The Journey With You
Pairing: Soulmate!Valarr Targaryen x Soulmate!Reader
summary: deep dive into All Roads Lead Back to You! (Time may go on, but you and Valarr will always reunite) "Two souls intertwined forevermore. Tragedy and despair from death to reunion. Two halves to make endure the days to come."
warnings: guns, near death, near drowning, historical inaccuracies
notes: i did everything together since i took so long to write them, sorry about that. also i tried to work this into a standalone to make it in one go, requests are next!
wc: 13,008! (this is the longest fic i wrote so far!)
(Ako ning basura, ako lang ni) (Esta basura es mía, y solo mía)
this is not proofread.
207 AC
Valarr was preparing himself to meet his future bride. His father had arranged a marriage with a foreign lady. He had no idea what to expect, only that his father had known yours for a little while before making the arrangement. He smoothed his hair neatly and took a deep breath. Eyes were on him the moment he stepped out of his chambers. Guards, servants, or other nobility, he was always being watched. Now, he would have an extra pair of eyes watching him.
He had recently turned twenty years old and he was expected to marry. That meant you. His father reported that you had just turned twenty years old as well. He suppose he was glad the two of you were the same age.
He headed down to the ports to welcome you alongside his family. He was fully prepared now with his rehearsed speech to greet you. The words were about to tumble out a bit when you stepped into view and off the ship. The words died down and he lost his voice. Baelor smoothly picked up the conversation for him while he registered what he did or rather what he didn't.
He let you settle in to Dragonstone and slowly started meeting with you when he had free time. He would being you to the gardens or to walk alongside each other on the sand of the coast. He noticed the embroidered ribbon that would whip alongside your hair in the wind.
He thought of what else to make conversation about, but then you started collecting a few shells in the sand. He had been twisting his signet ring because of how he had to ensure a great bond with you since there was no going back on the alliance. He blinked before trying to mask his confusion at your interest. He supposed they were pretty for a collection. He craned down to take some in his hold to help you get more. You talked a bit about the different colors and sizes, but he didn't pay much attention. He was focused on the way you were so fascinated by mere shells and didn't hide it from him.
The guards and passing servants shared questioning looks as the two of you passed them with shells in tow. You set them down on a table in a library and grabbed a book that he hadn't even known was there. You explained that you had been reading whenever you could ever since you got there.
You showed him the descriptions that matched and went on about how you would place them together in your chambers. He was truly surprised you would speak to him about this.
He listened to your other rambles and stories of your life before meeting him. He was glad to get a betrothed who had her own sense of self, especially not one who would speak ill of others. Gossip perhaps, but not ill talk.
No one was more glad than Baelor who was the one to pick you and your house as a great alliance. He hoped it would be a fruitful marriage that the gods would bless. Little did he know that this marriage would be a special one under the watch of the gods.
— —
249 AC
“All aboard for Essos! All aboard for Essos!"
Valarr had an arm around you and held you under his hold. He brought you to the edge of the ship the two of you were on and waded past other travelers. You had just run away from your father with your own knight, you could not believe it. Valarr sensed your thoughts and squeezed your hand reassuringly.
It was a few days after did you arrive in Essos. Apparently, Valarr had already used his ties to procure a place for the two of you to live in that was away from the city's heavy population. The wind whipped at your heavy cloak and Valarr fastened the clip more securely so that you wouldn't get cold. He led you off the ship were one guide waited just for the two of you. He had a silent shared look with Valarr that you didn't question.
It wasn't long until you both arrived at a luxurious apartment and you looked around the bustling city. You were surprised he had secured it and you looked to him. He grinned, "Did you think I would really make you live in some mere servant room?" He shook his head as he led you into the apartment. "I refuse to let my future wife exhaust herself of that of a common woman." You felt warm at the thought of being his wife and followed his direction.
Valarr set your satchels down and showed you the balcony. "We shall get married by the end of the moon and I shall provide for my lovely lady wife till the end of time." He smiled at you and undid your cloak to put away for you. You noticed he had one of your embroidered ribbons clipped onto the inside of his.
"You kept it?" He looked offended at the way you seemed shocked, "Of course I did." He proceeded to show you the other numerous ribbons he kept from you as well as the letters the two of you would exchange in secret. He brought them all in his satchel. Even when the two of you were on the run, the ribbons and letters were of importance to him. You smiled brightly as you read the letters over and over.
— —
1660
"This is him, Captain!" "The pretty boy!" "Thought he could get away from us!" The men's shouting overwhelmed his ears and he brought his head up to face the supposed man who would turn him in for the ransom.
"Well, what do we have here?" You looked down upon him and he swallowed hard.
You wore no captain hat, but an embroidered ribbon draped around your neck.
He stared up at you in disbelief, he was tired and wanted to enjoy his rightfully earned coin that was supposedly stolen. He shook his head, "You have the wrong man, my lady." One of them shoved his head down, "It's captain when you address her, pretty boy!" He shrugged it off and looked back up to where you shifted and rested your hand on the hilt of your sword. He noticed your fingers tracing the details of the pommel.
He tried to stand and groaned when they shoved him back down. He tried to plead, "I'm no thief! They're liars! The men who placed my ransom!" You looked bored and he was exasperated that you did not care at all.
You even yawned and lazily fanned your mouth. "Dear Gods, such an unfortunate burden." You sighed dramatically and stuck a hand out to one of your men who held Valarr's satchel. He squirmed and tried to stand again which was irritating to everyone. "Don't! That's mine!"
You opened it up to a few books and a pouch of gold coins. You hummed quietly and peered at the wanted poster that was unrolled and presented to you by one of your men.
You clicked your tongue and unrolled one of his scrolls. Valarr braced himself and you blinked at the parchment that showed a large map. You glanced to him then back to the parchment. "Your nose seems smaller in person." You grabbed the wanted poster and he groaned, "They always mess up my nose."
You stared at the map and stared at him. "What's this for?" He debated lying for a second , but decided to lie. "Location of a runaway lady." He said it right away to avoid suspicion- "Liar." You put the stuff back in his satchel and tossed it over your shoulder.
He stared as you saw right through him. He felt strangely comforted with how you could read his body language. Normally, he would feel unease right away, you were different.
You seemed to be in your own debate as well. You gave him another look over and sighed. "Let him go." Your men were just as surprised as him and they shared looks before taking their hands off them. Valarr looked between them and slowly rose. "So, how much are you being paid to find this… lady?"
He was still speechless and closed his mouth to not look lost. "I had been offered 50 doubloons." Your crew went wide eyed and paid more attention while you barely blinked. "For a mere lady?" He bobbed his head, "A valuable….one." He lost his defense when you stared at him with indifference.
"You're worth sixty." You shoved the wanted poster to his chest as you walked past. He looked at it and turned to you. He murmured and excuse me when he bumped into one of your men and another leered at him as he moved to follow you.
