unexpected domesticity shipping meme. you never thought you'd have a home, at least not one you can call completely yours, no strings attached and no one lording above you or controlling you. you may not have even known what a "home" truly is, or thought you wanted one. now, there is a touch of domesticity in your life, no matter what things are like otherwise, because you have a home, though you may not have a house proper.
most importantly, you now have someone to share this new facet of life with - a partner. similar to you or completely different, relationship unspoken or unrealized, heavily romantic or understated, they are slowly but surely becoming someone indispensable to you. you never could have seen this coming. and, of course, with domesticity comes a certain amount of intimacy, perhaps even the ultimate physical intimacy...you may be open to that already or you're working up to it when you'd hardly considered it before.
whether your situation is for the long term as it stands, could end at any moment, or a mere disguise you're using to lay low, you're getting comfortable. how does that make you feel? will you it accept a new lease on life - or will you sabotauge yourself before someone else does?
— Comment with your character, preferences, what tone you want your thread to take, and whether or not your open to smut. — Reply to others.
[Being a royal was...interesting, to say the least. Granted, Rey had married into it because of a bargain that was made well before her time. Instead of having to work all the time, and ration food, she had more than enough to last her a hundred lifetimes. More clothes than she knew what to do, and married to a stranger...
Who became a friend...and somewhere down the line, she developed feelings? Was that how all arranged marriages went? Whatever the case, she was in the kitchen, trying her hand at making pancakes, with the aid of the cooks standing by. Eliot had been delegating things left and right, trying to rule a land he had never lived in and it was a hard transition, but...he was making it work. The least she could do was give him a good start to the day...
While trying to figure out what a 'bloody mary' was. Or, would a mimosa go better with breakfast? She was trying to provide those creature comforts of Earth to her husband.
Her 'small' breakfast consisted of eggs, bacon, sausage, toast with jam, diced up potatoes, and blueberry pancakes. There was some sweet wine set aside in case he wanted something alcoholic to go with his breakfast. Rey quietly went back into her bedchambers with a member of their staff, allowing each woman to carry a tray of food each. Both women set the items down on one of the dressers. Staff member dismissed, Rey kicked off her shoes to climb back into bed with Eliot. Thankfully, she only wear simple trousers and top, nothing fancy just sleep wear that wasn't sexy or inappropriate to wear out of the bedroom.
She curled up next to her sleeping husband and started to kiss his temple, then cheek.]
(Eliot was not prepared to rule a kingdom. When he was crowned, he was barely prepared to throw a raging party and clean up after himself. He did his best to adapt as much as he could, but being in Fillory was...definitely a challenge. This wasn't his forte. This was Quentin's first love and he felt a little guilty for taking the throne and being thrust into it all.
But adapt he did. To the best of his abilities, and thanks mostly to his circle of friends, advisers, and of course his consort.
The idea of marriage, at first, was terrifying enough to make him want to run away screaming. But with a lot of liquid courage and pep talks, the wedding went off without a hitch and he found himself sort of....enjoying it.
His wife was quite accommodating despite their situation. It was almost a relief to know that she was just as apprehensive at being betrothed as he was at being a husband in general. But it was a good move for his kingdom and, well, she was cute too. That was a plus.
Eliot had spent the evening pouring over plans for expanding the kingdom's gardens to stave off the famine that threatened his people, wondering just how they'd made it this far without fertilizer. Fillory surely was an interesting place.
He's sleeping peacefully, finally, when Rey arrived. He stirred easily, eyes blinking open as he turned toward those kisses. He was dressed in plain linen pants and a similar shirt with a deep neckline that allowed some of his chest hair to peek out.)
Food?
(It was always nice to be woken up like this. Never in his wildest dreams did he ever think he would enjoy a morning greeting such as this.
He smiled big and slow at her as he pushed himself to sit up, stretching his arms over his head.)
[Nothing grand and huge, nothing that was wasteful. There was a famine in parts of Fillory and Rey knew all too well what it was like to go to bed at night with an empty belly and hunger gnawing at her insides. She didn't see much for herself aside from being a knife maker's daughter. Perhaps expand it out further to include other weapons, but...there wasn't much in Fillory for her. As wonderful as it was, it felt like she was stuck waiting for something to happen.
Lo and behold, it was to marry a child of Earth and become their consort. Eliot had a bride, and it was....interesting the first few weeks of getting to one another another. Both of them unsure, and Rey being stubborn, but a few nights spent with Eliot and High Queen Margo with lots of wine had smoothed a things over.
But all of that was the past, and she found herself...happy? Yes, that seemed to be the word that best fit their situation, especially when Eliot woke up kissing her back. There was a soft hum from her, moving to sit up with her husband, and gently brush back some of his hair.]
Yes...it's nice to be able to do something, you know? [Something that was within her control, and not frowned upon. She learned that the hard way that there were certain things she was expected to do, and images to up hold and other things that made her roll her eyes.]
Blueberry pancakes, and sweet wine. I'm still trying to figure out what a 'bloody mary' should taste like, but I'm hoping we could try to make mimosa's tomorrow.
[Give him something of his home because he couldn't go back. Because he was stuck here, with her.]
(Despite the weirdness of being married and having a wife to tend to along with the rest of the kingdom, he'd grown quite fond of his betrothed. She was spunky and seemed to get annoyed with some of the customs that came along with royalty and, well, Eliot was all for that.
As she listed off all of the good she helped to make, his sleepy smile grew wider.)
I did. Like a rock.
