#If it's good I will be jolly and joyous for the rest of my life

[corpsefetti]

The Beetlejuice sequel will either make or break the rest of my entire life

[latte-fairytaekwoon]

𝓤𝓷𝓽𝓲𝓵 𝓔𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓷𝓲𝓽𝔂 (𝓒𝓱𝓸𝓲 𝓢𝓪𝓷)

𝑃𝑎𝑖𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔: 𝐶ℎ𝑜𝑖 𝑆𝑎𝑛 (𝐴𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑧)× 𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑒𝑟 (𝐹𝑒𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑒)

𝐺𝑒𝑛𝑟𝑒: 𝐴𝑛𝑔𝑠𝑡, 𝐹𝑙𝑢𝑓𝑓, 𝑆𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝐴𝑈, 𝑉𝑖𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑛 𝐸𝑟𝑎 𝐴𝑈.

𝐼𝑛𝑠𝑝𝑖𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛: "𝐼 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑑 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑜𝑛𝑐𝑒, 𝐼 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑑 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑡𝑤𝑖𝑐𝑒. 𝐼 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑑 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝑦 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑜𝑢𝑠 𝑙𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑠. 𝐴𝑛𝑑 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝐼 𝑑𝑖𝑒, 𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑘𝑒𝑒𝑝 𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑑: 𝐼'𝑙𝑙 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑖𝑛 𝑎𝑛𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑒."- 𝑈𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑙 𝐸𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑦: 𝐵𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑘𝑏𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑟

𝑊𝑜𝑟𝑑 𝐶𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡: 4.4+𝐾

𝑊𝑎𝑟𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑠: 𝑀𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑎𝑢𝑙𝑡, 𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑝𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑘𝑖𝑑𝑛𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑔, 𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑔𝑢𝑛𝑠, 𝑑𝑒𝑎𝑡ℎ, 𝑚𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑟𝑒𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛.

𝑇𝑎𝑔𝑙𝑖𝑠𝑡: @little-precious-baby @yunhofingers @multidreams-and-desires @brie02 @deja-vux @galaxteez @yunhoiseyecandy @rvse-miingi @couchpotatoaniki @daniblogs164 @a-soft-hornytiny

━━━━━━━༺۵༻━━━━━━━

~May 17th, 1859~

When their eyes met it was as if time had effectively stopped moving. The sharply dressed male stood immobile by one of the pillars across the ballroom, feet glued to the floor and unable to pick themselves off it. Likewise, the elegant and ethereal lady sitting at one of the tables looked just as mesmerized by him as he was enchanted by her. For a while both of them just stood there, admiring one another as they tried to comprehend what was that tugging sensation they began to feel in the middle of their chests. The chatter and music in the background faded, their ears no longer registering any sound, scent, or object around them. Even their vision blurred everyone else, the only clear image they saw was the person they were currently fixated on.

As if he was in a trance, the male managed to regain his sense of control and began walking towards where she was. As their distance started to get smaller, the pounding in their hearts became more agitated and rapid, their lungs desperately trying to grasp air. When he stood right in front of her, a sense of calmness fell upon them that was even more strange to them given that they had never been acquainted with each other nor had any connections between them. Placing one arm behind him while the other came up just below his chest, he bowed to her, letting her glimpse and admire the top of his head, his hair as golden as the rays of the sun that would shine through her slightly parted curtains during the sunrises. Since she was sitting down, she acknowledged his greeting by lowering her head in a respectful manner. Coming back up, the hand that was placed behind him outstretched towards her.

"If my lady is not otherwise engaged, may I be so bold as to claim the next two dances?"

Unable to reject him, partly due to etiquette but mostly because something pushed her to accept, she smiled sweetly at him.

"You may kind Sir."

As soon as their hands connected, a rush of sparks flowed through their bodies, the feeling so electrifying and magnetic, it became more intense when he placed one arm around her waist while hers found a resting spot on his shoulder. Their other hands intertwined themselves together, their fingers perfectly molding against one another, a rather improper gesture to do at a ball especially between two individuals who had absolutely nothing to tie them together, but neither of them cared. It felt proper and necessary, even more so as their bodies glided across the floor, dancing in tune to the orchestra's music.

"I don't believe I've ever had the pleasure of seeing you before my lady." He suddenly spoke up, voice slightly buffering with nervousness.

Luckily she either didn't notice or chose not to care about it.

"No I'm afraid not. Such a pity if you ask me, you seem like a lively and agreeable person to be around." Although she had always been encouraged not to judge by outward appearances, she could not fathom the gentleman right in front of her to have any sort of evil or fault in him. He was beautiful, his features so sharp and his eyes although looking so mysterious and deadly seemed to hold so much tenderness and frailty in them. Despite his strong and bold looking frame, she could tell he was a man of delicate emotions and gentle feelings. No alarms or voice in the back of her head were warning against him, instead they were silenced as her heart urged her to stay by him and with him.

"And you seem like a lady seeking adventure and freedom." He boldly stated.

She quirked an eyebrow up, puzzled at how he could possibly ascertain such a theory.

"And may I ask what makes you say that?"

Lips curling into a smile, she swore she could melt when tiny dimples appeared on each of his cheeks, a true rare beauty that one hardly saw in those times and were very much admired.

"I look into your eyes and I see yearning, longing for something. As if you are searching for a hidden gem. And there's a hint of gloominess in them as well."

His description shocked her to the core. How could this perfect stranger, whose name she still had not known, possibly see all of that from just a few minutes of interaction?

"Do I look that forlorn?" She began to worry about anyone else being able to see what he saw.

"No...... I guess you could say I just...felt it." His eyes held a lively sparkle in them that just seemed to captivate her even more.

He hesitated to speak out what was on his mind, but seeing as the music was about to come to an end, he knew he had to say it before it was too late.

"If it's all right with you, would you mind if I came to call at your house and be introduced to your parents?" A faint pink hue spread across his cheeks and even his straight nose had a rosey tint at the tip of it.

Although she was no stranger to having young men call for her in hopes of establishing a courtship, it was the first time she was actually excited and looking forward to any future meetings with the man in front of her.

"I'd be delighted if you wished to do so." Her smile was more dazzling than all the glimmering chandeliers that decorated the ceiling and it made her dance partner feel more at ease to know she was just as jolly about a possible acquaintance as much as he was.

As soon as the music ended, they properly bowed to each other but the male, even himself unsure of what came over him, took hold of her hand and held it up to his lips, placing a feather light kiss to the tips of her fingers which left quite a few shocked faces on those who were close enough to witness the act.

"Consider this as our formal meeting my lady."

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August 23rd, 1859

The pair walked side by side across the pastured fields, bright and vivid dahlias acting as their chaperones, all arrayed in either red, yellow or purple coats that had already bud into full bloom. The river nearby had tiny ripples flowing through it due to the light breeze that was refreshing during a rather warm summer day. Behind them, her home was still bustling with excitement and anticipation of what was going to come, hence why they allowed the couple to wander outside by themselves, fully trusting them to maintain propriety. Ahead of them, a vast expanse of trees were to serve as witnesses for such a joyous occasion.

Gazing over at his loving companion whom he had learned to cherish and care about immensely in the short time they've spent together, he felt his hand shake as he touched the side of his pants, feeling the weight of the small black case he was hiding in his pocket.

"You are on edge." Her sudden statement startled him.

"Once more you hit the nail straight on the head." He chuckled, his hands going back to their previous position of staying behind him.

"Do you trust me enough to tell me about it or would you rather we pretend I didn't say anything?" She offered.

Hearing his footsteps suddenly halt, she too stopped walking. Facing over to him, she couldn't read his expression as he had lowered his face, no doubt thinking about how to proceed about with the conversation.

"May I ask......how do you feel about me?"

She was not prepared for that question and yet she had hoped to one day be asked just that. She didn't even need to think too hard, she knew the answer to that already.

"I believe you to be a very kindhearted, caring, and vibrant sort of fellow. And I am extremely grateful to be able to have you in my close circle of friends."

Although he was happy that she felt joy in his company, he felt a little saddened and worried about her use of the term 'friends'. But pushing past his fears, he gathered his courage to speak his next words.

"And have you ever wondered if there's a possibility of us becoming closer than just friends?" He looked at her with in a hopeful daze.

He could sense, feel her uneasiness. It seemed as if their emotions were so intertwined that whatever one was feeling, the other would soon get a notion of it. And right now, he could feel how she slightly panicked at his suggestion.

"If it displeases you, please just let me know right now and I swear I'll not make you uncomfortable with anymore talk of-"

"I would love for nothing more than to be more than friends with you." She didn't want to be rude and interrupt him like so, but she found she could not control herself. Her fingers fidgeted with the lace trimming of her dress, agitation clearly shown in her countenance.

"From the very first moment I saw you, I felt this strange and utterly overpowering attraction towards you, as ridiculous as it sounds. And having come to know you, I was ready to say yes the minute you asked for my hand if the moment ever came...."

She paused to collect her thoughts, taking in a deep breath.

"But at the same time I'm afraid. I know, because I was raised as such, that women are brought up to be good wives, be docile, pliant, obedient and stand behind their husbands and do what society expects of them. And I don't know if I can do that...no... I don't want that. To be locked up in some beautiful golden cage for the rest of my life, with no freedom and my liberty stripped away from me...... I'd go mad." She admitted, immediately turning away from him, not wanting to see his reaction to what some would consider her brazen speech.

"So if what you are seeking is a wife who will be content to sit at home and wait for your every command I suggest you go look somewhere else. I refuse to be that sort of woman, even if it means becoming a spinster for the rest of my life." Her last words got choked up due to tension rising in her voice as she fought back tears, not wanting to cry in front of him.

She felt him right behind her and did not flinch when one of his hands came forward to caress the smooth skin of her cheek.

"My pretty little dove....don't you know that's why I wanna marry you?"

She turned her head to look at him with incredulous eyes.

"Remember when we first met? When I talked about how you seemed to be searching for freedom? Adventure?"

She nodded, never able to forget how she felt the first time they glanced upon another nor the conversation they had. Taking a hold of her waist, he shifted her position so she could face him and see how in earnest he was.

"I'm willing to offer you all that and more. I don't want you walking behind me, I want you by my side as my equal. I won't ever lock you up in a cage. On the contrary, I want my little dove to spread her wings and soar up further than the heavens........ and I want to be by her side to see it."

Her hands came up to clasp around her mouth as she let out a sharp gasp when he suddenly dropped down on one knee. Reaching into his pocket, he produced a black velvet box that contained a stunning ring inside.

"I've already asked for your parent's permission, all I gotta ask now is if you'd make me the happiest man alive and accept to spend life by my side.... and love me?"

She allowed him to take her hand and slide the gem onto her ring finger, tears already pouring down her face. Sniffling softly, she took her hand off her mouth to reveal an emotional and awkward smile as a wave of emotions took over her.

"Yes!"

He released a breath he didn't realize he was holding. Sprinting back up, he picked her up and spun her around gleefully. Once he put her down, his hands cupped her face and he leaned in to give her a passionate kiss. Even after pulling away, he still kept her at a close distance.

"I love you.....from now until eternity."

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October 9th, 1861

"You sure you're going to be ok?"

Pushing her hat out of the way so she could look down at her doting husband who was standing right next to the open carriage, she couldn't help but give him a mischievous smirk.

"I'll be fine. I should be the one asking you that."

He gave her a puzzled look.

"What's that supposed to mean?" He asked.

"That I give you 10 minutes before you're moping by the fireplace, missing me to no end." She snorted softly at his pouty expression.

"You're actually wrong..."

Hopping on top of the step so it could be easier to reach her, he nuzzled his nose against hers.

"I'm already missing you and you haven't even left yet."

She giggled at his cheesiness, allowing him to press a tiny kiss on her lips, which was then followed by another one, then another, until she finally had to push him off before he delayed her trip any further by peppering more kisses across her face.

"All right all right, I get it. I'll be back before supper, it's not that long of a ride to my parents house. Think you can wait until then?"

He shook his head negatively, which made her roll her eyes.

"Well you're going to have to deal with it."

Bending down, she gently stroked some of the hairs that were tussled against his forehead.

"I love you." She smiled at him.

Taking her hand to place a kiss on top of it, her husband never took his eyes off her.

"I love you too. Please stay safe."

With longing eyes, he watched as the carriage was being hauled away in the direction of the woods that surrounded the estate. He didn't look away even minutes after the carriage was out of sight, watching as some of the white flowers fell from the immense trees, petals scattering across the pavement and on the freshly cut grass. Something about the way the flowers fell sent some sort of uneasy feeling in his stomach, but he chose to ignore it, thinking it was probably nothing.

Making his way back in the house, he suddenly stopped when the same feeling crept back up to him, this time more intense than the previous one. His palms which were tightly clenched behind him, were sweating profusely. His heartbeat making more agitated and there was an unusual pounding resonated in his head, that although didn't exactly hurt, it was sending off alarms. He could sense that something bad was going to happen, he could feel it.....

With a sharp intake of breath, he raced over towards the stables where all the horses were kept. Unlocking the door that held his personal horse, he didn't even bother to saddle up or even put a bridle on him. He simply jumped up and threw his leg over the horse, who stood in place to allow his trusted master to get properly seated.

"Go!" He exclaimed as he gently yet firmly kicked the horse on its side, the stallion immediately taking off in the direction that the carriage had gone, the rider hoping and praying that he was only being delusional about the strange sensation that was striking fear in him.

Meanwhile, not far off in the distance, the young lady quietly sat in the carriage, listening to the conversation her two drivers were having amongst themselves, sometimes even laughing at any jokes they cracked along the way. She looked very peaceful, looking forward to paying her parents a small visit, the presents she had purchased for them rattled against her side, all neatly wrapped in white with light blue ribbons decorating them. Her eyes would often drift away whenever she heard the rustling sounds the tiny woodland creatures would make or when a bird would start chirping a little tune.

She was startled abruptly by the sound of gunshots and before she could even ask what was going on, she watched in horror as the two men in front of her fell to ground, blood pouring out from their heads as their soulless eyes stared back into her. The horses were going berserk, letting out loud neighs while fretting about uncontrollably. Standing up, she carefully maneuvered herself and got off the carriage hoping to hop on the driver's seat and regain control of the horses, but she was stopped when a strong hand gripped her wrist and harshly tugged her back.

"You're a really pretty thing." She stared up into the cold eyes of a marauder who scanned her face before looking at his partner.

"How much do you think they'll give us for selling her off to a whorehouse?"

His accomplice shrugged nonchalantly.

"Beats me, but I guess we're going to find out."

Not backing down without a fight, she kicked her arms and legs as much as she could, putting up an intense struggle against her kidnappers. She made sure to scream at the top of her lungs, hoping it would reach someone's ears and come aid her. She nearly freed herself when she hit one of them right in the jaw and bit harshly down on the other's arm which was draped across her neck. She could only take two steps before she was being manhandled once more. She elbowed and kneed at the man, trying to break free from his grasp. Getting frustrated and fed up by her struggle, he took out the pistol he kept by his belt.

"You fucking bitch!"

Pressing the barrel against her stomach, the bullet pierced straight through her, making her choke on the scream she was about to release. Her senses went numb, all she could feel was pain as she felt her life being stripped out of her body.

"No!"

Arriving just as the bullet was fired, her husband swiftly yanked out his own gun. First he made sure to aim at the one who had just shot his beloved wife, the bullet striking him right on his forehead, giving him an instant death. When his partner tried producing his own weapon, the rider was already two steps ahead as he shot him straight through his throat, this time the death was more painful and elongated, but eventually he too met the same fate as his dead companion. Quickly getting off the horse, he ran over to his wife, tears already brimming down his face. Taking a hold of her hand, he first made sure that she still had a pulse and was conscious.

"Love. Darling. It's ok, you'll be ok. All right? Just stay with me, keep your eyes open."

She could feel him rip off a part of her dress and use it as makeshift gauze to press against her wound in an effort to stop some of the bleeding. She could not bring herself to cry, she had no strength left in her to do that. Still she managed to bring one of her hands up to clasp one of her husband's hands.

"I love you.......I always will..." Her voice came out rather raspy and strangled.

Knowing what was happening, her husband began to cry even harder, his arms desperately clutching onto her.

"No! Don't say that my little dove! You're going to be fine! Trust me." He seemed to be saying that more to himself than her, trying to convince himself that this was not real, that it was only a nightmare that they'd get through with together.

But she had already resigned herself to her fate. Knowing she had no time left, she reached up to cup one of his cheeks, her thumb stroking his skin softly.

"Remember.....we'll meet again someday..... I loved you now....and I'll love you in another life."

With one last faint smile, she held her final breath before her head fell back, eyes closing as her spirit left her body. Her lover's body trembled erratically, eyes scrunching tightly, teeth clenched so fiercely they could nearly break apart by his sheer strength. He clung his soul mate's lifeless body against his own, sobbing violently against her neck. Looking up, he let out a heartwrenching and agonizing scream that echoed across the forest.

Part of him died that day just like the love of his life.

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~April 15th, 2019: Present Day~

"Man...that is one sad, depressing story."

One of the members of the group sighed out as his other mate read out the history behind the beautiful and seemingly enchanting forest that they were currently touring across.

"I know right? To think that such a tragic love story occurred right here." One of the taller members said, stepping carefully around the branches that were scattered about the field.

"Enough of this romantic soulmate nonsense, how long is this trail anyways? I'm tired, I'm sweating, it's hot and I'm hungry. Which one of you guys decided it was a good idea to go into nature and explore it? Especially with all these bugs around." The nagging individual slapped his arm once more, killing off another mosquito that seemed to take a liking to his blood.

While all of them continued on ahead, forming pairs or simply admiring the view alone with their phones to capture memories, the lonely member all the way in the back kept his head down. His cat like eyes often looked around, taking in some small details that hardly anyone paid attention to. Brushing some of his black bangs away from his eyes, he felt some sort of nostalgic feeling as he walked along the semi even path laid out for tourists like them. He stopped in his tracks when he came to a particular spot. Looking to his right side, he saw a very narrow off trail that led into the more dense and deep part of the forest. Although his mind told him to stay on the trail so as to not get lost, he found some strange force pulling him in the opposite direction. Without even second guessing it, he wandered off, not caring about if his group mates saw him or not.

As he past all the trees, shrubs and even the tiny squirrels and butterflies that still inhabited those regions, he couldn't shake off the deja vu feeling that fell over him. He strangely felt familiar with his surroundings, even though he was kilometers away from his home country. As he made a sharp turn to avoid hitting against a wide tree, an image suddenly flashed in his head. A galloping horse, the rider, whose face he couldn't see, passing right by where he just past.

"Weird..." He brushed it off, thinking that perhaps the rays of the sun were starting to get to him.

As he came upon a more wider path, he stopped immediately at a certain spot. Another image seemed to pass through his mind, although more blurred, he could faintly make out a silhouette of a man holding onto the body of a woman. Just as soon as it came, it soon vanished. He didn't understand why, but standing right on that spot seemed to cause him pain. Indeed he could feel tears welling up in his eyes and he had absolutely no idea why.

"God what is wrong with me?" He thought as he wiped them away, perhaps he was being extra emotional or something, especially after hearing that story about the forest.

A snapping branch made him aware that someone else was approaching where he was. Looking up in the direction, he felt his breath being taken away as two [insert color] eyes were locked on him. He couldn't even blink, he just continued to stare at the figure standing mere feet away from him. The same energy that pulled him in that direction was suddenly making him pull his feet off the ground and make their way towards the person. He had never seen them before in his entire life and yet.....

