Everything's on fire, darling

Adelaide of Wales Demons Run when a Good Man goes to war. Night will fall and drown the Sun When a Good Man goes to war. Friendship dies, and true love lies; Night will fall, and the dark will rise When a Good Man goes to war.

[adelaide-thevivacious-blog]

[defiantly-thomas-blog]

Thomas & Adelaide || Of battles and bushes

[defiantly-thomas-blog]

Thomas winced a little as she poked him. Jeez. He raised a brow at her suggestion, he had figured ice and perhaps a little of his powers would heal him up just fine. “Ah, don’t you worry about me, it’s nothing I can’t deal with.” His brows shot up at her hasty reaction. “I’m not Cassanova you know,” he said matter-of-factly, but he knew it was no use. He had a reputation, not even he could deny that, even if it wasn’t as wild or exciting as people made it out to be. Sometimes spending the night with someone else’s beautiful wife could be tiresome.

He let out a sigh, “Well I guess I will be seeing you around Princess.”

[adelaide-thevivacious-blog]

"If you are sure." Adelaide said, her eyes drifting towards the way to lead to her chamber. After tonight, a well rested slumber will sure happen. "Yet you have the reputation of one. I hear things, M'lord, around the castle." Knowing that she was probably angering him again, she bowed once more. "Thank you for tonight." And with that, she turned around to whisk away to the safety of her chambers. Tomorrow will be different. They will return back to their bickering ways. 

[defiantly-thomas-blog]

Thomas & Adelaide || Of battles and bushes

[defiantly-thomas-blog]

Thomas bowed his head. “It really wasno problem.” Besides he would have plenty more time to spend out hunting. It was no question that the Princess could be frustrating. but once you brought her out of that shell then she was bearable, even a little enjoyable. Thomas shrugged as they entered the empty throne room. Adelaide would take one flight of stairs to the royal quarters while Thomas would the the other.

Thomas shrugged, a small smile on his lips. “Doesn’t sound like a half bad idea… but i’m afraid you’ve already tired me all out.” He grinned a little more before taking a deep sigh at the sharp reminder of a dim sting at his cheekbone. “Besides, i’ve got to take care of this thing,” he stated gesturing to the bruise.

[adelaide-thevivacious-blog]

Adelaide rolled her eyes. Her? Tire him out? Impossible. However, at the mention of his bruise, a deep frown set on her face. Turning to face him, her brown hair whipping with her turn, she poked his bruised cheek again. Her eyes focusing merely on the purple dots. "How will you take care of it?" Adelaide asked, her eyes drifting up to his eyes with a curious expression on her face. "Why don't you go to the chamber ladies for some medicine? Surely they will love to help a guy like you out."

Her thin finger trailed his bruise in a gentle fashion before she realized what she was doing and dropped her hand completely. Her step backwards was hasty, her hands now placed behind her back. "Surely you know how to charm your way into getting what you want."

[defiantly-thomas-blog]

Thomas & Adelaide || Of battles and bushes

[defiantly-thomas-blog]

Thomas smiled, her shoulders betrayed her attempt at stifling her laughter. “I wouldn’t call you a beast your majesty,” he said politely, as he attempted to mask his own amusement. Soon enough the houses began to thin out and they were upon the royal road that led to the castle gates. Adelaide suddenly stepped infront of him, hindering any further progress. His brow knotted at her request and gave her a curt nod, “Of course, you have my word,” he said levelly, his eyes not lingering from hers. He then turned back to the road, back to the way everything should be… They passed under a side portcullis, without much regard from the guards on duty. They didn’t even spare so much as a glance to Adelaide, much to Thomas’ relief. 

Once they were in the palace courtyard, Thomas was able to relax a little, although there was still something nagging at him. he shook the feeling away when he realised that Adelaide was still wearing his cape. “You’re welcome to my cape if you wish so, but it may raise some suspicions,” he told her with an amused raised brow. 

