Summary: Merlin kisses Arthur under the mistletoe at a Christmas party, and Arthur finds himself hoping it means something more than it probably does because what else does one do when they're pathetically in love with their best friend?
Or in which two idiots in love dance around their feelings and keep 'accidentally' ending up under mistletoe.
Story Summary: After fire claimed the lives of your family, the monastery of your Uncle Carden becomes your new home. As the niece of a priest you are expected to behave prim and proper, but not even the watchful eyes of the Weeping Monk can see all. An ancient magic returns to life when love and duty begin to blur.
Chapter Title: The One Who Cries
Notes: Wow, proofreading this first chapter makes me realise how far these characters have come. I hope someone likes it.
Warnings: There's a list of warnings for this story: Murder. Violence. Death. Angst. Sexism. Strong Language. Trauma. Childhood trauma. Survivor's guilt. Mentions of child maltreatment. Threat of Sexual assault. PTSD. Misogyny, Self-flagellation. Gore.
Other warnings: Jealousy. Forbidden Love. Romance. Pining. Smut. Little Slow-burn.
Word count of this fic: +110K
Chapter: 1 / lol Gonna keep the chapter count a secret until the end.
During your childhood, you never thought you would see the color red so much, that was until you visited your Uncle with your father.
It was so dull and boring that you pleaded with your father more than once to go home.
Of course your Uncle Carden tried to find ways to distract you, but the man had no real clue what was needed to keep a child from getting bored and annoyed.
So that ended in both of them allowing you to walk around the place a bit, there were enough people around to come to your aid should something happen.
Walking between the build up tents was no less dull and on top of that people were staring at you. In retrospect, seeing a child wandering around the paladin camp must have been an odd sight.
Everyone was dressed in red robes, everyone apart from the boy who was practicing with the sword for the entire duration of your visit.
Now, that did look like a pleasant way to spend your visit there.
Upon approaching the boy, you halted when seeing the strange tear-like birthmarks under his eyes, they made him look like he was weeping.
Still, you collected your courage and called out to him “Hello!”
The voice of another child broke him out of his concentration.
He looked just as strangely at you as you looked at him.
You mustered up a toothy smile and got even closer “Can I play too?”
Play?
When no answer came, you asked less confident but no less eager “Can I play with you?”
The boy with the weeping eyes remained very quiet.
As a last effort, you stopped only a few steps away from him and held out your hand for him to shake “I’m y/n. And you?”
At this distance you took note of how his eyes were so blue that they matched the sky above your head, and they were fixed on the hand you were offering.
Why was he so quiet?
He wondered why you were smiling at him…
An elder paladin saw it happen and barked rudely “Boy! Did we tell you to stop?”
The boy’s attention went to the elder and he shook his head.
The elder pointed to the sack of straw bound to a pole that was planted into the ground “Then continue! Or you’ll be starving until the next evening! "
That was shocking to hear and you grew angry “Why are you so mean to him?!”
The red cloaked elder barked at you too “Who are you, girl?! And why are you here? Go on, get out of here!”
The boy was slow to return to the straw sack he had been practicing on and those weeping eyes stayed on you, like you were something foreign to him.
That paladin wasn’t going to scare you away “I’m y/n! And you are scum!”
It halted everyone that was around to hear it.
The paladin stalked closer and tried to grab you “What did you just call me, you little-”
Uncle’s voice thundered in the air “Brother Cedric!”
Brother Cedric stepped away from you immediately and your father was at your side now too.
The paladin tried to get out of trouble “Forgive me, Father. But this child-”
Uncle Carden interrupted him “Is my niece.”
Brother Cedric stammered an apology to your uncle and your father, then was send away.
Your question surprised both “Uncle, who is that boy?”
He believed that Father would call for him, that he would be introduced to you, he had hoped he would be.
Uncle Carden placed both hands on your shoulders “He is our Weeping Monk.”
With persisting hope, the request was made again “Can I play with him?”
He laughed a little and explained “He does not play, my girl. He must practice the sword.”
Why did this boy not play?
Like any child, you questioned it “But-”
Your father chimed in, knowing how persistent his daughter could be “Come now, sweetheart. I’m certain Uncle has many things to do. We will return home now.”
With a very deep sigh you followed your father and Uncle.
Even though he had not said a word to you, the boy had intrigued you.
And by the way he kept looking as you walked away at your father’s side, you might have intrigued him too.
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~ Years later ~
The last time you rode in a carriage, your mother had sat opposite of you and read a book of poems. During the ride she had recited her favorite ones to you and your father.
She loved the ones that spoke of romance and yearning, and you ignored the looks that were shared between your parents during her recitals.
It was one of the many fond memories you would cherish to overcome the terrible tragedy that had costed them their life.
You had not been home that day, your mother was making the family’s favorite soup. The fire had spread too fast according to witnesses…
By the time you returned from the market with more of the needed vegetables, the house was in ruins.
Your family was gone, your home was gone…
Word was send of it by concerned citizens to your Uncle.
