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Chapter Text

Blitzen pov, 1st person

I face my mother, Freya, a goddess and the queen of this land in Midgard. Humans are a confusing bunch, how they mistook a goddess for a human and made them their queen is beyond me. She called me in for a meeting and is now ignoring me as I stand before her, opting to pet a cat instead. 

"Mother," I begin, "for what reason have you called me in here?" My back as I finish my inquiry. I look very fashionable in my suit designed to block out the sun, yet I still feel underdressed when she faces me.

She sighs as she stares at me with a sad smile. "Blitzen, you know I simply adore you even if our other relatives can't look over your… um, we'll situation if we are to put it kindly." Of course she has to bring up the fact that I am a svartalf, none of the other gods seem to be able to let it go. 

"Of course, I don't understand what that has to do with anything." I say trying to hide the pit in my stomach from her. Memories of my late father flood my brain as she rises from the grat throne of the grand room we stand in. 

"You know how happy I am to have your help here," she speaks softly while approaching me. I feel like a fragile leaf she is afraid will blow away if she breathes too harshly. "Thanks to you this kingdom runs smoothly, and fashionably. I know that at times ypu must miss Nidavellir and wish the sun wouldn't be such a bother, but I want to start by making sure that I, in no way, mean to punish you with the decision I have made."

Her words are warm like the color of gold, but the underlying message is as cold as the metal can be.

"What have you promised me to do?" I ask, expecting my mother has promised to send me on a quest with a group of knights or other demigods. As her face turns slightly sour, mine soon follows. I realize she has something else planned and is worried to explain it to me. 

"You are aware of the Aldermans, yes?" She says while no longer meeting my eyes.

"Yes, of course."

"Well, I promised that you would marry one of the men of the family. Specifically a man since you are gay after all." She says the last line as if this is supposed to make everything better. A uncertain smile makes it's back onto her face as she watches my emotions shift.

"May I ask why?" I question through gritted teeth, biting my tongue before more can be said about the way she presented her 'arrangement'. 

Smiling she explains how both kingdoms will benefit from the extra protection, trade, gold, and cultural swaps. I smile and nod through the clearly practiced explanation, acting as if she didn't just tell me she has sentenced me to spend the remainder of my life with someone who will never love me. 

"Which am I to be married to, the king himself or the crown prince?" Neither are great options as both seem to be cold at the parties I have met them at with my mother. Being her favorite son does have some perks, although being her favorite may have something to do with my abilities in fashion. She can ask me to make earrings and other jewelry without the price (ew, the thought of my mother in that light will always gross me out). 

She smiles openly now, "Crown Prince Hearthstone is your future husband! The king himself is not interested in men and is still grieving the recent loss of his wife anyway."

"Does he know? Do you think he'll even like me?" I ask my mother, remembering the prince who I have never seen speak or mutter a single word to anyone.

"Of course he will Blitzen. Why don't you go to your room and pack, I can have a servant come help if you want." Gently soothing me, she places her hand on my shoulder. 

"Why should I pack?" I ask.

"Well, you are meeting him tommorow, not my choice but… well King Alderman wanted the marriage to happen as soon as possible for some reason." She answers, looking as confused as I am.

Nodding my head, we begin to walk to my room as she explains to me what she knows about my future life. Following me into my room, a servant and I work to pack my bags as she tries to lift my clearly sunken spirits.

The next day in Hearthstone's real room

Hearthstone's pov, 1st person again

Father and Inge walk into my room, Father first naturally. I notice and stand up as quickly as possible. Recently, Father has only allowed me in my room at certain times in the day, so I try to enjoy my time alone as much as possible, sitting against the wall. Something Father would never allow me to do.

Quickly crossing the room, Father takes the rod in his hand and sharply hits me across the face with it. I keep my eyes trained on his lips, expecting him to begin speaking to me soon. Instead he hits me on my torso repeatedly. I don't flinch as that will only lead Father to hit me more. The sharp sting soon fades onto a dull pain. Cold, green blood drips down my face from the first time he hit me. When he is done, he grabs my wrist and pulls me after him into the hallway before letting go. 

Inge and I follow Father as he leads us from my actual room's hallway to the fake room he has set up in case guests become curious about where I sleep or spend the night. They rarely do but Father maintains the room to keep up appearances. 

Using the rod, Father points to a bench at the end of the bed in the room. Approaching the bench, I can feel the footsteps of both Father and Inge in the room. Father pushes me to sit on the bench while Inge sitters across the room. I sit and stare at Father while I see Inge run from closing the door to grabbing a make up kit placed on the desk of the room. I appreciate the sunlight as ot his my skin for the first time in hours. The warm rays of dawn wash over us as Inge kneels in front of me and Father takes a step back. 

"Today, you shall meet your future husband." Father says, or at least that's what I think he says based off of reading his lips. Inge positions herself so that her hands will be hidden from Father and quickly signs to me the message. 

"He is the son of Freya," Father continues, acting as if I can hear him. Inge does her best to translate and put on the makeup. Once the newest bruises on my face are covered, she has me remove my shirt so she can help with the ones on my torso. The shirt is removed over my head, blocking my sight for a few seconds. In those seconds another huldr appears next to Father. They act as an interpretator as Father continues and Inge covers the wounds on my body with the same carful care as the ones on my face.

"The svartalf's name is Blitzen. He is very far out of the range of what you should consider obtainable for you. Fell lucky I arranges such a thing for you. You will meet for the first time in a few hours. Do not inform him of any of your 'imperfections' when he gets here. I don't like dwarves, but I feel bad for this one as he will end up with you. No speaking to him or embarrassing the family until after you consummate the marriage later tonight. Of course you can't speak as you are useless, but you understand what I mean. This shall be your room whenever he sees you. Put on your finest clothes and meet me in the grand hall in an hour from daybreak."

