around the table before whispering to you.
"If you wish to marry so badly, marry the king. Save your kingdom, Almaealij."
He mildly gestured to them both as he was talking, but you didn’t even look their way. You didn’t seem to be interested in his suggestions. You merely hummed absentmindedly.
"I respect and trust King Baldwin. But, I only wish to give my to heart to one man." You gestured towards the people around table idly, your attention solely focused on him.
He frowned.
"You shouldn't." He replied shortly and you raised a quizzical eyebrow at him.
"And why is that ?"
You were genuinely curious. Tiberias seemed so serious all of a sudden. He knew he ought to keep his mouth shut, but he needed you to understand.
There was no such thing as a good man.
"Because men are foul beasts. And I'm no different. I just happen to hide it better than most." He answered you with a slight smirk and took a sip of his drink.
"I do not believe you." You said assuredly and your breath hitched when Tiberias' eyes darkened and he shook his head in disbelief.
"Then you are naive."
Your eyes widened at his cruel answer. He had never insulted you before. But, he seemed more honest than he had ever been with you too.
"You are the kind one. Everybody knows you." You insisted. He was kind. He had proved himself over and over to you. Why wouldn’t he see his own value ? He held back an eye roll at the familiar nickname and looked back at you with a mocking scoff.
"Kind one...It is but a name. One I never agreed to." His eyes then lowered to your dark purple dress and the way you looked absolutely stunning. You had grown from the little wildling he had brought to his majesty months ago. He looked around to make sure everyone was too busy eating to pay attention to what you were doing. And as if to prove his point, he snaked his arm around you and whispered in your ear—alcool untying his mischievous tongue.
"What if I tell you I have carnivorous desires as much as any man ? What if I told you I would be the first to bend you over this table and fuck you raw in front of all those noble men if it weren't for decency and etiquette ?" He squeezed your thigh meaningfully and you bit back a sound. "I am a hound, Almaealij. Never forget. I was bred to be vicious and merciless."
"I...I..." You tried to answer and he let out a mocking snort before leaning back in his chair with his cup in hand. He knew you were too young to realise…but, there really wasn’t such a thing as a good man.
"Do not worry, Almaealij Aleazim. I am still a man of my word and I promised I would protect you. I would never do anything to bring you harm." He finally released you and you stayed silent for a moment. His words rang in your ears and caused chills to run down your spine. Was it true ? Did Tiberias really have such impure thoughts in his mind ? Tiberias thought he had finally provoked fear in you—he was wrong.
He started eating and you tried to eat a few bites for appearance when another appetite had suddenly made itself known at the bottom of your stomach. You were looking at Tiberias with more hunger in your eyes than if he was one of those rare delicacies your brother would sometimes bring back from his trips…
Once dinner was over, you were the first to stand up.
"...Bring me back to my room, Tiberias." Your tone seemed so cold now, it was enough to sober up Tiberias who wondered if he had gone too far ? He lowered his cup and nodded dutifully.
"Yes, Almaealij."
He then stood up too and offered you his hand, but you ignored it. You bowed your head at the king who nodded in return. You then took your leave and Tiberias followed you—even though quite puzzled by your sudden coldness. He thought it good though. It was enough daydream for you. You were a really nice woman and he wanted you to understand that your feelings weren’t good for you.
But, still…
He had dared touch you and tell you things he shouldn't have...He opened his mouth to apologize, but no sound came out. You remained silent all the way and Tiberias groaned to himself. He usually never drank in company for that exact reason. Why...Oh why had he decided today was the best day to change that rule ? Once you arrived, he couldn't wait to run back to his room and gulp down his jar of red wine and go to sleep...But then, he heard your soft voice.
"Wait here."
And, he did.
He waited.
Because he could lie to everyone else, but he knew where his true loyalty lied. It was at your feet, waiting to be trempled or brought up to full glory...So, he waited. He waited and when you told him to come in—he did.
However, he didn’t expect to find you laid down on your bed and with your beautiful dress...You looked like an Ancient statue. He stopped dead in his tracks and frowned.
"Almaealij…What is the meaning of this ?"
You wordlessly patted the empty spot next to you and he suddenly understood what you wanted. He sighed and shook his head.
"I cannot…"
You frowned.
"I am asking you to sleep by my side. And I shall have you rest here."
Tiberias hesitated.
"It would be improper." He tried to decline. Your scoffed in return.
"Since when was I ever anything but improper ? Now, come. Come sleep beside me."
He could leave. It was the right thing to do. But, he couldn’t bring himself to do it. He took a step forward. And another. And another. Until his legs hit the edge of the bed. You then sat on your knees and started taking off his armour. And he let you. You took off his shoulder plates and torso plate easily…You then proceeded to help him with the rest of his armour patiently and diligently. He was almost surprised by such an endearing display.
When he was finally rid of his armour, he felt almost ashamed. He was a soldier. He was meant to protect and defend. Not…sleep in front of the very person he was meant to watch over. But, you patted the empty spot once more and he had no choice but to comply…He laid down on your bed and closed his eyes. It was best to not let his eyes wander, or he would lose himself and whatever shred of dignity he had left.
You scooted closer to him and stared at him and his peaceful resting face. You leant a little closer and in the dark of the night, found relief in his comforting breathing. Your eyes dropped to his lips and you licked yours. You raised a trembling hand to your mouth and pressed the fingertips to your lips and slowly reached forward for his. An indirect kiss. A kiss which meant a promise.
You knew Tiberias to be wise and loyal to the ones he cared about. He was also trustworthy and had always been a good and loyal friend to you. He would make a good spouse, and you didn't intend to wait for Baldwin or your brother to find you another suitor to marry you off to. You wanted him.
"Tiberias. I want you."
He didn’t answer and you sighed. Was he already asleep ? You were about to move back when Tiberias grabbed your arm. He then spun you around to face him once more and pulled you flush against him—mumbling some incoherent muttering. You wanted to back away, tell him he had no right to touch your person and play petty so he may feel the pain you felt when you couldn't...But, the look he gave you made you lose all of your words.
"You...You want me, Alma ?"
Of course. Of course he would hear you. You hid your face in the crook of his neck and linked his breathing with yours. He had called you Alma. The name sounded so foreign, and yet fit you in some strange way...You would love him to call you that again. It sounded like "love". As if he shared the same special connection you felt, that distorted need for him which made you weak in the knees and want to cling to him, knowing he'd hold you steady.
"I want you, kind one." You confirmed. "…Do you want me ?"
There was a moment of silence where you were both unsure of what to say or do. You wanted him to reassure you…Tell you he loved you. But, Tiberias thought about what kind of future he would be offering you…He was old and tired. He barely counted as a man anymore. He was not worthy of you. But, he wanted to be.
"I want you too," He finally confessed. "I want you to be by my side and give me those sinful smiles of yours. I feel like I am losing my mind. I want to make you feel good and kiss you breathless every night. Have a family with you. Take you away from this war and make your laugh my only purpose. But, I am long past my prime, Alma. You should be with a young and valiant knight who will take care of you and..."
You didn't let him finish as you grabbed him by the collar and yanked him down so your lips met. His mouth was still open and you took the opportunity to deepen the kiss and devour the inside of his mouth as if it was one of those da pastries you enjoyed so much.
Tiberias seemed lost for a second as his hands hovered haphazardly over your hips and he hesitated before kneeding the flesh there. He was surprised when a low moan made it past your lips and a blush spread across his cheeks. He hadn't even thought of the possibility that you could feel pleasure in his company. But, he suddenly seemed to get more confident and fisted a hand in your hair so he may kiss you with passion.
He was almost taken aback by your passion and enthusiasm. When you rubbed your leg against his crotch area, he almost let you fall. Dear Lord...Give him strength. He thought you would be shy, even quite prude on your first night together. But, he was wrong. He barely had the time to appreciate the smooth fabric of your silk nightgown that it was off and discarded. You were quick and seemed to know exactly what to do. You didn't hesitate before starting to unbuckle his belt. Tiberias' jaw almost fell slack as you didn't seem to be the young and innocent maiden he had discussed with at dinner. You acted impatient and ruthless. He thought to remind you of your manners, but was once more surprised when his hands were guided down to your mouth.
You kissed his knuckles and his breath shuddered as he felt his hands become putty under the care of your lips. He was surprised by the gentleness and innocence of the gesture..until you decided to lick his palm. He sought to retrieve his hands, but couldn't as you started sucking on the tip of his middle finger. He had seen literal bloodbaths, but the sight of his beloved Almaealij doing such a sinful action made him incredibly hot and bothered.
He had been married once. He had loved his wife dearly, but he had never felt such fire in the pit of his stomach during their nights together.
"Stop !" He finally told you and pinned you to the bed, not hard enough to truly hurt you, but enough to make you stop. He didn't expect when you threw your head back and let out a louder moan.
He then understood.
He had been bewitched by a cannibal. A man-hunter. A girl of sin..You were after his immortal soul and he gritted his teeth. He wrapped his hand around your throat and your eyes snapped open to stare at him.
"T-Tiberias..." You breathed out his name and Tiberias thought he was going to lose it. He claimed your lips and tried to trap all of your tempting words inside. But, he was unsuccessful as the moment his lips left yours, you dragged him right back to you and whispered all types of sinful obscenities in his ear. "I want you to ravage me. Make all those nobles know just how much you are worthy of my love. Make all those nose up court ladies turn green in jealousy upon discovering all of their jeering was misplaced. I chose the best husband. Now, show me how you would treat the best wife."
Wife...You wanted him. And oh...Did he want you...It burned his soul. This desire. This lust. He opened his mouth to speak, but stopped. His hold on you tightened as he sat down and effortlessly lifted you up to make you straddle his hips. He then tugged the hair out of your face to look at your eyes, your beautiful eyes darkened by lust and need. It was enough to make him hold his breath.
"Almaealij...I cannot marry you. My life is done. Yours just begun. I couldn't possibly...", he started—but you cut him off.
"Tiberias...Please." You pleaded and your lips hovered above his as you fisted his tunic—the wretched thing the only obstacle between you and what your heart desire.
"...Let me devour your pain."
His eyes widened and a single tear rolled down his face—one you licked away. You were starving and even though it was dangerous, you had dedicated your life to devouring other people's pain. It fed you. It made you whole. And Tiberias...Tiberias' pain was endless. You wanted him. Oh god forgive...There was no depth to this desire you felt for the man. It didn't make any sense. You had refused a crown for him. You had told Baldwin no because your eyes had already settled on the worthy one, the only man who had defended you when all of the crusaders called for your impending death.
