everyoneluvsdiamond

[everyoneluvsdiamond]

To My Dearest, Rhaenyra,

[ HOTD - Rhaenyra Targaryen / Original Female Character ]

After trading negotiations have gone awry, Safiya, Emperor to a vast Empire in the East, writes pleadingly to Princess Rhaenyra, hoping to rebuild connections once thought lost...

This is something I wrote quickly today in-between a strenuous study-sesh. A letter to Rhaenyra, from Safiya, an original character I have had gnawing at my brain for a while now. Whilst there is a lot of lore and background/world building I have given with Safiya and her relationship with Rhaenyra, none of it is anywhere near publishable yet. But! It is in the works.

Hopefully, though, this letter can speak for itself and isn't too blinding without the full context I am pouring myself into at the minute haha.

Any feedback/comments adored! <3

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝

To my dearest, Rhaenyra,

I doubt you shall ever read this. I cannot wholly blame you, as I too have been warring with myself over our last encounter, regrettable as it was brief. However, if you are reading this, I implore you to do so in the utmost privacy. 

Firstly I do not want you to think I am leaving because I am angry with you. I may have been poisonous in the days past, but those were moments I recall with shame now, and I hope that you have not reformed your opinion of me to be so lowly as to put my Empire at stake for such a childish thing. Even if such sentiment remained, what a fly in the ointment of emotion you stir within me it would be. Besides this, I believe myself entitled to it. The blood of the dragon persists in your veins, but do not so easily forget the blood of the tiger gushes within mine.  

It never has to be this way, in truth, and I resent the looks you spared me when you believed I could not see. Burning me with withering glares will achieve nothing when I am punished enough by your silence. Are you not already acutely aware of the fact that I bathe in your attention? If not, you have certainly made a mockery of me, as well as the rest of the court you dangle on your delicate fingers.

Please write back to me. I am not in the habit of begging, as my subjects beg me to impossibly govern the skies and the seas in their favour, and perhaps I would have even less luck with you. However, ever since I met you you have disarmed my pride and dignity at every turn. 

So, Rhaenyra, I beg you. Please. Write back, muster up some polite chitter of cake, the pleasant climate, the demand of gilded ballrooms, anything. 

Not all can be revealed at present, but I return to Essos with my full company due to civil unrest within Keiyrt that demands my immediate hand. You can at least understand that, I should hope, as your father schools you for your own, undoubtedly lively, reign.

That, and the unspeakable act your own Knight ser Criston has taken against me and my Empire. His treasonous, heinous murder of my dearest and closest advisor in a land that claimed we were most esteemed and protected guests, will never be forgotten. Do not allow your beating resentment toward me cloud your judgement on this matter. If I am ever to return to Westeros, it will be to see Criston Cole endure the most barbaric and torturous execution. 

I try not to allow this blackened affair to stain my time spent with you over the months I held residency within the Red Keep; further, do not for one moment believe it reflects upon yourself personally. Moreso the vipers nest you reside within. For your own sake I maintain my urge to surround yourself only with the longest serving servants, loyal to your father and not some darker plot.  

I have not so easily forgotten our time, secluded from all prying eyes, carried on dragon back. The sweetness of your perfumed neck, the sharpness of your tongue. I doubt I could even if I tried.

There is much I wish to write that I know I cannot. Much I am desperate for you to hear. Allow this letter to act as a promise for if we meet again, that I shall have the bravery and humility to tell you. 

Until we meet again. Yours always, Safiya.

[everyoneluvsdiamond]

The Night Shift

Two gangsters enjoy their 'night shift' perusing the streets, work that should be a piece of cake, although it doesn't all seem to have gone to plan...

This is an abstract short story I wrote for one of my University finals and received quite a high mark for! Thought I would put it here for any additional feedback- always looking to improve! Hope you enjoy :)

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝

You didn’t mean to. 

I know you know, because you were there and we both know who pulled that trigger, but I just gotta tell you again, y’know what I mean? You didn’t mean to. Right? 

It’s important we get our stories straight and all that— Are you paying attention?