(Maybe not long enough, but a good sleep for a short time was better than a bad sleep for a long time.)
I think I can help make a bloody mary perfect, if you'd like. It'll be a fun experiment.
(He laughed at that, just thinking about trying to make a cocktail from Earth in Fillory. It seemed almost like an impossible task. Everything in Fillory was so similar but different. It made recreating recipes he already knew a tad more difficult. Just trying to make wine seemed like an impossibility.)
Should we eat? It sounds delicious.
(He couldn't even remember the last time he had pancakes. Probably way back in college, before Brakebills.)
[Something for them to do together. Something for them to bond over, and for Rey to learn more about her husband--a word that used to make her roll her eyes, but now she had come to enjoy his presence greatly. She did try to ask Quentin and Margo, but both seemed busy. Then there was Josh, and he gave some good pointers, but Rey was the type who wanted to figure something out for herself--to see how it worked and what she could do to improve it.
Besides, cooking, or even baking, gave her a great outlet since she couldn't work on much anything else. Both were dubbed 'lady like' enough for her to continue on, rather than looking into weaponry and the like.
It would be an interesting challenge to see what ingredients were comparable to Earth, but they would figure it out.]
Were there other things you enjoyed on Earth? Any other foods or drinks?
[She asked the question as she rose up out of their bed to head to the dresser, grabbing a tray of the food with a cup of sweet wine to give to Eliot.]
Breakfast in bed, thought it would be a fun treat.
[No need to get up. No need to do much of anything except ask Rey to grab it, which...wasn't bad. Tray set on Eliot's lap, Rey went to grab herself her own small plate of dates and fruits. There were still things in this life she was adjusting to, but she was pacing herself. Fruit then something heavier, and no need to scarf it all down.]
(Finding ingredients to compare to something on Earth was definitely a challenge. There would be something that looked like a tomato but tasted like a an onion, like everything was the same but different. It took a lot of getting used to but now that he understood what most things were, he figured they could kind of figure out comfort foods together.)
I'm still trying to find something that tastes like Sapphire gin.
(He offered a grin, taking the cup of sweet wine and sipping at it as he waited for Rey to come back into bed with their breakfast.)
I love breakfast in bed. Thank you.
(He leaned in to press a kiss to her cheek, then dug right into the pancakes first. They were delicious and he gave a thumbs up as he chewed, cutting another bite to offer to his wife.)
[Well, if they couldn't find ingredients that were similar to Earth...couldn't they find a way to bring those items to Fillory? Quentin seemed to be able to come and go, or maybe that was Penny? Either way, they had magic, couldn't that solve a few issues? Something for Rey to think about later on.]
Is that your favorite? I tried asking Margo the different spirits you have, but I lost her somewhere between whiskey, bourbon, and... {Rey paused trying to recall the exact phrasing of it.] Tequila? I think that was it. Or, something similar.
[The amount of knowledge that woman had on liquor was both impressive, and terrifying? Then again, there was a reason why she was High Queen.
Her smile grew and she murmured a soft 'welcome' towards him, more eager to see his reaction to the food she helped prepare. His approval made her grin widen. It always felt amazing knowing her husband liked what she cooked--and he wasn't lying about it. Some of the dishes in Fillory were a bit...odd, in terms of taste and texture. It wasn't for the faint of heart, and Eliot could be diplomatic when needed, but he wasn't saying things to placate her.
She took a bite of the offered pancake, enjoying the sweetness and bit of tartness from the fruit. Plus, the pancakes were fluffy! She finally got that part down.]
These are so much better than the practice ones I made last week. [Those were...runny, or too hard, not a nice golden brown.]
But...after breakfast, we can do whatever you'd like. I already spoke to Tick about it, no meetings until after the morning. You need your rest..and time to do with as you please.
[Oh, it was a long talk that involved a lot of glaring and nearly raising her voice, but it would all work out.]
(it's a mystery to him what the ingredients could be. The pancakes are so similar to what he remembers from earth and it's like a blast of nostalgia to his mouth. He sighed happily as he continued to eat, watching his sweet wife with a smile.)
I think this is the nicest thing that anyone has ever done for me here.
(Tick barely tolerated him and only did so because Eliot and Margo could probably execute him if need be.)
Maybe later we can take a walk around the courtyard or something? Just hang out?
(They didn't spend a lot of time together as a couple before, mostly because Eliot didn't know how to be a husband. But he tried his best to be better and slowly he thought he might be improving.)
Um, or is there something you'd like to do?
(Since he didn't have to work right away. He should let her decide since she was up early in the kitchens.)
Really? [There's a tilt of her head, trying to recall if anyone else had done anything this nice to him before. The people of Fillory...weren't sure of what to make of their king. Someone they didn't know, that didn't come from their world. Someone as part of a prophecy or legend that was supposed to bring Fillory to greatness. But, there weren't too many who knew what it would take to make their King happy...at least Rey was trying.]
Well, I suppose I'll have to do more to make up for it, won't I?
[Teasing because it's partially true. She'll have to do more to make up for it. Both of them were still learning what it meant to be a married couple--let alone be a couple. But...they were making it work as friends. They talked to one another, they listened. No expectations. Granted, there was talk that Rey had to produce an heir--but she beat that thought into the back of her head. She wasn't ready, and she didn't think Eliot was either.]
Hanging out would be nice. Do something that suits the both of us?
[Something where they could find common ground. Something that interested both of them, because they needed it. They needed time alone in order to make their courtship work.]
