#Governor extended her best wishes.

[femonologue]

Many years ago, I was wandering around downtown Ottawa with my best friend. We ran into a friend of his who offered us some hash (it sucked), then said there was a really good house party nearby if we wanted to go. We were like, yeah, sure. So that's how we ended up at some completely fucking random person's house.

I look around to ask if my friend knows anyone here and he's simply gone, as is his friend. And this isn't some red solo cup hangout; this is a party. There's people counting out pills on the kitchen counter. I am clearly neither as cool nor as drug-savvy as the kitchen people, so I back away and instead wander aimlessly into the living room, which seems to give off more of a chill vibe.

A bunch of people are seated in a circle on the floor. One of them is fiddling with a big wad of newspaper or something. A really cute grunge girl with piercings and tattoos scoots aside to make room for me, so I sit down.

"What's that," I ask her, gesturing at the newspaper wad.

She gets a really big smile on her face. You know the smile. It's the I'm About To Watch This Innocent Soul Get High As Fuck smile. "You've never smoked a tulip?"

"What's a tulip?" I ask.

"It's like if a joint was also a bong," she replies. "You gotta try it."

"Alright," I reply, a little uncertainly. This will not be my first encounter with weed. I am more comfortable with the janky newspaper bong than I am with whatever the fuck is going on in the kitchen. Besides, this girl is really cute and I would like to have a friend here now that my existing friend has turned into vapor or been transported to the Upside-Down or whatever the hell happened to him.

I watch as one person holds the newspaper joint-bong upright and holds a lighter over the top while another gets beneath it, tilting their head back to take a puff. Apparently smoking this Cheech & Chong monstrosity is a two-person job.

"Oh," I say, looking at the fist-sized knob at the top of the wonky newspaper joint. "Yeah, it does kinda look like a tulip." Grunge girl smiles at me.

I watch as the tulip is passed around the circle, along with the lighter, and hits are cooperatively taken. It reaches grunge girl, who takes a huge puff and holds it for an extended moment before exhaling an impressive blast of smoke. She smiles expectantly and holds the tulip up for me, preparing to spark the gigantic meteor of dank that makes up its tip. By this point I have completely forgotten about my missing friend. I only care about making a good impression on grunge girl. I tilt my head back and hit the tulip like a smokestack.

It is the following morning. I am sleeping between a couch and a wall. I'm not positive that this is the same house I was just in. My memories are gone. Someone is yelling at me: "dude! Dude! Wake up, dude!"

I sit up. My mouth tastes like cigarettes. I do not smoke cigarettes. "Wha," I ask the yelling man, who I am quite confident I have never met before in my life.

"We're going on a quest," he tells me, gravely. "You have to come with us."

I look around. Neither my friend nor his friend are anywhere in sight. I also do not see grunge girl anywhere. I shrug helplessly. "Okay."

We embark from this house. I learn that the destination of this quest is Tim Horton's. This is a relief to me, as coffee and a donut sounds really fucking good right now. Somehow, the route to Tim Horton's takes us past the Governor-General's residence, which everyone else in the group loudly heckles on the way past. I do not know what the Governor-General has done to raise their ire, nor do I particularly care. I trudge along with my hands in my pockets, pleased to note that I still have my wallet, phone, and keys. I fervently wish that I could remember anything about last night. Maybe I talked to grunge girl. Maybe she's why my mouth tastes like cigarettes. The tulip tasted nothing like cigarettes.

I am asked about my politics. I voice my frustrations with corporate corruption, the pay-to-win electoral system, the lack of transparency and accountability. This is met with great approval. The guy who was yelling at me claps me on the back. I get the impression that we became friends last night. I don't recognize his face. I do not know his name and he definitely does not know mine. I behave as though we're friends anyway. We are comrades on a quest.

By the time we make it to Tim Hortons, the gaggle of stoners I'm walking with have all run out of energy and/or attention span. People order snacks and break away in pairs or solo, to call for rides or plan the day's events or just vegetate and wait for the drugs to leave their systems. I look around and find that my nameless friend has also gone to the Upside-Down. As I wash the cigarette taste out of my mouth with coffee, I unsuccessfully try to remember whether I saw grunge girl smoking tobacco at any point. I remember nothing. That tulip was so fucking powerful that it instantly sent me a whole day forward in time.

Alone in the city, I try to call my best friend and get no answer. I walk to the nearest bus stop, catch a bus most of the way home, and call up my parents to ask for a ride back. They ask where my friend is. I tell them that I have no idea; we went to a house party and I don't remember anything else.

When they pick me up from the bus station, they ask me some very safe, nonspecific questions, and seem to relax when I describe what little I can remember. It isn't until years later that I realize they were probably terrified I'd gotten rufied or something, and were so relieved to learn otherwise that they didn't even bother chiding me for smoking myself unconscious in an effort to impress a strange woman. In any case, they were probably happy to find out that I did, in fact, like girls; I suspect they had been privately wondering whether I was gay.

After getting home, I finally manage to get my best friend to answer his phone. I discover that he tried the kitchen pills, spent most of the night crossing the entire city on foot, and crashed at his cousin's house. He sounds like shit. I tell him that he should have tried the tulip, instead. He fervently agrees with me.

I never see grunge girl again.

That's okay, though. She got to see a clueless stranger get fucked the entire way up on some ungodly strain of giga-weed, and I got smiled at by a cute girl, and then I got to go on a quest. Wherever grunge girl is, I hope she's happy. I hope she's smoking the fattest fucking blunt and smiling as some kid passes out behind a couch.

[wessexroyalfamily]

{Location: Winchester City - White Hall}

Maud, The Duchess of Huntington: Sorry to have kept you waiting dear. 

Princess Margaret of Lancaster: Why hasn’t the palace issued a statement yet? It was their idea to do the fitting at that boutique. 

Crown Prince William of Wessex: Good Morning to you too. 

Margaret: I’m serious Will.

William: The press is its own beast. It’s best to just ignore it and wait for it to go away on its own. Now we have to leave or we will be late.  

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

(5 minutes later)

Margaret: I just feel that all of this pressure is being placed on me. 

William: It’s just because you are new for the press to play with. We’ve all been through it. 

Margaret: But it’s more than just tabloid gossip. People are blaming me for the war. 

William: Trust me just give it time and all this will work itself out.

{Location: Winchester City - Winchester Council Building}

* Inaudible conversation *

Anne Cornwallis, The Countess of Somerville: It is maddening how little the public regards her. If she would just put in a little more work with them, the Royal Family wouldn’t have to deal with the negative headlines. 

Alma Bolingbroke: The Queen supports her, so we should as well.

Lady Davina Hamilton-Seymour: We are all just so excited for the wedding. When will your husband and son arrive? 

Maud, The Duchess of Huntington: Both arrive three days before the ceremony.

Davina: The press has been particularly brutal towards Margaret these last few weeks. 

Maud: Nothing Margaret can’t handle she just needs to give it time.

Margaret: Who are all of these people? 

William: Family, friends, politicians. The Guild Hall Luncheon is put on by the government to mark momentous occasions. 

Margaret: (chuckles) Such as our wedding? 

William: (smiles) Well, you are going to be a future Queen after all. 

Martian Mayfield: Your Royal Highness’ welcome on behalf of myself and Council we extend congratulations on your wedding. 

William: Lord Governor, let me introduce you to Princess Margaret of Lancaster. Margaret this is Martian Mayfield The Governor General of Berkshire and Tatum Macintyre The Governor General of Hampshire. 

Tatum Macintyre: Your Royal Highness welcome to the Council Building.

William: See so far, so good. 

Margaret: Oh look there is Charlotte, I’m going to say hi. 

William: Alright, I’ll go and check in with Hyannis. 

Charlotte Wentworth, The Duchess of Bristol: Your Royal Highness, Margaret how are you dear? 

Margaret: I have to say better now that I see a familiar face.  

Charlotte: I want to introduce you to my husband, Frederick Wentworth.

Frederick Wentworth, The Duke of Bristol: Your Highness, a pleasure. 

Margaret: Your wife has been a true friend to me these last few weeks.

Frederick: (chuckles) Then we must have you and the Crown Prince to the country to visit my family’s estate, Wentworth Woodhouse sometime in the future. 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

(10 minutes later) 

Margaret: I just wish someone would stick up for me. I’ve only been here for six weeks and all of the blame is being placed onto me. 

Charlotte: It’s comes with being apart of this family. One must work with no complaints. Just give it time.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

(5 minutes later) 

Announcer: Presenting Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Uxbridge. 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

(6 minutes later) 

Royal Staffer: Excuse me, if you all would make your way to Guild Hall for the luncheon to begin. If you are confused about in which order you should enter the Hall, please refer to your invitation for details regarding entry to be sure the order of precedence is followed. 

Margaret: That’s more people than I thought. 

William: Yes, all of my family’s nearest and dearest. 

Margaret: I thought the camera’s wouldn’t be inside? 

William: Only for pictures, then they’ll leave. Just remember to smile. Once mom arrives, she’ll give a quick speech and then we’ll have dinner. It’s a simple in and out.

Announcer: Presenting His Royal Highness The Crown Prince William of Wessex and Princess Margaret of Lancaster. 

Announcer: Presenting Her Majesty Queen Anne II of Wessex and His Royal Highness The Earl of Gloucester.

Queen Anne II of Wessex: Myself and my family extend our deepest tokens of gratitude to The National Council and Martin Mayfield, our most honored Governor General, on extending an invitation to celebrate this most joyous union with all of you.  

Anne II: Gathered here today surrounded by family and friends, I recall a proverb that was near and dear to my father. He would often tell my sister and I, “sticks in a bundle are unbreakable”.

Anne II: It was a simple reminder, together we are stronger. And with time even our most tremulous storms will too pass. 

Anne II: To William and Margaret I offer you this, if you stick together their is so much that you can accomplish. Because no matter the struggle as long as you have each other you will remain unbent, unbroken, unbowed. 

Anne II: Let us all raise our glasses, cheers to the couple, may your future happiness shine on all of Wessex. 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

{1 Hour Later}

Photographer: Your Majesty and Your Royal Highness in the middle please. Perfect. Everyone smile. 

[werindialive]

Draupadi Murmu is the 15th President of India

India made history as it got its 15th elected President Draupadi Murmu. Hailing from tribal India, Murmu was an NDA contestant for the election and got over 60 percent of the total vote value. She beat the Opposition's Yashwant Sinha after three rounds of counting. She will take the Presidential oath on July 25th.

Draupadi got 64.03 percent of the total vote value whereas Mr. Yashwant Sinha ended up with 35.97 percent. In counting, Draupadi’s votes were 2,824 which was valued at 4,83,299.

As soon as the results were announced, congratulations poured in. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his cabinet ministers were the first to congratulate the president-elect. Draupadi is 64 and by far the youngest and first tribal President of India.

PM Modi in a tweet sent his best wishes to Draupadi, "Smt. Draupadi Murmu Ji has been an outstanding MLA and Minister. She had an excellent tenure as Jharkhand Governor. I am certain she will be an outstanding President who will lead from the front and strengthen India's development journey."

"I heartily congratulate Srimati Draupadi Murmu on her victory in the Presidential Election 2022. I hope — indeed, every Indian hope — that as the 15th President of India she functions as the Custodian of the Constitution without fear or favor. I join my fellow countrymen in extending best wishes to her," said Opposition candidate Yashwant Sinha in a statement.

Governors, cabinet ministers, chief ministers, and leaders of various political parties also wished Ms. Murmu on her historical win. She also received wishes from Opposition leaders, including Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, and NCP chief Sharad Pawar.

For more political news in India, subscribe to our newsletter.

[doonitedin]

मुख्यमंत्री आवास में प्रवेश के अवसर पर राज्यपाल ने शुभकामनायें दीं

मुख्यमंत्री आवास में प्रवेश के अवसर पर राज्यपाल ने शुभकामनायें दीं

मुख्यमंत्री श्री पुष्कर सिंह धामी के न्यू कैंट रोड स्थित मुख्यमंत्री आवास में प्रवेश के अवसर पर राज्यपाल श्रीमती बेबी रानी मौर्य ने मुख्यमंत्री से भेंट कर शुभकामनायें दीं। मुख्यमंत्री ने शुभकामनाओं के लिए राज्यपाल का आभार व्यक्त किया।

[jordanianroyals]

7 March 2022: King Abdullah II and Queen Rania extended best wishes to Jordanian women on the occasion of International Women’s Day.

At a meeting with Jordanian women from several governorates, King Abdullah highlighted the vital political, economic, and cultural role of women in Jordanian society, adding that they are an example of generosity and achievements. His Majesty also stressed the importance of women’s participation in Jordan’s ongoing development and modernisation efforts. The King expressed his confidence in and support for Jordanian women’s potential for innovation and excellence, commending their persistence to leave an indelible impact on their communities. For her part, Queen Rania commended His Majesty’s support for Jordanian women and his belief in their capabilities to work and excel in several fields. (Source: Petra)

Her Majesty thanked the King for his keenness to create opportunities for all women, and for believing in them as an integral partner in the nation’s progress. The Queen commended Jordanian women for excelling in various sectors, while also working tirelessly to build families and raise new generations. The attendees expressed appreciation for Their Majesties’ continuous support to enable Jordanian women to contribute actively to Jordan’s advancement, and for their belief in women’s potential. They reaffirmed their dedication to serving Jordan, and their keenness to capitalise on opportunities to enhance women’s role across the political, economic, social, and development-related fields.

[zelenacat]

When We Were Young- An Obitine Story- Chapter 19

Representative Jaira Deere of the Trade Federation was more than she seemed. After their morning session, which broke for lunch, the Representative was dragged unconscious into the dining room.

“Your Grace-”

Ambassador Dee stood, “Jaira, what happened?”

“We found her by Count Vizsla’s cell, talking to the prisoner,” Gorg explained, “she mentioned something about corruption, but hit her head against the cell before she could be questioned.”

The Ambassador looked deeply saddened, betrayed, almost. Satine knew the feeling.

“Put her next to the Count,” the Duchess ordered, “make sure she gets any medical attention she needs.”

Gorg bowed and went to follow Satine’s orders.

“I must apologize, Your Highness,” Trai Dee bent his knees, “I did not know this would happen.”

“I do not blame you, Ambassador,” Satine said kindly, “we all have been decided in this business.”

After lunch, the trade discussion was finalized. Certain safe trade routes between Mandalore and Coruscant could not be found, so Mandalorian cargo ships were granted access into both Seperatist and Republic space. Of course, this was only allowed when on duty and transporting goods, offending this statute was punishable by imprisonment. To further limit misbehavior, Mandalorian trade ships were only allowed to take off after an inspection and on certain days of the week. Any Mandalorian cargo ship flying on Saturday or Sunday would have its contents thoroughly examined. The Duchess would personally speak with the Dock Managers in the next few days to help smooth the transition.

