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@ofbattleborn
ofbattleborn ── home to remus bladyan , lord of brailya. exclusively for divinelytm. dni if not a member. mature themes may be present. penned by javvy ( 32. cst. she/her. )
remus bladyan. ── intro. wanted. relationships. luca vasile. ── intro. wanted. relationships.
The maiden shakes her head as she tries to stop her laughter at his feigned shock, but fails miserably. "cruel is such a harsh word, i prefer charmingly blunt," she retorts with a feigned innocence, but he knew her too well to know that behind the delicate façade of a lady laid a silver tongue ready to retort and any turn. "then i suppose is a blessing you shall never have to be without my helping hand," her eyes soften, a part of her missed the days of her service along him, the prince and the rest of their squad. "my lips will be sealed," she moves her fingers along her mouth gesturing a locking with a key. "all the praise, you did marvelously my dear friend," she says with a cheeky laugh, clasping her hands behind her back as she watches the lantern float away with the same longing she had her own and plenty of others for as long as she could recall. "now how about you walk me back to the palace? you're far better company than my guard," she glances apologetically to the man who hardly uttered a word, "he's as chatty as a tree trunk." she leans in to whisper for only his ears as she links her arm in his.
“charmingly blunt--i will have to borrow that description for myself sometime,” remus mused, only half joking as he offered his arm out to hook it with sera's and offered a quiet whisper in return. “what kind of gentleman would i be if i left a lady to walk with such a boring companion?” while gentlemanly wasn't always the best word to describe remus, he was certainly not going to act a fool around sera--nor leave the lady to suffer poor conversation. leaning from her ear, remus took it upon himself to start their walk back to the castle, briefly casting a glace at the guard before leaning in once more. “i could lend you one of my family's guards if you would like. i promise they are much more interesting to speak with,” he offered, a grin pulling at his lips as he kept his pace slow and leisurely. “or yours could mysteriously vanish, requiring a replacement immediately.”
Seraphina's smile lightens up, luca's expression was contagious, always so lively and kind, a stark comparison to the lords she often had to share time within the castle. her silver hues soften as her shoulders relax visibly. "i should've sent word i would be coming," she never did, then again she had always gone on the same day at the same time for a few years. "i am always imposing aren't i?" she says with a sheepish smile, in true she often visited them because liked the peace it felt within their home, the harmony between the siblings. clutching the basket closer to her she steps into the home, the coziness of the smaller living area was palpable within entrance. she sets the basket on the dining table turning back to face luca once more. "i brought some pastries, and some of those little tarts the girls like so much," her eyes wonder to the kitchen counter tilting her head. "were you working on diner? oh may, i should've have come interrupted," she apologizes, "I hadn't been able to come on the first day of the harvest like i always do so i thought to stop now..." she rumbles a bit embarrassed.
a low chuckle echoed from luca's throat, head giving an immediate shake. though he had expected her on her usual day, the blacksmith had accepted his dove would not be coming this time. thankfully, her arrival was only delayed--not cancelled. “not at all, my lady. your arrival is welcome any time--day or night.” he reminded gently, closing the door quietly once sera had entered. between the smell of dinner cooking and the thought of the delicious pastries that were promised, luca's stomach gave a loud rumble. “your arrival is a blessing. the girls have been talking about those tarts for weeks.” he left out the fact that he, too, was slightly obsessed with the yummy little desserts, but it was sera who was his favorite sweet treat. “we had all begun to wonder if something had gone wrong to delay your arrival,” luca confessed, a nervous hand smoothing over his beard once more in hopes it didn't look too crazed in the lady's presence. his long steps took him to the basket, curiously inspecting the contents as a happy smile spread on his lips. “these will be perfect for after dinner--which--i insist you stay for?” hope dripped form his words, eyes almost pleading as he gazed up the maiden.
