Chapter Text
Medieval AU
“No.”
“Oh come now Solstice, you’re acting like a child.”
“Good! Then maybe you’ll send me to my room and miss this stupid ball!”
It had been going on like this since Jarl Promethea had broken the news to her daughter that her gala tonight wasn’t just to entertain the nobility of the neighbouring holds. Promethea sat before a large vanity, her handmaidens tending to her hair, rubbing in scented oils and weaving intricate braids. Solstice, however, had taken to lying back on one of the rooms exposed rafter beams, far enough that her own handmaidens couldn’t drag her into the same beauty regiment her mother kept meticulously.
“Solstice really, must you act so childish on these matters?” her mother often found her rather rebellious nature a call back to her own youth, but the matter at hand was too important for reminiscing.
“Mother, you’re basically asking me to tie myself to a rock and throw it into the lake!” Solstice turned over, easily keeping balance as she looped her legs over the beam and hung upside down. She was so annoyed she couldn’t enjoy the overreactions of her handmaids below her. “Just why do I need a suitor?”
“Dear, you are the daughter of a powerful Jarl, one of the Dragon’s blood and a young, beautiful and respectable woman,” standing, admiring the handiwork of her maids, she looked up at her daughter. “You’re still young, but youth doesn’t last forever even for us dragon’s blood. And as my daughter, I refuse to leave you with a bleak and lonely future. As my heir, I wish for you to secure that future for your children too.”
“Oh come on, you just want grandchildren,” Solstice pulled a pout, but Promethea didn’t waver, instead of the bright sheen of her aspect wrapped around her, wings sprouting and allowing her to rise and look Solstice in the eyes.
“Perhaps, but securing your future is what I wish more,” she touched her cheek, despite Solstice turning away. Sighing, she cradled her unresisting child and returned to the ground.
“And what if I don’t want to be a Jarl,” Solstice pouted, unable to look her mother in the eyes. “What if I just want to travel across the land and back, living in the wilds, doing as I wished with little care. Maybe I might frolic naked among the trees?”
“You won’t,” Promethea stated, silencing Solstice before she could argue. “You hate the cold and as much as you love the wilds, the most you would do is a hunt. And you won’t ‘frolic naked’ in the wilds, not when bandits hold a strong presence these days.”
“Maybe I want a bandit to see me,” Solstice knew she was only saying this to rile her mother, anything to get her angry enough to end the gala. However, once again, Promethea saw through her ploy. “It would be better than being sold off to some noble brat. Bandits are at least honest about their intentions.”
“Perhaps,” Promethea mused, now catching the root of the issue, she cradled her daughter’s cheek. “As romantic and delightfully dangerous as that is, no daughter of mine will throw herself to some filthy bandits. You are a lady and my daughter,” smiling, she placed a warm kiss on Solstice’s forehead, “And I have no intention of ‘selling you off’, love can be found in the strangest of places, I am merely producing a place where you can safely find it.” With a wave of her hand, Solstice’s handmaids flocked to her, pulling her away from her mother. “Now you will bathe, dress properly and be ready for the ball. I expect you to at least make an appearance for an hour before running off.”
Groaning as she was pulled away, Solstice didn’t resist as she was dunked and scrubbed down, oils and perfumes mixed into her skin and hair, pulled and tugged into a modest but elegant dress as her hair was brushed, pulled and teased into a beautiful style. She could hardly recognise herself in the polished metal used as a mirror. The dress was the biggest give away; she barely wore them except for special occasions. It was the ‘latest fashion’ according to her mother; if revealing was a fashion choice now. Severely disliking the idea of stepping out into a room of crowded room with her shoulders, arms and back exposed, she quickly grabbed one of her old, large shirts.
“Really Solstice this delaying is becoming a rather deliberate nuisance, are you ready or?” Promethea stopped, pausing in her daughter’s room as she spotted her rebellious daughter. Solstice had put on the golden trim and ash-yellow dress she had especially made for her, but noticed she had worn a shirt underneath it, hiding her shoulders, back and arms; the large sleeves were collected against her bicep and forearm, making small bells to her wrist.