Father and the interpretator walk out while Inge gingerly covers my bruises with makeup. She apologizes to me when she is done for everything that is going on. Then she leaves the room with the makeup kit so that I may change on my own. 

I stare at how perfect and pale my body looks with everything covered for a moment before I brush my fingertips across my skin. Nothing transfers and there is no way to tell that I touched my skin as the bruise doesn't show through. I go the the closet and pull out mu finest clothes. A white suit with the ornamentation of the crown prince. Quickly I put it on before heading to meet Father. 

I arrive in the grand hall ten minutes before the time Father gave, however it appears that I am already late as Father is speaking to Queen Freya and a man covered in fabric. The man is well trimmed and has a dark complexion. He smiles at me warmly as I take my place behind Father. I try to understand what is taking place in the conversation. Not allowing my mind to wander to the punishment Father will surely give me later I focus on the svartalf as he speaks. 

"I am excited to meet you and my future husband." Blitzen appears to say. 

Father seems to reply to Blitzen with something that makes his excited as he appears to laugh. Then he motions towards me which I take as my cue to bow. 

Freya places her hand on Blitzen's shoulder and smiles while she continues to speak with Father. I stand and watch the conversation between Blitzen, Father, and Freya for a while. Every so often Blitzen looks my way and I see his eyes light up ever so slightly. I can only imagine that it I'd at the thought of causing me pain. That is fine is that is all I am good for.

Inge appears at my side and gently pulls me away. I focus on her lips as she speaks to the group. She appears to say, "As the wedding is only a few hours away, I think now would be the best time to ready Master Hearthstone and Master Blitzen for their wedding. 

Father and Freya clearly agree as they nod towards Inge who gently pulls me away. When I look back, I see that Blitzen is being led in the other direction by a small group of servants as well.

I feel so bad that he has to take on such a burden like me. He seems like a nice guy. I maintain my composure while Inve leads me away and the lump in my throat grows.

Blitzen's pov, 1st person

Hearthstone is beautiful. I have never been so close to him before. I couldn't help myself but to glance continuously at him. His beautiful face, pale gray eyes, and spiky, short platinum blonde hair. I realize that he may not like me, but hey, we are going to be married so there is nothing he can really do. I continue thinking of his face and how undisturbed he seemed as I get led down a hallway. Eventually I reach a room that has been assigned to me. 

Quickly I am left alone while I put on suit I chose to be married in. The room is dark and the curtains are drawn so I don't need to hide my skin from the sunlight. I lay on the bed and daydream while I begin to knit with red and white yarn something that begins to take the shape of a scarf. It looks like a candy cane with the colors I chose. Eventually, a knock wakes me from my dream.

Upon opening the door I am met with a semi-familiar face. The servant who led Hearthstone away is at the door holding a tray of tea. 

"Would you like to come in?" I ask her.

"Yes, I have come to offer you some tea, Master Blitzen." She replies before walking past me and putting the tray down on a small table with two chairs towards the corner of the room. 

I close the door and follow her over. She begins to pour me a cup while nervously glancing up at me every so often, as if I may be a threat.

"Would you like to have a seat? What is your name?" I ask her, hoping not to frighten her. 

"Yes, my name is Inge." She replies before taking a seat. I stand and pour her a sup of tea as well. We both take a sip of the warm sweet liquid before she meets my eyes again.

"Is there something you want to say?" I try my best to greet her expression with warmth in my own. 

"Yes," she begins before biting her lip, stopping her from saying more.

"You can speak freely," I tentatively say to her.

"How do you feel about the marriage?" She asks.

"Well, it was kinda short notice. I need to do what's right for my people I suppose. I just hope that Hearthstone doesn't hate me or anything." I laugh as I finish my sentence.

She smiles lightly, "Hearthstone is very kind and gentle. I doubt that he hates you for decisions his father makes."

"Are you and him close?"

"A bit, I am the servant assigned to him."

"Is he always so expressionless?"

"Yes, it is something most elves do." 

"What is he like? What are his interests?" 

"He spends his free time reading and doing his best to help others. He doesn't have much free time. He is kind and funny, very sarcastic at times."

We continue chatting about Hearthstone and I. At some points I even make Inge laugh. A bell tolls for the first time all day when our conversation finally breaks.

"I must be going, I have to walk Hearthstone down to the altar, is there anything you would like me to say him?" Inge offers as she gets up to leave.

"Tell him that he can call me Blitz instead of Blitzen. What was the bell for?" I reply, standing to ensure that my suit is in tip top shape as the ceremony must be occurring soon.

"The bell means that it is dawn, very specifically the end of dawn. I would hurry to the altar of I were you." With that, Inge was gone. I left my room and met with my mother at the end of the hallway. Together, we walked to the altar.

Chapter Text

Hearthstone's pov

Inge and I walk outside into the chilly night air. I miss the warmth of the sun and how constant it is in Alfheim. Inge keeps looking back at me and smiling. I stare back at her neutrally even though on the inside my stomach is tied up in knots. 

We stop in a small clearing near the edge of the wedding venue. I can see the guests as they file past the bush that separates us. The wind is cold on my skin. Inge fixes my clothes with the same smile on her face. Once she is satisfied she looks me in the eyes and smiles once more.

The man you are marrying is very nice. I think you will like him. Also you can call him Blitz. She signs promptly before leaving. 

I stand and wait in my white suit. Blitzen is already at the altar, smiling with his mother close beside. The thought of marrying him makes me sick. He clearly is a very nice man. He can do so much better than me. I don't deserve someone so kind and happy. 

Suddenly, I feel someone grab my shoulder. Father turns me to face him sharply. His face is filled with what looks to be sadistic pleasure. In the dim light from the rest of the venue I struggle to read his lips as he speaks to me.

"I... to altar... not to ruin... useless..." I vaguely make out from his lips. He signs the next bit to me while boring holes into my skull with his stare. Under no circumstances is he to know you are deaf until the marriage is consummated.