[adelaide-thevivacious-blog]

His word was enough to settle her worry within her stomach. Anyone's word, especially his, is one worth keeping. Getting back within the walls of the castle was easy, the guards being too tired to really question who Thomas brought back with him-they were probably used to it. The courtyard was a sight for sore eyes. The wonderful flowers she had taken care of just hours before standing vastly in front of them. Blooming petals and green stems looking strong and magnificent. At what he said, Adelaide quickly undid the knot under her neck, her thin fingers working fast yet gracefully to take out the knot before sliding it off of her head and handing it back to him. "I appreciate the offer but I simply cannot keep something that belongs to you." No sign, this trip has to remain a secret.

Smiling up at him, one that was not forced, she bowed her head at him. "I thank you for taking me out." Adelaide thanked, content with how the day went. He was decent company, after a few disciplined nags and complaints. Her reasonings for venturing out was her own little secret. "I take it that you are going back to your bedchambers? Or possibly to woo some poor girl in there with you?"

[defiantly-thomas-blog]

Thomas & Adelaide || Of battles and bushes

[defiantly-thomas-blog]

Thomas followed after her, glad that this time she was headed in the right direction. This time Thomas wouldn’t let himself get consumed, he didn’t know what had happened earlier and he wasn’t intent on letting his guard down again. He strode alongside her, nudging her in the correct direction when he thought that she needed a little guidance. 

Thomas glanced down at her with a bemused expression, “Trust me, compared to the other troubles I’m forced to reckon with, today was refreshing,” he said remembering back to the pub. She hadn’t seemed all too pompous and stubborn back there. It was almost as if a massive weight was taken off of her shoulders once she had left the oppression of the castle. Well now things had to go back to the way they were, once they would pass the palace gates they would have to sink back into their daily routine. Her to her cross-stitch and he to his duties. The thought of another outing threw him off a little, glancing down at her once again he noticed that she really did seem much more relaxed out here. He shook his head, what was he on about? She was still the same Princess Adelaide, it must be the city at night. It could do wondrous things to anyone’s spirits. 

[adelaide-thevivacious-blog]

He was studying her. Out of the very corner of her eyes, she can spy him looking at her with a curious and glazed over look-studying her. Tonight had been different, each one showing different sides of themselves to each other, and it had been unexpectedly fun. He exceeded most of her negative thoughts about him. He had kept a decent distance between them the whole time, did not once try to charm her with his usual tricks, and he had actually proven himself quite worthy of his title. Perhaps not all is what is said to be. 

Laughing a little, Adelaide hid her laughter behind the back of her right palm. The only indication of any sort of laughter was given by the shakes to her shoulders, bouncing her brown curls along the way. "Well, I am glad that I was not the worst beast you had to tame." Adelaide said, her eyes staring straight ahead as she followed his nudges towards the right way. The walls of the castle soon came into sight, the scene causing disappointment to settle within her. The walls of confinement. Slowing her steps down a little, but not noticeable enough. Adelaide quickly put her hood back over her head. If the guards found out she had left the castle... "M'lord." Adelaide suddenly said, her body quickly moving in front of him to cut him off in his steps. "This shall remain a secret between us, right? Swear to it." 

[fromdusks]

[defiantly-thomas-blog]

Thomas & Adelaide || Of battles and bushes

[defiantly-thomas-blog]

“What?” Thomas questioned, “Oh right, I’m fine. I’ll deal with that later,” he said with a reassuring smile. The movement however made him wince a little. “Yes, I’m sure you had it all under control your highness, but I haven’t kicked some serious, excuse my language, arse in a long time and it was certainly satisfying.” He stood up slowly offering Adelaide his hand, “C’mon, let’s get you home. I think you’ve had far too much excitement for one day.” They clambered to the edge of the roof, where the ladder was still dutifully perched. He knew that Adelaide would be absolutely mortified if he simply threw her over his shoulder to carry her down. Despite his better interests, he knew that she would want to climb down herself. Personal pride, or something like that. In that way, Thomas supposed they were rather similar. 

