cap_ironman | Avengers Fairytale Drabble

Title: The Firebird and Prince Anthony
Author: Saphirerose1986
Fandom: Avengers
Pairing: Steve/Tony
Rating: pg?
Word Count: 2,863
Summary: For the fairytale drabble
Warning: I haven’t written anything in three years and this is my first Avengers fanfic
Disclaimer: Marvel owns the characters

In Stone kingdom, so far away that many claimed it was nothing more than a dream there lived a king. He was not kind and just but manipulative and cruel. He would do anything to get what he desired. This king had a brave huntsman named Steve. Steve was not handsome or strong but had other advantages. He was opposite the king in he was kind and just. The biggest advantage he had over all the other huntsmen was an enchanted shield. Only he could wield it even though many said he was so frail they couldn’t believe he could lift it yet alone throw it with deadly accuracy.

One day Steve rode through the woods and couldn’t help feeling the eyes of a stranger. This was not the first time he had felt such a thing but he was getting tired of never finding the cause. He looked around and saw a flash of red and gold. Fearing it was a dragon or some other such thing out to eat him, he threw his shield and heard it crash against it before the creature disappeared. He went to where his shield lay and beside it was a piece of metal shaped like a feather. It was the wondrous red of fire and the gold of the setting sun. His fingers yearned for a pencil for it was a hundred times more beautiful than gold or rubies. Certainly this was from the Firebird everyone saw flying around.

The enchanted shield suddenly spoke, for this was one of the things it was enchanted to do “Take not the metal feather, if you take it, you will know trouble!” The brave huntsman pondered this matter carefully, should he pick it up or not ? If he picked up and presented it to the king surely he would be rewarded. Maybe even enough that he could give up being a huntsman and spend his days painting instead like he’d always dreamed. So Steve did not heed the enchanted shield , picked up the feather and presented it to King Tiberius.

“Thank You!” said King Tiberius. "But since you have found the feather of the Firebird, get me the bird itself. If you do not, by my sword your head shall fall!" Steve left the hall and went to an abandon courtyard,(courtyards were no longer fashionable) he used for painting . There he wondered distraughtly what he could do.

“Why are you upset, master?” asked the shield. “This is not the true trouble I warned of; that still lies ahead. Though I did tell you not to pick up the feather. Take a horse and cart to the eastern mountain that lies just beyond the forest at the end of the kingdom. There is a entrance hidden by vines, wait for the dawn and the Firebird will be inside.”

The next morning the huntsman rode through the forest and stopped just before the entrance and hid the horse and carriage. There he saw Prince Anthony of the Stark kingdom near the entrance. Steve had seen Prince Anthony many times for he and King Tiberius were childhood friends. Always when the prince visited Steve found a reason to be as nearby as his station would allow though recently Prince Anthony no longer visited. Many times he found himself painting Prince Anthony before hastily covering it over. He was not stupid enough to get caught doting on the prince. Though Prince Anthony was handsome and known for having many admirers, Steve would probably still be executed for acting above his place. Staring longingly, he watched as the prince walked away.

Thirty minutes after the prince left Steve ran to the entrance and walked through the vines concealing it. There he saw the Firebird as still as death. Afraid he had killed it he ran forward but he could see no damage but scuff marks and the missing feather where he had hit it with his shield. It had an appearance similar to a man with feathers running along its surface.

“Do not worry it is but asleep.” said the shield.

Carefully he tied the Firebird up and dragged it out to the cart. It certainly was heavy. Once it was secured for travel he drove through the forest and back to the kingdom. There he presented the king the Firebird. The King gazed in wonder and immediately promoted Steve to the rank of noble and charged him with another task.

“Since you were able to get me the Firebird you must now get me a groom. To the East is Stark kingdom. There lives Prince Tony. He is the one I want. His family has long denied our desire to be wed. Now they deny letting us see one another and I am tired of waiting. If you get him I will reward you with silver and gold but if you fail your head shall fall by my sword!”

Steve left the hall and went once more to the empty courtyard. There again he wondered distraughtly what he could do.

“Why are you upset, master?” asked the shield. “This is not the true trouble, that still lies ahead. Ask the king for a red tent with a golden top and lots of meats and wine for the journey. Go to the same mountain and set up the tent there.” King Tiberius gave him what he asked for and once more he headed through the forest and set up the tent a little ways away from where the firebird had hid. As the day went on he entertained himself by sketching the prince since no one was nearby to catch him.

