#a war) travelled to offer a 'peace treaty' of sorts to the very few remaining (from an estimated 6-20 thousand to around 1-2 hundred)

[falled-over]

remembering truganini is enough to ruin my day.

#i kind of want to make an art piece about her but i do feel weird using her as a basis for it. so it just exists in my head #its not like a 'i would need permission from palawa people to make it thing' i wouldnt do it even if i got permission. its not mine and #doesnt need to be #im sure the person reading this doesnt know who she is so heres a small part of her story; #she came from lutriwita tasmania. during her lifetime she personally witnessed an estimated 96% genocide of her people. #in the 1830's george a robinson towards the end of the 'black wars' (attempted palawa aboriginal genocide. it was very much #a war) travelled to offer a 'peace treaty' of sorts to the very few remaining (from an estimated 6-20 thousand to around 1-2 hundred) #saying they could go and live on an island where they'd be given flour and tea and a 'good white man' to protect them. truganini was asked #to be his guide to ensure he wouldnt be killed when attempting to speak to people. her reasonings for accepting were of course never #recorded but she did. and helped round up those people. almost all of whom died in the horrible conditions they were forced to live in on #that island (wybalenna). 16 made it back to lutriwita. #she saw the graves dug there for her people looted by settlers. #looted for bones. and skin. so they could be studied like specimines #the remaining people were sent back to live in an ex-convict camp in 1838. 8 years on that island. most died. as was the intention #even on her wikipedia page she is credited as 'one of the last full-blooded tasmanian aboriginals' which is a phrase highly contested by #living palawa people today. but she knew her reputation. she was considered the last tasmanian aboriginal. #upon the approaching of her death she took a trip to a nearby river and pointed to the deepest part of it #asking to be buried there #she had seen how her friends family and people had had their graves robbed by white settlers and knew the same would happen to her. she #wanted to rest in peace. in the bush. in the deepest part of the river #born around 1811-1812 she died in 1876 #and the last piece of her skin was returned to lutriwita from a british scientific association in 2002. #126 years later #her skeleton was on display in the tasmanian museum (still in operation i might add) until the 1940s. some 70 odd years. and remained in #the museums storage before being returned to the palawa community in 1976. 100 years after her death #she asked to be buried in the deepest part of the river. where no one could touch her.

[kawaiichibiart]

I considered it. And fuck it.

Little Mermaid AU. One-sided Yueka and endgame Sukka. The 100 year war ended early, though I'm considering making it a no war AU, in which case, things will be revised to fit.

And no, this isn't based off Disney's The Little Mermaid, Disney's The Little Mermaid can go suck an ass.

The Little Mermaid - Yue

The Prince - Sokka

The Princess - Suki

The sea witch - Zhao

Let's start this off with one thing. Yue will die. If you've read the original story of the Little Mermaid, you know she died.

Yue is the daughter of the Chief of the NWT, a tribe of merfolk who live, well, in the North. Unlike the SWT, where everyone was fully human.

Yue had never once gone to the surface, but on her 18th birthday, she was deemed ready to go. And so, she was prepared.

Going to the surface was a grand occasion for them, as they spent their entire lives underwater.

It was nighttime by the time she was ready. And so, in the dead of the night, she went up to surface. The moon was full and a ship was nearby that she could see it, but not nearby enough that anyone on it could see her.

Yue decides that she wants a closer look and swims over, keeping under the water as to be undetected.

It's then that she sees a young man, not much older than she should be, on the ship. He's smiling and laughing. A young girl pulls him by the arm into a dance of sorts. The two are laughing and enjoying themselves. And Yue yearns for that.

She's an only child.

She doesn't have many friends.

She's...lonely.

And then, the storm hits. And Yue watches as everyone on board runs for the smaller boats attached to the larger ship.

She watches as the younger girl is put into a boat and held back as she screams for the boy.

She watches as he tries to make his way over, only to be thrown over board by a loose pole.

The girl and two men scream the boy's name, Sokka, and the girl holds her hands out.

She's a bender.

But the SWT had no other benders. She didn't have the training. She was trying to use her bending to get the boy out, but she was struggling.

And Yue went under the water, looking around. She could still hear the young girl scream, crying for Tui and La to save the boy, her brother.

And she sees him. His eyes closed and he seems suspended.

She swam over, grabbed him, and pulled him to the surface.

Both tribes enjoyed their travels, and often time, when merfolk were to go to the surface, they would head the island of Kyoshi before returning to the North Pole. Yue heard of the greens of the island, of the legendary Unagi. She heard of the Kyoshi warriors.

And the island was close enough that she could get Sokka there. He would be found and helped and he could send word to his sister that he was okay.

It's nearly dawn by the time she gets to Kyoshi Island. But she gets there and drags Sokka onto the sand and leaves him there. She hides nearby as she sees a young group of girls walking over. One of them spots Sokka and runs over. She's looking over him, and Yue can't hear her, but some of the other girls run off, likely to get help.

And then, he starts to move. Yue watches as the girl helps him up and she and the rest of her group lead him away.