“You should be right to come down on your own, yeah? I’ll go down first then you can follow,” he told her before swinging himself round to face the wall. His feet navigating themselves down the rungs of the ladder until his feet were firmly on the ground below. He held the ladder in place, waiting for the Princess to descend.

[adelaide-thevivacious-blog]

Adelaide had no choice but to follow his lead. His assurance of him being fine, which does not surprise her for she is sure that he had worse, was the only thing she got before he turned away from her and started to head down the roof. A set of ladder appeared and he turned and vanished down the said ladder. THe biggest sigh of relief left her lips, glad that he was not manhandling her again. Following him, she turned around, hoisted up the ends of her dress with one hand and started to climb down the ladder with her other. The red cape that had been safely placed the whole night choice this time to fall to her back, leaving her face to bask in the now moonlight.

After her feet planted on the ground, she turned to face him with a glance before turning away to venture down the alley that they were in. Her gratitude for his savor was her compliance. "I think it is time to take me home, m'lord, for I feel like I am causing you more trouble than I originally intended to." She voiced out over her shoulders. "Be warned, though, I may come back for more of your... adventures to the marketplace."

[defiantly-thomas-blog]

Thomas & Adelaide || Of battles and bushes

[defiantly-thomas-blog]

Thomas set his jaw and spun around to face Adelaide. He regarded her with a steely look before letting out an exasperated sigh. “Alright,” he muttered, allowing her to wriggle out of his grasp. He still remained very close to her, well close enough that she wouldn’t kick him in the balls in a heartbeat. When she sped ahead, Thomas let out his own frustrated noise as he made to keep up with her. They were quite the angry pair. Whatever level of understanding and mutual companionship they had shared back in the pub was quickly diminishing.

Thomas’ frustration quickly disappeared. Where on earth did the Princess think she was going? His eyes gleamed with amusement as he watched her dart through the alleyways, her stubbornness refusing to accept defeat. If he had been paying attention, not wrapped up in his silent laughter at the Princess, he might have sensed something was up. He probably would’ve heard them or seen them even. She was just out of his reach, a few metres up ahead and she had dissapeared around the corner. Then he ran right into something, a bulky man who could not be up to any good. There were two others one had a dirty hand, tightly clasped around Adelaide’s arm. Like a flip of a switch, Thomas was in his fighting mode, his limbs light and ready for combat. They were in far too close of range for Thomas to use his preferred weapon of choice. But he was a trained member of the Kingsguard, he didn’t like to carry a heavy longsword around on his belt but he had several knives if it had to come to that. “Unhand her!” he spoke, his voice laden with authority, the thugs only continued to sneer. The other two men stood like a barrier between him and the man who now had his hands securely wrapped around Adelaide’s waist.  In seconds he had knocked one of the men’s legs from beneath him, sending him in a heap of dirt to the ground. The third was now launching himself onto Thomas’ back. Thomas grunted but rammed back into the wall behind him. He had a few seconds advantage as the man attempted to seize his bearings. Thomas’ leg was in the man’s gut, swinging a fist squarley in his jaw, ducking to avoid a blow. He swiftly pulled a knife from his belt and brought the hilt firmly down upon his head sending him in a unconscious heap to the floor.

