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A Passage To Constantinople (A D&D Giveaway Fanfic)

This fanfic was requested by @oh-pkay one of the lucky winners of my 800 followers giveaway. Since I haven’t finished the Desire & Decorum saga, I’m not sure if this fic is slightly AU in its portray of a post book 3 scenario where all the lovely Regency gays settle at Edgewater 🏳️‍🌈

So, as promised, a “one shot of MC (Elizabeth), Annabelle, Chambers and Konevi just living together and being domestic”. Hope you (all) enjoy it!

Word Count: 1916

Choices Tag: @brightpinkpeppercorn @bhavf @melodyofgraves @abunchofbadchoices @silverhawkenzie @strangerofbraidwood @kamilahmykween @desiree-0816 @universallypizzataco @gayestchoices @embarrassingsmartphonegame   @lilyofchoices @somewillwin @mistressofspiesxenia @allaboutchoices @choicesgremlin

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Regular trips to London soon became part of Elizabeth's duties as Countess of Edgewater and "Championess of the Realm": audiences with the Queen, attending social events and balls as appropriate for a societal lady, monthly meetings with Mr. Sinclaire to discuss the work of the philanthropic enterprise they founded. Elizabeth was very proud and committed to that: the thought that for the first time in her whole life she had enough power and agency to potentially change other people's lives, especially unfortunate oppressed human beings in need of a gentle hand was thrilling and heartwarming. It made her a renewed sense of purpose and she was sure her parents would be smiling down to her knowing that in the years to come their beloved daughter might have been remembered as the fierce countess who didn't spend her life splurging and wasting her money over meaningless noble matters or vane extravaganzas but devoted herself to give back to the community and make a positive change in the lives of many. Usually, she attended these meetings with some of her loyal and dear companions, not this time though. Since the issues to discuss weren't urgent and the weather rather unkind, she insisted to go alone. She could manage on her own and everyone else was busy so they all agreed to see each other back at Edgewater in less than a week.

