#taviloth

[queen-scribbles]

Taviloth and Ederity in the Kiss Picrew! Sadly couldn't get either Tekei or Heodi for various features, but!! I do have a bonus if she hadn't been a coward Tavi/Everin!

[queen-scribbles]

For the kiss prompts, #47 "A kiss paired with a tight hug, knocking the breath out of the person being hugged." for Tavi and Aloth?

(guess what got long enough to count as full fic, surprising precisely no one? :D)

A Healthy Respect

---

Tavi was not afraid of heights.

The only things she was afraid of were losing the people she loved, the ocean, and maybe full-grown dragons. And those last two were more healthy respect than fear. She was not afraid of heights.

That didn’t mean they were her favorite thing in the world, or that she didn’t treat them with a similarly healthy respect.

Unfortunately, no amount of healthy respect would have helped catch the loose rock before it gave under her weight and tipped her off the narrow, winding path. Edér cursed, Aloth and Xoti’s conversation broke with mingled exclamations of dismay, and a vine brushed her fingertips as Tekēhu demonstrated stunningly quick reflexes. Still, unfortunately, just a hair slow.

She went skidding down the side of the mountain they’d spent the last two hours trekking up with a yelped curse and her heartbeat thundering in her ears.  Fuckfuckfuck. It felt like an eternity before her feet slammed into something that jutted far enough to support her and she instinctively grabbed at the rock wall to keep her momentum from swinging her out. It worked, albeit abruptly enough to wrench her arms and send pain jolting from her fingertips. Fucking owwww.

“Tavi?!” a very worried voice called down as she hugged the mountainside and caught her breath.

“And here I thought today would be boring!” she hollered back, tipping her head to look up.

“When are they ever that for you?” She could almost hear the eyeroll in Aloth’s voice as he leaned over the edge of the path ten or fifteen feet above her. “Are you alright?”

“Fuckin’ peachy,” Tavi called up. Now that her heart was slowing and she’d had a second to take stock, there was nothing serious. Much better than that fucking crevasse in the White March. “Just scrapes. And bruised pride.”

The boulder under her feet shifted.

Tavi cursed and hugged the mountain even more fervently. She didn’t need to be afraid of heights for that tremor to be terrifying. Not like digging her fingernails into sandstone would do fuck-all if it fell out from under her. “Heyyyy, city slicker, we might have a bit of a, uh, time limit.”

“Why?!”

“I dunno how sturdy a perch this is, and I’d rather not go fucking plummeting the rest of the way down if the answer turns out to be ‘not very’.”

She couldn’t be sure, thanks to the distance, but she’d almost swear she heard Aloth curse. “We’ll see what we can do...” His attention drifted to something behind him; probably one of the others on the path going by the indistinct mumble of tense conversation that reached her. She knew their only rope and grappling hook was half a mile behind them, serving as a semi-permanent method to cross a rotted-out bridge, so she wondered what they’d concocted.

She felt another tremor and couldn’t swear if it the rock actually moved or she just imagined it.

Even as she opened her mouth to request that they hurry the fuck up, Aloth disappeared from view and was replaced by Tekēhu . “My spell-vines are not usually meant to reach that far and remain sturdy, Watcher, but we shall see what we can do,” he called down.

Tavi nodded and kept her gaze glued to his hand motions, the incantation too quiet to hear at this distance, heart in her throat as the rock shelf definitely tilted beneath her. A large cluster of vines burst from the path’s edge, tendrils twining together for added durability as they snaked down toward her. Tavi grabbed the first one to come in reach and it wrapped itself around her wrist in response. She caught another and used the leverage to start an awkward scrabble up the cliff face that was equal parts free-climbing and hauling herself up by the vines.

Her temporary refuge rocked under the impetus of her pushing off, making her very glad she didn’t have to stay there. Gods only knew how much longer it would have lasted.

She picked up a few more scrapes, banged her knee, and refused to even let herself think about down during her adrenaline fueled climb back to her friends. Edér and Tekēhu each reached down a hand to help haul her the last couple feet, which Tavi accepted with alacrity. The summoned vines fell away as the spell faded, and Edér and Tekēhu only let go once they were sure she had her footing on the path.

She almost lost it again, immediately, when Aloth blindsided her with a hug tight enough to bruise ribs, or at least knock the breath from her lungs

Tavi instinctively wrapped her arms around him, fingers digging into his shoulders for balance. “Aloth, I’m f-”

He cut her off with a kiss, a desperately fierce thing that stole what air his hug hadn’t, and his arms trembled as he held her tight.

Tavi hugged him harder in response, let him kiss her, and moved one hand to stroke over his hair and cup the back of his head. “I’m fine, city slicker,” she finally pulled away enough to murmur, “’sides from not bein’ able to fuckin’ breathe, at least.”