He spun around to find the man he had firstly sent to the ground rising to his feet. Thomas threw punches and kicks, blocking the occasional punch. He grabbed the man’s right arm and yanked it around his back. The satisfying crack of a broken bone ringing through the alleyway, only muffled by his cry of pain. Thomas only stood back to appreciate the sight for a few seconds before he looked up only to find Adelaide thrown over the last thug’s shoulder who was now quickly retreating down the empty road. Thomas groaned and pursued them. The thug was quickly scaling the side of the building by a ladder, Thomas was quickly after them. He had to do this in a way that the Princess wouldn’t get hurt. Knives was out of the question. He had been able to gain time on his feet and even on scaling. Despite his muscle bulk, Thomas was lithe and fast. Once upon the roof, he already had an arrow knocked on his bow, it held out infront of him. He steadied his breathing, holding it still….3,2,1. And with the always satisfying whistle, the arrow travelled through the air and lodged in his target, the retreating thug’s leg bringing him down. Thomas carefully made his way over to where the man was moaning. He quickly pulled Adelaide away from the man and onto a more secure surface before he went back to the man. He held a knife to the man’s throat, “Who are you and what business do you have with her,” he jerked his head at Adelaide, his eyes filled with contempt. The man grinned, his voice gruff and wheezing from the arrow still lodged in his leg, “What man wouldn’t want a go at that?” Disgusted, Thomas firmly slammed his foot in his stomach. That would shut him up.

With the man’s feint groans and moans Thomas clambered back to where he had left Adelaide. He dimly registered a dull throbbing pain upon his right cheekbone, but other than that he was ok. He reached out to hold her shoulders, “Are you ok? Did he hurt you?” he asked in a flourish of questions as he quickly scanned her face for any sign of pain. That had been close too too close.

[adelaide-thevivacious-blog]

Adelaide was no damsel in distress.

At least, that is what she likes to tell herself. Be strong, do not back down, and do not let someone else have an upper hand over you. Words of the greatest wisdom passed down by her Mother when she was younger. You are a Princess, you shall rule this country with the upmost integrity, you should be brave. These words rang in her head, lessons forced upon her coming back to her memory as this filthy male snaked an arm around her slim waist, a struggle was made. The sharp bone of her elbow jamming into the stranger's side, but his massive muscles made it so that he felt nothing-only a mere sting was all. 

Thomas was skilled and quick, efficient enough to bring down the two other men in a flash with just skills alone. She was thankful, he was being viewed in a whole new light. Sure, she was his duty to protect, but the way he was moving was just captivating. It really was true what they say about Thomas the archer-when he moves, people stop and stare. But before she can fully enjoy this show, the stupid stranger already hoisted her over his shoulder, her hands instantly raining down on the guy's back. "You worthless being. Let me down now." It was all in vain. The only reason she was let down, and not so gently mind you, was when an arrow zoomed into the guy's leg. 

Allowing him to pull her away, Adelaide merely watched as he disciplined the disgusting guy before coming back to her. His bigger hands landing on her shoulder, his questions reaching her ears. "I'm fi-" Snatching his chin with one of her hands, the intensity of her stare directed at the forming bruise on his right cheek, her lips forming a small line. "You are hurt." Gently touching his bruise, Adelaide winced for him. "Does it hurt? Are you okay? You didn't have to do that. I had it under control."

[defiantly-thomas-blog]

Thomas & Adelaide || Of battles and bushes

[defiantly-thomas-blog]

Thomas’ eyes darkened, but there was still an undermining current of amusement in them. No one had ever called him naive before, it was quite foreign to his ears, maybe even a little refreshing. But what came out of her lips next really was quite a shock. He had never been needed, not really in the sense of life or death. Desired, sure. But not like how she made it out to be, he wasn’t really all that special. Yeah, he was pretty useful with a bow and arrow, and there was the magic in his blood. But that could only do more harm than good if that came out, he’d end up just like his father. Thomas shook his head a little, she wouldn’t be so sure of herself if she knew the truth. Thomas pouted at her words, but he knew she was right. Sucks to be him indeed, stuck with the castle brat with nothing but a mug of ale to console him.