Needless to say, her father isn't happy to hear of this. Even if he was from a Water Tribe. Tui and La must of meant for him to fall overboard.

But Yue can't stop thinking about him. She wanted to know more about Sokka. To have a life on the surface. To see the moon without risking being seen and fearing for her life.

And one day, she meets the Sea Witch, Zhao.

Zhao, who was once an Admiral of the Fire Nation. Dragged into the sea where he was turned into a spirit. He would grant anyone a wish for a price.

She heard that he did it because he was eager to take and to take. That he had tried to kill his own Prince while he was at sea.

She heard that he tried to kill the moon spirit, but someone stopped him. Some say it was the very Prince he tried to kill, some say it was a young airbender. And some say it was La himself.

Either way, Zhao was punished to spend his life underwater, his inner fire struggling.

And knowing the risks, she went to him anyways, and asked him to grant her one wish. To make her human.

And he did, at the price of not just her voice, but her life.

It would be a painful experience, but if she could get Sokka to fall in love with her, she would remain a human. But if he fell for someone else, she would turn into seafoam. In other words, she would die. She had no time limit. Just to make Sokka fall in love with her.

And she accepted his terms.

And she felt it. She felt excruciating pain and swam to the surface. She's struggling to stay up.

And she hears someone call out. She's not sure who, but eventually, a rope is thrown to her. She grabs it and is pulled onto a ship, a blanket thrown over her. Her coughs are silent and she looks up.

He's here.

Sokka is here.

And he's asking if she's okay. She opens her mouth to reply, before remembering and nodding. He seems quick to realize and asks if she can speak, and she shakes her head. He then tells her not to worry, that his sister, Katara, might be able to help. She was a healer after all.

And in the mean time, she could stay with them. They were headed to the Fire Nation. Her surprise must of been obvious, because Sokka laughs and waves it off. Something about a peace treaty being offered by the current leader.

Last Yue heard, Firelord Ozai was a tyrant. Why would he want peace?

But it meant she could spend time with Sokka.

She spends time with both siblings. Katara was unable to help her with her voice, and writing wasn't too common in the NWT, at least, not with ink.

Katara summed it up to some memory loss. Likely a result of whatever lead her to be in the middle of the ocean. And so, she teaches her.

That's how they learn her name.

It's nice to hear them say her name. Both usually filled with joy. She wasn't lonely anymore.

Katara gave her some of her clothes, something Yue was grateful since she didn't have any of her own.

Weeks went by by the time they got to the Fire Nation, where they were welcomed not by Firelord Ozai, but by Firelady Ursa.

Ozai was nowhere in sight.

When asked by the chief, Firelady Ursa said her husband has passed not too long ago, and she decided to take up the throne until her son was old enough. He was technically already crowned Firelord, but he was only 16, and she refused to let him rule a nation while he was still a child.

So, while Ursa lead the men to a meeting room, she asked a servant to take her, Sokka and Katara to the gardens. It was likely there that her son would be. They could keep each other company.

And he was. Katara was the one to speak up first and the Prince stammered as he greeted them. His name was Zuko and Yue found him a bit endearing. He had a scar on his face and he gave her a soft smile when Katara told him she couldn't speak. He admitted he was partially blind and deaf on his scarred side and that he suffered from tremors due to being struck with lightning by his father.

He said it so casually, but it was shocking. How was he alive?

He also warned them about his sister, Azula. He loved her, don't be mistaken, but she got...protective of him after he was struck by lightning. He believed it was due to him constantly being the one to try and protect her, and she wanted to show him that she could protect him and didn't need him to protect her. That she was stronger, and he was weaker, so it was clear who protected who.

Yue stays away from Azula when she's near. She's actually pretty scary.

The Peace Treaty seems to be going well, as members of the Earth Kingdom arrive. And so does an airbender named Aang.

Yue smiled, remembering her first night at the ship. It felt like it here. Men and women talking while children laughed and ran around.

She spotted Azula with two girls.

She saw Aang and Katara dancing together.

She even saw a small girl in green go up to Zuko and punch him. She thought Zuko would get mad, but he laughed and punched her back. She didn't say anything as the two snuck out.

She would later learn her name was Toph Beifong, and she and Zuko were siblings no matter what anyone else said.

Things seemed to go well, she was enjoying herself. And then, Sokka walked over with another girl.

The girl from Kyoshi Island. And he introduced her as the one who saved him.

Her name was Suki.

And she insisted that all she did was find him on the beach and got him medical help. Anyone would of done that.

But he insists that he opened his eyes and saw her, his saviour.

And how he could never forget the girl who not only saved his life, but taught him to respect women and to be a better person.

He loved her. Sokka loved Suki.

And Yue was heartbroken.

Because as much as she said it was nothing, clearly, Suki loved Sokka as well.

The day comes that they have to leave the Fire Nation.

But before they do, Sokka presents Suki with a betrothal necklace. He tells her that it isn't really a tradition in the SWT, but moreso a family tradition. His grandmother started it.

He didn't know it, but Yue heard stories. Of a young mermaid who asked to be human in order to escape. And she was turned into a human.