Towards late evening Steve spotted the prince walking through the forest. Quickly he hid the sketchpad. Wondering where his honor guards were since this was twice he was without, he called out “Greetings, Prince Anthony! I would be honored to have you as my guest. Please come inside and eat and drink to your heart’s content.”

Prince Anthony looked hesitant and Steve feared he would refuse. “I suppose I can spare the time. It will certainly be amusing to finally speak with the infamous huntsman who uses a shield instead of a knife and bow.” Prince Anthony said with a slight smile. Steve blushed with embarrassment. It wasn’t his fault no one understood the weapons application of a shield. They entered the tent and spent the night eating and drinking. As the evening flew by, the prince partook of more and more wine. As he loosen up he spoke less guarded. Steve found the prince to be intelligent and having an entertaining wit, though he did seem prone to insulting many nobles of his country much to Steve’s embarrassment. Soon the prince grew drunk and fell asleep.

Steve carefully wrapped the prince up in a blanket while he packed up the camp. When done he climbed unto his horse and cradled the prince against him. Unable to stop himself he brushed the hair from the prince’s face and kissed his forehead. He went quickly back to his king though it tortured him to know this would be the only time he would have the prince so close. Soon the prince would be married to his beloved and Steve would again be lost with his hopeless infatuation.

When they arrived at the kingdom they were immediately brought before the king. The king rejoiced as he took the prince from Steve’s arms and thanked the huntsman for his loyal service. Then he rewarded him with an enormous treasure and promoted him to an even higher rank. This was at least of some comfort to the Huntsman for now he would have all the money he needed to paint and be of a station to be allowed to speak with the Prince at court. It still didn’t remove the sorrow at knowing the prince would soon marry someone else. With that he was sent away while the king took Prince Anthony to his chambers. When Prince Anthony awoke his face immediately clouded and sorrow filled his eyes.

“What is the matter? We can finally be married and no one will be able to stop us.” King Tiberius asked in confusion. Prince Anthony just stared at the window and did not answer. ”I have even gotten you a gift” King bribed. with that the king summoned his servants and they brought the motionless Firebird forward in a cage. “It is the fabled firebird that has been seen flying through out your kingdom and mine. I knew you had to have it since it s your favorite color.” The prince looked over and if possible his eye became even more depressed. Once more he looked to the window. When the king’s patience was almost gone Prince Anthony finally replied.

"It is truly a thoughtful gift even though its freedom was stolen unjustly but I still can not marry you. At the edge of my kingdom in the middle of the sea lies a great stone, under that stone my family hid my wedding robe. Without that robe I am cursed to be unable to marry!" King Tiberius gaze harden at how even now the Stark royal family was trying to keep the prince from him.

The king at once sent for Steve and said to him: “Hasten to the sea at the edge of the Stark kingdom. In the middle of the ocean a great stone lies and under that Prince Anthony’s marriage robe lies. Get it and bring it back here; It is time to celebrate my wedding! I will reward you even more richly than before for the deed; but if you do not, by my sword your head shall fall!”

Again the huntsman left the hall and headed to the abandoned courtyard. The huntsman sighed deeply and sat down with his head in his hands. He debated not getting the robe even if it meant his death. At least that way the prince would be unable to marry but he could not be so cruel as keep the prince away from the one he loved. Even if it meant once more he would be forced to help the marriage happen he would do what King Tiberius wished. Although it being in the middle of the ocean meant he may not be able to get it anyway. Just as he was about to give up the Enchanted Shield said,

“Did I not tell you to leave the feather alone but fear not master this is not the worst to come. Let us go to the ocean.” After some time the huntsman managed to get to the ocean shore. It was particularly difficult because he had to avoid all the soldiers looking for the missing prince. On the shore lay a huge crab. “Throw me at the crab but do not kill it.” Doing as the Shield bid Steve heaved the shield at the crab quickly knocking it to the ground.

The crab spoke out: "Do not kill me, let me live! I will do whatever you want." The Shield answered: "In the middle of the ocean there lies a great stone, under that stone Prince Anthony’s wedding robe is hid. Get me that robe!" The crab called in a loud voice and at once the ocean was turbulent waves. Then innumerable crabs of all sizes crawled on to the shore! The chief crab gave them the order and they returned to the water. After an hour's time they dragged Prince Anthony's wedding robe from the bottom of the sea, from under the great stone.

