Canon is Strange Magic. He's so precious.

[boggybear]

WHAT?! I am not... precious! Don't you know who I am? Don't you know what I do to those who cross me?

[ And truth be told, he's a terrifying sight to behold... if you're a fairy, that is. The guy is pretty small, after all, though he definitely towers over fairies, insects, and smaller goblin underlings. But he's not traditionally handsome, or even handsome by normal standards. What with those rough, hard edges, all those scales, and a low, deep voice that can go from a purr to thundering in 1.5 seconds, well... he's certainly not someone to mess around with. That his accent is Scottish just seems to accent his whole 'bad boy' image.]

But I'm evil,

My middle name is misery,

Yes I'm evil, so don't you mess around with me!

[He sings, too, though it's not especially pretty. Something like a rock star singing, really. But there's something else there, too, something about him that keeps the mun smiling. He's just so... ]

...what. You think the Bog King is... is... 'cuddly?' [He groans, shaking his head. It's hard to be intimidating when people know what you're really like.]

Does this look soft to you?

[He brandishes his magnificent staff expertly like a weapon, a smug smile on his lips.

...boggy woggy.

The smile falls into a dry, familiar look.]

Bog.

[Boggy woggy kingy wingy.]

No, Bog!

[... boggy bear.]

Bog. King-oh, fine. Don't you be telling Marianne about this. I'll never hear the end of it.

Comments

[fairytoughgirl]

[Well, naturally she wasn't all that fond of him either initially. He did kidnap her sister and threaten her whole kingdom after all, and over something as silly, in her mind at least, as the return of a love potion. She had of course been angry, furious enough to hit Bog, despite the fact he had towered over her and could have had the goblins do who knows what to her in retaliation. She never had properly said sorry for that had she? Well, it was water under the bridge now, especially with how they had come to understand one another, sharing their past pain when it came to love. It was ironic really, two people who both swore so heavily against opening themselves up to that chance of getting hurt again, only to be drawn in by each other. And from there, the spark has just grown brighter, like, well...magic.]

[Still, they were both new to love, real true love at least, so it was no wonder they were not completely at ease with it all just yet. Besides that, it still felt like exposure, saying these things, even just being this close to him. However, the trust between them meant Marianne didn't mind. It didn't feel as if she was vulnerable now as much as being free to be herself, knowing Bog liked her for who she was.]

They are, Sunny will hopefully keep her out of trouble. And now that she's not chasing boys all the time she doesn't have to get upset with me for hovering over her. [Plus that meant she had more time to herself as well, which perhaps could be spent with her own unconventional love. Naturally she wasn't going to judge anyone either, and while she didn't care what people thought of her, if anyone dared make an unkind comment about Bog, the King would probably have to restrain herself from doing something rash. After all, she had hung on the arm of the perfect, handsome fairy, and he had turned out to be a complete ass, fully deserving what she gave him.] Nope, I'd have him begging for mercy. Losing his wings would have been the least of his problems when when I got through with him. You weren't around to see the what I did when he tried to 'apologise' and win me back during the Spring ball.

[Some might have found their humor a little on the dark side, but hey, dark needed light, and vice versa. There was a place for both, and after seeing his world she had come to admire the beauty you could find in the shadows and under the moon as much as in the sunlight. They were taking it slow, getting to know each other inside and out, and again felt far more real for that. Especially since for all his flowery words, Roland had never succeeded in making Marianne flustered like she was just now. If he had touched her face, which she wouldn't have minded at all despite the surprise, he would have felt the heat himself, and likely caused them to go from pink to scarlet. Still, his words do manage to make her breath hitch, the low rumble of his voice causing her stomach to do flips as she stared back up at him. Somehow, she could see it in his gaze, the words he wasn't saying out loud, and it made her heart practically soar.] Well...I'm sure the great Bog King can handle a little ferocity, right?

[She was still torn on reacting to her own impulses, unsure if she dared act on instinct, though became distracted in replying to him.] I know. I mean the ones my mun has are mostly nice enough, if not a little strange, but I'm not about to trust something that has hands big enough to swat me with.

