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)