“I would like to apologize again, Your Grace,” Ambassador Dee frowned, “I can’t believe about Jaira.”

“No need to apologize,” Satine frowned, “war breeds betrayal.”

After a moment of silence, Trai Dee spoke quietly.

“She’s my niece.”

“My sister leads the Death Watch with her childhood friend.”

“We are in a similar position, then.”

Satine looked down, “It is a terrible place to be.”

“If I may, Your Grace,” Ambassador Dee turned, “I would make friends with both the Separatists and the Republic, this war is going to last a long time.”

“I want to stay out of this war.” Satine countered.

“It is impossible,” Dee shook his head, “as the head of the Council of Neutral Systems that would be moral, but you need to protect your people.”

Satine nodded, “And my friendship with the senator offends some.”

“Yes.” 

The Duchess swallowed, “I will take your advice, Ambassador, but for now let’s see to your niece.”

Jaira Deere and Tarrei Vizsla had already been questioned and the Duchess and the Ambassador were given sheets with all the information the guards had gleaned.

“Representative Deere was paid on Coruscant by a Seperatist contact to cause a disruption,” Gorg frowned, “it appears that Count Dooku is invested in taking Mandalore.”

“Why?” Satine growled.

“Many people are trying to bring down Senator Amidala,” Jaym slapped a sheet on the table, “reports of new assasination attempts have just come in.”

“They want to shake her and take out your influence,” Ambassador Dee stood, “I would suggest political maneuverings. I am going to see my niece.”

Satine’s mind whirled. Count Dooku, what did she know about Count Dooku? Death Watch didn’t like him, perhaps she should contact her sister.

“An emergency meeting with my private council,” the Duchess stood, “I need the Prime Minister.”

It took five minutes to assemble everyone and inform them of the situation.

“You must contact your Jedi friends too,” the Prime Minister suggested, “get all the info on Count Dooku.”

A plan wormed into Satine’s head.

“We can give Count Dooku to the Jedi,” she grinned, “we invite him here on friendly premise, and get Death Watch to capture him and send him to the Jedi.”

“That is an ambitious plan.” an advisor sighed.

“It does hinge on many things,” Satine agreed, “but the Count has many enemies.”

While one of Satine’s aides filed to meet with the Jedi Council, Satine discussed the new trading plan with her advisors.

“I shall accompany you when Your Grace visits the docks,” Jaru Djarin decided, “we need to send a message to our people.”

“I agree.”

Satine’s comm dinged, it was Obi-Wan. The Duchess didn’t know if she was furious or enamoured. 

“Your Grace, are you alright?”

“Excuse me.”

Satine hid the fresher and commed her Jedi.

“You filed a petition?” were his first words.

“We’ve a plan to capture Count Dooku.”

Obi-Wan sighed.

“It’s possible, he wants to capture Mandalore.”

“How will allying with him help that?”

“Bo will capture him before it comes to that.”

Satine could hear Obi-Wan arguing with himself mentally.

“Be careful with my children.” he rasped.

“We’ll be fine.” Satine assured, slightly surprised.

When Satine returned, her staff informed her that the Jedi Council would hear her plan.

“Good,” the Duchess nodded, steeling herself, “when?”

“This afternoon,” the Prime Minister answered, “we have much to do.”

After bidding adieu to the Ambassador, Satine contacted Padme for anything and everything that she knew about the Sith Lord. Next, Satine prepared a formal invitation to Mandalore with her ruling council.

“Inviting a Sith Lord to Mandalore?” Countess Barlor gasped.

“Friendly premises,” Governor Eldar added, “what friendly premises?”

“A celebration of our dealings with both the Separatists and the Republic.” Satine answered.

The Prime Minister shook her head, “Not good enough.”

Satine stiffened, she did, of course, have a backup plan, but she hated the idea, and she hadn’t told Obi-Wan about it.

“Duchess?”

“I will ask him if he’s interested in assuming the title of Duke Consort.”

“No!” Countess Bralor gasped.

Silence descended over the council.

“I will invite him to court me,” Satine swallowed, “that is what the visit is for.”

Governor Eldar was gaping.

“That could work.” Prime Minister Djarin said quietly.

In the silence that followed, Satine stood.

“I must speak with my sister.”

In her private parlor, Satine commed a number she hadn’t called since it was given to her.

“Sister?” “Bo,” Satine gasped, “I’m going to ask Count Dooku to court me.”

Bo-Katan Kryze muttered a string of curses that Satine hadn’t heard since they were girls.

“I need you to rally your troops and help me capture him when he comes.”

“Oh,” Bo breathed a sigh of relief, “that’s better.”

“We’re going to hand him over to the Jedi.” 

Bo-Katan was silent for a moment, “That’s ambitious.”

“I won’t underestimate him.”

“Satine,” her sister groaned, “have you thought about this?”

“Yes, Bo.”

Bo-Katan was silent for a moment.

“Let me know when he’ll arrive in Sundari.”

“Thank you.”

Now, the Duchess realized, she was at the hardest part.

“Should I send him a letter first?” Satine asked Jaru.

“Send him a hologram through our Separatist Diplomat, ask to speak with him privately.” suggested the Prime Minister.

Satine recorded the hologram in her personal parlor. Running over what she would say as Parna tightened her corset, Satine found herself exceedingly nervous.

“You won’t actually marry him,” Khaami assured, “it’ll be alright.”

“Still,” Satine stiffened, “a Sith Lord?”

Khaami raised an eyebrow. Fortunately, the Duchess’ comm rang.

“He-”

“Satine, tell me it’s not true!”

“Padme, I-”

“Your meeting with the Jedi Council about a Seperatist problem,” the Senator read, “do tell me what that problem is and how Count Dooku relates to it.”

Satine sighed, “We’re going to trick him and send him into Republic custody.”

“Why is that any of your business?”

“I need connections to both sides.”

“Satine, no-”

“Padme, it’s the only way to save my people,” the Duchess argued, “we need friends, not enemies.”

“Satine, this will only make you enemies.” countered Senator Amidala.

“Padme,” Satine swallowed, “I’m going to ask if he will court me.”

Silence.

“What the actual, kriffing-”

“Shut up, Anakin,” Padme called, “Satine’s not serious.”

“I am,” the Duchess reiterated, “if he courts me, I will contract the Death Watch to fight for him.”

“Oh, Satine-”

“I also intend to show my support for the Jedi.”

“How?” Anakin spat.

“Ani-”

“Satine, really?”

“Korkie will accompany our ambassador to the Republic Senate to allow the Jedi free reign of Mandalorian space and ask if Master Vos and his Padawan would appreciate an extended stay on Mandalore.”

“Satine,” Padme’s voice was shaky, “this is very dangerous.”

“I know.”

“Then why?” Padme whispered.

“Count Dooku is invested in taking Mandalore, we captured his players,” Satine explained, “and if we’re neutral, we’re in more danger than if we are tied to both sides.”

“Satine,” Anakin spoke up, “if you invite him to meet you, he might sense the twins.”

The Duchess grew cold, “What?”

“Force users can sense other force users,” Anakin swallowed, “even if they aren’t born yet.”

Satine cursed, something she almost never did.

“Another reason why this is a bad idea.” Padme added.

“He might not respond right away,” Satine stated, “he could wait.”

“Satine, I have to go,” Padme frowned, “but know I don’t like this.”

“Good luck with the Council.” Anakin added.

The Duchess sighed, “Thanks.”

Satine looked up, Khaami took back the comm.

“We’re ready.” Parna announced, stepping out of the frame.

The Duchess straightened, Khaami nodded, “Good evening, Count Dooku, I trust you know I am Duchess Satine of Mandalore. I have a proposition with for you-”

Here, she took a breath.

“My people need allies that can provide security, and I would like assistance on that matter from the Seperatist Alliance,” Satine continued, “my advisors and I were very disappointed with Jaira Deere, but we are willing to look past this and offer you the title of Duke of Mandalore.”

“Should you accept, an agreement will need to be reached and the public informed,” Satine smiled pleasantly, “I hope you consider my proposal with seniority.”

Khaami turned off the hologram, Parna heaved a sigh of relief.

“I will have this transferred to our Seperatist Ambassador,” Khaami stood, “I wish you the best of luck with the Jedi Council.”

“Thank you, Khaami,” Satine nodded, “it will be quite the day.”

Downstairs in the meeting room, Satine’s personal advisors were waiting along with Jaru. Satine sat at the head of the table and signaled to the Prime Minister she was ready.

“Duchess Satine,” a blue form of Master Windu greeted, “we have been told you wish to discuss the Separatists and Count Dooku.”

“Yes,” Satine nodded, “our recent capture of a Seperatsist informant has led us to conclude Count Dooku wants to take Mandalore-”

“Certain, are you?”

“Yes,” Satine straightened, “and we’ve sent him a hologram inviting him to visit Sundari.”

“Are you going to ally with the Separatists?” asked a familiar voice.

“No,” Satine turned to Obi-Wan, “we intend to capture him using Death Watch and turn him into you.”

“Death Watch,” Master Windu frowned, “your enemies?”

“My sister,” Satine began, “the leader of the resistance movement against me, has already agreed to the plan. Death Watch despises Count Dooku.”

There came a moment of silence.

“Sure he will come, are you?”

“The Count is an ambitious man,” Satine frowned, “we have offered him a much sought after title that would give him more power in the galaxy.”

Master Kenobi frowned, “What exactly is that title?”

Satine looked to Jaru, who nodded.

“Duke Consort of Mandalore.”

Master Windu stiffened, “If you are capable of such a plan, how do we know you are not deceiving us?”

“In a few hours,” Satine continued, “I will step down as Head of the Council of Neutral systems, my main goal is to protect my people, Master Jedi, and Death Watch and all the betrayal this war has caused my system proved that peace is not the best tactic.”

In the quiet that followed, Satine shifted. One of the twins got her father’s devious genes and was kicking her bladder. Nasty. Speaking of Obi-Wan Kenobi, his face was a mask, but the Duchess learned how to read him a long time ago. He was mad, worried, and needed time to think.

“Court you, Count Dooku will, hm?”

“Yes.” Satine nodded.

“Consider your options you must,” Master Yoda stated, “help protect your people, the Republic can.”

“That is also why, while the Count is courting me, I am willing to open up Mandalorian space to Jedi spacecraft.”

Master Yoda considered this.

“Thin line, you are walking.”

“The Duchess is more than capable of doing her duty,” Prime Minister Djarin spoke up, “I am certain she will protect Mandalore.”

“How long will it take you to get Dooku in custody?” Master Ti asked.

“It will depend on how quickly he comes to Mandalore.” Satine responded.

“I suggest we send a Jedi to Mandalore,” Master Mundi suggested after a silence, “to help Her Grace and serve as an extra guard.”

“I volunteer my services if they are needed.”

Satine looked to Obi-Wan’s blue figure, he was staring at her.

“Thank you, master Kenobi,” Master Windu frowned, “but you’ve not yet returned from the Outer Rim and even then we have a job for you.”

“Anakin, then?” Obi-Wan asked.

“Need him too, we do.” Master Yoda dissented.

“Master Vos, perhaps,” Satine offered, “I believe he’s not integrally involved in the war effort.”

Master Mundi looked to Master Yoda.

“You’ve met Master Vos?” Master Ti asked.

“I’ve had the pleasure.” Satine responded dryly.

Obi-Wan smirked, and the Duchess found herself smiling too.

“Master Vos then,” Master Windu nodded, “and I believe his Padawan is Mandalorian.”

“Yes,” Master Yoda looked to Satine, “Mandalorian, she is.”

“Then she’s not an off-worlder,” an advisor of the Duchess’ added, “so she may carry her weapon.”

Satine shifted, Baby A, who had kicked earlier, still seemed to want to wrestle.

“Thank you for your initiative, Your Highness,” Master Windu smiled to the best of his ability, “we shall send Master Vos and his Padawan once Count Dooku has made his intentions clear.”

“You are very kind, Master Jedi, thank you.”

The comm ended, Satine breathed a sigh of relief and sank in her chair.

“Who shall you nominate in your place as Head of the council of Neutral systems?” asked Jaru.

“Senator Kin Robb,” the Duchess answered without hesitation, “her help has been invaluable to me and her planet is in the process of leaving both the Republic and the Seperatist Alliance.”

“Shall I schedule a call for you, Your Grace?” asked an advisor.

“Yes, thank you,” Satine stood, “I want to make my intentions known as soon as possible.”

The Duchess took the elevator up to her floor and would’ve collapsed if Jaym had not been there to catch her.

“Your Grace?”

“I’m alright,” Satine huffed, “help me to my room, Jaym.”

The guard did as he was told.

“Bring me Nurse Hera,” Satine ordered, climbing onto her bed, “and see if you can find my ladies.”

In the meantime, the Duchess struggled to undo her corset. Fortunately, when she was about half way through, her ladies appeared with Hera in tow.

Parna rushed to help her lady with her corset strings, “Oh, Satine.” 

“What are your symptoms?” Hera asked, opening her bag.

“They’re just active,” Satine sighed, “and it really hurts when they kick.”

“You're about six months and two weeks, correct?” Hera questioned.

“Yes.”

Satine groaned and fell backward as the pressure on her stomach released. She had a significant bump now, and the Duchess ran her hands along the hump that her twins had made.

“Alright,” Hera began, hands clean, “I’m going to check their placement and movement.”

Hera did, while Khaami answered Satine’s comm for her.

“This is Lady Khaami.”

“Hello, Lady Khaami, this is the Prime Minister,” Jaru’s voice crackled, “please tell Her Grace that I scheduled a dinnertime call with the Council of Neutral systems.”

“I will, thank you.”

Satine whined as Hera hit a pressure point.

“I think you need some time away from the corset,” Hera advised, “the girls need space to grow.”

With a sigh, Satine argued that she couldn’t do that.

“Perhaps you could call in from your room,” Parna suggested, “just your upper body on camera and we could tell the palace staff you’re feeling quite tired.”

“Hm,” Satine took a second to respond, “that could work.”

“More than a few hours would be beneficial,” Hera frowned, “are there any holes in your schedule tomorrow?”

“I think we’ll just be waiting for Count Dooku’s response,” Satine confessed, “but we also have to implement the new trade guidelines.”

“Stay in as long as you can.” Hera advised. “The Prime Minister and the Ruling Council can help with that,” Khaami offered, “I think you should rest.”