Steve thanked the crabs for their help and carefully tucked the robe into his portfolio and started the week long journey home. Upon returning to the kingdom he presented the king with the robe. Sitting on the Queen/consort’s thrown Prince Anthony eyes filled with pain then harden with anger. "I will not marry you," he said to the king, "unless you order the huntsman to bathe in boiling water." King Tiberius seemed gleeful at the twisted request and had an iron cauldron filled with water; he ordered that it be heated and that the huntsman be thrown in when the water came to the boiling point. When the water was boiling and bubbling; the unfortunate huntsman was led to the cauldron.

"Now this is trouble!" he thought. "Ah, why did I ever pick up the golden feather of the Firebird? Why did I not heed my shield?” He recalled his enchanted shield and said to the king: "King, my sovereign! Let me return my enchanted shield to the courtyard I claimed it from. Surely you would not want it destroyed too.”

“Very well returned the silly shield if that is your last request” said the king. Steve’s eyes harden, to order his death was one thing but his shield was most certainly not silly. Turning swiftly he left the chamber and went to the courtyard he spent most of his free time. There his placed the shield back into the statue it had rested before being claimed by him all those years ago. He bowed his head and readied himself for his execution. "Fear not, master, you will live!" And the shield quickly charmed the huntsman, so that the boiling water would not harm his body.

As the huntsman returned from the courtyard; servants seized him at once and threw him straight into the cauldron. He ducked his head once or twice before jumping out of the cauldron unharmed -and turned into such a handsome man that he was obviously the peak of human perfection. The king, seeing that his huntsman had become so handsome in the boiling water, wanted to bathe in it too; he foolishly plunged into the cauldron and was boiled on the spot.

“That worked well” said Prince Anthony. Steve turned to see the prince with a contented look on his face.

Horrified the huntsman exclaimed, “Surely you did not wish your love’s death?”

“Are you an idiot. He was not my love! He just couldn’t take no for an answer. Who do you think hid my marriage robe and told my parents about his intentions in the first place. If I wanted to marry him I could have ditched my honor guards and come here at any time.”

“You ordered my death because I was responsible for forcing this marriage foreword” Steve said ashamed of his mistake.

“You also stole my enchanted armor, got me drunk, which won’t be happening again by the way and retrieved my wedding robe from where I had hidden it” Prince Anthony said with a glare.

“Armor?” Steve asked completely confused.

“What you and all the other idiots know as the Firebird is my enchanted armor.” he said with a smirk.

“It was you following me that day!” Steve said with amazement. He watched in wonder as the prince known for being calm and collected blushed.

“I’ve been trying to get your attention for a while but you always run away and with Tiberius’s obsession I couldn’t risk coming to the castle anymore.” Prince Anthony said with an embarrassed voice.

“You have been trying to get my attention? I was but a lowly huntsman until very recently. Surely you could do better?” Steve asked confused

“Of course I want to marry someone who throws themselves at me, doesn’t take no for an answer or just wants me for my title” Prince Anthony said hotly.

“You want me?” Steve asked.

“Obviously, captain oblivious.” Prince Anthony said while rolling his eyes heavenward wondering what he did to have to deal with dumb blondes. Steve’s new face transformed with joy and he took a chance drawing the prince forward into a gentle kiss. When he pulled away Prince Anthony’s eyes were dark with desire.

“I still say you could find someone more attractive or better” Steve said one more time

“You haven’t had a chance to look in the mirror yet have you. There is no one hotter than you and you weren’t all that bad to start with” Prince Anthony said with an indulgent smile. Steve just blushed and kissed the Prince again.

“So what do we do about King Tiberius?” Steve asked guiltily.

“Bury him. Then you are being crowned king and we are planning our marriage.” Prince Anthony said simply without room for debate.

“As my prince commands” Steve said amused.

“Uh uh. If we are being married you have to call me Tony.”

“As you wish Tony.” Steve said and pulled him into their third kiss.

And they lived happily ever after.

Omake

“I want my armor back though.” Tony said annoyed.

“I need to go get my poor shield too. Its probably lonely in the courtyard by itself.”

“Your shield and my armor can entertain each other during the honeymoon though. I am not going to worry about voyeurs.” Tony said coldly

“As you wish.”

The End

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

Heh, this was cute and fun! ^_^

Thanks that was what I was going for.

What a charming tale!

Thanks. I'm glad you liked it.

Well it came off brill. ^_^

I like this prince Tony! He´s smart, funny and he has an enchanted armor...and he got pissed for Steve stealing it.
Finally a prince(ss) that strikes back

Glad you like it. One of my pet peeves with fairy tales is they seem to be lust at first sight and kidnapping, blackmail and arrange marriages are synonymous with happily ever after. I always wanted the prince(ss) to fight back and Tony was perfect for that role. He is definitely not the type to take anything sitting down.