There's horseback riding, or archery, or strolling along the courtyard would be nice. I'm not hard to please, you know.
[It was the truth. He could give her a cookie or a flower, and she would appreciate the hell out of it. Coming from so little, she was grateful for anything given to her.
Including any time he spent with her.]
Whatever we do, it'll be fun. I think you were called the king of partying back on Earth?
(He ate as she spoke, offering her bites of the food she'd prepared so lovingly here and there.)
Oh, archery? That sounds like fun, actually.
(He'd practiced some archery long ago and he wasn't the greatest with a bow, so it could certainly behoove him to practice a bit more. And it would be awesome to be shown up by his wife, who he assumed was much more talented at it than he was.
He knew she was easily pleased, but Eliot liked to be grand. He liked to do nice, big things for people he cared for too. And he made a note to return the favor of breakfast in bed with something nice, too. Diamonds, maybe.
To be honest, he wasn't sure if she would even like diamonds. He'd have to ask around to the women that worked in the kitchen to see if they knew her any better than he did. Which he was sure they did.
He tossed his head back with a hearty laugh at hearing her talking about partying, and he nodded proudly.)
Yeah, I threw amazing parties back home.
(Just talking about it gave him that wistful look in his eyes, he missed it. Partying. And Earth.)
I'll have to arrange a legendary royal party here then, huh? Imagine your birthday...it will be so awesome.
[Rey ate a few bites of the food Eliot offered her. He didn't have to offer it to her, but it was appreciated nonetheless. In turn she did offer the fruit she had, though there was plenty of food still left on the dresser, just in case Eliot wanted seconds, or he wanted something else to fill his belly.
In truth, she was better with a staff or a sword, but she knew the bases of archery. Not a terrible shot, but having the string snap back and hit her skin each time she pulled it back, it hurt. She'd have to make sure he had an arm brace to prevent him from getting hurt...much.]
I'll ask the staff to prepare something then. [A notion she still found weird saying, but it was the truth. She didn't know where items were stored, and everyone would have to clear the field to avoid being shot at.] Would this be your first time with a bow?
[Jewels were not the way into Rey's heart. She found them nice, sure, and she wore necklaces and fancier items when she had to, but it wasn't something she coveted. Spending time with Eliot, riding horseback through the forests and star gazing...quality time doing simple things. That's what she enjoyed the most--including a good book.]
Yes! Margo told me a few things, how you would party until dawn. Or...something about Ibiza and taking three days there? [It was hard to get all of the stories straight in her mind.
Rey saw the wistful look in his eyes as they talked. She felt guilty then, dredging up feelings when shew as trying to lift his spirits. She leaned in, placing a kiss to his cheek. Something to comfort him with...or at the very least, a distraction of sorts.]
You could. It could be epic, legendary, something to pass down through the ages... [But, she looked away at the mention of it being her birthday. Rey wasn't one to enjoy the spotlight, even their wedding she was waiting for it to be over with, if only so people could do something else other than stare at her.]
Maybe not my birthday? I don't really know when I was born, so it would be a waste--but something to celebrate the seasons, or your birthday, that would be better, wouldn't it?
[Yes, let's just gloss over her lack of knowing when she was born. That's a good idea.]
Not my first time. But I'm not very good. Don't expect to be impressed.
(He took any offered bites happily, taking his time in eating with her. It was nice to not have to rush to get up and go to another meeting or sit in the throne room and discuss...whatever. This was very...domestic. And it made his heart feel all warm and fuzzy in ways he wasn't used to.)
Oh yeah, Ibiza. Maybe some day I'll be able to take you there.
(Not sure how, but when there's a will there's a way. That's what people said, right? He was sure that in all the world and all the magic, there would be a way to take his wife on vacation.
Still, the way Rey recoiled at the mention of her birthday made Eliot tut his tongue.)
Oh no. That just means you get to pick your birthday. What's your favorite day?
(Since discovering magic, and then Fillory, Eliot's seen his fair share of weird shit. Not knowing ones own birthday was pretty low on the totem pole of Weird Shit he'd encountered. Pretty tame, in his eyes. After all...Ember did defecate in the wellspring of all magic, that was pretty weird.)
I can even throw you a party with only who you want to be invited. I promise it'll rock your world.
Even if it's my birthday we're celebrating, you'd be the center of attention too. You are my wife, after all.
[Best not to assume what purpose Eliot learned archery, but it's fascinating to know regardless. She wanted to get to know more about him. The life he had before Fillory, before magic, before they met. Her life...was mundane and plain. There wasn't much she needed to go into detail about it.
Still...this was nice. Much nicer than the first few days they spent together where there wasn't an air of tension between the two of them. Less awkward than having to share a bed with one another--and way less than when they had to consummate their marriage.]
Really? That would be nice. There are other areas outside of Fillory that I haven't been to. Heard of them, but never found a reason to travel there.
[Nor did she have the funds, and screw the whole notion that she would be in danger. She was strong, she was level-headed. She would've been fine.]
What? [She looked genuinely surprised at his tutting. Her favorite day?] I don't know...the first day of spring? [Could he tell she didn't give much thought to herself?]
I'm not one to be at parties, I barely got through our wedding. It's... [Overwhelming, stressful, chaotic, and she was a wallflower.] A bit much? [She doesn't like the spot light, but maybe with El's help, she'll grow to like it.]
Yes, but if it's your birthday, people will gather and flock towards you and I can just...run things in the background.