Satine sighed, “So do I.”

Parna stood, “I’ll prepare a comfortable outfit for this evening.”

Suddenly, Hera frowned.

“Satine, when was the last time you ate?”

The Duchess blushed, “Breakfast.”

Hera looked to Khaami. 

She stood, “I suppose that’s my cue.”

Hera laughed, nodding.

Satine sighed, “This is quite the mess I’m getting myself into.”

“Now you see it.” Parna agreed, returning with a dress.

“Parna,” Satine suddenly spoke up, “will you ask the PR Department to run a poll?”

“What do you want to ask?” questioned the lady.

“Whether or not people feel safe on Mandalore,” Satine stated, “whether or not they have confidence in the government, and what they think of the war and their Duchess.”

Parna raised an eyebrow, “Heavy questions.”

“Still.” Satine frowned.

With a sigh, Parna agreed. 

“I checked on that droid you have,” Hera spoke up, “it should be able to help assist in the delivery.”

“The battery is fixed?”

Hera grinned, “We had an extra one in the med bay.”

Satine considered herself pleased.

“And Khaami showed me the birthing chamber,” Hera hesitated, “it’s primal yet functional.”

Satine laughed, “This isn’t my first experience with birth.”

Hera’s eyes went wide, but raised her hands as the Duchess went to explain.

“I already know the father’s name is Ben,” the nurse stated, “and the less I know the better.”

Satine smiled softly, “Thank you.”

Khaami came in with a huge tray then, and Satine squealed in delight.

“I know,” the lady smiled, “I asked for your favorite tea too.”

Satine took the tray on her lap, which was harder to balance than it should’ve been.

“How have the pills been going?” Hera questioned.

The Duchess blushed, “Parna has to remind me most nights.”

Hera sighed.

“But I take them.” Satine added, hopeful. “That’s good.”

The Duchess ate and Hera bid goodbye. When Parna returned and Satine had finished, she changed into a silk nightgown and wrapped elegant furs over her chest and laced shoulders.

“Let me fix your hair.” Parna offered.

While she did this, Khaami fetched Satine’s favorite silver circlet with an emerald embedded in the center. Next, she set up the call zone.

“And,” Parna put the circlet on Satine’s head, “done.”

“Thank you,” Satine stood, “let’s hope this goes down easy.”

Khaami and Parna took their ceremonial places behind Satine after the lighting in her parlor was fixed.

“We’re ready now.” Khaami whispered.

Satine pressed a button.

“Duchess Satine,” Representative Uru nodded politely, “your Prime Minister said you wished to speak with us.”

“Yes,” Satine breathed, “it is my wish to step down from my position as Head of the Council of Neutral Systems.”

A beat of silence followed.

“I am not joining the war,” Satine clarified, “but our neutral stance has been jeopardizing the safety of my people, and I have decided to remove myself from a position where Mandalore can be manipulated for malintent.”

Representative Uru spoke first, “It is a noble cause, to protect one’s people, and I believe this Council is understanding of your situation.”

“Thank you.” Satine inclined her head.

“Who do you intend to nominate as your successor?” asked a fellow Council member.

“I would like to nominate the Honorable Kin Robb,” Satine stated, looking to the former Senator, “as my understudy, I believe she knows the ins and outs of the job and will perform them to the best of her ability.”

The woman smiled at the Satine, grateful for her words.

“If there are no objections in the quorum,” Representative Uru spoke up, “then we shall begin the process of transition for you, Duchess.”

No one spoke up.

Satine placed a hand to her chest, “You have my gratitude, esteemed members of the Council.” 

“You will still be a member of this body?” the farmer Senator asked.

“I shall,” Satine nodded, “but I shall take a less public role.”

After the video call, Satine had a strange craving for celery.

“Not surprising.” Khaami snorted, “I’ll go get some.”

“Thank you.” Satine grinned.

[another-rogue-trevelyan]

I did... something 😂

This is the first attempt I’ve made at writing fic for a couple other than Cullen and Evelyn. Somehow what was supposed to be a smutty one shot turned into a sexually charged sparring match. I think this will end up being the first half of a one shot. No lemons yet, but there will be!

This is untitled as of yet, and I just felt like sharing since this is the first I’ve ever written for Greedfall. Enjoy a preview of my first ever work for Kurt and Corinne De Sardet! Back to your regularly scheduled Dragon Age content soon 😂❤️

Corinne De Sardet hit the ground with a thud. She coughed as the dust kicked up around her and rolled to her side, rubbing gingerly at her tailbone.

“Your footwork is sloppy today, Greenblood. You’re lucky it’s me and not someone who really wishes you harm.” Kurt stood above her, his tricorn blocking the beating sun as he offered her a hand. Corinne begrudgingly accepted, her pride far more bruised than the darkening patches on her skin.

She retrieved her own fallen tricorn and returned it to her head, covering the worst of the mess of her disheveled braid. She did her best to wipe the dirt from her shirt and trousers. Her overcoat and ascot had been removed long prior in the midday heat.

She and Kurt had been at it for hours. Corinne felt stiff and store as she bent to retrieve her rapier, having been disarmed by her Master at Arms again.

He was right, and that only annoyed her more. She was sloppy today, clumsy even, and though it was just she and Kurt in the Coin Guard’s training yard, she felt embarrassed by her poor performance. Though she probably shouldn’t - Kurt was the first to ever put a sword in her hand. He had certainly witnessed worse performances.

That had been back in Serene, however, and things had changed a great deal since then. While Constantin had struggled even prior to his affliction to adjust to his new role as governor, Corinne had proved herself a capable diplomat. She had created allies in unlikely places, thwarted an attempted coup, and faced fearsome beasts without a second thought.

Why, then, couldn’t she concentrate on a simple sparring match?

The truth, though she hated to admit it, was that her mind muddled around Kurt as of late. What had started as an old childhood infatuation had become something else entirely upon their arrival in New Serene. Corinne was no longer the youth he had trained at the behest of her uncle, but the Legate of the Congregation. They had made painstaking discoveries together about each of their pasts, dismantled corruption within the Coin Guard and uncovered the truth of her roots.

Now, as beads of sweat dripped down her face, she knew how she had gotten so distracted. Kurt was looking at her again with that look - the one that excited and confused her and, ultimately, pissed her off.

That look was not the look of a teacher studying his student. When his eyes wandered over her, they were the eyes of a man drinking in the sight of a woman. Eyes that held a hint of curiosity, admiration, and - dare she think it - wanting.

But Kurt always put a stop to things before they could get any farther than uncomfortable stares, preferring instead to revert back to their old ways and ultimately making her feel utterly infantilized.

“Excellency?”

How long had she been staring? Corinne couldn’t be certain, but she was now very aware that she had been standing with her rapier aimed to the ground, staring awkwardly. She lifted the weapon in front of her, preparing to go again.

“��Sloppy,’ is normally reserved for Constantin,” she said as they began to circle one another. They tested each other with a few swings, metal scraping together.

“Constantin is always sloppy. For you, on the other hand, this is unusual. Something on your mind, Greenblood?”

His sweaty face glistening in the afternoon heat, for one thing. Just what that glint in his eye indicated was truly going on in his head, for another. The ease with which is muscles moved as he swung his blade-

Wait.

Corinne jumped back too late, rapier once again flying from her grip as the point of Kurt’s blade pointed at her throat.

“I’ve… just had a lot to think over lately, is all.” She swallowed hard, trying to ignore the intensity with which he stared at her down his blade.

“I know things have been… a lot for you, lately. I understand why you’re distracted. But you can’t be fighting like this. You’ll get yourself killed.” He lowered his rapier and retrieved hers from the ground, holding it by the blade and extending the hilt toward her. “Again.”

Corinne huffed as she grasped the blade, then took up position for what must have been the hundredth time. Though this time she hadn’t been knocked on her ass, it was still just as embarrassing a loss.

“Kurt, clearly I’m useless today. Perhaps we should try again tomorrow. I’m sure I have enough bruises for one day.”

“Anyone who wants you dead won’t care if you’re distracted and bruised. I’m not letting you get yourself killed because you’re having an off day. I can’t always be there to watch your back. You need to be able to save yourself. Now raise your blade and try it again.”

She lunged toward him, but he easily parried the strike, which had been performed more in irritation than any thought that it may be a good idea.

“Still sloppy.” He advanced on her, and Corinne barely managed to swat away his strikes with her blade, stumbling backward on exhausted legs.

“Kurt…”

“Come on Greenblood, defend yourself! I know I taught you better than this! What would your uncle think of this performance?”

She swung hard, meeting Kurt’s blade with unexpected force and pushing him back. She advanced on the offensive, landing blow after blow as he frantically parried aggressive strikes.

“Corinne-“

His unusual use of her name did nothing to dissuade her assault as she hailed down upon him. She was an indomitable storm, striking mercilessly as Kurt did his best to block without harming her.

“Corinne, what are you-“

“Stop… treating me…. like a…. child!” she panted through her onslaught.

“I’m not!” Kurt yelled as their blades clashed. They pushed against one another, eyes meeting across the steel. “I’m treating you like someone I don’t want getting killed!”

“You’re talking to me the same way you did when I was fifteen! What are you going to do, tell on me to my uncle? Go ahead! He’s months away by sea!”

“That’s not what I meant and you know it!” Kurt shoved hard, both of their blades swinging wildly to the side as they both stumbled backward. “I don’t understand why you’re so angry!”

“Because I am a grown woman, Legate of the Congregation of Merchants, and the only reason Constantin hasn’t destroyed the colony yet, and you’re talking to me like a teenager with her first blade!”

“Because you’re fighting like a teenager with her first blade!”

Blinded with rage, Corinne swung far too hard. Kurt seized the opportunity and used the force to disarm her again, but this time, as the rapier slid through the dirt, Corinne let the force of the motion take her as well. She crashed into Kurt, sending the two of them to the ground.

They tumbled in the dirt, hats flying and struggling for dominance as both refused to yield. Corinne was lighter and quicker and slipped out of his grasp a few times, but in the end Kurt was stronger. He flipped them as they brawled, pinning her wrists with his hands and her body with his own. She writhed beneath him for a few more moments but had no choice but to concede that he had beaten her.

They panted, gasping for breath as the dirt stuck to their sweat soaked forms. Kurt’s bright blue eyes searched her stormy gray ones for answers, confusion still evident on his face. He smelled of sweat and musk, his body readied in case she was preparing to strike at him again.

“What have I done to upset you so much, Greenblood?” he asked, still breathing hard. His hips were pressed into hers. Corinne struggled not to squirm.

“I am no longer a child,” she said simply. Kurt’s eyes flicked from her face to where her shirt had fallen slightly open and back, swallowing hard.

“I… know that, Excellency. I apologize.”

“I may have been your student, and I may be Legate, but I am still a woman.”

“I know.”

“I won’t be treated like a child.”

“I know.”

“After all we’ve been through-”

“I know.”

They remained that way in silence for… seconds? Minutes? Corinne couldn’t be sure, too distracted as she watched Kurt’s gaze wander from her eyes, to her lips, to her chest, still rising and falling deeply from the exertion. Eventually, Kurt seemed to realize the position they were in, and more importantly, where they were in such a position, and clambered to his feet.

“I… can I walk you home?” he asked awkwardly, helping her up and then gathering their hats.

“No. I think I can handle the walk from here up the street on my own, thank you.” She placed the hat on her head, uncaring that it was still covered in dirt, then grabbed the remainder of her belongings and turned to leave the training yard.

“That’s not what I-“

“I’ll see you tomorrow, Kurt.”

“Corinne!”

Though her name on his lips tugged at her heart, she didn’t wait to see if he had anything more to say.

Since this will be my last WIP of the year, I wanted to thank some friends I’ve made! @chaotic-citrus @hawkeish @dreamerlavellan @noire-pandora @kemvee @aspiritofcompassion @cartadwarfwithaheartofgold are just a few of the lovely people I’ve had the joy to find since starting this blog, and I see and appreciate your continued support. Thank you so much, and Happy New Year to all of you!

[moonsubinpr]

[Lee Soo Hyuk — 35 — he/him] Introducing MOON SUBIN. Word on the street is they are a PRESS SECRETARY FOR THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY affiliated with the DEMOCRATIC PARTY. Though they are RESERVED and INTIMIDATING, they can also be DEPENDABLE and HARDWORKING. In the chaos of New York City, they’re sure to fit right in.

Biography. Ask. Wanted Connections. 

I. WRITER’S INTRODUCTION

First of all, I want to introduce myself. You all can call me Jackie, and I am a twenty-one year old graduate student residing within the Eastern Standard Timezone (EST). I have been roleplaying for about 10 years now, however, I took a hiatus from writing on Tumblr due to migrating to other platforms that are more mobile friendly in terms of writing. Now that I have a greater availability, as well as not fond of the newfound style of roleplay on platforms such as Twitter or MeWe, I have returned in hopes to better develop characters and build better connections with other writers. Aside from writing, I enjoy spending quality time with my cat, going out to explore newfound areas, thrifting, reading, and watching random reality television shows. I look forward to getting to know everyone! Feel free to message me for plotting, headcanoning, or for a casual conversation. 

II. BASICS

NAME: MOON SUBIN

AGE: THIRTY-FIVE 

DATE OF BIRTH: 1986 MAY 31

GENDER: CISMALE

PRONOUNS: HE / HIM

SEXUALITY: PANSEXUAL 

HOMETOWN: IOWA CITY, IOWA

AFFILIATION: THE GOVERNMENT

JOB POSITION: DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S PRESS SECRETARY 

EDUCATION: BA IN JOURNALISM FROM NYU

RELATIONSHIP STATUS: SINGLE

CHILDREN: NONE

POSITIVE TRAITS: ELOQUENT, INDEPENDENT, INTELLIGENT, RESPONSIBLE, MATURE, REASONABLE

NEGATIVE TRAITS: RESERVED, BLUNT, INTIMIDATING, DEMANDING, SARCASTIC

FACECLAIM: LEE SOO HYUK 

III. POINTS ABOUT THE MUSE

Moon Subin was born into a rather average household in Heukseok-dong, Seoul, South Korea. His mother, a down-to-earth woman with a contagious smile, worked alongside her mother as a food vendor in one of the city’s largest market. The two were acutely known for their blood sausages as well as jangeo-gui (grilled eel). In fact, this is how the young woman met the young businessman. Running from a class with only a few cash in hand, he stopped at mother’s spot, asking for anything he could get with the amount of money available. She laughed at his lack of time management, and he only stated that he’ll make time to see her better next time. The following day, he returned and sat to chat with the woman. 

