A Painting
Morgott/Lady Tarnished little ficlet
“Mine Lady…Doth thou truly think this all necessary…” Morgott shifted uncomfortably.
“Yes.” Her voice was stern, ever the one to be unyielding. She was busy preening him, carefully brushing his hair to neatness.
He opened his mouth to speak, wincing ever so slightly as the Lady found a knot in his silver curls.
She didn’t allow his words free, interrupting, “There is a painting for every demigod in this hall, except his Lordship’s. Iv already freed up your schedule and commissioned the painters, you are getting a portrait started today!”
“Mine Lady…”
She stopped her toils to point the brush showily around the hall, “Every demigod, even Mohg!”
“…even Mohg…” he echoed, golden eye shifting to glance at the darkened portrait of his twin, bright crimson decorating around its edges. It was a thoughtful gesture, he had to admit.
“Who is missing?” She asked, looking poignantly at the yawning emptiness next to her own portrait.
“Nary a soul worth a place upon thine wall.” He sighed wearily.
The Lady took a breath, reminding herself of the delicate foundation Morgott’s meager confidence was balancing on.
Changing her tactic she turned away, sighing, “Perhaps his Lordship would rather sire new demigods? Would fill the empty space then?”
He didn’t respond, the lady taking a few steps forwards, showily opening her arms wide “It is such a large space, he will surely have to keep me as a breeding mare!”
“Cease!” He reached out to softly take her shoulders, voice tight and restrained. He pulled her back against his chest almost begging, “Cease…Let us begin the portrait.”
“Are you sure?” She crossed here arms stubbornly, “I quite like the idea.”
He grumped a bit, nose in the crown of her hair, “Let us do thy portrait…for now, beloved mine.”
She looked over the top of her head to him, giving him a comforting smile, “It will be over before you know it.”
“Thee moments shall be counted.” He frowned, squeezing her a bit, “Prithee, promise me something?”
“Hm?”
“Doth not force myself to witness its unveiling.” His voice was distance, eyes closing as he spoke.
The Lady raised a hand, cupping his cheek gently, “I promise.”
He hummed a bit, holding her for another long moment before releasing her. The Lady finished getting him ready and posed, running off to fetch the painters soon after.
Now alone in the hall, Morgott glanced over all the paintings one by one. They all spanned from ceiling to floor, little brass nameplates with the demigod’s name and title below. He swallowed, golden gaze falling on the painting of Mohg. His chest hurt, looking away.