“I’m not changing,” Solstice pouted, dragged over to her vanity for her hair to be teased and styled.
“I should hope not,” Promethea smiled, approaching from behind. “You look beautiful.”
Her mother was one to talk, wearing a gown much similar to her own, however, was showier and flowing. With a wide back, bare shoulders and with a provocative dip in her bust, it was elegant without looking whorish.
“You’re wearing that for father, aren’t you,” more a statement, her mother’s slight curl in her lips gave her answer. She loved teasing her youthful husband.
The Halls of Promethea’s Villa went from a few early guests to bustling with visiting and resident nobles. A flourish of colours and finery lined the great hall while servants and maids weaved through the masses with drinks and small platters of food. Families dusting off their eligible heirs to present to the Jarless and her daughter in the hopes of securing a marriage.
Solstice looked more than bored as she kept her mother happy, passing through the masses and trying to keep on a real smile as each bachelor to approach was met with the same respect.
What she wouldn’t give for the chance to jump out of a window.
Promethea watched over Solstice as she was passed around, knowing full well she would take the first chance to run off and neglect the point of this gala. She loved her daughter but knew her free spirit would prevent her from finding love and leave her alone in the world.
“Greetings Promethea,” looking up, she smiled as High King Ultra Magnus approached. Promethea bowed, watching his wife by his side dipping into an elegant curtsy. “Thank you for inviting us.”
“Oh it was my pleasure, Magnus,” she smiled, pulling the larger man into a typical greeting in her hold – a kiss on each cheek. “And My Lady Charlotte, you look simply divine!” she cooed, watching the young woman blush. Drawn into the same greeting, Charlotte blushed harder.
“I-It’s an honour to be here,” she smiled, looking out over the hall. “I see that a lot of people came.”
“Most only arrived for a chance to seek my daughter’s hand, others have come for the prestige. Very few come to enjoy the gala,” Promethea had been through the motions but she was glad everyone was enjoying the gala on some level. Another in the crowd caught her eye; he had a striking resemblance to Charlotte. “Charlotte dear, who might that be?” turning the Jarless’ eye, Charlotte’s expression dropped.
“That is…my brother, my Lady,” Charlotte knew her brother would be here, Elmer was one of Ultra Magnus’ thanes and would make an appearance where ever his Jarl did. She just hoped nothing would happen to disrupt the festivities.
“Please my dear,” a soft hand took her cheek, guiding her back to Promethea, “We are equals here, you can call me by my name,” she eyed the Thane, noting Charlotte’s concern. “And I may remove him if you are feeling uncomfortable.”
“Oh no no, please,” Charlotte waved her hands, dismissing the Jarless’ offer. “Everything is fine, really.” Promethea accepted her answer but made it a note to keep a look out for the Thane.
Elmer shot a glare at his incompetent sister, standing by the Jarless and the King as if she was meant to be there. No matter, there were far more important matters that required his attention than his sister.
“Perceptor, wipe that look from your face, you’ll scare off any potential brides,” his wife had tried almost everything to convince their son to at least look interested in the women in the halls.
“Mother please, this is just a waste of time,” Perceptor sighed, looking bored out over the chatting and dancing crowds. As official as this gala was, his family expected to attend as King Ultra Magnus’ Thane and housecarl, but once again his parents were pushing him down a route he didn’t wish to take. He accepted a position as Magnus’ Steward and advisor to sate his parents and even work closer to his aunt but no, they wished more of him.
“As our eldest son, you are expected to find a wife and produce an heir to carry on our family," Elmer shot a look down at his son. He refused to allow his children to be any less than what he could accomplish; he would not have another like his sister in his children. "High Brow managed to find a wife, became an overseer to the largest mining operation in the Holds. I expect the same from you."
Perceptor rolled his eyes; his brother was already in love with his wife even before they discovered her father owned several mines in their hold. He had offered to help his new father-in-law and they both achieved their current mining organisation.
"Please, Perceptor," his mother cooed, dusting the last from his attire before standing back. Perceptor wished the ground would just swallow him whole, or if a particular rogue just came and took him away from here.