Subin was unplanned. The two were not yet wedded when discovering that the woman fell pregnant. However, never did the young couple refer to the baby as a mistake. Rather, they saw Subin’s life as a blessing to better plan for their fast approaching future. During the time in which the woman was pregnant, the man was offered an opportunity to continue his university studies abroad. Sent to Iowa City, Iowa, the young couple packed their belongings and settled within the United States. It’s in this city where Subin would be born, granting him American citizenship despite his parents yet to become naturalized citizens. 

Falling in love with the environment, the mother and father went through various means in order to further extend their stay within the country. From a student visa to a work visa, the father was granted more time to better prepare for the examination of becoming U.S. citizens. While his father began to work in a local company specializing in medical prosthetics, his mother worked at a local Chinese restaurant where she befriended Chinese immigrants who helped her with assimilating into the culture. 

Subin grew up in an environment where he witnessed the benefits of hard work. His parents worked many hours in order to provide for him as well as to their community. He found this to be admirable, and this encouraged the young boy to succeed in his academics so that he could provide for his parents in the future. 

He became interested in the field of communications due to constantly acting as the translator for his parents when making doctor appointments or trying to pitch the best deal at a cars dealership. Words were fascinating, and he especially thought this was the case after reading a number of novels written by authors such as H.G. Wells and Amy Tan. His interest in communications got him involved with the morning news at his middle school and high school. During his four years at high school, he also participated in Model UN and the Debate team. These involvements were the result of his great achievements in social studies courses, and his teachers encouraged him to get involved with these extracurricular activities. 

Due to awards achieved in high school, he was granted a scholarship to attend New York University in New York City. Although his parents did not want him to leave their home, they eventually came to terms that this would be good for his future successes. Thus, he went to attend NYU for a Bachelors in Journalism with a minor in Politics. Thanks to amazing professors and establishing connections through networking events, the young man was able to maintain a number of internships---such as volunteering for the current Governor’s former campaign in the creative team for marketing. He later volunteered alongside CNN professionals, and he gained an internship experience with the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office as Press Office Intern. By the time he graduated from university, he’s already met a number of influential, powerful people of the big city. 

 Upon graduation, he was able to get a job at the Manhattan District Attorney Office as Press Officer due to his wonderful performance during his internship with the office. He held this position for two years before being promoted as Deputy Press Secretary for the office. However, in less than 2 years, he was able to maintain the Press Secretary position due to the former Press Secretary’s leave to another office. In another year, he was granted the position of Deputy Director of Communications for the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office. Subin held this position up until he was given the opportunity to work as the city’s District Attorney’s main Press Secretary. 

During his years working for the city and learning about the mishaps behind the scenes, Subin has been able to learn a lot about the dirty truth. He is aware that some of the crimes dealt with in the office are a result to the existing gangs within the city. Although his DA remains slightly oblivious to the people surrounding them, Subin maintains awareness due to the connections he’s established during interviews as well as conferences. They threaten Subin to keep quiet. They ask Subin to twist the truth. He does what keeps him safe, but he holds the knowledge close to his heart. The quiet man knows a lot----perhaps more than what the gangs wish for him to know, and this can be dangerous. One never knows what he can do with all of this knowledge. He could expose them to the public whenever he dares to do so. If he really wanted to, of course.

But, for now, he keeps quiet. He does his job and remains cordial with those he establishes some sorts of connection with. If someone he cares about, though, ever gets hurt, he’s not sure what he’ll do. No one knows.  

IV. WANTED CONNECTIONS

Any and all possible connections within the Government. I would love to further develop and establish connections within the affiliation in order to better understand Subin’s position in the government as well as with Law Enforcement, for he works within the District Attorney Office; therefore, he has connections with lawyers as well as officers. This can be good or bad, I am open to all possibilities. 

For those in Media, Subin is responsible for addressing those in Media in order to report information given by the DA. Those in media could have interviewed Subin, have gone to a number of his press hearings, as well as questioned his intentions or morales within this position. Anyone who does not trust him is very much wanted. A person who trusts him a lot is also wanted. 

To those in any gang, people who has paid him or threatened him to withhold information from the public is very much wanted. Give me some angst in regard to perhaps threatening his family. Perhaps people question how Subin can offerd such a luxurious home or car, and this could be due to payments accepted from those within these organizations. I am open to anything.

I am also interested in a secret relationship that should not be a relationship, however, the two continue to pursue one another in sexual and romantic rendezvous. Subin is not entirely the most relationship-orientated person, however, due to a lot of stress within his career, some fun would be favorable. 

[eleanorbloom]

When You’re Ready Ch. 09

Pairing: Bryce Lahela x f! MC (Eleanor Bloom) x Ethan Ramsey.

Word Count: 4.1k

Warning: Angst? And Ethan kinda psyco 🤣

A/N: It took me ages to finish this chapter because, to me, the plot is kind of boring and it was made just for story progression (and I just couldn’t leave it behind nor reducing it to a paragraph for the next chapter), but I have to admit that with the adjustments that I made yesterday, it’s now pretty decent. Fortunately, next chapter is way more interesting.

A/N2: Special thanks to @aylamwrites​ for helping me with some of my writing/translation issues and for her advices.  Gracias gurrrl 💜💜💜

Hope you enjoy it!

Taglist @utterlyinevitable​  @shanzay44​ @choicesficwriterscreations​ @laiba-the-person​ @starrystarrytrouble​ @lahellacute​ @lucy-268​ @aylamreads​ @binny1985​ @romewritingshop​ @cinnamonspongecake​ 

Let me know if you wanna be added to my taglist!

________________

Chapter 9. The Less I Know The Better.

Then I heard they slept together

Oh, the less I know the better.

Eleanor made her entrance into Edenbrook with confidence she never felt before. Not even last year, when she was starting the residency program of her dreams at Edenbrook, she had felt this proud of herself. It was her first day both as a second-year resident and as Junior Fellow Member in the Diagnostics Team, directed by her medical hero, Dr. Ethan Ramsey. And well, yes. The person she had feelings for.

But today was also the first day where she would leave all that in the past, to truly be over him. She would face him, talk to him, and make his presence something so usual in her life that after a few weeks he wouldn’t mean anything but a mentor, a colleague, and hopefully, one day, a friend. But not more than that.

She knew it would be difficult. The night before had been hard enough not falling into his spell again. Her lips were thirsty for his kisses, her skin aching for his touch and her mind only wanted to float into the sky of his eyes once more. But she wasn’t blind anymore. She knew it wouldn’t do her any good.

Bryce had opened her eyes. Even if Ethan had the most selfless intentions pulling away from her to not jeopardize her career, he had hurt her consciously. He had ignored her even when she was drowning. And what Bryce had done just in a few weeks? He treated her like the most precious thing in the world. Like a queen. In the way she always wanted to be treated by someone, but she thought it was just stupid ideas romantic love had put in her head. He had listened to her, respected her space, consoled her when she needed it, and even when she didn’t think she needed it. He had made her his priority. The less she could do at that moment was putting him as her priority over anything she might be feeling for Ethan.

And now, there she was, facing her first obstacle, standing outside the Department of Diagnostics. Big glass walls, and a sliding door before her. She took a deep breath and with a smile on her face entered as the doors slid softly to let her in.

The office was quiet and illuminated by the natural lighting of that summer morning. There was the faintest scent of bergamot and mandarin in the air, probably traces of Ethan’s perfume left early in the morning.

She observed the place taking short steps around. A big desk in front of the entry, a circular table on the right side with a big whiteboard behind…

“I’m here, I’m really here”

“Hey, me too.”

…And a couch between the table and the entry, where it was a man reclined, reading a medical journal.

A tanned man with tiny eyes and a grown beard stood up and approached her. He seemed familiar, but the big smile on her face made her think she might be wrong.  

“Um, Zaid? You’re on the diagnostics team?”

“Ah, I take it you’re one of my twin brother’s residents.”—He answered extending his hand to the confused resident.—“Baz Mirani’s the name, immunology’s the game. Game-slash-specialty.”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t even know Zaid had a twin brother.”

After a few moments talking, her mind raced to the smirk Ethan had given her the night before. That’s why he didn’t want to talk about the team members. It wasn’t about bias, he just wanted to keep it a surprise the fact that Zaid Mirani had a super friendly twin brother that made them look the personification of the yin and yang in terms of niceness and well, in term of twins. While Zaid was King of Sarcasm, Baz had no ability to perceive it. While Zaid was grumpy and serious, Baz was amicable and talkative.

Then it was the time to meet the last member of the team, June Hirata. June was a very intense-looking woman with a British accent and a self-assurance that exuded from her pores.

Eleanor felt a little intimidated by the way the attending was scrutinizing her, but she thought it was normal for a neurologist and psychologist to examine a new colleague not only on a physical level but in terms of corporal language too, just like she was doing it.

After a few minutes of chatting with her new colleagues, Ethan appeared through the sliding doors.

“Introductions done? Great. We’ve got work to do”—He said, while the three took a seat in the table.

She couldn’t help but feel a little twist of nervousness inside her stomach, but she tried hard to suppress any emotions she might feel, and just focused on trying to be just as stoic as her mentor always appears. She put her best professional face and started to observe how the team worked and took notes of all the things they were saying.

June and Baz started asking questions to Ethan, who had all the information about the new patient. Eleanor remained silent, witnessing the exchange, trying to absorb all the information possible. She was a bit intimidated because that level of confidence and questioning was really out of her league, but she tried to convince herself that it was a normal response for a first day.

The team divagated through some symptoms, theories, and diseases until June gave the final idea: Cutaneous Kikuchi disease. With that, Ethan asked her to run a biopsy on the patient's rash to confirm the diagnosis.

Once the team was dismissed, both attendings returned to their other duties, leaving Eleanor and Ethan alone.

“After you’re done with our patient, you can see Ines and Zaid for further assignments.”—He said as he was taking a seat by his desk—"You’ll be balancing your work here with your usual resident duties. Now that you’re a second-year, that will include rotations at the free clinic.”

“Yes Dr. Ramsey”— She replied standing up from the chair—“We will always diagnose patients without seeing them?”

“No, but we’re often asked for help by hospitals all over the country, so it’s a good habit to keep our blind diagnosis skills sharp.”

Eleanor was about to reach the door when she stops in her tracks, hesitating. 

“Is everything alright, Eleanor?”

“Actually, could we talk?”

Ethan gazed at her for a few moments before answering.

“About the job or about us?”

“The job. That’s why we are here.”—Eleanor replied with obviousness, but it sounded harsher than she intended. As if it would never cross her mind talking about them.  

His eyes betrayed him for a split of a second as he addressed the coldness in her response, but then he just got up from his desk and moved to the circular table. Eleanor sat beside him a moment later.

“I’m all yours”

She couldn't help but shook her head to herself, not missing the ulterior motives in Ethan’s words for the second time straight.

“I’m just surprised how well and how quickly you worked that out. How are you sure you made the right diagnosis?”

Ethan took his time to explain to Eleanor how the team proceeded, the normal way they work, and gave her some tips to be more involved next time. He assured her that it was normal that the first days she would be feeling lost and ignorant, but once she started to obtain more knowledge from medical journals and research, she would improve her involvement in the team. 

She nodded at every advice, and when he was done, she kept staring at him inquisitively.

“What is it?”

“Your glasses, I’m not used to see you with those on.”

“Oh, yes. I use them when I work on the computer. Now that you’ll come to the office frequently, you’ll see me a lot like this.”

“They make you look smart”—She teased, trying to diffuse the tension she still sensed on Ethan after her cold response.

“You've caught me. The illusion behind my status. Without these, I’m a simpering moron.”

That seemed to relax his shoulders a bit. They both laughed for the first time without the tension of their actual status, where recriminations wouldn’t be involved this time. Her eyes shined, happy for sharing that moment after so much discomfort.

“So, Zaid had a twin brother and you dared to not tell me.”

Ethan chuckled

“I wish I was there when you saw him for the first time. I can only imagine your face.”

“Haha, very funny. You’re such a trickster, Ethan.”

They had lean close to each other without noticing, their knees touching, and his fingers just an inch away from hers.  Her composure stiffed, her will power was once again being challenged.

She couldn’t give in. She had to keep playing the cold Eleanor that didn’t feel a thing about his mentor.

She swallowed hard.

“Well, I should get those test run.”—She informed, taking the notebook in her hand, and then standing up in one swift motion—"Thank you for your advice, Ethan.”

“You’re welcome, Eleanor. Anytime.”—He responded, caught off guard by the abruptness of her reaction. 

Eleanor left the office quickly, sensing how his eyes were following her as she passed through the door. She released the breath that had been holding a few steps away from the office.

She had made it.

The interactions during the day weren’t any different. She ran the tests, informed her discoveries to the team (with the help of her intern, Esme Ortega), and then she made quite an impression with the Governor by diagnosing her son was sick; which granted her an invitation to have dinner with Naveen, Harper, Ethan, the Governor, and her staff that night. She had become the best card Edenbrook had to secure important funds to keep the hospital afloat.

After dropping Harper home after the dinner, Eleanor couldn’t suppress the memories of the last time she was alone with him in that car. The night before he left. The night of their last kiss, of the last time they made love. The last time they consciously and voluntarily stared at each other as lovers.

She was in the exact same place where everything had ended and after two months it still hurt.

Eleanor turned to her left, wondering if Ethan might be thinking the same, but his face was serious, without traces of knitted brows or troubled eyes. The streetlights were framing his features in different shapes as the car moved down the streets. She fixated her eyes in his grown beard, which still felt a bit odd to her, but to some extent, it would be useful as a fresh start. He wasn’t the Ethan she knew and wanted. He was the Ethan that left for two months to start over and be the boss and colleague she needed.

Then she looked away, coming back into her senses. She clenched the silk material of her pine dress in her fists until her knuckles were white

“What. Are. You. Doing?” —She asked herself, pressing her fists into her knees harder at every word she said on her mind. 

The car stopped before the red traffic lights and she felt Ethan was turning to her, staring.

“Don’t look at him. Don’t.”—She ordered in her head, her composure tensing even more.

But after a few moments, she gives up.

Amber connects with the sky and the earth stopped spinning. She was so lost in him that didn’t notice he had brought his right hand to hers, taking it gently.

“We’ll be okay.”

His thumb caressed the knuckle of her middle finger, and that’s what it took to feel a shiver down her spine. He knew what she was thinking.  He was touching her. No. It wasn’t anything. It didn’t mean anything.

She had to look away, but if the first time had been hard, now it would be impossible while he was staring at her. She couldn’t just look away. She wasn’t that brave, at least for now.

