⚔️Hecate🛡

Side blog of yellowcakeUF6| Data Soong Arthurian concept based on Aubrey Beardsley and Howard Pyle's classic illustrations| Also my love of Aesthetic and Pre-Raphaelite art.

[cuties-in-codices]

dragon fights

in the margins of the prayer book of charles the bold, a diminuitive prayer book (measuring about 5 x 3.5 in, or 13 x 9 cm) comissioned by charles the bold, duke of burgundy, and written and illuminated in flanders, late 15th c.

source: Los Angeles, J. Paul Getty Museum, Ms. 37

[apoemaday]

Upon the Hearth the Fire Is Red

by J.R.R. Tolkien

Upon the hearth the fire is red, Beneath the roof there is a bed; But not yet weary are our feet, Still round the corner we may meet A sudden tree or standing stone That none have seen but we alone.

Tree and flower and leaf and grass, Let them pass! Let them pass! Hill and water under sky, Pass them by! Pass them by!

Still round the corner there may wait A new road or a secret gate, And though we pass them by today, Tomorrow we may come this way And take the hidden paths that run Towards the Moon or to the Sun.

Apple, thorn, and nut and sloe, Let them go! Let them go! Sand and stone and pool and dell, Fare you well! Fare you well!

Home is behind, the world ahead, And there are many paths to tread Through shadows to the edge of night, Until the stars are all alight. The world behind and home ahead, We’ll wander back to home and bed.

Mist and twilight, cloud and shade, Away shall fade! Away shall fade! Fire and lamp, and meat and bread, And then to bed! And then to bed!

[whatwouldwaltdo]

This has probably been done to death a thousand times over, but - Medieval!AU?

[joons]

@shadowhellfire

[preraphaelitepaintings]

King Mark and La Belle Iseult (Yseult, Isoude, Isolde)

Artist: Edward Burne-Jones (English, 1833-1898) 

Date: 1862

Medium: Watercolour, bodycolour and gum arabic on paper

Collection: Birmingham City Museum and Art Gallery / Birmingham Museums Trust, Birmingham, England

Alternative Titles:

(King Mark Protecting Iseult from a Threatening Sword; King Mark Preventing Isuelt from Killing Herself)

[yellowcakeuf6]

Lore in Arthurian inspired character with Morgana le Fay.

Stylish nudism

[flaminghecate]

Setting Sons on Carmelard - Chapter 1 - Fibrulating_pink_cat - Multifandom [Archive of Our Own]

https://archiveofourown.org/works/87253026/chapters/231100981

Success!!

🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

I finally managed to post it on AO3 WITH the artworks.

I call that a result 😍

[flaminghecate]

Thank you to everyone who got me to 250 likes!

[flaminghecate]

25 posts!

[flaminghecate]

(Sir) Lore(rence) minus his headgear gatecrashes a castle (probably Data’s)

Quick HB pencil sketch on plain paper

Based on a DS Camell illustration and Castell Coch in South Wales UK

[flaminghecate]

Setting Sons of Carmelard: Chapter 7 - In Pursuit of a Grail and Family Bonds part 2

At last, an update!

Days passed, and B-4 continued his journey, travelling many miles from the castle at Carmelard. He was alone. Sometimes the terrain appeared strange and alien, barren with sparse foliage and bare skeletal trees, other times he rode through forests so dense the tangled branches darkened the sky evoking an almost foreboding air.

It was as he exited such a forest that he met with one of Arthur's knights who recounted their own experiences of the grail.

"It is elusive to most," the knight named Sir Bors told him.

"However I have heard that when The Grail is near or present the observer will smell what they desire …the scent of flowers, or the aromas of delicious food."

"Who says this?"

"Sir Lancelot, Sir Gawain, Sir Tristram among others. It is intended to summon up what most pleases and is most dear to you." Sir Bors replied.

"They are very renowned and great knights," B-4 stated reflectively. "Yet they still cannot behold this vessel. It makes me wonder what one has to do in order to observe this phenomenon. Can you advise where have the sightings taken place?"