"You...You really want this, don't you ?", he asked and you could see the sliver of uncertainty in his eyes. You held back a snort before stroking his cheek. How could such a man ever doubt a woman's desire for him ? Not only was he strong, he was kind and compassionate and...
"More than anything. Please.", you whispered and lowered yourself to place a chaste kiss on his lips. He closed his eyes and let out a defeated sigh before intertwining your fingers, suddenly pinning them over your head. You gasped in surprise and he kissed you again before slowly slipping his hand underneath your skirt...And then, he felt the scars.
His eyes lowered and sorrow filled them at the sight of your damaged flesh. To think someone had dared force you to do such a thing...He released your wrists to stroke the skin of your ankles with gentle care and you tried to stop him—but the look he gave you froze you on the spot. He then continued his ministrations and you let out a relieved sigh, but you soon felt tears run down your face and tried to hide them from him. However, he grabbed your arm before you could cover your face.
"Ssh...Almaealij. You are beautiful."
You looked up at him and the sight of his eyes on you burned and felt like heaven at the same time. You wished for it to never end, but couldn't wait any longer as you jumped on him and started unbuttoning his shirt.
"Alma...Please. Don't..."
But, you were far too gone to listen. You wanted the pain to disappear. To feel wanted. And not just because you were the great healer of Jerusalem...No. You wanted to be needed. To be felt. To be seen. As a woman. Tiberias seemed to understand and didn't protest when you pulled his shirt off him and marveled at the rippling muscles hidden underneath.
"Kind one...You shall make me the happiest woman tonight.", you whispered and Tiberias felt his heart hammer in his chest at the look of utter adoration in your gaze. But, then...You felt the pain and leant forward to kiss him—but also suck all this sadness out of him. You wanted him to be happy, and as much as Baldwin...You could see the darkness inside and wanted to feast on it, make it so only Tiberias remained. Tiberias felt as if he was dying, but desperately grasped you and pulled you further against him. You wanted his pain ? He'd be more than happy to give you everything he had and more...He then started to gently unclasp all of the restrains of your underdress with surprising ease. You brought one of his hands to your face and placed a gentle kiss to the palm. His eyes widened and he panted as he felt like a young man again, just after his first kill, his hands covered in warm blood and this strange feeling in his chest...He then eyed your throat and let his mind run wild.
He kissed it and then, in the spur of the moment, bit it. You were all gentle gasps and soft mewls...It shouldn’t make him cry. He had slayed men before, but what he wished to do to you ? No man could ever imagine...
"I shall ravage you, Almaealij Aleazim. Do you understand what I mean ? You shall be mine and mine alone...You shall be linked to an old soldier who gave up all of his attempts at happiness years ago. I shall feed on your youth, as you shall feed on my misery. I shall steal your life, as much as you'll give me life."
Your eyes widened at the sadness in Tiberias’ eyes. He seemed sorrowful. As if he couldn’t believe it and was trying to scare you away. He seemed incapable of comprehending your love for him.
"Tiberias...", you muttered—your eyes softening upon his words. You slowly stroked his cheek soothingly and kissed him again. He had so much pain in him…It made him so much more valuable in your eyes. He had suffered so much—even though in silence.
But then, he grabbed your wrists and and you felt him thrust into you and all thoughts seemed to leave you. You whimpered and grabbed onto him for dear life.
"You brought this upon yourself. I tried to push you away. But, you kept coming back like...hmm...like a lost child. Like a...a lovesick puppy. They tell me I am the hound, but they haven't seen the size of your claws..."
To think he had the strength to speak while all coherent thought had left your brain the moment he had entered you. You clawed at his back and thrashed as he kept his movements very slow and steady—as not to hurt you.
"I...I need...", you tried to speak—but he slammed back into you and Tiberias even teased you as he raised his eyes up to meet yours.
"Yes, dear one ? What is it that you need ?"
You opened your mouth and surprised yourself by finding your words back.
"Tiberias. I need you."
"Is that so ?" He smirked and for a moment, his eyes seemed to shine with a streak of gold as his hand tenderly stroked your cheek. He hummed and went at an agonizingly slow pace purposefully to see your features tighten in frustration. He was admiring the woman writhing under him, who could have chosen every man in the kingdom...But, had settled for less.
It made him think of the first time you had met. He had been surprised by the fact that you were living in such a small house when you could have been living in a palace with that gift of yours. You could have chosen everything. Your beauty could have been enough to satisfy any man, but you had settled for this old run-down house, this shipwreck of an old time long forgotten. And he adored you all the more for it.
"T-Tiberias...", you called for him and sought him out with your hands—your eyes glazed by tears and your mouth parted slightly...He couldn't resist. He bent down and kissed you longingly and his hold on you tightened.
"Do not hide yourself from me. I want to hear you. Be as loud as you can. Make it so even heaven shatters with your screams alone..."
Your eyes watered and you obeyed. You let out a huge scream and Tiberias smiled. He then started nibbling on the skin of your neck. He knew the room was far away from everyone else's. You could be loud and let out all the pain you felt inside. He would hear it all...He would hear you.
"My princess...Mine. My lovely and terribly sweet princess.", he uttered in the darkness and you held on to him, seeking out his words as if they were the source of life itself.
"Tiberias...My heart sings for you. Can you hear it ?", you asked and he stilled in his movements. He stayed perfectly still for a few seconds when only both of your heavy pants filled the room and finally, he smiled. Your eyes widened, as you had never seen such a smile on him before...
"I hear it. It sings the same tune as mine."
He placed your hand above his heart and your eyes watered once more, but they were tears of joy. The music...It was beautiful. You slid your hand upwards and secured it at the back of his neck to suddenly crash your lips together. He responded with the same ferocity and resumed his movements before holding himself up by the elbows to look at you.
"Almaealij...My Alma. Mine and only mine..."
Your name sounded so sweet on his tongue and your ears reveled in the way he pronounced it. It was foreign to you. And even though you were sweating and feeling as if you were about to give any time now, you ran your thumb over his lips. You wanted him to speak again. If he was to be yours, then he'd have to speak to you everyday. What bliss...What joy...
"Marry me, Tiberias.", you reiterated your request and Tiberias suddenly stilled.
"Marriage...Would you really be willing to share a life with me ? For whatever time I have left on this world ?", he asked and you smiled at his puzzled expression.
"I would have asked you the exact same question if you had had but a few minutes left. I can't think of someone I would rather spend my life with."
"Such a great shame we won't be able to attend his majesty's breakfast tomorrow morning...", you said with a small playful smile and Tiberias responded with a small amused smile of his own.
"Do you really intend to keep me up all night ?"
You chuckled.
"Me ? Oh...If it were up to me, I'd make sure you stay in this bed with me forever."
Tiberias smirked before suddenly kissing you again.
"~What a shame indeed."
The very next day :
Tiberias mounted his horse very early in the morning and went to see your brother. The moment he was in the camp, he was surrounded by his soldiers, but they surprisingly let him pass.
They knew why he was here.
When he entered, Saladin was waiting for him.
"I know why you are here, Tiberias of Tripoli. My sister has spoken very highly of you and has already shared her plans as to marry you."
Tiberias nodded understandingly, but before he could ask what conclusion he had made…Your brother smiled.
"However, I am still undecided. So, I’ll ask you. How far are you willing to go for her ?"
"I would die for her.", Tiberias declared without hesitation—but your brother didn’t seem satisfied by the answer.
"That wasn't my question. I am asking you if you'd betray your own kingdom and moral code for her ? I know you, kind one. Your loyalty is not to be questioned. But...I want my sister to count on you. So I’ll ask you another question. If you had to choose between your kingdom and my sister ? Who would you choose ?"
Tiberias frowned at the question and he seemed to ponder on it…His kingdom was his home and you were his love. Who he’d be without them both ? Nothing.
"…I would fight until both of them are safe. I cannot choose because one cannot choose family over family", he admitted and was scared his answer might not be sufficient. But, he was surprised when he felt your brother’s hand on his shoulder. And when he looked back up, your brother was smiling.
His eyes widened when he heard Saladin chuckle and finally answer him.
"You have my blessing. Kind one." And with that, Saladin was out of the tent. Tiberias hadn’t noticed—but he was trembling.
He had his blessing.
But at what cost ?
A dark voice whispered at the back of his head. He had Saladin’s blessing and he knew what it entailed. He had earned himself a new home, but would his motherland forgive him for the treachery he was about to commit out of the name of love ?
He looked up.
He hoped his god was as merciful as the texts made him out to be…
#kingdom of heaven#tiberias vii calore#tiberias#tiberias x reader#king baldwin iv#fanfic#imagine#fandoms
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misc draws
tap on em for the full images a couple got cropped oddly lol
#my art#my ocs#friend ocs#joint ocs#nazvin#almaealij#brazvin#caspian#nicholas#delkii#could I post these separately?#yes#am I gonna?#no#I should’ve been posting em gradually as I made em but I DIDNT so now they’re all being posted together
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JayDick Week 2021 Bonus’
#22 Accidental Baby Acquisition (Continuation of #19 Different Mentors)
“Oh, we are dead, we are so very dead, this disloyalty will never be forgiven!”
Hidden in the small cave they had come across in the forest surrounding the base, Almaealij fretted over their actions, voice firm though hushed.
The one he had been told to observe, the one called Apprentice huddled near the wall of the cave focused on their stolen bounty.
Almaealij cursed himself for falling prey to the others wondrous eyes and quiet whispers of the world he remembered from before his Apprenticeship to Deathstroke.
How could he have allowed himself to be swayed so easily?
“We are only dead if we are caught, and I have no intention of letting you be so.”
Appentice’s voice was soothing, but worry still curled deep in Almaealij’s gut.
Ibn al Xu'ffasch.
A secret of the League that Almaealij was never supposed to know.
It was of course no secret that the Lady Talia adored the Bat (a quiet voice deep in his head had always whispered obsessed) and that her Honoured Father desired to have the Bat as his Successor, but Almaealij had not realised, had not even thought to speculate, that the Lady Talia would bear the Bat’s child.
He and Apprentice had gone to the training halls as instructed, discussing what the elder of the two recalled of his life before Deathstroke, when they entered to find the maybe two-year-old being attacked by Shadows of the League.