From the corner of her eye, she perceived a change in the lights. Her way out.

“It’s… It’s green now”—She said in a tiny voice, his eyes desperate for a moment.

Ethan glanced back to the street, clearing his throat. The air returned to her lungs.

He drove the rest journey in complete silence and he barely looked at her when she got off the car outside her apartment.

“Thanks for the ride Ethan, see you tomorrow”

“Goodnight, Eleanor.”

She had made it again.

--

The next day, Ethan and Naveen were sharing their remarks about the dinner the night before when they spotted Eleanor, Bryce, and Sienna entering the hospital after their lunch break. Ethan tried to avoid looking at her, not wanting to expose his mixed feelings about her in front of Naveen, but the old had mastered at reading him after so many years.

“Rumors says Dr. Bloom has been doing good these past weeks”—Naveen said as he finds Ethan following her, reluctantly.

“Mmmh?”

“In the company of a surgical resident”

 “You mean with that scalpel jockey?”—He inquired, pointing out the resident who was walking beside Eleanor with a brief motion of his head.

“Yes, precisely”

“I doubt it. They are just friends. Besides, I don’t think she’d like someone like him.”

Naveen didn’t miss the bitterness in his last words.

“What do you mean? Just because he is a surgeon?”

“Yes.  He is arrogant and shallow.”

“Shallow? To me is quite interesting. I’ve heard plenty of praises from Harper. Very promising, bold, intelligent, and ahead of most of his fellow second-year residents, even some third-years.”

“Hmmm, well, the point is I don’t think Bloom would have that bad taste dating a jock like him.”

“Well, they have been seen pretty cozy. I, personally, have seen them while having lunch or going t-.”

“I’ve seen them too.”—Ethan interrupted—"You say cozy, I would say he’s a harasser who likes to touch women, that’s why he might have his hands all over Eleanor. I don’t know why she lets him.”

“Am I sensing jealousy in your tone, my friend?”

“Jealousy? For Christ’s sake Naveen. Why would I be jealous of a scalpel jockey? And there’s nothing between Eleanor and me to have the right to feel jealous.”

Naveen chuckled.

“Whatever you say, my friend. But to me, they make a nice couple, she looks very happy around him.”—The Chief commented with a smirk full of malice, waiting for his reaction.

“Of course she’s happy around him, he acts like a goddamn clown all the time.”

Ethan turned around and left with his head steaming with anger.

He didn’t believe Naveen’s words. He didn't want to believe his words. He was convinced that Bryce and Eleanor were just friends, or maybe they were having a fling as all resident do, but nothing more than that.

But he couldn’t ignore such information much longer and against all his self-control and dignity, he started paying attention to her interactions with the surgical resident. However, at first, he didn’t find anything extraordinary. They would have lunch with her roommates as usual, hang out at Donahue’s like always, and chat through the hallways of the hospital as all colleagues do. Maybe Bryce acted flirtily and a bit handsy with her, but it wasn’t different from what he has always been with her.

The idea of them having a fling made him feel a pit in his stomach, but at the same time, it relieved him that it was just that. She was sleeping with Lahela so she could to move on. And he couldn’t blame her. But a relationship? Love? With that jock? That was beyond his comprehension.

While he was observing him, Ethan wondered what Eleanor would see in him. He had listened, without no other option, that many residents, even nurses, found him very attractive— ‘hot” was the most used word in fact—, while other residents, mostly men, would say he was cocky and arrogant, but Ethan was sure that even when he agreed he had a cocky way to conduct himself all over the hospital—all over the world— he wasn’t arrogant without fundaments.

He indeed was an outstanding surgical resident, he had heard many praises from Harper the last few months, so he just knew his worth and how to use it, and Ethan couldn’t condemn him for that. And if he was honest about it, he also had to be honest about the fact that he was an outstanding doctor too. He was always kind and nice to patients, always on time to prep them for surgeries, and always had the time and patience to explain for the umpteenth time how would be the procedure to any patient or family who would ask to him. And that was actually an important trait. That said, Bryce Lahela wasn’t so despicable after all, but he was a scalpel jockey and probably was sleeping with Eleanor, and that was enough to Ethan to despise him.

A few days later, th attending was accompanying a patient before her heart valve replacement when Bryce came into the room to prepare her for the surgery.

“Good morning Mrs. Montero, how are you today?”—He greeted in a joyful voice and then he nodded to the attending—"Dr. Ramsey”

“Dr. Lahela”

“I’m not gonna lie, I’m scared.”

“You have nothing to be scared for.”—He assured—"Dr. Tanaka is the best doctor you could have to repair anything that involves your heart, so everything will be fine.”

“That means he could fix how broke my heart is after my husband passed away?”

Bryce stared at her with a sad smile.

“I’m afraid not. But with the new valve, you’ll get plenty of years to make new memories and adventures, so you’ll have enjoyed your time to the fullest before you left this earth to be with him."

“I like the sound of that.”

“I’m sure you do. And let me say you that you will have the best resident by his side too, so you'll be in the best hands Edenbrook can provide.—Bryce winked warmly at her.

Ethan suppressed a scoff at his words and stood up from his chair.

“I believe you, my boy.”

And then Bryce grinned. A broad smile with his nose wrinkled paralyzed Ethan in his tracks for a second.

The same grin Eleanor had done that night at Donahue’s and that he had found odd and new in Eleanor, but for some reason, it was familiar.

And it was familiar because he had seen it in Bryce Lahela many times when he prepared patients for surgery. That sincere and knowing smile.

“Dr. Ramsey, thank you so much for your company.”

“You’re welcome, Elena. You’ll be in good hands now. I’ll come to see you when you have your new valve, alright?”

“Alright.”

“Lahela”—He nodded before leaving the room with his head racing incessantly.

He had read a while ago that expressions are contagious between people, even at the moment they are displayed, as a show of empathy and to recognize other people’s feelings. He did know too that couples after some time would imitate their expressions and laughs. But it also could happen with friends, family, and whoever you share a place to live with.

Maybe it was normal and Eleanor not only had expressions from Bryce but also from Sienna, Jackie, and Elijah, as they would see each other  throughout the day and they shared an apartment. 

But there was another option that could explain the fact that Eleanor had acquired a smile from Bryce. But he was so in denial that he didn’t even want to put it into words.

That realization changed everything in Ethan. His focus was now on Eleanor. On study how different she was compared to the months before he left. And in their daily meetings or just in their encounters through hallways of the hospital, he found that she was again the same happy and sweet resident he had met last year, with a calm demeanor, her sunny smile, and firm disposition to help whoever needed it. But he also noticed that this 'start over' between them had been taken seriously by her. She was completely focused on the work and never talked about anything that wasn’t work-related with him, and he never found her looking for his eyes or his touch like she used to, but he could tell she used to grow anxious when she had to be alone with him in the office.

A few days later, Eleanor found Bryce, Rafael, and Ethan on their way to their morning gym session so she joined them in a heartbeat. When she got into the room with her workout clothes on, the three buddies were in the treadmill warming up. She went to the fourth machine and started to run beside Rafael.

“What made you want to workout with us this morning, Ellie?”—He asked

“I always try to find a moment to make any physical activity but I hadn’t had the chance these few last days so I’m taking the chance now. I want to stay healthy,”

“That's a very good reason. The body is a machine. When it goes without use, it rusts.”—Ethan conceded, at the other side of the room, in the first treadmill.

“Don’t think that’s medically accurate, Doc”—Bryce pointed out, running between Ethan and Rafael.

“I know surgeons don’t know how to read a book, but that’s called a ‘metaphor’”—Retorted Ethan. Even if there was a teasing smile on his face, the bitterness of his words was evident to everyone in the room.

“Geez, I’ll tell Jackie to send you an invitation to the hate group for scalpel jockeys, Ramsey. You would love it”—He said, not missing a bit, his confidence not even remotely shaken.

Ethan observed Eleanor, whose smile had fainted with disappointment. After a few seconds, as she observed Bryce was smiling as usual, she quickly shook it off and ignored the attending for the rest of the routine.

Ethan knew there was something there and just the fact that he might confirm the rumors made him angry. At himself and at Naveen. Why he had to tell him? It would have been so much better not to know what Eleanor was doing with her life. It was not his business and he had no right to snoop into her life like he had been doing these few weeks.

---

The unusual bitter comment the attending had said to Bryce, made Eleanor sense that maybe he was suspecting about her relationship with the surgical resident. The multiples times she caught him observing her in her lunchtime, at Donahue’s, and anywhere he would spot her with Bryce were making sense now.

Maybe there were rumors. Maybe Naveen had told him, he surely knew every gossip in the hospital—not just because he was the Chief, but because he liked hospital gossip—, and of course he would deliver this information to Ethan to wake him up. The old man had always been pretty honest about his support toward Ethan and her.  

Or maybe he just knew. He just figured it out because of her coldness towards him and because even if she and Bryce tried to keep it lowkey, there was always the chance that he could have caught them the times theye couldn’t help but holding hands or kissing when they were close.

Either way, she didn’t care.

At least not as much as she cared the day before he was back, but now she felt relieved that Ethan might have some clues of her situation. She still didn’t want to confirm it, she wanted to know if he was bold enough, if it affected him hard enough to approach her and ask her about her relationship status.

But she knew him. Ethan was never a man of facing emotions or tough conversations. He was a master at avoiding feelings and people and maybe he would wait for something or someone who would confirm the rumors. The problem was if he was emotionally prepared for that moment.

 ______

[kingedwardvi]

Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Edward VI 1547-1553

1550

January 27. Place torn away.  Count Ludovico Rangone to the Duke of Somerset. Returns thanks for renewed instructions to the Ambassador for the promoting of his affairs with the Emperor. [Italian. Half a page.]

---

March 24. Copy of the treaty of peace at Boulogne. [Fifteen pages. Printed by Rymer, Vol. xv., p. 211, ed. 1728.]

--- 1550. April. [Before the 6th.] "Memorandum of the Commission [to the Earl of Huntingdon, Lord Cobham, and Sir John Wallop] for delivery and receipt of the hostages." [Three pages. Draft.]

--- June. "The names of the French gentlemen." A list of the French Ambassadors Extraordinary, and those who accompanied them to England in May 1550, partly in the handwriting of Cecil. [One page.]

--- June 2. Westminster. The Council to Sir John Masone. Narrates the reception of M. de Chastillon and others sent to England to receive the King's ratification of the treaty of Boulogne, with the entertainments provided for them. Mentions the discussion of matters connected with the peace; such as the liberation of prisoners, restoration of captured vessels, and the demolition of Roxburgh and Eymouth.

Enumerates the presents made to them by the King. Refers to Bowes' proceedings with the Scots, and the encroachments made by the French at Calais. The King having pardoned some Frenchmen justly condemned to death, the Council hope that if any Englishmen are in similar case, the like clemency may be shown to them by the French monarch. [Ten pages. Partly printed by Tytler, Vol. i., p. 284. Copy in Sir J. Masone's Letter-Book.]

---- June 3. Konigsberg. Albert Marquis of Brandenburg to the Duke of Somerset, "Lord Protector." Letters of credence for John Alasco. [Latin. One page.]

---- June 14. Paris. Sir John Masone to the Council. Had received their letters on the 2d and 5th. The reception of the French Commissioners gave much satisfaction. Details his interview with the French King on preceding Thursday, in reference to the encroachments at Calais. 

Having had secret intelligence of the arrival at the French Court of George Paris, sent from Ireland by M'William with letters of credence, and of the despatch to Ireland of M. de Botte, a Breton, disguised as a merchant, mentions his conversation with the King as to these practices with the Irish. 

Had conferred with the Constable regarding the frontiers and the Scots at St. Andrew's. Recommends caution and preparation. Various reasons assigned for the Emperor going to the diet at Augsburg. Expense of living in France. Stourton desires to return to England, but is afraid to do so without warrant of protection. Sends a cipher. [Ten pages and a half. Copy in Sir J. Masone's Letter-Book. Partly printed by Tytler, Vol. i., p. 291.]

--- June 29. Poissy. Sir John Masone to the Council. Since Francisco's departure has had one or two conferences with the Constable as to the frontiers, and had been again in hand with him touching Ireland, about which country there is some stir in the French Court worthy to be looked into. These Irish wild beasts should be hunted down. T

The Emperor is reported to have left Spires on the 13th, and is expected at Augsburg on the 20th. He has grown into a notable pensiveness, and is specially troubled that peace has been concluded between France and England without him, and that he cannot frame his son to such a sort as he much desires

Notable feud between Roygnac and De Nevers. The Bishop of Rome has made an old bawd of his Cardinal, having neither learning nor any other virtue or good quality, wherewith the Holy College are much offended. Has been requested to intercede for François Robin, formerly in the service of Sir Thomas Speke, now a prisoner in the Marshalsea on suspicion of being a spy. 

Stourton still importunes to obtain licence for him to return; his companion Horsemonden, than whom never was there a verier ruffian, and who to make himself a gentleman has fathered himself upon Pole's kindred, bragging the said Pole to be his uncle, has been commanded to avoid the Court. 

Great want of rain lately, but much fallen within the last three days. The French King has nominated Basse Fontaine and Erskine Ambassadors to the Regent for pacifying the matters of Scotland. On the 27th, between four and five in the morning, the Queen was delivered of a son, whom they call M. D'Angoulême. Various surmises who shall be the godfathers; they who know much say that the Queen is desirous the King of England should be one of them, and that for that purpose a gentleman will shortly be sent to England. [Six pages and a half. Copy in Sir J. Masone's Letter-Book. Partly printed by Tytler, Vol. i., p. 301.]

---

June 30. Westminster. The Council to Sir John Masone. Send further instructions how to act in the matter of the encroachments. Sundry requests as to prisoners had been preferred by the French Ambassador. Inform him of the prohibition against the exportation of horses from Scotland to France through England, in consequence of their great scarcity and high price. 

The French Ambassador had had appointed for his lodging the Lady Yardford's house,—one of the fairest in London,—but this he misliked, and as such as he wished were occupied by noblemen and others who cannot be dislodged, he seemed not altogether satisfied, although offered the best that could be had Scottish ships on the coasts of Cornwall, Devonshire, Essex, Sussex, and Suffolk, having not only pillaged the Emperor's subjects, and the Portuguese trading with the English, but also of late spoiled the King's subjects, proclamation had been made forbidding them to be supplied with provisions or other necessaries in any of his Majesty's ports. Send letter from Bowes of the 19th instant in regard to the Scots. [Five pages. Copy in Sir J. Masone's LetterBook.]