When the familiar silhouette of her mason appeared from her carriage, she found herself smiling brightly. How hard she'd fought for it and how long it took her to get used to its fancy interiors after living in Grovershire. The village of her childhood would have always held a special place in her heart: until she would exhale her last breath, the cottage where her mother and she used to live would be a sanctuary of memories of those bright days. But now, Edgewater was her home and no English stormy sky could prevent her from perceiving the warmth radiating from her family estate: there is where her heart would always lead her, like the north on a compass. There is where all the ones dearest to her heart lived now. Her safe harbour. Sure, when it became of public knowledge that Miss Parsons and Mr Konevi, the spinster nobody could pin down and a charming foreign bachelor, would have joined the newlyweds of Edgewater, the decision certainly looked "peculiar" to many and a few rumours started spreading. But the four of them looked absolutely untouched by them and even slightly amused. Elizabeth and Bartholomew attended every social event at each other arm looking nothing short of the portrait of the purest marital happiness. They also explained calmly and nonchalantly to anyone who dared asking them about it that it was way simpler than gossipy mouths implied: Miss Parsons was a dear and loyal friend of the Countess and it seemed just fair to offer her hospitality as Hazelvale was getting a bit crowded after Cordelia's wedding, not to mention that their estate had some breathtaking views that would surely benefit Miss Parsons' intention to dedicate herself to painting. As for Mr. Konevi, he was a dear friend of the couple too and after all the attempts to threaten and challenge the authority of Elizabeth, having a brilliant bannister at reach sounded like a reasonable resolution. There were room for anyone at Edgewater and such lovely guests wouldn't have bothered or disturbed their love. Most concluded that the Count and Countess of Edgewater were one of those young couples who ended up living a rather eccentric yet inoffensive lifestyle without fully realising that they might be object of legitimate concerns. Young love, they would shake their head after parting from the two of them. "There's no place like home" Elizabeth sighed happily as she finally set foot inside and a zealous maiden hurried to gather her drenched coat and asked her about her journey. Elizabeth gave a courtly response and dismissed the stableboy, begging the maiden to provide him a bowl of hot soup and a spot near the fireplace. The young girl nodded and added that everyone was waiting for her in the library. Then she guided the stableboy to the kitchen. A familiar comforting warmth spread inside Elizabeth as she opened the finely decorated doors of Edgewater library and saw her beloved companions lost in some deep conversation over a bunch of books that were scattered open between Annabelle and Yusuf sitting right on the carpet while Bartholomew pondered their words on a chaise long. He was the first to notice her arrival. His face brightened up as he called out her name and stood to give her a proper welcome back. He went straight for a hug as a happy cheer echoed behind his back. "Ah, dear Elizabeth, you're here at last!" he exclaimed, "We were so worried for you when we saw the storm approaching" he added. "Aw, don't be: it's just rain. But I certainly appreciate your concern" Elizabeth gave a gentle squeeze to Bartholomew's arms, eliciting a soft smile from him. Despite their marriage was one of convenience and their "romance" merely platonic for obvious reasons, the two of them had grown so very fond of each other since their first fortuitous meeting to the point that strangers, not knowing where the real affections of their hearts laid, would have undoubtedly mistaken it for the purest display of romantic love. "I'll go get you some fresh tea" he excused himself as someone tapped his shoulder. "I'm sure someone is very eager to say hi" "One way to put it" Annabelle noted, making a scene of pushing him away. She wrapped her arms around Elizabeth's neck and gave her a tender smile. "Welcome home, my love" she whispered before claiming her lips in a kiss because now at Edgewater they didn't have to hide and pretend anymore. Well, only when gossipy and malevolent guests visited but not now. Too soon though Miss Parsons parted. "But Lizzie, you're soaked!" she exclaimed, stroking a damp strand of golden hair. "Come, take a seat by the fireplace... Yusu?" As if reading her mind, the bannister had already moved an armchair near the fire and gallantly helped the countess, noticing how wonderful it was to have her back. For good measure, Annabelle wrapped a blanket she had personally knitted around Elizabeth's shoulders and planted another kiss on the tip of Lizzie's cold nose. When she was all settled in the cozy warm spot with a steaming cup of tea Bartholomew provided in her hands, they wanted to know everything about her London trip. So, Elizabeth shared how she bumped into Theresa Sutton in the street and how radiant she was as they walked arm in arm to the nearest cafe, and how gloomy and abandoned Mr Richards' palace looked now. Then she informed them that she had invited Mr Sinclaire to spend some time at Edgewater soon: it had been ages since he last visited. They all agreed: Bartholomew would have written him in the morning "so that dear Earnest won't forget", he explained winking. Elizabeth's eyes finally fell back over the scattered books laying a few steps away. Taking a sip of her tea, she inquired about them, betraying a curiosity she could no longer refrain. The three of them shared a conspiratorial look then Yusuf reached out and grabbed a tome at the top of the pile. "Well, dear Elizabeth...these are actually travel books" he explained, handing her a book whose pages were filled with geographical maps. "Planning a journey somewhere?" Lizzie asked. "Actually...yes! Brilliant deduction, my love, how could you guess?" Annabelle teased, shifting to sit more comfortably at her wife's side. Elizabeth made a scene to roll her eyes and in her best Henrietta voice commented: "I swear, I can't leave you alone a few days that you start planning a new enterprise!" The impression elicited a round of laughter; then, the countess turned serious again and nonchalantly asked: "May I ask where to?" The two young men exchanged a soft look before Bartholomew answered. "Constantinople" Elizabeth failed to hide a little surprise but it all made sense after all. Yusuf elaborated further, taking his love's hand into his and stroking it gently with his thumb as he spoke. "I've always wanted to show Bart the place I first called home, where I lived most of my life and is still dear to me. Constantinople is a beautiful gem and it will blossom ever more in a few months as the weather gets warmer." "I'm not homesick, I like England as this where my love and you all are, I even got used to its grey skies and dampness" he added, making the others giggle. Then he sighed deeply and looked into Bart's eyes: "I just...want to share all this with the man I love" Elizabeth's heart melted seeing the purest devotion and adoration  in the eyes of the two men so dear to her that the rest of the world would call abominations. She had to swallow back tears as she witnessed their well deserved yet more than once threatened happiness. "You should go" she smiled tenderly, hoping not to give in to the lump in her throat. "I think I speak on Annabelle's behalf too when I say that I insist that you go on this journey. It is such a thoughtful and loving idea, Yusuf" The two men shared another look then turned towards Lizzie and Annabelle. "As we were saying earlier to Annabelle...we would love if you could join us" The countess gaped and searched for Annabelle who was smiling brightly up to her. Miss Parsons took her hand and placed a kiss on her knuckles. "Before you say anything, let Bart explain" she said before turning back to him and gesturing him to continue. "It has nothing to do with saving the appearances or providing a cover for our romantic escape. It would make things a bit easier but that's not the point. None of us never had a real honeymoon after the wedding, if we exclude your trip to Grovershire and our little Cornwall vacation. Edgewater demanded our presence and undivided attention. But now...things are a bit different, right? Maybe we can take a break" "And we could spend some time all together too: I would be happy and honoured to be your guide there: I know my city as the palm of my hand" Yusuf added encouragely. As their words sank in, a new unexpected joy took hold of Elizabeth's heart. Yes, things were less hectic and dire than before, they could have taken some time off and set sail to the Middle East. And the thought of an ever secretive yet real honeymoon with the love of her life? Embarking on a passage to Constantinople with such an adventurous soul, well concealed under corsets and taffeta gowns. A gentle squeeze to her hand brought her back to the cozy parlour. Everyone was waiting for her response. Annabelle tenderly rested her chin on her lap and asked: "So...what do you say, Lizzie?" Her eyes gleamed with expectation. Elizabeth stroke her head and smiled down to her. Then she met Yusuf and Bart's gaze: the two men were still holding hands as if bracing for what came next. A pained refusal, uncertainty, doubt, a weak excuse maybe? Elizabeth took a dramatic pause before flashing her best conspiratorial smile. "I say...when are we leaving?"