Constant blows from both bare hands and weapons had rained down on the boy, an extra hard strike for every time he whimpered.
Between one blink and the next, Almaealij found himself and Apprentice standing over the downed Shadows, Apprentice cradling the crying babe in his arms and soothing him to exhausted slumber.
As one, they had turned to leave, and a singular Shadow managed to grasp Apprentice’s ankle.
“You,�� their voice was ragged, slurring as they clutched desperately to both Apprentice and consciousness “You can- cannot take him. Ibn al Xu'ffasch is to be- is to be trained as the Lady- demands.”
A swift kick had them crumple, and both men left the room quickly, fleeing the base, and were now hiding in a small cave.
A gentle hand ran through Almaealij’s hair.
“Between the two of us, we will be able to escape this place, and put the boy into the Batman’s care. It is well known he is a protector of the innocent, and what is a child if not innocent? Not to mention his own son.”
Another stroke through black locks.
“We can do this Jason.”
Almaealij flinched, the name sounding wrong yet ringing so true.
“Jason?”
Apprentice smiled.
“Well, given that this little guy is literally being called ‘Son of the Bat’, it’s pretty obvious that creativity isn’t exactly a priority for the League. Almaealij means healer right?”
He nodded and blue eyes seemed almost to sharpen, focusing on him in a way he had never experienced before.
“Well so does Jason.”
A final stroke through his hair before that same hand was then held in introduction.
“Nice to meet you Jason, I’m Richard, but feel free to call me Dick.”
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Salkya Almaealij (npc)
SALKYA ALMAEALIJ Salkya High Priestess of Sekhmet
Quote: “Come in child, let us feed you.” Race: Human
Class: Cleric/Assassin (Sekhmet/House of Knives). High priestess to Sekhmet at the Temple of Umilta. Alignment: Chaotic – Good Background: Criminal Spouse/Relatives: Adopted mother to Luke and Te’Teh.
Physical Description Age: 67 Gender: Female Height: 5’4″ Weight: 175lbs Eyes: Brown Skin: …
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💍 tbh
█ ❛ spouse material.
#WIFETHISBOY
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"Is there someone you love?"
There was indeed someone he loved. His sister, but if he meant in a romantic sense then it would be his fiance’ Dunya. The very thought of the aqua haired woman made his heart to skip beats and his stomach churn from the butterflies that would flutter within. There was without a doubt that he loved this woman he considered to be his Queen but it was not something he openly spoke about in public- but should one ask he would not be opposed to it. “Her name is Dunya Musta’sim and I love her dearly. She is the one woman I have come to care for as much as I do and the one I want to be my wife and the mother to my children. There isn’t anything I want more than to see her happy.”
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Anubis ma'at from Kamigami no asobi, for the npc meme Owo
Send me a faceclaim and I’ll tell you who they’d be in my muse’s life as a NPC | ACCEPTING.
NAME: Na’il ( one who attains his desires; a winner )AGE: 25years old ( during the time he meets Alibaba )OCCUPATION: merchant & mentor
Na’il is the son of a man from Heliohapt and a merchant’s daughter from Balbadd. He grew up in Heliohapt but his mother and grandfather taught him everything about trade. He became a scholar and is even capable of reading Toran. At the age of 21 he had enough of his homeland and wanted to visit his mother’s birth place.
Thus he ended up in Balbadd. Since his family is wealthy and known in Balbadd he was invited into the palace. While talking to King Rashid about trade the King asked him to stay for a while as a tutor for the two princes Ahbmad and Sahbmad. However, only after two lessons Na’il gave up saying that Ahbmad was a hopeless case and that Sahbmad was too influenced by him ( he has a terrible habit of wearing his tongue on his sleeve ). It was then that Rashid introduced him to the newly arrived Alibaba.
He became her teacher in every task Barkak could not cover. He taught her the small details of politics and trade and was her Toran teacher. Na’il compared her tutoring to the “probably futile try of changing cheap alcohol into expensive wine.” But he was actually weirdly fond of the little slum girl - he was the only one who was honest and bold with her, reminding her that she spent 12 years without education and tried to catch up to her older brothers. After the fog troupe attacked he was disappointed that Alibaba left and shortly after moved back to Heliohapt to take over the family business since his father died.
TRIVIA: He knows by now that Alibaba became a dungeon conqueror and is actually proud of that | He has a scar from a bite on his arm …but it was no wild animal who attacked him but actually Alibaba who he caught one time trying to run back to the slums.
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The most noticeable thing about your writing, is how much you love it-- It shows in the way you write emotions, and the way you add in little details without making things seem cramped!
What is the most noticeable thing of my writing style? Explain? [x] | Accepting
ooc;; Ahh, well I do like writing. I’m glad that nothing seems cramped when I’m writing, thank you–!! I tend to usually find that my writing is a bit choppy though and doesn’t flow very well, so it’s something I need to work on. But–!! From the sounds of it, it seems like I’m getting there.
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Almaealij the God of Healing... Many people don't know where he came from. But there were ideas.
"He came from a dust storm!" one man said.
"I saw him emerge from a lake." one woman said.
"We saw him flying down from the clouds with a pack of doves!" a group of young people said.
But what all matters is what he came for. Is to protect and heal his people. He was known to heal people from injuries and sickness. He protected the innocent from evil.
There was a time... when he presented himself as death... There was an enormous unknown group that threatened his people. The reason they are unknown is because Almaealij didn't give them time to tell their name. The ones who saw what happened to the group said that they saw black smoke came out of his mouth. The smoke went directly towards the group, and many screams were heard.
The black smoke soon returned to him and inhaled all of it. The enormous group was nothing but dried-up corpses. Almaealij walked up to the leader of the group and blew at them. And soon, all the corpses turned into dust. But his people didn't fear him. No. They felt even more protected.
His people wanted to build a castle for Almaealij as an honor for him. He accepted, but only if he helped them to make it. With no powers. He used his strength and hands to help his people to make the castle. It was a good life for him and his people. Years passed, and he knew it was time for him to have his slumber.
He said to his people, "It's time for me to go. But I won't be gone forever. I'll come back when my people need me. For now on, I shall pick a king to rule over the castle and protect you all."
He has a staff that he always brings with him. But this time, he gave his staff to one of the people he had chosen and trusted to be king. He walked towards the room where he was underneath his throne. There was a coffin that was surrounded by the feathers of doves, his favorite fruits, water from the lake that his people drank from, and the leaves of the trees he grew.
He went inside of his coffin and closed its door. While he was slowly going to sleep. He said something.
"If a king tries to harm. I shall return, take my staff, and rule once again. To protect all."
#tf2#tf2 medic#tf2 medic oc#team fortress 2#medic tf2#tf2 ocs#medic#tf2 au#egyptian mythology#Egypt oc#Egyptian oc#egyptian gods#Egyptian god#god#god oc#mythology#mythology oc#redesign
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Baldwin IV x Reader x Tiberias
I just watched the movie Kingdom of Heaven and inspiration struck me. ⚡⚡⚡Also, I decided to give the reader the same power than in the movie the Green Line. Enjoy.
Synopsis : You are a mystic healer and the news of your arrival in the kingdom of Jerusalem catches the attention of many people—including the closest advisor of king Baldwin IV: Tiberias.
Warning : LONG !
Baldwin IV had lost all hope on finding a cure for his leprosy. He had come to Jerusalem to find salvation, and maybe a bit of the grace of God. But, he had eventually given up, as he didn't think the Merciful had any mercy left in Him to give..Tiberias had noticed his loss of spirit and even though he had desperately sought for medicine and all kinds of magic to heal his majesty, none had proven worthy of his interest..until now.
Tiberias was taking a stroll along the streets of the market place when he saw a little boy begging on the side of the road. Tiberias then noticed his empty glassy eyes and shuddered. A blind one.
He knelt beside the boy and sighed before throwing a couple of golden coins in his ceramic pot. Poor boy made him think of his sick king and he couldn't help but feel pity for him. The boy smiled and extended his hand to touch the man's face, he ran his fingers along the scar on his face and yet, his smile didn't vanish as he said.
"Thank you, kind one."
Tiberias stood still for a second—stunned that the boy spoke his language—before nodding in acknowledgement. The boy couldn't see it, but he had this feeling that he knew. He then stood back to continue on his way to the house of the one they called "Almaealij Aleazim". The Great Healer. Some of the citizens of Jerusalem had pretended your powers to be unbounded and if the legends were true ? You could very well be the very thing the king needed..He stopped in front of an old tent where people were already waiting and he recognized one of the ones waiting in line to be Guy of Lusignan. Guy—who seemed rather in a foul mood—as he yelled at the two men guarding the door of your house.
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN I NEED TO WAIT IN LINE ?! DON'T YOU KNOW WHO I AM ?! I AM THE FUTURE KING !" Tiberias gritted his teeth at his words and his hand itched for his sword, but he succeeded in remaining calm. He only stood aside undetected until Guy huffed and walked away.
"Whatever. It's obvious the Great Healer isn't here today. I'll go find them myself !"
The oaf had a point. The people seemed to have been waiting for a while and there was absolutely no sign of life inside the building the two men were guarding..He then asked one of the people waiting in line about it, an old woman with a toothy grin who answered him.
"~Oh. Almaealij Aleazim doesn't appear to the ones with a foul heart. Only the worthy may lay there eyes on her..Besides, many of the ones waiting here are people wishing to thank her for her services.."
Tiberias nodded understandingly as he gave a quick glance at the people waiting and indeed found them with their arms filled with gifts. However, he suddenly heard a distant scream and the familiar name being repeated over and over.
"Almaealij Aleazim ! Almaealij Aleazim ! Help me ! Please !" He recognized the earlier young boy's voice and trudged back towards the market place. He then saw that Guy had him raised in the air by the collar, the coins he had given him earlier in his hand.
"Where did you get those, you little thief ?! You stole them. Admit it !"
The boy desperately tried to escape his tight grip as he shook his head vividly.
"NO ! Please ! No thief ! The kind one gave them to me !"
Guy snarled mockingly at the young boy's words before putting the coins in his pocket.
"Yeah..Right. I'm taking you to jail, you lying scum." The sight of the boy in tears made Tiberias' blood boil in his veins as he once against brushed his fingers over the hilt of his sword. He had sworn to value all lives, but he wouldn't mourn too much the loss of this cruel simpleton.