"It has been seen in a number of holy places including the Strata Silva Abbey, seven country miles south from here."

"A day's ride," B-4 mused.

Sir Bors nodded. "It is indeed not a great distance. However I would advise you that there is a dangerous obstacle to overcome in order to enter the Abbey."

"And what is that?" B-4 asked.

"A band of aggressive ogre warriors patrol the land surrounding it and will accost any incomers who dare to approach the abbey."

"I see."

The knight gave a dubious look at B-4's slight and feminine frame and frowned.

"Are you a strong fighter fair knight? You look frail and gentle to me."

"I posses courage, and am a fighter if there is the need," B-4 replied shortly.

"Then I wish you utmost luck and goodwill in your endeavour." Sir Bors gave a curt hand salute and galloped away.

With a bemused expression B-4 adjusted his tack and continued on his way.

Sure enough as the outline of the small abbey came into view, B-4 saw a large and heavily armoured figure on a massive thick set beast of a horse charge towards him, weilding a spear.

"Ogre knight," B-4 correctly surmised on seeing the being's bare green-skinned limbs, bald head and sunken red eyes.

Before he could react however, the ogre gave a bone chilling roar and flung the weapon directly at him. With lightning-speed B-4 quickly raised his shield, the spear hit it with a heavy thud before it glanced off and splintered harmlessly into several pieces.

The ogre gave a furious snarl, "Stand and fight, Popinjay! Though I don't think it will take me much effort to overcome and slay you."

"Challenge accepted," B-4 retorted. "Though you will find that I am a doughty and valiant opponent and not so weak as you think."

"I will be the judge of that," the ogre retorted and began to charge at B-4 brandishing a fearsome broad sword.

B-4 responded by unsheathing his own blade and galloping towards his foe.

On contact with each other the air was filled with the clangs and clashes of arms as the two knights traded blows. Each delivering powerful swings and thrusts, but B-4 especially felt the impact with heavy blows to his shield. He felt outgunned while the ogre barely seemed exerted. Yet the magic infused armourment withstood every cruel assault with not even a dent to its surface.

The warring men slid out of their saddles and continued their combat on foot. B-4 suddenly found that the nimbleness of his slight build gave him an advantage over his heavier more lumbering opponent. Darting and dodging away from the driving swings of the ogre's sword soon made the larger man tired, and they began to stumble and miss their target which frustrated them further.

A momentary pause for the ogre to catch breath and regroup their attack was the tiny window B-4 needed. Seizing his chance, the slender knight swung his sword with steady precision, landing it into a gap in the larger man's armour. With a roar of rage the ogre prepared to charge at B-4 but the rapid loss of blood caused them them to lose focus and stagger.

It only took one other elegantly landed blow for B-4 to pierce the armour of the ogre who roared in painful anger and collapsed to the ground, admitting defeat.

After slaying the ogre knight, B-4 was physically exhausted and in need of rest and sustenance. Cleaning and sheathing his weapon he mounted his horse and rode towards the small abbey to request refuge.

As he entered he was struck by the mellow light streaming through the stained glass windows bathing everything within the space in soft colour. The monks were at vespers in the main hall so he did not disturb them, instead he made his way to a modest chapel to rest and contemplate.

In contrast to the main abbey, the chapel was small and dark, with just one single transom window and a plain alter draped in red velvet.

B-4 paused to take in the tranquil silence when suddenly the space was infused with brilliant golden beams.

It completely enraptured and overwhelmed the knight, and he felt subconsciously obliged to kneel with his drawn sword at the humble alter, above which upon a pool of gleaming light rested a golden chalice.

B-4 felt simultaneously elated and awash with sobriety.

'It is indeed the grail,' he mused, 'But while I am privileged to witness it I knows it is not mine to acquire.'

By now the vespers in the great hall had ended, but an elderly monk sensing some spectacle was unfolding in the chapel peered in at the doorway. They too were mesmerised by the vision and B-4, in the throes of wonder did not see them. He was therefore startled when they spoke:

"Sir Bedevere? Or Before or B-4 or however you are known? "

B-4 turned abruptly to face the incomer, who gave him a veiled smile.