[Oh that did it. Those three words and that smile, they were her undoing, causing her to flush all the more yet smile at the same time. Biting her lip, Marianne decided to hell with it, responding to his sentiment by reaching out, tentatively placing a small hand on top of his much larger one while it still clutched his staff in a tight grip.]

[boggybear]

[Though Bog was older than her, and had seen and experienced very different things in his life than she had, he had never truly been in love. Sure, all those years ago, he had thought what he'd felt for that beautiful young creature was love, but it had taken all this time, plus the entrance of Marianne into his life, for him to realize that hadn't been real. Of course, if that pesky Sugar Plum fairy had just explained things to him from the beginning, he might have not lived the rest of his life until recently in such a brooding, hate-filled way. At least Marianne had actually opened herself up to someone, even if that someone had been a conceited, incredibly dull-witted, flamboyant fairy.

Of course he knew Marianne was beautiful in the eyes of the fairies, and though he had been brought up to appreciate a different sort of beauty, she had opened his eyes to such loveliness and wonder, that throughout their hopefully continued courtship, he would continue to be fascinated by every inch of her. Bog actually hoped to explore her more, in time, though he didn't feel comfortable yet asking her of doing such things. They had different sorts of proprieties - because of his physiology, he didn't have need for clothing, anyway.

Bog groaned, rolling his eyes at her comments about the ball and Roland.] What, he seriously tried to apologize? His wee little brain thought he'd be able to win you back? He should have known he'd be no match for you, tough girl.

[He didn't use the flowery language Roland had used, and he wasn't particularly skilled with giving someone a compliment. But with Marianne, he was just simply honest, and so far, he didn't think she minded his less than eloquent way of speech. Touch was still so foreign to him, as well, but it had just seemed so natural that night, during their flight together under the moonlight. Her soft, little hand in his had felt so different than anything he was used to, but also somehow... right. The feel of her warm body beside his as he easily navigated them through those thorns had been a welcome thing.

Bog chuckled at her teasing comments about her ferocity.] Aye, I believe our last match was a draw. Perhaps we'll have to test that theory and try it again sometime. Would it help if I held one arm behind me back?

[He couldn't help but tease, it was part of his nature and their dance. Bog might have said something more about their silly human muns, but what she did next made the very words disappear from his tongue. She touched his hand like that, and somehow his smile became impossibly larger, spreading out over his craggy face. Eventually, his jaw would ache from all this foreign smiling, but it would have been worth it. Almost immediately, with barely any hesitation at all, Bog released his grip on his staff, letting it clatter to the ground thoughtlessly. It made it easier to hold her hand more fully, closing his long fingers around hers so carefully. Bog was aware of his claws and his rough skin, and the last thing he wanted to do was hurt her. Never that. He moved in even closer, attentive of her face, her large, bright eyes, her... everything.

And he did reach out with his free hand to touch her skin this time, her cheek, feeling he had been granted permission. Such awe and reverence were in that little touch, as if she were the precious one here.] Your face, Marianne... it's red!

[fairytoughgirl]

[Even if it had only been a passing infatuation, Marianne could clearly see on his face that night that the pain he felt was real. She could now see what she had experienced was the flighty crush of an empty headed girl, naively taken in by good looks and flattery. She just happened to realize her error faster because her previous love interest, unlike Bog's, had been a horrible person under a handsome physique. She had to admit though, Sugar Plum could have been a bit more helpful all things considered, even if her grudge for being held prisoner was somewhat justified. As irksome as she could be however, she had been right about her point; there were no shortcuts when it came to love, hence why the two of them were taking things at a leisurely, exploring pace.]

[Not being one to toot her own horn, and with Roland causing her to take any appreciation of her looks with a grain of salt, she paid little mind to how she appeared, simply opting to be herself and no try to please anyone else. Besides, even with her looks, her behavior had still been enough to make her father and sister fret over her being doomed to be alone forever. Still, it wasn't until she and Bog actually had a civil conversation that she truly found herself seeing past the superficial, looking closer for the beauty that could be hidden in just about anything. That of course included the ruler of Dark Forest, making her feel bad for calling him a cockroach before. Sure he wasn't handsome in the traditional sense she had grown up with, but like him she had discovered something that appealed to her more than just visually. She was certainly curious about learning just as much about him, and of course would return his willingness in kind in time. As much as such a thing would be embarrassing, there was no denying that the thrill seeking, adventurous part of her wanted to go that bit further. She just had an extra hurdle to overcome since fairies didn't walk around completely bare.]