After hus final message he sharply grabs my hand and pulls me out of the bush. Together we walk down the aisle to meet up with my soon to be husband. Small girls throw petals before my feet. Once I reach the altar, my hand is placed into Blitzen's. I look into his face and he smiles sheepishly at me. He is clearly nervous from this too. 

Blitzen's pov 

Hearthstone's hands are very cold. Absentmindedly, I rub my fingers against his to try to warm them up. His body tenses as I do so. His father turns from us and begins to speak to the crowd. 

"I am so glad that my dear son is able to marry such a kind man on such short notice. It seems that it is only yesterday that he was born. Such a joy that day was. Unfortunately this kingdom has experienced much loss with the death of my other son, Andiron, and my dear boys mother, Greta. Today our kingdom may once again grow."

Abruptly he finished his speech before moving away from the altar. The officiant next cleared his throat to begin to speak. As it was rather loud and sudden, everyone around me jumped, including myself. Except for Hearthstone. He stayed right where he was, acting as if nothing had ever happened. 

"Today is not a normal wedding," the officiant began. "As two kingdoms are being joined into one in holy matrimony. As such is odd, we plan on making the ceremony short so these two lovebirds may spend the rest of the night together. It is my duty to tell you that according to directions from both the King Alderman and Queen Freya that the ceremony shall be silent. We shall watch them sign papers and send them off as soon as the usual ceremony stuff is done."

I felt my jaw drop. 

Silent. 

No "I do's" or vows from either party. Just signing a piece of paper. I look up at Hearthstone's face expecting to see outrage, however I find the same face as always staring down at something. I look down to see what he is gazing at and realize that his hand has began to shake slightly in mine. I guess I never stopped rubbing my fingers against his. Poor guy probably thinks I'm just a pervert in this to get off quick. 

I stop rubbing the circle on the back of his hand and feel his grip loosen ever so slightly in mine. Birds sing off in the distance and I feel at peace. 

However I soon find my rage again and glare at my mother, who smiles innocently back at me. The officiant clears his throat to begin again. 

"With the signing of this paper, these two shall forever be bonded together. In sickness and in health. Not even being able to part in the after life unless the great All-Father sees it necessary. Forever they shall serve each other."

The officiant finishes speaking and hands me a paper. Upon closer inspection, it is a common fully binding marriage certificate. I don't know what else it could be but I though I may double check just in case. I sign it and hand it to Hearthstone to do the same. 

We are both then given a ring made of gold that we put on the other's finger. The officiant then leans in and quietly whispers for us to kiss. Hearthstone is focused on his lips, I think he may kiss him instead of me. I nervously giggle as I grab my now husband's hands and lean in to kiss him on the cheek. He reciprocates the gesture before everyone cheers. A bunch of firecrackers go off around us causing me to jump. Hearthstone doesn't move an inch. Maybe he's not the jumpy type. Inge walks up to us and quickly leads us away from the chaos.

When I glance back, I swear I see a chilling grin on Hearthstone's father's face. Double checking I see that it is just a slight smile. I must still be up on my nerves. 

Hearthstone's pov 

Inge leads Blitzen and I back to the room I am to use when he visits. I sit on the couch which has been brought into this room. Blitzen nervously sits next to me. He smiles at me as if he may be the one in the wrong. I feel my lips slightly turn up. 

Suddenly he faces towards the door. When I look two I see Inge. She brings in a bowl of warm water and towels. Then she lights a fire in the hearth. Ironic, I know. She then comes to me and hands me a paper. Her lips are moving but I can't quite catch what she is saying before she leaves. 

I open the paper and read Father's note:

Consummate the marriage.  Do not disappoint. 

The fire is quick to eat the unfeeling words. A hand nervously taps my shoulder. It's Blitzen. I focus on his lips as he speaks.

"I know that this is sudden, and I don't want you to feel pressured into anything." He pauses to look in my eyes.  I feel as my body slowly gets ready to cry.  The tears blur my vision. 

I am so stupid. How could I let Andiron die. He was perfect. I should have been the one killed.  Not him. 

The tears begin to roll down my cheeks.

Now I have to have sec with this total stranger. It can't be far from what I deserve. The only thing I am good for is bringing pleasure to others. That is what Father beats me. I deserve the hurt. 

A gentle hand touched the tears on my cheek. A soft handkerchief soon follows. Wiping away the tears. I look down to see Blitzen. His face wrinkled with concern. His dark complexion looks dazzling in the firelight. I wish I was more deserving like this complete stranger is. 

He says something softly, probably about not needing to cry while I place one of my hands on his shoulder. The other hand begins to undo my clothes. He pulls away. Probably disgusted by me. 

I stop undoing my clothes and read his lips once again. "You don't have to do that. I can tell that you don't want to right now. We can get to know..." He stops. Jaw slightly agape he stares at my face. 

Grabbing my hand he pulls me to the couch once again. Grabbing one of the towels, he wets it and begins to gently remove the makeup from my face. I can tell his lips are moving and he speaking, but I don't know what he is saying. He stops speaking and quietly cleans my face and begins to clean the makeup from my neck too.

Guilt rushes to me, I can't let this kind man be married to a mistake like me. Raising my hands I try to sign to him. I am deaf.

Chapter Text

Hearthstone's pov 

"What?" Blitzen says.

Of course he doesn't know sign. How could I be so stupid. I am an idiot who doesn't deserve to be able to think. How could I be so self centered to not think of him first? Why should he know sign? Because we are married? I met him today you imbecile.

Father is right. I do deserve to be married off and treated as if I am nothing, because that is true. I know that I will be severely punished when Father finds out, but Blitzen is so kind. He hasn't forced me into anything. He cleaned off the makeup. He has never even seemed to consider the idea that he should treat me badly. 