Only the NWT gave betrothal necklaces.

And she could only hold back her grief as Sokka tied the necklace around Suki's neck.

The two were happy. Congratulations were given to the couple.

That night, while everyone is asleep, Yue stays on deck.

They were headed back to Kyoshi Island, where they would restock before going South.

The moon was bright but brought little comfort to her.

And she heard her name being called. She spotted one of the few friends she had from the NWT.

Her hair was cropped and her arms were burned, but in her hand was a knife.

She had gone to Zhao as well.

She wanted her best friend back.

And in order for that to happen, he had to break their contract. So, he gave her a knife to give to Yue. And Yue was to kill Sokka and have his blood spilt onto her, she would become a mermaid again and no longer have to worry. A wave brings the knife to her. And she looks at it, contemplating.

When she gets to Sokka's and Suki's room, she sees them hugging each other in their sleep.

And she can't do it.

So she runs.

She runs and she runs, ignoring anyone who calls out to her.

She throws the knife into the ocean, where it dissolves, before throwing herself over.

She's sinking, but all she can think of is how she finally felt happy.

She began to turn into foam, when a voice called out to her.

Tui.

Yue had been given a chance to chase happiness, to chase a life not her own, and to give her life, so the one person she loved could be happy.

And so, Tui came with an offer.

For Yue to become the Moon Spirit.

She would have to work for it.

But it meant she wouldn't just become seafoam. She would be able to watch over them. Over him.

And closing her eyes, she accepted it.

If anyone noticed, they didn't say anything, when on the night of Sokka's and Suki's wedding, the moon shone brighter.

.

.

.

.

Some side notes:

1. As much as I like Iroh taking the throne, I wanted Ursa to be the one to take charge of the Fire Nation. She has a better relationship with her kids, and under her disguise of Noriko during her banishment, she wrote to her children.

It's when Azula writes to her telling that Ozai hurt Zuko, that she returns.

She returns to her second eldest hiding in her room. She returns to find her only son locked away, like a criminal. She returns to a man who refuses to let his son heal.

A man who tells his son he was lucky he was just in prison and not dead or banished.

And she is furious. So, she kills him and takes over.

2. I guess, in a way, Azula has a redemption arc? She cares about Zuko, but she honestly does get really protective of him. Especially after what Ozai did to him.

3. Toph Beifong and Zuko are siblings. Nothing else need be said.

4. In the original Little Mermaid story, the mermaid wishes to be a human to get a soul in order to go to heaven. I had it so Yue would gain true happiness. However, due to the nature of her contract with Zhao, she was putting her happiness against Sokka's.

5. The original story has Catholic tones to it, what with God and Heaven and souls going to Heaven and all that jazz. Because this is meant to be an AU for ATLA, I did my best to change things, but chances are I forgot something or will forget something. Rather than have no soul, I thought Yue becoming seafoam would be more of a, she would be never be at peace sort of thing. She would never be reunited with her family or friends when she died.

6. Yue was not born with the moon's blessing. She earned that when she decided Sokka's happiness meant more to her, than her own. She chose to die if it meant he was alive and happy.

#avatar the last airbender #avatar: tla #the little mermaid #the little mermaid au #au #atla au #yue #mermaid yue #sokka #suki #yueka #sukka

[thenovelartist]

The Love of a Cat, Chapter 44

“You should have heard her, Adrien,” Nino said from his seat next to Adrien’s bed. “You would have been so proud of her.”

Adrien smiled fondly. “Why does everyone think she needs to make me proud? She’s already made me proud.”

“I know, buddy,” Nino said dismissively. “But…this was the type of speech that would have made your father reconsider his stance on her. She took complete command in that room. Honestly, she was stunning.”

His heart sped up in his chest at the reverent way Nino described Marinette. “I wish I could have been there.”

A knock sounded against the door before it opened to reveal Jalil. “May I come in?”

At Adrien’s nod, Jalil entered. “How are you feeling?”

“Sore.” As long as Adrien stayed still, the throbbing in his side was manageable. It was only if he moved that it stung. “How did the meeting go? Nino was telling me Marinette certainly made an impression.”

Jalil gave Adrien a firm nod. “I never would have guessed she had not been brought up a princess. She spoke with such grace and authority. I was extremely impressed.”

Again, Adrien’s heart did little flips at hearing such high praise for his wife.

“However, it is you who will have to complete her promises.”

“What did she promise?” Adrien asked, ready to sign off or seal whatever she needed him to.

“To end this war immediately should the guards surrender their loyalty to Hawkmoth, which they more or less did after she threatened them.”

Adrien wasn’t sure how many more times it could have been stated, but he loved that woman. “Done. Nino; a lap desk, ink, and paper, please.”

He looked a little torn. “Are you certain you don’t want to take it easy for the moment?”

“I’ve had my moment to rest,” he countered. “Now I have a promise to fulfill. So, can I please have the desk, ink, and paper?���

While Nino’s questioning look proved he wasn’t sure Adrien was fully up to the task, he relented with a sigh.