endless gifs from Vikings: Valhalla - 2/∞
the look in his eyes is something she has never seen anyone express towards her. in truth, she would have loved if someone had let themselves be captivated like that by her actions and moves, but she was far from skilled, far from graceful when it came to her powers ⸻ she was an inferno, uncontrolable and fearful. not even during her millitary days ( even as brief as they were ) had anyone ever gazed upon her like this man had done the solarui. was she never to feel appreciation like he displayed ? " yes, they are a blessing are they not. " her words falter and she in truth does not know if she believes them herself. she was no blessing, she was a curse, one she did not know if would ever see the light of day like the solarui. " they sprinkle us in goodness, the solarui and then the others fight our battles for us. " or some does, she did not. " i understand your fascination. " and she hated her own knowledge.
while luca may not have been a man of great status or education, it did not take intelligence to catch the way the other's voice faltered. the smile worn began to dissipate, a hint of guilt beginning to build in the blacksmith's gut. the incident that plagued the past was one that reached even his ears, though never would it be brought to surface from his lips. “each and every one.” his words were slow, almost as if speaking a lesson he wished the other to learn. he hoped for the smallest chance that such words would bring comfort. a smile had begun to return when a gasp and sudden applause from the crowd broke his attention, forcing luca's gaze to temporarily lock upon the divine once more. giving a shake of his head, the blacksmith chuckled lowly, gaze shifting back to lady dragavei once more. “have you eaten yet? it would be my treat if the lady would allow me to spoil her with some sweet breads.”
open to : everyone . location : the gates to bran castle .
──── . ݁₊ the warmth still clings to her cheeks, even as anamaria pushes free of the woods and back down onto the mountain path. her eyes stinging, all that she can hear is fear, is the cries of those running from the flames still consuming the walls of the academy. how useless she feels, powerless to help them as she makes her way back to the castle, her eyes streaming with the effects of the smoke. coughing, the young spy wanders down the winding path and back towards the castle walls, pausing for breath by the gates. “it was awful,” she states, her voice trembling and, for once, she does not need to pretend as her small, elegant hands lift to her forehead, feeling the heat on her skin. it has been a useless if not reckless endeavour to delve into the woods, to look for who was at fault — for what may have done this. ever since the king's reappearance, she can think only of the kingdom's stories, a fear the it could all be true. “who would do such a thing?"
the subtle ache in remus' lungs and stinging of dark eyes was nothing compared to the sheer pain the divine felt in the depths of his heart. the academy had been a second home--a place always welcoming and safe when everywhere else felt wrong. and now that sacred comfort was ablaze. the retired soldier felt only rage and heartache as he moved out of the trees, his initial attempt to discover who had committed such a disgusting act failing this time. not far ahead, he saw a figure--one easily distinguished once footsteps carried closer. “and nothing short of it.” awful was an understatement, words dripping with wrath as his pace quickened to catch up to the other. “i can think of none. but whoever is responsible will pay with their lives,” remus scowled as he moved beside her, glancing sideways to give her a quick once over. “--are you well? given the circumstances?”
There is a knowing look directed in his direction, full of amusement with a dash of a laugh she wishes to keep within. seraphina scrunches her nose at him and finally laughs. "yes indeed, just as i will be waiting for the one next year with just as much enthusiasm." and although her voice was full of jest, it was true, it was perhaps the only true thing she looked forward in the capital right after seeing her younger sister that was. the lady only laughs a bit louder, "no, i think it means you're just not as coordinated as we suspected." she teases. "how do you ever fare without me?" another tease as she gestures, the guard of house verkon comes forth with a torch and a small stick, which she takes and lights from the torch before offering it to remus. "lets see how you do with a borrow flame them."
there was a feigned look of pain on remus' face, and had he a free hand, he would have clutched his chest for dramatic effect. alas, he settled for a furrowed brow and a hint of a pout. "such cruel words from a lady," he scolded playfully, tongue clicking a few times against the roof of his mouth. but the welcome flicker of approaching flame broke his act, a soft smile now replacing the pout that had taken over moments before. "i truly would be lost without you." only a half lie, as she had assisted him at countless times throughout their years together. and now, with his lantern alight, she had once again proven to be an important aspect of his existence. "if i burn myself, it stays between us. no other shall hear--certainly not vlad or your sister." with his dignity on the line, he turned back to the river, hands carefully holding the lit lantern out in front. quiet took him for a moment, mind forming a prayer that soon was mouthed on silenced lips. and with that, he released the lantern, dark eyes watching it begin to float and drift away. "--another success and no burns earned. i think i deserve some praise."
