The Arcana - Muriel Fanfics!

XIII - Death

*y'all, I didn't originally plan it like this but but but: I got Jules and Muriel's Heart Hunter scene on the dock? Oh boy. it was all over. Complete plot flip because on god, I was gonna have him swamped by kiddos. Anywho, enjoy! <3 

Selasi grins at me, smears of flour on his cheeks and hands. 

"Out and about, today, Val?" He says, a twinkle in his eye as he hands me two warm loaves of fragrant pumpkin bread, fresh from the oven. 

"Staying inside on a day like this?" I say playfully, gazing around the bustling market. "Never." 

Succulent scents of all kinds swirl with the vibrant colours of the market. After this morning's...events...Muriel led me through the forest and into the city. I could tell he was feeling flustered, so Selasi's bread became a top priority. Muriel stands somewhat awkwardly behind me, stooping down under the stall. Selasi winks at him, chuckling as he dusts flour from his hands. 

But despite the bread, there's tension in his shoulders. 

It's a cool day, and a pleasant breeze blows through the market. Yet he's sweating and flustered like I've never seen him. 

"...Muriel?" I ask tentatively, resting a hand on his arm. Muriel jumps, the faraway look in his green eyes vanishing. My frown deepens. "Everything okay, love?"

Muriel's gaze softens, and he gently winds his fingers through mine. Clutching the bread to my chest, I lean into his side. The clamour and buzz of the market melts away, and for a serene moment, it's just us. 

And then someone walks straight into us. For a second, they look annoyed, before slowly gazing upwards at Muriel, towering over them. Mumbling a hasty apology, they slip back into the crowds. 

Muriel leans down and whispers softly. "...We should...probably...not stand in the way."

I burst into laughter, serenity fading as the hustle and bustle returns to my senses. With that, I loop arms with him, wave goodbye to Selasi, and let Muriel lead my through the crowds to whatever waits for us at the docks. 

                                                                        **********

Dangling my toes in the water, I close my eyes and tilt my face to the sun. It's quieter here. Muriel's anxiousness has returned, though his hand is still entwined with mine. 

Feeling the cool water with my toe, I extend my magic out into the water, feeling it spread and ripple with the waves. Opening my eyes, I hold out my hand and pull.

A stream of water rises from the surface, calm and controlled. Muriel snorts with quiet amusement. Twisting it, I shape the water into the shape of a wolf. The water-wolf bounds over the waves, droplets flying in all directions. 

Muriel's hand squeezes mine, and I feel his warm, earthy magic pouring into mine. 

The water-wolf splits into two wolves. As they churn over the waves, snapping playfully at each other's heels, Muriel tugs me closer until I'm enveloped in his warmth. He rests his chin on my head, nuzzling my short, wild curls with his nose. Breathing me in, I realise with a content sigh. 

The sun reflects off the water-wolves, still frolicking over the sea. We sit like that for what seems like hours, just us. I nearly forget that Julian and Asra are probably trying not to kill each other back home. 

Somewhere behind us, the sound of small, light footfalls rings out over the battered dock planks. Muriel sits up, encircled arms tightening protectively. I twist around, craning to see who's sprinting down the dock. A chorus of wild, raucous laughter adds to the din, and I realise with a smile that they're just kids.