He felt as if he knew them, his heart feeling some sort of longing and aching for them. And he could sense that the other person was feeling the exact way he was, for they too were taking careful steps toward him, keeping eye contact with him. Soon they both stood right in front of each other, both had mesmerized expressions as they studied the person in front of them. Without knowing what caused him to do that, the male reached a hand out towards his partner, which she did not hesitate to hold in her own. A wave of shock ran through both of their bodies when they touched, their emotions suddenly burning with passion and love that only grew stronger as their fingers clasped against each other. Swallowing hard, the male decided it was time to speak up.

"Hi..... my name is Choi San."

The woman smiled at hearing his voice. Even though it was the first time she heard it, she knew it, it was oddly familiar.

"I'm Y/N L/N." She responded.

Neither of them flinched away, they simply continued to stare at one another. Although strangers, they felt as if they knew each other for centuries. Unable to help himself, San lowered his face so he could press his forehead against hers.

"It sounds insane..... but I feel I love you." He confessed, his lips brushing against hers.

She let out a soft hum at his statement.

"Then I guess we're both insane, because I feel like I love you as well."

Closing the gap between them, San cupped one cheek with his hand, giving her the faintest whisper of a kiss. The feeling was so raw and so endearing that it sent a warm sensation to their hearts. When they pulled away, his arm snaked around to wrap around her waist.

"It's like we were destined to be."

She chuckled at his words before finishing his sentence.

"Yes....you and I.....

Until eternity."

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[i-am-scarlet-corsair]

Weigh Anchor

“Odysseus on his journey home to Ithaca was visited by a ghost. The ghost tells him that once he reaches his home, once he slays all his enemies and sets his house in order he must do one last thing before he can rest. The ghost tells him to pick up an oar and walk inland and keep walking until someone mistakes that oar for a shovel. For that would be the place that no man had ever been troubled by the sea. And that’s where he’d find peace.”- Black Sails; Captain Flint

 The narrative of our lives is separated into volumes, chapters, stories – words and feeling etched into our minds and bodies as time marches forward. Sometimes, we want to continue to write these stories, to extend what’s happening and what is; as a way to stay present, to maybe prove something to someone, or even prove something to ourselves. However, sometimes, these stories need to come to an end and regardless of our own yearning – the back cover closes and the book is done. The story is over.

So, concludes the story of this Scarlet Corsair in the We Are Adventurers Collective.

I admit, this is definitely not how I want things to transpire. There are some things I wish I could change but faced with the ever-present realization that I cannot, nor do I wish to extend the energy to and I’ve been at this uncomfortable impasse for quite some time. I joined this community for many reasons, because I wanted to be a part of something larger than myself, inspire people to take up the mantle of the infamous sea-goers and battle-hardened warriors of the waves and, perhaps I accomplished that, in some small way. I wish always to share information and knowledge of nautical history, personalities and traits that not only exist in history and fiction but in table top games and the like. I have, and will always embrace the lifestyle of the black flag and my jolly roger will forever fly. Just not here.

These past years have been one hell of a ride, both good and bad, joyous and depressing, elating and depleting in ways that would take far too long to explain. Faced with a more demanding ‘day job’ (the mundane 9-5) and vastly expanding responsibilities within the festival community in which I thrive in; I will not have the time nor ability to keep this going. And in the end, as much as I wanted it to be, this place was never exactly a home for me. There is a danger in forcing yourself in to a place where you don’t belong – and so, instead of trim the corners, and distort myself to try and squeeze in; I’m going to follow the horizon to places elsewhere.

To the friends that have stuck by me through the blood and sweat, I thank you from the bottom of my black heart. Though I claim it is often empty, the true allies I have made here will forever be a part of my life. To those of you who may wish to stay on contact, I will keep this around for a few weeks so you can send a message to trade contact information. Until then, my friends -

Fair winds and following seas;

 -Slaine

“Yes, I do heartily repent. I repent I had not done more mischief; and that we did not cut the throats of them that took us”

[jaskierswolf]

The Christmas Elf (pt.3/5)

Read the rest on AO3 and tumblr - Geraskier fic featuring Christmas Elf!Jaskier.

____________________

“Where on the holy star have you been, Jaskier?” Poinsettia snapped, her face was redder than the trimmings on her hat. “And with the Christmas Spirit, no less! What were you thinking?!” She squeaked indignantly.

Poinsettia was unusually tiny for an elf. She came up to Jaskier’s shoulder, even with her hat and her bell. Her hair was bubblegum pink and she had eyes like a chocolate reindeer, but Jaskier was well acquainted with her short fuse. She was a lot of anger bundled up in bells and sugarplums. Jaskier had still been a young elf when Poinsettia was appointed head elf by Santa. She’d been lighter back then. Spirit was still used freely back then and the elves had been the joyous singing delights that the humans thought they were. More recently the North Pole had been rather dour, and Poinsettia was the perfect example of that.

Jaskier rolled his eyes and pulled the snow globe out from behind his back.

“Just saving the North Pole Realm, you know, business as usual. Wow, thanks Jaskier.” He mimicked her squeaky voice, seriously how had she ever become head elf? “Oh, no. No problem at all. Just doing my duty, boss!” He bowed dramatically and presented her with the globe. “My lady.” He winked and licked his lips.

She gasped and snatched the globe from his hand. He smirked and stood up to watch her as she gazed into the snowy landscape trapped inside the globe. He tilted his head and brushed his fringe from his eyes and he saw a shimmer of Spirit glow under her fingers.

“But how?” She whispered as if speaking loudly would drain the Spirit from the globe. She gripped the globe in one hand and with the other she created a small flurry of snow flakes that danced between her fingers.

Jaskier shrugged. “A happy accident and a little bit of love.”

Poinsettia scoffed. “Love? Jaskier, we’re Christmas elves. We don’t fall in love.”

Jaskier put his hands on his hips and snorted indignantly. “Oh yeah, and who told you that?”

“Well everyone knows that.” Poinsettia insisted.

“I don’t.” Jaskier grumbled and tossed his fringe. “In fact I know the opposite to be true, dear sister. We can and do fall in love.”

“I have to tell Santa.” She muttered to herself, holding the globe to her chest, and scurrying off towards Santa’s Grotto.  

“Oh hey now, hang on!” Jaskier yelled and ran after her. Filavandrel’s lute slipped off his arm as he ran and he stumbled as he tried to stop the precious instrument from clattering to the ground. “Oh no you don’t!”

He cradled his beloved instrument in his arms and then looked up. Poinsettia was gone.

He frowned and stuck his tongue out, picturing Santa’s Grotto in his mind. When he was certain he had it, he let the Spirit loose and he was lost in a flurry of snow. When it cleared Santa was peering down at him.

He was not the jolly old man that kids thought he was, not at that moment.

“Jaskier!”

“Hello Santa, old friend.” He mumbled and gave him a wave. “Fancy seeing you here.”

“You just frost hopped.” Santa pointed out. “Care to explain?”

“I, well, it was an accident.” He spluttered. “I may have, sort of, stolen the snow globe.”

Santa nodded as if he’d expected this answer. “You travelled to the realm known only as the Continent.”

Jaskier gaped at the old man, nay the legend, before him. “How?”

“The snow globe is ancient magic, Jaskier. It is linked to me no matter what form I take.” Santa said gravely. “From the old gods, to St. Nicholas to Santa Claus. I know where the snow globe is throughout time and space.”

Jaskier let out a stream of syllables that should have been words.

“You have done well, little buttercup, but there is sadness in your heart?” Santa’s voice was all warmth and cinnamon sugar.

Jaskier couldn’t believe it. He wasn’t actually angry!

“I, umm, well, yeah.” He admitted. “I’m afraid I think I left part of my heart behind, sir.”

“Then what are you still doing here, elf?” Santa laughed his famous hearty ‘Ho ho ho’ and shoved Jaskier fondly.

Jaskier stumbled a little and squeak. “Wait what?”

“You returned the snow globe full of Spirit. Now off with you! Take a reindeer and go!” Santa chortled.

Jaskier was still staring. “A reindeer?” He repeated.

“Your heart is waiting. Come back in Winter. I have no doubt you’ll have plenty of new winter tales to share with humanity.” Santa pushed him gently from the Grotto. “I trust you have enough Spirit stored to enchant a reindeer, but be a good fellow and leave Rudolph. I won’t admit to playing favourites but he’s my favourite.”

“Yes Santa.” Jaskier mumbled.

“Oh and Jaskier!” Santa called before he could leave. “Take this.”

Jaskier watched in awe as a large snowflake formed in Santa’s hand. With the other hand, the old man gently tapped the top point of the snow flake and it burst into a flurry of snow. When the snow flurry cleared there was a second snow globe. It was barely a quarter of the size of the original but it was definitely a snow globe.

Jaskier whistled a low drawn out note and carefully took the tiny globe in the palm of his hand. “How did you do that?” He asked.

Santa just winked and tapped his nose. “Away with you, young elf.”

Jaskier grinned and turned on his heels. He conserved his Spirit and ran off towards the stables, waving to Poinsettia as they crossed paths. She was still gripping onto the original snow globe for dear life as she ran to the Grotto and seemed quite surprised to see him running in the other direction.

“I’ll see you in December!” He called. “I have to go!”

He didn’t wait for a response.

By the time he reached the stables he was panting heavily, and his lungs and legs were burning. “Oh fuck.” He grumbled and leant against the nearest stall. Rudolph’s red nose butted him in the head. “Oi!”

Rudolph’s nose didn’t glow like it once had but maybe this year with the return of Spirit, it would shine again.

The reindeer snorted and Jaskier scratched him behind the ears. “I’m not allowed to take you, dearest Rudolph, but I’ll be back in time to pack the sleigh. I promise!”

In the end he chose one of the younger reindeers, one that hadn’t yet been donned with golden bells and one of the special reindeer names.

“I suppose you need a name.” He said fondly as he stroked the reindeers feet, the Spirit pouring from his fingers over the hooves.

The young reindeer huffed.

“I shall name you… Greg!” He announced with glee. “A far better name than Roach. Who calls their horse Roach?”

Greg whacked him over the head with his small antlers.

“No?” Jaskier pouted. “Oh fine. How about Pegasus? You will be flying after all.”

Pegasus seemed to quite like that and nuzzled against Jaskier’s shoulder.

“Ok then.” Jaskier sang. “Are you ready, sweetheart?”

Pegasus snorted again and Jaskier hopped on his back.

“Ho ho ho!” Jaskier laughed in his lower register, trying to impersonate Santa. “Merry Christmas!!”

Pegasus shook his antlers but kicked off the ground and they were off. Jaskier wasn’t sure how Santa or the reindeer knew the way between realms, Jaskier normally got distracted by the stars whizzing past his head when he was on the sleigh, but Pegasus seemed to understand exactly where Jaskier wanted to go and soon enough the now familiar stars of the Continent faded into view.

He grinned and stroked the reindeers neck. “Good boy, Pegasus. We’re home.”

________

Geralt had barely made it out of town before there was a surge of magic and blinding lights. He drew his sword without thinking and pointed it at the twinkling lights on the path in front of him. The only thing that stopped him from attacking was the strange jingle of bells.

Jaskier’s bells.

But it couldn’t be Jaskier. The elf had only just left him to go back home. The empty feeling in his chest was proof of that, a dull ache that wouldn’t go way no matter how many healing potions he took.

He scoffed. How had the bastard managed to get under his skin so easily? It had only been a few months, but he was so unlike anyone Geralt had ever met. So open with his love and affection that Geralt had let his guards down before he’d even noticed.

The lights in the sky grew brighter and Geralt snarled, holding his sword steady towards the crackle of magic.

To his great surprise a reindeer came barrelling into him. He dropped his sword and leapt to the side of the path, rolling to break his fall.

“Fuck!” He cursed and he scrambled back to his feet, only to be knocked down again by a jingly bundle of green and red.

“Geralt!!” Jaskier cried happily.

He scowled but wrapped his arms around Jaskier almost instinctively as he lay on the hard ground.

“You’re back.” He hummed not quite believing that Jaskier was there in his arms.

The way the elf had been talking, Geralt had assumed Jaskier would have been away for months, at least until after winter. Apparently winter was a crazy season for the Christmas elves, but here he was, back on the Continent.

“I’m back!” Jaskier agreed and pulled back from the hug just enough to stare down at Geralt with light shining in his eyes.

Geralt furrowed his brow. “Thought it would be longer.”

Jaskier pouted. “And I thought you’d be pleased to see me.”

Geralt scoffed. He was about to pull the elf down into a kiss when they were interrupted by a long set of antlers forcing their way between them.

“Oi!” Jaskier grumbled and pushed the reindeer’s snout away. “Pegasus no!”

The reindeer stamped its hoof and Geralt heard Roach’s answering huff.

“You have a reindeer?” He asked incredulously.

“I’m a Christmas elf, Geralt! How many times do we have to go through that? What else what I have, a motorbike?”

Geralt frowned.

“Oh never mind, you won’t understand.” Jaskier answered Geralt’s unasked question with a jingling wave of his hand and then helped pull them both to their feet.

“I am glad you’re back.” Geralt admitted and smiled faintly at the way Jaskier seemed to light up with his whole body. “Just wasn’t expecting it so soon. I almost ran you through with my sword.”

“Nonsense!” Jaskier rolled his eyes and swatted Geralt’s arm. “You wouldn’t hurt me.”

“Hmm.” Geralt agreed, not on purpose at any rate.

“And Santa was proud of the work I’d done here. He sent me back to keep up the good work. Ooh look!” Jaskier pulled a miniature snow globe from his pocket. “I even have my own personal snow globe now.”

Geralt peered at the tiny globe. The scene in this snow globe was different. The original globe had had a small village of tiny snow covered cottages and even smaller figurines of people running in the streets. If Geralt didn’t know better, he would have said that this one was a miniature Kaer Morhen, but that was impossible. Jaskier had never seen Kaer Morhen. Geralt was certain he hadn’t even mentioned his home or the other witchers.

“What’s that?” He asked as he poke the glass.

Jaskier shrugged. “Some old castle. Something Santa picked out I guess.”

Geralt frowned. “Hmm.”

“So where to, witcher?” Jaskier grinned as he hopped astride his reindeer. “What adventures do we have in store? What ballads will I be writing next?”

Geralt grunted and mounted Roach. He didn’t answer Jaskier’s question. Truth be told he didn’t know where they would be heading next. He would follow the path until he found a town with a noticeboard or Destiny intervened.

“Come on, Roach.” He kicked his horse into a trot, knowing Jaskier would follow.

What he wasn’t expecting was for Jaskier to fly, literally fly, past him in a blur of sparkling glittery light, laughing melodically?

“I’ll race you!” He trilled from a couple of feet above Geralt’s head.

Geralt had no hope in winning against a magical reindeer but it was a race. He loved races. Roach loved races. He groaned and spurred his mare on. “You’re on.” He growled and they both sped off towards the horizon where the sun was just beginning to rise. 

[bluescarfvivi]

A Taste of Christmas!

Merry Christmas @talifu! 

I’m you’re Secret MSA Santa for @msaholidayspirits! You wanted some fluffy, slice-of-life, wholesome goodness with the team? I got you covered! This is the first year I decided going with a fic! Change it up a bit and try something new! I hope you enjoy it, and have a fantastic holiday season!! 

Briiiing! Briiing!

Briiing! Briiing!

Briiing! Briiing! 

“Nggggh...just five more minutes...I gotta...take the potions...to the village elder…for exchange….exotic breads…” 

“Vivi!” 

Something warm and wet wiped across her cheeks instantly waking the bluenette up from her mumblings. “What!? What...I’m here. ‘M...here, I’m awake...” Somewhat. Her eyes held a stark heaviness, slowly blinking and shutting closed on occasion. “Wh...what’s so...you’re so loud...why..” 

“You slept through your alarm Vivi! Three times!”    

No answer.

“...you do understand what day it is, right?” 

“Mmmis jus’...another...day off for me…” Vivi tossed onto her other side snaking an arm around a very blue, very worn stuffed turtle plush. “M’fine…” 

Mystery sighed. Goodness this girl didn’t even realize why he provoked her. He jumped up on the bed, landing on top of the slow-breathing mound. Two paws massaged the sleeping creature beneath the sheets. “Vivi, it is Christmas. I believe you had plans with the others today involving-”

“HOLY SHIT, WAIT YOU’RE RIGHT!” Why didn’t it click?! It’s one of her favorite holidays! The sudden outburst sent the poor dog tumbling off the bed, but thankfully Mystery timed it so he landed on his feet. Vivi threw the covers off (poor Mystery couldn’t react in time when the sheets descended upon him) and ran to her closet. Most of her clothes lay haphazardly or shoved towards the sides in massive, dirty clumps. She saved a specific outfit just for today. After counting through several hangers, Vivi violently heaved the festive garment off its hanger. It looked as if Jolly Old Saint Nicholas literally used all his magic to make the most appropriately, most disgustingly festive, handknit outfit. Handknit too, and paired with bright dark green stockings. 

“What time is it? What time is it!?” There wasn’t any time to check the clock, nor anytime to waste dawdling in the bathroom. A quick splash of soapy water on her face, a healthy dab of deodorant under her arms, and she called it clean. Now to slip on the dang outfit. She flipped the Christmas dress over her head struggling to shove the material past her chest. One little wiggle after another and the rest fell into place. Two arms through each sleeve, a simple fix near the hem, a onceover in the full body mirror and she looked set to jingle some bells! 

“We still have plenty of time before your arrangement at the Kingsmens.” Mystery trotted in with a sheet in tow, and a Santa hat clutched in his mouth. “I doubt Arthur or Lance won’t you give you much trouble if you arrive just a few minutes late.” 

“I still have to put everyone’s gifts in my bag.” Vivi scurried out of the bathroom back to her bedroom. Over on her desk were neatly wrapped gifts, decorated in various colors and tied together with small bows. Each color seemed to represent a certain person, some were rather small while a few took an extra coating of wrapping paper. She did her best! That’s what she figured. “Come on Mystery. Help me find my purse. I thought I had it on my chair!” 

Mystery sighed. “Alright, just don’t get yourself too much in a tizzy.” It had to be somewhere in her room. He remembered seeing it draped on the back of her desk chair, but now it was covered in one of her bed blankets. He grabbed it with his mouth and pulled it off, with no sign of the item in question. Maybe it got lost in the sea of covers? He nosed into the pile, sticking his head further in until it swallowed him whole. A small lump moved around beneath the pile, and after a few moments his head poked out with a small, deep sea blue purse in his teeth. “Purse found!” 

“Good good good!” Vivi swiped it out, tucking it over her right arm, while her left arm held a brightly colored, green and white paper bag full of her presents. She looked like a modern day Santa Claus in her outfit minus the blue boots. “No more wasting time. We gotta get over there or else lunch will get cold!” Her room may be in a tattered mess, but that would be a problem for future Vivi. 

Her feet flew down the stairs taking two at a time, then jumped off right near the landing. A solid stance: give it an 8/10 since she did misstep. Her winter coat lay on the coat rack near the door, along with Mystery’s own doggie jacket and leash. She fixed up Mystery first, then pulled the jacket over her Christmas outfit. Everyone would get quite a festive surprise when she showed this off.

