CS AU: Huzzah!
CS AU: Huzzah! // Gifted to @pirateherokillian for the @csficformal.
Pip, I apologize for being a terrible replacement date. I know I never called reached out after our initial contact, and this isn’t at all what you asked for BUT… please don’t excuse yourself to the ladies room so you can sneak out the back just yet! Even though this isn’t what you initially pitched, I hope you enjoy it. I had so much fun writing (and arting) it for you!
I was inspired by my family’s recent trip to Las Vegas to write this. We went to see Tournament of Kings, and it reminded me of a Medieval Times AU I thought about writing some time ago. I’ve mixed elements from both experiences, and took some big creative license with the actual show in order to give Killian and Emma more interaction.
Much love to @kmomof4 and @artistic-writer for giving this a once over for me! *mwah*
“I told you we should have gotten tickets earlier in the week,” Ruby groused as they waited in line for the doors to open.
“Oh, cheer up,” Mary Margaret chirped. “This will be just as fun.”
“As fun as watching hot Australian men strip down to less than their skivvies? I doubt it,” Ruby grumbled.
“There are attractive men in this show, too,” Mary Margaret tried to appease. “And horses.”
“Yippee,” Ruby muttered. “I’m sure Ems considers that an even trade to oiled up hotties.”
“It’s fine, guys. Really,” Emma assured. “I’m sure this will be fun, too.”
“Absolutely,” Mary Margaret cheered. “None of us knew Thunder From Down Under would sell out, so I intend to make the best out of the option before us.”
The line began to move, and the three women were escorted to their seats in the front row of the arena. It was the final night all three of them would be together in Sin City, and they had wanted to take in a show. Ruby had suggested the male strip tease, but the performance was sold out due to a number of bachelorette parties that had pre-purchased group tickets. Their only other option, without having to leave their hotel, was the medieval themed dining experience Tournament of Kings; a live action production that included a three course meal - sans utensils - while audience members cheered for various kings competing in an Arthurian style tournament, complete with sword fights and jousting on horseback.
“Good evening, ladies,” their server greeted. “Welcome to the Ireland section. What can I get you to drink this evening?”
Emma ordered herself a glass of wine then took a moment to take in her surroundings as Ruby and Mary Margaret placed their orders. The arena was horseshoe shaped with a stage area located at the open end. A series of countries spanned the oval, with their section, Ireland, situated right next to the stage. Other countries included Russia, Norway, Spain, Austria, Hungary, and France as well as a section simply labeled Dragon.
Emma and her friends chatted as they enjoyed the soup course, reflecting over the week they’d shared together. Early the next morning, Mary Margaret would be on a plane heading back to Storybrooke, Maine, having flown in the week before to help her friends settle into their new life in Las Vegas. As their main course was served, Merlin took the stage to kick off the show with The Court Jester. Although the intro was a bit hokey, by the time the actors got the crowd huzzahing, pounding the counters in front of them, and toasting with a hearty here, here, Emma had to admit that she was having a good time. Even Ruby was smiling.
“My Lords and Ladies,” Merlin announced. “It is now time to welcome your kings!”
A loud cheer erupted from the crowd. Emma found herself joining in, pounding her palms against the counter in front of her as she yelled huzzah with the rest of her section when the King of Ireland was announced.
He rode in on a black horse and circled the arena, ending his triumphal entry in front of his section as he waved and nodded to the crowd. Emma nearly choked on her chicken at the sight of him. Dark disheveled hair, much shorter than his competitors’, but still with a wisp of bang swept over his forehead. Piercing blue eyes and expressive brows accompanied a dusting of auburn scruff that highlighted his lopsided grin. In a word… the man was gorgeous, and Emma had seen her fair share of attractive men since arriving on the Strip. The Irish King met her gaze and his eyes widened with interest before he offered a wink. Emma suddenly felt rather warm and flagged down their server to ask for some water.