It was supposed to be simple. We like simple, don’t we mate? Don’t have to be complicated now like. Not like there was any witnesses who are gonna talk—

Boy? What boy? I didn’t see any boy. You’re sure?

Well it was too dark for his little eyes anyway, he wouldn’t have seen it…unless he eats a lot of carrots.

Right, sorry. No. No time for jokes, you’re right. 

Little kids probably see worse nowadays anyway. All they eat is McDonalds and vape. That’ll hinder something. 

D’ya see where he ran off to?

Course you didn’t. Fucks sake. Sherlock Holmes you are. Glad to have you along pal— I don’t think. 

I mean, we were basically attacked— no, no! It don’t have to be physical nowadays! Yeah. Saw it on the news. I mean look at him now! Look look! Laying there like he could spring back up and wollop me now! I’ve taught fellas lessons for much less, ay? Ay?

And he had no right to bring up your mum. Off the cards. That could be verbal abuse that. He would’ve got nicked anyway. So we saved him the trouble really. 

Yeah. I know I’m right. 

…You didn’t mean it, did ya? Not really…?

Self defence can go further than those movies think it can— yeah, my old mate JD pleaded for self defence and got way less. I mean he’s still on his stretch, but so is life when you machete your brother. You know how it gets with these family feuds. But hey ho. Blood’s thicker than water and all that. 

Perhaps that boy could grow up to be like us. Well it’s either that or he tells someone and the old bill comes knocking. So like it or lump it mate. 

…

Oh come off it. I hope you’re joking.

Don’t be ridiculous, I'm not killing a kid. No way. He could be my daughter’s age for God’s sake. That is sick, killing kids. My missus’ heart bleeds to think about all these young lads running around stabbing each other as it is—  never mind me adding to the grief!

Although…We could pop back round tomorrow. He’s back from school or whatever, we’re there to give him a little chat, see what he knows. Maybe go with him to his mum or dad’s flat, stay for tea. 

Play our cards right, look after him, we could come up trumps here. He could be a little look out for us or something in the future. Y’know what I mean?

Look at the bigger picture! Wouldn’t that be nice to have some helping hands?

Oh you’re definitely coming along. Oi don't pull that face with me. You’re the reason we’re in this bloody mess in the first place. 

…Y’know what’s funny? I’m not even supposed to be out the house right now— nevermind with you, here. My Sasha will have a right gob on when she catches me slinking back in. Go back out there and sleep at your mate’s if they’re so much fun! She’ll go. Core blimey I bet she’ll mean it too. 

Nah, of course she don’t know. She probably suspects something like, but she don't know know, if you know what I mean. What, you think she’d marry me if she knew her diamond ring were paid with this? Fuck right off. I was lucky enough she was that stupid to marry me in the first place. 

Right. 

…

Right then. 

Do you…Should we uh

We move him? 

It?

…

Him. We knew the man for God’s sake. 

Aw come on. He won’t bite. Get your hands right under the arms there. Don’t act like we ain't done this before, we’re professionals remember? Right, good. 

‘Kin hell they’re always heavier than you expect, huh? Like the body knows it ain’t gonna be going nowhere anymore. Just bags of wet sand really. 

You and that temper of yours. Absolutely ridiculous. I’m not trying to beat a dead horse here, but that anger management thing I mentioned— 

Oi, his leg is slipping there a bit mate. My car isn’t much further. 

You wanna do the talking, or me? We gotta get it all sorted after we bury him. I don’t know how I’ll explain this to the Boss. 

And that little boy…You don’t suppose he would have really known what he saw. Just two fellas had a fight. It’s rough round here, people fight all the time.

What was he, really young d’ya reckon? He probably wouldn’t even know what a gun is. Nevermind give some sorta description. 

Yeah, course we did but we’re a different breed in’t we? Different stock. See, if we took him in we could protect him from all the bad shit like that so he don’t have to see it. More importantly he wouldn’t talk. 

Keep him close.

You know, my missus always wanted a little boy, but it was always girls. I’m not complaining like, they are my everything my girls, but— well, you know what she’s like when she’s got the bit in her teeth. Hm. 