“Your wife,” Jalil continued once Nino had shut the door, “also promised that there would be open communication between Paris and France. Peace treaties, even.”

“I am in full agreement,” Adrien quickly said. “While I can’t speak for my father, I promise you that I will cooperate with you to end this war. I doubt that either kingdom knows what caused the fighting, anyway. Uniting the kingdoms would be in the best interest for everyone, at this point.”

Jalil gave a single, curt nod. “While a nuisance that I don’t want to bother with, I will have to ask for your assistance writing up a public peace treaty and making a show of signing it since, clearly, a marriage union is out of the question.”

Adrien smiled, rubbing the ring on his left finger. “Clearly. Besides, Alix would never agree to marry me even if I was single.”

“Yes. She has her sights locked on someone else; I’m fully aware.”

This surprised Adrien, who raised a brow in silent question.

Jalil smirked. “I believe I knew Alix was infatuated with Kim before even she knew she was. Those two were chaos together, but if I’m being honest, I’ve always respected Kim. Despite his penchant for trouble, he was very honorable and trustworthy. He was also a very talented knight, one who could become a strong leader with time.”

“And a bit of self-discipline,” Adrien added.

“Yes,” Jalil amusedly agreed. “A bit of that. Something I had hoped his trip would teach him. I have yet to see what affect the last few years have had on him, but they seem to have done him well.”

“He’s a good man,” Adrien said, “As well as a skilled fighter. He’s proven himself to be worthy of all my respect.”

Jalil studied Adrien for a moment. “So tell me,” he eventually said. “If you had a sister, would you entrust her to him?”

“Is that your way of asking if I think he’s good enough for Alix?”

Jalil shrugged, but Adrien could speculate the answer.

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“Because he loves her,” Adrien answered.

“That’s not good enough reason.”

“But surely you know Kim well enough to know how loyal and devoted he is to those he cares about.”

At that, Jalil was silent.

“That man took hits for me on the battlefield,” Adrien continued, “as well as a knife meant to kill me when an assassin broke into my own home. I trusted him to care for my house when I was away. He was respectable and kind with Marinette when she unexpectedly became my wife. He was there by Alix’s side, refusing to move, when she came to my home unconscious. He cared for her, running any errand she could think of, while she was on bedrest. And finally, when there was worry that this ring of mine would uproot you and Alix from the throne, he offered to marry her just so that he could ensure she would be safely taken care of. Frankly, Alix wasn’t happy when she learned that by remaining the Princess of France she wasn’t able to accept that proposal.”

Jalil mulled the words over, his gaze hitting the floor while he sank deeply into thought. Eventually, he lifted his gaze once again. “Your thoughts are noted. Thank you for your opinion. I wanted to know just what sort of man that Kim had become, and you’ve proven he’s grown into a good one.”

Adrien felt himself grin. “I hope that it means he is blessed with happiness after all. He was very jealous of my marriage as well as Plagg and Tikki’s.”

Before Jalil could answer, Kim burst through the door. “There you are,” he said, referring to Jalil. He then glanced over to Adrien before returning his attention to Jalil. “Perfect. I can tell both of you at once.”

Jalil’s eyes narrowed in worry. “What is it?”

“Plagg brought you two a present.”

It was Adrien’s turn to frown. “What sort of ‘present’?”

Kim’s smile was downright devious. “A brown-haired rat that goes by the name of Theo Barbot.”

It wouldn’t be for another few days that Adrien was well enough to stand so that Theo could face both him and King Jalil.

Theo himself limped from the injury that Adrien had given him. When the sentencing grew too long, Theo had to be supported by the two guards that had escorted him into the throne room.

By the end, Theo hung his head. Everyone in the room knew Theo was damned. The only reason for the deliberation was if Theo should be hung in France for his cooperation with “King” Hawkmoth as well as his aggressive intentions towards Princess Alix or if he should be dragged back to Paris in order to face King Gabriel. In the end, it was decided that his position as Lord Barbot meant that he had far more crimes against Paris than France, including treason, attempted murder of the prince, and attempted rape of the princess, just to name a few.

After the sentencing, Adrien had written a lengthy letter to his father describing that needed to be done about the prisoner that was being sent his way. While Adrien would have liked to return to Paris himself, he figured he would stay a few extra days to assist Jalil in establishing his new position as king as well as starting formal peaceful negotiations.

It had nothing to do with Marinette’s insistence that Adrien allow his injury to heal a while longer before embarking on their journey home.

“Nino.”

“Yes?”

Adrien held out the completed letter to his best friend. “I need you to escort Lord Barbot back to Paris. Give this to my father so that he knows what to do with that man.”

Hesitantly, Nino took the letter. “Are you certain?”

“Are you saying I shouldn’t trust you to take Theo?” Adrien sarcastically challenged.

“Not at all. I just thought you’d want to be there.”

Adrien sighed. “As much as I would like to, I can’t. There is business that still needs to be taken care of. Besides, I would feel safer if Theo traveled separately from the girls when they are escorted home.”