"You are a great knight of king Arthur and I can intuit that you are valiant, just and pure of heart. The grail is acknowledging this."

B-4 stared, still visibly moved by his experience. His lips parted to form a reply, but the monk traised his hand to stop him before he could emit any words.

"However despite you being one of the most honourable, I am afraid you are not The One."

B-4 swallowed and his words were uttered low, S-so I cannot behold the grail?"

The monk shook his head regretfully, "No. That individual has yet to appear. And when they do a lance and circlet will also be revealed to them. That is the sign that they are the chosen."

B-4 knew these objects were not visible to him, and his shoulders dropped in crestfallen disappointment. At that moment the magnificent vision faded and the chapel was once more cast into gloom.

"I see," he mumbled timidly.

"Do not be despondent Sir Bedevere," the monk replied with a tinge of reassurance. "At least you have been considered worthy enough to view the grail. Many noble knights have not been so lucky."

Still stunned by the fresh memory of the spectacle but gathering his composure, B-4 spoke now with more surety, "You seem to have sound knowledge about myself and - my family?"

"That I do. It is not hard. Your family's reputation is known widely in these lands - your noble brother Sir Dayton, his fair daughter Lal…and your father the sorcerer Noonien Soong."

B-4 noticed that the monk omitted mention of his other brother, which sparked his curiousity.

"Tell me, do you know anything about my brother Sir Lorence? Has he come this way at all?"

The wise monk lowered his grizzled head with a barely disguised frown. " Sir Lore is a person tainted by bad influence. He associates with thosw who practice the dark arts. We do not welcome such people into Holy places and they in turn have no desire to come to them."

"Have you any knowledge about Lore's whereabouts?"

The monk hedged, as if reluctant to impart such information, but after a pause he sighed and devulged what he knew.

"There are rumours that Lore is a recluse after being spurned by your brother Sir Dayton. He takes refuge in a coastal cave , a hermit retreat set in the Bay of Three Cliffs. Though of course I cannot confirm that this is a true fact."

B-4 nodded trying to hide his eagerness, but the monk astutely read his intentions. "Sir Bedevere it is not for you to seek him out, that deed must be undertaken by no one but your Sir Dayton…Data. Otherwise it will only lead to a greater rift and result in immeasurable tragedy."

"I understand," B-4 replied in a low whispered croak.

The monk gave him a severe look, probably aware that the brave knight may well reject his counsel and stubbornly seek out Lore regardless of any warning but he spoke no more of it, instead changing the subject.

"We have talked enough Sir Bedevere. Now you must take leave immediately as the next ogre from the Ork kingdom will soon be here to replace their slain comrade."

B-4 gave the monk a silent salute of farewell and left.

oOo

Of course B-4 could not heed the monk's advice and as soon as he left the lands of Strata Silva he was heading to the coast and the Bay of Three Cliffs.

The sun was setting when he arrived, and finding the cave proved challenging, but after some searching he spotted a dull glow coming from behind an outcrop of tumbed rocks. Dismounting and tying up his horse he scrambled on foot across the rough jagged foot of the cliffs until he came to the source of the light.

There, croached on a fallen boulder, their back to the cave mouth was a figure who appeared heavily in contemplation, their sword thrust into the sand next to them.

For a few moments B-4 hesitated, breathing deeply and gathering his own thoughts, rehearsing in his head what to say. However his foot moving clumsily and crunching into the pebbly sand caused the still figure to suddenly become animated. They turned round sharply and reached for their sword

"Be gone intruder or I will run you through!" they growled, but on seeing B-4 their countenance changed and they reflexively lowered their weapon.

"B-4! What in the name of satans blood are you doing here?"

"Lore…"

The outcast brother stood up , cutting a forlorn figure in a worn red surcoat and dull armour. An equally threadbare cloak was thrown over his choulders, but he did not remove his hood.