Aloth gave a sheepish cough and loosened his grip, hands lingering just above her hips. “You’re going to be the death of me, Tavi.”

“This one wasn’t even my fault,” she pointed out, pressing her forehead to his, her fingers absently playing with his hair.

He chuckled and leaned into the contact. “I know. But even when not your doing, you seem to land in these situations with alarming frequency. Are you certain you’re alright?”

“As rain,” Tavi promised, stepping back so he could note the absence of gaping wounds or huge bloodstains. “Just scrapes, broken nails, few bruises in embarrassing places.” She paired the last one with a wink and it didn’t even faze him, which made her smirk.

“Well, then.” Aloth cleared his throat and brushed a quick kiss to her cheek before stepping further back, “shall we be moving on?”

She hadn’t forgotten, exactly, that they were both not alone and in the middle of a windy mountain path, but those facts had faded to the background. Not that she cared about locale, or even a fucking audience.

“Yeah.” Tavi pulled him back in for a real kiss. “We prob’ly should.” She thanked Edér and Tekēhu for the save, checked to make sure Xoti was ready to move on, grinned when Aloth wordlessly fell in step next to her. Hands intertwined, with him between her and the edge. Tavi squeezed his hand in silent thanks and let him do it.

She might not be afraid of heights, but she’d rather not do that again.

[queen-scribbles]

here we go @haledamage, like I said; a lot wanted to chip in 😂

24. In their own words, how would your character describe what their lover is like?

Vesper already waxed a little eloquent about Kurt on the other questions, so I’ll let her momentum start this off. “Kurt is home. He’s solid and steady as a mountain, strong in more ways than one, loyal... I know I can always count on him to have my back and I’m ready to do the same for him, without hesitation. I admire so much that he’s remained kind(even if he’d claim otherwise, he is one of the kindest people I know) when his life hasn’t been. He’s badass and gruff and doesn’t hesitate in dealing with threats, but when he cares for people he cares so much. He’s strength and gentleness twined together and I don’t know what I would do without him.” (there’s a long list of reasons she wants to marry him, damn what her uncle might say. She will throw down for her man) 

Matthias “I would call Aphra.... the best puzzle I ever tried to solve. (”tried” because she still surprises me sometimes) She’s analytical, principled, insatiably curious, which is my favorite, and amazingly tender. It makes my heart dance whenever she calls me ‘beloved’ and one of my favorite things to do is just sit holding hands while we do other things; read, sketch, write up notes. Any activity is good, as long as we can do it together.”

---

Tel: “Elara’s my better half(and I mean that, dead serious, for once in my life). The best damn medic in the galaxy, in my completely unbiased opinion, one of the most admirable people I knows, genuine, determined, caring. Amazing. I can’t imagine the strength it too to leave everything she knew, and I love watching her use what she knows to deal with problems ”

Silver: “Corso’s the plot twist I never saw comin’ but now I can’t imagine my story without him. He wears his heart on his sleeve and is determined to do the right thing, even when it’s hard, even when he gets hurt. It’s nice havin’ someone who knows I can take care of myself but watches my back when I need it, and it’s pretty damn nice to get treated like a lady.”

Jaaide: “Theron is... calling him my lifeline to sanity feel a tad dramatic, but it’s the truth. He has a near-wholly different view on thing compared to me, and that difference is invaluable. He listens when I need to talk, understands more than most would some of the ghosts in my past. I appreciate his... creative problem solving, even if the recklessness that comes with it scares me to death far too often. He cares with his whole heart, much as he may try to pretend otherwise, and will risk anything to protect the people that matter. A trait I appreciate and wish he would rein in in equal measure.”

Endrali “Arcann is... oh, stars, he’s hard to describe. Completely different from who he was before, but aware he still bears the weight and consequences of his actions. And willing to bear them; I’ve never once seen him try to weasel out of responsibility for what’s he’s done. But he is changed, he’s quiet and sincere and earnest and... he’s very good with his hands; made me beautiful armor. It makes me wonder sometimes, who he would’ve been without Valkorion’s shadow looming over him his whole life. But I love him now, broken, bloody past and all, because what he’s doing? Atoning for the blood on his hands rather than running from it? Takes an enormous amount of strength.” 

Tragen “Jaesa is my best friend, a role she claimed long before either of us developed feelings for each other. She’s kind, and sincere, and doesn’t back down from a challenge, no matter how overwhelming it might seem. She’s not immune to doubt, but persists, regardless. The burden of her gift, her power, is staggering, but she bears it with a determination to use it well. And she can see clean to my heart even without it.”

Keme: “Aric’s honest, not afraid to speak his mind, tough as hell, uncompromising in his principles, loyal as they come, and a damn good shot with a sniper rifle(which is a hell of a turn-on, and you can tell him I said that). Getting him as my XO was one of the better things to happen in my life, and getting him as my husband is hands down the best.”