He stumbled a bit and looked up when you ascended stairs. "I-I'll give you my share! We find the lady and I'll give you the shares if… you don't turn me in." He was desperate to plead for freedom. Your interest peaked at his words. "Oh really? Why go through all that effort when you're right here? Ready to be handed off?"
He trailed after you all the way to your study where there were maps everywhere. He was glancing them over until he stopped at your pinned map that matched his on his scroll. He felt his heart stop for a moment and you sat down and showed him his version of the map. "That matches yours, does is it not?" He nodded, he'd been caught in his lie.
You stared at him for a moment and took off your gloves, "Did you think I would not know about the secret treasure every noble has been seeking for?" You sighed and sat down in your chair. "I wish to find the treasure as well. You'll bring me there and no word will be said about this to my crew. For all they know, a lady is missing." You leaned a bit forward and waited for his word. He saw no other option for himself and murmured an agreement.
— —
Valarr soon had to sleep alongside your crew in their quarters and he did not feel comfortable. He looked around as he made his way to a hammock of his own and set his satchel away. He pretended to smooth something away and moved to sit down. He swayed and fell backwards. He sighed when he heard laughter.
— —
Valarr entered your study when you called for him the next day. He saw that you weren't there yet and saw your hat resting on the desk. He glanced around once more before making his way to your hat and putting it on himself. He saw his reflection in the mirror and grinned. He noticed a spare sword on the side and grabbed it himself to wave around and pretend for a moment.
It was at that moment did you open the door with a raised brow as Valarr scrambled to put the sword back and dropped it. He cursed a bit and gave an awkward smile before standing straight. You shook your head at him as you made your way in and he remembered the hat and moved to put it on you.
He froze for a bit when you looked at him in disbelief. He cleared his throat and put his arms to his side to try and salvage the situation. You made your way to your desk with the hat on as if he didn't make a fool of himself.
Now, Valarr was stood near you as you marked a map with wooden paperweights. You were discussing routes with him and he moved closer to place a few new markers. You gave him a side eye because of how close he was behind you so he cleared his throat and stepped back. "Sorry."
— —
You were known to leave your ribbons lying around the ship whenever you were too busy to remember to collect them. Valarr found one himself, on the floor of your study laid one forgotten. He picked it up and pocketed it with a shrug since he was alone. He figured he would give it back when you are free.
There was shouting above and he heard the anchor drop. He rushed up and found out you and your crew have docked at a port. He watched as you commanded the men around you and made his way to you to return the ribbon. You looked for him and gestured for him to follow. He faltered and made sure he had his satchel around him.
He grabbed a journal and shoved it into his waistcoat before following you to descend onto the port. You lightly groaned and stretched. He trailed after you in your route around town and the market you supposedly frequented. You tossed him an apple and took a fruit for yourself.
The vendor gave you a knowing look and you walked away after nudging Valarr, "Pay the man." He shoved his free hand into his pocket and searched for his coins before handing it over with an awkward smile at the man who merely stared him down. His smile quickly disappeared as the man kept staring, so he walked away. He hurried after you because you made quite a distance.
The two of you were now side by side and he finished his apple before taking out his journal to write. You looked at him oddly when he took notes while you spoke. You tried to peer over when a shot rung out and the whole market drowned in chaos. You ducked down with Valarr in tow, who finally realized that the shot had zoomed past the two of you and into a barrel of water.
People were screaming and trying to run while you took his hand, "We have to go! Now!" He ran in step with you and there were more shots following the two of you. You made him blend into the crowd and shoved him into an alleyway. "There! Go!" He went deeper into the alley at your command and the two of you slumped down at a turn in disbelief.
You groaned and hit the wall in frustration and looked around the corner. "They know we're searching for something." You looked back to him. "We have to get back to the ship so that they can't track us any longer." He nodded, "Agreed. I just need to put this away…" He went to close his journal and groaned at the broken clasp. He licked his dry lips and then reached for his pocket.
You were surprised to see one of your precious ribbons in his possession and he wrapped it around his journal and tied it close. You didn't say anything at that because right at that moment, the offenders who fired off the shots ran past the alleyway.
— —
The crew gave looks when the two of you returned to the ship with disheveled clothes, messed up hair, and soot on your bodies. You shook your head as you made your way up to the ship. "Get ready to leave! Enemies are lurking!"
— —
The ship was set to dock at a isolated part of Westeros while you trained Valarr with a sword, or well tried to. He stepped forward and thrust the sword forward and he blinked when he felt his hand grasping nothing. The sword had lodged itself into the base of one of the masts. You stared in disbelief at how awful he was.
He tried to play it off as some of the crew laughed and others groaned at how pointless it was. You shook your head and pulled the ribbon from your neck to wrap around the handle of the sword before pulling it out of the wood. You handed it to him with a teasing smile, "There. So it'll stop running from you."
He quite enjoyed a pirate's life so far.
— —
1685
It was nightfall and fog inched into every crevice of the forest floor.
It wasn't long until you heard growling and you went to ready your bow at the sound when a great shadow lunged for you. Another beast came from the side and tackled the beast before it could reach you.
You fell back and your bow and arrow slid to the side a bit. The fog was too thick and you could not see them any longer, only the sound of two large bodies thrashing around. The noise stopped and you scrambled up, grabbing at your bow and arrow to ready it once more.
A wolf slowly emerged and you found yourself lowering your weapon. You were entranced by its eyes. The wolf had one brown and one blue eye. "How beautiful you are…" The wolf tilted its head, still staring at you. A branch broke and he took off into the deep parts of the forest. You heard howling and looked up to the full moon.
— —
You were in the markets once more a few days later since you had to make more bows. You walked lazily due to your long nights of reading up on slaves to the moon. You walked up to a stall to purchase some herbs. The woman managing it knew your order well, it was already wrapped. You reached for your pouch and frowned at the absence of your ribbon. You must have-
"Looking for something?" A hand held out your ribbon to you and you slowly took it and looked up at the stranger. He had mismatched eyes, one brown and one blue.
The last time you had your ribbon was when you encountered the beast in the forest. You watched as the man slowly departed and he disappeared into the crowd before you could say anything.
— —
You were at the markets again the next day and brought something silver. You found a silver tassel charm that you attached to a pouch after reading up how werewolves were vulnerable to it. You were determined to find out if the new mystery man was truly the beast or not.
He already knew you suspected him and he blinked at you as you discreetly made your way to him in the markets. He sighed and rolled his shoulders. He purchased some food and turned to find you in his way. You gave a small smile, "Hello, sir." He nodded stiffly. "I wished to thank you for returning my ribbon."
He eyed the silver charm and looked back to you calmly. "It's just a ribbon." You paused for a moment, "Well..yes, but I wished to thank you nonetheless." He shook his head, "Keep it, miss. Good day." He walked away and you groaned internally as you watched him get farther away.