closed starter for luca vasile, the blacksmith home; day three — @ofbattleborn
Sera had always gone to see the royal blacksmith family almost right after setting foot in the capital, it was almost tradition. however with the small accident on the road setting them behind schedule and the commotion of the capital with the kings recovery she had been caught up quite behind. downing down her hood she took the basket for the guard as she stepped into the small worn down courtyard. she had come across the then young luca when she had just become a woman, still a kid that saw the world with rose colored glasses, she had healed the cut on his arm without asking, she had believed she could heal the world then. then she had attached herself to the small family, his sister had almost become her, lively and a tad rowdy they reminded her of her and her own sisters back in the day. before the world had label them. she peaks closer to the home looking for a sound or a shadow that would tell her someone was about. "good evening?" she called closer to the door, "i come in peace with pastries to prove." she echoed with a small laugh.
her voice. the sudden clanging of pans and frantic scurrying could likely be heard by any who had been near the home. to say luca was in a panic would have been an understatement. as the voice of an angel rang outside, the blacksmith inside was rushing to make himself presentable. having been hard at work making dinner for his mother and sisters ( who had opted for an evening prayer session in town ), the fairest of all arriving had his heart racing. wet hands were quickly run over his unruly hair and beard in an attempt to tame some of the wild hair and a quick sniff check of his underarms was thankfully passed. while he wished he had time to get upstairs to change into something nicer, luca knew he couldn't keep a lady waiting too long. his large frame moved to the front door of the keep, a deep breath being pulled in before rough hands finally tugged it open. cheeks felt hot upon the sight of such a woman, and he couldn't help the way his smile so quickly reached his eyes. "my lady--i-i-did not expect to see you this evening," he stammered, heart threatening to beat out of his chest as he quickly stepped aside. a wave of his arm was meant to usher her in, a shyness hitting him as his eyes fell quickly to the floor. "please, come in. my m-mother and sisters should be home after their prayers."
There was a delicate demeanor in which she turned to face the lord, the familiar features filling her eyes, a small glim in her eyes at the recognition of his voice that still sounded too familiar. "it was never a competition you stood a chance against, especially when this is my favorite thing to do during the harvest." there is a cheeky glim in her eyes as she looked from the lord back to the lanterns, the familiarity of years clicking right into place as if they were still in their unit, confined to each others company in the name of service. "it is the same reason why i shall now bestow my company upon you to watch yours rise to the heavens as well, i shall not take a no for an answer."
an airy laugh left remus, head giving the slightest shake as he had to admit defeat. “i suppose you have been waiting for this release since--perhaps the very moment you let yours go last time?” there was a slight teasing tone, one to match the grin that pulled at the corners of his mouth. dark eyes moved from the tiny flicker floating above to the lantern held between battle-hardened hands. “if i accidentally set it on fire, do you think it is a bad omen?” there was only partial humor in his words as he carefully inspected his lantern, turning to let his gaze peek over the top of it at his friend. “do you have a torch? a shame neither of us have our own flame.”
his grip was beyond what her petite figure could hold, so as he gripped her she fell against him and doe eyes found the blacksmith of constanja, underneath the kings work. " no, please do not forgive yourself it was fully my fault. " her words tumble out as she seems to be equally embarrased as the blacksmith before her. trying to regain her footing she wonders how she could be so foolish as to let her mind wander into jealousy and it's like over something as simple as the spectacular show of the solarui. pink tinted cheeks look up however at the man now in front of her and she tries to smile. " yes, you might be right ⸻ perhaps we both escaped reality for just a small moment. " he had always been kind to her in passing and she respected those who could be humble even in the pressence of valanya's greatest shames. " was it that captivating to you, that you could not help but disappear into another world ? "
the guilt for such an oafish display dug deep, especially when luca stared down into those big, doe eyes. he had been raised a gentleman and forcing a lady to hold his weight in such a way was practically sinful. but there was comfort in knowing the other seemed to find the situation awkward as well, and luca couldn't help but to offer an apologetic smile when his balance had been found and hands were properly back at his sides. “i cannot help but to be pulled somewhere else when they do their display. not since i was a boy,” he began, eyes briefly casting back in admiration as he looked upon the group performing the blessings. but quickly enough, his eyes were back upon his acquaintance, another soft smile finding its way to show through unkempt facial hair that he hoped still hid some of his flush. “the divine are a blessing to us. the least i can do is show my appreciation.”
