Smoke, Salt, and Asbestos - Chapter 21
CW: sickness/curses, coma
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Most fae do not have names, I am told. The Seelie King and Queen are most certainly amongst them. The two are only known as "King" and "Queen" - "Seelie King" and "Seelie Queen" to outsiders. I'm told this is customary in fae culture. However, I doubt that it's easy for them to keep track of who's who without names. They just feel too vital to our identity.
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When Briac heard that they would be meeting the Seelie King, he certainly expected someone regal. The Seelie King certainly met that image, perhaps even went beyond. He had towering antlers that cast a shadow upon whoever stood in front of him and cloven hooves that clicked whenever he took a step.
His feline eyes were piercing as he regarded Briac and Silvanus. Briac felt unworthy in front of him. He felt so incredibly small and helpless.
Silvanus bowed, following Dubheasa’s prompting. Briac was quick to follow.
I need to get myself together. I need to do this for them.
He looked next to him. Dubheasa and Silvanus were still bowed, but he felt a certain warmth knowing that they were there with him.
I’m not alone.
Not anymore.
After all, Silvanus had given everything to rescue him. Silvanus entered a completely unfamiliar world just to save him. Briac still didn’t understand why, but found that the guilt was fading slowly with each day. He hadn’t messed anything up. He hadn’t hurt anyone. Quite the opposite, in fact.
I’m good. I’m a good faerie. I’m a good changeling. It wasn’t my fault.
It was a mantra Briac found himself repeating in front of the King, trying to calm himself before such a powerful figure.
“Thank you for gracing us with your presence, Your Grace,” Dubheasa said with her head bowed.
“I should be thanking the three of you. You all may rise.”
Lord, I’ve been reading this so intently since I found it, and I just wanna talk before I move to the newest chapter.
First, Briac you’re so lovely. I loved your ir process to he. What a wonderful lad. Wish you could show a big of how strong you were when you were a troublemaker. Although I never understood if you smelled Silvanus and said well, you stink, but you’re nice, so you get a pass.
Second, Silvanus I adore you and your gloominess. Smart and still reckless and emotional. Lovely.
Third Dubheasa girl bossing her way out of problems as a girl boss would yes.
Also how cruel it is that Silvanus can’t use his alchemy anymore? He was so good at it! So why..? Tho, I would find it amusing his ability to do alchemy again was linked with his curse. If he wants to continue, he will have to give up or endure the pain that’s to have a bonded. (If there is, which seems not to be the case, but for whump purposes sounds amazing)
Also bonded whump is so nice. Kinda want it to be a trap so we can make Silvanus feel Briac’s pain and viceversa.
Also nah! Don’t forgive him Maximilian! I want you two to fight