Well...actually, we learned it in gym class way back in high school. But when I first came to Fillory, too. I did a little bit of archery in case I needed to catch a questing creature.
(He shrugged, most of his food finished by then and he pushed the tray aside so he could watch her speak, smiling as he did so.)
Yeah, your favorite day. The first day of spring.
(He thought about it for a moment, thinking that the day really suited her.)
It's perfect. It's very you.
(He laughed, good natured and soft, finding his shy wife to be adorable pretty much all the time but extra when she was trying to avoid anyone paying attention to her.)
You deserve to be celebrated on your birthday. And even on mine. We are a pair now, you know.
(Which had been weird to get accustomed to, since the pair was usually Eliot and Margo. But Margo was pretty soft on Rey, anyway, and that was a good sign for anyone wishing to be part of their weird little family.)
Margo would love it, too. She'd get you something really flashy to wear. You'd hate it. But you would look amazing, I'm sure.
[Gym class? So, a lectured series on the principles of gym or archery? More questions filled Rey's head, and she was curious about it all. What Earth was like, what their customs were, and to find both the similarities and differences between their worlds--food and drink aside.]
I don't think you've told me that story yet--Did you want more food?
[Since he finished what he had to eat, and so did she. His smile was infectious...and he looked so handsome with it. He was charming and could charm anyone off--except maybe Tick? No, wait, the shorter man was not immune to Eliot's charms--or Margo's temper.
She started to laugh a little, her hair falling away from her shoulders. She had let it down, not wanting to put it up in a braid or a bun for the moment.]
How is it very me when I just thought of it?
[Because she was delicate? Or because she loved it when it rained, or loved walking about in nature?]
I know, I know, but you're much more...better at it than me. You and Margo. [Being in the spotlight, commanding a room, and overall exuding so much confidence. Not that Rey lacked any, but she preferred to be in the background of things--she was used to it, found comfort in it.
At the topic of being dressed in something flashy, Rey let out a soft huff. There was no way she could say no to Margo--well, she could try, but it would go in one ear and out the other.]
I think our tastes differ a lot, so maybe we could compromise? I mean, honestly, having a nice dinner would be more than enough.
But, in the mean time... [She began to gather their dishes before hopping off their bed.] I can ask the staff to prepare the field and we could get dressed.
(He grinned, looking up and to the right as he thinks about what he'd have to tell her about high school gym class and the few hours they'd spent using cheap plastic bows and arrows at targets. For whatever reason.)
I'll tell you all about it.
(He helped to gather up the things, too, making sure not to leave any dishes behind. He was well aware of how timid she was and he didn't mind it, even if they were so very different. It took some learning for him to be able to open her up in a way that he was comfortable with, and it also took time for him to learn how to hold his own personality back enough to make sure he wasn't Too Much for her.)
Yes. But on Earth they say that opposites attract. Must be why we make such a great couple.
(He teased with a grin, knowing it was ridiculous to say because that was a saying used for couples that got together willingly and not in weird arranged fillorian marriages.)
Let's go quickly. Would you like me to meet you at the doors to the yard? I'll go wash up.
[She told him, the corners of her mouth turning up into a soft smile. They worked together to gather the dishes and place them on the tray off on the dresser.
Rey wasn't so much timid as she was reserved. She was used to keeping to herself, used to doing things on her own and not having much else. Sure there was her parent, but their relationship was strained at best. She outright protested being married to Eliot, but she eventually gave in, then again there wasn't much choice in the matter.
That seemed so long ago now. They made strides, found common ground and things felt....right? Yes, that was the word. Things felt as though they finally fell into place between the two of them.]
I suppose? We balance each other out, bring out the best in each other? [She tried to rationalize it, even letting out a soft chuckle of her own. Her eyes focused on Eliot, taking him in before moving to hug him, wrapping her arms around his waist.] Whatever the reason is, I'm glad we're at this point.
[Considering he was taller than her, she leaned in to give him a chaste kiss.]
Yes, that's fine. I'll meet you there. Take your time washing up, as much 'me' time as you want. [She made sure to put the word "me" in quotation marks. A phrase she was sure she heard Margo stating a few times.
Rey pulled back from Eliot, taking the trays down back to the kitchen. Along the way she informed the staff of what their morning would now consist of. It wouldn't take long for the field to be ready, with assistants waiting to meet them outside with bows, arrows, and targets ready.
Rey quickly washed up herself, opting to change into something simple. Pants that clung to her body showing off her shape and boots to protect her feet. She wore a simple tunic in a dark blue color to accent her pants. A simple braid for her hair, and she was ready to go. No need for a crown, they weren't expecting company, as far as she knew anyway.
She waited for Eliot at the doors to the yard as they had discussed.]
I'm not sure I have the best to be brought out in me, but I do my best. For you.
(He smiled, hoping that he'd be praised for doing so. Like an eager puppy. The hug was praise enough and he returned it, easily wrapping her smaller body up to hug her close. He even leaned in to meet their kiss, so married-couple like. It was kind of nice, even if it wasn't exactly his style.
He waited for her to leave the room before going to wash up, himself, and change into clothing more suited for physical activity. He arrived looking refreshed; his hair done nicely, dressed in a comfortable, yet flashy, outfit that didn't have any flourishes that might get caught by a speeding arrow or a snapping bow.
He greeted his wife with a bright smile.)
You look dashing, dear.
(He offered, wrapping an arm about her shoulders as he took them out into the courtyard where there were a couple of targets and their bows and arrows, a servant or two waiting to be put to work if necessary.)