arwen could feel the cold and silent hell bubbling underneath the court's surface, born from the unwanted surprise that king stefan's recovery caused. they could see it in so many faces, even if only for a moment ━━ they saw it in vlad's expression, if only mirroring their own ( though the prince is far better at controlling what others are privy to ). arwen plays the part, pretends all goes unnoticed, even as the prince excuses himself. they can't blame him. as far as they are aware, there is only one to blame: the one that wears a crown that should have fallen from his grasp a long while ago. a bidding of time, arwen supposes.
attuned to each other of their presences, the young liege finds remus and urges him with them. it takes only a few exchanged words to know exactly where to find their third and so they head to the prince's bedchambers. thrice they knock and, without waiting for an answer that they believe might not ever come, arwen opens the door and feels remus soon following behind. the image before arwen is not one they are a stranger to but it does not mean they will ever get used to seeing vlad like so, with a drink in hand. and yet, there is no hesitation in joining him.
their pace is light, strides taken in such a calm way it might seem like they do not feel the tension in the air. ❝ i cannot say i blame her. ❞ but they could. death had one thing to do: take the king away from this plane of living. arwen's ocean eyes take vlad in as he pours the both of them a goblet of wine.
they cannot say they are surprised at the words that follow. taking them in, arwen joins the prince as they sit across from him and after they take the drink to their lips and down a few sips, they speak. ❝ the safest bet would be to have someone else do it and tie the loose ends. ❞ arwen looks to remus and then to vlad again. ❝ but your father has many lives, it seems. ❞
@ofbattleborn
the reveal of a too healthy king stefan left a bitter taste that not even the most expensive wine could cover. that same bitterness was too strong to not make its way to remus' face as the lord witnessed it all. whispers and speculations were brushed passed, with the bladyan seeking out only one thing: the other peas to his pod. it was easy enough to stumble across arwen, who seemingly had the same intentions as they made a swift beeline to the one place they knew they could find their third. his near empty glass in hand, remus sauntered into the familiar bedchambers behind arwen, brow quirked slightly at the sight of the prince in such a state. it was a rare sight to see him partaking in such things, but it was certainly fitting given the events of the night. with the door clicking securely shut behind him, remus gave a weak laugh. “a shame she did not take him off our hands." the grumble would come as no surprise. the bladyan's were not exactly known for their love of the crown, nor the family behind it. vlad was the only exception. dropping into a seat beside arwen, remus was quick to set his glass aside. surely vlad's personal stash would be better than that served at the celebrations. the drink was pleasant against his lips, mischief curling at the corners as he drank. “another is right,” he began, mind already beginning to swirl with all the different ways that the king could come to a last breath. there was a certain excitement in the thoughts, an underlying satisfaction in getting some sort of revenge for the wrongs done to his family all those years ago. “even better to make it look like your sister did it,” remus suggested casually as he sprawled out in his seat, body far more relaxed than mind. “kill two birds with one stone.” a bold statement, but a man could dream. @diiivinerot
Open starter with Coraline Bucur, who is roaming through Old Town near White's Club on the third night of the Harvest Celebration.
Even the most careful people are creatures of habit and Coraline is no exception. Part of her needed a rest from the more robust celebrations at and around bran keep while another fraction wanted to walk the pebbled roads back in old town where she was raised. She takes it upon herself to go on a undisclosed venture for information where the festivities would be less gaudy and the theatrics fabling the royal family unrestrained.