He was about to step in when the crowd split to let someone else through, a young woman who seemed to be walking on air as no dust rose from each step she took. Guy was taken aback by the sudden apparition and quickly let go of the boy who fell to the floor. The boy then quickly got back on his feet and reached forward for the woman who took him in his arms. She then knelt beside the boy and gently stroked his bruised cheek before she started humming to soothe him. Tiberias frowned in confusion at the scene, but decided to stand down and let the action unfold. He hid from sight as the woman's humming started morphing into words the crowd followed. She sang to him and suddenly, the young boy's eyes lit up and a sort of gray smoke rose up in the air and the young woman opened her mouth to breathe it in.
The boy suddenly seemed to see and his eyes watered as he blinked repeatedly at the woman. He then fell on his knees and started praying to her in his native tongue for the miracle. The woman smiled tenderly at him, but was then surprised as the rest of the people around started dropping everything to fall on their knees and pray to her.
Tiberias' eyes widened in shock and the sight alone seemed to break the crusaders out of their daze. Suddenly, Guy of Lusignan drew out his sword and yelled.
"DEMON ! SHE IS A DEMON !"
Before Tiberias could stop them, some of the crusaders drew out their swords as well and tried to attack the girl, but the crowd closed like the red sea with the Egyptians, making a human barrier to protect the woman. However, Guy who was the closest still managed to make his way to them and rose his sword to slam it down mercilessly on both the woman and the child. Tiberias decided to act quickly and used a nearby cart to jump to their rescue. Their swords clashed and Guy glared at Tiberias as he spat hatefully.
"WHY ARE YOU SIDING WITH THE DEVIL, TIBERIAS ?!" Tiberias used his leg to swipe the other man off his feet before positioning the tip of his sword just above the man's throat.
"The only devil I see is currently at my feet."
Guy clenched his teeth together and even though Tiberias wanted nothing more than to plunge his sword deep into the traitor's guts..He held back. He took a step backwards and looked back at the boy and the woman. The woman's eyes rested on him for a few seconds, her head tilted a little to the side as she scrutinized him and seemed to ponder on his intentions. Tiberias sighed before looking at the dark alleys significantly, away from prying eyes. The woman followed his eyes and nodded understandingly before carrying the young boy in her arms and running in the direction the soldier had pointed her to. Tiberias followed them with his eyes until they were out of sight and then, the crowd seemed to dissipate. When the crusaders finally succeeded in making their way through, you were gone.
Back at the castle :
Guy of Lusignan hadn't lost any time before complaining to the king about Tiberias' conduct. But, king Baldwin IV who was used to Guy of Lusignan's bratty behavior didn't as much as blink at the news. However, he did find it rather odd that his most trusted friend would engage into hand combat to save the woman's life. When Tiberias was summoned, king Baldwin IV waved Guy out of the room dismissively. Guy glared one last time at Tiberias on his way out, but didn't say anything—afraid of what the king might do if he heard him.
Once he was out of the room, Baldwin leaned back and let out a strangled moan at the incredible effort it took for him to move only the slightest. His eyes then rested upon Tiberias' figure, standing tall and fierce, even though his face was facing the floor in respect. Tiberias had always been by Baldwin's side and there was no one Baldwin trusted more. So, he asked.
"Guy told me something interesting. He spoke of a demon wearing a woman's face. A succubus that you apparently defended ?"
Tiberias nodded before replying.
"Yes, my king. But, I don't think she is a demon. They call her Almaealij Aleazim. The Great Healer.", he clarified and Baldwin hummed thoughtfully before remembering some of the servants talking in the shadows, of things they thought he couldn't hear neither understand. It wasn't the first time he had heard of this 'Almaealij Aleazim'. He did have a few of his soldiers knock at her door, but none of them had ever succeeded in catching her——until now.
She was like a mirage of sand and it brought Baldwin to think of her as a mere legend than an actual person. But now, he had the confirmation of her existence and the thought alone made him reconsider the finality of his condition.
"And you believe she could help me ?", king Baldwin asked and Tiberias remained silent. He hoped. He still held that tiny light within him that the city might survive if Baldwin was still there to guide it.
"She healed a child from his blindness with a simple touch. I believe that if there is anyone who can do it, it's her.", he said hopefully—making sure not to mention how she had actually sucked the illness out of him. He wouldn't disclose anything that would make his majesty suspicious, or lose himself into despair. However, it was true Tiberias had no idea of who or what you were..He only had the certitude you could help his king's situation.
"Fine..Bring her to me then.", Baldwin ordered and Tiberias opened his mouth to tell him there was little chance you would agree to meet with him after today's events, but only nodded shortly instead. He had saved you, maybe would you recognize him as "worthy" ? He then walked out of the room and Baldwin looked out at the sun slowly but surely making its course down the horizon. He had no illusion on the probability of a recovery. He knew his chances to be closest to none, but he was intrigued. He had but weeks to live at most, he would make the best out of them and try every single cure there is known to man.
For unlike many of his people who believed him to have given up on life, he had yet to welcome death. Maybe would she greet him with open arms ? Maybe would she even end up being the only friend he might endlessly rely upon ? But, for now, he would await her with apprehension and could only hope their meeting to be as far as possible..
On the market place at night :
Tiberias had decided to return to the market place, wondering if he might spot a hint as to your whereabouts ? He didn't bring his soldiers, as he was convinced you to be harmless. You seemed afraid this evening, as any human of death. And besides, you might be a little more willing to talk to him alone.
He took a stroll around the city and marveled at the silence reigning over the shadows. He suddenly stopped and closed his eyes, appreciating the quiet and serene atmosphere. However, the moment was quickly broken as he heard a noise behind him. He spun around, sword at the ready, only to be met with the boy from the market. His deep brown eyes now staring at him and a large grin on in his face. He didn't say anything, but he gestured for Tiberias to follow him. Before Tiberias could answer, he started running ahead and didn't leave Tiberias the time to think before running after him.
Tiberias ran past familiar alleys and tried to call for the boy to slow down, but suddenly stopped as he saw his guide enter the same door he had seen this morning. Indeed, unlike this evening, a light shone on the second floor and there was sign of life inside the building. However, Tiberias felt suspicious as the two earlier bodyguards were missing and he feared it to be a trap. But, before he could reconsider, the boy's head peaked from behind the door and gesture once more for him to follow him. Tiberias took a deep breath and thought of his king who needed immediate care. He couldn't leave, he couldn't return empty-handed. He then took a step forward and finally stepped over the threshold of the impressive building.
The boy was waiting for him on the other side and as soon as he was inside, the boy quickly climbed up the stairs. He didn't make the gesture to follow him this time around, as he surely must have understood that Tiberias wouldn't be going anywhere now. He stepped up the stairs, still careful as he found it weird not to find any servant or other form of life than his and the little boy's so far.
However, once he reached the second floor, he found you sitting at a low table, a cup of tea in hand as you silently waited for him to enter. Once he was in the room, you took a sip of your drink before raising your eyes to look at him, the same scrutinizing stare he had been subjected to during your first encounter was now back on him.
However this time, you smiled and invited him to sit in front of you—another fuming cup already waiting for him. He hesitated for a mere second before indulging and sat down in front of you, taking a small sniff of the drink that smelled like roses, jasmin and various spices he couldn't put a name on.
He took a sip.
"Are you...the healer ?", he asked hesitantly and you smiled once more—your smile felt like melted honey and Tiberias felt out of place. He was surrounded by delicate things; colorful mosaics, sophisticated tapestries and the sweet fragrance of sugar and spice..You were in a simple dress, your hair wild and free falling on your back and shoulders in complete disarray. You had various tattoos covering your arms and legs and small leather bracelets with little bells and pearls around your wrists. You even smelled like flowers. He—in contrast—was dressed in his armor and probably reeked sweat and filth. He almost felt ashamed. Almost.
"Indeed, I am. State your business, kind one.", you answered.
That nickname. It was the same than the one the kid had called him earlier. He now knew why he had been allowed a private visit, the child must have told you about him. He might try to give him a few golden coins later and send food to his family.
"I am in dire need of a healer.", he decided to confess and you hummed absent-mindedly before your eyes laid in an unhurried fashion upon him once more.
"I can see that. You—sir Tiberias—look like a man who has lost a lot..", you answered with a small knowing smile and Tiberias' brow furrowed for a second at your enigmatic words before he quickly clarified.
"I am afraid I haven't made myself clear enough. I do not want a healer for myself, but for my king. He is incredibly sick and needs your help." You hummed once more, finishing the tea in your hands while Tiberias hadn't touched his since his first sip.
"If he is the one in need of healing, why did he send you in his stead ? Why isn't he the one sitting in front of me ?"
Tiberias' jaw went slack at your sheer cheek and imagined his king, all covered in bandages and his face gnawed by disease and cursed to have every single one of his movements be a pain..To make the trip alone could have cost him his life.
He shook his head.
"My king is fair. He would compensate you righteously..", he replied instead and you closed your eyes.
You sighed. Here it was. Many of the people who came to seek your help brought up money and other kinds of physical treasures, as if it would make their torment any more important and urgent as the rest of the city.
"I'm afraid there is nothing I can do. Sometimes, people just die..", you replied coldly and Tiberias' jaw clenched at your refusal. He didn't want to force you, but he had practically raised the boy who was now called the Leper King and he would be damned if he let you walk away with the knowledge you could have helped.
You stood up and were about to leave when Tiberias suddenly turned around to catch your arm.
"Please. You owe me as much." You looked at the fingers wrapped around your wrist and the clear desperation in his eyes made you soften and sit back down. He nodded gratefully at you.
However, now that Tiberias had your full attention, he still seemed uncertain as to how to convince you. He had an undying loyalty for his majesty that had been built on years of service, but you didn't know the king as much as he did. He had nothing that he thought could persuade you, you weren't linked, and you had never even met. King Baldwin and himself had thought you to be a legend for so long, he hadn't even considered the way he would convince you.
Violence was out of the question.
Not only was he against it for moral reasons, he also knew that if he were to touch a single hair on your body, it would inevitably lead to the uprising of the people of Jerusalem.
So, he sought a different approach, to know more about you and maybe try to reach an understanding.
"You are miraculous. You heal. I've seen it with my own eyes. You don't ask anything in return, and yet, you are still a beggar. Why is that ?"
