Title: Dreaming Hearts and Emerald Arrows (Prince Oliver + Felicity Smoak)
Category: Arrow
Genre: Romance/Drama
Ship: Felicity Smoak/Oliver Queen
Chapter Rating: PG-13
Inspiration:kind of popped into my head
Summary: Loosely set in the years of the 1800s (au) After 5 years in the front lines Prince Oliver returns. The King and Queen want him to take his rightful place as king but with a wife. On the other side of the kingdom, 19-year-old Felicity Smoak gets drunk and runs into the forest her mother warned her of, she is attacked but is saved by the Hood. Little does she know the identity of the man under the hood is Prince Oliver.
Author's Note: This is the first Olicity story I've written and posted. I just couldn't help but write it. I know it's different then a lot of others and that's what makes it stand out.
There are some things you should know.
1. I put Laurel in this as Felicity's best friend. I know there are a lot of Olicity fans that don't like her but I believe I made her more likable. Also, Ray Palmer in here too.
2. Oliver is a killer. I know we're in season three of Arrow and Oliver changed but in my story, I want him to be a killer. Just like all stories Oliver will go through character development.
3. This story is an AU. It's set in the 1800's. The dialogue isn't which is why I used the word loosely based in the synopsis.
4. The first few chapters have mistakes. But I have Angela now editing my chapters as of April 2015.
5. My updates. I'm a full time university student. My updates may vary. So bear with me. Obviously, when I have my summer break I'll be able to post more often.
5. The Olicity romance will feel slow but don't worry, there will be some more romance before you know it. I, as a writer, wanted it to be that way.
I want to thank my sister, Hibaq. She's the one who encouraged me to write this story and without her, this story wouldn't exist.
Without further a do, the first chapter.
*trigger warning: an almost rape, continue if you think you can handle it*
-Chapter One-
For as long as 19-year-old Felicity Smoak could remember, she lived in this lifeless house. It was made of stone and brick with windows and fireplaces in each room of the house. There was a beautiful garden located outside which was tended by her mother and the servants. Around it, vast green lands and roads, which connect to the nearby village.
Nineteen years ago, a baby blue-eyed bundle of joy was born into the Smoak family; known for their wealth and land. Everyone respected them and anyone could tell they were delighted to have a beautiful baby girl, Felicity, the heir to the name, land and wealth.
Although never did they think, they would have their hands full caring for only one child: who loved to use her words and run around the house and accidentally break things. Donna, however, did not like Felicity being such a free spirit, but as she grew, it became apparent that it would be one of the many things her mother wanted to change about her.
Nonetheless, Felicity ignored her mother's harsh words and spent most of her time with her father in the workshop or outside. Often, she could be found with her father watching him build new things and sometimes he would even let her help him. After the day was done, he would take her to watch the horses outside and she would watch as they ride around with their mane and tail flapping beautifully behind them. I want to be free just like them, she thought to herself.
Even at age six, her father knew she was an intelligent, curious girl who was always looking for something new to explore. Impressed by things she did not understand, like the village's blacksmith, creating objects from wrought iron or steel by forging the metal and using tools to aid him.
However, Felicity's mother did not want her to partake in her father's work and would scoff say "Felicity! This is unladylike! Now go and finish your work with the governess!" She knew her mother only wanted her to be the perfect women. She would always slowly- -but reluctantly- leave the room and her parents would get into an argument about what was best for her.
Six-year-old Felicity did not enjoy hearing her parents argue, so she visit the stables to avoid the noise, choosing the last stall at the end she would huddle into a fetal position and tell herself everything would be alright.
Little did she know that few days after the argument would be the last time she saw her father.
Nevertheless, she tried ignoring it, that burning pain inside; even though she knew, she would never feel normal again. Felicity's mother had a harder time with it. She locked herself in the bedroom for the first couple of weeks and then one day, unexpectedly, she invested all her time into Felicity and her education.
Over the years, Felicity and her mother healed. To her mother's delight, Felicity grew into a beautiful woman: soft blonde curls and blue eyes, plumb pink lips, her skin was naturally pale, but her time in the sun made her skin a more beige. Felicity never knew her beauty had garnered so much attention whenever she would stroll by.
Every morning at first light, she would work with the governess from first light to midday, practice after, but every now then sneak off to her father's workshop and build toys. When her father left, she had pretended it never existed, but now it became a place of comfort, reminding her of the good years when he was around.
The Governess would teach Felicity music, singing, dancing, sketching, embroidery and French. When Felicity's mother, Donna Smoak, sent her to the market, in the village, she would give the toys to the children and fix parts for anyone who needed it.