"What do you want?" Lore spat, cutting narrowed suspicious eyes at B-4 "Has my trecherous brother sent you? How did you find me?"

"No Data did not send me, I came of my own accord. I was told of your whereabouts by a wise monk at Strata Silva."

Lore gave a surly grunt.

"I was hoping we could talk." B-4 continued.

"About what?" Lore scoffed disparagingly.

"About healing the rift between us. "

"Hm! And how would you go about that? Do you think you with your feminine trait of soft talking negotiations can weild any more influence over my stubborn little brother than I myself?"

"I believe that this could be an effective method. And with the help of Lady Lal who is on neutral ground I think we might make progress towards a truce."

Lore threw his head back and laughed

"Really brother you are more of a naive fool than I first thought. This feudd can only be settled by battle not flowery talk about peace and brotherly love. No wonder you are such a resounding failure. Look at tyou -"

B-4 reflexively did look down at himself

"Yes dear sibling, you have a womanly shape and mannerisms and it is also why you will never prosper in matters of love nor wealth."

Lore threw his head back and laughed

"Really brother you are more of a naive fool than I first thought. This feudd can only be settled by battle not flowery talk about peace and brotherly love. No wonder you are such a resounding failure. Look at tyou -"

B-4 reflexively did look down at himself

"Yes dear sibling, you have a womanly shape and mannerisms and it is also why you will never prosper in matters of love nor wealth."

B-4 had no answer, and any solid or constructive arguements he had memorised in readiness for their encounter had suddenly vanished. He was lost for words.

"Lost your tongue B-4? Well I suggest that you ride home now to little brother and tell him I sent you away with a flea in your lily white ear, and if he wants to discuss our situation any further he can come to me himself. Now be gone out of my sight!"

And with that he chased B-4 out of the cave, tossing a large pebble that struck him heavily between the shoulder blades.

On returning to the cliff top and finding his horse, the demoralised knight made his way back to Carmelard, feeling as if all his endeavours had been in his words 'ashes and rust'

.

[preraphaelitepaintings]

Pan and Psyche

Artist: Edward Burne-Jones (British (1833-1898)

Date: 1872-1874

Medium: Oil on canvas

Collection: Harvard Art Museums, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States

Description

Pan and Psyche is a painting that depicts the meeting between Psyche and Pan, the god of the wilderness. The painting is based on the story of Cupid and Psyche from Metamorphoses by Apuleius.

[preraphaelitepaintings]

Guinevere

Artist: Eleanor Fortescue Brickdale (British, 1872-1945)

Date: 1919

Medium: Watercolor, color plate

Collection: Private Collection

Description

Lines printed with the title: "Her memory, from old habit of mind / Went slipping back upon the golden days / In which she saw him first, when Launcelot came" (from Tennyson's Guinevere).

Anthony Harrison talks of the "extraordinarily wide dissemination" of Tennyson's Idylls of the King (605), and it enjoyed tremendous success throughout the period, despite the poet's traditionalist stance in Guinevere.

William Morris's "The Defence of Guenevere" put a different complexion on her adultery. Harrison notes that it was too radical for most readers when first published (1858), but became influential later. Brickdale's representation of her, as beautiful and at one with surrounding nature, seems to confirm a shift in sympathies.

[flaminghecate]

More Data in Henry V attire

[toejam-gravy]

[flaminghecate]

Cover art for the picture story fic

[flaminghecate]

Update at last to Setting Sons. I know it isn't getting much traffic on here but for those who do enjoy it...

Chapter 6 - In Pursuit of a Grail and Family Bonds, part 1

Despite the bleak foretellings of Noonien, and Data’s unfortunate loss of the Excelsior scabbard, the community at Cair Peverell continued to prosper and live in tranquil peace.

High spirited lady Lal, who was already accomplished at music and riding, was now asking for lessons in swordplay and combat tactics. She hoped one day to follow in her mother's footsteps and ride into battle with her father, but although Data admired her courage and resolve, he naturally had reservations about this ambition. Yet deep down he knew Lal would not be deterred.