"And if that...man comes within an inch of this gala, I will have the guards remove him," Elmer took his son's shoulder, taking a firm grip. "You cannot be distracted by idle fancy."
"Father..." Perceptor wanted to defend, but the look in his father's eyes was one he could not win. Despite his position and standing, he knew what his father was a man of his word. Nodding, defeated, Perceptor took a breath and waded into the crowd.
"I hope the woman he finds is beautiful," his wife sighed, she had always wished for beautiful grandchildren. Elmer's only wish was to ensure his children held a reputable standing. One can only hope his son's strange tastes didn't disrupt or distract him.
After yet another dance, Solstice could feel herself getting tired. She could run from one end of the hold to the other, scale mountains and sheer cliffs with barely a sweat and yet her mother's social gatherings took the most out of her.
She met with Thanes, Carls, Generals, Captains, wealthy merchants and even upstanding professors and archmages, and yet none of them wished more than just to gain her favour. She was really considering taking High Queen Olenwyn's tactic of impossible feats just to scare suitors away.
Sighing, moving to the balcony overlooking her mother's spacious gardens, she took a seat and the moment to rest. One of the maids approached, handing her something to drink before rushing off to another patron.
"What I wouldn't give to just run out of here," she sighed, eying the sculpted wall of her home; many times she had escaped her mother's parties and balls by scaling the building, taking to admiring the views from the roof. But she made a promise, and if there was one thing she couldn't stand is broken promises. "Might as well get back to it, maybe if I stay with my brothers or even father, they'll chase others off." Liking the idea of staying by Skylynx and Darksteel, even with the knowledge that at least one of them will be feeling up a maid or two, she could at least count on Predaking to 'protect his daughter's honour.'
Slipping from her seat, turning too quickly, she collided with another. She lost footing and was about to collide with the ground; two arms looped around her waist, keeping her upright while her cup clattered and splattered on the ground. The sound resounded louder than expected, catching the attention of all on the balcony. Solstice opened her eyes, finding she hadn't fallen, only to meet a wide pair of brilliant blue eyes. Soft brown hair styled back, fair skin and a handsome face, Solstice almost felt her dragon aura glow from the sudden shock of beauty.
"My apologise, my lady," Perceptor spoke, almost choking on his words. He hadn't been paying attention when he had walked into this woman, but a part of him thanked Primus he had. Something seemed different about this woman; she seemed more grounded than most women at these galas, but he couldn't place how. "I should've been more careful."
"No no, it's okay," Solstice brushed it off, watching a servant quickly approach to clean the mess. But Solstice could see so many were staring at them; she needed to get away from the stares. Taking his hand, Perceptor had little time to question the woman before being hurried off to the gardens.
Only a few nobles wandered the gardens, wishing to stay closer to the party. There were some, however, who used the gardens to gain some privacy.
Perceptor, still confused on the woman's actions, took to marvelling the careful sculpture of the gardens. Mixtures of flowers and plants he knew and even some he had never seen before. The art and sculptures made of plant and stone brought yet another strange but elegant look to it.
"Sorry about that," Solstice sighed, turning Perceptor's attention back. "I just hate people staring at me."
"I can sympathise, it isn't the greatest of feelings," Perceptor nodded, following the woman to a stone bench, remaining standing as she took a seat. Solstice turned to see Perceptor hadn't taken a seat, whether out of polite respect or being unsure, she smiled and scooted further across. "I guess now is when we introduce ourselves after sharing that little embarrassing moment."
Taking the hint, Perceptor took a ginger seat beside her, nodding. "I'm Perceptor, an honour."
"Nice to meet you Perceptor, I'm Solstice," instead of allowing him to take her hand to kiss, Solstice gave his hand a firm shake. "We don't need to be formal, honestly all this formality gets tiring." Perceptor went from being surprised to stun. No woman he had ever known or met would ever drop formality nor the chance to be dotted on by a man. "Where are you from?"