He wasn't fooled by the beauty of the house, he knew first and foremost what real luxury looked like. However, as a healer with powers such as yourself, why did you settle for less ? He knew many lords and influential people who would cover you in gold and diamonds for your talents. Your eyes darkened as the night seemed to gain territory inside your home.
"My gift is not to be used for money or glory, my lord. But, it doesn't mean I am not a human being in need of food and shelter."
Your fingers wrung together on your lap as you thought back on the terrible and uncomfortable memories of what powerful men had done to possess you. It had never ended well for any of them. You had sworn to never use your powers on such men ever again.
He could understand that.
"I can assure you that my king is different.", he tried to convince you and you bit your lower lip in order not to let out an undignified snort. All of the people who had ever attempted to gain your services had guaranteed you of their relative's/friend's/master's good will. It was the very reason you had first found yourself trapped in Jerusalem in the first place..
"I can see your love for him.", you still conceded and took a minute to ponder before adding. "Fine. If you swear to protect me, I will help your master, kind one.."
Protect you ? You could see the puzzlement in his eyes and let out a humorless chuckle. Of course, he wouldn't know..You wordlessly stood up and lifted your skirts. Tiberias instinctively looked away, but you called his name and he had no choice but to look. And what he saw made his eyes grow wide as big angry scars ran up your ankles and legs. He looked up quizzically at you and you answered his silent question.
"Men have enslaved me. I had to break my own legs to free myself. You must understand that I do not wish such fate to befall me once more, yes ?"
He felt his throat go dry at the sight and his lips tightened into a thin line as he thought of you—writhing in pain as you used a hammer to break free from your chains. He remained impassive as you covered your scars once more and as soon as your hands were free, he took one of them and rested his forehead upon it before proclaiming.
"As long as I'll live, you shall not be harmed."
You were surprised by Tiberias' sudden oath, but welcomed it nonetheless. You smiled sweetly down at him and took his chin between your thumb and index to make him look up at you as you answered.
"I will be there tomorrow. Prepare my arrival at your king's table beside you and I shall be there."
You brushed his cheek with your fingertips and Tiberias instinctively closed his eyes at the soft gesture.
When he opened them again, he was back in his bed and took a long inhale, the scent of jasmin and orange blossom still remaining. He knew it couldn't have been a dream. He still felt your touch the sensation of your almond eyes on him..He took a big breath before looking out the window at the moon bathing the darkness with its soft glow.
In the morning, he would inform his majesty of their upcoming guest..
At lunch the next day :
Preparations had been made to accommodate your arrival and as instructed, you were to be seated beside Tiberias and the king. However, the dinner went on and the more the clock ticked and the more he felt foolish..Had it all been a dream ? Had he really imagined your whole conversation and warned the king of your oncoming visit unjustly so ? But, the king didn't seem upset.
He was playing with his cup and staring at the wine dancing inside. To be truthful ? He was glad to be allowed outside, even for a little. He felt cramped in that big room of his, suffocating and trapped. He welcomed the distraction, but Guy had to shatter his illusion of a normal king sharing a meal with his subjects by speaking up.
"I ask for retribution. Tiberias interfered with my capture of the succubus. I would have been able to bring her to you, if it hadn't been for him.." He pointed his finger at Tiberias accusatively and even though the king didn't seem to pay the fool's words any mind, Tiberias felt his honor tainted by such accusation.
"She wouldn't have been captured. She would have been dead. And the poor child with it.", he rebutted and Guy lowered his accusative finger to snarl spitefully.
"She is a succubus. Things like her do not die. As for the child ? Everything to make his majesty feel better again. It would have been a necessary evil.", Guy advanced and Tiberias narrowed his eyes at him. Guy had never once put his majesty's well-being before his own and the way he was evading his gaze confirmed what Tiberias had always suspected. The only reason Guy had decided to track you down was to make sure nothing would stop him from taking the throne, once Baldwin buried deep under the earth..
The tight grip he had on his empty cup was the only thing preventing him from drawing out his sword and slaying the man in two. However, his cup was filled once more and a brush of the servant's fingers with his own made him look up. His eyes widened when he recognized you and he was about to speak when you smiled at him before standing up and all warmth left your face as you glared at Guy and finally spoke up.
"You call hurting a child on purpose to get to me a "necessary evil" ? Is that what they teach you at Court ? If so..I feel sorry for you."
Suddenly, all the eyes were on you and Guy frowned as it took him a few seconds to recognize you. But, once he did, his eyes widened and his hand hovered over his sword.
"Succubus.", he spat at you and you closed your eyes. That name again. That dreadful name a few of the white men from the North used to call you. Before you were even given a name, you knew what they called you..However, you only gave the man a placid smile before taking your assigned place. You took a handful of grapes and started eating while you could feel the stares.
But, you were used to them by now. Guy was still up with his hand on his sword and ready to strike you down, if only given the order. The king who had remained unmoving so far was now studying you with attention.
You weren't armed. You didn't seem to possess the necessary qualities to be called a demon and you were eating like a wildling, not caring if the other men at the table seemed disgusted or even scared.
"Stand down, Guy. She is our guest after all.", he finally ordered and Guy's eyes widened at the command as he tried to protest.
"But, my king.." Baldwin wordlessly raised his hand in the air and Guy immediately stopped talking. Baldwin then returned his attention on you.
"Tiberias told me you had healing capabilities beyond all of those who have ever attempted to help me. And there is a long list..Tell me, Almaealij Aleazim. Is it true ? Can you heal me ?" There was barely hidden hope behind his words and you smiled before nodding—confident as to the extent of your gift.
"It is true. I even believe I could help you find your way, king. But, I'll first have to ask you a question to determine if you are worthy of my time.." Baldwin tilted his head to the side quizzically, wondering about your condition, and even though you could feel everyone around the table tense, you didn't try to shy away. You waited patiently for his answer and Baldwin even found great amusement in this little exchange.
"Really ? Very well.", he leaned back on his chair. "Ask me your question then."
You nodded and even though you were surrounded by highly armed men and just one blow could send you early to your Maker, you asked unashamedly.
"Tell me..Do kings also have weaknesses ?"
Baldwin's eyes widened slightly at the unexpected question and before he could answer, Guy stood up and raised his voice once more at you.
"You dare accuse our beloved sovereign of being weak, you little impertinent ?!" You remained calm and Tiberias stood up beside you as he glared threateningly at Guy.
"Get back to your seat, Guy of Lusignan. Before I make you."
It wasn't a request and Guy's eyes widened in stupor. Tiberias had never dared speak to him with such audacity and you knew by the way his legs quivered slightly that he wasn't left indifferent by it.
"Blasphemous.", Guy finally muttered under his breath before indulging—as the king hadn't yet asked him to cut off your head.
Guy glared at you, but you didn't spare him a moment of consideration as the corners of your mouth tilted upwards at Tiberias' defending. He was holding his side of the bargain and you knew it would make the operation all the more likely to be achieved smoothly. You tilted your head with a mischievous smirk as Tiberias' countenance shifted to a surprised one as you gently stroke his damaged cheek. The gentle gesture was enough for the whole Court to whisper to themselves and even though the gesture in itself was innocent enough, Tiberias grabbed your arm firmly. The face Tiberias gave you next was enough to make you look away in shame and retract your arm, as even if you weren't exactly scared of him, Tiberias could be very intimidating..
"Forgive her, my king. She is new to this Court.", Tiberias apologized on your behalf and you frowned a little, prepared to protest that you weren't sorry. However, the silence was cut short by the king's light chuckle.
"No worries, my old friend. I find her entertaining. Tell me, Almaealij. How would you help me find my way ?"
He had deviated your question to focus on the how. But you didn't mention it. He had been kind enough not to take offense where many men would have already flayed you. There was no malice behind the question, he was genuinely interested and you swallowed another mouthful of your food before answering.
"I would search deep into your soul and find what the kind one sees in you.."
The kind one ? Baldwin looked up at Tiberias who was now sweeping the crowd with his hawk eyes, searching for any reason to be worried or suspicious. A smile stretched on Baldwin's lips. He truly was the kind one..
"I see. Very well then. We shall soon see if my being is worthy of your treatment."
King Baldwin then raised his hand to his forehead and said his goodbyes in true Jerusalem fashion before retiring from you.
As soon as he was inside, the other guests started retiring as well and Tiberias gestured for you to follow him. You grabbed an apple before indulging and the knight made you walk through numerous corridors before stopping in front of a big golden door. You wondered why he was stopping when he entered and wordlessly gestured for you to enter after him. You agreed and followed him and once you were out of ear's reach, he sighed.
"You mustn't touch me in such a frivolous way in the presence of anyone else in this Court, do I make myself clear ?"
You gulped at the dark stare he gave you and you sheepishly nodded.
"I didn't mean to upset you.", you said truthfully and Tiberias' expression softened. He sighed again and plopped down in a nearby chair before massaging his face with his gloved hand, letting out a loud groan of exhaustion.
"You didn't upset me. I am a soldier. Soldiers like me do not need distractions and rumors going around about them. I have enough trouble as it is.." You hung your head in shame and stared at your feet. Tiberias seemed extremely bothered and you wished to see him smile, but so far all your attempts had ended in failure.
"Take the bed. I'll sleep on the chair." You looked up at him in surprise, but he didn't return your gaze and only vaguely gestured with his free hand to the bed in the middle of the room.
"I'll ask for princess Sybil to send one of her servants to bring you some of her nightgowns tomorrow, or send you to another room if you wish..But, for now, I am too tired to bother and hope you won't hold it against me.." You opened your mouth to tell him he didn't need to justify himself to you, but closed your mouth rather quickly. Tiberias was still in his armor and in a chair that seemed for too little for a man of his stature. But, you believed him when he said he was ready to doze off either way.
However, you had other plans.
You tiptoed to stand behind him and let your hands slide on his shoulders to unfasten his shoulder blades. Tiberias let you, but you could feel his body tense underneath your hands. You shushed him soothingly before making your way back to his front and beginning undoing his chest plate. He still had his hand covering his face, but he peered at you through the gaps between his fingers. He silently watched as you seemed focused on the task at hand.
"...You don't need to..." Before he could finish his sentence, you had pulled him out of his chair and laid him down on the bed.