I don't deserve him. He deserves better. If I were to keep him, I would just be a selfish pig. Or a thief stealing his time. I have to warn him, one way or another. So that he can find someone he deserves.

I am deaf. I try signing again for some reason. It worked so great last time. Great going Hearthstone, you miserable sack of ground lard and mud. 

"I don't understand you, are you trying to tell me something?" I watch Blitzen mouth the words slowly. This does make it slightly more difficult for me, especially in the low light. 

Ignoring Blitzen for a moment, I stand up and walk to the desk. In the top drawer of the desk is my whiteboard. Begrudgingly, I write my message to Blitzen on the whiteboard. I hate this stupid thing almost as much as I hate myself. I bring this back to Blitzen who is staring at me confused. 

Together we sit on the couch and I show him what I wrote. Watching his eyes study the words his face quickly flashes from confusion to understanding. 

Motioning for the marker, he takes it from my hand. In a few seconds he erases what I wrote and writes something back. I try to glance over his shoulder, but he places the board in my hands before I really need to. 

Is this how I should communicate with you until I learn sign language? :)

I read the line quickly a couple of times over.

No, I want you to know so that you can leave. You deserve better than me. You have been so kind to me. I believe you should leave now so that you can live a normal life.

The words spill out of me onto the board in my hands. I quickly pass it back to him before I get too carried away.

Why do you think I will leave? Blitzen writes.

So that you don't end up with a mistake for a husband. 

Shocked by the words he reads, he begins to reach out to me, like he is going to touch me. Instinctually, I get ready to take the blow that never comes like the night in Alfheim.

You're not a mistake. You seem like a very lovely person even though I have just met you. 

He writes each letter with determination, as if the words themselves will aid me and how broken I am in the process of mending myself. However, it will not work nor ever will. Some things are made broken and no amount of time and love will ever begin to mend the ever-growing cracks. It is a simple fact of life. Just like it is a simple fact of life that I will never deserve to be treated with the respect he has shown me. I will never once deserve it in the whole of my life. 

You don't understand. If you stay much longer, Father will make sure that we are forever together. You need to go before he gets here. 

Reproachfully he stares at the board.

I don't want to leave you. Not like this, you are hurt Hearthstone.

Looking into his face, I see sympathy etched into his features as faintly as starlight.

I shake my head and point to the windows.

That is your best option. 

I get up and begin rummaging around the room for something that he can climb on. He follows me and gently guides me to sit across from him after around five minutes of a frustratingly fruitless search. He leads me to the couch where I take a seat. Across from me, he sits on the bed and faces me.

Blitzen's pov 

Hearthstone is trying to save me from himself. He has done absolutely nothing wrong, from what I can tell, and he is treating himself like a curse. I want to just hold him and tell him that it he will be okay. From our earlier interactions, I know better than to make an attempt to do so.

I can see the deep green bruising all across his face, and the way he flinches is horrible. It's like he thinks that he will be punished worse for trying to avoid it. 

I stare at him and try to make myself seem warm and trust worthy. His eyes meet mine, still cold as ever. Can't blame him, I have no idea what it could be like being deaf and hurt, I just hope that I don't accidentally do anything offensive. 

A new light shoots into the room and all across the bed as the door abruptly opens. Standing outside is my mother and Hearthstone's father. My mother smiles and walks right up to me, explaining how I shouldn't be nervous since it is my first time. She grabs both of my hands as I feel my face grow hot. 

Hearthstone has shrunk to almost half his size as his father grabs him and drags him out of the room, I try my best to protest, but neither elf can hear me and my mother doesn't seem to notice as she is too caught up in her story. Tears flood my eyes as my mother finally stops talking. 

"Where is Hearthstone, my dear?" My mother asks me casually as if it is normal to barge into someone's room when you are expecting them to be having intimate relations with another person for the first time. 

"Mom, why are you in here?" I fight myself not to yell.

Her face twists in confusion as if I just asked her her favorite recipe for cooked cat paws and goat hooves. 

"It wasn't my idea. Mr. Alderman thought that he should check on his son as Hearthstone has some communication issues. The only reason we came in is because I could tell you weren't doing it. Where is Hearthstone by the way?" 

"Mr. Alderman dragged him out when you... came in," my eyes can't meet her gaze as I recall the horrible injuries on his face. 

"Oh, I see," my mother says before lifting my chin and giving me a wink. "I'll take my leave now and have Mr. Alderman send in Hearthstone so you too can get back to business." 

Quickly, she rushes out of the room and calls down out for Mr. Alderman to join her before I even get a chance to react. Shakily, I stand up and make my way to the door to find my new husband.

Hearthstone's pov

Father dragged me out by my hair and grabbed the white board with me as it had been abandoned on the couch. 

He signs at me furiously, apparently forgetting that he doesn't know sign language. 

How dare you embarrass me you filth. You told him you were deaf before consummating and don't even try to deny it.

He grabs my hair and bangs my head against the stone wall. I feel the consequent blood slowly begin to drip down the back of my head while I enter a daze. Grabbing me by the shoulders, he throws me into the closet joined to my fake room and turns on the lights. He throws me to the floor once again before calmly locking all the doors.

What a mistake you are. You can't even be grateful for the kindest thing that has and will ever happen to you. No, you whined to your new husband and got out of having to do your duty. I am already embarrassed  by the fact that my son, my own flesh and blood, would have to lower himself and put himself in such an unsuitable position for a man, but I was willing to let that slide. But no, the killer of his own family strikes again and is trying to rid himself of his newest member by flaunting everything that is wrong with him. How disgusting can you get, you filth. 

Every other word is followed by a harsh kick to my ribs. My chest stings and I want to scream by the time he is done with his little speech. Kneeling beside me, he lifts my head up my head by my hair once again. I spit the blood, mucus, anything, absolutely anything in my mouth into my father's face. 