Now you were heading to the last family you had left, Uncle Carden, to all others known as Father Carden.
It had been years since you had seen him, your parents had distanced themselves from him when the Church began to truly rise in power.
Shelter was offered to you in a monastery, it was either that or sleeping outside on the ground with no means to survive.
The trip to the monastery was so long that you wished you still had a book to read but they had all been lost to the fire.
The carriage came to a halt outside of a large monastery, the outside walls had ivy growing all over it and the place was swarming with red paladins who had gathered to see the carriage arrive.
Were you such a novelty? Did this place not get that many visitors?
It made you all the more apprehensive to get out of the carriage and your uncle was nowhere to be seen yet.
One man, tall and dressed in grey, moved towards the carriage and the others made way for him.
The hood of his cloak hid his face, the door of the carriage was opened.
At first he made no effort to make eye-contact, he did not even look in your direction, just held the door open and waited for you to get out.
It was a cold welcome and the will to actually step out left you then and there. Did they not want you here after all?
The uninterested attitude did not stop you from questioning him “Excuse me, where is my uncle? I was told he would be here.”
It was as if he did not even realize you were aiming the question at him, slowly he turned his head to face you.
Those birthmarks…
It were those same weeping eyes you had seen years and years ago.
That boy back then…was him?
He had blinked rapidly and dropped his gaze to the ground again “Father awaits you inside, Lady y/n.”
You leaned forward, not afraid to stare at the man who had grown to be quite handsome “I remember you.”
By reflex he looked again, but quickly forced himself to stop looking.
Did you truly remember that day too?
He had believed you would have long forgotten.
No answer came, clearly he was still not very talkative, just like he had been that day.
After seeing a familiar face, you did start to move but that damned skirt of your dress was a nightmare to get out of the carriage with. It got stuck on a nail that stuck out of the wood in the doorway.
There was a long moment of struggle before the Monk interfered and offered a hand.
You got your skirt loose from the nail and placed a hand on his.
He was quite alert and watched as you got down from the small steps.
The minute your feet hit the ground, he withdrew his hands and clasped them together behind his back.
Awkwardly you stood next to him, not knowing where to actually go.
With a gesture of his hand, he requested for you to follow him.
The Monk tried to ignore the staring while walking with you into the monastery.
It only made you want to ask him questions “I saw you, years ago, when you were just a boy. You were practicing the sword and a paladin was mean to you. Do you remember? Do you remember me?”
Of course he did.
Conversation was limited in his life and now he was faced with a person who was seeking it out “Yes, Lady y/n.”
Without any shyness, you looked him up and down “I assume that that practice paid off. Are you in charge of the paladins now?”
He corrected it “Father leads us, I follow his command and they follow mine. Some of the elders only follow orders directly from Father or those higher of the Church.”
Your attention went to the swords at his side, his went to your face and noticed how intrigued you were with him again.
Just like all those years ago…
There were so many questions you wanted to ask him “What’s your name?”
No answer came.
The Monk held the door open for you and upon looking into the room you saw your uncle “Father. Lady y/n has arrived.”
With arms spread wide open, Uncle Carden greeted you like no time had passed.
When he embraced you it felt awkward after all these years.
With his hands on your arms, he spoke “Look at you, you have grown, my girl.”
You exchanged conversation to avoid an uncomfortable silence “Thank you for offering me shelter, Uncle. I did not know what to do after…” a pause “…the fire took everything from me.”
Uncle Carden offered consolation “Not everything, dear girl. You still have me.”
You nodded, then glanced back to where the Monk obediently stood in silence.
Uncle Carden beckoned for the Monk to come closer “Ah, yes. Our Weeping Monk will be in charge of your guaranteed safety. No threat will get past the Sword Of Light.”
The Monk’s attention snapped to Father.
This was the first he had heard of this…
He informed the Monk of what was expected “You will protect her, my son. The enemy will try to harm her when word spreads about her connection to me. Go now, show my niece her sleeping quarters.”
Was it your imagination or did the Monk look anything but motivated with his task? “Uncle, I really don’t need someone to watch over me-”
Your Uncle would not hear it “Nonsense, y/n. Your safety is of the utmost importance. Go with our Monk.”
And so you followed this Weeping Monk, who’s name was still a mystery to you, to the room you would be sleeping in.
The door was unlocked and the key given to you by him, all of it happened in silence.
Was it because he just did not like to talk, or because he did not like you?
You mentioned it when walking into your room with him standing at the door “You don’t talk much. Are you a quiet person or just not very keen on talking to me?”
That sure got his attention “I did not mean to offend. I was taught to speak when spoken to and to show respect by silence.”
The room was not as small as you had expected it to be, a bed was inside and some furniture.
A room just for you…
You were more open with people “You did not offend, it just worried me. Years ago, you did not speak to me either. I thought you just did not like me.”
It was difficult not to at least appreciate the one person who had stood up against the elder paladin for him back then.
The folded hands behind his back showed signs of nervousness “I was not allowed, Lady y/n. I am expected to serve the Church, nothing else.”