"In my country, it is rude to sleep soundly in someone else's bed while the host is uncomfortable in his own home.", you tried to explain and even though you were pretty sure Tiberias knew you were lying, he didn't extend on the subject and only sighed once more.
"I suppose it makes sense..Somehow." You didn't miss the way the corners of his lips twitched upwards and rolled your eyes playfully before laying down on the bed with a loud thud. It was a comfortable bed, one with soft silks and cushy pillows. It felt good. You were usually so busy with healing people, you never actually had the time to rest and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. You didn't mean to glance at Tiberias' torso either. You hadn't thought of it, but it was the first time you shared a bed with a man. And out of all men to be Tiberias, you felt honored and somehow intimidated. You thought back on the way he had ordered Guy to seat down and you started giggling, thinking on how the fool had had no choice but to obey and looked quite submissive before his imposing presence. Tiberias opened one eye to look up at you quizzically, but didn't say anything. Even though, he was quite curious as to the reason of your hilarity.
"Tiberias..I am sure a man such as yourself would make any woman happy in bed.", you mused. Tiberias' eyes widened slightly and a light blush spread across his cheeks at the implication. But, he quickly looked away and tried to hide his embarrassment by clearing his throat.
"What nonsense are you blabbering on about, woman ?!", he asked with his gruff voice—hiding his reddened face from you—and it only made you laugh harder.
The next morning :
His majesty's servants came early to wake you up and bring you to Baldwin. Tiberias had already left for his morning duties and when you were brought into the king's chambers, you marveled at the delicate and elaborate decorations of the room. It felt like entering a true palace with golden vines and oceanic patterns..You then noticed the king's unmoving form on the bed. He barely had the strength to breathe and you couldn't help but feel bad for the king, as he seemed in deep misery.
"You must be in great pain..", you whispered sadly and tried to get the bandages off, but he suddenly grabbed your arm with his gloved hand—his eyes now staring at you.
"You know of my illness, Almaealij. Do not be so careless.", he admonished you softly.
Careless ? You would have taken offense if it wasn't for the way his king's voice trembled slightly out of worry. He must have spent years with no real physical contact and you bit your lower lip at the sad thought. No one should endure such pain.
"I am well aware of your situation, my king. I have healed lepers before. Fortunately, my gift allows me to touch your kind without fearing an infection..", you explained and even though Baldwin seemed uncertain, he finally let go of your arm.
"Fine. But, I must warn you that my appearance may be repulsive to you." You offered him a reassuring smile before giving his bandaged hand a light squeeze.
"Don't worry, my king. I can handle it."
He kept staring at you for a few seconds skeptically before letting out a sigh of defeat. You involuntarily gasped when he removed his mask and showed you the extend of the damage. His face was but a pretense of what it used to be and he mistook your silence for judgment. He turned his face away from you and asked—his voice a mere whisper as you knew moving his lips must be torture at this point.
"Hideous, isn't it ?"
However, you didn't say anything and only grabbed his face between your hands, his eyes closing at the touch. He had been without it for years and the feeling of actual skin against his made him shiver. He didn't know if what you said was true, that you couldn't be infected by this disease, but he chose to believe. He chose to let himself be examined under the care of your patient hands and remained still. You then lowered your face enough for the both of you to be on eye level with each other. You then started singing and Baldwin's breath hitched as he felt himself slowly drifting away. It was as if he was floating above his body and this was when he saw it..The monstrous mass of black sand swirling around him. The sickness.
You then opened your mouth and started inhaling the black matter, but it was so much that Baldwin knew you wouldn't be able to get rid of all of it in one sitting. He slowly lowered himself towards his body and when you started suffocating—he decided to stop the session himself. He went back in his body and stood upward, almost knocking your foreheads together in the process. He then saw blood dripping down your nose and his brow furrowed with worry.
"Are you...alright ?" You forced yourself to stand up and gave him a reassuring smile before explaining.
"My health might waver slightly with each intake. It depends on the illness and the time it has spent growing inside its victim. But, don't worry. I recover quickly."
Baldwin didn't know if he should believe you. He knew you to be quite honest but, there was a slight flicker in your gaze—a fear that brought doubt into his heart.
"You promised to heal me, but I do not wish you to do so by sacrificing yourself for me.", he reminded you and your smile faltered just a bit. No one had ever cared about your well-being during your sessions. Of course, you had people thanking you for your time, but none of them had ever worried about the process in itself and its effects on you.
"I sing and relieve you of your woes. But, the real cure comes from the heart. You need to believe you can be cured.", you insisted and Baldwin nodded. He did. But, he now also knew of the size of his curse and wouldn't let you exhaust yourself.
"And I do. But, I am no fool. I know my sickness is no small thing and has been festering inside me since I was 16. It would take you more energy and I will not allow you to die for my sake." Your eyes widened at his concern and you offered him a genuine smile. Tiberias had done nothing but praise his benevolent monarch since the beginning, but you now were certain of his good heart.
You were all the more determined to help him.
You nodded and were about to wipe the blood off your face with your sleeve, but Baldwin stopped you and reached for his one of his tissues instead to wipe it himself. He didn't care about the blood, not when you had seen his face and hadn't even flinched in disgust.
He felt better already—if only slightly. He could move his fingers with more ease and didn't feel as tired. The sickness was still there, but at least he had hope now.
"Our sessions won't be more than 30 minutes each day and you must tell me if you feel any kind of discomfort..", he instructed you and you nodded in agreement before gently taking his hand in yours and kissing the ring there. He was really a king.
"Yes, my king. Thank you for your consideration.". Baldwin hummed in acknowledgement before putting his mask back on.
"We will resume tomorrow. For now, you are welcome to discover the castle and I shall ask my sister to keep you company."
You curtsied and left the room with a small smile on your face. You were now certain of having taken the right decision.
When you first met Sybil—the king's sister—you were stunned by her beauty. She seemed sculpted in alabaster and even though, she was far from vain. She smiled and greeted you with kindness. You couldn't even believe her to be Guy's wife. The man was unworthy of such beauty..She immediately offered to share her bedroom with you and offered you all the dresses you as much as stare at a little too long out of interest. You quickly became friends and you soon grew accustomed to a life at the palace.
You almost forgot your original purpose, until your past came knocking at your window.
A crow. From Saladin. The enemy of Jerusalem and of all crusaders.
He was asking you to meet and you quickly replied with a letter of your own. Once night fell upon Jerusalem, you sneaked out of the palace and met with Saladin at the outskirts of the city. Saladin was already waiting for you a smile lit up his face as he saw you and you finally smiled back before embracing him.
"I see you, brother."
"And I see you, dear sister.."
You greeted each other and Saladin quickly asked.
"So..Did you succeed in making your way into the palace ?"
You nodded and Saladin's smile widened before he praised you.
"Good. Good. And the king ? Is he on his deathbed ?" At the mention of Baldwin, your smile faltered slightly. Indeed, Saladin had given you as a mission to accelerate the king's downfall, as Saladin knew he was the only reason the city was still standing.
You wouldn't tell him you were considering stopping, or that you were actually helping the king rather than making his die faster.
You simply nodded and Saladin nodded—apparently satisfied by your confirmation.
"Good. The sooner it is done, the sooner you will get back to us. And Jerusalem will be ours."
You nodded once more, even with less enthusiasm than before and this time, Saladin noticed. He frowned slightly and sighed before taking your hand and making you sit beside him.
"I can see that something is upsetting you, dear sister. What is it ?" You bit your lower lip in hesitation before finally asking.
"What if...What if we were wrong, Saladin ? What if not all the crusaders are as bad as we thought ?" Saladin's eyes widened for a second in surprise at your sudden change of heart and sighed before actually pondering on it.
"What of it ?", he finally answered and you looked up at him with widened eyes as he addressed you a small sad smile. "War is war, sister. We will keep fighting until either side wins it all. It is written. And I firmly believe that it would be better for Jerusalem to be lead by its people, don't you think ?"
It was your time to ponder on his words. You had seen the worst and the best of the crusaders. You had been the witness of Jerusalem's thrive under king Baldwin IV's rule and a child be called a thief by the very crusader who wished to steal the king's throne..All crusaders weren't bad, but you still felt as if corruption and hypocrisy were things you couldn't abide by. Your people did have the same defaults, but they admitted it.
They didn't seek to hide it.
It was also the reason for your first question to king Baldwin. To test his honesty.
Could kings have weaknesses ?
You still waited for his answer. You finally nodded and Saladin hugged you once more.
"Remember, sister. The only way to get Jerusalem, is for you to lie to the people and yourself...dear sister." You closed your eyes and held him tighter.
"I understand.."
But, you wouldn't kill Baldwin because of it. So, you bid your brother farewell before returning inside, knowing it would probably the last time you would meet..
Almost a month later :
Tiberias felt better, better than he had felt in a long time. Baldwin had started joining you more often at dinners and the guests started enjoying his company once more. Some even laughed in his presence and the mask didn't hide the fact that the king was happier.
Tiberias liked the way his eyes creased as his smile was showing more often now. However, he then noticed something else. He noticed how your hand was constantly on top of his majesty's. He tried not to let it go to his head, as you were friendly with pretty much everyone. He had even seen you having a civile conversation with Ronand. And nobody liked Ronand.
It brought him to the thought of his majesty's healing. He felt and looked far better. Everyone was aware of it. He also knew a certain Saladin was looking for you, as many spies in the city were on the look out for the Almaealij Aleazim. Tiberias knew it was only a matter of time before people started connecting the dots and would talk.
So, it came to his last concern: your fate after the complete recovery of his majesty.
It was the reason his feet led him to the king's private quarters at night. The king had decided to move you to his sister's private chambers, so he didn't need to worry about waking you up any longer.
When he knocked, he waited a few seconds before Baldwin's voice was heard. He told him to come in and Tiberias indulged. When he stepped in, he was surprised to find the king at his desk, studying and with your head resting on his shoulder—snoring softly.
Tiberias stopped dead in his tracks at the sight and then eyed the door. It was not too late to back down.
"I see that you are busy..I shall come back later.", he promptly said, but Baldwin shook his head. "Do not worry, old friend. She's been asleep for the past hour. I asked her to teach me a bit more about her people and their customs. Fascinating, I must say."
Tiberias nodded shortly and was about to say that it could wait, but his eyes settled on you and he knew it couldn't wait. He had grown attached to you and had to know what the king had in store for you..
