All of Me

A Raven's Devotion

AN: Musical muse by John Legend (All of Me), as is the title. I also do not own any of the characters in Maleficent and Disney.

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Maleficent stood just at the edge of the Lake, the clear waters gently lapping at the hems of her forest-brown dress. Her porcelain face was marred only by the furrow of her brows as she clutched her staff tightly in concentration. The wind, lightly scented with ripened berries ready to be eaten, skimmed her skin gently and she raised a nimble hand into the air.

A raven shot from the sky and quickly turned into the familiar dark-haired man that had been by her side since the unforgettable event. Her back ached at the thought, and she turned, shaking off the feeling of emptiness.

"What news do you bring, Diaval?"

The young man came quickly to her side, the folds and scars of his skin stretching taut against his featherless skin.

"The child grows, Mistress. The Queen looks ready to deliver, and the maids gossip more by the day." His voice tremors slightly as he lowers his eyes. "The kingdom is happy."

The Protector of the Moors says nothing, pursing her lips as she clenches her staff tighter, relishing the feeling of the smooth bark on her palms.

"Well, isn't that just delightful."

Swiftly, she turns and faces her servant, a slow, bitter smile gracing her lips.

"Would you not agree?"

The raven-man stares into his Mistress's eyes; Obsidian bores into green-gold with complete honesty.

"Whatever my Mistress sees fit, I too, see fit."

Maleficent gives out a harsh laugh, sending shivers down her servant's spine in remembrance of the bark of a dog.

"Diaval, ever my loyal servant. And what news of our dear King?"

The Raven-Man cocks his head to the side, a single ebony feather rising from his well-slicked hair.

"He continues to strategize with his army, Mistress. He fears you will harm his family."

The faery draws in a breath, turning back towards the still lake. The sun begins to set, and her body grows still as shadows begin to appear on her chiseled face. Her slender fingers clench onto the bark of her staff, relishing the feeling against her palms.

"His…family." She says the word with reluctance. "What do you think of family? Do you miss yours since swearing to stay by my side?"

Diaval's dark brows furrow in confusion.

"Ravens are naturally solitary creatures, Mistress. My family have all flown away to our separate territories long ago."

"But what of a mate?" The green-golden eyed beauty pushes. "Surely, you have one, or you plan to."

The Servant takes a step closer, a slight frown across his sharp features.

"I have no mate. Mistress, what is bothering you?" He reaches a hesitant hand to her shoulder, unsure of what to do. Maleficent nimbly steps away.

"I will never be like that man; I will never have a family, or be loved like he is." She whispered, looking down. "But what of you? Ravens mate for life, do they not? Wouldn't you prefer to be searching for her, rather than serving a wretched, flightless being like me?"

Diaval once again cocks his head. "It is true that ravens have life-long partners, but how can I devote my life to a bird, when I have already promised it to another?"

In a moment of bravery and human instinct, he gently grips his Mistress's chin and tilts her head to his, smiling gently.

"It was my choice to serve you for as long as I live. Just because you don't have black plumage and we may never have hatchlings does not mean that I am not happy. I don't need a family like the King—I am no human."

He had never seen such vulnerability in the faery's eyes, and part of him puffed with happiness and pride, knowing that his Mistress cared for his well-being.

"From the moment you saved me, I became yours, to do whatever you need. Your desires are now mine. You may not be loved like the King, but you have the complete dedication and servitude of a Raven, which, dare I say, is a much better deal."

And now a part of him soared; a feeling so intense and exhilarating he could hardly stand without trembling. What human mannerism is making his chest want to explode?

His eyes saw stars as the beauty in front of him graced him with a smile.

"One would believe you were in love with me, if there was such a thing as love." Her eyes flashed with amusement. "But I am very happy to hear you say those words; It puts my mind at ease."

The intensity of the moment broken, Diaval smirks.

"Besides, I wouldn't want another bird competing with my beautiful self—I'm the one with the shiniest feathers in the Moor!"

Maleficent's laugh was clear and strong, like crystal bells on a spring morning, and for that one magical moment, all was right in the kingdom.

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AN: This was a piece that's been on my mind for a very long time since watching Maleficent. Prequel to "The King Lives."