It made sense, he was a monk after all “I understand. Are you allowed if I give you permission to speak to me?”
Truth be told, he was not certain.
Was it proper?
He was a monk.
You were a woman and Father’s niece…
If he was truly tasked to protect you, it would be difficult to avoid starting a conversation at some point.
It took a while for him to answer “I believe so. Unless Father forbids it.”
Ah, finally it felt like there was an effort on his side to make conversation “Then you have my permission.”
He gave a respectful inclination of the head.
You got closer to him again “Will you please tell me your name? Everyone calls you the ‘Weeping Monk’ , but I believe that you have a real name too.”
The smile you had was the same from that day years ago.
Your eyes filled with excitement and anticipation.
It was rare for him to know a person who still reached out to others with such warmth.
The Monk finally answered the question you were so curious about “My name is Lancelot.”
For the second time in your life, you held out a hand for him to shake “It is nice to meet you again, Lancelot.”
Three seconds of thought passed before he tentatively reached out for your hand, knelt down and very briefly brushed his lips to your knuckles.
He rose to his feet again right after with another shallow inclination of his head.
Not what you had expected to happen.
It must have been a difference in customs and upbringing between you.
You giggled amused “I meant a handshake.”
The expression in his eyes changed so fast that you regretted telling him, as if he feared he’d made a grave mistake.
Quickly you tried to ease his mind “But, that was quite nice too.”
His voice wavered a bit “I shall let you rest after your journey. If there is anything you need, tell one of my red brothers, I shall learn of it.”
Before he could walk out completely, you called out his name and he turned again “There is something I could use…”
He acknowledged the request immediately “Speak your wish, Lady y/n.”
And you told him the wish “Could I have a book to read?”
He gave a nod “Of course. I shall see to it that you are brought books.”
As he walked out, you loudly exclaimed “Thank you! "
That was the day you settled into your new home and soon you would learn more of the oddities that happened in a monastery.
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There were so many questions to ask, so many things to learn about the rules of the monastery.
Luckily you had the perfect person to ask it all.
And as you walked next to him in the woods, it was the perfect time to ask them and have a conversation with the otherwise quiet Monk.
The paladin group walked at a slower pace, some were already getting tired.
Where?
What?
When?
How?
He had heard it so many times that first day coming from you and just when he thought you were done asking questions, you popped up behind him to ask more.
After a tour around the monastery, he had thought it would have fed your curiously a little.
On the contrary, more questions came.
Truth be told, some were quite amusing to hear.
Some of his personal favorites included ‘Do monks have to pray again when they drink something while eating?’ and ‘Is mumbling half a prayer good enough?’.
Needles to say, it would take a while for you to learn all there was to know.
And Father had the splendid idea to speed up that progress by sending you along on an routine inspection of the woodlands.
Something you seemed more excited about than he was…
The questions you had started early on in the walk “Don’t we need a map?”
The Monk had little use for a map in these woods he knew so well “I don’t. Watch your footing.”
At that, you looked down and avoided tripping over a larger stone that laid in your path “So, we all just keep following you then?”
With a nod he confirmed it “Yes.”
Another question was fired “What if someone loses sight of the group?”
He answered with the experience he had on the matter “It will not happen if they pay attention. Having them find their own way back to the monastery is a fitting lesson if it does happen.”
That sounded rather harsh “What if I got lost?”
He said “You will not.”
You asked “How can you be sure?”
It sounded both like a reassurance and a warning “Because I will not let you stray from my sight.”
With a jest, you hoped to get him to be a little less tense “Not that I doubt your capabilities. But if it happens, I guess I’ll have to find my way back to the monastery on my own then.”
There was a slight tug at the corner of his mouth as he returned the jest “I will find you long before you reach it.”
The confidence he had on the matter left you curious “So, it is true what they say about your skills. You have an uncanny ability to find those you are searching for.”
He spoke casually, letting his sight fall to where you were walking “Often it is simple. Especially when the one I am looking for has a habit of trampling over everything.”
Right away you looked behind you and…well he wasn’t wrong.
Not a minute ago you had waltzed right through a pile of leaves, some where still stuck to your dress “I am ‘trampling’ over everything because I have my attention on you.”
He suddenly came to a halt and you almost walked into him.
The Monk signaled to the paladins to pay attention to the area they were in.
You asked “Is something wrong?”
He walked a little further and pointed at a bonfire that had been extinguished not long ago.
Then he walked around and kept looking at the grass, after only seconds, he knelt down.
You stopped right in front of him “What are you looking for?”
The Monk kept his eyes fixed on the ground “Tracks.”
You looked down at the grass around you “I don’t see anything.”
He deadpanned “That might be because you are standing on them, Lady y/n.”
Quickly you stepped back, wincing at your mistake “Sorry…”
It would be a very long day if he were to track down those Feys with you following him around like this.
The command followed “Wait here.” when he saw you ready to protest, he repeated more firmly “Wait here.”