“That, I cannot argue with,” Nino said before a sly smile grew across his face. “But I’m not worried about Alya as long as she has a cooking pan.”

Adrien chuckled. “May I suggest you stay far away from any kitchen when you ask to court her.”

Nino grinned, but Adrien could tell he was nervous. “I will keep that in mind.”

A full week had passed by the time Adrien felt it was time to leave. He would admit that he was glad to have stayed as long as he did because he was proud to be present for the small ceremony for Kim.

“You never were officially knighted,” Jalil commented from his position on the dais. “But I believe it is far overdue. Kneel.”

Kim knelt before Jalil while Alix, who stood before her mother’s throne, watched with pride.

Jalil unsheathed the sword from his side. “Sir Kim Le Chien,” he stated loudly, tapping the sword on Kim’s shoulder. “I knight you the Noblest Knight,” he switched the sword to Kim’s other shoulder, “in all of France.”

It was very subtle, but Adrien noticed the way Kim stiffened under the title. Understandable considering that title was usually reserved for a member of the royal family.

Suddenly, Adrien was fighting to keep a straight face.

“You may stand.”

Kim did as asked, never wavering under Jalil’s firm gaze.

“Now,” Jalil said, sheathing the sword. “You possess the most honorable title a knight can hold. Do you understand the responsibility that comes with it?”

“Yes, sire,” he said. “I will uphold that title with the highest of honor.”

“Good. I will not stand for you doing anything less.”

“I will ensure you never regret such a decision,” Kim reverently swore, “and I will work my hardest to prove that to you.”

Jalil’s expression softened for a split second. “However, that title must also be proved to the kingdom,” he said, voice still as powerful as ever. “You must prove that you are honorable and steady. And that is most easily accomplished in the form of a marriage union.”

Alix tensed, her eyes widening ever so slightly.

“Sire?” Kim questioned, clearly confused and likely nervous himself.

Jalil was as stoic as ever when he nodded. “Yes. For that reason, I will arrange such a union that would be beneficial for you and the kingdom.”

Kim bowed his head, clearly ready to submit even though it was doubtful he wanted to. “Yes, sire. I am at your service.”

Even though she did a very good job at hiding it., Adrien could see evidence of Alix’s disappointment.

After glancing over at his sister, Jalil’s expression softened once again, this time permanently. “You are to marry Princess Alix Kubdel in order to ensure her safety and protection.”

The duo stiffened upon hearing Alix’s name, both wide-eyed as they shared a look.

“In such a turbulent time as this,” Jalil continued, “I want to ensure that the royal family is protected.”

Adrien couldn’t fight the smile that grew on his lips. It quickly earned him a gentle elbow in his ribs.

“You knew, didn’t you?” Marinette whispered.

“For about a week now,” Adrien returned just as quietly, albeit a bit smugly.

Marinette gave a quiet sigh, but didn’t say another word as she watched the scene unfold in front of her.

Instead of standing before Jalil, Kim was now kneeling before Alix, holding her hand in his as he asked for her hand in marriage.

It surprised no one when she gave him a bright smile and said yes.

“I’m sad to see you leave,” Jalil admitted. “I grew used to having you around.”

“We’ll keep in close enough touch that it will hardly feel as though I’m gone.” Adrien said, shaking Jalil’s outstretched hand. “Besides, we’ll be back to witness the wedding. I’m certain that it will be the only thing Marinette talks about for weeks.”

It earned him a jab in the ribs from his wife, but it only caused him to grin.

Jalil chuckled. “Well, I wish you all a safe, quick, and uneventful journey home.”

“Thank you,” Marinette said.

With one last bow good-bye, Adrien and Marinette made their way to the carriage Jalil had graciously loaned to them for the trip home. Plagg hopped out of the driver’s seat so as to hold the door open for Adrien and Marinette.  “Thank you, Plagg,” they both said.

He nodded in return.

Adrien assisted Marinette into the carriage before following himself. Plagg shut the door behind them, and Adrien took his seat beside Marinette facing forwards in the carriage. Tikki and Alya were already inside, the latter working on some sewing project while the former rested her head on the side of the carriage. Adrien frowned. Even in the warm morning light, Tikki looked pale.

With a snap of the reins, the carriage was off, and Adrien couldn’t deny just how good it felt to know that they were finally heading home. Marinette waved out of the window, garnering a wave from Alix in return. Adrien grinned at the friendship that had bloomed between those two as well as thanking the heavens that Alix had come into Marinette’s life to help shape her into the incredible woman she had become.

By the time the castle was out of sight, Adrien allowed his head to fall backwards and his eyes to drift shut. Marinette slipped her hand into his, and immediately he felt the wedding band on her hand.

Which reminded him…

“I believe I promised you a wedding when we got home.”

He cracked an eye open so he’d be able to see her reaction. The way her surprise turned to excitement was priceless. “That you did. And I eagerly await that.”

“Hold on,” Alya cried, her sewing hastily forgotten. “When what that decided?”

Marinette gave her friend a sheepish look. “Before Adrien left, he decided that we would have a public ceremony once he returned.”