— —
The next morning, he woke up to a knock on his hut and he forced himself out of bed. He threw on his tunic and opened the door with ruffled hair and rubbing his eyes with a yawn. "What is it?" He almost let out a small yelp when he saw you beaming at him.
He made an incomprehensible sound when you forced yourself in carefully, "I brought you food from the markets. A token of gratitude since you did not like the pouch." His arms dropped lazily as he closed the door and you eyed him while putting the food on his small table.
"I have my own food." His voice was gruff. Your eyes followed him as he went to his storage cabinet and pulled out a dead rabbit by its feet for show. Your eyes went wide at the lack of an arrow wound, but rather a bite in its presence. Almost as if something had bit its neck.
You stood up abruptly and he looked unimpressed. Valarr tossed the rabbit onto a counter to prep. "There's no arrow wound on the rabbit." He groaned loudly and threw his head down. He turned to you and you stepped back a bit and held the pouch out in front of you like it was a dagger. "I was right."
He rose a brow, "Right?" He stepped closer, "Right about what?" You slowly backed towards his front door to try and open it without taking your eyes off him. "You're a creature of the moon." He stood straight and clicked his tongue. "Enslaved. Enslaved to the moon, not of the moon."
You nodded at the correction wearily, "Duly noted." He deadpanned and snatched the pouch from your hand carefully. He examined the tassel and tossed it to the table. You visibly frowned and stood up right. "It's silver. It's supposed to work."
He sighed and went back to the oven that had been baking loaves and keeping soup warm. "You seem rather upset at the fact no harm was done." He took a moment to sniff the soup. "Just so you know, I did like the charm. You were simply too obvious in your intentions." He took out the food and proportioned it.
You were agape for a moment, "Then why did you not accept it if it did not hurt you?" He shrugged, "For the fun of it." He served you a bowl of soup and a loaf of bread. You hesitated before sitting down and eating his food. Valarr sat down after tucking the rabbit away and shoveled his food. You visibly frowned once more, "How is your soup better than mine?" He stared at you for a bit and sighed heavily, normally he wouldn't let strangers in, but it was like something had lit inside him. "I shall give you my recipe…only if you promise not to hunt me down."
— —
1713
Valarr had been up all the nights that had passed ever since he was saved by someone or something in the ocean. Villagers said it was a miracle he survived the large storm that took his boat. He wished he knew where the boat was, he needed money to get food, not a new ship. He kept having the same dream again, you in a tail, rescuing him.
He tried to write about it in his journal in an attempt to let it leave his mind for a bit. His mind did not clear, but rather his dreams became more vivid about you. He was desperate to do something and with that, he went down to the shore once more.
— —
You were swimming near the village again. You were warned not to by your people to stop in order to not get caught. You simply wanted a glance at the man you rescued. Your mood has been down because he hadn't been back since the incident.
You glanced to the shore and saw a figure getting closer so you went back a bit into the ocean in case someone saw you.
Valarr stood there tiredly and huffed as he prepped his fishing rod and tried to catch something. He sat down in the sand and pulled out his journal to write in.
You made your way closer when you recognized him and frowned at his fishing hook. You swam underneath it and tapped the hook. He jolted up and looked around and he held his fishing rod tighter.
He visibly frowned and that made you frown in turn. You didn't want to give him a fish, but maybe treasure would suit him. You swam back down to tour secret cave and dug out a few coins. You huffed at the lack of a container, it'll be hard to hold all the coins while swimming.
You pulled the embroidered ribbon from your hair and grabbed a rag. You set the coins in the middle of the rag and collected the edges to tie up before swimming back to the shore. He was still there, but he was laying down now.
You pursed your lips before throwing the makeshift pouch up and all Valarr heard was a plop. He sat up and saw a pouch. He shortly grabbed it and opened it up. He was wide eyed at the amount of gold coins and smiled brightly. Valarr tried to find the culprit and he saw a glimmering tale once more. With that, he grabbed the ribbon and tied it around his fishing rod. He tucked the coins away to his own pouch and shouted a thank you to the ocean.
— —
He came back the next day and it was a bit windy. He had a plan, a stupid one, but a plan nonetheless. He wanted to see if you would appear before him if he went deep in the water. He purchased a small boat and brought himself out to sea. He made sure to push himself as far from the shore as possible with his oars. He waited and waited.
The tide was getting stronger and rocked the boat more and more. He grunted as one knocked him to the side. He looked around and soon another wave came and knocked him over because his timing was horrible. He felt the water surround him immediately and he reached for the surface. Before he could thrash around anymore, he felt hands press against his back and he immediately calmed despite the situation.
He turned and saw you, you were real, tail and everything. You grabbed his tunic and helped him back to his boat. You tried to urge him to get in, but he kept staring. His eyes were wide and his smile was bright to match it, "You're real."
— —
1734
How were you to tell your mother that you had met the duke's son while during an attempt to climb the castle walls to head to the markets at night? She would berate you nonstop if she found out. You were doomed.
You were even more doomed if the duke's son told his father and the betrothal was called off. Your mother would lose her head after taking yours. You were in your guest chambers and you finally realized that you had been tugging hard at your skirts once more. You had little stretches in your nightgown and the sight made you pry your hands off. Another lecture from your mother awaiting.
It was as if she sensed your troubles and immediately barged herself into your chambers with maids. She was smiling with a hint of satisfaction, but did a small frown at your nightgown, "What have you done now? I said to stop tugging, did I not?" She sighed dramatically and had the maids help you change. You debated bringing up the fact that you encountered the duke's son. "Mother… if something were to… happen, per say-"
She shot right up and stuck her head past your dressing screen which made you yelp a little. "Why? Has something happened?" Her voice rose a bit in a panic and you shook your head while trying to cover yourself. "No!" You cleared your throat, "No. Nothing at all."
— —
There was a formal meal with the duke, the duchess, and their son. You dreaded it. You were already prepared for everything to go bad when the couple introduced their son, Valarr. You forced a smile and tried not to fall further in embarrassment.
Valarr was now sat across from you and gave you a knowing smile while you tried not to grimace. You mentally prepared yourself for some sort of humiliation. It never came and the duke even insisted that you spend the day with Valarr and a chaperone. You agreed while feeling a bit lightheaded due to how worried you were.
The walk was to the library and you furrowed your brows and glanced at him with suspicion. You even peered behind to your chaperone in case they decided to sabotage you in a way. Perhaps your mother's paranoia was getting to you.
When you entered the library, there was a table with a stack of books neatly placed on it. Valarr held his hands behind him in a formal matter, "I've had the liberty of requesting your favorite books from your mother and I have ordered new copies for the library here."