Thank you, my King... [Rey even managed to do a little bow of her head, and slightly curtsy before a bubble of laughter left her. She wasn't much for being prim and proper, especially when it was the two of them. It was teasing, it was bantering, it was ...fun.
Something they both sorely needed in their lives, minus the alcohol.
She walked out with him, noting the servants waiting for them. The field was well prepared and no one else was out on the field. Good, no one would get injured--hopefully. They walked a way until they were in front of a standard target. A young man stepped up presenting both of them with a bow for them to use. Simple, basic, didn't have much pull to it, but it would do.]
I think you should go first. Just to test the waters.
(She's so very adorable when she wants to be, and it left Eliot grinning as he took his bow and the quiver of arrows to put on his back. He ushers Rey to stand back just a bit, as if he's protecting her or something equally as ridiculously chivalrous.)
I'll test it out for us.
(He continued to grin, placing an arrow into position and aiming at the target for a long while before pulling back and....letting it go. It hits the target, at least. The very edge of it.
He sputters with laughter, looking back at Rey.)
It's the wind...the wind..too strong.
(Even though the air around them barely offers a breeze.)
[Rey stands back as instructed by her husband, watching him as he stands up tall, feet planted and takes an arrow...
He manages to hit the target, albeit the edge of it. But he hit it! He managed to do something that not a lot of people who haven't practiced in ages would be able to do! The servants are unsure if they should should commend him or blame the wind. Whereas Rey lets out a soft chuckle of her own.]
Yes, it's the wind. So to compensate maybe....
[There wasn't a breeze at all, but to help make him feel better, they could blame the non-existent wind. For now though, she moves to stand by him, and places her hand on his elbow to gently tug him to the right to help compensate for where he aimed last time.]
Stand here. So you're taking into account for the wind. [She turned, taking another arrow from their servant and hands it to Eliot.]
Try again.
[Encouraging and supporting, doing her best to help him.]
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bakerstreet2019-08-11 11:13 am
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Who became a friend...and somewhere down the line, she developed feelings? Was that how all arranged marriages went? Whatever the case, she was in the kitchen, trying her hand at making pancakes, with the aid of the cooks standing by. Eliot had been delegating things left and right, trying to rule a land he had never lived in and it was a hard transition, but...he was making it work. The least she could do was give him a good start to the day...
While trying to figure out what a 'bloody mary' was. Or, would a mimosa go better with breakfast? She was trying to provide those creature comforts of Earth to her husband.
Her 'small' breakfast consisted of eggs, bacon, sausage, toast with jam, diced up potatoes, and blueberry pancakes. There was some sweet wine set aside in case he wanted something alcoholic to go with his breakfast. Rey quietly went back into her bedchambers with a member of their staff, allowing each woman to carry a tray of food each. Both women set the items down on one of the dressers. Staff member dismissed, Rey kicked off her shoes to climb back into bed with Eliot. Thankfully, she only wear simple trousers and top, nothing fancy just sleep wear that wasn't sexy or inappropriate to wear out of the bedroom.
She curled up next to her sleeping husband and started to kiss his temple, then cheek.]
Eliot...we have food waiting for us.
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But adapt he did. To the best of his abilities, and thanks mostly to his circle of friends, advisers, and of course his consort.
The idea of marriage, at first, was terrifying enough to make him want to run away screaming. But with a lot of liquid courage and pep talks, the wedding went off without a hitch and he found himself sort of....enjoying it.
His wife was quite accommodating despite their situation. It was almost a relief to know that she was just as apprehensive at being betrothed as he was at being a husband in general. But it was a good move for his kingdom and, well, she was cute too. That was a plus.
Eliot had spent the evening pouring over plans for expanding the kingdom's gardens to stave off the famine that threatened his people, wondering just how they'd made it this far without fertilizer. Fillory surely was an interesting place.
He's sleeping peacefully, finally, when Rey arrived. He stirred easily, eyes blinking open as he turned toward those kisses. He was dressed in plain linen pants and a similar shirt with a deep neckline that allowed some of his chest hair to peek out.)
Food?
(It was always nice to be woken up like this. Never in his wildest dreams did he ever think he would enjoy a morning greeting such as this.
He smiled big and slow at her as he pushed himself to sit up, stretching his arms over his head.)
Were you up early again helping in the kitchen?
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[Nothing grand and huge, nothing that was wasteful. There was a famine in parts of Fillory and Rey knew all too well what it was like to go to bed at night with an empty belly and hunger gnawing at her insides. She didn't see much for herself aside from being a knife maker's daughter. Perhaps expand it out further to include other weapons, but...there wasn't much in Fillory for her. As wonderful as it was, it felt like she was stuck waiting for something to happen.
Lo and behold, it was to marry a child of Earth and become their consort. Eliot had a bride, and it was....interesting the first few weeks of getting to one another another. Both of them unsure, and Rey being stubborn, but a few nights spent with Eliot and High Queen Margo with lots of wine had smoothed a things over.
But all of that was the past, and she found herself...happy? Yes, that seemed to be the word that best fit their situation, especially when Eliot woke up kissing her back. There was a soft hum from her, moving to sit up with her husband, and gently brush back some of his hair.]
Yes...it's nice to be able to do something, you know? [Something that was within her control, and not frowned upon. She learned that the hard way that there were certain things she was expected to do, and images to up hold and other things that made her roll her eyes.]
Blueberry pancakes, and sweet wine. I'm still trying to figure out what a 'bloody mary' should taste like, but I'm hoping we could try to make mimosa's tomorrow.
