Mabari and his Jackal- An AU of Jackal in the Shadows

by BetweenTheSeaAndStars

AN AU take prompted on if Elan- the weak lesser noble mage who had grown up as family to Tavaiya- had not perished but become the Herald. How different would things have been in Jackal in the Shadows? Mostly told in very small glimpses of events. Heavy on Humor Dear Maker there's a womanizer as herald and Josie is going to kill him.

1. Chapter 1

AN: You can all blame Cindy_Cerberus at archive of our own. :p This is a series of short areas the Jackal in the Shadows would have been different if Elan lived as Herald. Oh who am I kidding..the brat changes everything.

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"I can't believe you knocked me out!" Elan grumbled as he grasped for his gloves, shrugging his clothing on. "I'm going to be late, and do you know how crazy it is going to sound? Oh yes, sorry Divine Justina, I am aware I am over an hour late but my bodyguard knocked me out.."

"You drank a potion that wasn't labeled." Tavaiya said with a grin over her shoulder, unrepentant. Really. It shouldn't have surprised him. This was Tavaiya.

"Well I knew it wasn't a poison."

"It says a lot that your reactions are more as to what is deadly versus what can just potentially knock you out or have other side effects."

"What can I say? I live with a rogue." The tall human gave a boyish grin at Tavaiya and then held out his arms. "Lace me in?"

"Always." And there she was, nimble fingers knotting the leather ties to his pauldrons. It was light armor, more ceremonial plate than anything but still armor. "Got your shield?"

"Check."

"Ring of distraction?" Aka No I wasn't throwing lightning. Really. Ring did it.

"Yes. On the right hand too."

"Hm. Knife?"

"I have to bring the knives?" Because Tavaiya never meant just one. She rolled her eyes and dug a pinch in where only fabric covered him. "Ow! Yes, blast it. One at my back, one in my boot-each- and the one you hid in my shield."

"The others?"

"I am supposed to be leaving a body guard as a sign of good faith, that I'm going with a shield and hidden knives is drastically pushing it..."

"So you won't bring an obvious weapon."

"Tavaiya.." He growled, attempting to sound like a Mabari. Tavaiya just met his gaze and smirked.

"There's a vial for smoke bomb in the usual spot and the general suppressant and healing draughts where they go. Have fun, don't fall in love with the first woman to speak with an accent at you, and try to remember not to drink in public?"

"...you are impossible." He groaned but bent down to kiss her forehead anyways. "Stay safe."

"Never."

Of course then Elan just had to go and fall out of the Fade. After an explosion.