He helped you sit down and tucked your chair in for you. "Thank you." You looked around before giving a smile, "It is wonderful." He was satisfied with your happiness and then remembered something, "I believe this is yours?" He pulled out your embroidered ribbon and placed it in your palm gently. You just realized it must of slipped off when you tried to climb the walls last night.
You accepted it and paused for a moment. You let out a small sigh of acceptance before looking to him and grabbing his wrist carefully. "You should keep it. I have plenty more." He said nothing when you tied the ribbon around his wrist and he had a small smile on his face.
— —
When the wedding came, you were nervous, too nervous labeled by your mother who watched the maids tighten your dress. She waved her hand frustrated, "What is this? A picnic? Pull it tighter for goodness sake!" Your eyes nearly popped out when they tugged once more. "Am I too breathe?" You wheezed out those words and tried to tug at the front o your corset to give yourself room and your mother's response was to swat your hand.
Soon, you were out and you walked down the altar to Valarr who proudly smiled and nothing could dim it. That was the only thing to calm you at that moment. He took your hand to help you up and he lifted part of your skirts to aid even more. Many noted how he could not stop looking at you the whole time.
— —
The two of you were lazy. That was your new title, the future lazy duke and duchess. The two of you were in bed, a common occurrence for your honeymoon. You were sitting up and reading while Valarr rested his head on your lap and listened to your voice. He had asked you to read aloud to him so that he would have means of conversation later with you. However, you would get so engulfed in your stories that you would forget to read, but he did not mind. He enjoyed the sight just as much as your voice.
— —
The two of you wandered the gardens on one of his free afternoons and the two of you passed by many servants and people of the court. All who glanced or openly stared at the duke and duchess who fueled each other's gossip and had no regard for anyone but themselves.
— —
His father was to be called away on business and he had called for Valarr's presence in his study. He was looking at documents and lifted his eyed for just a moment when he heard the door. The duke had to do a double take when he saw you in tow. He rose a brow and set his documents down, "Son…" Valarr closed the door behind you and helped you to a chair. He looked to his father with a smile, but the man pinched the bridge of his nose, "When I call for you Valarr, I do mean just yourself. Not…your wife."
You glanced between them, "I can take my leave-" Valarr interrupted, "How else would I spend time with my wife?" The duke was in amazement at how trusting his son was in his wife. He was most glad the arrangement was fruitful, but there were certain boundaries his son and daughter in law seem to not care about. Nonetheless, the duke sighed heavily and leaned back in his seat.
— —
When it came for Valarr's father's leave, the two of you were in his study once more. Valarr paced while you sat and read. He turned to you, "What are we to do now?" You looked to him incredulously, "What do you mean? Your father gave you instructions, did he not?" He nodded to you with a serious face and then picked up a paper under the tray of sweets the two of you requested, "I had spilled one of the tarts on it." He held the paper up while you stared agape at the red smudges all over it. "Valarr."
He shook his head, "I am aware of what I have done." He looked back to the tray and then to the door, "I shall blame the servants." You fully closed your book now. "Pardon?" He nodded to himself and snapped his fingers as if he had an idea, "Yes. Yes, I shall tell my father that the servants had spilled the desserts onto his instructions and that is why I have not accomplished them." He ran a hand through his hair in disbelief and tried to read the paper and tried to read out loud to you, "I-I mean, how else is anyone supposed to read this?" He brought his face closer to the parchment, "Meeting….with…meerkats?" He pulled his face back a bit disturbed and blinked more times than you could count.
You sighed and stood up to snatch the paper from him. You squinted at the smudged ink and frowned at him, "This says 'meeting with merchants', Valarr." He bobbed his head and rubbed at his chin, "Yes, that does make more sense…"
— —
1784
You were an outlaw and your plans to stay in a town was ruined by some cowboy wanting to be a hero and debated turning you in. That cowboy was who you now know as Valarr. You had taken off for refuge in mountains and practically dared Valarr to turn you in.
You were laying your head on the floor without your arm under as a support since you had nothing bit a satchel of trinkets, your horse and hat. It was morning time and you had your hat over your face as you slept, you even snored a bit. Valarr was making his way up and stumbled upon your camp and hesitated on whether he should make his presence known or wait in silence. He looked to your horse and guided his to stand next to it.
He saw that you had nothing over you, but your hat with a ribbon. He tried to be quiet while taking off his vest and he heard a clicking noise. You had unholstered your gun and had it pointed to him while not moving the rest of your body. He was a bit impressed that your hat was still over your head, "Leave if you know what's good for you." He swallowed hard and stood straight, "I wanted to apologize for getting you caught yesterday. I simply wanted to give this." He placed a bag of fruit near you and you removed your arm out from under your head to lift up your hat.
You kept the weapon on him and leaned your other arm back to prop your body up. You used your gun to gesture to the bag and he got the memo. He knelt on one knee to open it and show you the food. You made a look of acceptance, "Approved. You can stay."
— —
It wasn't long before Valarr became a companion on your journey. Officials kept looking for you, but Valarr would be at your aid and do everything for you. You had no idea why he stayed or why he helped so much. He simply always said that it felt right. One night, there was a close call. Earlier that day, there was a group of other bandits that spotted you and wanted the ransom reward so they tried to corner you and Valarr in the markets, but the two of you narrowly escaped after being fired at. The two of you were now in the mountains with a makeshift camp and the two of you slept near each other to help the heat. Valarr tugged his woven blanket over you because it was extra chilly. You turned to him with a small frown, "Why are you here?"
He made a face, "What?" You sat up in frustration, "Why are you helping me? You're not wanted, I am. You'll only get killed staying with me." He let out a huff, his breath visible from the cold. "Then, I guess that's what I'll get." He fully turned to you, "I had no purpose before meeting you. In fact…I have no one, but myself. Guess I found someone important enough to stay with." He murmured the last part and you smiled softly. "You're a sap." He chuckled and made you go back to laying down so he could tuck his blanket back over you.
— —
A few weeks later, the two of you were married and you did it quickly before anyone recognized you. You were swayed by him to stay in the town inn just for a few nights since the two of you were newlyweds. The innkeeper gave you both a warm smile and handed you the keys. Valarr led you upstairs and the two of you were getting comfortable in a proper bed for the first time after a while. You both were giggling and went to turn off the lantern when there was knocking on the room door. The both of you went quiet and you grabbed your gun while wrapping your belt back onto your waist. Valarr kept a hand towards you to tell you to stay there while he moved forward and went to the door.
He cracked it open and kept his foot behind the door to lodge it if someone tried to come in. He saw a few men outside and he gave them a firm nod of acknowledgment, "Can I help you, gentlemen?" One of them grinned, flashing a gold tooth, "Indeed you can, sir." He tried to peer in, but Valarr was tall and blocked the gap. You headed to the side door and peered, it led to a balcony that had stairs back to the first floor and you could head out of the inn safely.