"O-oh, the Capital," Perceptor shook, why had he felt like that? Sure it wasn't every day a woman had wished to drop formality but to be so casual too? "Pardon if I am assuming but do all in Jarl Promethea's Hold so...casual?" Curiosity often took control of his mouth, asking questions where he had no intention of asking, cursing for sounding so rude.
"Not particularly," Solstice shook her head, taking no offence from the question. "I've just lived with it for so long it's hard to put the mask on and pretend I like people doing that," affirming her point, she stood before him and acted, rather dramatically and over the top, many gestures are seen as respectful and expected. "Oh, an honour it is to meet you~. How lovely you look today my dear Jarl~. Might I trouble you for a moment of your time?~"
Perceptor couldn't help but crack a small smile; her over dramatic bowing, the exaggerated voice and silly tone had just pulled the chuckle from him. And it was true, there were some who were too polite and seemed just as funny as she was making herself. But a blur of white caught his attention, turning into a large hedge wall.
"P-Pardon a moment, my lady," Perceptor stood, taking Solstice by surprise. "I-I'll be right back," confused, Solstice watched as Perceptor ran into the entrance of her mother's strange 'maze garden'. It wasn't a very good maze with only a few dead ends to place some sculptures or private benches but kept it easy to solve. Curiosity getting the better of her, she followed Perceptor into the maze.
Perceptor tried to keep up with the blur, something of one dead end with a stone wall and water feature. Finding no one here, he tried to double back the way he came; blinking for just a moment, Perceptor found himself pinned to the wall, rough lips mashing with his, a knee pressed between his legs and hungry hands groping across his body. A strangled moan rumbled in his throat, sapping his strength and leaving him at this man's mercy.
"D-Drift," he cooed, lips released for those same sinful lips to trail against his neck. "P-please, w-we can't~" a loud gasp escaped him, grinding back against Drift.
"Why not? Because daddy won't like it?" growling low, Drift moved them to sit on the edge of the fountain, pulling the flustered man into his lap. "Your old man is stuck up, who cares what he thinks."
"I do," Perceptor gasped, managing to pull back far enough to look Drift in the eyes. White hair, unnatural for someone so young yet perfect on Drift, he clawed his fingers through the soft white with regret. "He's threatened you, promised he'll chase you off."
"And I'll keep coming back," Drift purred, pulling Perceptor closer. "I'm never leaving you~"
"He'll have you thrown in prison. There isn't anything he won't do, and I won't be the reason you get hurt," Perceptor took his own kiss, cradling Drift's cheeks.
"Oh Sorry," the sudden voice caught them off, looking back into the maze. Perceptor spotted the same gold dress and felt his heart race. Had Solstice seen them?! She appeared a moment later, not looking the least bit perturbed by them. It wasn't unusual to see two men or even two women entangled with each other, this, however, was a more tense coupling. "I didn't mean to interrupt, I just wanted to make sure you were okay."
"W-we're fine, my lady," Perceptor shook, his father couldn't know. "Please Drift, just go," he whispered.
"No Percy," Drift took his arms, holding his hands, "I won't just leave you to some miserable existence. Your father can go suck a giant, you are what matters to me," that charming smile Drift gave to Perceptor made Solstice's heart skip; not even the most handsome at court could make a smile that charming. But their predicament gave her an idea.
"Perceptor, I have a proposition for you and your lover," her sudden serious request turned them both, sharing the same utterly confused glance.
"S-Solstice?"
"My mother threw this whole thing together to find me a husband. But as you can see I don't wish to just end up with anyone, or at all if I can help it," Perceptor felt like his snap freezing veins were about to snap. She was the daughter of Jarl Promethea?! And she had just witnessed him in a rather debaucherous position with his male lover! His heart was racing but wondered how a woman of such refinement and regality had a daughter so ill-mannered and different from any woman at court. "You are obviously in a similar predicament with the threat of your father against your lover," directing to Drift, he looked even more puzzled. Was she meant to be a noble? "Then, I suggest in order to solve both our problems, we announce an engagement."
"Wait, what?" Drift broke her tirade, looking between them. "You want to marry the love of my life?"
"Only to save face," Solstice explained, raising her hands to show no ill. "This way, I'm free to be me, you both can be together and both our families are satisfied with a marriage."