---

Tavi “Best way to describe Aloth is my counterbalance. He slows me down if I need it and I speed him up when he needs it. He keeps me from bein’ too rash, I keep him from bein’ a fucking doormat. And I dunno... I spent fuckin’ decades lookin’ over my shoulder, but I know I don’t need to with him watchin’ my back. It’s good to have someone you can trust, y’know? I love him so much it scares me sometimes, if I dwell on it.”

[queen-scribbles]

22. grabbing the other’s hand to pull them back from something, for whoever your heart desires

Going Taviloth and gonna double this up with a very, very, VERY old one from @rannadylin I still had sitting in my inbox \O/

------

Tavi had never been fond of jungles, but this one was doing its best to make her loathe them. That was what it felt like, at least, as her hair went curly from the humidity and yet another cloud of midges swirled around her head. 

“How come they ain’t fuckin’ botherin’ either of you?!” she growled at her companions as she batted away the flurry of insects.

“Must be drawn to your charming personality,” Aloth deadpanned, though he did shoot her a sympathetic smile.

Tavi glowered. “Anyone else’d end up neck deep in the next swamp we pass, city slicker.”

His brows arched briefly, understanding in his eyes. “Sorry.”

“It’s not you,” Tavi said, halfway between a sigh and another growl. She ran a hand through her hair and glanced around. “It’s this place. How the fuck do you live here, Khel?!” she demanded of their guide.

Her brother chuckled and raked reddish-blond hair out of his eyes(also curling, but not nearly as bad as hers). “First off, Tavi, by not living in the actual jungle,” he pointed out. “Second, it’s been almost forty years. You adjust. It’s not that bad.”

She shot him a skeptical look. “Really?”

“Too much for you, serre?” Khellin teased. “Here I remember you bein’ the adventurous one.”

Aloth coughed and she just knew it was to cover a laugh.

“Adventure is all well and good and I like that part,” Tavi retorted, smacking aside a tangle of vines. A pair of pygmy monkeys screeched at the disturbance and bolted deeper into the trees. “It’s mugginess an’ the fuckin’ bugs I wouldn’t wanna deal with all the time.”

“Good thing they’re only a problem in certain areas, huh? If this doesn’t pan out and we wind up somewhere else you might not hafta deal with them.” Khellin held aside some of the undergrowth. “The ruins we’re after are this way.”

Tavi wrinkled her nose at the track, even narrower and more overgrown than the one they’d been following. “...If you say so. How far?”

“Rate we’re traveling? Couple hours, but only the first part’ll be like this.” He gestured at the surrounding flora. “It does open up deeper into the valley.”

She growled and Aloth squeezed her hand sympathetically before stepping past to head down the path. If the move was intended to block the midges from her it didn’t work. The little pests still ignored both men to swarm her instead.

“So this is how you made a livin’ for decades?” she asked to distract herself.  “Who the fuck comes here by choice?”

“You’d be surprised,” Khellin said dryly. “Explorers. Adventurers, scholars, sometimes trophy hunters bored of their local game and looking for something exotic.” He ducked under a huge, arching tree root that bridged over their path.  “And like I said, not everywhere is like this. Some of the ravines and the flatlands aren’t muggy or full of bugs. They have angry monkeys or quicksand, or pesky little birds that peck your hands to steal food. This place just is chaos, Tavi. Every part of it has good and bad, you’re not escapin’ it.”

“I know, I know,” Tavi groaned, running her fingers through her hair. “Bein’ hot just makes me grumpy.”

“Oh, I remember,” Khellin said with no small amount of amusement. “S’why we’re goin’ the absolute fastest route instead of one that’s a little safer but twice as long.”

“Thank you,” Tavi said fervently.

“Also, it’s not that far to where the foliage starts thinning out, so you’ll get a break.”

“That’s what I like to hear. Let’s g-” She almost ran into Aloth, who had stopped dead.”Hylea’s tits, give a girl some warnin’, city slicker. What’s wrong?”

“Not... wrong,” Aloth said slowly. “Just....” He reached out to brush dirt away from a spot on the embankment next to the path. It revealed a cracked and weather-beaten plinth, the rest of whatever sculpture or structure it had supported long ago consumed by the jungle. The inscription was faded, worn away entirely in spots, but still familiar. “Tavi?”

“Engwithan,” she nodded, following what words remained. ‘To see...craft... or wilde...’

“We’re on the right track, then,” he murmured, more to himself than her.

“Good, I’d hate for this to have been for fuckin’ nothin’,” Tavi deadpanned, nudging his shoulder. “On that note....”