Valarr tried to close the door, "You gentlemen have a good night." One of them lodged his foot into the opening and Valarr's gaze hardened. He opened the door a bit to slam the foot and the man screamed as he retracted his foot. He was able to close the door and lock it, plus he found a side chair to lodge into the knob. He hurried to you and grabbed the satchels off your shoulders that you had already collected. He took your hand and the both of you rushed out the side door and your steps were banging against the steps and you ran past the innkeeper from earlier and apologized for the noise. Valarr tossed her a small pouch of a few coins, "For the damage!"
He hurried you both to your horses and helped you up and the men had almost caught up. He fired a warning shot with his gun and you were surprised. Normally, Valarr tried to be a pacifist. He fired another at their feet and kept the weapon focused on them as you quickly made hast in your escape. The both of you escaped in the middle of the night with your horses and helped was grumbling that his pampering for you was interrupted.
— —
1824
Valarr always imagined providing research and mapping an unexplored island, his father made it possible with his funding and connections. Never did Valarr imagine that he would co-lead the mission with a woman explorer, especially not one who was so bold and braver than he was…well, many are much more braver than him, but he would not say that out loud. He was met with you, the only person willing to step onto the island's unknown territories and goes against the superstitions surrounding it. His team was reluctant, but Valarr was quick to remind him that they had to complete the research.
You even ignored Valarr's fancy maps and gave each member a local made map and a simple compass. Valarr nearly scoffed at the audacity, but you stared him down so he kept quiet. He needed your help to find the hidden city, even if it meant he had to be partnered with you. You disregarded his government-made map even when he tried to show you how detailed it was. You snatched it out of his hands loudly and folded it up to tuck into his chest pocket, he was frozen at the spot by your action. He turned a bit red when you patted his pocket softly to tease him.
He finally noticed the embroidered ribbon that kept your hair up when you turned your back to him and addressed his team, now yours as well. You all headed into the one town there and got settled in with all your trunks and bags. Only the important stuff for the mission will be brought after the departure. He watched you give orders to a few people he did not recognize and he assumed it was your own small team. He scoffed and packed his so-called fancy compass that you told him not to use. He packed it away into his satchel alongside a few journals and blank scrolls.
You had your own scrolls and the small pocket compass that hung on a chain around your neck. You felt eyes on you and you saw Valarr look away when you faced his way. You rolled your eyes at the rich boy who wanted to explore, you had read up about how all his research was funded by his father and in many cushioned conditions his father prepared. This was different. You could see his nervousness and you walked past him to the inn.
Later, he was outside at night, he was pacing and trying to encourage himself, "It's just a bloody jungle. It's just a bloody jungle on an island-" "What are you doing?" His soul almost left his body when he heard you. He looked up to see you on the second floor balcony of the inn. He tried to brush it off, "Nothing. Just a…ritual?" Even he wasn't convinced by his excuse, but you had no care and shrugged before going back in to sleep."
— —
Valarr's feet ached, the whole group had been walking in the forest for a couple hours now and he was more exhausted than he would like to admit. He tried to put on a brave face when you kept glancing over to him. Camp was eventually set up and his tent was next to yours. Night was falling and he grumbled under his breath at how cold the island was. He turned in bed and saw that your lantern was on in your tent and your shadow exposed that you were still up. He immediately turned red and turned his body the whole other way when he saw that you were changing.
He didn't look you in the eye the next morning and you scrunched your nose at him. Everyone packed a backpack and headed deep into the forest. He followed the map while you just wandered about. He pulled out his fancy compass and the sun reflected off it and you turned to him irritated. "I told you to leave that behind. You have the one I gave you." You rolled your eyes and kept walking while Valarr ignored the snickers from your team and his team sighed as you kept walking.
He huffed and tossed it back into his backpack when you stopped suddenly. You turned to him abruptly and he almost fell backwards. You peered over to look at his map and you pointed at the edge. "We're right here. That's as far as they mapped." You looked around everyone presence, "Whatever we see now will only be recorded as we see it. We are responsible for accurately marking our location from now on or we will be lost." Your team nodded and started taking out rope while his team squirmed.
You tied rope around a tree and soon everyone was using rope to mark the different directions. Everyone was to split up into pairs to take advantage of the time. You and Valarr were with each other and he followed you while you unraveled more and more rope. You marked the end of it and had him hold the blank map and showed him where to place markers. You pulled out another rope and went to go sideways to gain a range of the area, but Valarr stopped. "Why not go forward? We can find the city easier that way." You thought it over and shook your head, "No. that's not the plan. We need to play it safe-"
You immediately stopped talking when he kept walking forward and you threw your head back in frustration before tying the new rope to the same tree and moving forward instead of to the side. You heard some rustling noise, "Do you hear that?" He ignored you and kept moving. You gave him a dirty look, "You're really difficult, do you know that?" He scoffed lightly, "Oh please, what's the worse that could hap-" Right at that moment, you felt the ground give out and you shrieked and held onto the rope tightly. Your combined weight with your packs dragged you to the bottom of the rope and your felt your hands burn. Valarr was holding onto your foot and fear overtook him when he saw a rushing river below him. He screamed up at you, "I take it back! This is the worse that could happen!"
You tried to hold on and soon enough the both of you slipped and fell into the water. You tried to come up for air, the river was too strong and you had to keep forcing yourself against the waves. You and Valarr screamed out for the other and he finally got a hold on you. The both of you screamed at the sudden dip and the both of you became submerged in water. Valarr finally came up and noticed that the two of you were in calm water now, inside a cave unfortunately. He grabbed at your pack and dragged you up to the rocks not affected by the water.
You coughed up water and so did he, the both of you felt like collapsing and staying there. Well, that was the case until you shot right up and scared Valarr. He physically recoiled and you beamed at him. "You genius! You found the hidden entrance." You stood up and looked around the cave while he rung out his clothes, "I did?" He glanced around, "I mean …I did." You shook your head, "You almost got us killed, but you found it. This is the cave the legends always talk about, 'Find the cave, find the path to the city'!"
You started touching the walls and Valarr stared before following your lead, "What are we doing?" You moved to another wall, "Finding a secret entrance." He snorted, "Oh please, do you really think a secret passage is just going to open up and-" His hand pressed on a wall and something clicked before he found himself falling through and rolling down a steep ramp, "Oh come on!" You hurried after him carefully and he groaned at the end of the ramp, he had to ignore the pain and stand up because you noticed different pathways.
He sighed to himself since he knew he couldn't rest. You looked between the two tunnels, "How do we know which one to take?" He looked around a bit excited that he came this far in his research. "It's not like a passageway is just going to light itself up and show us the way…." He looked at the tunnels expecting another coincidence to occur. A cricket was heard and he deadpanned, "Oh, come on!" His voice echoed and soon there was light from above that started reflecting crystals in the cracks of the cave that reflected into one tunnel. The both of you stared in awe while he murmured, "Sure, now it works."