Dropping me, I try to plan my escape from this room, but there is no where to go. A handkerchief is shoved into my mouth after drying off his face. He grabs me by the chin before throwing ne down again. 

Walking over to the door, he opens it slightly and appears to yell something to someone. I take this opportunity to remove the handkerchief from my mouth and sit up a little.

He locks the door again before walking over to me.

Father walks over to me and signs for me to stand up. Once I am standing he unbuttons the shirt I am wearing and he signs for me to take my clothes off until I am in my underwear. 

I refuse but he threatens to hurt me more and to do it in front of Blitzen so I oblige. He watches the floor for each garment and moves to unlock the door leading into my fake bedroom where Blitzen is. He signs to me, Do not disappoint me again, before opening the door and pushing me into the almost empty room.

The door quickly closes behind me as a worried Blitzen quickly hurries back into the room and begins to fiddle with the the lock. I walk over to the bed and pull a blanket off to wrap myself in, trying to hide the ugly creature that I am.

I feel so humiliated. 

Blitzen must figure out how to lock the door the way he wants because he moves from the main one to the closet one I 'walked' through to lock it as well.

A silent tear falls down my cheek, slowly and curiously. Discovering a path on the contours of my face. What I would give to take it's place; a delicate symbol of beauty on a disfigured freak, looking for a chance to escape that will inevitably come. 

Blitzen approaches me slowly. He reaches out his hand, seemingly asking for mine. I give it to him immediately as, clearly, I am not allowed to withhold any part of my body from this man. I just hope he remains kind and gentle after he discovers that.

Slowly he traces a message unto my palm.

Can I help you?

I nod yes, too tired to fight a losing battle. He quickly brings the towels and the still warm bucket of water to my side before he lays me down gently. 

I watch him cautiously, and he watches me for much different reasons. The main focus of his gaze seems to be on my emotions, no matter how small and miniscule they seem to me, he reacts to them as if they were a dragon or perhaps a snake, making huge and dangerous movements that he has to be wary of. However, I don't think that he is scared for himself in the way that one is while facing a dragon. He washes off most of the makeup on my chest with tears flowing down his cheeks. At this point we are both crying. He refuses to touch me anywhere that even remotely makes me tense up and begins to tend to my wounds. He produces a small first aid kit from somewhere in his fashionable outfit and patches up the cut on the back of my head. When he is done fixing me up, I try to move, but he gently pushes me back down.

Please stay where you are comfortable. I will stay here. 

Using some of the clothes in the dresser next to the closet meant for his luggage, he fashions a shirt and pair of shorts. They look too big for him, but he works quickly for about twenty minutes before handing the set to me. 

He stares at the floor and I stare at him. He doesn't even glance at me while I put on the clothes. Once I am clothed I tap him on the shoulder and sign thank you once he looks at me. He cocks his head, confused, until I spell it on his palm.

No problem, he writes back. 

We both go to lay in the bed and I begin to sob into my pillow. My body shakes and convulses heavily and a feeling of dread encases me entirely. I try to hide myself in the pillows and blankets that surround me. The softness of the bedspread feels unnaturally cold to me and only makes me cry harder. Even though I cannot hear the sound coming from me, I know it must be terrible. Repeatedly, I try to stop myself, but I seem to just not be able to. Maybe it has something to do with Father... and, what I... have to do...

Gently, Blitzen offers his hand to me and I take it and write to him once again.

I don't want to do it. 

He smiles and writes on my hand.

You don't have to, where I am from simply kissing is enough. 

Really? I write back.

No, he laughs a little, but in my opinion it is so I think it should count. 

I smile slightly, Thank you, I sign again. I write the word Blitz on his hand before calming down and falling asleep next to this dwarf in silk pajamas. 

At some point, I wake up and feel my body sobbing once again. He offers his hand again, and I take it, instantly feeling calmer. Together we fall asleep hand in hand.

Chapter Text

Hearthstone's pov 

The warm sun caresses my face.

A face covered in deep bruises of emerald green.

Warm hands hold my body, protecting me from those who wish to harm.

A body which does not belong to me.

This body which I must give fully to another.

One which is broken beyond repair, however sold to save those who ruined it? 

The sweet irony. 

I need to stop daydreaming.

I force myself to open my eyes, blinking a few times while I adjust to the morning light. I begin to look up, but then I freeze. Blitzen's sleeping face is right across from mine. 

He's so peaceful. He even looks happy. I'd be doing him a favor by lessening the filth he has to deal with… right?

I sit up slowly so as not to disturb him and look down when I feel some resistance. His arms are wrapped around me, and his legs are all tangled with my own. 

He stirs and wakes for a moment. A moment which he uses to untangle himself and roll over. The sudden cold from the lack of his body heat causes me to look down. His pajamas may be silk, but they look impeccable. I look at the makeshift ones he made me and feel a sudden sense of shame.

He wanted his good pajamas on me. He cut up his silk clothes to dress up me, a useless dog, in fine fabrics. 

Still staring down, more sunlight comes to dance across the bed. Frolicking across Blitzen and the bed, all the way to me. Being inanimate, it seemingly does not realize the waste it is making on me. 

Why is there sunlight in this room? Blitzen closed the curtains last night.

I sit up fully and look past Blitzen’s sleeping body to the window. Standing there, is Inge.

Hello Master Hearthstone. Did I wake you? 

No, Inge the sunlight did. Why are you here?

I was sent to check on you and Master Blitzen. Inge signs. She flicks her gaze to Blitzen for a moment, with a look of utter disgust in her eyes.

Is something the matter? I ask her, concerned as to why she might look at him like that. He's done nothing wrong.

I thought he was kinder than he was.

What do you mean?

I didn't expect him to so eagerly help himself to you, and to hold you all night in such a manner. Hearthstone, I am sorry that I may have misguided you into trusting him. She seems to sign in earnest.

What do you mean?

Well… you and him… you know… Her hands pause and hesitate while she tries to think of the next word.