She stops at a puppet show as it comes to completion, lingering in the back where the shadows are monsters of their own and watches over the heads of children gathered around the puppeteer. It toes the line of crude mockery, poking fun at His Majesty and his family. Most of the jokes can be written off as being for the enjoyment of the young ones, but she knows better than to believe that. " Your thoughts ? " She poses the question to the adult nearest, offering no indication of appreciation or reprehension of the show herself. " That puppet of King Stefan is so true to his appearance that it looks preternatural. "
the festivities around the city had luca leaving home far more often than usual and he was thankful ( at first ) to see that even the area surrounding his keep in the old town was joining in the fun. alas, it did not take long for the onlooker to realize that the puppet show he had stumbled upon was not quite as joyous as he had hoped. while it was no secret there were issues with the royal family, they had always been good to his own. generations of his family had served as royal blacksmiths, and now he had been given the title. seeing the jabs and jokes made to those who had put him in his position left a bad taste in his mouth, and it showed in the way his brow furrowed and arms folded over his chest. a voice near him was a welcomed break from the show, though the question only had his frown deepening as he looked at the other beside him. “it is in poor taste. the children are too young to fully understand. that aspect is a blessing.” a pause followed, eyes flowing back to the now ended show. “i will pray they gather more class for the next show.”
open starter for : devika dragavei & open ( accepting 4 replies ) location : the blessing of the crops
something swirls uncomfortably within the dragavei at the vision of the solarui demonstrating their powers and how they give to the people of constanja. clenched fist watches and eyes fixated upon the control and demeanor they all hold wonder if she would ever be able to perform half as well as them. however, struck with jealousy the scholar decides to take her leave. however, as she is about to leave the field she bumps into another onlooker and eyes fall down quickly. " forgive me, my mind wandered so i did not watch where i stepped. "
there were few things outside of the forge that luca truly looked forward to--but this festival was always one of them. the blessing of the crops would forever be awe inspiring for the blacksmith, the demonstration of power captivating him year after year. it was that very fascination that brought him out of the forge that day to set his eyes upon the magnificence of it all. the concentration he held was only broken as he felt a weight against him, forcing his always uneasy balance to shift. he stumbled, instinct sending his arms out to grab hold of something to keep him upright. in this case, it was the poor soul who had bumped into him. his hands only momentarily held the other's arms, just long enough to regain his composure. and as soon as he steadied himself, hands dropped at his sides and a deep bow of apology was offered. “forgive me, my lady. i did not mean--” he paused as he straightened, flustered over the embarrassing display and the sudden grip he had forced on the other. “seems we were both out of reality for a moment,” he concluded, offering a weak smile.
the lantern release, day two, at the edge of the river roudina — open
There were not many things the oldest daughter of house verkon truly care for when it came to the capital, the lantern release tradition every year to come was perhaps one of the very few. there was something almost ethereal in the view, how the lanterns flickered and reflected all around the faithful and hopeful. the good wishes of the people all being sent to a higher divinity, or at least the hope that someone would listen to one or any of them. the crone maiden holds her own lantern by her fingertips, the orange light reflecting off her fair skin and silver hues. she smiles as she senses another close enough to her, she lets go of the lantern and watches it float away with contentment. "have you release your own in good faith to the gods?" she asks without taking her gaze from the floating light.
the first night of release was missed by remus, as he had been far too busy seeing the bottom of many pints of ale to make it out to the river. but tonight, the lord had sworn to himself that he would start his wild celebrations after he let a lantern loose. though it had been many years since the recently retired soldier of the divine army had done such a thing, there was a certain excitement for it all. perhaps a flashback to happier times of childhood and innocence. times before it all went to hell. his approach was quiet, eyes finding themselves drawn to a figure nearby his chosen spot along the river. familiarity washed over him, a smile immediately beginning to pull at the corners of his mouth. “not yet, lady sera--though it is my intention to do so this night,” he replied, opting for only slight formality with a soul he thought he knew well enough to do so. his eyes were quick to begin following the lantern his old unit mate had released moments before. “and it seems you have beaten me to it.”
It’s in her best interests to have us killed.
Merry Will Turner Wednesday
Leif Erikson in Viking
Vikings Valhalla (2022-), 1x02