Double check everything. Purse. Gift. Outfit. Purse. Mystery. She couldn’t have forgotten Mystery of all people. Er well...scratch that one. “Let’s get going! I bet you Lance whipped up something yummy and delicious for us!” 

“Hopefully I won’t have the intoxicating scent of haggis clogging my nostrils.” Mystery mused. 

It wasn’t the best of days in Tempo. Cloudy and rather chilly. Even if the weather appeared gloomy, it couldn’t halt the joyous cheers and jolly greetings from the residents. Maybe the weather was holding out for something…

-----------

The local mechanic shop came into view. The bright, giant crowned wrench lit up just as usual decorated with garland. A little santa hat topped it all off. The windows were adorned with various strings of flashing colored lights, coupled with dripping icicle lights on the awning. Very festive and inviting. 

“Wow, the icicle drips are new! I couldn’t even grab one of those for the book shop!” Vivi commented while watching the light show. “Duet had to order a set online but they didn’t come until a few days later. Chloe and I managed to hang them up before the store opened.” 

“I’m sure all the little ones enjoyed the festive decorations you two put together.” Mystery nodded with a smile. 

Vivi chuckled. “Alright! It’s time to get our Christmas on!” The duo stepped underneath the awning, and Vivi reached out rapping her hand against the wooden door. No answer, not even muffled voices beyond the doorway. They said they could come by anytime around noon. The bluenette double checked pulling out her cell phone. 12:20PM. Late but not ‘fashionably late’ in her eyes. Another knock still didn’t get them anywhere. 

...until she heard a distance crashing sound. 

“What the…” Vivi moved toward the closest window plastering her face against the glass. She peered inside seeing nothing out of the ordinary. The usual storefront was all she took in, albeit it’d been darkened due to the shop closure for the day. She scanned around the rows of hardware, the front desk, and locked on the low light coming from a doorway. That’s the store entrance to their home, but no signs of anyone. “I can’t see anyone near the back but...you heard that too, right?”

Mystery trotted over standing up on his back two legs so he could take a look inside. “I did...however with this low visibility and the nature of the crash I can’t judge whether it’s something we should be concerned about..” 

“There is a side entrance. Let’s try knocking over there.” 

This wasn’t the usual entrance for customers. It’s like a side-alley back door, where the employees could hang out during their break or needed to take out the trash. Piles of scrap metal and rusty materials lay against the brick walls, creaking here and there in the light breeze. Vivi stepped up the two stone stairs and knocked on his steel frame. “Arthur! Lance! It’s me and Mystery!” There wasn’t a response at first so she tried banging a little harder. “Guys? Is anyone-” 

“VIVI!” 

The door swung open catching Vivi and Mystery by complete surprise. She fumbled down the stairs catching herself on top of the squashed dog. Right in the entrance stood a familiar blonde mechanic. The smile on his square face could brighten any cloudy day. The greens and reds adorned on his sweater complimented the bright red nose taped over his own nose. 

“Heeeeeey Vivi! Uh...sorry for scaring you there!” He offered her a helping hand. “I was about to catch you at the front, but then Lance told me he heard the knocks coming from the side.” 

“That’s okay Artie.” Vivi sighed adjusting the bottom hem of her Christmas dress. “I wasn’t sure whether I should have gone the usual way or try my chances around here.” 

“It’s noooo problem!” Arthur seemed very enthusiastic, and oddly cheery. Maybe it was the Christmas spirit...or he could be hiding whatever that faint trail of smoke billowing in the corner. Something seemed suspicious about that. 

“Well...in any case, we’re sorry for coming here late. I overslept...a bit, but we’re here for a good lunch!” 

“Yeeeeeah, so...about that.” Arthur chuckled nervously. 

“Artie!” The familiar, Scottish drawl of the mechanic shop owner brightened the bluenette’s smile. A shorter man sauntered from behind the taller blonde rubbing a handkerchief over his thick beard. Lance wore a matching sweater, just like Arthur, with a Santa reindeer-horned hat on top. “Why are you letting this lass stand out in the freezing cold!? Bring her in! Come on, Vivi! We’re just about ready to eat!” 

“Thank you Uncle Lance!” Vivi politely bowed, then skipped up the stairs past Arthur’s fumbling expression. 

“Uuuuh Lance, are you sure you...really want to…” 

“Ahhh don’tcha worry there, Artie. The fish may not have come out as perfect as planned, but that’s why we have a backup!” Lance laughed heartily.

“So that was the loud bang I heard, and why you looked in such a titz when you opened the back door.” Vivi commented adding a playful jab at his arm. It wasn’t a big deal or horrible outcome if something didn’t turn out right. Just take Vivi’s own cooking as an example! No one could ever trust what she brought to the table, and Vivi knew it very well. 

“Heh heh...sorry about that.” Arthur shyly smiled and scratched one one his stripped sidebangs. “We really did want to make something special for the holiday, and just for you as well, but…” 

Vivi stopped him with a gentle hand on his shoulder, accompanied with a small squeeze. “You don’t need to apologize for the flop. These things happen, and as long as I’m spending Christmas with my favorite people in the world I’m happy.” She smiled sweetly. 

Arthur returned the smile with a goofy, toothy grin of his own. “Right...thanks Vi.” With that all cleared up, the blonde seemed to spring back to life. He hopped in front of the doorway leading inside the mechanic’s living quarters. His posture mimicked that of a fancy, snobby butler: puffed out chest, arms tight against his sides, his nose stuck in the air, and his hair slicked back. It sure got the giggles out of Vivi. “Now, madame and monsieur, I do hope you have prepared yourself for quite the luncheon.” His rigid left arm extended towards the door, carefully opening it until it stopped creaking. “Do have yourself a wonderful time~” 

Vivi couldn’t stop giggling but played along with this silly act. She politely bowed to the ‘butler’ and curtsied her dress. “Oh thank you my good sir. How polite and...mannerly you are to such an exquisite lady such as myself.” Even Mystery played along bowing his head. The three joined in a fit of laughter before joining Lance’s round table. 

It was a fantastic lunch: a healthy spread of sandwiches, various flavors of chips, and drinks galore. Galaham and Mystery were treated with scrumptious delights. Vivi may have slipped a few pieces of salami, ham, and of course...roasted chicken into his bowl. Arthur’s little ham-ham was treated to yogurt bites. The tiny hamster munched them all down, and then some. At one point he crawled up Arthur’s pant leg begging and scritching his sweater for more sweet treats. He couldn’t resist those beady, black eyes! 

Jokes were thrown plenty around the table. Arthur stabbed two pickles on two separate forks and used those as tiny feet, while his giant head became the make-believe character’s body. Vivi snorted up a storm which resulted in spewing out fizzy soda through her nostrils. Absolutely gross, but hilarious nonetheless. After the clean up, Arthur brought out one of his prototype catapults. He played ‘fling the meat at the Mystery’ while Vivi offered to help Lance clean in the kitchen. All in all a successful afternoon at the Kingsmens! 

A few hours passed, and once everything was set back to normal Vivi and Arthur grabbed their stuff. It wasn’t too late in the afternoon, but their next destination was a bit of a longer distance. Arthur offered to take the van instead of walking there, and when Vivi stepped outside after soaking in the cozy warmth she immediately agreed. 

“I may be back late Lance, so don’t worry about leaving the back door unlocked.” Arthur patted the smaller man on the shoulder. “I got my keys so everything is fine.” 

“Aye, alrighty then.” Lance nodded, and slapped Arthur on the back. Not too hard but enough force for Arthur to cough once. “Just don’t forget to get yer bum back here in the morning. We got the New Year’s stock coming in and you know how it be like around here right after Christmas.” 

“Oh I know...I know very well.” Arthur shuddered. “Don’t worry, and I won’t go too crazy either.” He stepped outside the back door heading for the bright yellow van. Best to start up the old girl and get her warmed up. 

Vivi took one of Lance’s hands firmly shaking it, then politely bowed once again. “It was a pleasure getting to spend the afternoon with you. I enjoyed the food and the good company. So did Mystery.” The dog chimed in with a playful bark. “Thank you so much for inviting me over.” 

“Aaaaah you know we love having you around here.” Lance smiled warmly. “It warms my beating heart seeing you and Arthur so happy.” He jabbed her on the arm. “Now go and git! The Peppers are waiting for you!” 

Vivi excitedly nodded. “Merry Christmas Lance!” She waved as the two ran out towards the van. The passenger door swung open, letting Vivi easily slide into the seat and Mystery hop into her lap. “Alright Artie! TO PARADISIO!” 

“High ho Silver! Away we go!” 

The van took off across the damp ground, smoothly transitioning to the pavement. It seemed like the clouds drew thicker, and darker too. Did the weather call for snow today?

-----

“Feliz Navidad!” 

The joyous, festive greeting welcomed Arthur, Vivi, and Mystery upon their arrival at the local restaurant. The Peppers shut down for the day in observance, but for those lucky few who personally knew the family it meant the whole place for themselves. Garland adorned across the booth seats, white lights draped down from the ceiling, and on each table were candles of various reds and greens. 

Even the Peppers went all out for the occasion, including their outfits. Mr. and Mrs. Pepper dressed in identical red and white attire complete with matching hats. Were they trying to play off Santa Claus and Mrs.? They looked adorable, but the ones who really stole the show were the little sisters. Green and white striped socks, dark green jackets with a buckle laced over the front, red mittens, and pointed green hats with glued on pointed elf ears! 

“I see you two have quite the helpers on your hands.” Vivi giggled and leaned down admiring the girls’ outfits. Paprika gently pushed herself past Cayenne, who kept picking at a small hole in her left mitten. 

“Mama picksed it out four usssh.” Every time her tongue clicked against her front teeth or she made certain hard sounds, a hissing whistle accompanied. It looked like little Paprika just recently lost a tooth! “I helped pick out thhhhhe mittens…” 

“You did a great job helping out your mama.” Vivi smiled warmly. She patted Paprika on the head, careful not to let the hat fall off. Afterwards she stood back up looking around the empty restaurant. The majority of the Peppers were here to greet them, all except for one. “I thought we’d get to see all the family at the front door but….where’s-” 

“MAMA!” A familiar, baritone voice echoed from the other end of the restaurant. The sounds of running sneakers squeaked on the linoleum flooring, and from the “OUT” door bursted a recognizable, purple-haired boy. “Mama, I just took the pork out of the oven, but I think it may have overcooked!” 

Mrs. Pepper didn’t say a word, but the gleaned seen in her right eye said all. No one could get in her way. Her husband immediately stepped to the side allowing the woman her pathway towards the back kitchen. He followed her just a few feet behind. Lewis held the door open until they disappeared into the unknown. She knew what had to be done. No one else could bother her now. Which meant it was Lewis’ turn for his holiday greeting. 

“Vivi! Arthur!” The larger, broad shouldered member spared no time taking each of his friends in a tight hug. He always gave the best, most squishy hugs! Vivi giggled while attempting her own hug back, but Arthur succumbed to the vice grip letting him shake the mechanic around like a rag doll. They shared their laughs then Lewis broke off, making Arthur gasp for more air. “It’s great having you guys over here again. Sorry I couldn’t swing by your place, Artie.” 

“No..” He spat that out with a cough. “It’s...it’s all good, big guy. We had a...great lunch and I know...you always *COUGH* help out your folks here...”

“Veevee….veevee...veevee….” Belle snuck underneath Lewis’ legs and grabbed hold of a hand. “Come over and see what Santa left us!!” 

“Yeah yeah!!” Joining behind Vivi was the troublemaker of the girls, Cayenne. “Santa left a HUUUUGE haul of gifts this year! He must have known I’ve been extra good.” The smaller girl gently pushed Vivi, and with Belle tugging the bluenette towards the tree what could she do. No way out of this now. 

“Well I think the girls are going to kidnap me for a while. If you need me, I’ll be over in toyland.” 

“No worries Viv!” Lewis chuckled waving her off. It’s heartwarming, as their older brother, how much the little ones enjoyed Vivi’s company. She held this welcoming air, always inviting others into her conversations or going out of her way to make a total stranger smile. Bless her little beating heart. 

“...Hey big guy!” Arthur snapped his fingers in front of his face. “Helloooo, earth to Lewis? You still with me buddy or are you wandering off into space again?” 

“Oh!” It took him a few blinks before his mind wandered back to Earth. “My bad, I was just...surprised the girls could take Vivi before even I had a chance to say Merry Christmas.” 

“Well, you know it’s one of their favorite times of the year, including Vivi herself. Have you seen the outfit she planned? It’s like Christmas threw up all over her!” Not much of a complaint, but more of a blunt truth. Arthur loved her enthusiasm when it came to the holidays. 

Lewis chuckled heartily. “That’s Vivi for you though. When it involves something she loves, or spreading some happiness in this quiet town she goes all out.” He placed a hand on Arthur’s shoulder nudging his other arm playfully. “Come on, take your coat off and get warm. Papa made a special hot cocoa blend for today!” 

“Two editions, to be precise!” Mr. Pepper piped up from the kitchen window. “We concocted two special recipes combining the sweetness and rich flavor of chocolate and added a little fiery kick to the batch.” As if he were waiting for this moment, Mr. Pepper brought out two crock pots setting them right below the window. “The one on the left is a chili spiced hot chocolate and the right one is a cinnamon spiced chocolate mix. Add some of our homemade, fluffy marshmallows to the mix and it’s pure delight!” Mrs. Pepper took that cue to slip a small bowl of square-shaped marshmallows on the window counter. Perfect timing! 

“Hmmmm…” Arthur took a moment thinking it over and stroking his maroon goatee. Every time he tried something new here it either ended in his tongue bursting into flames or having a mellow, sweet filled experience. 50/50 shot. He’d bite the bullet. “I think I’ll take a stab at the cinnamon spiced one.” Again, right on cue, a Christmas cup skidded across the window counter. Mrs. Pepper nodded from behind, holding a large ladle on her shoulder then disappearing once again. No other comment from Arthur when he accepted the cup, then scooped about a half-cup worth. He picked a few marshmallows, letting them splash and soak up the hot, sweet liquid. A few ‘huffs’ across the surface and Arthur carefully sipped. 

“They’ve been working on these recipes this past month.” Lewis poked in taking some of the chili based hot cocoa. “My sisters and I were the taste testers. I couldn’t tell you how many batches they worked through until they came up with a finalized product. It’s not the ABSOLUTE final yet, but they need others’ opinions. Our taste buds have gotten used to the flavors by now.”

“Oh..*cough* of course…” Arthur smiled with a nervous chuckle. It’d been one sip but he could feel the kick right in his throat. Delicious yes, but a wake-up call as well. “It’s….*cough*, it’s really good...I’m not dying from it I swear, it’s...really really good with the spice…” 

Time must have passed quickly since their arrival. Mrs. Pepper returned to the front, with Mr. Pepper in tow, leading everyone to the back area of the restaurant. Right through the kitchen and pass the freezers, the Peppers prepared a section of their living quarters for dinner. Various side dishes spread across the table, trays of sliced meats (that pork did come out well) and of course, sweets of all kinds decked out on a table against the wall. That’s what Vivi looked forward to the most. 

The company was lively and boisterous. The Pepper sisters could never sit still in their seats, so they slipped underneath the table at times playing ‘tag’ with Mystery. He kept an eye on them just in case they wound up in any trouble, or plotted causing any too. Such mischievous little girls. Vivi scarfed down everything on her plate, then seconds, and thirds, with a little bit of fourths. Didn’t she already have a big lunch today? How could she be so hungry? 

It’s a mystery Lewis and Arthur never understood, nor did they bother figuring out. 

Arthur talked up a storm about the shop and his new blueprints for the coming year. A working, mechanical arm was his biggest project to date, but it didn’t sound like it’d be easy. Lewis didn’t talk much but laughed and smiled along with the conversations. He enjoyed the warm atmosphere, being around the people he called his family, and having his close friends to spend it with too. 

“Mama! Mama!” After the sweets were eaten and cleared (thanks to Vivi as well), the three little sisters ran into the backroom. Mystery came in tow with a snow covered snout. Paprika ran up to her mother climbing up and sitting in her lap. “Mama mama, itshh shhnowing outshide!”

Everyone scrambled outside. Arthur and Vivi threw their jackets on, Lewis put on a simple coat, and the sisters waltzed outside in their Christmas attire. Sure enough, flaky specks of snow dotted the now blackened night sky. The lights from downtown illuminated off the low hanging clouds making the entire town glow. Combine that with the spots of colored Christmas lights and it made everything look vibrant and colorful. 

“It’s so pretty….” Vivi stared into the sky, eyes lighting up with their own natural glow. “Snow on Christmas Day...who would’ve thought-” 

“INCOMING!!” The sentimental moment came to a screeching halt when a rogue snowball landed right in Vivi’s face. She heard Arthur snickering across the street, and three little squeaks too. So that’s how it would be, wouldn’t it? 

Vivi shook her head, much like a dog, getting rid of the cold, wet snow. “I see you have declared war upon us!” She tucked an arm around Lewis and scooped Mystery into her other arm. “Well, if that’s how it shall be then we will not back down from this battle! Lewis, start piling up snow! Mystery, stand guard and use your small body as a distraction.”

“R-Roger, Captain Vivi!” He broke away and scrambled to start squishing snow into smaller balls. Mystery wiggled free and playfully barked at the girls. Vivi, however, took a chance and scooped up snow in her arms. If they were about to head into battle they would need a solid foundation to keep themselves safe. 

“You’re going down Arthur!” 

Back and forth with the playful, sassy talk. Mr. and Mrs. Pepper watched from the safety of the opened back door. It looked like the snow would continue through the night. The wind and chill could freeze anyone to the bone, unless you were as fired up as these kids. 

Another successful Christmas spent together. What more could anyone here ask for, other than a warm fireplace once the snowballs ceased.

[aaudace]

art of loving on

pairing: sam wilson x ava rhodes

word count: 2.5k

notes: the fact that im super late on posting this says a lot about me, so lets just pretend that its still thanksgiving. okay so i know that the title is cliche and this might flop big time, but i wanted to do something a little different besides simply posting gifs. im a sucker for reading sappy one shots so I decided to make my own. this is part one of my holiday one shot series. enjoy!

If you were to ask Ava Rhodes how she felt about the holidays, more than likely she would give you a whole monologue on her hatred for it. 

    Call her a Scrooge, but her love for the holidays had faltered a year ago after she lost the one thing that was considered a gift to her. Losing the one thing that brought her peace was the last straw that broke her to pieces. Her patience for the holidays had changed dramatically. No longer had she been longing for the joyous laughter and loving smiles that the goodwill season brought along. 

    Instead with every waking moment, she dreaded it. 

    However, for at least the next few hours, she had to throw away her personal thoughts about jolly holiday and put on a facade. Her face no longer carried a cold hearted look, but instead her cheeks were burning red with joy and laughter. Although she hated herself for it, the Rhodes girl would volunteer herself to help at the Veterans Affairs Office that was a couple blocks from her apartment.