The two of you had it easy somehow with the way the tunnels lit up and soon you found a few gold coins and then more piles. You made your way through the final turn downwards and the both of you gasped at the sight of the hidden city. Homes and everything carved into the stone of the caves and there were blooming flowers everywhere. It was magnificent. Valarr pulled out his compass to try and get a sense of where they were. A large opening was at the top of the cave and light was pouring in and so was vines and a bit of water. He noticed a reflection in his compass and looked to the cave wall.
He tapped your shoulder, "Look." It was a message carved into the stone and you read it aloud, "Those destined will find the cave blessed by the gods. Beware those who are two halves of one, for the gods have conducted a reunion at twenty, earlier if merciful. Tragedy shall occur for the cycle to reprise once more to entertain those above." You visibly scrunched your nose and turned to Valarr, "That doesn't even rhyme. Are they not suppose to rhyme?" He shrugged, he was too busy writing it down in his journal.
A drop of water fell onto his journal and he paused. Valarr looked up while you were busy looking at the carved architecture. He called for you as you explored a bit farther. He called you louder and you whipped your head in his direction and that was when you finally noticed the water rising and seeping into the cave. You ran to him and tried to go back to the tunnels, but that was where the water was rushing out of. He pulled you away from the entrance and pulled on one of the long vines pouring from the top opening.
He looked to you, "They're strong!" You immediately understood and grabbed onto one yourself. The two of you had to climb out and he cursed as he dropped his compass. He finally reached the ledge and helped you climb onto it and the both of you laughed at the feeling of solid ground. You both jumped when water bubbled from the top of the cave opening. He groaned, "My compass."
You gave him a look and tugged him by his backpack. He followed you reluctantly before stopping you, "How are we to map this? All our materials are messed up." You kept walking, "We'll get materials back from camp and make new maps and we can write about it…" You lost you voice and Valarr was about to ask why you stopped talking before taking in your view. You had ended up on an overlooking mountain and could see the town clearly. It was impossible, the tunnels did not seem that long and the expedition started on the opposite side of the village, deep into the forest. "How did we get all the way back?" You turned to Valarr who was wondering the same.
What was even more questionable was how the hidden city was so close to the village, yet no one knew about it even though this part of the area was already mapped. "This is sorcery, we should leave markers at-" He turned around to look at the entrance in range, or was supposed to be in range. The both of you panicked, you only headed straight and not far from the entrance. You retraced a bit back and there was no entrance, only solid rock that had no vines surrounding it. The two of you shared a look.
— —
1848
You were coming back from the markets to your cottage in the forest. The path back was long because it was better to be isolated in case your magic acted out. You were humming quietly and enjoying the forest when you heard screaming and harsh winds. You examined the tress, they barely moved. You dropped your basket and ran towards the sound. There was a man running from a shadow creature that was trying to eat him. The creature had scratched at him and he fell. You called out for its attention and it turned its direction to you when it sensed your magic. Your hands glowed a faint blue and you aimed at the beast's chest and then it exploded into thin air. Valarr was gasping for breath and clutching his chest, he looked at you surprised at the sight of magic.
You had to bring him back to your cottage because he collapsed. You used your magic to carry him in the air and brought your basket back. It was a good thing you restocked on herbs. He woke up the next day with his chest bandaged and he was in some room. He slowly got up and peered downstairs. He looked at both ends of the hallway, it looked normal. There was no way he was dreaming with the pain he was in. You were bringing a tray up and looked up at him, "Oh! You're awake. That's good, I suppose. You should really get back in bed though."
He wasn't sure why he listened right away to you and followed you back to the room. He watched you do a faint swirl of magic over the cup of tea and you handed it to him. He took a moment before bracing himself for the worst, but all that came was a warm feeling that washed over his body.
The next day, he was still healing and he was sat at your kitchen table. He watched you prepare some soup for him. You had one hand up and blue wisps were flickering out of it. You sighed tiredly and tried to snap it away. He shoveled some small treats in his mouth, "What's that?" You turned to him with a small frown. "My magic acts out sometimes. Consequences of always using it or being weak, I suppose." You set a bowl of soup for him, "I was supposed to go to the market today…" He looked eager to help, "I could do it! Just-Just give me a list and I could do it."
From that moment on, Valarr did everything for you when you couldn't or didn't want to.
(1851)
You and Valarr had been married for two years now, he had claimed the workshop next to the cottage and experimented with different devices and added your magic to the mix to do different things. It helped train your magic more and it gave him a reason to create, to help you. He always had his goggles and soot on him. He made sure not to get any soot on your books or ribbons in the house.
One day, a group of younger teens were in your forest and trying to find help for a friend who was missing and sick. They reached the path near your cottage and rang the bell at the gate. It was Valarr that appeared out of his workshop coughing, smoke escaping the building near your cottage. "Just a moment!" His face was stained with the soot. He staggered in his steps when he noticed their odd attire and the fact it was a mix of boys and girls. One of the girls spoke, "We were told to go to the magician? Our friend is missing." A boy next to her looked to him hopeful, "Can you help us?"
He shook his head and pulled his thick gloves off, "Not me. I'm afraid I am without powers." You opened the cottage door and Valarr smiled when the teens looked to you expectantly. The two of you welcomed them in and they marveled at the size inside the cottage, obviously expanded with magic. You had a ribbon pinned to your clothing, you smoothed it out before addressing them.
"You lot are not from this time, are you?" The teens from the future confirmed your words and Valarr looked wide eyed and took of his goggles that revealed his mismatched eyes and displayed the outline of the soot stains. "Time travel?" You cracked a smile and kissed his cheek before leading the children to the library. You turned to Valarr who got the hint to go get treats.
You offered advice to the teens and gave them copies of books that would aid them. You scribbled on a scroll and handed it to one of them, "Only open that when you want to go back to your original time." They looked a bit afraid. "You won't come with us?" One of them asked hopefully and Valarr chose that time to enter with a tray of treats. You smiled sadly at them, "I'm sorry. I'm a bit too sick for time travel right now. Besides, I can't leave my home or husband. I do wish you the best of luck though. You're welcome to stay as long as you want before your journey." With that, you left the library and Valarr in tow.
He glanced back to the closed door, "Time travel?" You confirmed it with a nod. You headed to the kitchen to start making lunch. "You won't go?" He let you wet a rag and wipe at the soot on his face. "I can't, I don't want to risk it." You squeezed his hand. He put his hand over yours and moved to help you prepare lunch. The teens found the spells they needed and you made a list of all the ingredients they needed at the table. All of them were eating and listening to your advice. You handed the scroll to Valarr who said he would help them at the markets tomorrow.