It would be nice, don’t you think? Our little mate. We could show him the ropes and make sure his family’s all well looked after. Start off slow, and before you know it he’s squeezing through windows of rich people’s gaffs and letting us in to take the loot. There’s not a lot of opportunity for kids here, it’s honestly a stroke of luck he saw us.

Yeah, I knew it was a good idea. 

We were no different at his age, sticking our noses where we shouldn’t have been. Except no one was there to teach us. Different times, weren’t it? God, if we were caught sniffing around back in them days I don’t think we’d be about doing this right now. 

Ha, yeah. Maybe we should got caught, you’re right…Save us all this hassle now we’re grown. 

Your mum kept us on track, though, didn’t she? Over her house for Sunday roast, and God she wouldn’t half clip me round the ear if she caught wind of what we were up to. Get my boy out from under my feet and look after him, she used to say— d’ya remember? 

No, that’s right, you were only small then. Still small now, though, ha.

It’s been years since the funeral, ain’t it? I probably still had all my own hair back then. Ha. 

I used to miss her, I think, but not these days. I’m too busy really.  

Don’t get me wrong, she was sweet like, but as I got older I think I saw her more for the woman she was rather than as your mum, y’know what I mean?

…

Oh. Now I didn’t mean it like that. Don’t have a strop on now— now that’s not fair. 

I loved her to bits, always made her birthdays well special, you remember? Yeah…But you know as well as our dearly departed mate did down there that she was known to appreciate a fella and a drink now and again. 

Or two…Or three—

Woah! 

Would I have gone as far as to say what he said? Course not mate! That was uncalled for. Unprofessional. Took the gentleman right out of his character, if you ask me. 

But…

He was a good mate to you.

…

Jesus listen to my big mouth, it does run on, don’t it? Shouldn’t have brought it up. It was an accident. We’re both conspirators in this mess anyways, you and me— and that boy soon. All one big happy accident that couldn’t be avoided. Don't even bear talking about really. 

It happens. How many times you think that little boy fell off his bike? Or slipped a Mars bar in his pocket when his mum ain’t looking? Exactly. 

We all have accidents. You didn’t mean to, I know mate. Nobody wants the job we got, we’re just the only ones who can stomach it. 

…

Here I am. The silver Jag. Just set him down here, my keys are only in my pocket. 

D’you fancy a fag? I do an’ all. There you go. Nah don’t mention it.

God, I don’t know what it is about our job but it’s proper stressful sometimes. 

Yeah! Yeah, you’re right! No holidays— or dental neither. Ha. Shockin’... God knows we ain't got regular hours to clock in and out. What’s that called? We’re always on call.

No better than bloody receptionists you and me. Ha. 

Let me get the car open and we’ll stick him in and get on with our night. I’ll just clear the boot first. Oh—oh God I always forget about the smell. You’re gonna pay for me to get this cleaned, yeah?

You know I take my kids around in this car!? 

Right…We’ll discuss it later. But expect a bill in the post, mate.  

Alright. One, two, three, lift!

Hang on— wait! Push his fuckin’ hands in then I’m not having them dangle all along the M4. No— Hang on I said! Hold him— Oh you’re starting to do my nut in now would you wait!?

Oh for…Now look! He’s worse off now than before! All over the place. 

I never remember him being this heavy. I’m getting a right sweat on pushing all of him into the boot here. Is that his left or right leg hanging out? Just grab it, it don’t matter, it’s not like he’s using them any time soon. 

Push it— Just push— Oh shut up, you’ll wake the whole estate! Oh— wait— I think we got it. 

Hang on— Now his head’s gone in— it should— Yes!

Oh thank god for that, I was worried we’d have to chop him up or something and I didn’t bring any of that gear. Sod that, I’m not having mess over my new pleather seats. 

I’d have been shocked if he didn’t fit anyway. 

Yeah. Exact same car as last time. 

And the time before that actually. Remember, your mum fit nicely, and she was well taller than he ever was. 

Yeah…Yeah, I know mate. Accidents happen. You didn’t mean to hurt her neither.