“Right.” Aloth turned from the plinth and resumed following Khellin. His gaze swept the terrain for any more signs of the Engwithans who had lived here once upon a time, brushing aside vines as he looked. And Khellin was a ways ahead, focused on picking out the pat of least resistance, so they both missed the flicker of movement from above.

Not Tavi. Even as the yellow ombre plant shifted, its petals splitting like jaws, she grabbed Aloth’s hand--”Watch out!”--and yanked him back toward her. Between her strength and his surprise, the force of it had him crashing into her and knocking them both on their asses.

But the needle-like spines edging the plant raked through the air instead of snapping around Aloth. That was more than worth having the wind knocked out of her.

“Tolja the plants’ll try to eat you, city slicker,” Tavi said breathlessly, smirking despite the way her heart pounded and Aloth’s elbow was digging into her ribs.

“I stand corrected,” Aloth muttered, still staring at the plant as he shifted to at least partly untangle them.

“First one I’ve seen this far east,” Khellin commented, frowning. He flicked one of the vines, and when the plant swung down again, he grabbed the stalk and sliced off the blossom and bud with his hunting knife. “They’re common in the valleys and swamps southwest. Do not want them movin’ this way, there’s enough to watch out for without addin’ another hazard.” He arched a brow at the two of them. “You alright?”

Aloth nodded, shooting Tavi a grateful smile. “Thanks to her, yes.”

“Just glad I was keepin’ an eye out,” Tavi mumbled, staring at the spines rimming the plant that now lay on the path. They were almost as long as her forearm, one edge rough and crowned with a barb. Really fucking glad.

“So you could save my skin for the umpteenth time?” he said dryly.

“Good thing we don’t keep count,” she said with a wink. “‘Sides, I’m pretty fuckin’ sure you saved my hide at least as often as I’ve saved yours.”

The two of them finished untangling themselves and stood, brushing dirt off their clothes and Khellin cut down all of the rogue man-eating (elf-eating) plant. Tavi leaned over to pull a small stick from Aloth’s hair and he flicked a spider off her shoulder as she pulled back.

“When you’re ready...?” Khellin waited until they both nodded. “Like I said; jungle starts to thin out not far ahead. We can take a proper rest before pressin’ on for the ruins.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Tavi said. “I like the idea of a break where I can see the fuckin’ sky.” She reached for Aloth’s hand as they resumed course down the narrow path and held it tight.

Just in case.

[queen-scribbles]

2, 4, 6, 8 & 10 from the fluffy asks for Tavi and/or Charity?

2. Who sits on their partner’s lap as they wrap their arms around their partners neck?

Charity usually winds up in Edér’s lap, and neither Tavi nor Aloth are big lap-sitters, so they actually don’t usually do that either way.They’re usually next to each other.

4. Who initiates the forehead touch™?

For Charity and Edér it’’s honestly 50/50. Both of them love to do it, so it’s a pretty even split. For Tavi and Aloth.... I feel like he usually initiates? It’s a simple, quiet(wordless) gesture of affection and that’s right up his alley.

6. Who wraps their arms around their partner who is cooking?

Charity’s definitely wrapping her arms around Edér. She does it all the time. Usually tickles him just a little bit when she does it, too. Aloth doesn’t cook much, and tbh Tavi’s reflexes still make hugging her from behind Not A Good Idea

8. Who cuddles up to the other on the couch?

Charity is usually the one doing the cuddling up, just because by the time Edér sits on the couch, he’s worn out enough from the day he doesn’t feel like moving. xD So she goes to him. He’s perfectly willing to do the cuddling, though, on days he hasn’t been run ragged. Tavi’s more often the one who will cuddle up to Aloth with the intention of cuddling; he’ll move toward her if they’re both sitting on the same couch just out of familiarity and feeling more comfortable when he’s close to her. 

10. Who picks up the other fireman style in a playful way?

Hahahahah. Edér and Tavi for their respective relationship. Charity loves it. Aloth is Not Amused. (there’s still a grudgingly fond smile bc for some reason he loves this woman, so if she insists on slinging him over her shoulder he can play along. For a minute. Or two.)

Fluffy OTP Questions

[queen-scribbles]

2 and 5 for Cam and Liam? And also bc I'm predictable, 9 for Tavi and Aloth?

Cam/Liam

2. Who sits on their partner’s lap as they wrap their arms around their partners neck? 

Cam’s sitting in Liam’s lap, arms around his neck and her head probably nestled against his shoulder for good measure, especially if she’s tired. Being tired makes her very cuddly. He doesn’t mind.

5. Where do they first say “I love you”?

The Tempest. Sitting on Liam’s couch. It’s one of those “doing things, but together” moments; he’s tinkering with his omniblades, she’s working on specs for a turret upgrade or something and it hits them how comfortable they are just being together and Cam sorta leans her head back against his shoulder. “Hey, Kosta?”