Realizing what she means, I quickly correct her. We didn't do anything. 

Never matter, both of you need to wake up and ready yourselves for breakfast. The rest of Queen Freya's family and friends are coming to celebrate her sons marriage. 

And with that she left, opening and shutting the door behind her.

Who could be here?

Chapter Text

Blitzen's pov

"Please stop shaking me," I mumble out as I sit up and rub the sleep from eyes. Where am I again? I look around the unfamiliar room as the events from last night come back to me. I panic and search the room for the elf I married last night. I let out a sigh of relief as I focus on his face in front of mine. He's holding the white board again and has something written on it. Reaching out, he hands it to me and our hands briefly brush against each other. His hands feel cold. I can't help but notice that he has changed into yet another white suit. He would look so much better in color, perhaps a nice suit highlighting the connection elves have to nature...

My mind wanders for a few minutes before Hearthstone tilts his head and points to the board again. I look down at the board thankful that he is not a mind reader like Alex suggested. Honestly sometimes Fierro comes up with the most insane ideas. 

Father has asked that we both ready ourselves for breakfast. Some of your families acquaintances are set to come and celebrate our marriage with us today. 

I nod my head and motion for him to hand me the marker he is still holding. 

Thank you for waking me up. Can we talk about last night? I want to know more about where you got those injuries from. 

I hand him the white board again and get up from the bed. I watch him from the corner of my eyes while I pick out a nice light olive-green suit with beige accents. I want to impress my new elf family, and I doubt that bright colors and my more fantastical designs will accomplish that. Hearthstone hands me the board again before freezing up and staring at my face. 

No, thank you for being concerned. I am just very clumsy and become upset when I feel I have ruined one of my outfits. I apologize deeply for concerning. 

Before I am able to look up, Hearthstone's willowy hands are reaching towards my face. He stares at me very clearly concerned about something focusing on the bridge of my nose seemingly. This moment allows me to focus on some of the more beautiful things around, like the song of the birds singing hello to the morning, or the way the sun softly dapples Hearthstone's face. I lift my hand up to try to place it on his, which must be on my cheek, funny, I don't feel his hand. Why does my hand feel like stone...?

Wait. 

I turn to see sunlight streaming through the now open curtains, they must not have been opened long. Through the window I see a tree which has luckily cast enough shade to prevent the sunlight from fully turning me to stone, but that won't cut it for much longer.

"Please close the curtains," I say to Hearthstone. His face scrunches up a bit as he focuses on me. He motions towards his ears removing his hands from my face. He cocks his head again as I remember my new husband is apparently deaf. 

With the last bit of strength, I have in my arm that is slowly turning to stone, I point to the window. Luckily Hearthstone seems to understand my message and leaps across the room to close the curtains, but it's too late. The petrification is working it's way across my body, creeping like a vine stealing the life from me. With my less petrified hand, I frantically write out one word and hope that he will understand and care enough to save me. 

I freeze barely able to breathe and focus on my vision in front of me. 

Hearthstone pov

I close the curtains as quickly as I can, hoping that I will be able to save Blitzen, one of the kindest beings I have had the fortune of meeting, from death. I don't want to fail again. I don't want to be useless (even though I very much am) and cause the death of another light of the world like I had with...

It's best not to focus on the past, I walk back over to Blitzen who is now barely breathing and moving. Only his eyes follow me across the room as I walk over to him. I look down at him and realize how stupid I was for not asking Inge to close the curtains again this morning. I know Blitzen is a dwarf and I know that dwarves die in sunlight. It was selfish of me to leave them open and enjoy the light on my skin. I deserve the punishment that father will enact later. Blitzen's eyes move quickly from me to the white board on the floor. Following his gaze I see he has scrawled out one word across the board. 

Water

Of course. Dwarves are able to become unpetrified when they are put into water. I rush across the room to grab the bowl left from last night. The water is tinted green with my blood. I hope that my dirty blood will not affect how well the water will be able to save Blitzen as I rush back to him and dump the container over his head. I hold my breath until I see him breathe again. 

I turn towards the door again and see that Inge is waiting for me. 

I am late. Father is angry.

I follow Inge out of the room and head down the stairs where I find Father waiting for me. He grabs my arm and drags me to a side room.

You filth. You dare disrespect our guests by being late. 

A silver wand in his hand hurtles toward my stomach and the resulting strike sends jolts of pain through my body.

You are not to eat or drink anything in front of our company. You understand me you useless boy. The rest of your punishment shall be received later. 

Father and I leave the room when he turns his head as if someone is calling out to him. His mouth moves as he responds but I am unable to make out the words he says. I don't fully realize who he is talking to until Blitzen comes down the stairs. He is now wearing an impeccable suit that immediately catches my eyes. Looking up, I see a gentle smile on his face and that his locks of hair have been pulled back by a golden ribbon to show off the features of his face. Over him, a dark veil lays, probably a gift from his mother to protect him from sunlight. He looks like he could be a god. I look down in shame realizing that I have sullied this good man for life just by sharing a bed with him. I feel my face grow cold as I begin to follow Father and Blitzen into another room where I am expected to not speak as well. The water I used on him had my blood on it. The sins I committed mixed with water which saved his life. Is it possible that I have ruined him? Could I have turned him into something as vile as myself? 

Looking at my feet as I shuffle along, I feel as though the walls are choking me. In the shadows I see whispering faces of my old classmates and feel my breathing catch. I can't breathe. Dread sets in as I realize my body is punishing itself for ruining Blitzen. Good, it is just what I deserve. It's not until Blitzen grabs my hand and we enter a room with strange new faces that I realize what has happened. We have arrived at the breakfast and four pairs of new eyes are staring at me, judging me. How much do they already know? 

Blitzen gently pulls me to my place next to him as we take our seats at the table, and everyone settles down. 