In contrast, his older brother Bedevere or B-4 remained a subdued but constant presence at his side. He served his more illustrious sibling with faith and diligence, but his pacifist nature meant that he would engage in combat only in the name of peace and justice.

B-4 was a solitary soul, enjoying his own company. He would often embark on long pilgrimages to enlighten and cleanse his spiritual mind.

Following Lore’s visit to Cair Peverell however B-4 was haunted constantly by ruminations of the wayward brother. While the rest of Data’s retinue felt concern and even fear, B-4 harboured a different sentiment.

Imbued with indomitable optimism he believed there was a way he could break through Lore's stubborn and impenetrable barrier to access his troubled mind and even mend the fractured bond between the three of them.

While it was true that he was a skilled negotiator - tactful and equitable yet also pragmatic - he could also be too idealistic and sometimes fell short of his grand expectations. Nevertheless he strongly felt that a meeting of the brothers in private and on neutral ground would help in facilitating this process.

Along with his lofty ambitions to close the family rift, he was also keen to partake in a challenging quest which many of Arthur's knights at Joyous Gard were already involved in - the search for the Holy Grail.

He knew that while he might not be the victorious acquirer of this sacred vessel it would bestow glory on his name, just being one of the knights to take on the quest was a highly honoured achievement.

There were of course only rumours on what a vision of the grail would actually be like.

Some claimed it was a breathtaking sight, of a gold chalice burning with bright light that could overwhelm many proud men.

Others however told of a more subdued experience that it was a plain vessel carved of ancient wood and it was its inner significance that made it poignant and powerful as a magical artifact.

The fascination drew him like a moth to a lit sconce but Data, ever the cautious and protective pillar of the family was quick to summon his naive and starry eyed sibling to his personal quarters to exhort him.

He stood motionless as Data paced the wooden floor, his boots crushing the rushes scattered beneath them. At times like this B-4 felt almost like a child, especially when his brother addressed him by his full name:

Bedevere, I know I am the youngest of us and therefore may not carry a font of wisdom as large as I might think, or even wish, but I am offering my counsel as a brother who loves and cares for you dearly."

B-4 gazed at Data with lowered eyes, feeling the weight of the stern discourse about to unfold.

"Is this regarding the Grail?" He ventured in a soft, almost timid tone.

Data nodded curtly, "Yes, because it is a perilous undertaking and one which you may regret in due course. More important however is that many who seek this do not return and I do not wish to lose another brother…"

"But I - "

Data raised a didactic finger. "Therefore I beseech you to give this matter great consideration before you embark upon it."

B-4 looked almost crestfallen, "I see," he replied in a humbled voice. His eyes fixed on a stained glass window in Data’s chamber. A gallant knight defeating a dragon serpent.

It appeared to fire both his inspiration and determination. But for now he remained silent and let Data continue, as he knew he hadn't finished his piece.

"There is something else I wish to discuss with you. Far from me to interfere, however there has been a rumour circulating among the courtiers that you wish to seek out Lore and hold discussion with him. I implore you against this undertaking , however honorable your intentions."

B-4 swallowed hard, trying to maintain control. He hated how his over sensitive emotions made him seem weak.

"I -I am sorry, I do not understand brother. Why would you reject an attempt at peace?"

"Because Lore is not easily swayed by words and he has the confidence of many people who we as a kingdom would never confer with or tolerate."

"Such as?" B4 inquired in an almost croak.

Data sighed as if masking irritation. "Surely I do not have to spell it out for you Bedevere. Warlords…rebels, those who use magical powers for nefarious means. They are a threat to our security, possibly even our very existence."

B4 cleared his throat and did his best to remain immutable.

" While there are undeniably obstacles, I feel there are benefits to be gained in trying. Family is most dear to me and there is nothing that would instill joy more than seeing our noble house reunited."

Data frowned, an expression of almost annoyance painting his features.

"I too, brother, but I think our bond is broken irrevocably. It is futile to try and mend it. He won't listen. Or he will attempt to trick you."

"I disagree. In my opinion these challenges give me all the more reason to try.