“Mm?”

“I love you.”

He grins and kisses her temple. “Love you, too, Ryder.” And they go back to what they were doing, both trying--and failing miserably--to hide ridiculously huge giddy grins. About five minutes later they’re making out on the ratty old couch.

Tavi/Aloth

9 How do they hold each other when their partner asks to be held?

Aloth tends to start with a hand on Tavi’s shoulder that slowly slides around to be an arm around her shoulders, and sees how she reacts to that before doing anything more. Sometimes she just needs contact with another kith, sometimes she needs a full, really tight, hug.

Tavi goes right for hugs. It’s her default, and she knows Aloth is comfortable enough with her he’ll tell her if she needs to ease up. So she just starts with a hug. Front hug if it’s to comfort, usually a back hug if it’s for more couple-y snuggling purposes. :3

Fluffy OTP Questions

[queen-scribbles]

A Good Idea

“I do” Kiss prompt for @rannadylin turned into a full oneshot. :D

---

Aloth was lost in thought. Again.

“Must be a real puzzler,” Tavi commented as she plunked down next to him and handed over a bowl of the stew she’d just made. “Careful, it’s still fuckin’ hot.”

He nodded gratitude for the warning as he took the bowl. “What is?”

“Whatever you’re thinkin’ about that’s had you even quieter’n usual for three fuckin’ days,” she replied with a teasing nudge.

“I wouldn’t have thought it was that obvious,” he deadpanned, poking at the stew as steam rose from the bowl.

“I just know you too well, city slicker.” She kissed his cheek. “And you’ve been starin’ at the same page since I started dinner.”

That side of Aloth’s mouth tipped up in a smile as he set aside the book. “It’s nothing to worry about. Just... a small internal debate.”

Tavi raised a brow, well-aware how not-small his internal debates tended to be.  “You sure?”

He nodded. “I’m sure.” They lapsed into silence, both blowing on their dinner to hasten its cooling. It was only a few moments before Aloth cleared his throat.  “...Tavi?”

Knew it. “Mm-hm,” she mumbled around a (technically too-hot) mouthful of stew.

He twisted one of his rings, working it up and down his finger, and bit his lip. “I just.... We’ve been doing this for a while now.”

“Huntin’ down Key influence? Yeah, we have.” How long had they been at this? If she was honest, she’d stopped keeping track after five years. It didn’t really matter. “What’re you gettin’ at?”

“I...” Aloth sighed, let go of the ring to instead pick at a scar on the back of his finger. “...realized I haven’t thanked you recently for staying with me so long, especially given this task’s distinct lack of the excitement you so enjoy.”

Tavi snorted a laugh. “I’m also stubborn as fuck, city slicker. No way I’m leavin’ somethin’ halfway done if I get a blazin’ say in the matter.” She shot him a grin.  “And I like your company.”

His cheeks tinged ever so faintly pink. He was used to her casual, playful flirting, but it was fun that she could still get reactions like that. “As do I.” Another hesitated beat. “Tavi...”

“Food’s gonna get cold, Corfiser,” she reminded him playfully, before catching something in his eye that made her sober. “What?”

That something flickered, but after a moment’s pause, Aloth simply shook his head. “It will keep,” he said, and took a bite of stew.

“Oh, come on, Aloth, don’t fuckin’ do that!” Tavi protested, internally debating the merits of shoving him off the log. “You know curiosity’ll drive me crazy!”

He smiled, leaned over, and kissed her on the cheek. “It will keep,” he repeated.

Tavi growled, and while she didn’t push him off the log, she did peel away a chunk of bark and throw it at him before they turned their full attention to their meal.

                                                 ---

The morning did not go at all as planned. The contact they’d meant to meet never showed, checking revealed he’d turned up dead the night before, and doing their own investigating had gotten them here.

Running up the stairs fast as they could go, several suspected Leaden Key operatives in dogged pursuit.

“So much for them being subtle,” Tavi grumbled between heavy breaths.

“We could blow their cover,” Aloth pointed out, breathing just as hard. “In that circumstances, it’s more about speed dealing with the problem than remaining subtle.”

“Oh-” There was a loud crackle behind them and Tavi yelped as a lightning bolt skimmed the back of her shoulder and made her stumble on its way up the staircase.

Aloth grabbed her arm to yank her up. “We need to find a room,” he grit out as they reached a landing. There were no options here, but the next one up had at least two doors visible. He jerked his chin up toward them. “See if one’s unlocked,” he panted, reaching for his grimoire.

“And what the fuck are you gonna be doin’?”  Tavi demanded between clenched teeth. Her shoulder hurt like the blazes, and no way was she letting him make the sacrifice play here--

“Slowing them down.” He pushed her toward the steps. “I’ll be right behind you, go!”