Donna usually sent Felicity to the village twice a week to pick up a few things. She wanted to go with one of the servants or maids and take the carriage but Felicity would always protest. She warned her of the dangers of going through the forest and she would humbly agree. Mostly because the forest scared her and the creeps who lurked in it. On her way out, she always had a small brown basket and dark purple cloak when walking to the village. Not only did these walks help Felicity get away from her mother and the governess, it gave her the alone time she needed. After her errands were done, she would visit her friend, Laurel: a pretty girl with dark brown eyes, flawless olive skin, long brown hair that reaches the small of her back. Her beauty seemed to never go unnoticed by the village boys. She had this wildness about her that gravitated people toward her.
Today, unlike Felicity did not carry a basket with her for she came just to visit Laurel. She ambled until she spotted a white house in the distance, Laurel sitting on the bench - located nearly two feet from the house- patting the spot next to her, waiting for her to join.
Felicity's POV
"Good evening, Felicity. How have you been?" Laurel asked, curiously watching the expression on my face. I gave her a warm hug and smiled, "Not great. My mother. . .well. . .she's being my mother".
She flashed an understanding smile. Laurel can relate since my mother and hers have similar qualities."Don't let her get you down all mothers can be overbearing"
I could feel a lump on the back of my throat and tears burning my eyes. "Yes true, but Laurel, it's just. . .I miss my father. . . even though I hardly remember my father but, it still hurts. . .I continue to ask myself why he chose to abandon us" Even saying it now, still felt like acid in my mouth.
Laurel hugged me; she is the only one who I trust enough to talk to about my father. The only person who I can talk to without judgement. "Felicity. . . don't try and bother yourself with questions like that. You may never understand why he did what he did, all you can do is move on. Just know I will always be here for you" I slowly took a deep breath feeling calm again. Laurel always knew what to say and even though she never went through an experience like mine, still so understanding.
As she rubbed my back, changing the topic, the corner of her lips turn up to a mischievous grin. "Want to hear about the latest gossip that spread like wild fire?" A rhetorical question, I nodded. She always knew about the latest rumor - true or not - going around.
She stared and grinning, but I can already tell by her expression this must be a good one. I lightly push Laurel, pleaded with her and repeatedly said, "Go on Laurel! Out with it!"
"Okay! Okay! As you know, Prince Oliver been gone for five years, but it is said, he has returned and the king and queen want him to take the throne but there's a condition. . .they want him to find a wife". All the laughter drains from me as my mood turns sour. "You're just reminding me that the kingdom is doomed to have a king who could care less about his people and more about debauchery".
Laurel looks at me and lays her hand on my shoulder, raised brow, "Felicity you're judging him harshly. For all we know he could be nothing like what he was five years ago; war changes a man".
I dismissively shrug my shoulders. "I guess you could be right" As I said this, I hardly believe it myself. "Even so, there are many rich families with beautiful daughters he could chose from"
"Like you!" She counters poking me with her index finger, but I just laugh at the idea. Oliver Queen the dashingly good-looking prince and I; socially awkward Felicity Smoak. Yeah right! I shake my head furiously, ignoring the frown on Laurel's face. I quickly said, "Not me" Feeling uncomfortable, I decided to change topic. "Enough about the prince. Tell me about the hooded hero the villagers are talking so much about" She hesitantly looks at me, noting my discomfort and scoffs, "Why do you want to hear about a hooded criminal?"
I tread carefully, trying to avoid an argument. "I used to think he was a criminal but, to me, whoever he is. He is willing to sacrifice an awful lot to save the people of the kingdom. . . which make him a hero" I want to add that he'd make a better king than Oliver Queen. However, such words are treason.
She raised an eyebrow so close to her hairline, tipping her head and gazed at me oddly, "Sometimes I think you would rather marry the vigilante than an actually suitor"
I chortled, turn my head to the ground and sarcastically replied, "Would you be surprised if I did?" She smirks, "No I would not, but what of Barry?"
I almost choke on my own saliva, "He was cute, but I believe his heart belonged to another" A short simple answer. This was the exact opposite of the situation. Barry never showed any interest in me. Even if we did get together, there was something missing from the relationship. Passion? Chemistry? I couldn't tell, but I knew he wasn't the one for me.
Some days, I worried if I'd find someone who actually like me for me, awkward rambles and all. You have to watch out for the snakes. The ones that only want you for a dowry or to increase their reputation. A hypocritical statement, since woman did the same thing. It really sucked that most men wanted a trophy worthy girl and I, most of time, did not fit that.
At least in the process, I was weeding out the shallow and superficial assholes.