[everyoneluvsdiamond]

the point of fanfiction is that you can write whatever the fuck you want forever and no one can stop you. #thepower

[everyoneluvsdiamond]

a moodboard/aesthetic visual for this post: 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟

(All images sources from Pinterest)

[everyoneluvsdiamond]

The Feudal Conversation

A Lady and her maid, in a place and time that no longer exist, speak to each other as honestly as they are allowed. Sapphic, class conflict, and minor tragic themes.

I can't deny that my original inspiration was the dialogue between Herakles and Theseus in Euripides' Alkestis. ('I fear to stain your clothes with blood.' 'Stain them, I don't care.') Plus other similar 'Pinterest friendly/one liner/aesthetic' quotes.

Any general feedback is warmly welcomed! Here is a small mood board to accompany this writing (poetry? screenplay? lines? dialogue?) I sincerely hope you enjoy.

(also this is my first post! yay!)

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟

Gwendolyn: Take my hand.

Matilda: No.

Gwendolyn (teasingly): Are you afraid?

Matilda: Your hands are made of silk, mine of soot. I would stain them.

Gwendolyn: Stain them, I care not.

Matilda: I cannot take your hand, m’Lady.

Gwendolyn: You want to?

Matilda: I cannot. 

Gwendolyn: I am bored with all that.

Matilda: M’Lady?

Gwendolyn: Do you remember the winter I was ill? You sat by my bed three nights without sleep.

Matilda: You were burning with fever.

Gwendolyn: You held my hand then.

Matilda: You were dying.

Gwendolyn: And now?

[Beat.]

Matilda: I have been at the needle and thread all day, preparing your dress, my callouses shall make you flinch.

Gwendolyn: Then I shall flinch, but do not deny me the feeling…I am ever so bored.

Matilda: M’Lady?

Gwendolyn: I wish to leap over the garden wall, dress in tatters, and leave all this behind…I grow restless staring through stained glass.

Matilda: You would not!

Gwendolyn: Do not think my words loose. 

Matilda: A bird will not like its golden cage, but would you rather it be set loose and mauled by the cats?

Gwendolyn: Rather a mauling than this.

Matilda: This is truly so awful?

Gwendolyn: Solemnly. 

Matilda: You must understand, m’Lady, that every day I tend to you I dress you in silk, I brush your hair with silver combs, I slip on your sapphire bracelets. All of these I have never dreamed of seeing.

Gwendolyn: …You are very fortunate, then, to have come so far. 

Matilda: No, m’Lady, you are fortunate and I am simply in your orbit. I have made my peace with it. 

Gwendolyn: I am sorry.

Matilda: There is no point in being sorry. You must be worthy of it.

Gwendolyn: In that case I never shall. 

Matilda (exasperated): Lift the wool from your eyes. See that your burden is made of feathers and pearls.

Gwendolyn: It is easy for you to say. Your hardships are easily solved with worldly possessions. Mine are hardships of the soul.

Matilda (sarcastically): Ha. Of the soul indeed. 

Gwendolyn: …I would take you with me.

Matilda: Pardon?

Gwendolyn: Over the wall. It would be you and I alone. You understand?

Matilda: I wish I didn’t.

Gwendolyn: But you do.

Matilda: No! I wish you had not said it! I wish I were not your maid!

Gwendolyn: And I wish I were not a Lady! Come with me!

[Beat. A bell rings.]

Matilda: I must go. My duties call.

Gwendolyn: You choose duty so easily.

Matilda: It is not so easy. 

Gwendolyn (softly): It is not?

[Beat.]

[Matilda nods.]

Matilda: There are shoes to mend and dresses to sew and veils to lace.

Gwendolyn: Fine. Go to your duty. Leave me.

Matilda: It is a nice dress. You shall be pleased with it. White as snow.

Gwendolyn: You shall never see me in it.

Matilda (pleadingly): M’Lady

Gwendolyn (interrupting): No.

Matilda: Enough talk of the heart now, the hour grows late. The sun has almost withdrawn.

Gwendolyn: I want you to burn that dress.

Matilda: We all want a lot of things. None of them reasonable. All of them to come to ruin.

[Beat.]

Gwendolyn (sharply): …I want to be alone now. Is that reasonable enough in the opinions of a maid?

Matilda: As you wish.