With a final growl of frustration she she complied, scrambling up to check the doors. She recognized the spell he was chanting and smirked despite the pain. Some of those copperfuckers were about to have an even shittier day than the two of them. The crackle of a rolling fire filled her ears--along with dismayed yells--as she checked the doors.

Both were locked, but one had a rattle to it, so Tavi backed up far as she could and threw herself into that one. The lock snapped with barely any resistance and she stumbled into the--thankfully empty--room. Aloth was, as promised, not far behind her, and they slammed the door closed.

“How much time didja buy us, city slicker?” she asked, bracing her uninjured shoulder against the door while he looked for something to block it closed.

“A minute or so,” he said with grim satisfaction. That was a veritable eternity in a situation like this, and somehow still just the blink of an eye. “They’ll have to wait for the flames to die down at least. However many of them are still alive. Ah.” He untangled a chair out of the corner and dragged it over to brace under the doorknob.

Tavi stepped away and winced when she looked out the window. “Still don’t like our odds, Corfiser.” They were a long way up. And on this side, at least, it was a sheer drop all the way to the ground. She looked around the room, but didn’t see anything that could help, and with minimal options for cover in such close quarters, this would likely go very poorly when they got in. “Y’know, when I figured on doin’ this with you the rest of my life, I wasn’t thinkin’ it would be this fuckin’ short,” she groused, dragging one hand through her hair.

Aloth’s lips curved into a wry smile and he huffed a soft laugh.

Tavi narrowed her eyes as she tested the mobility of a sheet-draped desk.  “What? Help me with this.”

It wasn’t until they’d dragged the desk to barricade the door that he answered.  “You remember our conversation last night.”

“Yeah. The one you said would keep.”

“Yes. I’d been thinking along those same lines; that this might take the remainder of our lifetime, and...” He hesitated.

“Corfiser, we’re kinda pressed for time here,” Tavi nudged as she started toward the other window. 

“And I was thinking I wouldn’t mind that so terribly if we were doing it together, and I...”

She stopped in her tracks and spun to look at him as his silence made the pieces click. “City slicker. Were you gonna propose?!”

He nodded, jaw tense, and twisted one of his rings.”At some point.”

With supreme effort, she swallowed the laugh bubbling up her throat because she knew he’d take it the wrong way, and resumed course toward the window.  “You know you don’t have to do that to keep me around, right? You’re already stuck with me.”

“And quite happy that way,” Aloth said, leaning his weight against their makeshift barricade as the footsteps outside reached the door and fists or bodies pounded against the wood. “I just thought-” The door  shuddered enough to make the desk rock forward and he cut himself off as he spun to push back in earnest. “I feel our roles in this situation should be switched...”

“Gotta roll with what life gives ya,” Tavi muttered distractedly as she looked out the other window. Still not great, but steep as the angle was, there were a pair of roofs over here they could--in theory--slide down. “Speakin’ of, think I found our way out.”

Whatever he started to say was cut off by the ungodly screech of the desk’s legs skidding against floor tiles.

“Come on!” She shoved the window the rest of the way open, eyeing the way the roofs joined. This was going to be fucking tricky, not to mention dangerous, but they were out of other options. 

Aloth pushed the desk back, started toward her, then stopped and spun back, grimoire in hand.

“Aloth-!” Her impatient (panicked) urging died in her throat as he hastily cast his spell and a shimmering wall of brilliantly-colored energy filled the space between them and the door. “Alright, good idea, come on!!”. She grabbed him by the back of his shirt and dragged him toward the window with her as a splintering sound came from the door.

He didn’t hesitate, but Tavi saw the trepidation flicker in his eyes mid-clambering out the window. “Tavi, this is insane!”

Insane’s all we fuckin’ got, she thought as she dropped the foot and a half to the roof and immediately started to slide. She picked up speed much faster than she’d anticipated, despite digging in her heels. ShitshitSHIT She let up with one heel and dug the other in harder to partially turn as she reached the juncture with the neighboring roof, hit it with shoulder and hip rather than risk getting spun around. The impact still hurt--especially her already-injured shoulder--but it kept her feet first as she changed direction and skidded toward the blessedly low eaves.

Tavi just managed to snag the edge and check her momentum before she dropped the remaining distance to the ground. Despite her efforts, she still tumbled upon impact, air escaping, her lungs in a rush. Hylea’s blazing feathered--

Aloth landed on top of her.

By some miracle they avoided knocking heads, but his elbow did jam hard into her ribs and she heard him grunt as his breath was knocked out like hers.

A few seconds later came the sharp gasp and mumbled string of still-breathless apology as it registered where he’d landed and he rolled off. “Are you alright?!” he demanded.