   Even though it pained her dearly to sit through hours of hearing individuals explain their gratitude and compassion for the season, a part of her felt like the peace that she lost was there with her when she volunteered. Before he died, her boyfriend Marcus would spend hours in the exact building that basically became a formulated routine of the two of them each holiday season. The one thing that Ava missed the most about him was his passion for helping others. Her heart sung with joy as she watched him go above and beyond for each individual that walked through the doors. He had a way with words that made people feel good about themselves. Whether you were the poorest individual or the richest, Marcus was willing to do whatever it took to bring the best out of you. At least that’s what he did for Ava.

   God, she missed him. 

    But she managed to put on a brave face as she stood in the same position that he did before. Her mind and hands had been tied up in many things. For the first hour of her time, she served food to individuals that came by the office. Usually within the first few minutes, the small building was packed from the outskirts. So this kept her mind busy. The few next hours, she spent entertaining the elderly veterans with card and board games. The first hour was pretty easy for her, but soon afterwards, she came to the realization that card games and grown men didn’t really mix as well as she thought. Bernard Chapman and Arthur Wilfred, two regulars at the VA did not really understand the concept of a friendly competition. One minute, she was showing one group how to play Connect Four, the next she found herself in the middle of a brawl that involved childish name calling and sailor swearing. This also kept her mind busy. 

   And now, with time being the thief that it was, she found herself in the banquet hall that once housed thousands of individuals that came from different walks, cleaning up the remainder of the trash that was left behind. Although the help that she once had offered to stay behind and help, she ushered them out of the door. She didn’t mind doing the clean up part. Out of everything, that was the easiest to her. In other words, it kept her mind busy. 

   As she cleaned off the tables, a sigh escaped from her lips. The silence that had once inhabited the quiet space had come to halt at the creaking sound of the doors being pushed open.

    She figured it has been one of the volunteers, Marge coming back to help her out with the clean up. Marge had been one of Marcus’ favorite volunteers to work with. Her sass was nothing compared to what he put up with at home with Ava, however, it was her golden heart that made her stand out. She was different from other volunteers. Marge had been working for the VA office for years after her husband passed away. For her, this place had been a sanctuary of peace. Just like for Ava. Marge had become family for Ava. She was the only person that knew her the way that Marcus had come to know her. Maybe that was the reason why Ava was able to remain stable throughout her time of volunteering. 

   “Marge, how many times do I have to tell you,” Ava yelled, placing her rag onto her shoulder. She didn’t bother looking up at the entrance way because she knew looking into the eyes of the shameless woman would only make it hard for her to say no to her. “You know, one of these days you are just gonna accept the fact that no means no.”

    The sound of footsteps echoed across the room as they began to move closer and closer towards Ava directions. “I swear, sometimes I wonder how Marcus dealt with you. You are worse than me. And sometimes I can’t even stand me....” 

    At this point, Ava turned from her duty to look up at the shadowy figure. Her green eyes widened as she realized that the body figure didn’t quite match up to the petite figure that Marge had. Instead, it was made up of bicep muscles that hid under a dark leather jacket. Her mouth opened to protest, but she couldn’t find the words. In fact, the only thing she could say was, “Uh, um—”

  “Just so you know, Marge was on her way back, I just managed to convince her to go home,” the man said. He moved a little closer, covering the large gap that stood in between them. “I swear, she reminds of someone that I know. Someone that’s kind of feisty, blunt, and can be a little sarcastic at times. Sometimes a little too much, but we are working on that.” 

   Ava rolled her eyes, “I think the key of life is getting your point across. And there’s nothing wrong with my sarcasm. Some people just don’t have a sense of humor.”

   “Or sometimes you can be a little too harsh and you aren’t willing to admit that.”

“If it makes you happy,” she scoffed. “I managed to put away my sarcasm and trade it in for joy and cheer for the day.” 

   “Atcha girl,” he laughed. “Look at you turning over a new leaf.” 

Ava smirked at him. She loved the idea that he was proud of her. It had been a while since she had felt like that before. “But, now that the day is over. I’m putting it back on and I am now returning to my normal sarcastic, feisty, blunt self. Ah, it’s good to be me again.”

   All the man could do is sigh and return a small chuckle as a response. Ava smiled back a little. “But besides my issues, what are you doing here, Sam? It’s the holidays, you are supposed to be spending time with family.”

   As she said this, she moved past him, focusing on the last of the table that she had to clean. The smell of fresh lemons brushed against her nostrils as she squirted the bottle of cleaning supply that had been resting in her waist apron. One thing that she loved the most about cleaning the VA office was the vast amount of cleaning products they stored. She really couldn’t her finger on why exactly she enjoyed them so much. She just did. 

    Maybe it was the idea that each of them held a fragrance that held a sentimental memory in her mind. Like the one that smelt like an island breeze reminded her of the time Marcus cleaned up after a man who accidentally spilled his carton of milk on the floor. It had been a slow holiday at the VA office that day. Although the man was generous enough to help Marcus clean up the mess, it was Marcus that had been too caught up with everything that he forgot to place the warning sign for the place that he mopped and managed to slip. That holiday, Ava spent the majority of the night cracking jokes as they occupied the waiting room of the hospital for Marcus’ broken back. The one that smelt like flowers reminded her of her first time volunteering at the VA office. She and Marcus had only been dating for a couple of months. As part of getting to know him better, he invited her to see what he considered his safe haven. When he wasn’t dealing with police business, he would spend his Saturdays, encouraging other veterans who had been down on their luck. Ava would later find out that his dad was the reason why the place even existed. New York only had a few VA offices, but there was nothing like the one that stood on the corner of Baldwin Avenue and 2nd Street. 

   The one that she loved the most was the one that smelt like lemons. That one was his favorite. 

   “I could ask you the same question, Ava.” Sam said. She didn’t bother to stop cleaning. “Mariah called and said you didn’t want to come over for Thanksgiving dinner. She said something about you being sick. But knowing you like the back of hand, I knew that wasn’t true.”

  Ava laughed a little. She had totally forgotten about the little white lie she had mentioned to her friend earlier. Mariah Riggs, her best friend, was known for doing the most of the holidays. In fact, she’s so much into it that she basically starts all of her planning in the summer. The summer for Christ’s sake. “Well, I was sick, but after a little while I started feeling a bit better. It’s no big deal, I’ll call Mariah tonight and tell her the truth.”

   “Which one?” asked Sam. “The truth about you not being sick or the truth of the real reason why you continue to hate the holidays.” At this, Ava stopped her motion and turned to look at him. “Ava, I understand your reasoning, but you can’t keep—”

  “Sam, can we please not get into this? I really don’t have the energy.” 

He sighed. “Ava, avoiding the topic will only make it worse. You can’t keep burying yourself in this hole of hurt.”

   “I am fine, okay,” she spoke, her tone turning a bit harsh. “I just don’t understand why everyone is so concerned. Why is it a crime that I hate this time of year?”

  “Because when Marcus was alive you enjoyed it.” Her heart sank. Even though it was unspoken for the two of them, Ava didn’t like it when other people brought up the issue of her dead boyfriend. Usually, her reaction was cold and she was ready to fight the first person in sight. However, Sam never really brought it up before so she really did not how to react. She opened her mouth to speak, but he continued. “Marge told me that once upon a time, you were in love with the holidays. Now all you do is make any excuse to get out of anything festive just so you could stay locked up in your apartment. I can’t even get you say one good thing about the holidays.”

   Her green eyes begin to water. She cursed at herself for even allowing herself to feel any type of vulnerability. He continued, “You don’t think when I signed up to be your boyfriend that I wouldn’t be prepared for these moments. Babe, you and I are a team. You have to let me in. You can’t keep shutting me out.”

   He had a point, but Ava really didn’t want to admit that. However, the tears that streamed down her face said something else. The pair had been together for a little over a few months. And even though they seemed compatible, the thought of them getting closer scared Ava. If she was being honest, she was terrified when her heart started developing feelings for him. She was terrified when he asked out on a date. And she had been feeling this way for a hot second, but ironically, she was terrified of even bringing it up. 

   The silence stood in between for a moment. Sam stood in front her, his heart beating out of his chest. The longer she stood in silent, the more nerve wracking it became from him. The few months of dating Ava had its moments of challenges. But it also had its rewards. Even though she was tough, she had her moments to where she brought out the good in him believe it or not. And that was something that wasn’t easy. But she did it. And as someone who cared and loved her, he was willing to do whatever it took to do the same for her.

   “I-I am scared that one day, I’ll wake up and you won’t be there for me.” Ava spoke, finally popping the bubble of silence. “I am scared that if I let my guard down, life will take away from me. Just like it did for Marcus. Sam, I want to let you in — I really do, but I am just tired of—” 

      Her words were cut off by the touch of his soft lips on herself. He placed his hands onto her waist, pulling her a little closer to him. Ava didn’t remember exactly when it happened, but sudden her hands were wrapped around his neck. Even though he was a couple inches taller she didn't have to stand on her toes, the heels of her boots did that job for her. 

   When he pulled away from her, he looked into her eyes and spoke, “Ava, it's gonna take a hell of a lot more than just life to keep me away from you. I am not going anywhere.” 

“You say that, but what if—”

 “I am not going anywhere, Ava.”

“Okay, but —”

“I could do this all day, Ava. I am not going anywhere.”

    She rolled her eyes. As she pulled away from him, she wiped her face from her tears. Maybe life did have a way of giving back. And even though, life had gave her shit for her whole entire existence, maybe in some universal designed fate, life was giving her the gift of love again. And his name was Sam Wilson. 

  “Well, if that's the case then just know that since you are linking me to you forever, that doesn't mean I’ll go easy on you, Wilson.” she said. He shook his head and laughed. Maybe he was right? Letting him in couldn’t be such a bad idea. “I am known to be pretty grouchy in the mornings when I don’t have my coffee.”

  “Noted. That's why I stack up extra coffee beans back at my place.” he laughed. “I love you.” 

    She kissed his cheek. “I love you more.” He smiled at her. Before she could say anything, he walked over a table just across from them. She didn’t realize it earlier, but he had a big brown bag that he propped on the table.

    He placed the bag on the table that she finished cleaning. “So since you really didn’t get a chance to properly celebrate Thanksgivings, I figured I would bring a piece of it to you.” he said. He pulled out two plastic containers along with utensils. “Marge told me you like pumpkin pie, so I managed to get the last two pieces from that diner up the street.”

    She laughed. From that moment, she made a mental note to take the time out to thank Marge for the many facts that she managed to learn about her. “Marge knows me well.”

   “Happy Thanksgiving, Ava. Here’s to many more holidays together.”

    “Cheers to that.”

[louadorable126]

Cherry Blossom falls on a day dreaming devil - Cyberpunk AU: Part 2

                >>Soon to be its own spin off fan fic!<<

Click here to read over on Ao3!

Hello there! >U.U<7

So finally back to publish the second part of my Cyberpunk AU story! 

I’ve really had lot of fun writing in this universe, so I’ve decided to spin this off into its own fan fic! So when I get around to publishing Chapter 3, I will most defiantly bundle in these first two chapters, so people can catch up! :D

So please do keep an eye out for that! It would be much appreciated!

Moving on, I am happy to say there is quite a bit of Vergil content in this chapter! (Yay!) And I do hope to have him feature much more prominently from here on out! 

I’ll also be including a sample in the bottom of this post again. So please enjoy that!

Anyway, I won’t keep you any longer! Please enjoy!

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Summary:

Cyberpunk AU - In a city controlled by the generally altered race of Demons, Lady's life as a mercenary on the lower floor was never easy. Especially when she ran into Dante. A demon on the hunt for his missing brother.

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Important information!

Fandom: Devil May Cry

Rating: Mature

Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence

Realtionships: Dante x Lady, Vergil x Lady

Characters: Lady (Devil May Cry), Dante (Devil May Cry), Vergil (Devil May Cry) Morrison (Devil May Cry), Nell Goldstien (Devil May Cry) Eva (Devil May Cry), Sprada (He’s mentioned bless him), Mundus (Also Mentioned)

Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Cyberpunk, Genetic Engineering, Sci-fi Fantasy, Strip Clubs and Strippers, Dystopia, Seizures, Flirting, Eva and Sprada are alive! :D

—————————————————————————

“Boys~ Breakfast is ready!”

The smoky musk of cooked bacon was potent throughout the house that morning, as Dante rushed down the manor’s grand stairwell. He was half dressed, only barely managing to get a plain white shirt over his head, before he sleepily stumbled into the kitchen. His guardian was never too pleased when he arrived shirtless at breakfast.

“Mornin’ Eva.” Dante yawned tiredly, standing hunched over in the kitchen door frame. His vision was blurry with fatigue, as he gazed over at the charming woman, happily cooking on an old fashioned stove across the room.

Upon hearing his voice, she spun around to face him with a flourish of her dress. “Ah! There you are Dante!” She beamed brightly.

Eva Redgrave was certainly a beautiful woman for her age. With her blond hair tied back into a loose ponytail; her deceivingly youthful face was on full display in the gentle, sunlight pouring in through the kitchen window. 

She wore a surprisingly formal dress, almost as though she had gone to a ball the previous night and was still wearing her tight fitted, delicately embroiled, golden dress. The collar being mainly composed of a see-through, skin coloured material - that made it look as though golden vines grew up around her neck. It was extremely impractical, but his old man never once questioned his Nanny’s choice of everyday clothing. Even if Dante suspected it was just a side effect of going mad from being trapped in this house all these years.

Her gentle emerald gaze slipped past Dante for a moment - gazing beyond the kitchen door anxiously, despite the bright smile on her crimson lips.

This minor eye movement didn’t go unnoticed however, as Dante started back at her with an equally fabricated smile. She’s worrying about him again. Crap!

Dante wasn’t exactly the most punctual of people. A fact that was well known throughout his family, and may as well be a law of nature at this point. He would always arrive late to anything remotely timed. Having barely a care in the world as onlookers would on in annoyance. It was part of his mystique, and he was proud of it. 

His brother, on the other hand, was the complete polar opposite. He was never late to even the most informal of meetings. In fact, he would most often be the one scolding Dante for his slacker antics.

So for him to either turn up late, or even miss breakfast entirely for four days straight - certainly hinted that something was amiss with Vergil. A fact, that while concerning for Dante, had practically sent Eva into a spiralling anxiety.

He could clearly see how Eva’s hands were tightly clenched together. Her knuckles grew more white by the second, as she took more subtle glances behind Dante. Waiting impatiently for his brother to appear. So much so, she had completely forgotten about the steaming pan next to her - that looked as though it were about to catch on fire.

“Hey, uh- are you watching that pan?” Dante quickly pointed out. Gesturing to the pan with an awkward glance.

“Ah!” Almost imminently his nanny spun around and quickly turned off the stove. Hurriedly putting on a pair of floral oven gloves, that were hanging off the oven’s rail and swiftly moving the overheating pan onto a cooling mat beside her. “Phew! That was a close call! Thanks for reminding me!”

“Hey! No worries, Eva! Hopefully breakfast is still in one piece!” Dante chuckled heartily.

“Oh, I should think it is!” Eva reassured, waving away the cloud of smoke fuming up from the pan, and taking a quick peek inside. “In fact, I think it looks far better for it! The bacon seems remarkably crispy!” 

The blond woman grabbed a wooden spatula from a nearby pot of utensils, and poked the pan’s contents curiously. "I might have to do this more often...”

“What? Almost setting the house on fire? Don’t think dad will be too pleased!” Dante joked cheekily, as he walked over to his old fashioned, wooden seat and sat down.

“You cheeky boy!” Eva smirked over her shoulder at him. Putting down her spatula on the kitchen counter’s sleek, marble surface. “You know your father could have this place rebuilt in a matter of days if he wanted it too!”

“Heh, you're not wrong about that!” 

And she wasn’t. 

Despite the rustic, old fashioned appearance of the Manor House. All it really was, was a collection trillions of nanobots arranged in the image of a grand home. Nothing Dante touched - be it the tiled floor he walked barefoot on, the wooden table he was currently resting his arms on, or the ornately carved ceiling above him - was actually real.

It was a common technology used throughout the upper floor. Allowing for architectural wonders to be created, that by no means should be able to exist. It certainly showed off their technological prowess to all their neighbouring cities. But while the clean cut, clinical, futuristic style was most commonly used by any sane demonic architect. His dad was….far more flamboyant. Insisting that his house be styled off an old-fashioned Georgian manor house, surrounded by fine countryside for as far as the eye could see. 

Well…as far as the holo-deck's dome allowed anyway!

A few moments later, a plate of food - what looked to be a full English breakfast - appeared in Dante’s field of peripheral vision. Surprised, he quickly glanced up to find Eva smiling back at him, as she put down a pair of silverware beside him. When she turned back to the kitchen counter to load up a second plate of food. 

The demon picked up his knife and fork, and began to inhale the meal with ravenous glee. Tearing into the crispy strips of bacon and ripping them to shreds in a matter of seconds, before letting out a joyous sound of glee at its delicious taste.

“Dante?” His nanny asked all of a sudden. Carefully placing down the second plate of breakfast next to Dante; before sitting down heavily on the wooden chair across from him, with a loud creak.

“Yeah Eva?” He responded in a muffled voice. His mouth stuffed full of small mushrooms as he looked up at her.

“Do you think Vergil’s going to come downstairs soon?” Eva asked nervously. Once again gazing out of the kitchen door with an anxious expression on her face.

Dante gulped down the remainder of his food and he slowly lowered his knife and fork. He knew he had to say something. Anything that could at least act as a gentle reassurance for her. Even if Dante himself couldn’t guarantee brother was actually going to show up at all.

“He’s...probably just fixing up his hair. You know how Verge is about those kinds of things!” Dante slicked back his hair in a mocking fashion, before shrugging. “He’s a princess! Can’t leave the bathroom unless everything about him is perfect!”

“I can hear you, brother.” Snapped a familiar, nasally voice. Accompanied by the sound of the garden door slamming shut behind him. 

The pair quickly turned their heads at the sound. Finding Vergil standing there, the stark opposite in appearance to how his hot-headed brother had just lovingly jokes. To the point it made Dante’s hardened stomach feel grossly uneasy at the sight of him.

He looked…exhausted. As though he had been running around all night without a wink of sleep. His deep blue eyes were bloodshot with fatigue; framed by heavy bags of skin drooping underneath.

His usually pristine hair was a disheveled mess. Only barely managing to maintain its stubbornly slicked back form, as his stray, silvery locks dropped dead with exhaustion around their master's face. A face that clearly had remained unshaven for the past few days, if the stubble peaking up around his hard jawline were anything to go by.

Jesus christ Verge! Where the hell have you been?! Dante shouted loudly in his head. Opening up his mouth to let out a silent scream of shock at the state of his brother.

“Ah….Good morning Vergil!” Eva exclaimed in a jolly, yet uncertain tone, as she got up from her chair and strolled over to him. It seemed as though he was struggling to keep his balance, leaning ever so slightly against the stone doorframe. Not seeming all that there, as Eva reached up to touch  his cheek. Her fingertips barely making contact with his freezing skin. “Are you alright dear? You look far too pale-“

“It's none of your concern, Eva!” He growled angrily, as he grabbed a hold of her delicate wrist and ripped it away from his face.

It only took him a second of contemplation, in the awkward silence that followed the shocking incident, to suddenly comprehend what he had just done. A horrified expression shooting up his face, as he quickly averted his blurry gaze towards the tiled ground; bowing his head shamefully before the blond woman. His voice painfully soft as he spoke; "I’m…..doing just fine.”