Alya seemed to bubble over with excitement and in no time at all, the duo were engaged in excited chatter over the details of the event. Adrien had no problem allowing Marinette free reign on what she wanted. He was far too focused on how adorable her excited expressions were, anyway.

Suddenly, Marinette’s happiness fell. “Tikki, are you all right?”

All eyes turned to Tikki and the way she clutched her stomach.

“Tikki?” Adrien repeated.

When she placed a hand over her mouth, he smacked the roof. “Stop the carriage!” he hollered.

The second it came to a stop, Tikki threw open the door and bolted, only to empty the contents of her stomach behind one of the trees.

“Oh, poor Tikki,” Marinette cooed, watching Tikki from the window.

“I had hoped we would make it home before these symptoms started to show,” Alya commented.

“What symptoms?” Adrien asked as he watched Plagg walk over to Tikki. He rubbed her back as she finished her heaving, providing support for her to keep standing.

When the girls remained silent, Adrien turned to face them. “Girls?”

The girls each looked sheepish. “Well…”

“Marinette,” he warned.

“Tikki’s pregnant,” she admitted.

Adrien’s eyes widened. “She’s pregnant? You dragged a pregnant woman into a war zone?”

“It’s not like we knew when we started out!” Alya defended.

“She only realized it soon after we arrived,” Marinette completed. “We wanted to keep it secret until we got home because we were worried how Plagg would react.”

“Well, it’s a bit late for that now,” Adrien commented. He glanced out the window to where Plagg was somehow yelling at Tikki while cuddling her protectively. Clearly, she had told him, and Plagg was reacting about as well as Adrien suspected he would. Tikki would just have to be patient with the way Plagg couldn’t decide hold her at arm’s length or pull her close for hugs and kisses.

“They’re so sweet,” Alya commented.

“There really couldn’t be a better woman for Plagg,” Marinette agreed. “And Tikki couldn’t have found anyone who could rival how much Plagg cares about her.”

While Adrien wasn’t certain he would define the scene as sweet as much as it was Plagg flying in to a justified panic, he’d not ruin the girl’s opinions. After all, if it was Marinette who was the one pregnant, he’d likely be acting the same as Plagg.

Suddenly, his heart picked up its pace. “Marinette?”

Her brow furrowed at his tone. “Yes?”

He hesitated. “You…you would have told me if you were…”

Understanding his unfinished question, her posture relaxed, and she gave him a sweet smile. “Honestly, if I were in Tikki’s position, I probably would have done the same. Especially considering you were injured, you didn’t need to worry about me.” She squeezed his hand in reassurance. “But that’s a moot point for us.”

Adrien felt the next breath come a little easier.

Eventually, it seemed Plagg had settled for holding Tikki firmly against him, arms wrapped around her tight as he rocked her back and forth. Considering Plagg’s head was pressed against the side of Tikki’s, Adrien guessed that he was probably calm enough to be able to share a happy moment with his wife over what really was wonderful news. They stayed like that for a while before Plagg swooped Tikki up in his arms and returned her to the carriage.

“You listen to me,” he told Tikki, his tone somewhere between loving and warning. “The moment you begin feeling sick again, we stop. If you need us to slow down, we’ll slow down. If—”

“Plagg,” Tikki interrupted. “I’m fine. But if I need anything, I’ll say so, all right.”

His lips pursed in uncertainty as he gently put Tikki down in front of the carriage. “All right.”

Tikki gave him a smile and a brief kiss. “I love you,” she whispered.

Plagg lowered his head so their foreheads touched. His voice was barely audible, but Adrien still heard it. “I love you, too. I just want you and this little baby of ours to be safe.” Plagg’s hand lowered to touch Tikki’s abdomen, as if he could feel the baby there.

“We will be. You’ll see.” Tenderly, Tikki patted Plagg’s cheeks before she turned to enter the carriage. Plagg offered all the assistance he could before flashing Tikki one last smile as she took her seat.

Plagg shut the carriage door then hopped back up to the driver’s seat, shaking the carriage in the process. When he snapped the reins, starting the horses going again, Adrien gave Tikki a grin. “I hear that congratulations are in order.”

When Tikki smiled, it was as though she was glowing. “Thank you,” she said, her hands cradling her still flat stomach. “I didn’t expect to start a family so early, but I’m not complaining.”

“I am,” Marinette said, her tone and smile proving she was teasing. “It means you won’t be my lady’s maid for much longer.”

“I’m more than happy to fill that role,” Alya volunteered.

“I’m not invalid,” Tikki objected.

“We know that,” Marinette assured with a wave of her hand. “But deny that you want to settle down with Plagg in your own home so you can be fully devoted to your little one once it’s born.”

The carriage was silent as Tikki pressed her lips into a thin line.

Marinette only grinned. “See? So I just want to spend time with you while I can.”

The girls continued their conversation while Adrien soon grew lost in his thoughts. For all Plagg and Tikki had done for him, he wanted to ensure that they would have a home to call their own. While he had once had a spot picked out, it no longer seemed good enough. However, the idea that soon came to mind had him grinning, and it was definitely big enough for the five children Plagg had said Tikki wanted.