Tavi groaned as she pushed up on hands and knees. “I will be, if we have a gods-damned minute to catch our breath...”

Aloth nodded, sitting back to lean against the wall, still breathing hard. “I pulled the window closed behind me; unless one of them survived the spell and managed to look out to witness our, ah, rapid descent, it’s likely they’ve no idea where we went.” His brow furrowed when she hissed as she sat back on her heels. “Sorry.”

She shook her head. “I’d rather this over you kissin’ the ground hard as I fuckin’ did. Think that woulda done more damage to you than you did to me,” she panted as she crawled over to join him. Her ribs ached. He didn’t need to know that part.

For a long minute they sat there in silence, backs pressed to the stone wall, knees drawn up to keep out of sight from above, as they tried to catch their breath.

“So,” Tavi finally began. “You still plannin’... plannin’ to ask your question, city slicker?”

Aloth rolled his head against the stone to look over at her, brows raised. “I’ll... think about it,” he said after a long pause. 

Tavi scoffed a small laugh--Trust him to over-analyze something, even now--and shifted close enough she could bump her shoulder to his. “If or when you do, y’know, ask, I’ll say yes.”

His expression shifted to an elated yet curious grin. “What happened to me being stuck with you regardless?”

She shrugged, grinned back. “I know that, and you know that, but I kinda like the idea of showin’ everyone else we mean business on this commitment thing.”

Aloth chuckled and laced his fingers between hers. “Well, then, maybe we should.”

She raised a brow. “Didn’t hafta think about that long,” she teased.

“I’ve been thinking about it for years,” he corrected softly. “Just never seemed the right time.”

“And this does?!” Tavi laughed.

“Maybe I’m just tired of waiting,” Aloth murmured. He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. “Marry me?”

She grinned and pushed off the wall to kiss him properly. “Abso-fucking-lutely. But nothin’ fancy. An’ I’m not wearing a dress.”

“Oh, perish the thought,” Aloth chuckled, and kissed her again. “Just a visit to the local chancellor’s office?” Both of them hissed as a variety of tender spots made themselves known with the passion of the kiss. “Perhaps after a visit to the nearest healer?” he mumbled, gingerly brushing his fingertips against her scorched shoulder.

“Good idea,” Tavi agreed, but stole one last kiss before she pushed to her feet. Aloth’s leg gave out when he went to follow suit.

“I... banged my knee on the turn,” he explained, wincing. “Must’ve been harder than I realized.”

“Need a piggyback ride?” Tavi snarked, and he shot her a distinctly unamused look.

“That won’t be necessary,” he said. “I’m sure it will be fine once I get to my feet.”:

Here.” Tavi held out a hand, and when he took it, hauled him up and draped his arm around her shoulders. “I need you in good shape later,” she winked, cutting off his protest. “Not takin’ any chances.”

He barely blushed, which made her grin, but didn’t attempt to protest further. With how heavily he was leaning on her when they started walking, she was pretty sure she knew why. 

But battered as they were, they were still walking away alive(and engaged, however the fuck that had happened), so it counted as a win in her book.

                                               ---

Tavi felt the looks they drew as they entered the city chancellor’s offices a few hours later, her with bandages visible under the collar of her shirt, Aloth still limping thanks to how badly he’d bruised his knee. She didn’t care.

She didn’t care about the looks, she didn’t care about the clerk’s disparaging snort at the brevity of their engagement period(”We’ve been in love for years, postenago. Don’t need a long engagement when you have that.”).  All she cared about was Aloth’s arm linked through hers, and the look in his eyes that said he was just as giddy about this as she was.

Apparently the chancellor didn’t care, either; upon hearing they were there to get married, he simply nodded and pulled out the appropriate certificate. “It needs to be completed and signed in my presence to count as a legally witness and binding agreement,”: he explained as he set the parchment in front of them.

“Well, Corfiser, last chance,” she teased, heart pounding. “D’you really wanna go through w-”

Aloth cupped one hand around the back of her neck and pulled her into a kiss. “I do,” he said with a smirk that made plain he knew exactly what she was doing. “I absolutely do.”

“Just checking,” Tavi grinned giddily, resting her forehead against his. “I walked right in to that, didn’t I?”

“Yes, yes you did.” He leaned in to press a lighter, almost chaste kiss to her lips. “As if you did it on purpose. Let’s get on with it, shall we?”

“City slicker, that’s your best idea yet.”

It only took a moment to fill out the certificate--complete with internal smirk at the contrast between his elegant script and her careless scrawl--thus making things official.

“So,” Aloth said, taking her hands in his as the chancellor turned to file the certificate, “despite its rough start, and our lack of progress on our true goal, I consider today a success, don’t you?”