"Therefore I am going to reject your advice and embark on both my endeavours, however risky that might be."

"Bedevere you are making a grave mistake …"

"My lord Sir Dayton, I acknowledge your counsel but on this occasion i will not honour it. I am embarking on the quest for the Grail and I will seek out and attempt to reconcile us with Lore. That is all I will say on this matter and now if you will excuse me…"

And with that B-4 left with haste ordering a page to get his armour, weapons and horse prepared in readiness.

oOo

The quest was indeed a brutal test for any knight however chivilrous their intentions or brave their soul.

B-4 learned that Lancelot, Gawain and a few other renowned knights from the company of Arthur's table had set out equally confident but had failed. They were more accomplished than he yet it did not shake his ironclad resolve.

He pondered on what deed he might have to undertake to get sight of the Grail.

He told himself he was not a coward but he did prefer to use creative means to solve mysteries or settle disputes by peaceful means rather than engage in combat. He saw no logic in senseless bloodshed.

After seven days and nights travelling out of the kingdom and riding through wild terrain, taking refuge where he could, B-4 came upon a ramshackle village built upon a grey hill. The surrounding area was also dry and arid. Unusual for the temperate climate of the homelands. B-4 had never travelled to such places but imagined it to be as barren as the exotic kingdoms overseas.

He was bemused to see a tall woman ahead of him, standing by a thin dead tree as if she had been purposely waiting for him.

She had long dark hair embellished with elaborate ornament, and was garbed in richly embroidered robes of a curious celestial design. Something B-4 had never seen before.

They remained standing in the same place as if rooted there, without movement or expression until B-4 was almost directly in front of her. Then her countenance relaxed and her lips parted to show a beguiling smile.

The knight obligingly dismounted seeming it was the polite thing to do and approached the woman face to face.

"Greetings Fair knight," they welcomed in an almost blithe manner.

Greetings to you also dear lady. May I ask your name?"

"I am known as the Night Sorceress, and you are?"

"Sir Bedevere, I belong to the company of Sir Dayton at Cair Peverell."

"And I am guessing that you are on the quest for the Grail?"

"That is correct madam."

The sorceress smirked knowingly.

"If i may say so, you look very young and naive to be riding out on perilous quests. And furthermore with such a delicate, feminine appearance to your physique... "

B-4 gave them an indignant scowl, "I am not so young and I do possess courage. However I concede I am bestowed with feminine features. It is also true, according to Sir Dayton that my ways can occasionally be deemed immature."

"I can believe that. And you are not wed either. In fact I can wager that you are a still a virgin."

B-4 was taken aback by the veracity of the statement, and became suddenly reticent, a flush of colour rising in his cheeks.

"That is a private matter."

"But it is true," the sorceress smiled archly.

Feeling strangely awkward and exposed, B-4 abruptly changed the subject.

"How do I know that I am near the Grail? Will there be any sign?"

The sorceress laughed. "Of course not. You must search it by instinct. But I will warn you there will be obstacles. Ogres, giants perhaps or even aggressive knights.

"You with your tender nature might easily fall upon trouble and be gravely wounded or even killed. However I have something that might assist you in staying protected. I would not normally be so generous, but I already harbout a soft spot for you, sweet B-4."

"Why?"

"Because you seem such a kind and genuine soul…"

The sorceress reached into a clump of bushes and brought out a shield. It had no insignia save for a baton sinister.

"This is an enchanted shield and will protect you," the sorceress told him. "Take it."

With a look of astonishment B4 took the accoutrement in his hands and gazed at it in wonder, before strapping it across his shoulders.

"Do not thank me, it is my gift, because I do not wish for honorable knights to be slain in vain. And you are a good person and deserve at least a chance."

B4 still dumbstruck, could only nod his head before murmuring his gratitude anyway.

"Now be gone Fair knight, this place is cursed and you should not stay," the sorceress ordered bluntly.

And with that they vanished, and B4 mounted his horse and galloped away.

[flaminghecate]

Thank you to everyone who got me to 100 likes!