[Give him something of his home because he couldn't go back. Because he was stuck here, with her.]
Did you sleep well?
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As she listed off all of the good she helped to make, his sleepy smile grew wider.)
I did. Like a rock.
(Maybe not long enough, but a good sleep for a short time was better than a bad sleep for a long time.)
I think I can help make a bloody mary perfect, if you'd like. It'll be a fun experiment.
(He laughed at that, just thinking about trying to make a cocktail from Earth in Fillory. It seemed almost like an impossible task. Everything in Fillory was so similar but different. It made recreating recipes he already knew a tad more difficult. Just trying to make wine seemed like an impossibility.)
Should we eat? It sounds delicious.
(He couldn't even remember the last time he had pancakes. Probably way back in college, before Brakebills.)
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[Something for them to do together. Something for them to bond over, and for Rey to learn more about her husband--a word that used to make her roll her eyes, but now she had come to enjoy his presence greatly. She did try to ask Quentin and Margo, but both seemed busy. Then there was Josh, and he gave some good pointers, but Rey was the type who wanted to figure something out for herself--to see how it worked and what she could do to improve it.
Besides, cooking, or even baking, gave her a great outlet since she couldn't work on much anything else. Both were dubbed 'lady like' enough for her to continue on, rather than looking into weaponry and the like.
It would be an interesting challenge to see what ingredients were comparable to Earth, but they would figure it out.]
Were there other things you enjoyed on Earth? Any other foods or drinks?
[She asked the question as she rose up out of their bed to head to the dresser, grabbing a tray of the food with a cup of sweet wine to give to Eliot.]
Breakfast in bed, thought it would be a fun treat.
[No need to get up. No need to do much of anything except ask Rey to grab it, which...wasn't bad. Tray set on Eliot's lap, Rey went to grab herself her own small plate of dates and fruits. There were still things in this life she was adjusting to, but she was pacing herself. Fruit then something heavier, and no need to scarf it all down.]
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I'm still trying to find something that tastes like Sapphire gin.
(He offered a grin, taking the cup of sweet wine and sipping at it as he waited for Rey to come back into bed with their breakfast.)
I love breakfast in bed. Thank you.
(He leaned in to press a kiss to her cheek, then dug right into the pancakes first. They were delicious and he gave a thumbs up as he chewed, cutting another bite to offer to his wife.)
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Is that your favorite? I tried asking Margo the different spirits you have, but I lost her somewhere between whiskey, bourbon, and... {Rey paused trying to recall the exact phrasing of it.] Tequila? I think that was it. Or, something similar.
[The amount of knowledge that woman had on liquor was both impressive, and terrifying? Then again, there was a reason why she was High Queen.
Her smile grew and she murmured a soft 'welcome' towards him, more eager to see his reaction to the food she helped prepare. His approval made her grin widen. It always felt amazing knowing her husband liked what she cooked--and he wasn't lying about it. Some of the dishes in Fillory were a bit...odd, in terms of taste and texture. It wasn't for the faint of heart, and Eliot could be diplomatic when needed, but he wasn't saying things to placate her.
She took a bite of the offered pancake, enjoying the sweetness and bit of tartness from the fruit. Plus, the pancakes were fluffy! She finally got that part down.]
These are so much better than the practice ones I made last week. [Those were...runny, or too hard, not a nice golden brown.]
But...after breakfast, we can do whatever you'd like. I already spoke to Tick about it, no meetings until after the morning. You need your rest..and time to do with as you please.
[Oh, it was a long talk that involved a lot of glaring and nearly raising her voice, but it would all work out.]
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I think this is the nicest thing that anyone has ever done for me here.
(Tick barely tolerated him and only did so because Eliot and Margo could probably execute him if need be.)
Maybe later we can take a walk around the courtyard or something? Just hang out?
(They didn't spend a lot of time together as a couple before, mostly because Eliot didn't know how to be a husband. But he tried his best to be better and slowly he thought he might be improving.)
Um, or is there something you'd like to do?
(Since he didn't have to work right away. He should let her decide since she was up early in the kitchens.)
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Well, I suppose I'll have to do more to make up for it, won't I?
[Teasing because it's partially true. She'll have to do more to make up for it. Both of them were still learning what it meant to be a married couple--let alone be a couple. But...they were making it work as friends. They talked to one another, they listened. No expectations. Granted, there was talk that Rey had to produce an heir--but she beat that thought into the back of her head. She wasn't ready, and she didn't think Eliot was either.]
Hanging out would be nice. Do something that suits the both of us?
[Something where they could find common ground. Something that interested both of them, because they needed it. They needed time alone in order to make their courtship work.]
There's horseback riding, or archery, or strolling along the courtyard would be nice. I'm not hard to please, you know.
[It was the truth. He could give her a cookie or a flower, and she would appreciate the hell out of it. Coming from so little, she was grateful for anything given to her.
Including any time he spent with her.]
Whatever we do, it'll be fun. I think you were called the king of partying back on Earth?
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Oh, archery? That sounds like fun, actually.
(He'd practiced some archery long ago and he wasn't the greatest with a bow, so it could certainly behoove him to practice a bit more. And it would be awesome to be shown up by his wife, who he assumed was much more talented at it than he was.
He knew she was easily pleased, but Eliot liked to be grand. He liked to do nice, big things for people he cared for too. And he made a note to return the favor of breakfast in bed with something nice, too. Diamonds, maybe.