Watching Adelaide play was quite entertaining. Her eyes darted around the table to her cards then back again in circuit as she tried to grasp the movement of what was happening. Then there was the way she would screw up her nose in thought. He’d whisper little tips in her ear, the men probably disregarded it as flirting. Yeah, right. Thomas allowed a woop of joy when Adelaide laid down her cards signalling yet another win for them. That was when Thomas spared a glance out one of the grimy tavern windows. “Seven blistering hells!” he swore standing abruptly, he had a firm grip on Adelaide’s elbow and pulled her to her feet along with him. “Alright lads, keep your winnings, we must be off then.” Then before the men could put forth an objection Thomas had already pulled Adelaide away. “We have to get you back before someone notices your missing,” he whispered harshly already at the doors of the tavern. Fuck, the sun’s almost set. Most common folk were in the safety of their houses by now so the town square was a lot more quiet. Thomas raised an arm to rest on his bow while the other kept it’s iron grip upon Adelaide.  

[adelaide-thevivacious-blog]

Adelaide did not mind his whispers, not if it means a win for her because truth be told, she rather like winning. However, she did mind the harsh pull of her elbow. His words was quick and the snatch was even quicker. Adelaide let out a small yelp of shock as he pulled her up to her feet, her face scrunched up as he allowed the people to keep her winnings, and her arms trying to reach back to take her body out of his hold. The players merely watched with exchange with an unknowing gleam in their eyes and a smile on their faces, most probably thinking he was whisking her away for a totally different reason. "Thomas, unhand me now" Adelaide ordered, still attempting to pull her arm out of his hands even though they are out of the Tavern. His way of manhandling is uncalled for and totally unwanted. 

The sun was already setting, the normally busy streets now abandoned, leaving the two of them to walk down the stone path. Her with an angry look, him with a determined. He was right, it was dark and people will be looking for her soon, but that does not mean he is allowed to pull her around like some rag doll. Finally able to pull her arm out of his hold, she briskly walked past him with her head held high. She was upset, that was evident, and her elbow hurts. Walking a bit faster, she made a sharp turn (which she thought was the right way) to the right. Realizing her mistake, she tried to make up for it by suddenly turning left. Oh dear, was she lost. But her pride got in the way of letting him lead, not when she is not talking to him at the moment. But that was a mistake she also realized when a sharp pull was made to her arm, three burly guys appearing out of nowhere and her body instantly moving towards Thomas's.

[defiantly-thomas-blog]

Thomas & Adelaide || Of battles and bushes

[defiantly-thomas-blog]

Was it just Thomas, or was Adelaide acting weird, well weirder than normal anyway. All he had done is swear that he wouldn’t tell anyone she had been in a pub. Ok and perhaps his face had been a little too close to hers. But as soon as he thought the weirdness had come on, her gaze was confidently holding his once again her voice level and confident. He wasn’t sure if she was trying to complement him or being completely sarcastic. “Oh well, I guess but I don’t think he would hesitate when if it came down to you. You’re his only daughter, and the king’s family means a lot more to him than his kingdom, let alone his archer of the kingsguard.” True there wasn’t anyone else in the whole kingdom who couldn’t quite shoot as well as Thomas but it would be a small sacrifice in the king’s eyes for his daughters safety. 

Thomas chuckled, amused by her faux concern. In the name of the old Gods….was Princess Adelaide actually anxious? “Oh no need to worry Beatrice, my apprentices never fail,” he told her with a grin. He then spoke lowly so that only she could hear him, “Don’t worry, i’ll be hear to give you little tips anyway.” He gave her one last encouraging nod before the game was commenced. 

[adelaide-thevivacious-blog]

Adelaide hummed at his response, her head turning away so he does not see the impolite roll of her eyes. The perfect king with the perfect family and the large love he feels for his daughter. A fairytale ending that will never happen if she is not careful. "You are naive, Thomas." Adelaide stated, tilting the mug to her lips again to drown the beer. "My father worries about his safety like most kings around here and if you are able to stop an incoming enemy miles away, he is going to keep you tightly pressed against his side." Human nature's first instinct to survive. Turning her face back to him, Adelaide scoffed. Why the hell did this become a sort of game to silently compliment each other? Surely this was a bad idea if it means the start of them getting along. No. Tomorrow, everything will be back to the same thing. The same routine so tonight can be an exception. This time, it was her that leaned closer to him, her brown eyes travelling his face with a smirk on her face. "Unless you are trying to find your way out of my father's command. Then I would have to say, sucks to be you."