The table is long, around 10 feet and Blitzen and I are placed on one end. On the table is a white and gold tablecloth with porcelain plates inlaid with stone set next to pure silver silverware. Glasses made of diamond rest by each plate, filled with a golden liquid. The rest of the room is decorated with a portrait of my dear brother, Andiron, where he is smiling. The guilt of how he came to an end stops me from looking at his portrait. There are two doorways, the one we came out of and the one leading to the rest of the house. On the walls are flower arrangements and pictures of my ancestors. 

On each side of the table there are five chairs. My father sits in the one closest to me and Queen Freya the one next to Blitzen. Next to Freya is a blonde boy with longish hair wearing a niceish suit smiling sheepishly. Beside him is his girlfriend with green hair and a pink and green dress that looks suspiciously like a suit as well. Besides her is a girl wearing a hijab that is green and a very nice brown dress. A bit farther from her is a boy with brown hair in a nice purple suit who keeps looking between her and I nervously. We are at the wrong angle for me to read their lips or properly make out their features. All I can really tell is that they seem to enjoy each other's company and be really close with Blitzen, they all make jokes and the girl with pink hair seems pretty adamant that the girl in the hijab should... switch places with her? Again, it is hard to tell since they are trying to have some manners, and I am deaf. 

Father stands next to me and hits his glass, gathering the attention of all those seated at the table. I am able to read his lips and he says, "We have all gathered to celebrate the marriage between my dear son Hearthstone and his new husband Blitzen, we would like to use this breakfast to better learn about the other side of the family and hope you all enjoy. Please excuse my son from talking though, it seems as though he has lost his voice or become ill in some way overnight. Thank you and let this breakfast commence."

Father sits back down as the people at the table smile and agree. I look to my side and see that Blitzen is seemingly laughing and reaching for my hand. He turns to smile at me before saying, "I hope you will be able to enjoy the day I have planned for you with my friends." 

I nod my head with one question on my mind. Who are these people and what scheme has father set up for them to punish me more?

Chapter Text

Blitzen's Pov

Hearthstone's hand is cold in mine, but it is reassuring to have him beside me. Magnus and Alex, who is currently a guy, immediately start picking on me for my outfit choice of the day. Sam and Amir are sitting a respectful distance apart, but that doesn't stop Alex from relentlessly trying to switch place with their half sibling. Everyone seated at the table is having a good time and cracking jokes at their own expense. Even my mom is making little jokes as Hearthstone and I take our seats. Hearthstone's father stands at his half of the table and makes an announcement about the celebration of our holy matrimony and how Hearthstone won't be speaking today. While my side of the table is full of my friends and family (there really isn't any difference between the two), the side meant for Hearthstone's family is empty. In fact, there are only three places set and Mr. Alderman is in one of them. I suppose the other spots are meant for Hearth's younger brother and mother. 

I turn to Hearthstone after laughing at another of Magnus's cheesy puns, "I hope you will be able to enjoy the day I have planned for you with my friends." I hope that his ability to read lips will convey to him the sincerity of my words. I truly hope he enjoys the time he will spend with us. Maybe I will get to see his angelic face in the sunlight again. That would give me enough time to think of a new outfit I could give him, as a gift for himself and me. I just cannot stand the dreary white suits much longer.

The clinking of plates of food being set upon the original plates draws my attention back to the room, which has suddenly grown silent. The small group of my friends is clearly suppressing giggles as they stare at both Hearthstone and me.

"Are you done daydreaming about smooching your new husbands face yet?" Alex teases me with his usual mischievous grin.  

"No, it's not like that!" I'm so thankful that my anti-sun gear blocks out the sight of my face which has turned as red and hot as a burning forge. 

"Of course not," Alex's sarcastic tone is clear even around the heaps of food he has shoved into his mouth. 

"Well dear, we all know that you are a hopeless romantic." My mother, Queen Freya, has this annoying habit when she meets my friends which involves embarrassing me completely and then not talking to me for the rest of the day. Today, she clearly has chosen to partake in this hobby of hers.

"It's ok Blitzen," Magnus reassures. "He is very handsome and will be a perfect model for your fashion designs."

"Shouldn't we allow Blitzen to tell his new husband about his hobbies instead of immediately pushing them both into a box?" Sam, ever the voice of reason, rolls her eyes at the other two demigods at the table, not including myself of course. 

"Maybe we should instead focus on learning more about his new elfband." Alex says this with a look that makes wish Sam had picked on me about my thoughts of love like everyone already has.

"Elfband? That is some... ingenuity," Magnus says while looking curiously at his boyfriend. 

"Well, sometimes you need to be more creative than your silly jokes Maggy," Alex teases before turning his sights on the Mr. Alderman, who, until now, has been sitting in his seat eating so elegantly it's hard to believe he is actually eating anything. I turn slightly to look at Hearthstone's plate and see that he hasn't touched anything and has instead focused more on trying to understand our conversation. I pick up some food off my plate and begin to eat. It's best to let this conversation play out in Alex's hands, and it will help me to better understand the man I just married.

Alex's pov

Blitzen had walked in with his new elf husband who I guess is named after some building materials or a card game. I choose to believe the latter. Elf names are weird, but I don't judge. Anyway, the guy seems to be respectful, and Blitzen seems to like him so I don't really have a problem with him yet, but I want to hear what his father has to say about him. Maybe there are some embarrassing baby stories I can use to blackmail the dude later on. You know, for pranking purposes. 

"So, what was Hearthstone like as a child?" I start out innocently enough hoping that Mr. Alderman takes the bait.

I must have caught him off guard because he has to clear his voice loudly before speaking. "When Hearthstone was younger, he took a great interest in his studies and even helped the servants with their chores. However, he was very troublesome and caused our family to undergo a great amount of grief and has sullied the Alderman name. This is such a joyous occasion though, and I am sure that the newlyweds do not want us to spoil this day with such tragic tales of woe."