Actually, the word sorry was never used. It was more showcase of him trying to convince me in a big song and dance routine that I should take him back, that my catching him with someone else, on our wedding day no less, had been just a little 'mistake'. [She rolled her eyes, scoffing at the memory, trying not to let the anger boil up. After all, it wasn't fair to dump that on Bog when it wasn't anything of his doing, and it was much more fun to smirk and snicker with him about her ex fiance's humiliation.] To be fair, I wasn't quite so tough back when we were engaged, and what Roland had in looks he lacked in brains. Guess he underestimated the power of a woman scorned, if you catch my drift. You'd have loved it.

[Yes she had taken it all and thrown it right back in his smug face, recognizing all that sweet talk for the complete manure that it was. In contrast, the awkward yet honest words of the Bog King, unpracticed and unscripted, were able to make her melt inside, much to her flustering response. His actions were just the same, showing inexperience yet care and gentleness despite his fierce appearance, while Roland had been rather handsy and rough when she didn't play along and swoon. For how different the two of them were, she couldn't help but feel like she fit perfectly against him in that hold through the thorns, like two pieces meant to be interlocked together.]

[It was that sense of comfort and rightness that made it oh so easy to retaliate coyly to his teasing with a wag of her finger before giving his chest a gently poke.] Oh no you don't, I don't need a handicap, that'd make a pretty hollow challenge. When I take you down, I want to be able to do it when you're at your best, not holding anything back.

[It was all playful in tone and in good fun, the two of them relishing actually having someone to face off against as an equal, holding respect and admiration for one another's skills. His abilities had been a surprise, but certainly not the biggest discovery she had made on her quest that night. Even now she found herself continuously in awe as she learned something knew about him. It happened again in that moment, seeing his smile grow all the larger and warmer, giving those rugged features more charm. She almost jumped back at the clatter of the staff hitting the ground, if not for the strong hold encompassing her hand, both making her tremble due to it's might and tenderness. Her own fingers curled up around those claws as best they could, so focused that when the rough texture of his skin brushed her face, her eyes widened, caught off guard as a soft gasp escaped her.]

[Of course his comment had her face going all the redder despite her efforts to remain calm, looking far shyer than usual, though never flinching from him. No, his touch was more than welcome, something about it being indescribable, but it had the power to make her go weak at the knees. Normally she'd try to brush such a thing off, say it was just a hot flush due to things being stuffy, but the words stuck in her throat. Perhaps because there was no shame in being this way, not with him. It didn't make her weak or vulnerable, it just showed that he had her trust, and her love.]

[So, what could she do? Show it, by letting her eyes droop until they were half closed, carefully tilting her head to press that warm cheek into his palm, until her lips could brush the skin in a gentle kiss.] Well yeah...that'll happen with all the blood rushing up here...since my heart's beating so fast...[Her free hand went to her chest, clutching her shirt before she lifted her gaze back to him, eyes almost aglow.]...for you, Bog.

[boggybear]

Tis' a shame, that I had ta miss you puttin' him in his right place. You were clever, the way you tricked him with that potion.

[ But Bog would much rather focus on her, and not that dandy of a fairy who was in the past where he belonged. He chuckled low at her retaliation, thoroughly appreciating her words and the gentle poke to his chest.] Aye, that is but big talk for a fairy princess. Perhaps we shall have to remedy that very soon.

[After all, their first match had been the most fun he'd had in such a long time. He couldn't remember having fought such a worthy adversary before. Though very different, and small than him in size, she was agile and strong, clearly fueled on by her love for her sister. And somewhere during the fight, things had changed from rage to excitement and adventure, and his compliments to her had been genuine. Bog had found himself enjoying egging her on, though in the end, it was somewhat frustrating that they'd come to that standstill. But another fight now, knowing how they felt for each other... he imagined it would be exhilarating.