The game was fast, her eyes narrowing and opening as she studied the cards in her hands. Her mind working fast to come up with possibilities as Thomas peered over her shoulder, directing her on what to do when the other's are not looking. Which was not often for the males in the game kept a steady eye on her face as she concentrate on the cards. "Ah." Adelaide let out, placing her cards down so everyone can see, the most cheekiest grin appearing on her face. "I believe I won, gentlemen." Leaning back into her seat, she glanced over at Thomas, a happy smile was evident on her face. 

[defiantly-thomas-blog]

Thomas & Adelaide || Of battles and bushes

[defiantly-thomas-blog]

Thomas shrugged at her questioning, “Well traditionally Irish folk have darker hair, the red hair comes from you Scotts,” he told her with a smile. He then leant forward so that his face was inches from hers, “Don’t worry,” he whispered, “your secret is safe with me.” He then relaxed, leaning back in his stool, “Anyway, I quite like my throat where it is thank you very much.”

Thomas glanced down at Adelaide, “Well this one here is the queen of hearts, she is the highest card so she trumps all…” he told her in a low voice so the other men couldn’t hear him. He then went on to explain the rest of the cards, explaining small details of the game as the game picked up speed. Thomas had always been good with cards, he would wind the men into a false sense of security, then bam, whip out a set of cards that derailed them all. Once again his tactic had worked and with a grin he laid out his final two cards. “Gentlemen, I believe I have won yet again,” the men grumbled one already rising to buy him a winner’s drink. Thomas turned his attention to Adelaide, “I think you’ve got the hang of it now, do you want to take over?” he cocked his head to the side in question.

[adelaide-thevivacious-blog]

His sudden closeness to her face shocked her, his face inches away from hers and her eyes widen. Out of pure reaction, she pushed his face away with both of her hands, ducking her head down so he did not see the pink tint to her cheeks. Never has she been one to be so close to a male before, instead she finds it quite uncomfortable. SO she was glad when he sat back. "Thank you?" Adelaide asked in a meek voice before she cleared her voice, her head holding up high. "I suppose you do. However, I doubt my father would behead someone he values. You are one of his high ranking guards."

His explanation of the game was clear and he was really good at it. Winning rounds after rounds and she can only look on in surprise. Adelaide clapped her hands together as he won, yet again, and the males rose up to buy him a drink. His question, however, caught her by surprise. "Surely I will turn your wining streak into a losing one." She said before a grin appeared on her face. "I'll play. With your money." Indicated to the players that she is taking over, some of the guy's faces turned into one with relief and the cards were passed out. Making a face at her cards, she glanced over at him for assurance. 

[defiantly-thomas-blog]

Thomas & Adelaide || Of battles and bushes

[defiantly-thomas-blog]

Thomas bit his lip guiltily, but laughter still lit up his eyes. “I’m sorry- er- my lady,” he ended up settling for, shooting the busy bartender a nervous glance. At her challenge Thomas could only be sent into laughter again, “You do know I was born in ireland, yeah?” but his fingers were already slipping around his mug and bringing it to his mouth. He sent her one last glance full of humour before he brought the mug to his lips, tipped his head back and finished it in a few gulps. He smacked his lips with contentment, sending a smile in Adelaide’s direction. “And that, is how it’s done. Gods your father would kill me if he knew what I was teaching his daughter,” he added after an afterthought. 

Thomas was rather surprised when she spoke out. She sounded confident and at ease, as if she spoke to gruff men all the time. If it weren’t for her articulated words and demeanour he could very well confuse her for a commoner woman. When she looked up at him, his brows only shot higher. He was going to kill her, after he got over all this shock of course. Thomas eyed the men warily as they launched into explaining the game, it was a common one amongst the villagers, Thomas had to say, he was rather good at it. He kept his grip on her back firm as the man explaining kept on leaning in closer to Adelaide. “Alright!” Thomas broke in pulling Adelaide aside. “Let’s play some cards!” He then grabbed two chairs from another table, seated Adelaide’s chair as close to his as he could while remaining distance from the men. He also made sure that his chair was beside the man who had been explaining the game and Adelaide on his other side. “Line me up!” he told the men before turning to Adelaide, “Come Beatrice, i’ll teach you how it’s done,” he told her, the familiar line causing him to smirk a little. He held his cards between Adelaide and soon enough the game was in full swing. 

[adelaide-thevivacious-blog]

Adelaide formally shook her no at his question about knowing that he was from Ireland, her eyes staring at him with amazement. "You were from Ireland?" She asked bluntly, not even bothering to hide the shock in her face. "I thought people from ireland were all...redheads?" Adelaide mused but her musings cut off the moment he started to chug the beer with a natural ease. Drowning the liquid within seconds and all she can do was lightly clap. "What my father don't know, won't hurt him." Adelaide said stiffly, turning back around to face her own mug. What would her father say? He will surely entrap her in her room or even lecture her about it. It was her mother that she was more worried about.

The grip against her back was firm and a bit possessive. A smirk curved on her lips as she glanced at him from the corner of her eyes and she cannot help but chuckle as he pulled her away from the leering man. The distance he put her away from that said man was great, the chair separated by his as she took her rightful spot. Yet, the distance between Adelaide and Thomas was not. It was close enough for her to see his cards, which she was peering at. Her chin nearly on his shoulder, her whole body leaning towards his as she softly question him about the game. "What does that card mean?" She whispered, her fingers pointing to one. "What about that one? And that one?" 

[defiantly-thomas-blog]

That stubborn gleam she got in her eyes along with her set jaw, it was going to drive him mad someday.

[nostalgia-and-dreams]

I’m not a stranger No I am yours With crippled anger And tears that still drip sore

A fragile flame aged Is misery And when our hearts meet I know you see

[ikisseddamon]

4 gifs of Katherine Pierce in 1864 ↳ requested by kathscurls

[defiantly-thomas-blog]

Thomas & Adelaide || Of battles and bushes

[defiantly-thomas-blog]

“Woah! Slow down there girlie!” he exclaimed a grin on his face as he lightly beat her on the back, taking the mug from her grasp to move it further up the table. The amusement remained on his face until he rechecked himself. He had never taken a court lady out drinking at the tavern, let alone a high lady like the Princess. The women that he had shared a drink with were usually a lot more, er experienced and rowdy. His mouth twitched as he fought to control his expression into indifference.

His eyes grew wide as she got up to, get this, roam the tavern. Thomas hopped off of his stool in a heartbeat and quickly followed her. His hand gently rested against her back as they drew near to the table. When they were close enough, Thomas realised that he knew these guys, he had even shared a few beers over cards with them in the past. “Alright lads?” he called as they stopped at the table. They all turned their attention to Thomas, their eyes instantly lighting up in recognition. “Thomas!” some of them exclaimed while others simply let out noises in delight. Unavoidably within seconds their attention was turned to the young lady in red by his side. Of course they were used to him being seen around town with an assortment of ladies, but he never brought them into the tavern. “Oh! This is my friend…Beatrice. Beatrice, these are the lads,” he held his arm out indicating the bunch who were halfway through a now abandoned game of cards. These guys wouldn’t know what the princess looked like if their mother’s life depended on it, so Thomas figured that they were safe. “She was interested to know what ruffians we possess down at the tavern and what they do all day.” 

[adelaide-thevivacious-blog]

Coughing, Adelaide waved the hand, that was not covering her mouth, around. His light pets to her back helped ease the horrible coughs and the slide of her mug away from her was unnoticed. Shaking her head around to get rid of the sensation, Adelaide made a face at Thomas. "Stop laughing." She demanded softly, knowing it will fall on deaf ears. She must have been such a site to him. A Princess choking on beer as she attempt to chug it like the commoners. But despite being such a site of embarrassment, she found herself not caring much about it. "You do it then." Pushing his mug closer to him, she waits for him to show her how to probably chug a beer.