---

July 20. Poissy. Sir John Masone to the Council. Complains of the French Ambassador's misrepresentation of him in regard to the Scottish hostages, and gives an account of his explanatory interview with the French King and the Constable, who said that the Ambassador had been mistaken, but that, under the impression of a promise of their liberty having been made by some of the Council in London, the King had released the Scots taken at St. Andrew's, who otherwise should have rotted in prison, so cruel was their offence, so cruel was their murder [of Cardinal Beaton]. 

The King refused to interfere for the Archbishop of Glasgow, who must "stand to his folly." Incloses memorial from de L'Aubespine as to liberation of the French prisoners in Jersey. After great suit by the French King, and considerable difficulty made therin, the Bishop of Rome has extended the jubilee to the French Court. One or two sons of Lord Stafford have lately passed through Paris towards Rome; knows not whether Horsemonden has gone with them, but here he appears no more. 

The Emperor's Ambassador and Nuncio from the Bishop of Rome have of late been twice or thrice at the Court together, it is supposed to persuade the King to agree to the Council. Intended exchange of the Emperor's Ambassadors at Rome and France. Roygnac's castle taken, and himself escaped to Flanders. No English prisoners now at Marseilles. 

In seven or eight days the Prior of Capua and suite go to England on their way to Scotland to bring the Queen. Having the grant of the keeping of the abbey of Abingdon by letters patent, requests the Council's aid against the recusancy of a previous occupant to vacate the same. M. de Humiez, who was the Dauphin's governor, is dead. 

Villebonne, who made the first payment of the money [conditioned in the surrender of Boulogne], is also to make the second; it is whispered at Court that his present at said first payment was very simple; if it were so, the Council have now occasion to make amends. [Ten pages. Copy in Sir John Masone's Letter-Book.]

--- July 26. "Acta Conventus Augustani anni 1550 summatim et breviter expositis Ces. M. ac principum responsis confecta xxvj° Julii, ex Cæsa. Matis. propositione." Copy of the proceedings at the Diet of Augsburg, assembled professedly for terminating the difference between the Catholics and the Protestants. [Latin. Twenty-one pages.]

---

August 3. Poissy. Sir John Masone to the Council. The Prior of Capua has altered his intention of going to Scotland by way of England, and has gone to Rouen, whence he will depart within three or four days. Has this day been to Court for redress of injury done to certain Englishmen in Brittany. 

Has been required to write for the good entreating of the Queen Dowager of Scotland, in case she should be driven by stress of weather into any English port, or require a passport for a hackney or two. It is said she is to be married to the King of Navarre, whom the Lady Margaret has refused. 

Sends much general information relating to the Emperor's proceedings, and of those of the Bishop of Rome in regard of the French bishops. Has had an interview with Geoffrey Pole [younger brother of the Cardinal], who, being very desirous to return to England requested him to write for permission to do so. 

In consequence of Andelot not having returned from Spain, the King has deferred his journey to Rouen, whither he will not likely go till the 15th of next month. M. de Thermes comes from Scotland in the French King's company. [Seven pages. Copy in Sir J. Masone's LetterBook. Printed, except one paragraph, by Tytler, Vol. i., p. 308.]

----

August 11. Windsor. The Council to Sir John Masone. On Sunday the 3d inst. the French Ambassador had audience of his Majesty at Windsor, when he exonerated Masone in the matter of the Scottish hostages, and sought to transfer the blame to some of the Council, which they repudiated. 

He also presented letters from the French King, Queen Dowager of Scotland, and two from the Scottish Queen, requesting a safe conduct for the galleys that were to convey the said Queen Dowager and her suite, with permission to send 300 horses through England; which requests were acceded to, the number of horses being reduced to 200. 

A safe conduct for Henry Sinclair, Dean of Glasgow, and Thomas Menzies of Pitfoddels, with 24 men and horses, has also been granted. The Ambassador also intimated that the second payment for Boulogne was to be ready there on the 4th inst., and requested the sending of Commissioners to receive the same and set free the three remaining hostages. 

Farther, had arranged for an interview between the English Commissioners on the Scottish border and the Scottish Commissioners touching the castle of Edrington and a fishing place in the Tweed. Desired to communicate all the preceding to the French King at his next audience. Instructions for the protection of Somerset herald [Atkynson] from the effects of a liability for a prisoner in France six years before. [Eight pages. Copy in Sir J. Masone's Letter-Book.]

---

August 26. Poissy.232. Sir John Masone to the Council. Had received their Lordships' letters, and communicated to the French King their concessions in regard of the Scottish Queen, as also the invasion of the debateable land by 2,000 Scots and 400 or 500 Frenchmen. 

His Majesty admitted that he had heard something of this previously, but supposed it to have been a mere private quarrel between an Englishman and a Scotchman concerning the erection of a border peel. Expressed his regret and would issue immediate orders for the prevention of such in future; and confidentially informed him of a design by the Emperor and Lady Regent to send Skipperus to the English coast to carry away the Lady Mary, and of the Emperor's hatred of England, in despite of which he had made this cruel inquisition for heresy in the Low Countries.

Mentions his conference with the Constable as to the affair of Somerset herald. Great preparations are made for the reception of the Scottish Queen, for whose coming the christening has been deferred, the King desiring to have her as godmother. M. de Guise, with the flower of the nobility, has gone to Dieppe to meet her. Before going to Scotland the Prior of Capua provided for above 1,000 ells of white damask wherewith to apparel the slaves and mariners. 

Again applies in regard of liberating the French prisoners in Guernsey and Jersey. Has often been required to write on behalf of a merchant of Orleans, whose ship of wines had been seized at Dover long since by the late Admiral, but had positively refused to do so, the matter being so old; yet the same being so pitiful, he cannot hold his pen from recommending it to their Lordships, if there be any remedy. [Seven pages and a half. Copy in Sir J. Masone's Letter-Book.] 

---

Sept. (prior to 6th.)  Commission from Henry II., King of France, to certain Commissioners appointed to meet with those of the Emperor for the purpose of settling commercial disputes between their subjects in Flanders. [Three pages. Copy.]

--- Sept. 10. Poissy. Sir John Masone to the Council. For the last 10 or 12 days the Queen of Scots has been so dangerously ill of the prevailing flux, that her recovery was doubted, but within the last two she is considered to be out of danger. On Sunday the Duke of Angoulême was baptized by the name of Charles Maximilian, so given by the Deputy of the King of Bohemia (no longer called Archduke), who being godfather had place above the King of Navarre. 

The deputy godmother was the King's bastard daughter, who held the infant in place of the Duchess of Ferrara. Mentions the entertainment and presents given to the Deputy and his suite. The non-arrival of the Dowager Queen of Scotland had caused considerable alarm at the Court, lest the recent storms should have driven her to the coast of Flanders, but they have been relieved by hearing that she did not embark until last Saturday. 

Immediately on his return M. de Thermes is to go as Ambassador to Rome, and the present one there, M. d' Urfé, is to come to be governor of the Dauphin in room of the late M. de Humiez. Revision of the mintage. M. de Biez is released from close confinement, and it is thought will eventually be restored altogether, much to the disappointment of Chastillon. 

Three or four ships have lately arrived from England laden with images, which have been sold at Paris, Rouen, and other places, and being eagerly purchased, give to the ignorant people occasion to talk according to their notions; which needed not had their Lordships' command for defacing of them been observed. 

The Sherif had attempted to surprise Oran, but being chased by Don Bernardine de Mendoça, had gone to Argel [Algiers] to see if he could succeed better there. 

"This good fellow seemeth to be indifferent to all men, and careth not of what religion he be from whom he may catch any place to put his foot in." 

Dragut Rey lately had made a descent on the African coast. Urges the regular payment of his salary, to prevent the necessity of his borrowing, which he must do at 40 per cent. besides interest, in consequence of the depreciation of the currency, so that his daily allowance of five marks a day does not yield him 40 shillings, while his expenses amount to double that sum. 

The French King leaves this about Monday or Tuesday next week, and is to spend six or seven days at Anet, a residence of Madame de Valentinois, intending to enter Rouen on the 25th if no alteration in his plan. The Constable has had leave of absence till the King arrives at Anet, and has gone to his house called Chantilly. [Three pages. Copy in Sir J. Masone's Letter-Book.]

---

Sept. 14. Poissy. Sir John Masone to the Council. Had their letters of the 6th, and on the 13th audience of the French King, who was attended by the Cardinal of Lorraine acting in absence of the Constable. The King returned thanks to his Majesty for the enlargement of the Archbishop of Glasgow, and was contented with the appointment of two Privy Councillors as Judges of Appeal from the Admiralty Court, of the delays and lack of justice in which he had heard many complaints. 

As to the Scots taken at St. Andrew's, he would defer the question of their full liberty till the arrival of the Queen Dowager, when that and all other matters connected with Scotland should be adjusted; but in the meanwhile would take steps to restrain the Scots on the borders. Has not lately seen De Boses, whom he believes to be attending on the Constable, but expects to see him at Rouen.

The Emperor's Ambassador here has written to the one in England to get him two geldings, and has requested Masone to be the means of procuring a licence for exporting them, notwithstanding the prohibition by reason of their great scarcity. 

"There is a little square between the Duchess of Valentinois, who ruleth the roast, and the Constable; a great many of the Court wisheth the increase thereof. He is very ill beloved, for that he is a hinderer of all men saving his own kinsfolks, whom he doth so advance as no man may have anything by his will but they, and for that also he feedeth every man with fair words, and performeth nothing." 

The King leaves for Rouen to-morrow, taking en route the Constable's houses, then Roche Guyon, and so to Anet. [Five pages and a half. Copy in Sir J. Masone's Letter-Book.]

---

Oct. 6. Rouen. Sir John Masone to the Council. Describes the entry of the French King into Rouen on the 1st of the month, the preparations in the city not having been completed by the 25th ult., in consequence whereof he had to reside in an abbey half a mile distant; but had kept the feast of St. Michael very solemnly within the city, when the order was conferred upon the Rhinegrave only, although there were four vacancies. 

Sets forth the various pageants exhibited. Has had communications with the Constable in regard to the Scots; the settlement of these matters is deferred until the arrival of the Master of Erskine, who is expected in three or four days. Has been spoken to on the subject of the commercial Commissioners, and had seen De Boses about the counterfeiting of the English money. 

Has this day waited upon the Queen Dowager of Scotland, who arrived on the 25th ult. with a large retinue of Scottish gentlemen, and had been received with much honour. Africa had been carried by assault on the 20th ult. with great loss. The English merchants much alarmed at the prospect of a war with France. 

Sends the names of the principal Scots who are with the Queen Dowager, and who are squabbling greatly among themselves about their lodgings. The King will remain eight or ten days, and then visit Dieppe and his other fortresses on the sea coast. 

The Emperor is still hot about the Council. The Pope's Nuncio and the Venetian Ambassador have been frequently of late with the King. The Duke D'Aumale is very desirous to have a portrait of the King of England, which he says was promised to him by his Majesty on his leaving England; urges that it may be sent to him while he is here as he speaks very highly of the King and of the realm, and of the courtesy which he met with there. [Six pages. Copy in Sir J. Masone's Letter-Book. Printed, with small omission, by Tytler, Vol. i., p. 325.]

--- Oct. 27. Westminster. The Council to Sir John Masone. Have received his last three letters, and commend his diligence. They are willing to entertain the Constable's proposition for a renewed negotiation by the same or other Commissioners, as he may prefer, but in the meanwhile require that the French troops quartered at Sandingfeld shall be withdrawn. 

Mention their subsequent interview with the French Ambassador on the same subject, and the right of the English to the disputed boundaries. Send memorial of certain depredations by the French on some natives of Jersey, transmitted to them by Sir Hugh Paulet, the Captain of said island; also another touching an Englishman, named Broughton, prisoner in the hands of Mons. de Brissac. [Seven pages. Copy in Sir J. Masone's Letter-Book.]

--- Oct. Proposal, by medium of Dr. Bruno, from Albert Marquis of Brandenburg, to raise troops for the service of King Edward VI., for which he shall have a pension of 2,000l. per ann., and the command of said troops. 

Refers to proposed marriage of the Marquis with the Princess Mary. Table showing descent of the Marquis from Frederick Burgrave of Nuremberg. [French. Five pages. Indorsed by Cecil, "Doct. Brunonis et Alb. Brandb. mq. opinio."]

---- Oct. Discourse by Dr. Bruno, wherein enumerating the various Sovereigns and Princes of Europe favourable to Protestantism, he proposed that each should send learned men, such as Bucer, Melancthon, &c., to the next pretended Council, for the purpose of disputing with the Papists, and if they should be unable to prevail, then to form a general league, and invoking King Edward to take the initiative. [Latin. Five pages. Indorsed by Cecil, "Discursus D. Brunonis."]

--- Oct. "Articles of the credence of the messenger from the Princes of Germany." With reference to forming a general league in defence of Protestantism; wherein is to be considered "the colour and craft whereby the war shall be dissembled not to be made for religion," and in such respect the league to be regulated by the terms of a "treaty of the Duke of Prussia with Mr. Alasco, had three years past." [Four pages. Indorsed by Cecil.]

---- Nov. 2. Caudebe. Sir John Masone to Sir William Cecil. Refers to his letter to the Council for an account of his proceedings. "If words can make all things hot, here lacketh none of that stuff." The French profess much, but he doubts their sincerity:. the thing that feareth him most being "that they know too well our estate, and thereby think they may ride upon our backs."

Is at present confined to bed with the gout, and his body so droops that he fears he shall never see the end of winter, a great part whereof will be spent in journeying. Earnestly begs to be recalled, as he would gladly die, if it might be, amongst Christian men. Mons. D'Estrees, who has been appointed to join the other Commissioners, is esteemed a sober, wise gentleman; he was lately captain of the guard, and has since been preferred to the office of the Ordnance, which is one both of more ease and reputation. 

Hopes the Council will select a person of like quality to answer him, and suggests Mr. Blount of the privy chamber, if he is sufficiently acquainted with the language, because having been long in these parts he knows the ground. Hears that their Lordships having found some fault with the rolls of Parliament, have determined to commit them to the Exchequer. If this is done in his absence, it may compromise him, and therefore begs it may be deferred until his return. [Two pages.]

---

Nov. 9. Augsburg. Philip Prince of Spain to King Edward VI. Much mutilated;—apparently recognizing the Ambassador sent in room of Sir Philip Hoby. [French. Broadside. Signed by the Prince, and countersigned "G. Perezius."]

---

Nov. 18. Westminster. King Edward VI. to Herman, formerly Archbishop of Cologne, re-accrediting the bearer James Omphalius on his return to the Archbishop. [Latin. Broadside. Signed by the Members of the Council. Indorsed "The King's Matie to the old B. of Collen."]