And Tavi grinned so wide it hurt her face, tugged her husband forward into a hungry kiss by their joined hands, then slipped hers free to instead tangle in his hair. “I do,” she mumbled against his mouth. “I absolutely do.”

[queen-scribbles]

for taviloth: meriggiare - to rest at noon, more likely in a shady spot outdoors

“Why’s it gotta be so fuckin’ hot?” Tavi whined, raking hair back from her face as she glowered skyward.

“Because that’s what happens in the summer?” Aloth offered drolly. “It’s not as bad as Aedyr, at least?”

She snorted. “True. But it’s still hotter’n the White Forge an’ I don’t like it.”

“I can tell,” he said dryly. “I thought you liked summer.”

“Only when it’s not tryin’ to turn me into a puddle,” Tavi grumbled, wiping sweat off her forehead with the back of one arm. Her stomach rumbled and she sent a more inquisitive look up at the sun. It had to be getting on toward noon; they’d made plenty of progress and deserved a break. “Let’s find somewhere to stop for a bit.”

Aloth nodded at the suggestion. “Not a bad idea. I’m sure the others will appreciate it.”

He was right. The rest of their group brightened noticeably at the prospect of taking a break–with the exception of Zahua, who seemed perfectly content to be sweaty and miserable. But that wasn’t really surprising, considering he’d been napping in a barrel of fish guts when they met.

Tavi and Hiravias scouted ahead to find a good spot and got extremely lucky–not far off the road was a clump of large trees, still shady even with the sun at its height, and a maybe two foot deep stream gurgling happily not even a stone’s throw away.

“Perfect,” Tavi grinned, already loosening her weapons belt. “You go get ev’ryone else, I’m gonna double-check it’s safe.”

Hiravias looked from her to the stream and let out a knowing chuckle. “Sure thing, Watcher. You check it out an’ we’ll be right back.”

Since he was on to her, Tavi didn’t bother to wait before shucking her chainmail shirt or tugging off her boots and socks. Leaving her gear in an unceremonious heap to mark their spot, she waded into the stream. The water was shockingly, refreshingly cold and sent a shiver of delight up her spine. It felt so good.

Tavi bit her lip, looked in the direction of the trees, and then down at the water. “Fuck it,” she whispered almost gleefully, and sat down in the middle of the stream. The water came practically to her chin, and without hesitation, Tavi ducked her head under the surface.

It felt amazing, and the only reason she sat back up was running out of air. But Hiravias and the others would be there any second and she couldn’t very well eat lunch sitting neck deep in a fuckin’ stream, so Tavi reluctantly straightened and waded back out of the water.

Just as her feet hit the bank, there was the rustling of leaves and murmur of voices, and the rest of the group walked into view. Kana and Sagani grinned when they caught sight of her, and Aloth arched a brow.

“You’re drenched,” he commented.

“Yep.” Tavi grinned and dragged her fingers through her hair, which sent a fresh rush of water sluicing down her shoulders and back. “Also, not fuckin’ dyin’ of heat,” she pointed out glibly as she walked toward them. “It’s much more comfortable.” Aloth’s eyes narrowed in suspicion at the innocence in her tone, but he didn’t react fast enough. “You should try it,” she finished as she got in range to catch his arm and drag him into a hug.

“Tav-” Aloth’s protest died in an exasperated sigh. “You realize this could rust now,” he said dryly when she let go, plucking at the sun  design on his own chain shirt.

“Eh, dry it best you can with a rag, then lay it out to finish the job while we eat,” Tavi retorted with a shrug. “We’re gonna be here at least an hour, it’ll be fine.” She leaned in to kiss him on the cheek. “I am sorry for not warning you, but that was fun.”

Aloth just shook his head with a fond smile. “We should eat,” he said. “Before hunger makes you do anything truly crazy.”

“Careful, city slicker,” she chuckled. “Too many smart ass remarks and I’ll drag you in with me.”

“And ruin my grimoire?” he shot back, deadpan.

“Mm, good point,” Tavi laughed as she plunked down under a tree and took the food Sagani passed her. “I’ll hafta think of somethin’ else.”

“Well, you have plenty of time,” Aloth said with a small laugh. “Since we’re going to be here for a while.” He sat next to her and accepted his own share of food with a grateful nod. “I’m sure you’ll come up with something good.”

“Oh, count on it,” Tavi retorted, grinning. For now, though… She leaned her head back against the tree as she ate and closed her eyes. She could still feel the day’s heat, but between her damp clothes and the shade it wasn’t so bad. She was almost comfortable, especially with him sitting so close their shoulders were practically touching. For now, she was going to relax, not think about the travel remaining ahead of them, and mentally bet which of her friends would be the next one in the steam.

Aloth’s shoulder bumped hers as he pulled off his armor to dry and Tavi smiled to herself.  There were worse ways to spend a fuckin’ hot afternoon.