"Say we go through with this, disregarding the fact two of the same gender can freely marry, both your families will expect a child or children in his father's case," pointing to Perceptor, he smirked as his comment caused his lover to squirm more. "I don't think I'm too comfortable with this."
"So you'd rather go on with your lives, having to hide your love and find some kind of loop around to be together?" Solstice asked, looking between them. "His family isn't going anywhere, and knowing how fast rumours can spread and how easily it is to buy eyes and ears on the streets, he'll find out either way," Crossing her arms, she had made her point from their thoughtful looks. "At least this way, the rumours would just be he has a lover on the side. We all get what we want." Perceptor knew it would help them both, but could it truly work?
"Only if I get employed in your home," Now Drift turned them, holding Perceptor closer. "Better the rumour be about fucking a guard than a bandit, right?" Solstice could've laughed there and then. The son of some noble finding pleasure in the bed of a bandit? It was too rich but also made her feel relieved that there were others finding their own path.
"If it truly is our only resort," Perceptor pulled away from Drift, approaching Solstice. "If you're sure, I would not wish to pressure anything on you."
"I'm the one who suggested this," she smiled, touched Perceptor had concerns for her choice rather than having a sense of selfishness. "Trust me, this will work out for us both...unless my father gets in the way."
Promethea had grown concerned when her daughter hadn't been seen for the last hour. She had sent servants to her quarters to check and see if she had tried to skip her duties only to find her nowhere. Predaking, despite swooning over his wife's delicious choice of dress, had reassured her that Solstice must've been hiding in the garden, that a maid had assured them she had last seen the adventurous girl running there.
But before she could rush out herself to find her, a most curious sight developed toward her. A young man, cradling Solstice's arm in his, approached her throne. Two others from the partying crowd tried to rush after them, coming to a low bow before her as Solstice remained at his side.
"Honoured Jarless," Perceptor spoke, hoping his voice wouldn't break from worry. He had seen his father and mother rush after him, bowing low behind him and Solstice, but having her there had helped. Strange as it was, Solstice seemed to bring a confidence to him he had only thought Drift could. "I wish to humbly ask your daughter's hand."
Predaking, his over-protectiveness rearing up like an angered dragon, approached the pair but found Perceptor remained firm before him. Promethea, standing from her throne and pushing the whispers out of the hall, approached them. She could see something was going on, but both Solstice and Perceptor seemed to be hiding it well. Whatever their plan, she only hoped her daughter wouldn't be hurt by it.
"Perhaps, but I would like to know the name of my daughter's suitor before I am asked to give my blessing," Promethea mused, watching Perceptor closely.
"M-my apologies, my Lady," Perceptor coughed. "I was too advantageous. My name is Perceptor, I am the steward and advisor to King Ultra Magnus. My father stands as his Thane," indicating to his father, he caught Ultra Magnus looking over. Promethea saw this, turning to the king to confirm this Perceptor's claim. With his nod, her doubts were quashed. If the king accepted his company, then her daughter was at least in good hands, whatever their plan was.
"And you are his father, yes?" Promethea watched Elmer approach, dipping into another bow. "Do you approve if this match?"
"Indeed, my Lady," Elmer bowed, hiding his contained satisfaction. “My son is most fortunate to have caught the eye of your daughter.”
The crowd howled in celebration, reigniting the gala. Promethea watched on, watching Solstice slip away from Perceptor as he reunited with his family. She knew something was going on, her instincts practically screaming out.
“Rushing in a little, aren’t we?” Promethea cooed, watching Solstice turn to her.
“You were the one who said I needed to find a suitor, and I did,” Saying no more, Solstice stepped down and approached Perceptor again, smiling and greeting his family. Promethea’s mask slipped, letting out a hint of worry and concern. Of course she wished her daughter to find a suitor, but not within the first ball. She had intended for her to find someone she found a connection with, interact and spend time with them. Grow closer and fonder before any promise of marriage was made. But their lands were prone to rushed marriages, given the harshness of the lands and all who reside within. Political marriages were common, held together only out of a sense of duty and power; that wasn’t Solstice. She may be prone to bouts of logic but her heart ruled out, and a path like this would no doubt cause her greater harm. Especially if this steward’s intentions weren’t exactly pure.