---

Nov. 29. Westminster. Commissions from the King to Sir John Wallop, Sir Richard Blunt, Sir Richard Rede, Dr. William Cooke, and Francis Hall, Esquire, to meet with the French Commissioners for settling the boundaries round Calais. Signed by his Majesty, and counter signed by the Lords of the Council. [Latin. Broadside. Indorsed "Commission to treat with Commissioners of frontiers about bounding of the frontiers."]

--- Nov. 30. Westminster. The Council to Sir John Masone. Send copy of a commission for settling the question of depredations, wherein the Dean of St. Paul's and Dr. Glyn of the Arches are appointed to act during the absence of Rede and Cooke. Mention the argument between them and the French Ambassador as to jurisdiction, &c., and that Sir Richard Blount of the privy chamber was appointed a Commissioner of the boundaries in room of Sir Thomas Wyat, who is unwell and unable to act. [Three pages. Copy in Sir J. Masone's LetterBook.]

--- Dec. 4. Blois. Sir John Masone to Sir William Cecil. Thanks him for assisting in obtaining his recall. Has written also to thank the Duke of Somerset and the Earl of Warwick, at whose good agreement he rejoices. T

There is much talk of the dissensions in England. Offers his opinion on the mistaken policy of a proclamation in England touching the price of cheese and butter. 

Desires the interference of the Council on behalf of Mr. Warner, who has been very ill handled at Winchester. As he has not heard who is to be his successor, has sent the names of some whom he considers fit. [Two pages. The greater portion printed by Tytler, Vol. i., p. 340.]

--- Dec. 12. Westminster.  King Edward VI. to Christian King of Denmark. Refers to the mission of Albert Knoppert, mentioned in the previous letter of 18th November. Some of the English merchants complain that the dues exacted at Elsinore from all ships of whatever tonnage, which prior to 1548 never exceeded a Henrician noble, of the value of ten shillings, have been raised to one pound on every hundred of the value of the freight, both going and coming. 

Requests that the ancient customs may be restored, or reason for this modern innovation be given by letter from his Majesty. Signed by his Majesty. [Latin. Broadside.] Duplicate, signed by the Council, viz.: Somerset, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rich Lord Chancellor, Warwick, and Bedford. [Latin. Broadside.] Copy of the preceding in modern writing. Another copy.

--- Dec. 17. Westminster. The Council to Sir John Masone. Mention their conference with the French Ambassador on the preceding Sunday, when he made various trifling objections to the Commission for settling depredations. Complain of the conduct of the French Commissioners for the boundaries in advancing groundless claims, and desire him to request an audience of the French King for the purpose of remonstrance. [Five pages. Copy in Sir J. Masone's Letter-Book.]

---

Dec. 30. Blois. Sir John Masone to the Council. Had received their letter of the 17th on Christmas eve, and on St. Stephen's day had audience of the French King. Details this conference, and a subsequent one with the Constable on the same points of remonstrance; at both of which amity was strongly professed and entreaty made for friendship between the English and the Scots. 

Erskine arrived this day with the conclusion of peace between the Emperor and the Scots. Warlike preparations both by sea and land are great, and the completion of the ships formerly mentioned is hastened. Lately at Court war against the English had been strongly urged, on the ground of their internal dissensions, want of supplies, &c. 

The galleys for re-conveyance of the Queen Dowager of Scots are still at Rouen. The Earl of Huntly is lodged at Court, and much called to secret conferences; he has been twice or thrice with Masone making profession of friendship to the English, explaining his escape, and his desire to have a safe conduct to return by land. 

The French King leaves soon after Twelfthtide for Tours, and is reported thereafter to go to Guienne. The Landgrave had nearly escaped from Mechlin; if he had "there would have been shortly a jolly revel in Allmaigne." The Rhinegrave and his brother are reconciled. Chastillon, after long absence, has returned to Court, bringing with him 30 or 40 captains, and above 100 great horses. Among other marriages "muttered," is that of the Dauphin with the Queen of Scots. "Wavering Dr. Smythe," (fn. 1) who is presently reading at Paris, begs permission to return; his leaving England "was, he sayeth, for lack of living, being less ashamed to beg here than at home." 

States his own financial difficulties; he has exhausted his credit in England, sold all his own plate, "and shall shortly be driven for very extremity to do the like with the King's." "If the realm be in that poverty that the King's ministers of honour, who were wont to be served with the first, cannot be paid six months after the day, God help!" [Fourteen pages. Copy in Sir J. Masone's LetterBook.]

---- Dec. 30. Augsburg. Sir Richard Morysine to Cecil. (fn. 2) In consequence of a post from Rouen to Flanders having been robbed of his packets last week, he essays cipher, which if Cecil be as weary with finding as he is of hiding what he writes, he will henceforth be plainer. Is weary both of writing, and that he can by none of his letters get his diets to come a day sooner than they should. Others might better shift than he can. If he is not helped soon, he shall borrow no more where he borrowed last. [Two pages. Partly in cipher, undeciphered.]

[loopy777]

I love your two Ursas analysis! If we ignore The Search and take the hints from canon, like her laughing at the siege of Ba Sing Se, do you have a HC for the night Azulon died/where she was all those years? I almost think it’s most plausible that she died or was otherwise incapacitated. And do you think she ever had a “the FN is evil” epiphany or it was limited to “you can’t kill Zuko”? Do you think Ozai abused her, or was just unloving? Maybe he saw no purpose to abusing her, unlike the kids

Ah, Ursa headcanons. Everyone’s got a set. For me, though, it was less about headcanon than it was about trying to solve the mystery I thought the AtLA cartoon had been setting up. Since ‘The Search’ revealed that there were no real answers to be had, I’ve speculated a bit on what I’d like to see, but I haven’t done much with those ideas since they by their nature contradict canon.

So, my Ursa...

A noble by birth, with her relation to Roku known but not discussed. Sozin and Azulon could have very easily made a pariah out of the family by simply ignoring them and allowing the rest of Fire Nation society antagonize them in a display of performative loyalty. However, Sozin instead reached out to Roku’s family, explaining that Roku was a traitor but surely his family is loyal to the crown and looking to prove it to avoid any unpleasantness. They agreed, and so Roku’s family became almost entirely dependent on the Fire Lord’s goodwill and protection. The one alliance they maintained for themselves was with the Fire Sages, as the family had been honored by them for producing the Avatar, even after Roku and Sozin had their falling out. Sozin had been politically pressuring the Sages throughout his life, trying to make them a tool of the crown, and the Sages in turn maintained good relations with Roku’s family to try to keep some independence. Quite a few of Roku’s family had even become Sages, over the decades.

(This didn’t really work, but it left enough ‘good’ Sages in the organization that when Zuko becomes Fire Lord, he doesn’t have to disband the whole organization, just purge the leadership who had been tools of his father. It very much helps that he’s a distant relation to a lot of these better sages, and that is one of the few smooth elements of his first few years in power.)

When Azulon suggested that the youngest daughter, however, would make a good match for Ozai instead of wasting her life in some dusty temple, they readily agreed and handed her over. Ursa herself was fine with this, as she appreciated the Royal Family’s protection as much as the rest of her clan, and preferred noble society anyway. Plus, back then Ozai made an effort to be charming. Ursa herself was happy as a Fire Nation heiress, and was known to argue passionately about the need to liberate the poor oppressed women of the Water Tribes, who were owned as property by their husbands! My Ursa was a Firebender, and had trained at the Royal Fire Academy for Girls, but the strength of her flames was never matched by her skill or technique. She just never had the stomach for duels or fighting, hence leaning more towards a scholarly education and perhaps a future as a Sage. But getting to be a princess is even better, especially since the war would probably be over soon. She could help raise the Prince(ss) Governors who would rule over the colonies, influencing the world for the better. And she also found Ozai very attractive. Rawr!

Ozai himself I consider to have always been narcissistic jerk. When he was a kid and young teen, this was readily apparent. As he moved into adulthood, he learned how to hide it behind a facade, but more discerning folks could tell that he was just using friendliness and flattery to win allies. Ursa, sadly, was not that perceptive, so she rather liked Ozai, even into the first few years of the marriage.

Then Zuko came along.

Ozai was consistently disappointed in Zuko, and he blamed Ursa for that. He wasn’t a full-on monster to her, and never laid a hand on her, but he no longer went to the effort of charming her. Ursa managed to fool herself about this, making excuses for Ozai’s behavior even as their marriage cooled. She managed to stick it out long enough to produce Azula, which initially placated Ozai. Azula was everything Zuko was not. However, this did not save the marriage, because Ozai now had what he wanted, and saw no further need for Ursa. Again, he didn’t bully her, but he made no effort to hide his lack of real interest in her. The marriage was soon in name only, with little interaction between them. Ursa began to see Ozai for what he was, especially with his treatment of Zuko, and began to fear the influence he was having on Azula. This distance did help shield her as Ozai grew crueler and more of a bully as his efforts gain power were thwarted by his clumsiness. The palace and Caldera City are big enough that Ursa was able to avoid him most of the time, and they never shared a suite unless actively trying to have children, even early in the marriage.

However, there was little else Ursa could do. Ozai was not favored by Azulon, but challenging the authority of anyone in the Royal Family would have brought swift and terrible reprisal. Ursa tried to shield Zuko as best she could, and continued to play the part of Wife and Princess in official appearances like social gatherings or audiences with the Fire Lord. She sometimes went over the line in trying to protect her children, which Ozai would punish with cruelties, to the point of mental and emotional abuse, and sometimes physical intimidation, but he was too careful (so far) to risk his reputation by attacking his wife. For that, Iroh was indirectly the one to thank, as he had been a loving family man before the death of his wife, which Azulon approved of, and Ozai was trying to look better than his brother in the eyes of their father.

It all eventually came to a head in events portrayed in the flashbacks of ‘Zuko Alone.’ I headcanon that Ursa outright stabbed Azulon to death, to the point where she ruined a good set of her clothes with bloodstains. And then she confessed her crime to the Crimson Guard and Fire Sages. She should have been put to death for treason and murder, and she was prepared for that, but she and Ozai had concocted a better scheme. Ursa called in every favor her family had earned from the Sages to talk to the leadership in the middle of the night. She and Ozai pointed out that Iroh had taken a dim view of the corruption of the Sages and had battled them politically, and told them bluntly that Ozai was their best bet for surviving as an organization. They suggested the Sages should lie about Azulon’s last wishes and pronounce Ozai as the next Fire Lord. In exchange, Ozai would merely banish Ursa as failure of a wife and cover up her crime, so that her family would not have to suffer shame or even outright execution for producing a regicidal traitor. No one would speak of what had happened, no one would get in trouble, and Ozai would be Fire Lord and keep the current system running smoothly. Everyone agreed.

I always figured that Ursa had to have been banished, because in the scene where she says goodbye to Zuko, she’s wearing a dark hooded cloak. That’s universal visual language for “This character is fleeing into the night.”

I also assumed that everyone (important) knew Azulon had been murdered because of the fishy way Ozai was made Fire Lord by the Sages. Even if they believed Azulon had died of natural causes, where did it come from that he had named Ozai as the new crown prince shortly before his death? I doubt a forged note that no one had ever seen before the night of the guy’s death would be considered very reliable. So I thought there had to be a conspiracy that included the Sages; they were at least in on faking Ozai’s claim, and so why wouldn’t they also be in on the murder? And once all the people in power are perpetrating a conspiracy, the evidence doesn’t matter; the truth becomes whatever they want it to be.

Where Ursa goes after that, though, is a lot more nebulous. The way the cartoon finale had Zuko confront Ozai with, “Where- is- my- mother?” implies that Ozai might actually know, or at least have an idea where to start looking. I also think it would cheapen the power of that scene to have Ozai wiggle out of giving any information. So Ozai has to give Zuko something to go on there, but he also said, “Perhaps,” when Zuko asked during the Day of Black Sun if Ursa lives. So I figure Ursa had to have been banished from the Fire Nation, and Ozai knows either where she left from or her initial destination, but nothing else.

I never formed a solid headcanon about whether Ursa is still alive, though. This is the point where my interest ends, since the comics gave us a completely different Ursa character and mystery, and I expect many Avatar fans are interested in fic that outright contradicts canon. If she lives, I think it would be more interesting if she is indeed a typical Fire Nation imperialist, but I don’t think she would actively oppose Zuko’s agenda. It would simply inform their dynamic and create conflict between them. It would be a new challenge for Zuko to overcome in terms of his family. And it might even be a vector for Azula and Ursa to hash out their problems, with Ursa considering that she might almost prefer Azula to have become Fire Lord. But ultimately, Ursa could realize that Azula’s ways are only destructive, and see that the kindness she always liked in Zuko has to extend to all people of the world, not just the Fire Nation.

But there’s also a compelling story in Ursa being dead by the time Zuko tracks her down. Perhaps she died in the war, somehow. Whether Ursa is a racist or not doesn’t matter as much in this scenario. But It could fuel Zuko’s desire to somehow reconcile with Azula, since there’s nothing else from his past that he can save.

So that’s the stuff I came up with.

[knight-engale]

Echoes of the Past Day 1: Hometown

@arcana-echoes​

(Image from Google, technically. I don’t know who the original photographer is)

Morgan grew up in a coastal town in the Republic of Galbrada, a relatively small island to the southwest of Prakra. The people in her town were generally friendly, and as a child, Morgan got along with most of them. Her town was safe enough that even when she was little, she would frequently (with her mother’s permission) wander around her neighborhood, or else down to the docks to watch sailors come and go. Her charm and sunny disposition made her dear to her community.

Her town was primarily a fishing town. Even so, she found the simple life of a fisherman unsatisfying and mundane. She much preferred the exciting lives of the merchants who left Galbradan waters, and would spend hours at the docks listening to their tall tales. Listening to these stories fed her thirst for adventure, and at a young age, she decided that becoming a sailor was the best way to chase that dream.

Generally speaking, Morgan did love her hometown. While not the most lively or exciting, it was inviting and familiar. Though she wanted to sail the world over, she also wanted to keep her hometown as her home base, so to speak; a place she knew she could always return to and be welcome.

More info about Galbrada under the cut! Like, lots more. Not for the faint of heart.

Since there’s no known information about Galbrada aside from its name, location, and type of government, I decided to make something up. In my headcanon version of the world, Galbrada is the bastard child of ancient Greece and ancient Egypt, with a possible sprinkling of Middle Eastern influence. Morgan’s hometown, specifically, is based on a Grecian town called Oia, but places such as Galbrada’s capital would appear more Egyptian in style.