#the love of a cat #miraculous ladybug #ML #MLB Fanfiction #fanfiction #Adrien Agreste #Nino Lahiffe #He's going to need some luck #Jalil Kubdel #Alix Kubdel #Kim Le Chien #Be happy for them. Yay! #Marinette Dupain Cheng #Alya Cesaire #Tikki #Plagg #Has a mini heart attack

[laurelsofhighever]

The Falcon and the Rose, Ch. 1

The winter of 9:31 Dragon draws to a bitter close. Teyrn Loghain Mac Tir, hero of the people, has revealed a string of secret letters between King Cailan and Empress Celene of Orlais. The specifics are unclear, but suspicion of Orlesians run deep, and there are always those willing to take advantage of political scandal. Declaring the king unfit to rule, Loghain has retreated to his southern stronghold in Gwaren, with Queen Anora by his side. Fear and greed threaten to tear Ferelden apart. In Denerim, Cailan busies himself with maps and battle plans, hoping to stem the tide of blood before it can start. In the Arling of Edgehall, King Maric’s bastard son fights against the rebels flocking to the traitor’s banner, determined to free himself from the shadow of his royal blood. And in Highever, Rosslyn Cousland, bitter at being left behind, watches as her father and brother ride to war, unaware of the betrayal lurking in the smile of their closest friend.

Words: 1727 Rating: Mature CW: canon-typical violence Chapter summary: On the high plateau of Gherlen’s Pass, Loghain makes his first move. Banner art by me :) Also on AO3

Mid-Haring, 9:31 Dragon

Stretched out on the road behind him, the merchant caravan Reynard de Chernalle had built through years of hard work glittered like the jewels of a duchess in the winter sunshine. He himself was arrayed in travelling clothes of the finest quality, his rather portly frame cushioned against the weather by a quilted wool doublet decorated with a fine embroidery of spring flowers. Two days out from Jader, and the road still curved in easy loops along Gherlen’s Pass through high pastures thickly shadowed with snow. To either side loomed the white-dusted reaches of the Frostbacks, the gateposts of the border between the Orlesian Empire and the little country that had once been its easternmost province. Birds chattered in the mast pines that bordered the road. From his horse Reynard spied the tracks of fennecs eager to return to the warmth of their dens before the next storm. None of the men in the train failed to notice the front of pale, bloated clouds that rolled towards them from the Waking Sea on the back of a chafing north-easterly, and none of them were pleased about it.

Reynard sat straighter in his saddle to better catch a first sight of Ferelden as he capped the brow of the last rise in the road. From there, it was all downhill into lush, unspoiled valleys and thick forests that hunkered down under a grey haze of fog. Unlike the majority of his countrymen, he liked coming to Ferelden, even despite the weather. Its dogs, its stories, and the tenacious nature of its people possessed a welcome authenticity after the delicate pretensions of the minor Orlesian nobility he usually had to deal with. Most of all, he found the opportunities for trade in this former backwater very much to his tastes, and hoped an early arrival before midwinter would help him get the jump on his less adventurous rivals.

After the occupation thirty years previously, any merchant wishing to trade goods in Ferelden had had to make expensive detours through the Free Marches to avoid the prejudice of a population in which resentment traditionally lingered for generations. Clever traders, such as Reynard himself, had learned how to coax profits from these detours, but the gains had been small in the face of the risk to goods crossing the Waking Sea.

The peace treaties signed by good King Cailan four years earlier had changed things, however. Reynard had caught the turning tide, so to speak. He had traded in extortionate handling fees and sailors’ wages for a string of pack mules, wagons, and opportunities for wayside business. He had built good relationships with the merchants in Ridderby and Lakehead and every settlement in between. In less than half a decade his caravan had swollen to three times its original size – and if the rumours in his home city of Val Chevin were to be believed, soon there might be even greater profits to be made in Ferelden. The thought brought a smile to his thin lips.

A gust of wind tugged at the fur mantle of his riding coat, bringing an acrid mixture of smoke and pine balsam to his nose. Beneath him, his usually placid mare shied sideways, tossing her head with a snort. Only once he managed to steady her did he notice the spiked timber barricades that blocked the road ahead, defending a guard post that looked newly built, and which certainly hadn’t been there at the beginning of Hervestmere when he had made his last return trip to Orlais to resupply. He brought one hand to shade his eyes and squinted down the road.

“What do you make of it, Thomas?” he asked as the captain of his private guard trotted up to join him.

The man halted his gelding and scowled in the direction of the garrison of distant, shouting figures. Unlike his employer, the mercenary captain had a gruff appearance. His dark hair and beard were worn long, whether to obscure his features or to terrify opponents in combat, Reynard was unsure, but his weapons were well maintained and the discipline with which he kept his men in line spoke of a military background. While he rarely spoke, when he did it was with sound judgement and complete authority.

“I don’t like it, Ser,” Thomas grunted. “Best hang back and let me handle it. These look like unsavoury sorts.”