“You’re worried, beloved,” Predaking approached her from behind, placing a kiss on her cheek and exposed neck. “It doesn’t suit you.”
“Perhaps, but I just hope that Solstice is aware of what she is doing,” entwining her fingers through his, smiling as he brought their conjoined hands to his lips. “Matters of the heart shouldn’t be toyed with; they cause the deepest scares.”
“She is your daughter,” kissing her neck more, bringing an amused smile back to her painted face, “She is stronger than she appears, but it isn’t uncommon for newlyweds to spend time together, is it?” the hint in his voice; Promethea turned back on Predaking, catching his sly smirk. There was something they could do, maybe not to expose the true nature of the proposal but to at least help them bond and prevent any undue heartache.
With the Gala over, the guests seen to and departing from the villa, Promethea was left in the presence of the High King, his wife and her daughter’s betrothed and his family. Perceptor tried to keep his nerves in check, fearing the worse and Promethea had seen through his proposal. Solstice stood beside her mother, hiding her concern with a practised ease yet she too grew worried.
Elmer pondered what the nature of the Jarl’s summons were. They had already agreed and accepted the proposal, what problem was there still keeping the wedding preparations at bay? His concern grew when the King and his sister were present with them. What could they possibly have to do with this arrangement?
"Thank you for remaining," Promethea smiled, "I promise this will not take long."
"No trouble at all, Promethea," Ultra Magnus nodded.
"With the proposal for my daughter, I would be remiss if I didn't have any concerns as a mother," Solstice quirked a browing, catching Perceptor's own questioning glance. Had she discovered the true reason for the proposal? Solstice wouldn't put it past her mother to have some idea. "Thus I propose a solution, but it will require the permission of you, Thane Elmer, and of you, your Majesty."
"What do you propose, my Lady?" Elmer asked, steeling himself for whatever request she had.
"Before the norm of marriage we accept today, betrothes would stay together for a month with either family, seeing if both can live together and if they get along with their families. Archaic and not necessarily common, but I believe it would be the best course of action."
"We would love to have your daughter stay in our hold," Ultra Magnus smiled, knowing his presence here was to gain approval for her daughter to stay in his hold. Something he was always willing to give to his Jarls. But just what will be said by his Thane.
"Are these terms acceptable to you, Thane Elmer?"
"If I may be so bold as to ask, my Lady," Elmer bowed, but found Promethea allowing him to proceed. "Why is this necessary? Both my son and your daughter have consented to marrying each other. Unless there is some underlying concerns you have?" Promethea could see this Thane wished to rush the procession, but Solstice was too important to her to yeild to another.
"Call it a mother's concern," Promethea rose, coming to stand beside her daughter, placing her hand on Solstice's shoulder. "As much as I trust her word, I still have my doubts. If you would humor a concerned mother, I will be more than willing to compensate your family for any inconvinences this brings." Having such a gracious offer from the Jarl had turned Elmer's concerns. With everyone seemingly in agreement, Promethea took her step forward.
When given the chance, Solstice pulled Perceptor aside.
“I didn’t know my mother would do this,” She apologised, checking the corners in case someone was listenting in. “I just thought this would go through like normal, not having to prove anything.”
“It’s okay, we can still keep this up,” Perceptor placed his hands on her shoulders, turning her eyes back to him. “We just need to keep up the charade. Friendly interactions, some displays of affection, just enough to keep suspicion off.” He could tell that she wasn’t reassured. “I cannot express how much this means to me and Drift, but I can’t ask you to do this if you’re having doubts.”
“No, it’s fine. It’s just going in a direction I didn’t plan on,” Solstice shook, a smile returning. “But it’ll work out. I made a promise and I always keep them.”
Perceptor was touched by her kindness, she was going to marry someone whom had no affection or connection with her. Despite her own reasons for going through with it, she was continuing with this ruse despite it becoming more difficult.