EXCHANGE INTERFACE

Right, so, SPOILERS. SPOILERS EVERYWHERE. Slightly random.

( So, um, wow. )

Short version: I enjoyed it. Certain parts more than others. Don't think I'll go back and watch it in the cinema, though. Maybe when it comes out on video.

There may be plotbunny thinky thoughts about some of the concepts the movie presented when I've had a chance to consider things a bit longer.

FANDOM: Avengers
TITLE: Assembly, Care, & Feeding of a Queen's Court
RATING: R
CHARACTERS: Maria, Nick, Natasha, Clint, Phil, Jane, Rhodey, Tony, Pepper, Thor, Bruce, Darcy, Steve.
WORD COUNT: 36,180
WARNINGS: (highlight to see) There are two scenes involving unwanted sexual advances, both of which are averted.
DISCLAIMER: Not mine, making no money, I'm just having fun with them.
NOTES: Holy cow, it's done! Three months from inception to completion, and it's been a mad ride all the way. *hugs* I hope you enjoy it!

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: I have far too many people to thank for working with me on this and if I don't recall you, I'm so very sorry!

Firstly, to booklover81, mad_maudlin, grav_ity, mari4212, and wojelah who encouraged me when the idea of a Black Jewels fusion with Avengers first popped into my head. Then to the people who beta'd midway through the story – specifically allisnow, lar_laughs, and spoke. Then to all the people who encouraged me to keep writing. And then lizbet0 did an amazing job of going over the story with a fine-toothed comb and poking the sticky bits of it into shape so they were a little less oozy.

I have no words to adequately describe my joy in the artwork neptune47 and hiddencait made for this story - thanks so much to both of you!

Finally, I hope you enjoy the story, and there may be a sequel if I can find the time and energy to write it. Thank you!

The Hydra came out of nowhere. They moved through the Territory of SHIELD, killing the Queens of the Blood - the heart of the land - and destroying their courts. For twenty-five years, the land has lain locked in a cold, dark winter, waiting for a Queen to rise up and bring them into day. But when Warlord Prince Nick Fury answers the call of a trusted friend, he discovers a young Queen living alone in the forest, spirited and unbroken, surviving by her wits.

Maria Hill was brought up in a Queen's court, and learned the laws and protocols of the Blood at an early age. But she's been living solitary for the last three years and she likes it - she doesn't want a court, or to rule. She may not have a choice.

The Hydra are making their final push across the land, and if Maria cannot draw a strong court around her to fight them, none of them may survive the onslaught.



Story Masterpost | Art Masterpost