To be honest, he wasn't sure if she would even like diamonds. He'd have to ask around to the women that worked in the kitchen to see if they knew her any better than he did. Which he was sure they did.
He tossed his head back with a hearty laugh at hearing her talking about partying, and he nodded proudly.)
Yeah, I threw amazing parties back home.
(Just talking about it gave him that wistful look in his eyes, he missed it. Partying. And Earth.)
I'll have to arrange a legendary royal party here then, huh? Imagine your birthday...it will be so awesome.
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In truth, she was better with a staff or a sword, but she knew the bases of archery. Not a terrible shot, but having the string snap back and hit her skin each time she pulled it back, it hurt. She'd have to make sure he had an arm brace to prevent him from getting hurt...much.]
I'll ask the staff to prepare something then. [A notion she still found weird saying, but it was the truth. She didn't know where items were stored, and everyone would have to clear the field to avoid being shot at.] Would this be your first time with a bow?
[Jewels were not the way into Rey's heart. She found them nice, sure, and she wore necklaces and fancier items when she had to, but it wasn't something she coveted. Spending time with Eliot, riding horseback through the forests and star gazing...quality time doing simple things. That's what she enjoyed the most--including a good book.]
Yes! Margo told me a few things, how you would party until dawn. Or...something about Ibiza and taking three days there? [It was hard to get all of the stories straight in her mind.
Rey saw the wistful look in his eyes as they talked. She felt guilty then, dredging up feelings when shew as trying to lift his spirits. She leaned in, placing a kiss to his cheek. Something to comfort him with...or at the very least, a distraction of sorts.]
You could. It could be epic, legendary, something to pass down through the ages... [But, she looked away at the mention of it being her birthday. Rey wasn't one to enjoy the spotlight, even their wedding she was waiting for it to be over with, if only so people could do something else other than stare at her.]
Maybe not my birthday? I don't really know when I was born, so it would be a waste--but something to celebrate the seasons, or your birthday, that would be better, wouldn't it?
[Yes, let's just gloss over her lack of knowing when she was born. That's a good idea.]
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(He took any offered bites happily, taking his time in eating with her. It was nice to not have to rush to get up and go to another meeting or sit in the throne room and discuss...whatever. This was very...domestic. And it made his heart feel all warm and fuzzy in ways he wasn't used to.)
Oh yeah, Ibiza. Maybe some day I'll be able to take you there.
(Not sure how, but when there's a will there's a way. That's what people said, right? He was sure that in all the world and all the magic, there would be a way to take his wife on vacation.
Still, the way Rey recoiled at the mention of her birthday made Eliot tut his tongue.)
Oh no. That just means you get to pick your birthday. What's your favorite day?
(Since discovering magic, and then Fillory, Eliot's seen his fair share of weird shit. Not knowing ones own birthday was pretty low on the totem pole of Weird Shit he'd encountered. Pretty tame, in his eyes. After all...Ember did defecate in the wellspring of all magic, that was pretty weird.)
I can even throw you a party with only who you want to be invited. I promise it'll rock your world.
Even if it's my birthday we're celebrating, you'd be the center of attention too. You are my wife, after all.
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[Best not to assume what purpose Eliot learned archery, but it's fascinating to know regardless. She wanted to get to know more about him. The life he had before Fillory, before magic, before they met. Her life...was mundane and plain. There wasn't much she needed to go into detail about it.
Still...this was nice. Much nicer than the first few days they spent together where there wasn't an air of tension between the two of them. Less awkward than having to share a bed with one another--and way less than when they had to consummate their marriage.]
Really? That would be nice. There are other areas outside of Fillory that I haven't been to. Heard of them, but never found a reason to travel there.
[Nor did she have the funds, and screw the whole notion that she would be in danger. She was strong, she was level-headed. She would've been fine.]
What? [She looked genuinely surprised at his tutting. Her favorite day?] I don't know...the first day of spring? [Could he tell she didn't give much thought to herself?]
I'm not one to be at parties, I barely got through our wedding. It's... [Overwhelming, stressful, chaotic, and she was a wallflower.] A bit much? [She doesn't like the spot light, but maybe with El's help, she'll grow to like it.]
Yes, but if it's your birthday, people will gather and flock towards you and I can just...run things in the background.
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(He shrugged, most of his food finished by then and he pushed the tray aside so he could watch her speak, smiling as he did so.)
Yeah, your favorite day. The first day of spring.
(He thought about it for a moment, thinking that the day really suited her.)
It's perfect. It's very you.
(He laughed, good natured and soft, finding his shy wife to be adorable pretty much all the time but extra when she was trying to avoid anyone paying attention to her.)
You deserve to be celebrated on your birthday. And even on mine. We are a pair now, you know.
(Which had been weird to get accustomed to, since the pair was usually Eliot and Margo. But Margo was pretty soft on Rey, anyway, and that was a good sign for anyone wishing to be part of their weird little family.)
Margo would love it, too. She'd get you something really flashy to wear. You'd hate it. But you would look amazing, I'm sure.
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[Gym class? So, a lectured series on the principles of gym or archery? More questions filled Rey's head, and she was curious about it all. What Earth was like, what their customs were, and to find both the similarities and differences between their worlds--food and drink aside.]
I don't think you've told me that story yet--Did you want more food?
[Since he finished what he had to eat, and so did she. His smile was infectious...and he looked so handsome with it. He was charming and could charm anyone off--except maybe Tick? No, wait, the shorter man was not immune to Eliot's charms--or Margo's temper.
She started to laugh a little, her hair falling away from her shoulders. She had let it down, not wanting to put it up in a braid or a bun for the moment.]
How is it very me when I just thought of it?
[Because she was delicate? Or because she loved it when it rained, or loved walking about in nature?]
I know, I know, but you're much more...better at it than me. You and Margo. [Being in the spotlight, commanding a room, and overall exuding so much confidence. Not that Rey lacked any, but she preferred to be in the background of things--she was used to it, found comfort in it.
At the topic of being dressed in something flashy, Rey let out a soft huff. There was no way she could say no to Margo--well, she could try, but it would go in one ear and out the other.]
I think our tastes differ a lot, so maybe we could compromise? I mean, honestly, having a nice dinner would be more than enough.
But, in the mean time... [She began to gather their dishes before hopping off their bed.] I can ask the staff to prepare the field and we could get dressed.
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I'm finished, thank you.
(He grinned, looking up and to the right as he thinks about what he'd have to tell her about high school gym class and the few hours they'd spent using cheap plastic bows and arrows at targets. For whatever reason.)
I'll tell you all about it.
(He helped to gather up the things, too, making sure not to leave any dishes behind. He was well aware of how timid she was and he didn't mind it, even if they were so very different. It took some learning for him to be able to open her up in a way that he was comfortable with, and it also took time for him to learn how to hold his own personality back enough to make sure he wasn't Too Much for her.)
Yes. But on Earth they say that opposites attract. Must be why we make such a great couple.
(He teased with a grin, knowing it was ridiculous to say because that was a saying used for couples that got together willingly and not in weird arranged fillorian marriages.)
Let's go quickly. Would you like me to meet you at the doors to the yard? I'll go wash up.
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[She told him, the corners of her mouth turning up into a soft smile. They worked together to gather the dishes and place them on the tray off on the dresser.
Rey wasn't so much timid as she was reserved. She was used to keeping to herself, used to doing things on her own and not having much else. Sure there was her parent, but their relationship was strained at best. She outright protested being married to Eliot, but she eventually gave in, then again there wasn't much choice in the matter.
That seemed so long ago now. They made strides, found common ground and things felt....right? Yes, that was the word. Things felt as though they finally fell into place between the two of them.]
I suppose? We balance each other out, bring out the best in each other? [She tried to rationalize it, even letting out a soft chuckle of her own. Her eyes focused on Eliot, taking him in before moving to hug him, wrapping her arms around his waist.] Whatever the reason is, I'm glad we're at this point.
[Considering he was taller than her, she leaned in to give him a chaste kiss.]
Yes, that's fine. I'll meet you there. Take your time washing up, as much 'me' time as you want. [She made sure to put the word "me" in quotation marks. A phrase she was sure she heard Margo stating a few times.
Rey pulled back from Eliot, taking the trays down back to the kitchen. Along the way she informed the staff of what their morning would now consist of. It wouldn't take long for the field to be ready, with assistants waiting to meet them outside with bows, arrows, and targets ready.
Rey quickly washed up herself, opting to change into something simple. Pants that clung to her body showing off her shape and boots to protect her feet. She wore a simple tunic in a dark blue color to accent her pants. A simple braid for her hair, and she was ready to go. No need for a crown, they weren't expecting company, as far as she knew anyway.
She waited for Eliot at the doors to the yard as they had discussed.]
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(He smiled, hoping that he'd be praised for doing so. Like an eager puppy. The hug was praise enough and he returned it, easily wrapping her smaller body up to hug her close. He even leaned in to meet their kiss, so married-couple like. It was kind of nice, even if it wasn't exactly his style.
He waited for her to leave the room before going to wash up, himself, and change into clothing more suited for physical activity. He arrived looking refreshed; his hair done nicely, dressed in a comfortable, yet flashy, outfit that didn't have any flourishes that might get caught by a speeding arrow or a snapping bow.
He greeted his wife with a bright smile.)
You look dashing, dear.
(He offered, wrapping an arm about her shoulders as he took them out into the courtyard where there were a couple of targets and their bows and arrows, a servant or two waiting to be put to work if necessary.)
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Something they both sorely needed in their lives, minus the alcohol.
She walked out with him, noting the servants waiting for them. The field was well prepared and no one else was out on the field. Good, no one would get injured--hopefully. They walked a way until they were in front of a standard target. A young man stepped up presenting both of them with a bow for them to use. Simple, basic, didn't have much pull to it, but it would do.]
I think you should go first. Just to test the waters.
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I'll test it out for us.
(He continued to grin, placing an arrow into position and aiming at the target for a long while before pulling back and....letting it go. It hits the target, at least. The very edge of it.
He sputters with laughter, looking back at Rey.)
It's the wind...the wind..too strong.
(Even though the air around them barely offers a breeze.)
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He manages to hit the target, albeit the edge of it. But he hit it! He managed to do something that not a lot of people who haven't practiced in ages would be able to do! The servants are unsure if they should should commend him or blame the wind. Whereas Rey lets out a soft chuckle of her own.]
Yes, it's the wind. So to compensate maybe....
[There wasn't a breeze at all, but to help make him feel better, they could blame the non-existent wind. For now though, she moves to stand by him, and places her hand on his elbow to gently tug him to the right to help compensate for where he aimed last time.]
Stand here. So you're taking into account for the wind. [She turned, taking another arrow from their servant and hands it to Eliot.]
Try again.
[Encouraging and supporting, doing her best to help him.]
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