The small touch to her back made her jump a tiny bit, her eyes looking back only to see his face and she relaxed her form. His call to the players did not surprise her one bit but their curious looks towards her face did make her feel a bit on edge. Beatrice, her introduced her as. Adelaide crinkled her nose at the ugly choice of name, even though he cannot see it, but she still bowed her head in hello towards the playing boys. "I can say that I am very impressed." Adelaide said, her voice clear and loud, much unlike most court girls. Moving closer to Thomas's side, she looked at him for a  bit before her lips curled into a small smile. "My friend here got me curious about this little place, I hope none of you mind." As soon as they all shook their heads no at her, did she move closer to the table, her eyes peering down at the table. A card game, one of them informed her, his breathe close to hers as he started to explain the rules to her as he pointed with his hand. He was too close to her, but for now, she did not care. The game sounding more and more interesting as she observed the table. "Thomas." She called out. "You should play."

[defiantly-thomas-blog]

Thomas & Adelaide || Of battles and bushes

[defiantly-thomas-blog]

Thomas chuckled but the humour didn’t reach his eyes. It may have been a while since he was a child but he certainly remembered those long nights with an empty stomach. After Thomas had shown signs of being magical that his mother could no longer ignore, she had pretty much thrown him out, his father had been a ‘freak’ too and she couldn’t risk the safety of his other brothers and sisters if he was caught. Thomas’ past was a dark one but he wouldn’t be where he was today without it.

Thomas couldn’t keep the surprise off of his face when Adelaide ordered a beer. “Really your- er Adelaide?” That stubborn gleam she got in her eyes along with her set jaw, it was going to drive him mad someday. He scanned their surroundings quickly. Most of the folk quickly averted their gazes back to their mugs on eye contact with him, but some were bold enough to continue to glance curiously between him and Adelaide. He was glad to note that Phoebe was not among them. He really was not in the mood for two mental women in the one day. He was still a little wary about Adelaide and beer though, but didn’t have much choice when she chinked her glass against his. “Next you’ll be pissing in the street,” he muttered lowly into his glass. Had he really just said that to the princess? Pissing? Good job Thomas. He glanced up at her after a gulp of the ale, she seemed to be enjoying the atmosphere. She was a strange sight indeed, delicately clasping the mug around her slender fingers, taking small sips from her beer as the tavern bustled around her. Thomas was deeply amused and wasn’t able to keep the amusement off of his face. 

[adelaide-thevivacious-blog]

Kicking her legs around, Adelaide turned her head around also to scan the whole area. The tavern was filled mostly with burly males, most red in the face from the amount of beer they have dranken. A few of the loud ones in the corner was playing some sort of game while the rest sneakingly looked their way. The curiosity of Thomas and her was evident on their faces. The red cape still cover her face and she can bet he is going to make sure that it stays covered. Turning her attention back to him, she gently bumped his shoulder with her shoulder as if to get him to cheer up more. After his little act with the child, Adelaide could feel herself become a bit more submissive towards him, not that she would outrightly say it.

Taking the mug to her lips again, Adelaide leaned her head back to drown the beer, gulping it like what the other guys were doing before she started to choke on the liquid. The bitter taste bubbled at her throat as she quickly placed the mug back on the bar as she coughed. Her small hand hitting at her chest as the other covers her mouth, her eyes squeezing shut until the feeling disappeared. "Oi!" SHe coughed out, finally catching on to what he mumbled. "I'll have you know that is one thing I will never do. And stop sounding so bitter. You are stuck here with me so might as well make the best of it." Huffing a little, and a bit red in the face, Adelaide hopped off the chair to roam around. The table in the corner, the one playing games, caught her attention as she made her way towards it. Thomas long forgotten in her head as guys slapped down their money and cards.