He hesitantly stumbled past Eva, towards his assigned chair. Taking a quick glance at Dante’s half eaten plate with a solemn gaze. “I see you've made breakfast. I’m sorry I couldn’t make it back sooner"

“Oh, don’t worry about it!” Eva reassured softly. Waving away his concerns with her hand. "I’ve only just served it up, so it should still be warm."

Vergil slumped down onto his chair, and ran a hand through his hair tiredly. After a moment of hesitation, he delicately picked up his fork and took an uneasy bite out of a slice of bacon. Dante could have sworn his twin was about to throw up, as he painstakingly gulped down his food, with an uncomfortable shiver. His face twisting in vile rejection of the substance entering his digestive system.

He can’t keep that up for long with Eva around. She’s going to expect him to eat the whole thing. Dante quickly glanced up at his Nanny ideally twiddling her thumbs, as she patiently observed his twin eat from behind.  I’ve got to get her to leave somehow.

“Hey Eva, can you leave us for a bit? Kinda wanna to discuss super secret military business with Verge!” Dante asked nonchalantly. Keeping a close eye on his ill-looking brother, as he struggled to down yet another bite of bacon.

“Sure! The laundry should be done about now.” Eva nodded in agreement, strolling over to the kitchen door. "Enjoy your meal boys! I’ll be back soon!”

When the pair couldn’t hear the sound of her heels anymore, the brothers let out a collective sigh of relief. Vergil imminently put down his cutlery, and rubbed his aching temples with his thumbs. "Thank you, Dante. I wasn’t particularly in the mood for eating right now-“

“What the hell have you been up too!?” Dante snapped accusingly. Slamming his hand down onto the table. “You’ve been worrying Eva sick these past few days!”

Vergil was visibly taken aback by his brother's sudden outburst, a look of panic - with the slightest hint of guilt - sneaking onto his face for just a moment, until his usual stoic demeanor could take over again. His stern eyes now sent a cold glare towards Dante, defying any hint of emotion that he might have shown moments before.“Did no one inform you? I’ve been put on double shifts for assignments until father gets back from Vigrid.”

A lie. Even at the time, Dante had thought it odd his twin had been given assignments without him. Their father had forced his hand a long time ago, to allow for the pair to always be assigned to missions together. 

Sure, there had been times when they had been on separate missions. But that was normally because one of them was severely injured (Dante still swore it wasn’t his fault Vergil had fallen off that building. It...was just that the wind was far too strong that day!) and required a couple of days off to recuperate.

It was only later, when he had been asking around dispatch, that he learnt that no missions had been posted for either of them. That Vergil had been making the whole thing up to hide what he had truly been up too. Why hadn’t he noticed sooner?

Yet, despite this foresight, Dante found himself blurting out a familiar set of lines without thinking. His eyebrows raised in suspicion; “Seems kinda strange that I wasn’t invited along for the party! You sure they didn’t want me too?"

“They….wanted someone with...negotiation skills. Somebody who could speak subtly with culture and nuance. Something I know you particularly struggle with, brother.” Vergil stated bluntly. A tired smirk playing on his lips.

“You wound me, bro!” Dante cried dramatically, clutching his chest with a childish pout. “Come on! You know the babes love me down there!”

Vergil ignored his younger twin’s ramblings, and shook his head with a sigh. “They didn’t want you, ok? Can we just leave it at that?”

“Sure! But seriously Verge, you’ve got to take better care of yourself. You’re a complete mess right now!” Dante gestured to all of Vergil’s unkempt being with his hand. A concerned look uncharacteristically etched into his boyish features. "I’ve never seen you look so- well….scruffy! It's just so unlike you!”

Vergil looked incredibly self-conscious - as though he had only just become blatantly aware of the severity of his appearance. Without hesitating, he slicked back his messy locks with one hand. Trying to preserve what little of his dignity remained, as his ghostly pale cheeks flushed red with embarrassment. Awkwardly adjusting the embroidered cufflinks of his rich blue, velvet coat; as he spoke in a breathy voice, ladened with hidden stress beneath its surface: 

“I….I will, Dante. Just please give me a little more time-“

A cheerful knock at the kitchen door cut him off. Startled, the twins quickly turned face the door. Seeing the pale shadow of their matriarch peeking out behind it.

“The washing’s done!” Eva’s gentle voice chirped from outside the room. “Am I allowed to come back in boys?"

“Yeah we’re good now, Eva! You can come back in!” Dante called out.

A second or so later, their Nanny walked into the room holding a basket of washing under her arm; her golden ponytail flowing behind her. The clicking of her high heels swiftly came to a sudden stop however, when she caught sight of the boys untouched plates. She raised her eyebrow curiously.

“Have you been forgetting your food over all that military talk? You know life isn't just about fighting, boys! Even if your father certainly makes it seem that way these days."

Crap! I completely forgot about the food! Dante almost wanted to mentally slap himself for his stupidity - and given the searing glance Vergil gave him, he certainly wanted to do the same. As the pair awkwardly looked down at their now less-than-steaming plates. Neither not really knowing what to do.

Dante began to rub the back of his neck sheepishly, as he blindly stumbled around his mind for a suitable cover answer. “Ah yeah…sorry about that-“

“I’m done with eating, Eva. I’m afraid my appetite isn’t exactly all that there today.” Vergil admitted honestly. Pushing his plate across the wooden table towards her.

Wordlessly, Eva slid her hand beneath its ceramic surface and lifted it from the table ever so slightly - looking as though she was going to simply head straight for the kitchen bin, and cast away the plate's delicious contents into its murky deaths. But when the plate simply hovered in the air, Eva gently placed a soothing hand onto Vergil’s broad shoulder. The elder twin let out a startled sound, and quickly tilted his head up to look at her.

“You know, that’s exactly what your father used to say to me.” Eva chuckled lovingly. A dreamy look in her gentle eyes, as she gazed down at the young man. Reminiscence of a distant past playing on her lips. “He'd often forget his food because he was talking so much back then.”

All of a sudden, Vergil’s muscles grew stiff beneath Eva’s fingertips. A strange look of horrifying realisation crossing his features, as though he had just solved some grand conspiracy theory - or at least gained a cursed insight into one, with how unsettled he appeared. His deep blue eyes wide in disbelief, as his pinkish lips trembled with temptation. A forbidden question itching to leave his mouth.

Without saying a word, he bluntly rose from his chair; causing Eva’s hand to slip pitifully from his shoulder. His face was clouded in shadow, as he practically ran out of the room and into the hallway.

“Hey Verge! Where the hell are you going?” Dante yelled, throwing his hands down onto the table and quickly rising from his chair, perusing his irrational twin. Rushing past the elegant nanny, who stood there in stunned silence, her fallen hand barely reaching out after the elder twin but soon retreating back to her side. An expression of hurt marring her beautiful features, as she shook her head mutely in defeat.

Dante practically threw himself out into the grand hallway. His right shoulder colliding with the kitchen door painfully as he did so, causing a hiss of pain to escape his mouth. But he didn’t stop moving. He simply couldn’t. Vergil was never this irrational. Never this secretive. Something was horribly wrong, and every inch of Dante’s identical body screamed at him to do something about it. Even if that meant forcibly tackling his unstable twin to the ground, and forcing him to spill the beans before he tried something stupid!

“Vergil get back here!” Dante cried out, desperately trying to gain ground on his brother as the pair ran down the insanely long corridor. At least if felt that way to Dante. Every step his twin took, it felt as though he needed to take six more to catch up with him.

Yet, the younger twin’s pleas did nothing to slow his brother’s pace, as his long blue trench coat fluttered elegantly behind his fleeing form. Finally managing to reach the mansion’s ancient front door only to find it locked.

Now’s my chance! Dante thought determinedly, as a wild, fang-like grin appeared on his face. Watching his elder brother flounder with the out of place steel keypad beside the front door. Frantically tapping its buttons, with the occasional worried glanced over his shoulder; as Dante closed in on his helpless prey.

Yet, just as Dante got within touching distance of his brother’s azure coat. Vergil spun around with an inhuman efficiency, and kneed his little brother hard in the crotch.

“Aw, fuck!” Dante whimpered. His eyes rolling into the back of his head from the sheer pain emanating from his nether regions, as he crashed dramatically to the ground. Curling up into a tight ball as he withered in pain. All his previous bloodlust lost, as any remaining energy he had left drained from his body.

Dante weakly lifted his head. His vision hazy from the pain and hair falling in front of his face, as he saw his brother’s silhouette standing over him. The bright artificial sunlight emanating out from behind him giving him a ghostly, almost angelic appearance. In a way that almost made Dante question whether he ever truly existed. As stupid as that thought was.

“I’ll see you again soon….little brother” Vergil uttered ominously. Before he started to walk away into nothingness. The room now has a white box. Growing unbearably brighter and brighter with every second that passed.

“Vergil….you’ve gotta come back. Please!” Dante wheezed weakly, as he shakily reached into the plain white nothingness that now lay before him. His every cry growing quiet and quieter in comparison to the void’s high pitch buzzing. The sound of a heartbeat banging erratically in his ears like an overworked war drum.

All of a sudden, the louder clatter of pots and pans crashing to the ground smashed through the nightmarish illusion; it's sound far too crisp and real compared to the floatiness unreality of the world around Dante. Soon accompanied by a familiar feminine voice yelling-

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Click here to read more over on Ao3!

[fantasiesandbooks]

Tenerife Sea ix

I don’t own any of the photos.

Prologue Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 Part 11  Part 12 Part 13 Part 14 Part 15

 Soundtrack

 It was Friday and you were excited for it. Finally you could have some rest from all the tiring week you have had due to some projects you had to finished at work. Your plan for the rest of the day was staying at home and eat a lot of junk food while watching Netflix. You were waiting for the clock to announce the end of the day at work when your phone lighted up and the screen showed Chanyeol’s name.

“Hi Yeol! What’s up?” You said, scribbling at your notebook just to entertain yourself.

“Hi y/n! Are you busy?” He asked.

“Nope. I’m just waiting to get out of work which is in about 3 minutes” you chuckled.

“Oh! And do you have any plans after that?” He said quizzically.

“Not really. I was planning to head home and stay the rest of the night watching movies. Why?” you said nonchalantly.

“I was wondering if you could help me with something. I’m planning on giving little presents to the fans that are attending my birthday party on Tuesday but I don’t know yet what would be good.” He explained.

“Well it has to be something that both men and women can have, right?” You asked thoughtfully.

“Yes. Usually most of them are girls but I want something more “neutral” in case there would be boys too” Chanyeol said.

“Mmm... you could give them scarfs or gloves. They could be useful as the winter is approaching” you suggested although you were not 100% sure about it but that was the first idea that came up to your mind.

“Yeah! That could be an option” he said hesitantly.

“You didn’t like the idea. I can tell by the way you said it” you sneered and he laughed.

“To be honest not much” he admitted shyly. “The thing is I was thinking on giving something handmade. You know like a bracelet or something like that”.

“Oh! That could be good too.” You agreed. “But how many do you have to make?”.

“Around 100” he said, concern clearly on his voice. “And I need to have them done by Monday so that’s why I’m desperate and calling you. To see if your kind soul could help me with that”.

“Yeol! Why did you wait until now to make them?” You scolded him.

“I know but I was so busy getting the venue for the event and other stuff and now the group has practice everyday” he explained miserably.

You released a heavy sigh. You really were hoping to get cozy and take a good nap once you have gotten home but after hearing him in despair you knew Chanyeol was having a really hard time thinking about this situation. Meanwhile you gathered your things and walked out of the office. The noice from the streets were starting to get louder as you approached the avenue.

“Fine! I’ll help you. When are we going to make them?” You asked defeated.

“Thank you thank you thank you” he said relieved. “I’m free today so I can pick you up right now. We will go and get the material for the bracelets and we can go to your place to make them there” he suggested.

“Ok. I’ll wait for you at the bus stop near my workplace. I’m sending you my location” you said as you were typing fast and sending the information to Chanyeol’s phone.

“Got it. See you in 15 minutes” he said.

“Ok, bye.” You said and hung up.

While sitting on the bus stop you were looking at your surroundings. A lot of people walking around as most of them were getting out from work and others were already packing the bars and restaurants near. A van parked in front of you and you recognized it it immediately. It was Chanyeol’s. You took your belongings, walked to the vehicle and opened the door.

“Hey!” He said when you entered and closed the door.

You turned to look at him and greeted him back. “Hi!” You said as your were putting your stuff on the back seat.

“So where are we going?” You asked.

“I found a store where we can find the material. It’s at the new mall.” He said, his eyes focused on the road.

“Very well then” you said and turned to look at the window.

“How was your day?” He asked.

“Tiring. I had to finish several projects and I have some unfinished too. You know as the holiday season is around the corner everyone is getting frantic about it” you explained.

“How about yours?” You asked and turned to look at him.

“Same but for other reasons. You know our comeback is on Wednesday and we have to prepare for the live shows so we are practicing like crazy” he said with tiredness on his voice.

“Oh yeah! I can’t wait for it. I’ve seen the teasers and it looks good” you said. “So who am I talking to now. Is it the real Chanyeol or the fake one?” You joked and he snorted.

“You are going to come at us with it too?” He asked rhetorically.

“Sorry. It just that it’s very funny all the things your fans do regarding that topic. Like memes and such” you said amusingly.

“I haven’t seen much but I can imagine.” He said and shook his head slightly.

“Hey! Didn’t you take a class every Friday at this hour?” Chanyeol asked curiously and turned to look at you briefly. “Not every Friday, only when Jackson and I can go but he’s overseas now because he has to attend to a fashion show on Sunday and I feel so tired for it” you said. 

“I see....” Chanyeol said.  With Jackson being away Chanyeol saw that as his window to get to spend more time with you.  Maybe if he takes too long in coming back I could speak with y/n about my feelings for her. He thought to himself.

“When does he come back?” He asked and you gave him a quizzical look.

“On Monday” you simply said and just as fast as his hope had risen it fell. He didn’t feel today was a good day for talking about it and the next days he would be busy with rehearsals, his fan event and the comeback promotion.

“Oh...” was all he said.

“So what about you and Sojin, did you two make up already?” You asked. It wasn’t something you wanted to talked about but you thought you needed to show a little bit of interest in that part of Chanyeol’s life as he was doing it with yours and Jackson.

“Yeah. I saw her yesterday at the studio and she apologized” he said calmly. It was true what he said. The two of them talked briefly yesterday and Sojin had told him she was out of line at the dinner. Chanyeol on the other hand, not feeling the rage he was feeling the night before, forgave her. Nevertheless that couldn’t make up the fact that he wasn’t happy with her so he decided that after the comeback promotion he would talked to her and end things up.

“Cool” you said trying to sound as if that didn’t affect you. You yawned and closed your eyes for a moment.

“Don’t tell me you’re sleepy already. It’s 7:00 pm” Chanyeol whined.

“Don’t bother me. I could use a nap right now” you said tiredly.

“You can’t sleep now grandma, we have things to do.” He complained jokingly.

“Hey!” You smacked his arm playfully. “I’m not the one who’s turning 27 next week” you

pointed out.

“There’s no much left for your birthday either.” He huffed.

“There’s still a month left for that” you said smugly.

“By the way, the boys and I are throwing a party for the album’s releasing and my birthday next Friday. You should come.” He said nonchalantly hoping you would say yes.

“Sure! I’ll be there after work” you said cheerfully “Can Jackson come with me?”.

Chanyeol kept quiet for a moment. Hell no! He thought annoyed.

“Yeah...” he said hesitantly and cleared his throat “I don’t see a problem with that” he said trying to sound more secure.

“Cool, thanks Yeol.” You said and smiled at him.

“We are here” he announced as the van was entering the parking lot.

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You two got out of the car and started heading towards the stores.  You were looking excitedly at the Christmas decorations. This was your favorite time of the year and you were always looking forward to decorating your house and the Christmas tree. Chanyeol, next to you, was looking at you amused. He had always said you were like an excited kid during that time. Wanting to buy everything related to Christmas that you could find and finding joy in the simplest thing as wrapping presents. He hadn’t gone to your home in the last week but he’d supposed that it was already in the process of becoming winterland.  Although he liked the holidays too he wasn’t as jolly as you, maybe it was because during the last years he and boys had to work during that time and they couldn’t quite feel the holiday spirit. You would tell him every year how badly you missed spending the holidays with your family at home and he and boys would always visit you on Christmas Day or Christmas Eve depending on their schedule. You couldn’t believe most of the people here have to work all the day during that time as in your country in most of the jobs they would go only half time or skip the day. You felt joyous yeah but at the same time a little bit sad and nostalgic. 

“Y/n” Chanyeol called you and distracted you from your train of thoughts. You turned to look at him.

“There’s the store” he said and grabbed your arm to guide you to it. Once on the store you two grabbed all the things that you needed to make the bracelets. It was kind of easy since you picked all the beads and charms for the girls and he did the same for the boys. After that you two were walking between the stores and something caught your attention. 

“Yeol, I want to see something here. You want to come with me or you wait outside?. It’s only going to take me a minute.” You said, pointing at the jewelry shop.

“I’ll go” he said and walked behind you.

The inside of the store was pretty and in it there were a couple of people looking around and the store sellers. Chanyeol stood next to the counter, also looking around in case he could see something for his sister and mom.

“Good evening miss. Can I help you?” A cheerful lady told you.

“Good night. I was wondering if you have the new Disney charms.” You said politely. “Ah yes! They’re this way” the lady said and motioned you to follow her.

“I’ll be right back.” You said at Chanyeol and he nodded at you. He was so focused on looking at the bracelets and rings that he got startled when an old lady on the other side of the counter appeared in front him.

“Good evening young man! How can I help you?” The old lady said friendly.

“Good evening” Chanyeol said kindly. “I’m looking for a present”.

“Oh! Is it for your girlfriend?”. She asked and gestured at you.

“Oh no, she’s not my… girlfriend. She is my friend” he said a little bit uncomfortable.

“I apologized.” The woman said quickly.

“It’s ok.” Chanyeol said nonchalantly.

“She’s very beautiful and she seems lovely too” the old lady pointed out. Chanyeol turned to look at you. You were so focus at what the other lady was telling you when a side smile crept up in Chanyeol’s lips “Yes... she is” he trailed off and she gave him a knowing smile at him. Chanyeol blushed at the look the lady had given him as if he had been caught.

“So who’s the present for?” The lady asked.

“It’s for my mom and sister” he said. Turning to look at the counter again.

“I see, Do you have anything in mind? Would you like to give them bracelets, necklaces, earrings maybe?” She asked curiously.

“Can you show me the earrings and bracelets please?” He asked.

“Of course! Be right back...” she said and walked to the other side of the counter. You approached Chanyeol excitedly and opened the little box with your bracelet in it.

“Yeol look. It’s so pretty” you said excitedly as you were waving the little box. He laughed at how child-like you could be sometimes.

“I couldn’t buy all of the charms that I wanted because the ran out of them” you pouted.

“But the lady told me they would arrived sometime between the next week or the one after that so I’m totally coming back for them”.

“What are the charms that you want?” Chanyeol asked you.

“The ones from the Harry Potter’s and Frozen’s collections” you said.

He shook his head at you “ You’re like a kid sometimes”.

You glared at him “says the man who has a Zootopia blanket on his bed”.