As if, she had sensed my sadness and thoughts, "You will find your match Felicity. You're a pretty girl, I'm sure the boys have noticed"
I hold back the desire to shake Laurel back to reality. "No all the boys have noticed you and know of me because of my rambling, awkward tendencies and clumsiness"
Her brown eyes fill with compassion as she continues to glare at me like she knew something I didn't. "You don't give yourself enough credit, Felicity. I'm sure you will meet someone who will love those qualities about you"
I glanced toward the setting sun, the pink sky and sighed half-heartedly, not truly believing if I would ever find someone. "It's time I take my leavings, mother expected me to be home before the sunsets and it is nearly dark". I rose up with Laurel who brushes her simple blue gown for dirt that was not there. "Well go then, but tomorrow mother has allowed me to sleep over, so we will talk again" With that, she turned back and walks toward her home where a servant awaited her.
"Tomorrow then" I yelled back and walked in the opposite direction, down the road back to home.
When I arrived home mother was waiting by the door. Her brows furred, eyes stung, she was not happy I arrived late. It took an hour of back and forth arguing to convince my mother I was fine and I did not get into any sort of trouble. Of course, she added extra three hours of practicing for my negligence. I went to bed knowing that tomorrow I had hard work in store, but at least Laurel's presence would make my mother tame.
At first light, I woke ready to not start my day. It began with my grueling lessons then practice, practice and more practice! Around the evening, I was just about finished tending to the garden when Laurel walked up. Her chocolate brown hair done up in a messy bun and the golden gown with a spiraled print pattern trailing behind.
"Laurel! You are here" I couldn't contain the excitement that was rushing through me, ignoring the fact that I'm tired, my muscles aching and I felt like I'm about to pass out.
The blaring sun made it hard to see her face."Yes, I am here!" She said, with an inch of dramatic flair, gesturing to the horses stable, "Look what I brought!". At that moment, pulls a glass bottle of alcohol from her dress. At first my eyes stare at the bottle, reading what it was, my mouth drops and I stared at her in disbelief. "You brought alcohol. . .Why?"
Laurel waved the bottle in the air sending fear into my bones."To have some fun for once in our lives!" I was not big fan of alcohol. Rich snobs drink this stuff like a thirst that could never be quenched. I did not like the idea of impaired judgment and easy manipulation.
My eyes searched around terrified that someone would see, I hastily grab the bottle, hiding it under my dress until I reached the stables. "Just saving it for later" I added nervously, she rolled her eyes. "Laurel, my mother is right inside; we would not want to get drunk in broad daylight" I reasoned and she pondered for a nanosecond before ultimately deciding I was right. "Fine! We are to come back when the sun sets" I nod, although there is a sinking feeling in my gut telling me this is not a good idea.
After my mother had fallen asleep, hours later, we went back to the stables. The house quiet enough you could hear a pin drop. We walked from our rooms, overlooking the balcony that gave you a full view of the front door. One hand on the golden railing, standing on our toes to make as less noise as possible, we made our way to the front door. Laurel and I jumped in joy as went around the house to the stables and successfully had not woken anyone up.
Laurel ran, grabs the bottle of alcohol and I brought the two glasses I had hidden not long before dark. I also lit a torch and sitting back down on the rough hay, placing the glasses between us.
"Okay Felicity, here's a game, it is called Never Have I and you play by naming deed you've never done. If the other person has done it, they must drink." Laurel informs in a cheery tone.
My brows furrowed in confusion. "Isn't it supposed to be played with more than two people?"
"Yes, but its game that'll get us drunk the fastest" Another unsettling feeling passed through me, I didn't like the idea of being drunk. I loathed the idea of Laurel drinking the whole bottle alone more, so I reluctantly smile and began the game. "Simple enough, I'll start. Never Have I courted one male and kissed another."
She glares at me, shocked."That is not fair you make it sound bad. They were both so attractive". She emphasizes the last word, making me regret for ever telling her that. I pour the alcohol into her glass, she downs the whole. It made me wonder how many times she had gotten drunk over the years without my knowledge.
"My turn!" She announced jarring me from my thoughts." Never Have I built something in my life" A vicious smile graces her lips.
"Not fair!" I gawked but she only cackled. The sound of the alcohol being poured into my glass making me again second-guesses. As I stared at the liquid in the glass, chastised myself for being a chicken, took a gulp. It took three sips for me to finish, the bitter and foamy taste in my mouth lingering. "Wow! One glass hit me hard". It had been years since I had a drink and I still remember how disgusting it was the first time. At least this time, it was a bit better.
Five more hard truths and a couple drinks later, Laurel and I became completely drunk. Well, she is drunker than I am, because I had easily dumped some of my drinks without notice. I was surprised how fun it was. Everything seemed funnier. The warm, fuzzy feeling passing through me, I felt like the weight of the world lifted off my shoulders. The fear of alcohol disappearing.
Both of us caught in a fit of giggles, we paused when we hear sounds near the stables. Several beads of sweat building under my pits, my heart and breathing suddenly halted. Laurel eyes narrowed, a wild look in her eyes and to my surprise, she runs. "Laurel! What are you doing! It is dark and dangerous," I yelled shaking my head as if I could simply get rid of the buzzed feeling. My worst fear had come true as I watched her run toward the forest. I forced myself upright, ready to run, to chase my friend and then ceased.