I look over to Hearthstone and Blitzen, both watching over us, Blitzen while thoughtfully chewing his food and giving me a slight nod when he notices me looking. Hearthstone however seems to have grown paler and has his eyes focused on his father who is eating once again and...

No way, after having grown up in such a terrible household I can see the look of disdain he has when he meets his sons eyes.

Sam seems to pick up on the growing tension between the two as well and glances at me before continuing the earlier conversation. 

"I'm sure that he hasn't caused that much trouble Mr. Alderman. He seems like he would have been lovely as a child." Samirah says this with respect to the man on the other side of the overly elaborate table while Amir nods in agreement with his wife to be.

"Well then, you would be wrong." Mr. Alderman bluntly responds before motioning for Hearthstone to come to him. "Go and fetch some fresh fruit for our guests." He raises his voice while speaking to his son who moves away as silently as possible. Maybe, he's secretly some sort of ghost and that's why he caused his family woes.

My dreams of Mr. Alderman being a loving father soon come crashing down like the moment of silence that follows his words. 

"Hearthstone killed his younger brother Andiron and caused the recent death of his mother." Mr. Alderman deadpans before continuing his meal. Everyone else at the table who is a normal person stops eating and stares, waiting for some kind of explanation. 

"Umm... so maybe you could elaborate on that?" Maggie prompts Mr. Alderman for the story of how Hearthstone seemingly became the world's most silent murderer.

"Hearthstone is a disgrace to the family and allowed his dear brother to die out of jealousy and then his mother was hit by a car after crossing the street. She wasn't paying attention due to the fact that she was so grief stricken from losing her child. Andiron was such a sweet young boy and would have accomplished much in his life if Hearthstone had not been overcome with jealousy that fateful day. If I could, I would exchange my living child for the one who I lost. Andiron's portrait is on the wall if you would like to see what he looks like." Mr. Alderman finishes his sorry excuse for an explanation before stalking off in the direction that Hearthstone had gone. 

Everyone sat in silence for a moment while the plates were cleared and Queen Freya left to go to her own quarters and freshen up before the party later tonight. 

"Just to be clear, we aren't believing a word he says and instead are going to ask Hearthstone?" Magnus's voice shatters the silence in the room.

"No, I have a feeling Mr. Alderman isn't as kind as he pretends to be." Sam's eagle-eyed glare focuses on the seat Mr. Alderman had been in just moments before. 

"Yeah, Hearthstone definitely needs some help." Blitzen says from beneath his veil.

"Is it just me or was Hearthstone growing paler by the moment?" Amir asks before we are whisked out of the room by a servant known by the name of Inge who doesn't seem to be too fond of Blitzen. 

Hearthstone's pov

Father soon followed after me and grabbed me from behind while I was preparing the fruit basket for Blitzen and his friends to enjoy after breakfast. He drags me to a nearby room which he has seemingly declared as off limits to the servants for the time being. I am thrown on the floor before father closes the doors forcefully. My white shirt is torn from body before sharp blow after blow hits my chest. The bruises already on my body begin to ache as father's silver staff meets my broken skin. Green blood begins to well up wherever he hits. 

When father grows tired of this he stops and walks to a dark corner of the room where he produces three items which he carries to me before forcing my face to look up at his. He pours the bottle of alcohol mercilessly on me and the bandages in his hands before he begins to speak. I make out the words 'useless' and 'stain' before he hands me the bandages and watches as I wrap them around the open wounds across my chest and abdomen. 

The third item is a white board with a marker attached. Hooray.

You useless child, I had to explain to the poor svartalf and his friends how you are a murderer. There is no way he will wish to be with you now. I hope they find some way to use you until you break so that he can throw you out. It will be most satisfying to see you with the other trash. Also, you embarrassed me by being late to breakfast this morning. While you may have been suitably punished for that physically, you need to pay. That will be 30 gold coins for the embarrassment you caused me at breakfast. Once you are once again clothed you may join your husband with that sorry excuse for a fruit basket you made. You are not to tell his friends that you are deaf. He is only allowed to bring that up and you will have to face the shame head on. Something that you have never done, as you have spent your life ignoring everyone, as you did at breakfast this morning. That will be another 10 coins removed from the wergild. You are to do whatever he says and hide the fresh wounds from him. If he finds out, you will take the beating you will surely receive with grace. After your outing, you will attend the party and be the epitome of grace and elegance. Another thing that you have never achieved in your life. I will be generous and not charge you for being a disgrace as your wedding present. However, after the party you will be properly punished for the events which occurred in your bedroom this morning. Selfishly basking in the sunlight while your husband slowly dies and turns to stone? How useless can you be. We noticed the water on the floor after you left. I suppose that means you won't be thirsty for the next few days. The price of water has just been increased by 300%. The amount of water in that dish will be deducted from the wergild as well. You must have hated Andiron, horrible stain of a creature you are. You wouldn't have been able to appreciate the beauty of a being as pure as my dear second son. 

Father had to erase and write the next words out multiple times. I once again put on my white shirt where he held up five fingers and pointed to a stain on the shirt from where Blitzen had accidentally dropped some of his breakfast. Inge appeared in the room a few seconds later and spoke to father for a bit. I soon was pushed into following her as she left the room.

She hands me the basket as we walk down the hall to the doors outside.

Inge leads me to a carriage where Blitzen and his friends are all seated and waiting for me. I take my spot next to my new husband and the carriage begins to move. Blitzen looks at me with concern and seems to ask me something but I only catch the tail end of his question. 

Without thinking, without looking at my surroundings I immediately place my right hand against my chest in a fist before moving it in a clockwise motion. 

I'm sorry

I sign to Blitzen, who looks at me confused as I notice one of Father's most loyal servants disappearing from the carriage out of the corner of my eyes. How typical for the useless creature I am. 

I shake my head at Blitzen as we continue on the ride.