He raised up his hands as a way of surrender “ok ok. We are both like kids” You nodded. “What were you doing? Are you going to buy something?”

“Yes, a present for mom and Yoora” he said.  In that moment the old lady came back with the jewelry and smiled at you.

“Good evening!” You said and smiled at the woman.

“Good evening, young lady” she said politely.

“Here they are boy. Take your time looking at them and I’ll come back after” she said and left you two alone to speak to other customers. Chanyeol and you leaned over the counter to get a better look at them.

“Uh they’re all so pretty” you said quietly.

“Oh! this would be perfect for Yoora” you said pointing at a gold bracelet that had a charm

with a boy and girl together engraved on it. He nodded enthusiastically since it represented the unity he had with his sister.

“Now for your mom I’ll say you should go with the earrings that have yellow stones” you suggested.

“I liked those but I also liked these 2 for her” he said pointing at them “I’m doubtful about which ones I should choose”.

Out of a sudden your eyes got wide open as you remembered something. “Oh god! I totally had forgotten about this other thing I need to buy” you facepalmed yourself. “What is it?” He said quizzically.

“A... set of pajamas” you answered. “Can you catch up with me at the lingerie department?. Otherwise it would be closed by the time we got out of here.”

“Sure, I’ll see you there.” He said and you turned to headed out of the store. After 10 minutes he choosed the jewelry and the seller came back.

“So that are the ones you are buying?” The old lady said.

“Yes” he said pleased with his choice.

“A very good choice boy. Let we wrapped them up for you” she said happily. 

“Thank you!” He said and smiled at her.

While she was doing so Chanyeol noticed the old lady was wearing a beautiful ring with a deep blue diamond in it- It already looked old but still in good conditions. It had a beautiful engraved around it and in the middle of it was the big blue stone- and his mind went straight to you. He thought maybe he could give you a bracelet or earrings with the same stone for your birthday.

“That’s a beautiful ring Mrs. May I ask where did you buy it?” He said politely and the lady smiled.

“Thank you. It was a wedding gift from my husband” she admitted.

“Oh...” Chanyeol said. “But do you happen to have something with the same diamond here? You see my friend really loves blue color and her birthday is coming. I thought about it now and It would be a nice present, wouldn’t it?“

“Of course but you see blue diamonds are very rare and hard to find. At the moment we don’t have any piece of jewelry with this kind of stone but I’ll tell you what, we have a design class in which you can make any piece of jewelry. I could order the beads and you could make the bracelet. What do you think about it?”. She asked. Chanyeol thought about it for a moment. He thought it could be a wonderful idea as the bracelet and its design would be one of a kind. “That would be awesome, thank you” Chanyeol said cheerfully.

“Just leave me your phone number and I’ll call you back when they arrived”. The old lady said and gave him a notebook for him to write his contact info. She also gave him a business card with her name on it. Chanyeol looked at it and smiled.

“Ok then. I guess I’ll see you next time Mrs. Minerva” he said kindly.

“See you Mr. Park. Have a good night” Minerva said and smiled at him.

Chanyeol turned around to exit the store. As he was walking to meet you he was feeling excited at the thought of his new project. Your bracelet. He thought that in his free time he will have to look for designs since he wanted for it to be perfect.

You were at the lingerie department choosing a pajama and a pair of underwear and bras that you would needed for a couple of garments as their colors were lighter and you could noticed your dark color underwear beneath it. At your job they had the great idea of going dressed as something related to Christmas starting from the first week on December. The problem was that you would be packed with work all the next week and you would have the boys party also so that would left you with no time for going shopping and you’ll have to improvise with your clothes at home.

I could be a Snowman that week you thought while trying on the pieces of underwear.

Once you finished you looked yourself at the mirror and sighed. To be honest you weren’t keen of this activity since you tend to criticized your body. There were days in which you would feel better about it and sexy and saying to yourself yaaaaas girl! for how good you saw yourself, and others, which were most of them, in which you were so concerned about the way your thighs looked, the stretch marks that although they were already white and fading, you could see them so clearly that you felt insecure about them. You also hated the little bra bulge that it has always appeared and that no matter how hard you were trying to make it gone it seemed impossible. Yes you had body issues and you knew you had to work on them but right now it was hard to do so due to your schedule. You have decided that after all your deadlines at work you will look for some help. It was kind of ironic how could you felt love for other people such as your friends or family and not feeling it for yourself first. I hope it comes the day where I don’t care about this anymore and love myself you thought and started to put your clothes back on.

  Chanyeol arrived at the department store. He was looking for you, walking around through all the underwear and felt uncomfortable about it. That’s why I’ve never came here when my exes asked me to come with them He thought. Although he was feeling that way he saw some things that caught his eyes. 

“Hey! Can I help you with something?” A young woman approached him.

“Hey! Mmm... no thank you. I’m waiting for someone” he said nervously.

“Your girlfriend?” The lady asked. Clearly, she was eyeing Chanyeol from head to toe to which he felt even more uncomfortable. Y/n where are you?! He thought. Scanning the store frantically until he saw you at the register.

“Ah, she’s over there” he pointed at you. “Good night.” He said and walked hurriedly to where you were.

 You turned to look at the person who had arrived next to you. It was Chanyeol. He let out a relief sigh and you frowned at him.

“Are you ok?” You asked him.

“No. Don’t look but the other lady over there was trying to flirt with me” he said quietly. You turned slightly to look at said lady. Clearly she was still looking at him. You try to suppressed a laugh. Chanyeol looked at you annoyed.

“It’s not funny” he said.

“Do you want me to punch her or should I let Sojin know about it so she can do it?” You asked him sarcastically.

“I... ahg never mind” he rolled his eyes “can we go now?”.

“In a minute. The cashier went to get my change” you explained.

Chanyeol was looking around that part of the store until a set of lingerie caught his attention more than the rest of the other underwear. It was a dark green lace bra and matching panties. The thought of how would you look like wearing it appeared in his mind but he cleared it away rapidly.

I can’t think about that he mentally scolded himself.

 You were looking at your phone and gave him a quick glance when you noticed a piece on lingerie caught Chanyeol’s attention.  Would he liked that for Sojin? You thought sadly.  Luckily for both of you, the cashier came back with your stuff and change in that moment and you could leave the store.

“So do you want to get dinner here or we have takeout food?” Chanyeol asked you in order to leave the awkward situation behind.

“We can buy something at the fast food and take it it home. Do you agree?” you suggested.

“Yeah. Also, I could use a coffee” he said. Tiredness evident on his face. “Make them two” you said and both headed towards the fast food.

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 Once in your house you and Chanyeol were sitting on your living room floor. Food and coffee were scattered around you since your table was occupied with beads and threads and all the other stuff you two were using to make the bracelets. At first you have thought this would be easy but after seeing that you two could only have made 30 bracelets in 3 hours you rethought that. It was almost 12 am and you were beginning to felt sleepy.

“I can’t believe we barely have 30 bracelets and that there’s 70 to be done” you said tiredly. “Neither can I. I have thought it would be easier” Chanyeol sighed. You got up to get more coffee from the kitchen.

“ Do you want another cup of coffee?” You asked him.

“Yes please.” He said and handled you his mug. Chanyeol was feeling sleepy too. He thought about taking a nap but knowing himself he knew once his eyes closed he would sleep until next morning. “Here you go” you said and gave him his mug. After thanking you both took a sip and you looked around all the mess.

“Do you have practice tomorrow?” You asked him.

“Yep. But is at night” he answered without looking at you. 

“You can stay over if you want” you said nonchalantly. At hearing that Chanyeol missed inserting the bead in the thread. Although he had stayed over before, now that he had acknowledged his feelings for some reason he felt anxious at the thought of it. “Thanks but are you sure?. I don’t want to be a nuisance” He said hesitantly. “Not at all. Tomorrow is my Cinderella day remember?” You joked. -That was what you have said every time people asked you when was your cleaning and doing the chores day.- “Ah yeah! That reminds me I need to throw away some stuff too.” He said resigned.

“Some?! You need to throw away half of your room. Seriously Chan, there are even empty boxes there” you said while frowning at him.

“They’re not empty” he retorted. “I keep all my action figures there. The ones that didn’t have a place on my shelf”  “I’m gonna get you and organizer” you said determined and thought about what kind of furniture would be perfect to match his room.

“Come on. Let’s finish this first and then you can think in redecorate my room” he urged you and brought your attention back to the bracelets.

Two hours later you already had 50 bracelets completed. Despite all the cups of coffee you and Chanyeol were yawning more frecuently, the energy leaving your bodies at a rapid pace. There came a point in which the room went quiet as the two of you were totally focused on finishing them. You didn’t noticed when Chanyeol fell asleep on the carpet until you heard him snoring. You suppressed a laugh and rubbed your eyes to take a look at him. He was in a fetus position trying to warm himself up. You stood up and went to your room for a couple of blankets and a pillow for you and him. When you returned you shook his arm slightly and whispered “Yeol” but the boy didn’t move not a bit. Chanyeol was a heavy sleeper which you envied as you were a light one an even a small sound could wake you up. You decided to let him slept there since he was too heavy for you to move him. You put the blanket over him and tried to moved his head gently to put a pillow under it. “Gosh! You have a heavy head dude” you murmured. You placed his head on it and removed a strand of hair from his forehead. He must be really tired you thought as you kept contemplating him. The frown on his forehead softened when you caress it with your finger. Is he having a bad dream? You thought to yourself. He moved a little and you knew that was you cue for leaving him alone and get back to work. It was 3 am when you have decided to take a nap after the bracelet 75 so you set up your alarm to wake you up at 7 am, grabbed a couple of blankets and went to your couch to lay on it. It didn’t took more than 30 seconds for you to get lost in dreamland.

 Chanyeol woke up after feeling uncomfortable with the position in which had been sleeping. He sat on the floor and turned to looked at his phone.

06:55 am could be read on the screen. He didn’t know the exact moment in which he fell asleep. The last thing he remembered was lying on the floor and closing his eyes because he wanted to rest for a minute. He noticed the blankets over him and the pillow.  She care for me he thought and looked around the room searching for you.  He noticed you were sleeping on the couch and a little smile showed on his lips. He got up from the floor and walked towards you. You looked so peaceful; your features soft, you chest rising and falling so slowly that sometimes he wondered if you were breathing at all. You hands above your chest. You two always mocked each other about your sleeping habits. On one side, Chanyeol always moved and sprawled all across the bed as in most of them his feet would always ended up loose and hanging at the edges. You on the other side, kept your body on one side of the bed and slept with the same position you were having at the moment most of times, occasionally twisting from one side to another. He would have always tell you you looked either as a princess like Sleeping Beauty or Snowhite or like a dead person. However, you being the first thing he sees in the morning, would be a sight with which he would like to wake up forever. He was fighting the urge to kiss your forehead as he knew you could wake up so easily due to your light sleep and after thinking about it for a minute he decided to do it. Maybe if I do it softly she wouldn’t wake up he thought.  He was bending over to reach your forehead when your alarm set off. In that moment you lifted your head from the pillow and it collided with Chanyeol’s.

“Auch!” You exclaimed while rubbing your forehead, still disoriented from sleeping.

“What were you doing?”. Chanyeol also rubbing this mouth and nose answered “You had something stuck in your forehead. I wanted to see if it was a mosquito but It was just a blanket’s fluff”.

“Oh, Sorry for hitting you” You said.

“I think you loosen up my tooth” He said and you laughed out loud.

“I’m serious. I feel it weird” he said. You stood up from the couch and went over to him.

“Let me see” you said. He opened his mouth and you stood on your tiptoes to take a better look at it.

“I don’t see blood or something out of place” you pointed out.

“Your teeth are as perfect as always. Stop whining” you said and Chanyeol pouted at you. You smiled at him and he laughed. You averted your gaze from his face and said “So there are still 25 bracelets left. I’m gonna go and prepare more coffee and breakfast.”

“Ok. I’m going to try and finished the rest of them” Chanyeol said and went to sit over near the table.

You started walking towards the kitchen “I’ll let you know when everything if ready” you yelled from the other room. A fluff?! Who gets so near to a person to see if they have a fluff stick to their forehead? You thought weirded out.

“Yeah” he yelled back.

Man that was so embarrassing he covered his face with both hands. Although not as much as if she would have caught me kissing her forehead he comforted himself. He shook his thoughts away and returned his focus on the bracelets.

30 minutes passed and you called for him to have breakfast at the kitchen island with you. You had prepared scrambled eggs, cut some fruits into slices and made a couple of french toasts. There was coffee, milk and fresh orange juice on the table too.

“It’s a lot of food” Chanyeol said surprised, looking at all the food that was in there.

“I thought you guys always have the table full with food” you said.

“Yeah but usually by the time I wake up on weekends most of it is gone and I’m stuck with the leftovers” Chanyeol said and you shook your head at his answer.

“Well most of these is for you so go ahead” you gestured him to grab anything he wanted and sat next to him.

After breakfast both of you went to finished the rest of the bracelets. It was 11:30 am when you put the last one of them in the box Chanyeol had brought with him.

“That was the last one” you sighed relieved and leaned on your couch. Chanyeol, next to you, also gave a sigh “I can’t believe we made them in one night”.

“I know. Next time you come up with this kind of ideas please start it them a month earlier”.

He laughed at your request “Definitely”.

“Thank you so so so much” he said turning to look at you.

“It’s nothing. Although you could repay me with helping me to decorate the place” you suggested and he smiled. “Deal” he stretched his hand for you to shake and sealed the deal. “But after that you will have to help me with decorating mine”.

“See I don’t think you understand how this works” you said sarcastically. He laughed at your comment “Of course I understand but if you do it... I don’t know, Santa might be a little bit more generous with you this year”. He shrugged and you sneered.

“Fine, just let me know when can I go to leave my letter inside the stoking” you smiled mischievously at him.

Chanyeol’s phone rang indicating a text message had arrived.

He released your hand and grabbed the phone to look at it. “I have to go now. Sehun texted me that our choreographer changed the hour of our practice and he have to be there in 3 hours”.

“Oh... don’t worry about it” you said calmly.

He stood up and gathered all his stuff. You walked him to the door and Chanyeol said “Seriously thank you so much y/n. I don’t know what would I do without you”. You smiled fondly at him “It’s nothing Chan. I’ll see you next time”. He smiled at you “Yeah, see you” he turned and headed to the elevator. You stood there in the door threshold until we was gone. When you closed the door you let your back slide on it. Little by little you have been learning how to control your emotions and also allowing yourself to feel them. Been occupied with things you actually loved had made you not to think too much on Chanyeol and your feelings for him but still most of the time you spent with him your heart ached. Should I just tell him how I feel without giving a damn about his relationship with Sojin? It was a question that although it wasn’t in your mind constantly as before it still lingered in it, specially after spending time with him.

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

Chanyeol was at his room putting some clothes on. -When he arrived at the dorms everything was quiet so he assumed most of the boys were sleeping or some of them weren’t there. He went to his room and took a shower so he could feel recharged- He was carrying still the tiredness from the week but mostly he felt happy because he got to spend the night with you.  He smiled at the thought of that when Baekhyun entered yelling.

“Hellooooooo” his friend sang like an opera singer.

“Morning Baek” Chanyeol said while putting a hoodie on. The pinkish haired boy threw himself on the bed and asked “Where were you last night? Were you with Sojin?”.

Chanyeol was putting on his rings when he answered “No. I was with y/n”. At the sound of your name Baekhyun opened his eyes widely.

“What?! Did you spend the night with her?” He asked shocked.

“Yes” Chanyeol said nonchalantly.

“Really?!” Baekhyun got up from the bed and was looking at Chanyeol with an excited face.

“Yes, I slept at her house. Now, if you’re asking if we had sex then it’s a no” Chanyeol explained. “Oh” his friend said a little bit disappointed. Chanyeol grabbed a ball he had from Toben’s toys and threw it at Baekhyun. The pinkish haired boy grimaced and faked to be hurt.

“Ouch! What was that for?” He said and threw the ball at Chanyeol. The tall boy barely dodged it and said “You’re such a pervert”.

“I’m not” Baekhyun huffed. “I’m disappointed because I thought you finally had broken up with Sojin”.

“Woah! You really must hated her” Chanyeol snorted.

“Mmm...I dislike her not hate her.” Baekhyun pointed out. “But yeah I do prefer y/n over her a million times” he added. “Well maybe you won’t have to dislike Sojin more” Chanyeol said and turned around to look for his watch.

“Yeah, why’s that?” Baekhyun asked curiously.

“Because I’m going to break up with her” The tall boy answered.

“Woo...” Baekhyun cheered and Chanyeol gave him a pointed look. “Ooo... why?” He asked trying to contain his excitement.

“I’m glad you found all of this amusing” Chanyeol said sarcastically.

“Sorry, you know I’m not very good at hiding my feelings” Baekhyun said awkwardly. Chanyeol sat on his desk chair “Anyway. I want to break up with her because I’m not happy. I have thought It would be good giving it a chance. That me and her would work together as we had a lot of things in common, musically speaking, but as time passes by I realize we are so different” he explained. Baekhyun approached him and padded his back “I’m sorry your relationship didn’t work out mate but if I’m honest with you, I’m glad you finally see things clearly”. Chanyeol nooded and a side-smile appeared on his lips “yeah, I guess me too”. Outside in the hall Suho yelled for all the boys to gathered in the living room since it was time for them to leave for practice. Chanyeol stood up from his chair and grabbed his backpack.  “I have to get mine. See you outside” Baekhyun said and walked to opened the door. Chanyeol nodded in agreement and was checking if he had everything he needed in the bag.

Ok, so finally we have Chanyeol free to get him together with y/n Baekhyun thought excitedly.

“I need to tell Sehun about this” he murmured for himself. We are back on the game he thought and a mischievous face -like the one the Grinch had when he was planning to stole Christmas- appeared on his face.

Thank you for the support and the love. I hope you like the series and enjoy this chapter. I’ll try to come up with the next one during the weekend. Are you starting to feel the holiday spirit? If so let me know.  Also I wanted to ask you for some feedback regarding the series. I think it would help me a lot.^^

[theme-park-concepts]

The more I think about the criticism of the Disney treatment of various topics, and how problematic it can become the more I’m left wondering if it is really possible to create anything idealistic, optimistic, hopeful and childlike in tone without by necessity skirting over the less pleasant aspects of history and culture. Especially when dealing with the popular myths and archetypes that are embedded in 1000s of years of human culture.

Like the whole appeal of Disney is it’s inspirational “look how wonderful the world can be” tone and it’s use of archetypes that resonate deeply within ourselves. But of course for every wonderful thing about the world there’s a dozen horrible things going on that make it possible. For every truth in classic archetypes there’s a multitude of incorrect stereotypes, assumptions, and backwards notions we should be working to get past.

I think the deep unpacking, and analysis, and rethinking of our myths, tropes, etc that has become extremely popular in the last few decades is enormously valuable but I also think it makes creating art absent of cynicism incredibly difficult. To me, what makes Disney’s offerings so appealing, so comforting, and wonderful is their way of showing us things like love, romanticism (of the Vaughner variety), optimism, etc without any trace of cynicism. The world has gotten enormously cynical over the last 100 years, and especially so during the last few decades. And not without good reason. And there are enormous costs to creating art that perpetuates or idealizes a system that causes great harm. But I am kind of left wondering exactly what options that leaves.