Agriculture and Economy

Despite not being ideal farm lands, the extensive irrigation systems that crisscross the island make farming much more common. Pieces of arable land sell for high prices, as it is in relatively short supply. Towards the edges of the island, fishing is the most common occupation, with the Emerald Sea providing a wealth of fish to catch and sell. Galbrada’s main exports are beer and exotic fruits like melons and figs. Within the island, bartering is slightly more prevalent than the exchange of money.

Lifestyle and Culture

Most people live comfortably as farmers or fishers. The profession of farmer is highly respected, as farming the unforgiving land in Galbrada is no easy feat. 

Families are important in Galbradan culture, and the concept of family extends far past the nuclear family model. The phrase “it takes a village to raise a child” is very prevalent. Communities are relatively tightly-knit, so when one family is struggling, others will pitch in to support them until they can be self-sufficient again. Communities and families are more often matriarchal in structure.

The enjoyment of life plays a large role in Galbrada; festivals, sports, and games are as much a part of Galbradan life as farming and fishing. Their culture heavily subscribes to the idea of living life to its fullest, working hard and playing hard.

Galbradan children are often exempt from most labors until the age of 5, after which they are either put in school or begin to learn their family’s trade. Many children begin apprenticeships with family or community members at age 16. Children are considered adults at age 19. Even among the upper class, arranged betrothals are rare, and teenagers are encouraged to pursue whatever romantic relations they wish.

Social Structure

The upper class is made up of politicians or government officials, physicians, and artists. Below these professions are artisans, farmers, and merchants. The lowest class consists of fishers and laborers.

Government

Galbrada’s government is a republic, and therefore has no fixed ruler or succession. The leader is called the Praetor, and is elected by the voice of the people every five years. The minimum age for a Praetor is 40, and the Praetor can only be a man (not because men lead better, but because women are the primary governors of the household and thus have a more important job to do).

Criminals are brought before the local citylord. Trials by jury are common practice, and all adults are required to cast their vote, assuming they have no other major commitments.

Holidays

A few major Galbradan holidays are the winter solstice, summer solstice, beginning of spring, and end-of-summer harvest. Holidays are usually celebrated with large gatherings, feasts, and music.

[dunnystuff]

Sent: Monday, June 07, 2021 2:31 PM

Subject: Rich's Blog

Hi to all -

Pride Flag

This symbol of gay pride has now been elevated to a status near to that of the US flag. Since this is gay pride month, that rainbow flag is being displayed at many of our embassies. That includes the Embassy at The Vatican. Somehow, I don't see this as improving our relations with the seat of the Catholic Church. American Catholics have reacted rather badly to this display. However, no such display is being done, to my knowledge, in Muslim nations. The Muslims tend to be violent about homosexuals.

AOC

This genius has found a solution to the crime problems, exploding in our cities all over the land. It is so simple, it is a wonder that intelligent people never thought of it ! Just stop building jails. No jails, no prisoners, and therefore, no crime. Wow !

Facebook

They have extended their ban on Trump until at least January 7, 2023. Actual criminals and hate groups are okay, however. Even state sponsored ones.

Kylee McLaugh

This young lady was captain of the volleyball team, and also a dedicated Christian. The University of Oklahoma banned her from the team, and demanded she take 'diversity' training (i.e. re-education camps), because of her views. She is suing the school for civil rights violations - specifically free speech. Also for persecuting her because of her beliefs. Could get interesting.

Rhode Island

Nicole Solas, a parent of a kindergarten student, asked the school to explain exactly what they were teaching their children about race and gender issues. Rumors were not encouraging to parents like her. Seems all this gender ID stuff and white hatred was all the rage in the school system. The school was evasive and vague, and would not tell her what they were teaching her children. So, she filed a FOIA request to find out. The school fought this, claiming she was trying to 'intimidate' the school. This has now grown to 200 requests, and the school will have to be forthcoming about the curriculum. Then they can deal with all those angry parents. Lawfare at work.

Mark Cuban

This billionaire owns the Dallas Mavericks, among other things. He stopped playing the National Anthem before games a few months back, so as not to offend the snowflakes. People did notice, and complained. There was no notice or announcement of this change, and that also offended people. Lt. Governor Dan Patrick actually did something. He suggested that Mark sell the team - there were plenty of patriots who would buy it from him, and continue to play our anthem. He also offered up to the state government 'The Star Spangled Banner Act', which denies any state funding for any team that does not play the anthem. Mark resumed playing the National Anthem soon afterwards.

Dr. Fauci

The more we see of his emails, the more guilty he looks. He at first gave stats that were more or less accurate on the progress of this virus, then changed his mind, and gave 'misleading' information. The actual death rate is about .04%, at the worst of the pandemic, a year ago. Fauci then compared it to a bad flu season. Then he used other math to make things seem a lot worse.

Remember that we are now in Phase 3 of the 'solution' to this virus? Phase 5 is when the Covid Cops go door to door and force everyone to take the shot.

If it was true that nearly 600,000 people in the US have died from Covid, then we should expect a spike in the death rates for the nation. Guess what, boys and girls - the death rate for last year was about 2.5 million for all causes. Virtually identical to the previous several years. What changed was the reported cause of death. Flu and other respiratory causes fell by more than 90%, being replaced by Covid. And, Covid was listed for things like auto accidents, gunshot deaths, and many other causes. Guess the Covid Cops didn't think to create false 'fake deaths', like all those fake votes.

Make-a-Wish

This foundation was set up to provide special care and services for children with terminal conditions. Their former CEO has pleaded guilty to fraud and embezzlement. Seems Jennifer Woodley gave herself fake bonus payments, fake pay raises, totaling about $41,000 and spent $23,000 on company credit cards for her personal use.

But, she cut a deal, to avoid the three ten year sentences that her crimes deserved. Instead, she will have to return the money, pay a fine, and serve five years probation. If she is a good girl, and does all that, then her criminal record will be expunged at the end. Pretty sweet deal.

Calvin Coolidge

Silent Cal was never regarded as one of our best presidents. But, he is underrated. He was perhaps the last to try to limit the office to what the Constitution designed, rather than expanding it to an imperial presidency. Congress was always trying to make the states into vassals of the federal government, rather than as free and independent units of a collective government. He was disliked by congress for his many vetoes of their pet projects. For example, he refused to allow the creation of many 'agencies' to 'regulate' things. He said, correctly, that the 'government did not have the authority to create bureaucratic agencies infused with legislative authority and lacking oversight.' He opposed bailouts, or even aid in local emergencies, as this would tend to addict those areas of the country or economy to government subsidies, rather than to solutions to their problems. Furthermore, such actions would make other Americans pay for those problems.

Can you imagine that happening today? We could do well with another Silent Cal.

[cerezsis]

The Missing Link

Chapter Four: Sura

Summary: The Earth Queen has fallen. Ba Sing Se is in chaos. How long before it spreads through the entire Earth Kingdom?

--

           A light breeze came through as Sura left the market. Her eyes naturally gravitated towards the statue of Avatar Kyoshi, still standing tall and proud after all this time. These days, small spirits often sat perched atop; sometimes even a fox spirit would rest below. The statue was a staple of the village, proudly honoring the Avatar who created the island.

           Pulling her gaze away, Sura continued her way home, carrying her basket of elephant koi fillets and various vegetables. Soon, her thoughts once again turned to the radio broadcast from that morning; “The Earth Queen's reign has come to an abrupt and violent end. Ba Sing Se has descended into chaos. Rioters and looters have overrun the palace.” She had been enjoying a lovely breakfast with her family when the radio switched from music to the grim news. Though she never met the queen, she remembered the way then-Princess Izumi spoke of her decades ago.

           “I don’t like speaking negatively of others, so instead I’ll opt to say nothing.”

           Sura thought it funny at the time, but as Queen Hou-Ting’s reign went on, she realized her friend’s quip was more of a warning. The queen was far from beloved, save for the older generations, but the way she met her end was truly disturbing. Suffocated, the air ripped from her lungs by a mad man; the same man Sura’s father helped to fight off thirteen years ago.

           What troubled her the most were the ongoing reports coming out of the capitol: riots, looting, fires, utter chaos. Part of her could understand the palace looters, as the queen was known to have been hoarding the nation’s wealth at the expense of her citizens, but the rest? It was madness.

           Finally, her home came into view. To her surprise, her son was sitting on the porch steps, twiddling his thumbs with his head down.

           “You’re home already?” Sura asked, stopping in front of him.

           The early thirty-something-year-old man lifted his head, his dark blue eyes meeting his mother’s gaze from below his auburn hair.

           “Slow day. Not much work to do.” He stood up, extending his arms. “Let me take that.”

           Raising an eyebrow, Sura handed him the basket.

           “Where’s your dad?” she asked as they walked inside.

           “He’s doing the laundry. And Mu’s not home yet.”

           Sura nodded at the mention of her daughter-in-law. Without saying much else, the two of them began unpacking the groceries. As the seconds ticked on, Sura decided she couldn’t take the silence anymore.

           “Alright Kang, spit it out. What’s on your mind?” she asked, turning to him with her hand on her hip.

           Kang’s eyes fell to the floor. He was hesitant to speak.

           “Well… Mu and I were talking… we’ve decided…” He struggled to say the words. “We’re leaving Kyoshi.”

           Sura blinked. His words took a moment to sink in.

           “You’re… leaving?” she asked, her face falling.

           Kang nodded. “We’re immigrating to the United Republic. What’s happening in Ba Sing Se… it won’t stay contained to the capitol. The Earth Kingdom isn’t safe anymore. We need to get out while we can.”

           Sura was lost for words. She searched her mind, desperate for something to say. “You… Kyoshi’s very isolated. We don’t have much contact with the mainland. Even if what’s happening in Ba Sing Se spreads through the rest of the country, we’ll be safe here.”

           Kang finally looked up, though he just barely met his mother’s gaze.

           “You’re right. Kyoshi is isolated. Too isolated. This isn’t a spur of the moment decision, mom. Mu and I have been talking about this for a long time. We want to have children, start a family of our own. There’re more opportunities in Republic City, for us and our future children. Kyoshi Island… this is my home, but it’s not my future.”

           Sura just stood there, staring at him. Finally, with sadness still in her eyes, she managed to muster a smile.

           “I understand. You need to do what’s best for you and your family. I’m sure your aunties will help you get settled in the city. And if you need anything from dad and me, we’ll always be here for you.”

           Kang smiled back, a sense of relief washing over him.

           “Thanks, mom.”

--

           The sound of running water echoed in the small bathroom as Sura washed her face. She couldn’t stop thinking about Kang’s announcement. He was her son, her only child. And he was leaving…

           She reached for a towel and dried her face. Opening her eyes, she stared at herself in the mirror. Out of all the sisters, she looked the most like her mother, possessing her auburn hair, pale skin, and dark blue eyes. Her hair was cut shorter than her mom’s ever was – not even falling past her ears – but everything else was the same. She used to wish she looked more mixed, like her sisters, but since her mother’s passing, she was grateful for the strong resemblance.

           The thought of her mother brought the history of her home to the front of her mind. Several generations of her mother’s family lived here, perhaps as far back as before the Hundred Year War. Sura herself was born in this house, though it was only her home for a few months before her parents moved the then family of four to the United Republic. It wouldn’t be her home again until she was a teenager, when she moved back to the island to care for her aging grandparents. The move was supposed to be temporary – only to last until her grandparents passed – but then she met Shen. Then she was elected governor. She’d built a life, a home, a family in this house, on this island.

           Though, technically, she supposed her family truly began in the Fire Nation. She was still six weeks away from her due date when they traveled to attend Prince Iroh’s birthday celebration. There was supposed to be plenty of time, the key words being supposed to. She went into labor just a day after arriving at the palace.  

           It was terrifying, but Aunt Katara assured her it would be ok. Along with her aunt, her cousin, Kya, and sister, Jia, assisted her. “My two best students,” Katara had said. In the end, it was a blessing she went into labor early. Kang was fine, coming out screaming his little head off, but Sura… had she delivered on Kyoshi Island, she would’ve died.

           After Kang was born and given a clean bill of health, things went wrong fast. The placenta wouldn’t detach, and she ended up hemorrhaging. The only way to save her life was to undergo an emergency hysterectomy, something she wouldn’t have had access to on the island. Fire Lord Zuko himself called for the royal family’s personal medical staff, and the procedure was performed quickly. Even though she nearly lost her life, Sura remembered feeling guilty that Jia had to witness that. She was just barely eighteen, and she was forced to watch her older sister nearly bleed to death. Sura was certain she’d be traumatized, perhaps to the point of never having children of her own. Instead, just a month later, she stated her intentions to go to medical school.

           A sudden knock on the door made Sura jump, tearing her out of her thoughts.

           “Coming to bed, honey?” Shen’s voice asked.

           Sura relaxed and turned towards the door. “Just a moment.”  

           She put the towel back before opening the door. Shen smiled at her, before heading to the bedroom. Sura followed suit, getting into bed with him.

           “Something on your mind?” Shen asked, reading Sura’s far-off expression.

           The auburn-haired woman turned to him. “Just Kang,” she admitted, “I can’t believe he’s leaving.”

           Shen nodded, sadly. “I was half his age when I left for the shipyards. A seed can’t always take root where it first falls.”

           Sura suppressed a sigh. “Trust me, I know that. I have legal citizenship in three nations, after all.” A thought suddenly occurring to her, she glanced to the side. “You know… they’ll probably have an easier time gaining citizenship if there’s a citizen in their party.”

           Shen blinked. He stared at her for a while before speaking. “You want to leave the island?”

           “Not really, no. But I do want to be close to my son. The thought of him leaving… I’m already so far away from most of my family. I don’t want to be far from him too.”

           Shen didn’t respond right away. He stayed silent for several minutes, taking his time to think it over. “Well, we are about at retirement age. And it couldn’t hurt to have more family around.” He grinned. “And when Kang and Mu finally have kids, we should be close to them. They’ll need the support. I still remember our first few months as new parents. I don’t know what we would’ve done if your folks hadn’t come stay with us.”

           Sura met his eyes, grinning from ear to ear. She gave him a quick kiss.

           “I’ll write to my sisters in the morning. I’m sure one of them will be able to house us while we get ourselves sorted.”

           “They’re gonna be happy their big sister’s coming home.”

           Sura chuckled. “Now if we could just convince our biggest sister to join us.”

           “Good luck with that.” Shen said as he laid down and turned onto his side. “She doesn’t seem like the retirement type.”

           “Oh, definitely not. She’ll hold her title ‘til her dying breath, just like dad.” She laid down next to him. “Goodnight, dear.”