The next day, he stood outside the cottage with them and tried to give them a pep talk. They shifted in the new clothes you conjured for them to fit into the era. He held the list in his hand and waved it around, "Don't worry, she always keeps everything detailed. We shouldn't be missing anything as long as we stick to the list." He held onto the edge of the paper and let it unroll. He rose a brow as the paper unrolled all the way to one of the teens' feet. They all looked up at him concerned and he licked his lips. "Huh. Did not expect it to be that long."
They walked all the way to the market and they shared looks at the simple stores and vendors, nothing looked like it could be part of your list. Valarr grinned knowingly and led them to a bar. "I don't think now's the time for a drink." One of them murmured and Valarr ignored it. He waved to the bartender and Valarr led the group to a storage room. He turned to them and twisted a jar. Nothing happened.
They looked to him and he frowned and fully turned to the rows of jars, "Damn, I never get it right." He kept twisting different jars and one finally clicked "Aha!" He spread his arms wide as the storage wall disappeared and they were shown a magic market. He told them to follow him and they stared at everything. He made them carry many things he purchased. He told one of them to go get a fresh batch of mandrake.
One of the older teens went over to the vendor hesitantly and asked for a mandrake. The vendor looked him up and down and sneered, "What do you need it for?" The man looked over to their group and noticed Valarr purchasing stuff at another vendor, "Ah. My mistake, one mandrake coming up."
They spent a few hours there before heading back to the cottage where you were in the garden harvesting vegetables. You smiled at all of them, "Did you have fun?" They nodded and had armfuls of items. You looked to Valarr who helped you up and grabbed your basket for you. "Let's go get your potion ready then."
The two of you sent them off when you were done and Valarr guided you to sit in the kitchen while he prepared food and a herbal potion to help your health. You smiled warmly at the sight of him. Even if your magic drained you from time to time, at least you had Valarr.
— —
1879
Valarr inherited a large farm from his father. The richest one in town and the largest one. He was always getting tired managing it, plus there was no one to inherit the beautiful plot because his brother was off traveling and wanted nothing to do with the farm. He was becoming drained, but pulled through for the sake of his father's legacy. The farm sold lots of stuff and made a lot of profit so he was forced to use up all his time to do everything with no efficient way to free up time for himself.
He was stuck going to the market again to deliver eggs and milk to the local grocery store since there was another mishap on his end. Nobody cared though, he always talked his way out of mishaps. He noticed a large truck at an old unoccupied store and he looked to his customer, Mr. Creel, who was telling his workers to grab stuff from his truck. "What's going on over there?" The older man glanced and gestured a hand to brush it off , "Just some new family moving in. Think they help out with deliveries or something. Could save you some time." He shrugged and added, "Also make some good food. Restaurant? I don't know." He was about to lift another crate when a normal truck parked in front of the old store.
You stepped out from the passenger side and Valarr almost dropped the crate onto his foot before he realized what he was holding. You heard the glass clinking and he turned red when you glanced over. He fully looked away when you gave a small smile and then headed into your family's new store. He saw an embroidered ribbon in your hair.
— —
He used one of his very rare free days to visit the cafe and he was glad. You were taking orders at the front and he swallowed hard before making his way up to order. He stumbled through his words and he relaxed when he got a laugh out of you. He loved the food and he kept talking to you. Your father was working behind the counter as well, trying to make friends in a new town. However, he was giving Valarr a stink eye and he tried his best to ignore it. You glared at your father over Valarr's head.
— —
It wasn't long before he started offering to help you out with deliveries and he didn't tell you, but he discounted it for your family's place. He went out of his way to deliver it every time you put in an order for your family. A few people around town noticed and would give him looks when he was spotted with you. He threw in extra inventory as well and he found out that your father was debating leaving everything to you because your brothers didn't help with the business, only you handling the stuff. He was surprised you were handling everything well, it wasn't common for men to have their daughters do the managing in that area.
He started asking if you wanted to help him with his payments and papers surrounding his farm and deliveries. You agreed and he gave you money for doing it. It allowed you time away from your nagging family and surprisingly a stable income. He found himself with a lot of free time while you worked on all his orders and made arrangements. He liked it and kept having you work for him. People tried to question you before since you were a woman and Valarr did not like that.
He chewed out one of his regular customers on the spot for giving you issues as if you weren't doing the same job he did.The man was embarrassed when Valarr yelled at him and Valarr made him apologize to you. People stopped bothering you after that and you even saved him some money by negotiating with people.
A few months in and Valarr was asking to court you and then he married you the same year. Your father was quite pleased you married a wealthy man who would take care of you and even joked with Valarr how family shouldn't have to pay for supplies. You were embarrassed at that, but Valarr told him how he already planned to give him stuff for free. That caught you father off guard and he called Valarr a good man.
After being married, everyone knew that wherever you were, Valarr was there too. You needed to go to the market? Valarr drove you himself. You went around town collecting orders? Valarr was right behind you making sure no one gave you problems. You wanted to go into the town farther away to get new things? Valarr drove you all the way out. You even learned some farm work because he taught you.
(1882)
Valarr was in a wagon with other soldiers, he had been drafted due to a war creeping upon the area. He sighed and looked around the other soldiers as they all mentally prepared themselves for battle. If there was to be any. He did not wish to be there. He wanted to go home. He pulled out a journal and the man next to him glanced over his shoulder. It wasn't until Valarr pulled out a small picture of you did he speak. "That the missus?" Valarr smiled for once ever since he had been forced to leave your side. He nodded and showed the picture to his comrade. "My wife. We've been married for two years now. I'm hoping to make it back to her. Maybe treat her out to the markets she loves." The man simply patted his shoulder.
— —
The war had been declared ended and you were waiting back home for him. You were inside reading and you held a ribbon in your hand. You supposed it was a good luck charm in a way. You did not know why you felt connected to it. You heard galloping in the distance and you practically shot up out of your reading nook that Valarr had built. You gasped when you saw him in the distance, you abandoned what you were doing to go outside. You almost let out a squeal when he dismounted the horse and started running across the large field to you. The both of you laughed and cried to one another when he reached you and twirled you around.
You were relieved to have him back home safely, he was enamored with you and sat down in his usual seat while you made him a large dinner and rambled on and on about what happened while he was gone. He was upset at the fact you had to do lots of labor because he was called to war, but you kept telling him to stop thinking about it. You gave him lots of kisses and hugs. He was slumped over the table at your homemade food, he had missed it greatly. He ate a lot and kept shoveling it down. You showed him new landline you got at the same time. He loved when you talked and talked all the time.
The next day, he drove you into town and said hello to your family at the cafe who were grateful he came back safe and sound. Even other people around town stopped by to greet him at the cafe. He was eating and you rambled to him once more. He doesn't remember who, but someone tried to interrupt you and he shot them a look. You were oblivious and told him about the most random things, but he'll remember. He always remembered everything when it came to you.