How does one celebrate any topic while managing to give due time to its downsides while not letting them overshadow the celebration? Is that even possible or desirable? Maybe the idea that there’s a time and place is applicable? After all when it’s your birthday and you’re blowing out the candles on your cake are you thinking about the underpaid factory workers that made them? The immigrants and cramped chickens in the egg factory. The fossils fuels used to transport and mill the flour. The fact that any gifts you receive are the product of a capitalistic industry that makes it a virtual requirement for those close to you to consume more goods on the pretense of being a good friend? That the cute paper plates and tablecloth are going to end up in some landfill after their brief use and probably be responsible for the death of a penguin or otherwise heat up the atmosphere through excess methane production? What about the very notion that your birthday is special? And how that might very well be of a way too individualistic and narcissistic self-absorbed society.

Like - that analysis isn’t wrong and yet - including it as part of the birthday celebration would quickly suck any life or joy out of the occasion.

So, you see this is the dilemma I’m struggling with - and not just for Disney art but really any art that attempts to be more fun or joyous than critiquing. People need fun, joyous, upbeat, optimistic, uncynical art and entertainment in their life - that much I’m certain of. But doing that in a way that doesn’t reinforce any harmful ideas is devishly difficult. I might get flack, but I think it might be largely impossible.

I’m thinking that the solution has to lie in drawing a line around the major messages you want to avoid, and then letting the chips fall where they will - knowing full well that humans are incapable of creating perfect work. That through some lens - 5,10,15 years later you’ll see flaws that you didn’t notice then. Or perhaps more discomforting, there will be problematic messages that you see from the beginning but must accept that they can’t all be eliminated.

Like even with my Poppins ride, a ride that’s barely supposed to have any connection to reality at all, the IP still idealizes a very specific class of people, romanticizes the life of a suffering class (Chimney sweeps), condones hunting for sport, hell you could make the argument it participates in upholding unrealistically high standards for women. The whole thing is absolutely an appropriation and bastardizarion of British culture. And on a larger level perhaps it sends a message that it’s perfectly fine to go on a jolly holiday for a while and forget the rest of the world that’s suffering while you ride a merry-go-round. Which frankly I can’t decide if it’s a sheltered message of privilege or the genius secret to life.

So yeah - where to draw the line on what issues to ignore and what to insist on addressing in the creation of art. How to romanticize and idealize while not being naive. It’s one hell of a balancing act.

[naturepointstheway]

“Of Ghosts and Carols” Chapter 1 (Beauty and the Beast/A Christmas Carol)

So here we go, the first chapter of my retelling of A Christmas Carol but with Beauty and the Beast. I was inspired to do this several days ago, and now I’ve finally finished this first chapter. I may put it on AO3 as well. 

@tinydooms @morgaine2005 @sweetfayetanner @chooseandact

Stave I: The Enchantress Appears

Where our story begins, Prince Adam’s father was already dead for a good few years. He had not been much loved by anyone, in or out of the castle, and, while they had heeded the traditional thirty days of mourning, no sooner had day 31 arrived, then off went all the black mourning garb. The cruel prince had left behind a grown man, a young prince Adam whom he had long ago twisted up to be just like him when his mother had passed away. He had forbidden anyone to intercede on the boy’s behalf from the day his mother died, and from then on, all had turned away from Adam.

And so, in the absence of such love and companionship, a void in Adam’s heart had opened up, growing deeper and darker with each passing year, even past his father’s eventual death. It didn’t matter what he did to try and fill that abyss, it stayed relentlessly empty. Whatever he tried to fill it with, it was swallowed until nothing remained, even when he tried filling this with ecstatic pleasure with woman after woman, still the abyss gaped wide open. He threw the most lavish of parties only the invitees could participate in, his servants relegated to the periphery of the gathering, and still that abyss of isolation taunted him, made worse every Christmas when the servants made great fuss about the jolly season.

For, tragically, with that long ago death of his mother, then too went any hopes of more happy Christmases. Not even in the self-same year of his mother’s death did he have a happy Christmas, with not even one present to show anyone still thought of him. The servants, too, had turned away, silent, even on Christmas day. Little wonder from then on he vowed Christmas was the worst day of the year, and little surprise too that he began ignoring the servants as a whole, relegating them into the background, no more important than their own stations and roles required them to be 

Yet, for all his bitterness, Adam didn’t forbid Christmas from the castle—no!—he didn’t hate his servants, his household, that much. Hate wasn’t the first word he would use to describe his apathy to the servants—no, that was entirely too potent a word, wrapped in terrible connotation. Rather, Adam ignored them, even if he grew more bitter with each passing Christmas. If he entered a room where they were singing carols together, the song hit a caesura, and laughter stopped. Silence. A rest stop with a fermata. No more merrymaking whenever he entered a room, just them looking at him expectantly, waiting for some order or other. And it made him all the more bitter when no sooner had he shut the door upon exiting, the merrymaking resumed with much joviality.

But! On having stated all of this, if there was but one silver lining to Adam’s lonely Christmases, it was that alone of his household, it was Chip who would wish him a happy Christmas, even if mumbled quickly in passing when no one else was around to stop him. It did not chase away the bitter isolation and loneliness of the occasion, but it did soften his heart at least a little toward the child. At least there was one here who bothered to wish him a Happy Christmas at all.

As it were, now this joyous occasion was upon them once again, the castle alive with much preparation for the day. Even Cogsworth got utterly caught up in Christmas’s whirlwind. Adam caught him belting out carols as he and Chip helped decorate the palace with baubles and garlands. Mrs Potts baked Christmas cookies in the kitchen by the dozen—ginger, cinnamon, chocolate…oh! Such enticing smells—once upon a time. Now all these aromas did was bring back memories that might once have wrapped him up in a warm layer of nostalgia, but now just made him feel worse. Lumiere bust out into song at least a dozen or so times a day, catching up Plumette into great, sweeping dances that had them careening into more than a few Christmas decorations, but carried on nevertheless, like nothing had happened. What a happy scene, and he would never be a part of it, without anything to show he once had been so warmly included in the celebrations.

Well! Christmas was a silly, frivolous holiday anyway, and he didn’t really miss it that much, all things considered. He would have much preferred it cease all together, but nor did he like to deprive the servants and Chip of what brought them so much love and joy. It, however, didn’t mean he had to like it. Tolerate it, make the “best” of it, even if he hated every minute of the occasion. Christmas, a time for love and family. Bah! Humbug!

Then, late one night, a few days shy of Christmas Day itself, while he pored over letters at his desk in his study, the candlelight fluttered out with a gust of wind, though the windows were shut tight against the bitter winter outside. He glared at the traitorous lamp, as though to demand why it decided to putter out now; at the same moment he had that creeping sensation of someone else being in the room with him. The hairs on the back of his neck prickled, goosebumps ran down his arms, the hairs standing erect under his sleeves. The room glowed with amber light, as though a candle were still lit, though the lamp on his desk was the only one, and its wick still breathed grey smoke into the wintry air. Outside his study, he could hear the faint sounds of his staff singing a carol, led by Plumette in her mezzo voice.

We wish you a Merry Christmas

We wish you a Merry Christmas

And a Happy New Year.

Adam shut his eyes tight, trying to block out that infernal Christmas cheer, and ignore whoever was in the room with him. But the presence did not ignore him in turn, speaking from behind him.

“Look at me.”

These three words were whispered in a woman’s voice, sounding both young like himself and old like a hag’s all at once. It was a voice that trembled with authority, and, though he resisted, fought against it, Adam found himself standing up nonetheless, pushing his chair back with a loud scrape as he spun around to meet the new presence in his private study.

On seeing the apparition before him, Adam’s jaw dropped open, heart pounding upon seeing the beauty of the visage’s face. Her long white-blonde hair floated around her face, her ice-blue eyes were the same colour of the sky, her lips were ruby red, and her body seemed to be wrapped in a golden cocoon of light. She neither frowned nor smiled at him, continuing to gaze straight into, Adam was sure, his own soul.

Realising he had been staring at her for the last several seconds, Adam mentally shook himself. Who did she think she was, barging into his study, much less his castle, in so offensive a manner!

“Who are you?” he demanded. “How did you get here?”

She lifted her chin, looking down her nose at him. “I am a powerful Enchantress, and I have come here to tell you of the spirits who will visit you—”

Adam laughed, derisive. “Spirits!”

If she was bothered by his derision, she showed no reaction whatsoever.

Instead, “Three in all, one who will come tonight, the second who will come tomorrow night, and the third the night after.”

“I shall have my servants turn them away.”

“No servant shall see or turn them away even if they could.”

“I’ll throw them back out in the cold myself!” Adam declared, his voice turning hard, “How did you come in here?”

“Magic.”

“Magic?” a bitter laugh, hollow as the darkness outside, the window reflecting the woman’s glowing aura. “Magic?”

“I am an Enchantress,” the woman said again, voice as calm as before, “And I am here to warn you of what will happen if you do not learn to salvage your last memories of what it means to love.”

Adam snorted at this.

“Love? I never needed anyone in my life!”

The Enchantress stared at him, her gaze piercing, so intense it seemed his very heart burned under her look. He tried to resist her intensity, the way she pried open his soul with a glance, reading what he didn’t want her to read.

“Is that so?”

“I do fine with my own company!”

“Perhaps you might change—”

“Change my mind? Hah!”

A silence fell, unspoken challenges hanging in the air between them. Her lips twisted up into a smile—not of humour, nor quite of sadness. Rather, Adam thought, somewhere in between the two.

“You don’t believe a word now.”

“Never.”

“I tell you this, Prince Adam!” the enchantress declared, her voice ringing off every surface in the room, the papers rustling and flying off his desk in the wind; there had to be a draft in here somehow—what else could explain this sudden gust? And yet the papers swirled around and the Enchantress floated higher up before him, more tendrils of light seeming to emit from her very body. Her eyes grew icier, a flash of anger deep in them, an anger so deep he couldn’t help but flinch, swallow even though his throat had become unnaturally dry.

“Tonight, as the clock strikes one, you will be visited by the ghost of Christmas Past.”

“Past?”

The Enchantress swept an arm out, “The past of your childhood and of your Christmases before!”

“Why would I want to see more of this godforsaken day?”

“You may learn something.”

“What, that no one cared enough to wish me Merry Christmas in my life?”

The Enchantress simply tilted her head, her floating hair shifting with her movement.

“Tomorrow night, at the self-same hour of one in the morning, you will be visited by the spirit of Christmas present.”

“I don’t need a ghost to show me that,” he glowered at her, resentment thick in his tense posture, “I have eyes.”

“The third night, two nights from now, you will be visited by the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come.”

“This Christmas? Next Christmas?”

The Enchantress offered him a cool gaze, her lips twisting in what might easily have been a smile as much as it might have been a frown, perhaps of displeasure.

“You will find out in your own time.”

“What is the meaning of all these apparitions you speak of?”

“That you might learn love awaits you—” she swept up a hand to stop him interrupting, “—for what haunts you holds you back.”

“What is that supposed to tell me?”

She shook her head, as mysterious as ever. “You will learn, if you are willing. I offer you this in the small hope it may save you a more painful and cursed fate. Remember, the first tonight at one in this very room.”

And before Adam could speak a word more, the apparition vanished, the light snuffing out at once, leaving the prince standing, stunned in the dark. He stood there, he knew not how long, perhaps a minute at most, staring at the place from where she had vanished. It was only the distant lilting of Plumette’s singing that came from at once right outside his door and on the other side of the castle that brought him back to his senses.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,

Nor thorns infest the ground…

Somewhere, a clock chimed ten times, and behind him, the candle flickered back into life, the flame burning steady on its wick without even the tiniest of flutters. Too, the paper that had been flying around the room, as if caught in a whirlwind, had settled back upon his desk just as though nothing had happened at all.

He wasn’t one to believe this strange apparition, whatever it—or she—was, but something told him he had to wait here, wait till one in the morning, to see if this ghost of hers would appear. Where ordinarily Adam would have simply gone back to bed for the night, something urged him to stay where he was, at least wait until one in the morning, if nothing more than to humour this apparition and her words. He would feel silly when one in the morning came around with nothing extraordinary to speak of, but at least he would rest easy knowing it was nothing to pay any more heed to.

Adam sat back down at his desk, his attention now returned entirely to the letters he had been responding to. There was surely enough here to keep him up till one anyway, a good as excuse as any should anyone ask questions about why he was up so late.

Just a strange turn, he told himself, picking up his quill, no one will appear tonight. The hour will be as ordinary as any other.

[thealfanator]

Dandelion’s Tales, Part 2 ~ Chapter 7 (Final Chapter)

“Go on, swing it at me.” Panting like a tired boar, I swung the sword at his right arm, then wiping the sweat from my forehead.  The steel bounced right off him harmlessly, and I flung it into a nearby tuft of grass.

“Please, can we just have a break?” Drops of exhaustion slid down my skin, slippery – and even worse in this heat.  Dune stared back at me, gazing straight into my weak and feeble eyes as I continued to pant. I pushed my back into a tree stump, uncaring of any bugs that might crawl over me.  If I’m lucky, they’ll lick the sweat off me and cool me down quicker.

“You need to learn how to use a sword, Dandelion.” Dune replied.  He picked up the fallen weapon and offered it to me like he was offering me his hand, wanting me to grab it and stand once more; another try.  I refused, shutting my eyes.  The sweet, calming darkness drew me in, sleep at last… “Well, snoring our heads off isn’t going to help us get to civilisation!” Sleep rejected.

“We’re in the middle of nowhere, Dune!  We’ve just washed up on a beach after a shipwreck, and now we’re a needle in a haystack.” My legs were stiff.  I yanked myself from the dirt-riddled ground and rested against the low-hanging branch. “I mean, look around us.  Forest here, forest there!  Forest as far as the eye can see.  We are running out of food, of… of water, and you’re having me do miniature sword duels ‘because I need to learn how to use one’.  Is it really the time?!  Please tell me you have a plan.” I was shouting.  I was shouting at him.  I ducked my head, drawing my eyelids once more.  “I’m sorry.”  I felt his stare protruding through the back of my neck, splitting the skin like a cold dagger.  The coldness of this dagger on my skin; a relief from the heat of this weather…

“No, I’m sorry.” He replied, sheathing both his sword and mine into his belt.  I wish I could just rip all my clothes off and just let it breathe. Forest life wasn’t for me, I suppose. He was half naked.  No wonder he found this exercise easy.  He wore no shirt, his skin respiring, and no drops of liquid shining from his back, or his arms, or his breasts, yet it felt like we’d been doing this for hours… “Listen, Dandelion, we’re going to be fine, alright? I got you out of it before, and I’ll help you again.”  He pat me on the back, his black beard shimmering amongst the newly-arrived wind, ducking and diving through tree-trunks and tall strands of grass. Heaven to my face.  I felt replenished once more, drinking in the breeze… “One more?” He held the sword up.  I grasped it.

“Alright, alright. I’m done now.” I dropped the sword. Another hour had passed, probably. The sun was setting, emitting a golden, juicy glow upon us and the wildlife.  It was glorious and peaceful, yet even I knew we had to find shelter before it got dark.  He sheathed his also, finally agreeing with me.  I thought I saw a reflection on his tired brow, but he turned too quickly.

“We’ll keep going for now. We’ll reach something eventually.”

“I hope so.  What I would do for some water…”

“Listen, Dandelion,” He has a habit of saying that, “regardless, sword or not, the message I’m trying to get across to you – is to not give up.  Fight your side, else you’ll fall.  Do you understand?” he turned again, looking at me for a response. I stared back nodding.  That was before his once bright and joyous eyes slid into a deafening black, a menacing black liquid flooding his sockets.  Like possession.  Then I was dragged from my thoughts.

***

The little girl and I stood hopelessly on the gallows, wind smacking the air from our terrified lungs. I wobbled on the unusually small stool; The only thing keeping me alive whilst the rope tugged at my neck.  Hunter stood petrified below, almost camouflaged in the crowd of people in front of us, awaiting our execution.  Looking through tears, Tugna smirked from a distance, his cocky stride sending his message; crystal clear.  I was angry. He wrenched my guts… He smiled in my face from across the crowd, as if saying “That’s right, I’ve finally beaten you.” I hadn’t even known him that long, but his young and simple brain of his still wanted me dead.  Shor was there too, and was one of the few who actually looked afraid.  As well as Hunter, Shor wanted to get up here and save me from my fate.  He peered from his blacksmith area with his short, tiny legs of his dwarf-structured body, and he feared for my life.  I cast him a weak smile, more tears returning.  I had lost Dune.  I had lost everything.  I turned. Finally, Cebri.

“For the trespass of village property.” Her words stung like a striking sword, her wrinkles and grey hair moving in the wind.  Frankly, she can go fuck herself.  “For the assault of a peaceful woman of our community.”  The little girl beside me, bless her.  She was terrified.  She meant no harm.  “And for the discovery of a personal enquiry regarding another citizen, and one of our medical staff.” Bullshit, woman. The white-haired woman has left some demonic presence inside his body; God knows what him – or the thing inside him – will do now.  She moved on to the girl now, listing her crimes like boxes on a checklist.

“I sentence you to death.” Words stinging, tanging like sour blood.  The faceless, masked man kicked her stool, and the little girl choked, body flinging until it stopped once more.  Death ushering her to a peaceful place…  “Now, the bard.” Her eyes.  Her vicious eyes pointed at me, and the brute of the man behind me put his boot on my stool. I closed my eyes…

“Bandits!” Someone screamed, jolting me like lightning.  I daren’t open my eyes.  Was this a dream?  Was I dying? Was this burst or jolt just the noose cracking my neck?  No. Looking left: panic.  Bashing on the unstable gates were hundreds of bandits. Hundreds.  Trying to get through, their faces sharper than their wielded swords, they shattered the ground with their roar.  For the first time in a century, people’s spiking glares were off me. Instead, on the havoc at the entrance, before spreading like a plague upon the town, screaming; cracking my eardrums. This was panic like I’ve never seen it before.  This was terror.  Up to this point, Cebri’s people have been guarded and secure.  Now, this was true terror.  People whizzed about, not in jolly or passivity, but for their safety. Somehow, my stool had not been pushed, and I was stood here struck to the bone, helpless to the invasion. Bound and noosed.

***

Hunter.  Thank fuck.  He slipped from his detainer (who had lost interest and ran for the nearest building – honestly, this security has gone tits-up) and grabbed the nearest sword.  From the belt of a guard, I think.  It was hard to tell amongst the storm of people.  He went straight to me.  Behind me, in fact.  So many around us, yet all of them ignoring us, hidden in plain sight.  Did I just cheat death?

“Thank Melitele. Thank you.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.” My profusions of thanks were as frequent as his stabs to the ropes that bound my wrists.

“We need to get out of here.” He replied in panic, “This is not over.”  For the first time, I saw him panic.  Ever since, he always looked like he had a plan.  Currently, the sword he was cutting with was shaking, almost toppling me over the edge into death regardless.  He was shaking amidst all of this.  My heartbeat matched the thumps of the gate, and the cracking of the wood.  We didn’t have enough time…

“What are we going to do?” I stuttered weakly, frozen to the spot, trembling and eyeing the progressive destruction of the enforcements.