[queerchoicesblog]

Officially tired of:

Being unlovable

Being disposable like trash after being used as free therapist/emotional support/distraction while you have nothing better in your life so I'd go

Empty excuses that only adds more harm

Being sad and drained 24/7

People not even noticing the gap of my absence because of point 2

People taking without giving

People moving mountains for literally everyone but me

Everybody leaving, always, in the end

You guys won 👏🏻

Nothing is left, you killed the spark inside me.

You got what you wanted, I got depression.

Are you happy now?

[queerchoicesblog]

— rhythmicrhinoceros

[queerchoicesblog]

I've been reading your stories and they are all too beautiful! I love your way of writing ♥️. Your story: When We Were Young, has made me feel very happy, thank you!

I hope you are well, hugs and kisses and I hope you continue writing whenever you want. Wish you all the best🩷💜🩷

Dear Nonny,

I'm so happy to hear When We Were Young made you happy because your message made ME very happy! 😊

Thank you so much for reading them and taking the time to write this cute thoughtful message.

I'm grateful for your wishes: hope to go back writing soon but I'm currently suffering from the most severe writer block I have ever experienced. Not gonna lie, I'm quite worried about it, hope it's not irreversible 🤞🏻

Sending big hugs, kisses & best wishes back,

E.

[queerchoicesblog]

It breaks my heart knowing there are so many beautiful souls out there questioning their worth because someone they loved made them feel unloveable.

[queerchoicesblog]

[queerchoicesblog]

The world is a better place because you're in it.

😭😭😭

And you too, sweet nonny. Thank you so much ❤

[queerchoicesblog]

"The worst part about being sad is that you don't even know what makes you happy anymore"

[queerchoicesblog]

daphne and velma, noir style 💜🧡

patreon // check more of my work on instagram // buy prints here

[queerchoicesblog]

“My biggest regrets in life are being too damn nice, apologizing when I didn’t do anything wrong, and making unworthy people a priority.”