THIS IS AWESOME!

“You also stole my enchanted armor, got me drunk, which won’t happening again by the way and retrieved my wedding robe from where I had hidden it” Prince Anthony said with a glare.
This was GREAT!

But this:
Steve’s eyes harden, to order his death was one thing but his shield was most certainly not silly.
THIS WAS GREATER THAN GREAT! :D

Best. Fairytale. Ever.

I loved how you had the whole traditional 'three challenges' thing. XD

Tony's rant came from the fact I couldn't see him letting Steve off without listing in great details everything he did wrong. Plus I like Tony being snarky.

I couldn't resist the shield gag. Steve seems to have a fixation on it and it being enchanted just made it worse. I'm glad I'm not the only one to like that line. Thanks for reading.

Sometimes I think Steve & his shield should get a room. :D And champagne, possibly.

Thanks for the reply. I am really glad everyone seems to like this. The three challenges were part of the original tale I just rearrange and altered them to fit my needs.

LOL! Why do you think Tony said the shield wasn't allowed on the honeymoon.

Although, Steve+Tony+Shield= HOTTER THAN HOT PR0N! (Of course a talking!Shield might be an issue).

I think Tony wouldn't have single problem using the shield as a sexual aid. Probaly would think it was hot too. But the second it becomes sentient it becomes competition. And I think Tony is the type that once he is serious he becomes possessive. Plus the commentary would be a big turn off. Namely Steve blushing and quickly running away.

Yeah, sex commentary only works if you're Deadpool or Harry Lockhart from KKBB. Otherwise... nah.

I just read the THE FIREBIRD AND PRINCESS VASILISA (http://www.widesky.org/stories_poetry/fire.html) and the original tale was so EMPTY. The Princess was just there as a prop, other then making requests to delay the wedding, she had no personality at all.

Awesome that the firebird was the armour, AND that Tony had been trying to catch Steve's attention. I can also buy a guy willing to get drunk with another guy than a girl not hitting some strange dude who invites her to drink when she's alone.

Yeah fairytale princesses tend to be props and stupid. I'm glad you think my version has a lot more in it. I really didn't want it to be a carbon copy. I also wanted to make sure there was love already blooming because it would've really annoyed me if Tony only wanted Steve after he magically transformed.

This... this made me laugh so much. It's really awesome XD Wow... I never knew appropriation to be so entertaining

Yeah that. Reading the original fairytale though, the scariest impression I got was that the princess did not want to get married at all (she got kidnapped while doing her independent rowing thing after all), and merely resigned herself to being married by the second guy. The princess was in love with the hunter thing at the end sounds really tacked on.

Whereas it's awesome that Tony has been wanting Steve and watching him, cause it's mutual, and Steve was the one who didn't want Tony for his position or got grabby. He did kidnap Tony, but he thought Tony and Ty were childhood friends...and I thought that much was true until the boiling water part.

I believe Tony and Ty were childhood friends but Ty slowly went mad. I remember reading that in the original comic they were friends but in later life Ty became obsessed with trying to destroy Tony. So I made Ty obsessed with Tony in the sense he wanted to own him. I also couldn't put more than hints in about Tony's feelings because it was from Steve's POV. Even though Tony and Ty were having a falling out, it would have to be hidden for diplomatic reasons and someone of Steve's standing would've never found out.

That was adorable! I loved Tony's frank voice contrasting with the otherwise fanciful tone of the story~

Tony isn't the type to speak in a flowery language. He'll be charming if necessary but will still speak his mind. When I wrote this every time I tried to write him in traditional fairytale language it would seem totally OOC so I gave up. I'm glad you think it added to the story instead of taking away.

ROFL!

Okay, I'm with everyone else - Prince Tony was awesome! Even though this was technically a more Steve-centric story, Tony totally made the story for me. Plus, the enchanted!shield was too perfect for words - worked beautifully.

I'm really glad you like it. My favorite character is Tony so I really had fun writing him. I'm still trying to get Steve's voice right in my head so I tried to stick to thoughts. I knew when I read the premise for the original that it screamed enchanted shield and the description of red and gold for the firebird said Iron Man.

I'm really glad it made you laugh. It seemed funny to me but then again some people say I have a weird sense of humor.

Avengers Fairytale Drabble

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

Ditto the striking back

Re: Ditto the striking back

no subject

Re: Ditto the striking back

Re: Ditto the striking back

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject