Fantasy AU The Threads of Time and Fate (Kastellanos)

[FaeWhisperer]

Penelope hung on every word of his, knowing what he was saying he would try, she believed in him that he could actually achieve what he spoke on. She reached for his hand as he seemed worried about not thing able to do anything at first, and her cheeks stained a little pink when he mentioned she would be returned to her father tomorrow.

Even as she had saw that glimmer in his eyes and opening his voice, of course she was worried. If he left her…what would happen? She chewed on her lip nervously at that idea and she then asked him a simple question. “Why…can’t I go with you?”

Although that in itself wasn’t a simple question nor would it receive a simple answer. But Hart would be able to already realize what she wanted. She didn’t want to go back to her father, she wanted to stay with her mate, go on that journey with him, and never leave his side. But this could prove a problem, with her condition worsening over time…

But still, if he left her and she succumbed to her illness when he wasn’t around- perhaps he would never forgive himself. Penelope on the other hand didn’t want to be separated for that exact reason. She didn’t want to leave this world without seeing Hart for the final time, and not having him there when she…it honestly frightened her.

 

[Kastellanos]

“Penelope…” Hart began, voice low, almost reverent, “You have no idea how badly I want to say yes.” He brought her hand to his chest, pressing it over the slow, steady thrum of his heartbeat. “You ask why you can’t come with me, and the truth is... there’s no part of me that wants to leave you behind. Not for a single day, not for a single mile, not even for a moment do I want to be away from my mate.”

Hart's eyes searched hers, filled with worry, the glimmer of pain at the mere thought of leaving her behind. “But this journey I’m setting out on… I don’t know what lies ahead or the dangers that we would have to face. There are places I’ll have to go, people I may have to face... Men or monsters who wouldn’t hesitate to harm me or anyone who is with me... I don’t know the dangers yet, but I know they’ll come, and I don't want you to get hurt. I would never forgive myself if that happened.”

Hart paused, voice filled with something unspoken. “You’re already fighting a battle within your own body, and I...” His words caught in his throat. He swallowed it down and forced himself to continue. “I couldn’t bear the thought of you being caught in another one. Not if I had the power to prevent it...”

Hart leaned in closer, his forehead nearly brushing hers. “But if you did come… I’d want you to be safe. In places I’ve cleared. Inns, quiet camps. Somewhere I could return to you, knowing you were waiting, not worrying if you’d vanished the moment I turned my back... If that would be more acceptable to you?”

He gently cupped her face, thumb tracing along her cheek with a reverence that felt almost like mourning. “I’m not pushing you away, Pen. I’m trying to keep you alive, to keep you safe. I need to know that if something were to happen out there… I wouldn’t come back and find the world emptier without you in it, I'd rather spend as much time with you as I can.”


He closed his eyes briefly, as though steeling himself against the ache in his chest. “When I said you’d go back to your father, it wasn’t because I wanted it. It was because I thought it was safe. But if there’s another way… if we can find one…” Hart opened his eyes, steady and full of something fierce, something unshakable, a silent promise that he didn't dare to air out in this moment.

 

[FaeWhisperer]

Penelope listened to Hart’s words realizing what he spoke was true- she couldn’t..risk anything, she couldn’t put him in such a predicament, causing him more stress than he would already be in. And when he mentioned about her own battle, she bit her lip gently. She had taken comfort in the fact that she was so close to him, that she would never have to worry about being alone again— and that worry began to creep up on her once more, and she couldn’t help but feel that way.

Yet, when he mentioned if she did come she could do what he had asked her to, and the light in her eyes could be see- that glimmer of hope in them. She had leaned into his touch while he cupped her face, closing her eyes briefly as she could feel his heartbeat underneath her hand placed on his chest still. As steady as a drum, she knew his heart belonged to hers, as did her heart belong to his.

Her breathing steadied out and she finally decided to give him her answer, feeling her cheeks burn slightly with a light blush. “I think…that will be suitable,” she tells him now, reopening he eyes and looking into his. “I would only go where you’d deem it safe.. I…I wouldn’t want to put more worry onto you,” she admits, smiling softly yet a bit sadly.

“I love you..and I trust you,” she tells him next, Penelope knew he only wanted the best for her, and she would count on him to fulfill his promise, no matter what.

 

[Kastellanos]

The morning sun was pale, filtered weakly through the thin clouds that blanketed the sky. A low wind whispered through the trees, carrying the scent of damp earth and early blossoms. The woods were quiet, save for the muffled crunch of leather boots against soil and the occasional clink of metal as Hart adjusted the strap of his satchel. He’d risen before dawn; it was a habit, mostly. The kind of routine born from years of needing to be prepared before the world was awake enough to remind him of its dangers, to patrol the woods and check the village for anything worth worrying about. Hart had spent the quiet hours checking and rechecking his gear: provisions, coins, dried herbs, a few sharpened knives, a spare water flask, and the compact med kit he made with the herbs and plants he found around the woods. It wasn’t much, but it was everything he might need if things turned.

Hart glanced sideways at Peneplope, his eyes lingering briefly on the softness of her features, she’d agreed to his terms, to his plan. But that didn’t stop the gnawing worry that burrowed deeper into his gut the closer they got to the village. Not to mention the silent concern in her chest for his mate, gnawing in the back of his mind if she would survive this journey or if he would be returning alone. He sighed softly, shifting the strap of the satchel higher on his shoulder, and cleared his mind.

“…Your father’s going to be furious.” Hart's voice cut through the hush of the trees, low and thoughtful. It was simply him trying to start a conversation, trying to keep the mood light as he gave her a soft smile, before is lightened a little and it seemed that the guardian was nervous. "I am sure we are going to get an ear full, it might even be past noon if we let him ramble. But Penelope… I know your father. I know how he thinks. Even if you had gone off with me. He’ll think I led you astray. That I put something else before duty. And maybe… maybe I did, but you are the sort of distraction that is worth it..”

“I’d do it again,” Hart admitted. “I’d risk his anger. His wrath. All of it. Because this matters. Because you matter. But I won’t lie to you about the consequences.” Hart slowed his pace slightly, his fingers brushing hers for a moment before he took her hand outright. His grip was steady, strong, like he was more than ready to blandly announce to the village ahead that Penelope was his mate and his alone.

“I just hope… whatever danger we leave behind doesn’t find its way here while we’re gone.” Hart's eyes darkened slightly, he was sure that the post had been abandoned or at least left on its own before. Some of the goods around his hut were luxury or seemed like from faraway lands. “The village may be small, but it’s not defenseless. Still… things are moving beneath the surface. I’ve felt it. Like the earth’s holding its breath.” He exhaled, voice quieter now, almost to himself, even with such facts spoken aloud, he was still worried.

“I hate leaving them.” But after a beat, Hart looked back at her, and the weight in his expression lifted, if only slightly. “But I’d hate more to leave you. And if this journey is what it takes to keep you safe and to heal you, then I’ll do it, and go no matter where it leads.”

They crested a small ridge, the rooftops of the village just beginning to peek through the trees in the distance. Smoke curled gently from chimneys, and the muffled sounds of morning routines reached their ears. Hart squeezed her hand gently as they continued together, his thoughts heavy with many things, but the smile and look in her eyes as he looked down at Penelope only glowed with love.

 

[FaeWhisperer]

Penelope wasn’t used to Hart’s schedule, for she had usually woken later in the day. When the forest seemed so alive and vibrant, the small hut she lived in with just her father was neatly tucked away and unassuming to the untrained eye. No one would have guessed that was the village’s chief’s home.

She usually had slept in her bed until noon, but as she walked alongside Hart, she began to feel a tug of regret in her chest. She knew that leaving her father alone would be risky, and there would be a chance she wouldn’t see him again, but she knew he would be okay. For she trusted the other guardians, minor ones who were friends with Hart take great care of the village whenever Hart had stepped away for a time for various unknown reasons. But the top guardian of the forest probably could give an explanation as to why.

As his fingers brushed against hers she looked up at his face, offering a beautiful, yet understanding smile towards him. Sleep was still heavy in her eyes, but she continued on, knowing they could rest later. “I understand your fears…” she trailed off softly, “But the others are here and watch over like you do..” she was mentioning the other guardians.

“I’m sure things will be alright,” she said, hoping she could quell some of his fears, but figured it wouldn’t be that effective. Knowing him doing this because of her made her heart ache just a little more. She understood his words of devotion and dedication to helping her, she couldn’t help but blush in return and wasn’t exactly sure how to respond. All she did was move and kiss him on the cheek, “I hope you do know I appreciate what you’re doing for me..” she tells him softly, after finally thinking through on what to say.

And as her village came in sight, she could easily spot her father, the man who had a strong build, and practically would loom over Hart’s, if it wasn’t for Hart’s extra height contributed from his antlers. He homed in on the pair and his rough features around his face softened when he saw Penelope- knowing that the storm from the previous night…she had been safe, and it was thanks to the man next to her.

He had his reserves around Hart, and he had known one of Hart’s previous reincarnations, long ago when he was a boy. The village had been attacked and if it wasn’t for the efforts of Hart and the other guardians, Penelope’s father wouldn’t have survived. So he had held some respect for Hart and the others in some way.

(Yes, you can rp him and move the story along :3)

 

[Kastellanos]

Icarius stood tall just beyond the outer edge of the village, arms crossed like the trunks of two sturdy oaks. His broad shoulders, wrapped in the usual faded leather guard, bore the wear of age and hardship, but not weakness. Though time had carved rough lines into his face, they softened the moment his eyes found his daughter. Relief broke over his expression like sunlight through heavy rainclouds.

As Hart and Penelope came into full view, Icarius stepped forward, it was clear her absence had created some worry in her father. He moved with the weight of a man used to watching over others, with a presence that even Hart’s antlers could barely overshadow and it left the guardian gulping softly,

"You found her in the storm then?" Icarius asked, his voice as gruff as ever, but not unkind. His eyes remained locked on Penelope for a heartbeat longer before shifting toward Hart. "She didn’t burden you, I hope."

Hart’s throat tensed. The wind that rustled the leaves felt like it whispered warnings into his ears, but he stood tall, hands respectfully folded before him.

"She was no burden," Hart softly explained, his voice calm but edged with nerves, but his love for the mortal woman pushed him to keep speaking. "She stayed with me, and... I watched over her. She was safe the entire night."

Icarius nodded once, slowly. His eyes narrowed slightly, waiting for more, seeming to already there was more before Hart even spoke. Hart took a breath before speaking, steadying his voice and nerves. "I know this may seem sudden, but I’ve made a decision, Icarius. I would like to take Penelope as my wife.” The words hung between them like the first crack of thunder before a storm. Hart pushed on.

"I want to find a way to cure her… whatever curse or sickness clings to her, I’ll search every corner of the forest if I have to. I don’t want to leave her behind anymore. I want her with me." Hart announced, staring the other man in the eyes. The silence and tension between them seemed to grow with each passing moment.

Icarius’s brows lowered, and the gentle light in his eyes hardened. "No."

Hart blinked. "Sir-?"

"You may be the forest’s top guardian, and I respect that," Icarius interrupted. His voice remained even, but firm. "But I will not let her be taken into danger on a wish and a promise. You don’t know how long she has, do you? Neither of us do."

"I-" Hart began, the man cutting him off.

"And even if you do find a cure," Icarius continued, stepping closer, looking down at Hart in attempts to intimidate the guardian. "Do you think the path there won’t try to kill her first? You ask me to trust that she'll survive what you can barely explain yourself?"

Hart’s jaw clenched. He understood the man’s fear, but he could back down now. "I would never let harm come to her," Hart said, his voice quieter now, steadier. "But if she stays here and fades slowly, I’ll never forgive myself for not trying."

“She’s all I have,” Icarius said finally, looking down at the woman in a look that held years of love and warmth for her, years of worrying and restless nights searching for himself the best he could.

“She’s all I want,” Hart answered, glancing over at his mate, silently praying to whatever gods were listening to help change Icarius’s mind.

"I’ll arrange some things for your journey," Icarius said, stepping back and turning away from them, seeming to need a moment to compose himself, but kept speaking. "Supplies. Maps. I’ll speak with the hunters to provide dried meat, herbs, and some old travel gear tucked away in the storehouse. It’s not much, but it’ll give you a stronger start than going in blind."

 

[FaeWhisperer]

Penelope clung to Hart nervously, her hands clenched the fabric of his tunic as her face gazed upon the way her father looked at them both. She knew what answer her father would give, even before Hart began to plead his case to him. The steady ‘no’ made her frown and look down at her feet.

She couldn’t speak up against her father, knowing what he said usually is what she would follow. She had her entire life, and up until that moment her heart had never wavered like it did in this moment. She swallowed back tears, hearing the desperation in Hart’s voice, although quiet and not upfront, she could definitely tell he was not going to take no for an answer.

Penelope then heard her father say that she was all he had, and her already aching heart twisted further— she looked up at her father, her misty eyes focusing in on his aged features, seeing the love only a father could have look down on her. Her own eyes searched his, as if to tell him that she trusted Hart, even if her words failed her, Icarus would know that determined look in her eyes. His wife had succumbed to the same illness, and he should remember how that look was, for his wife often had certain resolves about her that he failed to fully understand.

And once he agreed finally, Penelope let out the breath she didn’t realize she had been holding. She then moved from Hart as Icarus turned away, and ended up giving her father a hug, as tight as she was able to manage. “I promise you you’ll see me again,” she says and buried her face against his frame. She loved her father so much, but she had never felt a love so deep like Hart’s before, and she knew she couldn’t let him leave without her.

 

[Kastellanos]

Hart watched as Penelope embraced her father, his heart swelling with a mix of relief and determination, a small smile spread along his face. He had never been more sure of his decision to take Penelope with him, his worries seemingly forgotten in the moment. Icarus turned to Hart, his expression a mix of resignation and concern. It seemed hard to send his daughter out into the world, and Hart wished there was more he could do to assure Icarus that she would return.

"I have traveled far and wide, Hart," Icarus began, his voice gruff with emotion, but his face still stoic as he looked to the guardian. "I have sought the counsel of the oracle, but her riddles were as cryptic as ever. I also ventured to the temple in Epidaurus, but the healers there could not provide a lasting cure, and I had to keep searching."

Hart nodded, taking in the information, grateful that he was filling in the places that were a bust. "Your journeys have not been in vain, Icarus. Every path not taken is a step closer to the right one. Perhaps we could try the Isles, I've heard a few whispers and stories in my years about the priests there and rumors about their healing abilities they had been blessed with." It was simply a rumor, but even rumors had some truth to them.

Icarus hummed thoughtfully, looking off in the distance as he seemed to be drawing up information deep within his mind. "The Isles is a journey across treacherous waters, Hart. You will need a sturdy ship and a crew that knows those seas like the back of their hands. I can provide you with a map of the safest routes, but you must promise to be cautious. The sea can be unforgiving, and I advise it be a last resort."

Hart nodded, accepting the knowledge as it was true, checking the mainland was safer than taking on the sea. "Tell me, Icarus, what supplies will we need for such a journey?"

Icarus listed the necessities with the authority of a seasoned traveler. "You will need plenty of fresh water and non-perishable food supplies. Dried meats, fruits, and grains will sustain you. Also, ensure you have sufficient medical supplies, including herbs for healing, bandages, and ointments. Do not forget to bring offerings for the gods; their favor will be crucial, but I am sure you'll be fully prepared for that."

Hart absorbed every word, committing the details to memory, his ears perking at the mention of gods. "Ah, I could always attempt to reach the gods. I recall doing it before, and I think I received a response. Would you be willing to attempt it with me, Penelope?" Hart's attention turned back to his mate, giving her a smile of encouragement.

 

[FaeWhisperer]

Penelope slowly dropped her arms from where she had hugged her father, intently listening to what they had to say between the pair. She knew the journey ahead wouldn’t be an easy one- especially with her ailments, she only hoped that she wouldn’t become a burden to Hart.

She then turned away from the conversation, overlooking the village where she had called home for many moons, and yet, she knew where her home truly was, and that was to be with Hart- no matter where they roamed, being with her love was all that she needed.

Later on that evening, they had decided to stay in the village as her father decided to throw a large feast in her honor, to send her off with good fortune. The entire evening was bittersweet, with some tears being shed- but Penelope promised to her father he would see her again.

It was only when the night was winding down and Penelope was curled up in a bed, resting against Hart’s frame. Her head laid on his chest as she thought of the journey ahead and everything her father had supplied them. “Do you think we’ll be okay?” She asked in a soft tone, but already knew what the answer was. They would. She could feel it, and with Hart being with her she didn’t have to be afraid of anything anymore.

She looked towards him, yawning a little as she knew it wouldn’t take long for sleep to overcome her. She hoped that Hart would be able to rest easy, despite everything. She knew he was worried about her, and she only hoped that he would be able to relax at some point, but…that wouldn’t be likely.