— Unknown

[queerchoicesblog]

Hi, I have followed your blog since I first got on this site years ago and it has been one of my favourites. I remember coming over you wlw stories that I thought was simply amazing writing. I treasured reading them so much. So imagine my delight today when I realised I hadn’t noticed the one set in Paris before now (may or may not have binge read that as soon as I saw it). I have thought about messaging you more than once telling you how amazing your writing is and how your blog has been one of my highlights on this site. When I saw your last post it resonated with me. So I just wanted to say for what it is worth from a random stranger, I think you seem really great and I’m genuinely sorry you have to go through this. Wishing you all the best 😊💛

Dear Nonny,

can I just say that your message made my day? It did! ☺️

Although I feel those wlw stories belong to another life due to well life lifeing and my current writing block, they mean a lot to me as they were my first attempt to create something wlw that was fully mine, original. It was an important moment of my gay self-discovery journey. I followed up on that with more complex projects even if they are yet to be fully defined and properly written. But yeah, they meant a lot to me so your message touched me, truly. It’s an unexpected blessing especially now that I’m insecure about my writing, Hope you enjoyed the Paris one too!

I’m sorry to hear my last post resonated with you. I mean, I hope the nice hopeful part is the one you can relate to, not the bitter one. If it’s the latter, I’m sorry and send you a big comforting hug - I don’t know if you’re a hugger but I’m Italian so hugs it is! I can behave though.

Thank you once again for your kind words and sweet message, you seem pretty great too so if you wish tell me more about you. No pressure but I’d love to hear from you and know more about you!

Take care, darling!

E.

[queerchoicesblog]

Im am begging. Please update When We Were Young. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!

Dear nonny,

thank you so much for your message. It means a lot, truly.

At the moment I am not sure if or when I will continue it. It’s complicated: the chapters ahead are not easy to write and I have hit a writer block. Also work and life kept me busy so that played a role too.

I cannot offer guarantees on a continuation but I promise I will let you guys know if I post new chapters. In the meantime, thanks for your support: it means more than words can tell 🙏🏻

[queerchoicesblog]

awwwww sweetie :((( whats happening? :( u are seen :)))))

This means a lot, cute nonny 🫂

[queerchoicesblog]

hope you will eventually come back here. i miss you on tumblr!

You are an Angel. Getting to know you has been one of the best things in my whole and I’m so happy you are part of it now.

Love you to the moon and back, true blue 💙

P.S. Shutout to check @evelynhug0 blog: it’s great and she’s too good for this world, aside from an AMAZING writer

[queerchoicesblog]

Pride Month Summary 🏳️‍🌈

I came out to my bestie. It went incredibly well and I have found out that she isn’t a 0 on the Kinsey scale either even if she’s happy in her current relationship with a wondrous guy. I feel this will make us closer.

More than 3 years ago on this site I met a girl. Time passed and I fell for her. Obviously, she didn’t. This month, I summoned up courage and expressed my feelings and explained I needed to let her go: keeping in touch and hearing about her girlfriends had been too hurtful and my feelings has to fade. I wished her all the best. In response I got empty, hollow words. She couldn’t care less, she has never given a damn about me. She “didn’t really know what to say” so she decided to inflict the most hurtful damage one could give another human being: she made me feel irrelevant and disposable. We are all collateral damage to each other but this, this is cavalier cruelty. And emotional ignorance and lack of empathy.

Pride Month is over but may you never know what it means to feel disposable and irrelevant to someone you had feelings for and apparently didn’t deserve them in the least.

That’s why I’m no longer active here. Before I fall off the radar again, here my 2 cents: we cannot control our feelings but please, if you read this, do yourself a favor and find yourself a partner with emotional intelligence and empathy. The rest is just recipe for heartbreak and well…not worth it. 

Love and rainbow hugs,

E.

[queerchoicesblog]

Do you ever miss someone and automatically feel stupid because you know they probably don’t?

[queerchoicesblog]

I feel heartbroken and numb at the same time. Like there’s shards in my heart but I can’t feel them. More and more keep getting added and I just helplessly watch it happen.