"If it works..Will you release her ?", Tiberias asked and Baldwin suddenly stopped his feather in mid-air at the question.
"She is not my prisoner, Tiberias.", Baldwin reminded him, but it didn't answer his question.
"With all the respect that you are due, I think his majesty knows what I mean.", he insisted and Baldwin sighed. He imagined it was only normal for his old mentor to be worried, as he was the person who had brought you to him.
"...Tell me, Tiberias. What would you say if I told you I would like the girl to stay with me ? That I'd like nothing more than for her to remain here and even, if she'd allow it, share a life with me ?" Tiberias hid his surprise the best he could and remained still for a moment, the both of them staring at each other in perfect silence. Tiberias thought about it. It was normal. His majesty was still young and now that he had the possibility to live a long and successful life, he would get attached to the girl who he owed everything to..Besides, the king would be able to protect you more than anyone else—even him.
He plastered a smile on his face and nodded shortly, his hands closed into fists by his sides.
"I would say that his majesty better tell her before somebody else does."
Baldwin blinked twice before realization hit him and his expression shifted into one of pity at the old soldier. He then uttered his name with an uncanny softness, full of pity and almost apologetic.
"...Tiberias."
Tiberias didn't wait. He moved to the door and opened it wide before stepping outside in a hurry. He regretted saying anything. He should have kept his mouth shut.
He needed fresh air.
In the opposite side's camp :
Ronand had been told that Saladin was looking for you and even though it was dangerous, he decided to warn Saladin of your whereabouts before you could definitely and irreversibly heal the king. His master Guy had married the king's sister and spent the last seven years plotting his demise, not for that she-demon to bring him back to life.
He arrived in the middle of the night and Saladin was waiting for him alone—as agreed in the letters they had shared. He set his foot down from his horse and tried to shake the leader's hand, only to be met with a cold stare.
"Where is she ?", Saladin asked straight away and Ronand immediately understood that he needed to be brief.
"His majesty has her. The witch is apparently taking care of him with her strange demonic powers.." Saladin slightly frowned at the very unflattering description Ronand was making of you. But, he still continued.
"And, is it working ?" Ronand nodded vividly as he recalled all the tiny changes in his majesty's behavior and turned his head back to the city.
"Yeah. She is making a mess of my plans and this is why I need you to get in there and kill the b..."
Saladin cut off his head.
He didn't like rats.
A week later :
You were almost done. You had spent days working on his majesty and each day he seemed to be getting better. You were glad and it filled you with joy to know you would have helped one of the few righteous kings in this world..until the news that was.
"A message from my master Saladin. Give me the Almaealij Aleazim, or I'll set Jerusalem on fire and blood shall spill.", the messenger read out loud and you shivered. You knew that handwriting and those words..They could only mean one thing. Saladin. He knew where you were.
Baldwin frowned a little in confusion before turning towards you and when he noticed how scared you looked, he immediately understood. He then asked all the people present to step outside, as he was to talk to his healer. Alone.
They all indulged, but Tiberias did give you a worried glance. You gave him a reassuring smile, but as soon as he was out, your smile fell and you turned around to face the king.
"Tiberias warned me of men who had once held you captive for your powers..Was Saladin one of those men ?", he asked with concern in his voice and slightly tilted your chin so you may face him fully. His piercing blue eyes seeking out answers in yours. Your lips trembled as you remembered what Saladin had told you last time you had seen each other..
"The only way to get Jerusalem, is for you to lie to the people and yourself...dear sister."
You were on the verge of tears and—left with no alternative—nodded slightly. Your loyalty was still to your own blood and you were scared of what Baldwin would do if he knew of your own blood. He hummed understandingly before getting down at his desk and starting a letter. You didn't understand what he was about to do until it was too late. He attached the letter to the leg of one of his birds and let it fly away into the darkness.
"Baldwin..What did you do ?", you finally asked and Baldwin shrugged—as if it was of no importance as he replied. "I sent a message to Saladin telling him to meet me in two days to decide of your fate. I shall not sit here and let him take you away without a fight. I assure you."
You hadn't expected it. You knew well of his kind heart by now, but you didn't expect such a reaction. You had sought to buy yourself some time, but you had only doomed the whole kingdom by doing so.
"Your majesty. I lied.", you confessed.
Baldwin's eyes widened significantly upon your confession and he waited for you to continue, elaborate on the matter. You felt great shame take over you, as only words of apology came tumbling out of your mouth. You felt tears threaten to spill as you begged him on your knees.
"Please. Do not hurt Saladin. Do not hurt my brother." His breath came out deep and uneven as he finally realized. The real reason for your presence in this city..Your miraculous apparition when he needed you the most..Saladin had told him he would send him his healers, he didn't think you would be one of them. He had shown you everything. He had told you everything. You knew all of his secrets and his blood boiled at the notion that he had been fooled.
"Baldwin...I...", you started and tried to grab his hand, but he slapped your hand away and cut you off harshly.
"SILENCE !"
Baldwin grabbed your arm to pull you up and stare at you. His eyes glaring daggers at you through the two narrow holes in his mask. You had never seen him so angry as he glared at you, his blue eyes trapping you in a snow storm.
"You asked me if kings had any weaknesses ? Well, now I can answer you with certainty. I am selfish. I am very quick to anger. And most of all, I do not have any tolerance for liars. And my only weakness ? The only thing keeping me away from sending you back to Saladin ? This godforsaken sickness..This putrid and decading flesh..You said you could get rid of it. And I believed you..And even though, I always had this gnawing feeling that you were not being truthful with me. Now, I know why." His hold tightened to an iron grip as he seethed. "You. A spy. Amongst my ranks."
"I swear I had no intention to..", you tried to justify yourself, but Baldwin shook his head. His hold on you tightened and even though you had sucked out most of his illness, you feared he might collapse any moment.
"WHY ?! WHY LIE TO ME ?! WHY HURT ME SO ?!", he cried out and you felt your heart break at the clear hurt in his eyes. You bit your lower lip and tried to get away from his grip, but he wouldn't let you. He was too angry by your betrayal and desperately wanted to know why.
"WHY, ALMAEALIJ ?!", he repeated and you finally broke into tears. You grabbed his mask and threw it away in your attempt for him to let go—which he did. He quickly put his mask back on and glared at you with more fury than ever. But, his harsh glare quickly changed as you showed him the same scars you had shown Tiberias on your first encounter.
"BECAUSE THE MEN WHO TOOK ME WERE CRUSADERS ! THEY WERE WHITE DEVILS AND I WANTED YOU TO PAY ! YOU ARE THEIR KING ! THEIR LEADER ! I WAS SUPPOSED TO KILL YOU, NOT HEAL YOU !"
Baldwin stilled and for a second, you thought he was going to strike you down, but he didn't. He only collapsed on his chair and covered his masked face with his hand, hiding his tears from you.
"...Get out. Now.", he commanded—his voice a mere whisper now.
You didn't need to be told twice. You opened the door, but found Tiberias standing there, his expression still shocked by what he had heard. You both stood there for a while until Tiberias' expression darkened and all softness left his face as he grabbed your arm and dragged you away. You tried to talk to him, but he refused to listen as he unceremoniously threw you in a cell.
"I...trusted you."
His words were sorrowful and you knew you had broken him with the way he seemed more disappointed than angry. You tried to reach for him through the bars to soothe him, but he recoiled from your touch with a sour expression.
"You will leave. Tomorrow."
It was not to be discussed. And with that, he was gone.
The next day :
You waited all morning for someone to come and bring you back to Saladin—even if it was in pieces. But, it seemed they had either forgotten about you, or had other much more important matters to attend to..which you soon discovered was the second one. People were running up and down with wet towels and ailments of all kinds and it was well past midday when someone finally came to get you. Tiberias had the same sorrowful look on his face, but it was now accentuated with dark circles under his eyes.
He hadn't slept all night.
"Tiberias..What's going on ? Tell me. Please.", you urged him. Tiberias seemed to wonder on whether or not he should answer you, but finally sighed in defeat.
"Ronand was found dead at the gates this morning." If the news didn't make you worry, the other one definitely did as he quickly added. "And his majesty is dying. His healers have diagnosed him this morning and said he was even worse than before your arrival. Guy is saying it would be better to execute you."
You knew that any traitor deserved punishment, but Baldwin didn't deserve it. You had spent almost a year taking care of him and even though you had done your best to fight the disease, you gift also relied on hope. And by breaking the king's heart, you may have as well plunged a dagger into his heart. You couldn't make yourself the reason for his downfall.
"Tiberias. I can heal him. I swear.", you tried to reach for him, convince him of your sincerity—but he shook his head in disbelief.
"You dare ask me to believe in your magic ? After you betrayed us ?", Tiberias asked—dumbfounded by your sheer nerve—and the reminescence of last night's events hurt far worse coming from your closest friend's mouth.
"No. I'm asking you to believe in me.", you said with confidence in your voice and Tiberias' face softened. He had been by your side since the beginning of this journey, you hoped he would be with you until the end.
You grabbed his arm as he was about to get out and pleaded.
"I won't give up on you, Tiberias. Do not dare give up on me."
Tiberias closed his eyes and took a big breath. He didn't want to betray his king and let a prisoner approach him on his deathbed, during his final hours. Baldwin didn't deserve it.
But, it there was even one tiny bit of hope that his grace would survive, he was willing to sell his soul to the devil. He opened your cell and lead you back upstairs to the king's bedroom. The healers were all there as well as some of the crusaders, but they immediately left when Tiberias ordered them to. He was the closest advisor to the king after all and until the king was dead, his authority wasn't about to be questioned.
Some of the crusaders still warned Guy who rushed to the king's private quarters. However, they were spooked by the way your mouth opened unnaturally wide to swallow the dark sand of leprosy out of the king. You had suspected it to have grown since last night and it didn't disappoint. You had to get rid of it today, or his majesty wouldn't survive.
"WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS ?! ARREST HER !", Guy shouted and some of the soldiers tried to drag you away, but you fought against them with all your might. Tiberias hesitated to act. He had been charged with the mission of removing you from the premises and handed safely to your brother in case things went wrong by the king himself. You would be exchanged for the kingdom of Jerusalem and Guy would become king..An awful prospect. But, you weren't ready to give up.
"NO ! Please, Tiberias..Help me. I can save him. Please. Believe me.", you cried out and in an instant, Tiberias was standing by your side with his sword keeping the other crusaders from touching you.
"May God be my witness. You won't touch her. Anyone who would dare lay his hand upon her before his king's final breath will have said hand cut off.."
You smiled gratefully at Tiberias and leaned forward to retrieve Baldwin's mask. You knew Tiberias was still giving you an ultimatum, but you were still determined to make the most out of the time you had left. You didn't look away as you saw the state of his face and gently ran your hand along his damaged face. You then leant forward to hover your lips over his. You then opened your mouth wide and in one last attempt, sucked all the pain and sorrow out of him. Your heart started squeezing and your eyes watered as you felt all that pain fill your lungs. But, you kept inhaling, wishing and praying it wasn't too late. Your throat felt on fire and you knew your eyes to have turned a dark shade of black.
'Come on, Baldwin. Wake up.', you begged him in your head and didn't realize as your lips connected with his in order to get as much of his illness as you could, desperate to get rid of the very last speck of dark dust billowing in his system. Baldwin had always insisted on keeping you at arm's length, afraid he might hurt you if you were to keep going. But, now that he was on his deathbed, he could prevent you no longer.
You had been worried of him not being worthy of being saved, but now you were afraid of losing him. You had reached all the wrong conclusions and all his attempts of pushing you away weren't threats, but simply ways to save you.
You kept going, kept inhaling all his woes and darkness until you felt tears at the corner of your eyes—but you refused to give up. One and the same mantra keeping you awake.
Wake up Baldwin.
Wake up Baldwin.
WAKE UP BALDWIN !
And then, you blacked out. You barely had the time to hear Tiberias call for your name as your body hit the cold hard floor.
One last prayer for Baldwin as your unconscious took over.
Wake up..Baldwin.
A few hours later :
"Almaealij.."
You opened your eyes at the soft calling of your name. You groaned and turned, but you then felt a gentle shake that finally made you wake up. You slowly opened your eyes, blinked a few times before recognizing the face of Baldwin above you. You could see his eyes lit up with life and a few tears of joy escaped you as you gently ran your fingers alongside his face.
"I...succeeded ?", you asked in disbelief at your own success. He smiled and nodded before gently stroking your cheek. He didn't feel weak anymore and even though his face was still disfigured, he knew the illness to be gone—as did you.
You then looked outside and noticed the sun to be high up and sighed. It was the second day since Baldwin had sent the letter.
Your brother would come to get you.
"I guess I must go now.", you guessed and Baldwin opened his mouth to answer—but the door suddenly slammed open and here was Tiberias. You knew he had been worried sick by the way his hair stuck to his temple with cold sweat. His eyes immediately met yours and he let out a deep sigh of relief.
"So, it is true. You are awake. I.." He then noticed the amused look Baldwin was giving him and quickly got back his composure. He stood straight and tried not to make eye contact as he informed you.
"Saladin is at the door, your majesty."
At the news, your hold on Baldwin tightened just a little as you remembered the way he had entered into a dark rage at the mention of your brother. But, Baldwin smiled reassuringly at you befit turning towards Tiberias with a small nod.
"Fine. Let's go greet him then. Prepare the horses."
Your eyes widened as he seemed so calm now and you would have given everything to know what was going on in his head at that moment. He left before you could ask and you wordlessly dressed up. You just hopped you hadn't accidently started another war..
A few hours later :
You stood before your brother and Baldwin by your side. Saladin quickly assessed you up and down for any injury, but was relieved to find none. It seemed the king of the white devils had had treated you well, but he was more curious as to the reason of their meeting. In the letter, Baldwin had seemed in a hurry and even though, he was before him with all the composure and magnanimity of a true king, bowing his head and greeting him.
"I see you, Saladin." He raised his hand from his forehead to him and Saladin greeted him back.
"And I see you, king Baldwin."
They both offered such a powerful and dominant presence, you could almost feel their strength of mind from where you stood. It was unlike anything you had ever witnessed. Two kings. Two kingdoms. Two different people. And yet, the same aura.
"Tell me. Why this meeting ?", your brother finally asked and Baldwin smiled underneath his mask.
"I wish to discuss a way to reach peace between our two realms."
Saladin tilted his head, intrigued by this sudden request—but let his curiosity get the best of him as he answered.
"Very well..How ?"
How indeed ? You hadn't seen Baldwin so sure of himself and even though you had no idea of what he was going to suggest, you just hoped it wouldn't be anything violent. You couldn't lose him or your brother.
You then realized, you had grown attached to the king and even though you knew he was a part of the people that had enslaved you, you felt safe with him..He was different. He was willing to forgive and forget, which you hoped he would be willing to do with your brother.
"As you know, your sister saved me. I wish for her to remain by my side.", Baldwin declared and even though Saladin didn't know the point he was trying to make, he still agreed.
"And I want her to come back home with me."
So far...You didn't know what was Baldwin's plan, but you hoped it wouldn't end with another reason for both kingdoms to rage war against each other. Baldwin nodded.
"And I think her home is with us."
There was an unspoken agreement between both leaders as Saladin finally smiled and even let out a small knowing chuckle.
"I only intend for my sister to be happy. If she says her home is with you, I shall retreat this instant." You looked at both men consecutively before standing forward and taking Baldwin's hand.
"I am, brother. And I wish to make Jerusalem our home to all."
Saladin smiled tenderly at you before nodding in agreement—certain of the veracity of your words. He then looked back at Baldwin.
"My sister healed you. She took care of you. I must ask you to assure me she will be taken care of."
Baldwin nodded in agreement before replying.
"Of course. I understand your concern. However, you mustn't worry. As I intend to make your sister my wife."
A long silence followed as both you and Saladin were too stunned for words.
"You...what ?", you asked and Baldwin nodded before ignoring your dumbfounded expression as he added.
"Indeed, she stole my first kiss. It is only normal we marry, as per your customs if I recall correctly ?", he pretended to remember on the spot, even though you knew he had studied all the books concerning your culture he could find in the royal library..
~Oh. That clever little...Of course he would remember your customs now. Of all times. You looked away from your brother in shame and Saladin's eyes widened as he realized he was telling the truth. Suddenly, Saladin burst out laughing and the sound made you fall back to your childhood when he would laugh at your every misstep.
You glared at him and before you could stop yourself, you started speaking in your native language.
"Tawaqaf ean aldahik ealaa alkalb almajnun !" (Stop laughing, you mad dog !)
When Saladin finally stopped laughing, he got off his horse and Baldwin did the same. They then stared at each other before your brother reached for the king's hand and shook it with his other on top of their joined hands in a sign of his blessing.
"I shall attend with pleasure. And our two people might be united at last."
You tried not to faint on your horse. What ? When ? Where ? How ? Baldwin didn't even wait for you when he settled back on his horse and galloped away. Your brother gave you one last cheeky grin before going his way and you were left with your mouth wide open.
...Had you just been the witness of your own arranged marriage ?
Tiberias smiled as soon as he heard the news and tried to calm you down as you started telling him the events of the day. Again. You had started as a traitor in a dark cell to end as the betrothed of king Baldwin. However, even though you were nervous, you seemed happy. Tiberias had always wanted the king to be linked in matrimony with someone good and kind. You were all that and more..But, he was also an old man who knew all about the symptoms of love. And seeing you with that twinkle in your eyes and that smile you were so desperate to hide..He was happy for you. Or, he tried to be.
Out of all women, he never thought he would fall for the single one he could never have..
But, he was an old man. And you deserved the world. You had held your end of the bargain. You had saved his king and he would keep protecting you until the end, no matter how much his heart ached.
"I wish you all the best, Almaealij Aleazim.."
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HAPPY PRIDE MONTH here’s my LGBT+ folks <3
#my art#my sona#my ocs#joint ocs#pride#FUCK ok here we go character tags#nicholas#caspian#motus#nazvin#almaealij#sylléktis#girasonk#delkii#xi’liere#mallory#nemul#vesper#dru#dmitri#widget#esker#unakite jasper#calliope#seisyll#H THERE WE GO#anyway this was kinda fun#I liked drawing some OC’s I don’t use often it was nice#was NOT gonna color in 20 separate characters tho
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JayDick Week 2021 Day 7
#19 Different Mentors
“Deathstroke. I thought I had rescinded your welcome within the League.”
The orange and black clad assassin huffed.
“And if you didn’t want me here now, I’m sure I wouldn’t be, but we both have bigger fish to fry, don’t you think?”
Ra’s al Ghul sneered before beginning to move to his study.
“Almaealij! Tend to Deathstroke’s companion.”
The individual seemed to melt from the shadows, bowing to the Demon’s head. Deathstroke huffed once again.
“Play nicely Apprentice. Do not disappoint me.”
And with that, both men were gone, leaving the younger two standing in the corridor.
“Come, I will take you to the training halls.”
“My thanks Almaealij.”
“Don’t thank me. It’s a weakness.”
The apprentice chuckled.
“Growing up before my Master, I was told it was a courtesy.”
The other man stiffened slightly, both at the chuckle and at the words.
Before the Masters?
There was a before?
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☀ almaealij ❞
❝ This world --- is under so much pressure. Some people still cannot learn their lesson. ❞
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回 = patching a wound . {Shrugs at}
send one for my muse’s reaction to your muse —
回 = patching a wound .
❝That hurts,❞ ungrateful words were uttered through clenched teeth, but despite it all he still held his arm steady, allowing the older man to continue fixing the newly received gash in his arm. A frown was complacent on his features, but it faltered, changing into a look of slight disgust as he stole a glance at the wound in his arm. The sight of the blood made him dizzy ( or perhaps it was the amount of blood he has lost that made him so unsteady ).
He knew he had been reckless, jumping around so energetically without taking his surroundings into account, so he didn’t really need the scolding that told him how stupid he was. And whether through speech or through writing, he realized it was quite irritating either way. He wasn’t even sure why he seemed to care so much—he was just some stranger happening to pass by. Just bandage this and go was almost what he wished to say, but truthfully, he knew he would have been dead, by infection or by blood loss, if he hadn’t been kind enough to stop. And Jae-Ha wasn’t planning to die just yet, not when he had so much ahead of him ( he didn’t know what just yet but there had to be something ).
He blinked a few times, averting his gaze to the ground as he fell into silence. When he finally spoke up once again, his tone was softer, more hesitant, ❝… are you done yet? My arm is getting tired…❞
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almaealij
“Is there something you need?”
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