But that was for another time. When he touched her cheek like that, so gently, the way she gasped touched something deep in his core. But she didn't pull away, and there they were, he holding her hand, and caressing her cheek. Not since the last time when he had been denied the chance at what he thought was love had he dreamed of being this open, this vulnerable with someone else. The moment, her words and her actions, especially that kiss to his palm... it made him feel warm and alive inside. He couldn't remember ever having felt this way before. What she said made him gasp openly and smile, and he was quick to chime in, agreeing excitedly:] My heart always beats fast when you're around.

[He only realized a second later just how that must have sounded, and he chuckled a little, somewhat embarrassed. But he cleared his throat a little, so that his voice was lower when he spoke up again.] Marianne, will you... will you spend time with me, in the Forest? Or I could visit your kingdom, if you want, if your father does no' mind... [Because he knew how they must look to the traditional fairy king, as well as most other fairies in general. The last thing he wanted was to make things difficult for her, or embarrass her. The goblins were pretty much all in love with her by now, so that wasn't a problem.]

[fairytoughgirl]

Well I'd be happy to elaborate on the hilarious details anytime you like. As for the potion...[She managed to shake of the shudder that came with the memory, before cracking her knuckles with a dark grin.] Honestly I was just relieved at first that it didn't work, but after all he put us through, I figured I little revenge was in order.

[Still, she was feeling the same way as Bog at present, preferring to focus on the person in front of her, and what they had to look forward to rather than what had passed. Especially when they were having such fun at just building each other up for the coming rematch.] Oh, anytime Bog King, anytime, any place, and I'll show you I'm more than talk.

[Despite the high stakes of that moment, all the adrenaline rushing through her from fearing the worst for Dawn and being so angry over her kidnapping, Marianne had to admit had gotten carried away with the fun and challenge brought with fighting him. After all, she had mostly practiced alone, and her father's guards weren't going to spar with her for worry of harming their princess. He had been her first real opponent, and she had relished every second of it. Not only that, but she felt herself improving, learning with each attack, now that that she got to face someone with so much skill and experience. Perhaps the admiration had begun there, despite all her trash talk in order to provoke him in return, as it was fun to see the imposing figure of the Bog King actually respond to her taunts. Now that there was no true animosity between them any longer, they could go at it for the thrill and excitement alone. There could still be stakes though, to make it interesting. Maybe she could tempt him with some sort of prize or favor if he could beat her completely this time.]

[However, for the moment it seemed that the focus was on the more gentle, intimate ways they could get to know each other. And while it was a bit scary, nerve wracking even, to be so close to someone else, instinctively she knew she was safe here, with him. He wasn't a threat to her, but rather she could now rely on that strength of his to help and protect her if needed, just as she would offer hers to him in return. Unlike with Roland, their partnership was equal, and everything would be shared between them, as deep down inside Marianne knew that if it came to it, she would lay down her life for Bog. He would do the same for her after all, having all but done so if not for a narrow escape when his castle foundations had crumbled around them. It was no wonder then that she too felt so alive, hearing and seeing on his face that the sentiment was mutual. And no wonder she didn't even ask before checking for herself, free hand reaching out to lightly rest on his torso, feeling that rapid beating sensation against her fingers.] You're right, I can feel it...almost like it's in time with mine.

[No doubt he could feel the heat radiating from her face again, laughing softly herself from embarrassment, even though her smile never wavered. In fact it only seemed to grow as he asked that question, nodding into his palm.] I will. I'd love to see even more of the Forest, I mean...if it's no trouble. I know it must be really busy running a kingdom. [And she didn't want to get in the way, or impose too much. As for her father, considering how he had been so hung up on her not being alone, he knew how she'd react if he started having reservations now that she was happy, for real this time, just because he was a little different.] And I think my dad will need to invite you over soon anyway. The way things have worked out, you'll probably be changing a few things regarding passage between our borders right? [The gaps between their respective lands were being bridged anyone, so she was sure with time people would accept and understand their relationship. If not, well she was already considered different, not like she was about to start caring now if it meant sacrificing what made her happy. With the ways things were going, and considering both their positions, given time (especially if Griselda and Dawn had anything to do with it) perhaps the borders would disappear all together thanks to a very special union.]