You rolled your eyes, not caring if he saw or not “Fine.”
The Monk traveled further into the woods, leaving you with his red brothers.
More tracks became visible to his searching eyes and the scent grew stronger.
Quietly he drew his sword and after searching for a little while longer, he spotted a Tusk Man nearby who was readying his horse.
A dagger would suffice and would not alert the Tusk Man and send him fleeing before he could reach him.
But you had not listened to the order to stay where he had told you to, you had followed him and saw what was about to happen.
Without thinking you had grabbed the Monk’s arm to prevent the dagger from being thrown at the Fey.
The next thing you knew, the Monk was holding you by the throat.
It was a pure reflex to defend himself, it went and passed so quickly.
He released you right away, snapping “I told you to stay with the paladins!”
Stumbling back some steps, you resisted the urge to flee.
But he could still see the fear in your eyes and forced himself to control his frustration and tone.
He would need to let the Tusk Man go.
And the Tusk Man had heard the commotion, seen the Weeping Monk and fled on his horse right away.
The Monk took a step in your direction, but you didn’t want to be near him.
Without saying a word, you headed back to the group alone.
The enemy was too close to let you walk unaccompanied, even if it was not far.
A sigh was heard, followed by “Lady y/n.”
Stubborn as you were, you ignored it, you weren’t one of the paladins he was in charge of.
He had caught up with you quickly and strode beside you.
Bitterly you snarled “If you had not been so keen on murdering, this would not have happened.”
Keen?
He made you halt by taking hold of your arm “This would not have happened if you had done what I had asked of you!”
You pulled yourself loose and continued walking “Oh, so now it is my fault?!? Learn to control yourself!”
After three more steps, he blocked your path and almost had you walking into him “If you had listened-”
That anger flaring in your eyes reminded him of Father’s and he expected to be struck any second now.
Your words where sharp as a wolf’s teeth “People think you are a monster. You’re not, you’re afraid of what you do not understand. All of you are!”
He repeated it, demanding an explanation “All of you?”
You did not directly explain that this was about their treatment of the Fey “The paladins, you, my uncle. You are all so afraid of what you do not know or understand that you brand anything that is different from the scriptures an abomination.”
It got him nervous to hear you speak so openly of your doubt in the faith, it was meant as a warning “Do not let Father hear you say this. It is blasphemous.”
You rolled your eyes and walked away from him “I’ve had enough.”
It sounded like he was sighing “Where are you going?”
Without looking back or stopping, you answered “I am going to ask a paladin to take me back to the monastery.”
He would not trust one of his brothers with his sword and certainly would not trust them with you. Father would never forgive him if something were to happen.
He followed at a small distance and only interfered when you actually went to ask a paladin.
With one stern look from his Weeping Brother, the paladin knew better than to take your request.
You had seen the expression of the paladin change and slowly turned around, crossing your arms to face the culprit who was responsible “What?”
With caution the Monk stepped closer, his voice was hushed “I am sorry...” the change in your eyes gave him more courage “…for what happened.”
It seemed to be hard for him to admit it, mostly due to the presence of his red brothers.
You chewed your inner cheek, deciding whether to stay angry or be forgiving.
Then the Monk tilted his head a little down and to the side, it was an admission to his wrong doing, a plea for your forgiveness.
You shrugged your shoulders “Fine.”
He did not know how to interpret it “Fine?”
It was you who stepped closer now, repeating it once more “Fine.” adding “At least you were quick to let me go again and didn’t kill me by accident.”
His eyes dropped, betraying that it could have indeed happened.
His Mouth opened and closed as he thought back to the moment when he was so focused on killing the fey that he had not noticed you until you were close enough to grab him.
You gave some reassurance when it finally looked like he really did regret it “I won’t tell my uncle. So, you don’t have to worry about getting an earful.”
This would have earned him enough lashes of the whip to leave him bleeding for days again.
when you tried to step away, he spoke “Thank you, Lady y/n.”
With a nod you acknowledged it.
He released your elbow and loudly announced to the paladins “Gather together! We are heading back.”
This excursion was over. He would be too distracted and it would not benefit anyone if he was.
You stood beside the Monk, which gave you the sense that he was surprised by it, like he did not expect you to still want to.
Once everyone had gathered, you walked beside him again to head back to the monastery.
This is a quick boring ch, the first couple are episode rewrites essentially, it feels a bit rushed, but gotta get through this to get to the good stuff. i saw a few people liked the prologue, so if you’re reading, I'm sorry it took so long lol
*This is a reader insert, but you’re referred to as Lianna because of the healers oath. The name just means healer*
Rating: M, but this ch not really
Warnings: fighting, violence, death
Chapter 1 - Caught
“THE GREEN KNIGHT!” You looked up from your table. Out the window you saw a Tusk teen running through the paths as he did whenever Gawain returned to Nemos. Your friend and fellow Lianna came up beside you to see what was going on.
“I wonder if we are needed.” She asked. You sighed.
“We usually are.” You wiped your hands on your apron, turning to the room. It was large for the space Nemos had. It served as both your home and a hospital of sorts for the refugees fleeing the Red Paladins. Cots lined the walls, though thankfully few were occupied. A small hearth lay in a pit in the middle of the room, a small pot of healing potion on the boil.
“Lianna!” you heard a voice call from outside. It was the Moonwing Elder. You rushed to the door, surprised to see her, but the now panicked muttering of the people told you something was wrong.
“What is it?” you asked.
“Paladins.” She said, slightly out of breath. Your heart dropped.
“They found us?” the elder nodded.
“Gather the sick, we’re going to the ships.” she said. You nodded, rushing back to the other Lianna. She had a worried look on her face.
“We’re leaving, grab what you can. I’ll get some help to move those who can’t walk.” you said. She nodded, and you put a comforting hand on her arm.
“Fear not, the Hidden will protect us.” you said, trying to sound more confident than you were. She nodded again and rushed off to pack. You went back to your work table, and grabbed the bag you had packed beneath it. Hurriedly, you shoved some last minute things inside, and you rushed out the door.
Fear had taken hold now, people were running, children clung to their guardians, and warriors readied for battle. You made your way through the crowd until you reached the Tusks, strongest of the fey. They nodded briefly in acknowledgement, but continued to ready themselves.
“I need four strong of you to help with the sick.” you said over the din. The Tusks looked among themselves and soon four volunteers came forward, three men and a woman. You nodded in appreciation.
“Come, quickly now!” They rushed off to their destination. Being a Lianna did come with some small role of authority among the fey, no matter the race. Task complete, you wove your way back to the healing room.
---
The next hours passed in a blur, but everyone had managed to get out in time. As you walked along the caravan of fey, whispers began to go around.
“They want to take Gramaire.” the other Lianna said. You looked at her, surprised.
“Are you sure? That’s a well guarded town.” you said. She shrugged.
“With the Red Spear on our side who knows what can happen.”
---
To your surprise, and overall relief, the fey did manage to take Gramaire. You hadn’t thought much of Nimue as a leader, but she had surprised you. Her use of the Sword of Power was clumsy, her abilities not strong enough to wield its power. But you knew she meant to take it to Merlin, so you said nothing.
You had only heard of the fighting, as you remained hidden deep in the woods with the injured. Gawain assured you he would be back to get you, and he had.
There was an infirmary in the town, which you and the other Lianna now occupied. There were two nuns in the back room, but they cowered in the corner as you entered. You raised your hands, showing you meant no harm.
“Sisters, I am a healer, like you. We only wish for a brief sanctuary while we wait to leave this land.” you said. The nuns looked at eachother.
“You are a witch!” one managed to get out. You sighed.
“You may believe what you wish. But know that I and the other fey will not harm you.” you said. Your words seemed to have little effect, not that you were surprised. You pointed to the empty cots in the room.
“We have wounded, we will tend to them here.” You didn’t give them any choice. It half-pained, half-annoyed you to have to be forceful but it was necessary. As if on cue, the Tusks came barreling through the door with wounded in tow. They placed them on the cots, and you got to work. The nuns watched as you pulled bottles and supplies from your bag. One simply couldn’t stand the sight of such “EVIL!” and fled. The other stood frozen in place. You turned to her.
“Your saviour sat with the whores and lepers, and fed them and healed them. Are you not a follower of your god? Will you stand by and watch as people suffer?” you asked her. She stared at you, slowly shaking her head. You motioned for her to join you.
“Then come and I shall show you.” the nun stepped forward cautiously, and knelt down beside you. You turned your attention to the blond raider. You gently put two fingers on his forehead, and prayed.
“Hidden, show what is broken, torn, and bruised. Show me disease, and guide me to health.” You closed your eyes and felt the bands on your arms pulse with power. Slowly, whispers filled your ears, telling you what needed to be done. But then the whispers were quiet, and the voice of the widow came to you.
“I am for him, go tend to others that are not past saving.” You opened your eyes, pulling your hand away. A commotion at the door caught your attention, and Pym came crying into the room.
“Dof! Oh no, no, no.” she cried, falling to the man’s side. You put a hand on hers, shaking your head. Pym’s face contorted in sobs, laying over her lovers dying form. You looked at the nun and nodded to the door. The two of you rose, and left quietly. In the corner of the room, the black veiled Widow watched. You nodded briefly to her, and moved to tend another patient.
---
Gramaire had been under fey control for several days now. The wounded were healing quickly, and the nun had become an enthusiastic student. Nimue had taken the throne from Sir Ector, even if only for a few days. Despite this, the people of the town and the fey came to an uneasy truce. The Red Paladins had been vicious occupiers, while the Fey were peaceful, even helpful, but more importantly, you were leaving.
You were sitting outside the infirmary drinking tea on the 3rd day when you saw Gawain approaching. He came to a stop before you and bowed slightly. You nodded back in greeting.
“What can I do for you, Green Knight?” you asked. He shifted slightly, looking concerned.
“There are caravans of fey missing in the woods. Smugglers bringing fey up to the ships have not arrived as they should. I’m going to investigate, and I think having a healer along may be beneficial.” he said. You took a deep breath. While the council had sent you here, it was to do your work, not going out on scouting missions. Gawain seemed to sense your hesitancy.
“The boy Squirrel is coming along if that makes you feel better.” he said. You smiled, looking behind Gawain to see young Percival practically jumping with excitement.
“He idolizes you.” you observed. Gawain looked back at the boy, smiling.
“I can only hope to be worthy of it.”
“Of course you are, Green Knight.” you said with a wink. You stood and went inside to grab your bag, and your short sword, just in case. The other Lianna was seated by a patient, explaining something to the nun. You went over to her and put a hand on her shoulder. She looked up at you, eyeing the weapon on your back.
“Lianna, I’m going with the Green Knight. I will return by tonight.” you said to your fellow oath taker. She nodded, but looked concerned.
“Be safe.”
---
You knelt beside the body of a fey woman, putting a hand on her wrist.
“They’re gone, Lianna.” Gawain’s voice came up from behind you. You sighed, and got to your feet.
“We will pray for them.” you said. You looked around at the surrounding trees.
“Do you think any made it into the woods?” you asked. Gawain drew his sword, but shook his head.
“Unlikely, but we should check to be sure.” he said. You drew your weapon as well.
“We can split up, cover more ground. But do not stray too far, the paladins may still be here.” you said. Gawain bowed, and set off to the north, and Squirrel to the east. You headed west, using your senses to find life. Only a few minutes had passed when you heard Gawain shout. You spun your head in the direction of his voice, and heard the clash of swords. Your hunch had been right, someone had stayed behind. You ran towards the fighting, and gasped as you saw the Weeping Monk attacking Gawain. You stood frozen, watching the two spin around each other at high speeds. For a moment, the monk was knocked down, and you saw Gawain hesitate. To your horror, the monk took the moment to plunge his blade deep into Gawain’s side. You watched as he fell to the ground.
“No!” You shouted. The Monk’s head snapped to you, surprise on his face. You brandished your sword, and charged at him. He deflected you easily, tripping you so you hit the ground hard. Your sword tumbled away from you, and his heavy boot landed on your back. You felt the wind get knocked out of you.
“Leave her! She is of no use to you!” Gawain tried to yell, but the stab wound made his voice crack. The monk took his foot from your back and pulled you to your feet by the hair. He put his sword up to your neck as you gasped for air.
“Then tell me, why would you bow to her? This isn’t the Wolf Blood Witch.” he said quietly. You realized that this must have been a trap all along, the monk had been watching the whole time. The monk pointed his blade down to Gawain.
“They want you alive, Green Knight. And you,” he looked at the Lianna bands on your arms.
“are an extra gift for Father.”
The Road to Avalon - Chapter 2, The Paladin Camp
Notes: The Weeping Monk x f!reader
Been a bad time, but here you go..
Warnings: non descrip
Prompt: Fire or Water. Where to begin? The weeping monk was the skilled warrior where the people feared him. He was a complicated man. Until he met the sister of the Fey Queen who had lived under the shadows for so long.
A/N: This is the rewrite version of this fanfic! So, this may not appear the same story that my followers read them at the beginning. I had changed the storyline (slightly) but it is still the same. I hope you liked this version and please give me feedback!
Send me a little comment in the ask section or leave it below on what you thought of this chapter. As usual, I hope you all enjoyed!
Please don’t plagiarize my work - I spend a lot of my time writing, copying and pasting destroys that. If you want to repost my work. please ask first - but even then I might say no.
Warnings: violence, blood & gore , torture.
Pairing: The Weeping Monk x reader
Tag List: @purerepelsdirt @parabatai-winchester @linkpk88 @fear-of-the-guardians @lancelotapricot
Based Off: Cursed 01x01
Warnings: blood & gore, violence, dead bodies, torture.
THIS IS A SERIES: one - two - three - four - five - six - seven - eight - nine - epilogue
The sound of fast speed footsteps was all you could hear, and the tall green trees that surrounded you was all you could see. It seemed distant, but you could overhear the steps of the horses and men who were shouting. You guessed that someone was chasing the mysterious figure who was holding you.
Looking up with your small eyes, it was a woman. You guessed it that it was your mother, but it was so vague that you couldn't figure it out. She held the baby tightly before she turned around to see that the men were far away from her.
The woman placed the baby somewhere into the deep woods so that the Red Paladins couldn't see it. The baby left out a small cry when she saw her distraught expression. The only thought she had in her mind was that she hoped that the baby would be safe.
''There she is!'' She heard one of the men roars as she gasped in fear before the woman took a final look at her daughter before she sprinted away. On the other side of the forest, father Carden looked towards the woman who was running away from them. He turned next to his loyal warrior.
He wore dark clothing as he had his hood on where it covered his crying face. ''Catch her, and after that, you will force her to tell us where the child is, but if she doesn't, kill her, we will find the damn child without her,'' He informed him as he nodded.
The weeping monk did what Father Carden exactly told him. The woman was stubborn, and she would not tell them. He knew that Father Carden had a plan. He always had when things won't go to his plan. The woman screamed and pleaded while he drove the sword into her heart as she fell to the ground dead.
-
''Y/n!'' You woke up with a start as your mind was foggy, and a minute, it seemed that you forgot where you were. That changed when you saw the worry on Nimue's expression in front of you, and it reminded you that you were in the village.
''Nimue,'' You replied as your realization came to alive.
''Another nightmare?'' She asked as she was sitting on the edge of the bed.
''Yes, strange enough, it's always the same,'' You muttered before you sighed tiredly.
''Come on, I think Squirrel can cheer you up,'' She told you as you chuckled towards the thief boy. You got up from your bed while you freshened up your entire body as picked up a simple dress for the day.
While you got out of your hut, you could see the hatred and the disgusted expressions that the Fey folk would give you. Ever since you were a child, the two of you had trouble fitting into the Fey folk. While Nimue was being bullied and harassed that she was different, you, however, got to deal with the loneliness.
People believed that Nimue was cursed by what had happened when she was a child. And it was even worse than the children would bully you because that you didn't even get to know your biological parents.
You knew that your mother had hidden something from you. It was even worse that you got to know by the children in the village that they weren't even your biological parents.
Lenora had found you, storming inside the hut with raging and betrayed eyes when you found out that you were not their child by blood. You ran away before she could even explain, but Nimue was heartbroken and found you by the lake where she would go when she felt sad and lonely.
She told you that she didn't care that you weren't her sister by blood. You were her sister, no matter what. And ever since that day, the two of you had promised each other that you would protect each other.
''Come on, ignore those looks,'' You whispered to her as you dragged her arm away from the people. The two of you were picking some flowers for the ceremony. ''Shoot, I forgot to pick an offer for the ceremony today,'' Nimue told you.
''I will meet you and Squirrel later, Ok?'' She asked you as you nodded with a smile. The two of you hugged before saying goodbye as you looked after Squirrel. You figured out that he is somewhere and looking for something to steal.
You never went to the ceremony because your mother wouldn't let you. You didn't know why but you seemed that she had requested you to be with them on the beach, but the elders didn't take a liking to you. Probably because they're afraid of you and that you were different than Nimue.
''Y/n!'' Upon as you heard your name from the familiar voice, you turned around as you saw Squirrel coming towards you with a grin.
''Squirrel!'' You exclaimed happily. You had met the child and quickly bonded with him when you and Nimue caught him stealing one day. He pleaded both of you that you guys wouldn't tell his father, and ever since that day, the three of you became friends.
''Look what I found,'' He replied as he showed you a leather flask. You frowned towards the item before you rolled your eyes as you bent the knee to his level.
''Let me guess, you stole this?''
''No...'' Squirrel sheepishly answered as he lowered his gaze on the ground as he kept glancing at you. You raised an eyebrow.
''Alright, fine,'' He whined as you smiled in victory.
''Besides, how many times have Nimue and I told you not to steal?'' You scolded him as he shrugged his shoulders. He took a sip from the flask before he visibly winced towards the strong liquid. You chuckled towards the expression he gave towards you.
''Bit strong,'' He replied.
''Squirrel, where did you get that?'' You heard your sister exclaim when she saw the flask in his hand. ''Well, he's been roaming around the village like a thief,'' You gave him a look.
''Found it, it's a bit strong but not bad,'' You left out a giggle as you shook your head towards the small boy. You knew that he was only trying to survive, but sometimes you couldn't help feeling worried that he might steal something bad.
''Witch,'' Someone sneered past the three of you as you turned your expression towards the villagers. You could feel that your stomach turned uneasy, and you knew that Nimue wasn't the same when the people were using that word.
''Piss off, you old wag,'' You snapped.
''Yeah, piss off!'' Squirrel repeated as you watched the woman roll her eyes. You turned around as you saw your sister with a dreadful expression. ''Anyway, are you heading to the pyre?'' He asked Nimue before he continued.
''I wish I could go,'' He spoke sadly.
''Someday, little knight,'' She spoke.
''Besides, you have y/n over here so she can keep you company,'' Nimue informed him.
-
Turning your gaze towards the solar eclipse before it disappeared, you felt that something was wrong. Call it a gut feeling, but you knew that something was wrong with Nimue. The two of you were sisters, and you knew her very well.
As you told Squirrel that you were going home, you ran towards the village where you saw her arguing with your mother. ''What is going on? I saw the eclipse,'' You made your presence known as they both snapped their attention towards you.
''Nimue is the next chosen,'' Lenora responded. You widened your eyes as you looked towards your sister. ''Well, not anymore,'' She snapped before she ran towards the hut. ''Nimue! Come back here!'' You heard your mother yell next to you.
You followed after Nimue as you heard your mother calling after your name, but you ignored it. ''Nimue!'' You called her as you saw Pym following after the three of you. Pym was another friend that the two of you had.
''Nimue! What happened?'' You questioned with worry as you walked into the cottage. You watched Nimue pack her belongings into her bag.
''Nimue, please, talk to me,'' You pleaded. Your heart was beating so fast as you watched her with fear. ''I'm a summoner,'' She replied.
''You're a what?'' ''Yeah, I know that,''
You and Pym said at the same time. ''How?'' You asked her with confusion. ''You know-how, the hidden chose me,'' She informed as you watched her hurry.
''Besides, it doesn't matter, I'm going,'' She told you. You couldn't believe this. You understood that she doesn't want to be a summoner. Because she was afraid of what the people will say about her. But that doesn't mean that she would leave without you, you were her sister for god sake.
''How can you even go?'' Pym asked.
''I'm getting on that ship today, it's still on Hawksbridge,'' Nimue said.
''Then take me with you,'' You replied as she stopped and turned around.
''No,'' You rolled your eyes.
''That wasn't a question, we promised each other,'' You told her.
''Besides, they don't want me here, and I don't want them,'' Nimue said as she flickered her gaze between you and Pym.
''Who? The elders? What cares what do these shriveled onions think?'' Pym replied. Nimue sighed before she walked past you as you looked towards Pym before the two of you followed after her.
''Oh, My Gods, You're acting mad, we're following you,''
-
After hours of riding, you began to grow tired. It seemed that Nimue wasn't going to change her mind. ''I can't believe both of you dragged me here,'' Pym complained as you chuckled.
''I've got Iye smell all over me,''
''You know, no one asked you two come,'' You replied as Pym shrugged her shoulders. ''Well, both of you don't know what you're doing,'' She responded as you left out an offended gasp.
''That is an insult, besides, I do know, it's just Nimue doesn't know,'' You replied as you glanced towards Nimue, who rolled her eyes towards your sentence.
''I do know, sister, Gawain took the Brass Shield, the only ship that crosses the sea to the desert kingdoms,'' She explained while Pym gave her a look from behind. ''Because nobody wants to go to the desert kingdoms, which should tell you something,''
''She's right,'' You responded.
''I'm getting on it,'' Nimue responded sourly as you could see the town in front of you. The two of you began to ride faster as you were closer to the town.
''At least your mother wants you home, mine wants out,'' Pym told you two. ''And this will be her excuse, she'll say, Nimue's gone, get on with it,'' Nimue and you began to chuckle.
''And she wants to sell me to the fishmonker,'' Pym whined.
''Stinky Aaron,'' Nimue said with humor in her voice.
''It's not funny!'' She complained as you turned next to her with a teasing smirk. ''It's kind of funny,''
-
As you got off from your horse, you watched the crowded marketplace. ''What if they found out you're a girl?'' Pym questioned after they had given their horses to a loyal boy.
You followed next to them as the three of you speedily walked towards the docks. ''I'm cutting my hair,'' Nimue answered simply as you rolled your eyes towards Pym.
''But what if they found out if you're a fey kind?''
''They won't,'' Nimue brushed off the comment. ''You'll look after the old boy?'' Nimue asked her as she turned to face her.
''No, I'll let him starve,'' Pym answered sarcastically as you let out a small smile. ''She's joking,'' You assured her when you saw the shocked face on your sister.
''What about the money?'' Pym asked again.
''I have twenty silvers,'' Nimue responded as she looked towards Pym.
''What if they rob you?'' You sighed. You knew that Pym was worried for her friend, but you knew that your sister could take care of herself. She always had.
''Pym, that's enough questions,'' You told her off. Pym sighed as she knew that you were right. The three of you continued to look after the Brass Shield, but it was nowhere to be found.
-
''I don't see the ship,'' Nimue muttered next to you. You felt bad for her since she tried to escape her destiny. ''Alright, you've made your point,'' Pym spoke up after the long silence. The three of you kept staring towards the sea.
''No,'' Nimue said in despair as she ran faster as she tried to find someone to ask why the ship wasn't there. ''Brass left yesterday,'' She heard the man in front of Nimue respond to her question.
You panted heavily after you had tried to catch up with Nimue. ''But...it's not supposed to leave for another week,'' Nimue muttered to herself. ''When does it return?'' You spoke up as the man flickered his gaze towards you.
''Six months, now do you mind?'' He replied as he pushed himself to the other side and walked away. ''At least we can keep you a little longer?'' She asked hesitantly. ''Six months,'' Nimue told her as you stood next to her and placed your arm around her.
''I know,'' Pym replied. ''Come on,'' Pym told you as she dragged both of you back towards the marketplace.
love at first sight or slowly growing fond of someone? love letters or mixtapes? hand kisses or kisses on the cheeks? understanding each other without words or finishing each others sentences? gazing into each other’s eyes or looking away blushing? longing to be with someone again or spending every second together? laughing together or crying together? someone running their fingers through your hair or gently playing with your hand? surprise kisses or long tight hugs?