Reynard nodded. “I’m inclined to agree. Still, they’re probably just here to improve the road and are weary of being stuck at an out-of-the-way post like this.” He chuckled, imagining what young men might get up to with limited entertainment in the dark winter months. “I’m sure a friendly halloo will put their minds to rest that we’re not bandits.”

“All the same Ser, I advise you to be careful,” Thomas replied, unconvinced.

Busy smoothing the rumples in his coat, Reynard gave only a cursory acknowledgement of the warning as the mercenary cantered back to inform his soldiers of the blockage ahead. Knowing his employer’s penchant for striking up bargains along the road, Thomas would wait to order swords drawn, but his men would be prepared in case the meeting devolved into a confrontation. It was what he was paid for.

As Reynard rode closer, he busied himself by listing inventory in his head, running down a list of things bored soldiers might need. Most of his caravan was loaded with items geared more towards the nobility, and he never traded in flesh, but some of the herbs and delicacies in his wagons were difficult to find in Ferelden, and might go down well. He became so absorbed in working out what he would sell he failed to notice the peculiarity of the banner draped against the flagpole.

“Halloo there, my good man!” he called out when he was near enough to offer his most winning smile. “We are in for a blizzard before the day is out, do you think?”

A man with a weathered face and grimy, mismatched armour stomped out of the guard house, the longsword strapped to his belt the only serviceable thing about him. When he approached, Reynard’s hand twitched as he curbed the instinct to reach for the nosegay in his breast pocket.

“Papers!” the man barked through a mouth half-full of yellowed teeth.

Beaming wider, Reynard reached into his saddlebags and handed over the trade permits authorised by the Val Chevin Merchants’ Guild. “There you are, good Ser, I am sure everything is in order.”

The man hocked and spat. “You Orlesian?”

“Out of Jader,” came the reply. “Though I do not –”

“What you got in the train?”

“Well, all sorts of things, really,” Reynard answered, somewhat perturbed by the soldier’s brusque manner. “I trade furs, fabrics, spices, trinkets for the ladies,” he added with a wink. “This is my fifth year on this road. Bann Reginalda and Bann Ferrenly are both firm friends.”

The winning smile faltered as the soldier continued to riffle through the permits, scanning the lines with insolent disinterest, content to let the silence grow strained enough for the foreigner’s cob to shift its weight and whicker. He started when another rider cantered up to join the conversation. This one was practiced handling a horse, and the flint-like chips of his eyes showed no trace of fear as he edged in front of his master.

“Is there a problem here?” Thomas asked, polite enough but with a hint of steel that couldn’t be ignored.

Reading the mood, Reynard glanced back to see his company of guards arrayed in tight formation around the caravan, hands on sword hilts, their faces set with grim determination beneath their helmets. With their trained eyes they saw what he had failed to notice – a single flash of metal from within the forest, shadows of trees roving beyond their roots. They were waiting for the ambush. Dread settled like bad meat in Reynard’s stomach as he turned around and watched the strange battle of wills unfolding before him.

From beneath the leather brow of his cap, the soldier squinted upwards, sucking on one of his few remaining molars like a farmer contemplating the chance of rain on the harvest. Thomas stared back, implacable. Both of them seemed to have forgotten the merchant’s existence.

“I asked if there was a problem,” Thomas repeated.

“These papers are invalid.” The soldier held the permits high and opened his hand, letting them drop into the mud before grinding them into the ground with the heel of his boot. He leered. “’Fraid that means we get to inspect your cargo. Make sure you’re not carrying anything… undesirable, like.”

“Now see here –!” Reynard spluttered.

Thomas cut across him. “What writ do you have to authorise a search?” he demanded. “This caravan is sanctioned by Her Imperial Highness Empress Celene, and is under the protection of King Cailan. You have no authority to do this.”

The smirk spread wider across the soldier’s pockmarked face. Beneath his brows, the pale eyes glinted with malice.

“It’s Cailan has no authority here. On ‘em, lads!”

Before he could even process the words, Reynard heard the breathy swish of loosed arrows and screamed as his back exploded with agony. His mare reared and flung him into the roadside muck, where he rolled and lay gasping for breath like a landed fish. Shouts of fear and rage flashed in the air around him. When he mustered enough strength to look, he saw many of his men already dead, his drivers pinioned to their seats by crudely fletched arrows, and the guards felled by sword strokes from the bandits that had broken from the trees. Only Thomas held his ground, fighting off three at once with Orlesian curses fit to quell demons in their tracks.

Reynard reached out through the haze of his pain to try and warn his captain about the fourth man charging in behind him, but the arrows had pierced his lungs and his cry fell from his lips as a cough. As his vision dimmed, the wind picked up, bringing with it the first flecks of snow from the storm. Above the battle, unnoticed, the banner on the flagpole unfurled to reveal, not the scarlet War Dogs of the king, but a golden Drake on a field of black – the sigil of Loghain Mac Tir.

#dragon age: origins #dragon age fanfic #alistair x cousland #alistair theirin #cousland #king alistair #da:o #rosslyn cousland