— —
1901
Valarr was on a mission to spy on the other side, but before that he needed the help of people who knew about how things out on the streets worked. He was sent to a beauty parlor to meet with someone. A bit on the nose he would say, but he was finally dropped off near it. He took off his hat before heading inside and he turned a bit red as every woman in there turned to him. He bowed his head, "Apologies. I was sent here to-"
"Mr. Targaryen?" He looked to a young girl who stood at the backroom door. He confirmed it was him and the girl gestured for him to follow her. The girl closed the room to the backroom and moved a shelf, another door. Valarr followed her in and now he was in another room. He headed for the door and she shook her head. She pointed to the bookshelf and he moved it to the side and was brought down a spiral of stairs. He opened another door and he was met with you glancing at him in confusion.
The girl spoke for him, "He was sent." You nodded and shook his hand, he noticed the ribbon on your wrist and you pulled your hand away, but not before giving him a look for not letting go. "You're the spy?" You glanced to him from the stack of papers you looked at. Valarr nodded, "Yes, ma'am." He excused himself as he tried to get closer to you and tried to work his way through the numerous desks and different ladies at different stations. "At your service. They said you knew about the revolts against enemy lines."
You gestured to the room of workers, "Then I guess we have lots of work to do, Mr.Targaryen."
— —
He was sat in your small section reviewing papers from the government and you approached. He suddenly felt the papers disappear from his grasp, you had taken it and dumped it onto the far side of your desk, "Here. Read this instead." You handed him a file from your desk. He paused before deciding not to question it and started reading. The local police force had no idea about this operation since they were all in for the other side and taking dirty money.
This was supposed to be a secret operation so Valarr would sometimes stay longer so that there wouldn't be suspicion about his visits. One time, he even fell asleep and tossed a blanket over him. He jolted up and startled you when you placed it on him. He ran a hand over his face and murmured a sorry and went back to sleep.
— —
The operation had a mole or there was someone that had caught onto the beauty parlor being a base of operations. You got a few different customers at the moment so it could be any of them.
Valarr was sat in one of the seats as one of the ladies trimmed his hair. You entered the parlor and gave him a look to follow you. You showed him a few maps and told him there was going to be a protest against the movement. The two of you could use that to gain the secret files for the government.
A few days later, the protest was loud and disruptive, people looked at the marchers in disdain. You tugged a rag over your mouth and so did Valarr as you waded through the crowd. He found the entrance after turning down many alleyways and he helped you in first.
There were many halls and you had to search through each door carefully. There was a simple one with drawers and filing cabinets. The two of you started going through each drawer and you finally found it. You nudged him and he grabbed the file carefully before tucking it into his shirt.
The two of you hurried out and Valarr had accidentally left the door a bit open because there was someone approaching when you headed for the exit. He cursed and hurried out with you. The two of you had to change outfits at a crowded market and change into simpler regular clothes to not look suspicious.
That night, there was a small celebration in the hideout and you finally let your walls down when Valarr convinced you to drink some champagne. Everyone cheered quietly and it suddenly died down when there was glass breaking above, the parlor. Everyone tensed and you looked to Valarr who set his glass down to peer through the door.
He immediately turned to everyone, "Quickly. Get your things and hide the rest. We have to play it off." A bunch of dirty officers had heard about the resistance and broke into the parlor. They were searching for the base. They were getting closer and Valarr moved closer to you. You were hiding everything and felt his hand on your shoulder.
You turned to him a bit scared and a bit ready. You gave him a nod, "We'll be alright." He stood in front of you when the door was broken down and everyone was being rounded up and everything was thrashed. Valarr shoved one of them when they grabbed you roughly and that got him a punch to the face.
A few hours later, he was set to be released by the government higher ups and he demanded for you to be released or he'll go to the public with his information. You were surprised that he would risk everything for you. He was in the same cell as you because the station was crowded with people they rounded up. He held your hand in his firmly and insisted to the one bailing him out would bail you out as well.
Soon, the both of you were free and heading to a new town with new identities.
— —
2026
Valarr was escaping the expectations of his father's business by exploring a museum downtown. He loved museums, he seemed drawn to this one even though he had never visited before. He didn't quite understand why he never visited until now. He stood at a display that had a signet ring and a ribbon encased together.
That was how he met you, at that exact display.
The two of you proceeded to wander around the other displays around the large room, but it seemed the two of you kept going back to one another. Eventually, the two of you stayed side by side as you listened to a tour guide.
It wasn't until near the end did Valarr invite you to get coffee. He offered to carry your satchel for you and you made a joke that he might run off with it. He mocked offense and sighed so loudly that it made you laugh.
He held the door open for you to the coffee shop and the two of you started discussing more history facts and myths. It was at the myth part did you remember the tour guide mentioning a couple trying to find a hidden city. "Oh!" You felt a bit embarrassed at how loud you were, but he paid no mind.
You took a moment to sort your thoughts, "Remember what that tour guide said?" He nodded and you continued, "That one couple that was trying to find a hidden city and their journals said that they found it, but once they left it, they never saw it again. That's crazy." Valarr sipped his coffee before remembering more details, "They kept telling people how they found it themselves, but water filled up and they got out, but they couldn't find their way back. That's insane that they were on the other side of the forest from their expedition."
You nodded with a smile, "Exactly! How did they end up on the other side of the town when they explored on the other side. There was no way for them to go around without leaving traces." Valarr thought it over, "Remember the inventor? I don't quite get those machines.." You furrowed your brows, "Huh. You're right, they seemed unfinished? In a way."
He kept staring at you ramble. He didn't know why he liked hearing a stranger talk so much. Your voice was calming, almost as if he had known it for his whole life. You fiddled with your ribbon that was tied on your wrist. Some time later in the conversation, you undid the ribbon and showed Valarr the embroidery. He traced it carefully and he felt warm inside.
He couldn't believe he was so enamored with you even though you just met one another.
— —
The two of you were now extremely close and you never had a rich friend before, that was a common joke between you and Valarr. He paid for your ticket to take you to an island. You were a bit confused until he revealed it was the same island that the supposed hidden city was in. Your smile was so wide and your excitement shot through the roof. Valarr chuckled at your happiness and he even got maps and compasses for the both of you.
The two of you did have to share a room with one bed because of a mix up at the inn but neither of you minded. You stared out the balcony and at the jungle, "Do you think we'll find it?" You were half-joking and half-serious. Valarr kept his eyes on you and shrugged, "Maybe, maybe not. We'll see if you get lost." You scoffed, "Me? How dare you?" The two of you spiraled into each other's small mistakes and clumsiness.
It was going to be a good life this time.
Maybe.
Maybe not.
oncerwinx2026