My mother warned me of the forest to many times to count. The same forest with known bandits and rapists and whatever else horrid men loitered there. I could practically hear mother's voice playing in my head, pulling me to stay back.
What kind of friend was I, if I let my drunken friend run through the forest like a wild man, attracting the attention of every scoundrel? What if something happens to her? Something I could have prevented? I would never be able to forgive myself if I let caring, levelheaded Laurel get hurt.
I could do this, I told myself repeatedly. Laurel is drunk so she will not stray far. I would just need to grab her and promptly make my way out. With myself finally convinced, I ran to grab the torch and went straight to the forest. The grip on the torch already weaning because my hands trembled. No matter, I continued on telling myself the same words, hoping it might build up my confidence.
I could do this. Just in and out. I will be fine. I could do this.
When I passed the entrance, my beautiful shoes now covered in mud, crackling sounds from leaves and the branches under the pressure of my weight. As I ventured deeper and deeper, the sky was pitch black with the moon barely giving off enough light and the trees so tall they towered hundreds of meters above me. Every fiber of my being alarmed by every sound or noise I heard. I could see blurry shapes of animals lurking, reminding me that, even if they were to attack, I had nothing to protect myself. Stupid Felicity, I chided. Leaving without a weapon. What was worse, I realized with certainty that I am lost in the forest without Laurel and no way to get back home.
My hope broken, all I did was walk. All that drinking made me throw up once, and I wanted to go to the lady's room. I'll be damned if I lift my skirts to pee in here like a homeless person, so I held it.
The longer and deeper I was into these woods, the colder and hopeless it seemed to get.
After what felt like forever, I stumbled upon a road with a man leaning on a tree not far from me. He did not seem to notice me as he was looking in the other direction, before I had a chance to run, he turns around looks right at me and starts toward me.
A chill ran down my spine but not from the cold from uncontrolled fear. My body frozen before realizing that I needed to get away. With my heart thrumming in a million miles per minute, I turn the other direction, quickened my steps hoping to beat him. Almost tripped on my dress. I thought I was farther than him, however next thing I knew he grabbed my arm with iron steel force and reeled me around to see the face of the man.
Although it was dark, the torch in my hand gave me a perfect view of his face. His almond eyes dark and one edge of his lip turned into a devilish grin that showed a row of yellow teeth. He was an ugly man. "What is such a beautiful girl like you doing out in the woods at a time like this?" He asked hovering over my face and detected something. The alcohol. "Someone has been drinking alcohol," He playfully scolded me. He laid his right hand on my hip, pulled me so close. I held back a gag as I breathed in the overwhelming scent of smoke and incense coming from him.
All I could do was stare at that ugly triangular face: the hooked nose, dark brown eyes, and messy black hair. For a man who was lanky and skinny, he sure had a monster grip because my attempts to get away squashed when he held me tighter that I was sure it would leave a mark. "Stop" I said firmly but he only ignored it.
Dread filled me. I knew what was going to happen. He was going to rape me then no man would ever go near me. I would never get over it. It would haunt my life forever.
I looked at this man and thought what kind of person would rape a woman and why. How would he feel if someone he knew raped? The answers as clear as day. A man who lacked a soul. A heart so barren and dead, he did not care who he hurt.
The reason I had went in the forest in first place was to find Laurel. I did not find her. I got lost. What kind of friend am I? I am a failure. Maybe even little stupid. I could have stopped us from drinking but I didn't want to disappoint her and now…
Earlier I had said my hope was broken, well now it's damaged beyond repair. I could not breathe as I felt myself slip into a dark tunnel. I did the only thing I could do. I screamed so loud hoping someone would hear. I was glad, because he had stopped lifting my skirt and paused to hold my mouth. I was about to bite his hand when a single arrow flew above our heads landing in the tree behind him, barely missing him.
"Let her go or the next arrow I fire kills you!" His voice loud and stern it sent chills down my spine. He would make good on his threats. Out of the shadows comes the man in the hood. All the stories that I heard of his journeys from village to village, kingdom to kingdom. He was here. He was going to save me.
Under the gleam of the moonlight, I could see the skin around his eyes and the tops of his cheeks covered in this green paint, this made his other features easier to see like his strong, chiseled jaw and his beautiful ocean blue eyes.
I had never thought that I would be saved by the hood.
Fears clouded the ugly man's face, he pushed me into a tree, knocking me over and giving him time to run.
The world around me blurred and my head spun from the fall. I watched the hood, who does not chase him like I expected him too, he just strode up to me and lays a cold leather clover hand to my cheek, as if I was as delicate as a feather.
Unlike the voice from earlier, in the softest tone, which I presumed was his real voice, asked,"Are you alright, Miss?"