“All that we can to get out of this mess.”  It was a race.  A race on ice in a fog of smoke and mirrors.  A race between the cutting of the rope and the gates.  Who would be first?  My life – everyone’s lives – were at the tip of a shard.

“I do hope so! Sometime soon, please?” I failed to pry a chuckle.  Usually I was good at that: making light of a situation.  Not now.

“Listen to me,” he was knocked to the floor and off the raised platform and into the blizzard of fear. A guard.  Shit.  I was powerless.  Come on, he was almost through.  I felt the strings of the cut rope, but I was still just bound.  I swore profusely.  A guard tumbled atop Hunter, reaching for his sword to thrust up his throat.  Suddenly, the glint of his sword exited the attacker’s back, before the warm corpse slid off the end of it and onto the mud, creating a space for civilian’s to trip over and fall to their demise.  Now bloodied, Hunter’s sword continued at my bounds, before that final tug liberated me.  As swift as possible, I undid the rope around my neck and toppled down the stool, falling to the wood.  My legs floundered, shock paralysing me.

“Oh my goodness, are you alright?” I asked him, face tainted with bruises.

“Yes, yes.”  And that’s when the gates collapsed.

There were hundreds of them. I swear there were.  Blurs of bandits, multiplied and multiplied again, wielding sharp steel and shields, roaring and sprinting.  Straight for the people of the village.  Straight for us.  Screams were deafened by the thunderous footsteps of leather against hard ground. This was it.

“Run.”

He helped me.  He helped me up and I lie on his shoulder, clambering from the platform.  After, I let him go, confident on my own two feet and shielding my eyes from the running people.  Everything that happened felt like an eternity, yet it was only a few seconds. Civilians melted to oozing corpses as the hostilities spread like water through the village.  Horror at its purest.  Dry in my mouth, lips cracked and white but not from thirst; from dread. We ran through the downpour.  Both of us, I following him.

“Here, Dandelion. Here!” He ushered me to an arch-shaped wooden door, letting me duck inside into the darkness before him, latching the steel bolt behind him.  We plunged into the abyss.  Down the steps and onto the marble.  It took me a few seconds to realise where I was, but my sense of smell noticed before my eyes.  The medical lab.  The what-should-be a clean hospital of a large, open space quickly became tainted with a shadowy, bloodied, murky basement full of death and absence.  How long had it been like this?  How long had this whole place turned to shit?  Hunter retreated down the steps behind me, and I saw a figure in the room, blocking out the already slim flow of light from a nearby, high window.

“Well, hello there.”

Tugna.

***

“It’s thoroughly nice to see you again.” He croaked calmly, flicking his glinting sword between his palms, warming them for what was to come. Hunter drew his, yet I could see from his eyes that he wasn’t comfortable using a sword.

“I can’t say the same to you.” I replied, trying to cover my fear – the curse of a high-pitched, whiny voice, coming to haunt me again in the most important of times.  I stood my ground, legs shaking like a tower about to fall, crumbling under the weight…

“Well, now I have you here… I can have you all to myself.  No witnesses.” The sword gleamed again in the darkness.  In the suffocating blanket of the darkness.  He took a swing at I, to which I darted backwards into a sharp counter, and Hunter deflecting the bow weakly with his own, his stance failing.  Looking at my hand, I noticed a shard of blood crawling down my palm.  I had nothing.  No weapon… Think.

“Wow, Hunter!  You really are shite.  You can’t even wield a sword.” He swung his cocky atmosphere around the room ten times over, and I could feel my wrenching gut spewing hatred upon him.

“Shut up, Tugna.” Hunter replied through gritted teeth, trying to mirror our enemy’s stance.

“You never belonged here, Hunter, I’m afraid.  After your stupid ‘boyfriend’ died, Cebri only kept you ‘cus you were good at gathering food for us.  You meant nothing to us; just a blank silhouette.  A tool in our thriving village.”  His black hair shimmered in the thin light, and I was only just prying myself from the now bloody countertop, groaning silently.

“You take that back, asshole!” Hunter struck.  Tugna sprained the archer’s wrist as he came into attack, making a clunking metal sound as he dropped his sword against his will, shrieking in pain.  Tugna laughed like the point of a knide, words stabbing the air in a sinister manner.

“Ooh, we got him biting!” he said, teeth glinting.  “You know, that’s surprising, actually – isn’t it, Dandelion?  He spends so much time in his little ‘quiet state’ that it’s relieving to finally hear him squirm.  You know, I think I’ll gut you, myself.  It’ll prove much more satisfying!”

“Back off.” I shouted from a few paces from the two of them.  Now walking towards the slim figure, I began to smell his tainted breath, hammering my nostrils, bludgeoning my face with gruesome warmth.  “I said, back off.”  My eyes locked with his until he looked away, balancing the end of his sword on his shoulder.

“Oh, this is fantastic! The mouse has come out to play.”

“I’m not scared of you, Tugna.”  I was, but I couldn’t show it.  Hopefully, he didn’t see my heart jumping out of my chest, through my crimson apparel.

“Really?  Try this.”  He shot pain through my stomach.  He punched my side with the blunt of his sword before I could blink. Rolling on the floor in agony, my vision blurred.  I received another hit in the throat.  “Go on, Dandelion, tell us: are you afraid now?”  I gurgled at his feet.  “I’m sorry, I can’t hear you.  Speak up, lad!”  I’m going to kill him.

“Let’s cut to the point, shall we?” Tugna continued, “Dandelion, you cannot even wield a sword. When I saw you with your little friend a few days back, I was fairly disappointed actually.  How can one who cannot even defend himself for shit, manage to make it this far in this world?”  We both watched him wave his weapon, both defenceless.  Finally, he stopped further down the room, blocking the only light perfectly and casting a shadow on us.  “Then I realised, you don’t need one.  Dandelion, you speak words as squeaky and annoying as a pesky little dormouse, that it feels almost like a dagger in the ears, you know?”  He laughed again before glaring at Hunter beside me. “I’ve been thinking of that one all day. Did you like it?  He doesn’t even need a sword because his little, barely audible catastrophe of a sound acts as one!  Do you… do you get it?”  Hunter didn’t reply, only stared at him with eyes of fire, my throat still burning. His smile wiped away.  “You don’t get it do you?  You don’t get the joke?” His cynical expression morphed from happy to dark.  His mocking tone turned to seriousness.  His laughter dissolved to growling.  “Well then, let’s get started.”  Tapping his sword on the ground, he started chanting, flicking from me to Hunter, then back again.  He was picking one of us.  The finger landed on Hunter.

“Hunter!  Now, should I start with the stomach, or the kneecap? What a choice…”  I blinked, and when I opened my eyelids, I noticed a steel glint piercing Tugna’s throat.  The steel dissolved to a thick red, blood spurting out, gurgling as he tried to speak. Clutching the blade, Hunter and I stared at each other, both surprised.  As he fell, another dark figure emerged behind him, plucking the sword from the corpse.  This figure was shorter… Much shorter…

“Aye, aye.  Let’s shut your wee trap once and for all.”  As he emerged from the shadows, Shor’s hand offered to pick me up from the floor, with a big grin on his face.

“What?  How?  How did you get in?  We bolted the door.”  I stuttered, throat clearing.

“Oh, there’s a wee side-door, matey.  Did you not notice?” He pointed to a smaller door in the far corner of the room.  We laughed all we could before we were reminded of the panic above us.  We heard smashing from the stairwell.  Bandits, coming in.  The three of us stared at it.  “We need to go, lads.”

Suddenly, there was this loud roar.  A roar that deafened us, coming from outside.  It felt like it was coming from a mile away.  It was a demonic, ear-splitting roar that shook the earth. Then screams.  Lots of screams.  Howls of men cutting the air, as if ripping their skin apart.  The devilish outcry continued, like a spiritual presence had awakened.  Like something dormant, which we had all forgotten about, but was now starting to wake up…

Dune.

***

It was too exhausting. I had found out my friend’s fate. I had watched a little, innocent girl die.  I had missed death by a few moments.  I had wounds and bruises over me.  I had watched another gurgle as his blood dripped to the floor.  All in a couple hours.  Fatigue was weighing me down, yet I knew I could not stop.  We still had a long way to go.

Breaching the stale air, we crouched through into the light.  The sight… my God, the sight.  Panicked civilians dissolved into stench-riddled corpses.  The usual, florescent grass morphed from a saturated green to a melted, thick red.  Flies in the air made it hard to see, and the sharp taste of the atmosphere blinded us. Instead of woman and children crying, a dark, nightmare-inducing howl of a man plagued the streets.  On top of that, bursting doors and shattering windows emitted ear-piercing sounds from further down the paths.  Bandits thrusting the points of their swords into the stomachs of men, guarding their family, and woman, protecting their children. It was horror.  Still, many people trampled over the existing bodies, escaping the threat, holding little ones who cried and cried, or packages of items, or just their skirt as they hobbled over the uneven ground only to be slaughtered moments later.  We stood in the middle of an abundance of running, scared objects, panicked that we’d also fall by a sword any moment.  We blended in well, however.  It was almost like we were invisible amongst the chaos.  Whilst others ran, we had our heads in the sky, trying to locate the sound of the deafening roar.  Then I saw it.

In the direction of the small alter-building, a black smoke denied the law of physics, and rose up into the sky, plaguing the blue into a dark, liquid black – and it was spreading. Moving, towards us.  Towards the town.  Thick, black essence from up to a mile away, moving like Nekkers towards this chaos.  It was far, but it was rapid.  Too rapid.

“Hunter.” I called. For once, I unlocked my eyes from the event, and darted them around me.  A blur of people.  Shor and Hunter were nowhere to be seen.  I was knocked to the ground by a woman, and as I stared back up at her, her tunic was breached by a thin, spiking dagger thrown from elsewhere.  Her body flunked to the ground, the majority of it over myself. I was being buried by bodies, and trampled by panicked feet.  I needed to get up.

Wrenching myself from the sticky, grasping ground, I searched once more, calling for Hunter. Nothing.  They were lost within the crowds of people.

And that was when I saw Cebri from within her headquarters building, staring out the window, trying to hide.  Her door intact, her safe haven untampered with.  We met gazes for a moment.  I made my move.

***

The door was unlocked, surprisingly.  Slowly limping in, and closing the door behind me – muffling the chaos, I stared through the muck and the dust.  This tiny office, depressed and empty.  Dim, full of unbreathable contents, as if no air had entered in years.  In the corner, this poor old woman, held a dagger in my direction.  Cebri, who accused me of things I had not committed out of spite, tried to kill me in front of everybody, and now defending herself against a tired bard who can’t wield a sword to save his life, and who only wanted away from this place. The silence stung the air.

“Cebri.” I sighed, moving slowly towards her low body.  She leaned on a chair, weak from a leg wound, blood contaminating her clothes.  “Let me help you.”

“Get away from me.” She spurted, waving her dagger once more, moving the airy dust.  She had blood on her forehead, and in her grey, ancient hair. Her figure a creaking house.

“I can help you.”

“Look at the mess you’ve made here!” Her voice breached the whisper of the room.  “If it weren’t for you, everything would’ve been fine! Look… look what you’ve done.” This was an innocent woman who only wanted to do the best for her townsfolk, but I could see it in her eyes; she was afraid of me.  I had a sword latched to my belt, given to me from Hunter earlier, but it remained there. My hands were held in the air.  Please, Cebri – I mean no harm.  “You… you should have died.”

“I know you don’t mean that. Cebri, put the weapon down.  I don’t want to hurt you.”

“No!” She screamed.

That was when the door flung off its hinges and into the wall on the other side, leaving a heavy imprint.  The muffled sounds of death became vivid once more, and light struck the room.  My heart was in my throat.  Nobody with normal human strength could do that. Black smoke filled the floor, sliding like a snake into the room.  We both stepped back, afraid.  Heartbeats in our throats, we watched as Dune walked in, calmly and rhythmically – his steps equally hitting the wood, with no deviation.

Cebri screamed as her ears and eyes and nostrils flooded with the darkness, with the smoke.  Her dagger thumped the wood by her feet and she was ripping her hair out, screaming and screaming like bees crawling over her skin. The black smoke covered her facial features, her eyes blackening, tangling her feet and bringing her to the ground.  I watched in horror as Dune’s demonic essence plucked her to the ground, death bringing her peace until she screamed no more.

“Oh, my god.”  Dune.  He stood by the archway where the door used to be, and he glared at me with black, lifeless eyes.  He wore the same clothes as the last time I saw him, days ago – as if his corpse was dug out of the ground and revived.  I saw the bloodstain where I stabbed him, but this time it wasn’t red. It was a black, thick oily liquid. He was the one who cast the scream. His teeth were black, and the smoke poured from him rapidly.  That wasn’t my friend in there.  It was something different.  Something possessive.

***

“Dune, you need to listen to me.” He didn’t reply.  “Dune, please.  I know you’re in there.  Whatever they’ve done to you, y- you can fight it.” No response.  Instead, he took steps closer to me, suffocating me. “Remember when we first met, eh? When you saved me.  I was tied up in that bloodied room like an idiot? Like- like a damsel in distress?” I chuckled slightly.  His lips were stone.  “Please, my friend.”  Tears plucked themselves from my eyes, my voice wavering.  “What about when I fell down that trap into that Nekker den, and I thought you left me, but then you came back to save me with your friends? That was impressive.”  He took more steps towards me, and his face was only a few inches away from mine.  His head shaking slightly, his eyes determined, eyelids flickering.  Something was fighting within him.  “Come on, my friend.”

His strong, rock-solid hand breached my throat.  I couldn’t breathe.  His arm suffocated my stomach, lifting me off the ground.

“Stab me, Dandelion.” I heard him say- figments from my memory back in the woods.  I remember him saying it, and somehow, I felt it was relevant. Like he was talking to me now through memories.  “Fight your side, else you’ll fall.  Do you understand?”

My vision blurred.  I was running out of breath.  I squeezed a few words from my thin remainder of my throat. “I’m sorry.”

I inserted my sword into his side.  He spat black liquid.  He coughed smoke.  His eyes dilated until there was nothing but white.  He liberated me, and he fell to the ground, leaving an abyss of dark blood on my sword.  The smoke around him cleared, and eventually, his body stopped quavering, until it was still once more.  I was left with a sword in my hands, struggling for breath, and tremoring with fear. Two corpses lie by my feet, and my face was full of panicked tears.  I stood there like a stump, my weapon still pointed at Dune’s body.  I had killed it.  I had killed him.

***

It was quiet outside. It was like the storm had passed. Bodies covered the floor, but it was only that.  Bodies. The bandits were nowhere to be seen. Maybe they left, I’m not sure. No, of course they wouldn’t leave. We had won.  With red, upset and tired eyes, I crawled across the ground. I saw Shor finishing off a bandit. Hunter, too.  The crowds of people before had thinned, and only a few of the village’s guards remained, battered and bloodied.  We had defeated the storm.  We did it.  Somehow, in my gut, it’d felt like we had lost.  Some died via Dune and whatever possessed him – God, Cebri.  Poor woman.  Some died at the edge of a sword.  It was a battlefield.  And so many, so many died.  It was over. We heard birds, and the sunshine started to char the blood from all the bodies, creating a stench in the air.  We heard trees rustling amongst the quiet.  We had done it.  It was over.  The massacre had ended.  And was it all my fault?

***

“Wait.” Shor struck the earth with his large, compressed dwarf-feet.  Jogging up to us, he panted deeply as if he’d just ran around the continent twice.  “I came to say goodbye.”  He held out his hand, and I took it gladly.

“Thank you.” I said sincerely.  His bears rustled like the leaves off trees.  He turned to Hunter.

“And you, stay safe my man!”

“Thanks, Shor.”  I never knew how they did it, dwarves. Despite negativity in life, they always managed to quench a joyous feeling about their speech.  Hunter and I left the gates, and I stared back at the village once more.

“Wait.  There’s somewhere I need to go first.”

***

Opening from pressure, the floor started to rumble.  Hunter waited outside the altar-building, and I descended with a thick breath; bracing my fear.  Inside the room, it was a mess.  Black stains on the cobblestone walls, broken glass from fallen – or thrown – capacity, and a blank table in the centre, with red instead of black marks.

I saw movement in the corner, then a hood, and a tuft of white hair.  The sorceress woman lie with a dagger in her chest.

“I’m… sorry.” She spluttered, gasping for air.  I said nothing.  “He… he wouldn’t have made it otherwise.  He was fading, struggling to breathe, and I just did it.  I didn’t want to lose him.  You know, that’s my biggest fear.  When I was younger, I tried to save my Dad after he had some Drowner accident, but I failed.  Looks like I failed again.” She trailed off, tears striking her eyes.

“What was he?”

“It was a kind of necromancy for near-death individuals.  It was meant to heal parts of his internal organs from the split of the dagger.  It, instead, flooded his bloodstream, and that’s when it started.  I don’t think I have a name for it; if you want, you can create one.  I know your story, Dandelion, the friendly bard from Novigrad.”  Her voice darkened despite her puncture in her chest.

“You sent Dune… that thing ravaging across the village.  Do you even know what you’ve caused?  I don’t even know your name, and I’m afraid I don’t need to.  Goodbye.”

“I know it was you.”

“What?” I turned back, halting my retreat.

“Who stabbed Dune.  I know it was you. I-“ she struggled again, pressure compressing her lungs, losing air.  “A wound that messy… had to be you.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I hid my guilty face, back turned to her.

“Wait, tell me.  Was I right?  Did you stab him?  I need to know.”  I breathed in deeply, guilt filling my conscience.  Pressing my forehead against the cold wall, the words were stripped from my lips.  I couldn’t say it.  Turning back, she had taken her last breath.  Her cold eyes stared into nowhere.

***

“There’s a sight I like to see!” I shouted at Hunter just so he could hear me amongst the chimes of bells and the sharp waves of the sea.  The ship was closing into the Novigrad ports.  I was home.

“I’ve never been to Novigrad myself, believe it or not.” He smiled, adjusting the bow and quiver on his back.

“Well, if you need a guide, you know where to find me!” I responded, unable to waver my eyes from the beautiful red buildings.

“Er, I don’t.”

“Oh, never mind then.”

“I’m afraid this is where I leave you.” We walked on the port, then on the hard stone.  People rushed around us, as per usual.  He stared at me.  “I’m headed to Velen, Dandelion.  I have a… loose errand to attend to.”  I responded with depressed eyes.

“The first time we crossed paths, you tied me.  Tell me, were you planning to slaughter us in the woods, then leave us under some leaves for people to find months to come?”  He smiled.

“I’ll leave that for you to decide.  Write a poem!” He tapped the lute I held by my hand, carried all the way from Cebri’s grasp across seas.  “Farewell, mate.”

And there I was left to carry on about my day, watching him fade among the crowd.  Every event that occurred over the last week had been cleansed, and it was like nothing had happened at all.  My only scar I had to remember it by was the patchy spot on my right palm.  And a connection to a close friend that had been broken too easily.

[a-boros-named-seamus]

The Dawn Breaks

As I flew, the voice, Avacyn, told me of her world. Of the beauty and the horror. The light and the shadows it cast.

She told me of her creator, Sorin Markov. Of the strange otherworlder named Nahiri.

Of the vampires, created from an angel slaughtered. Of the Werewolves, and how their duelling natures twisted them.

The countryside sped by below, rolling plains giving way to ancient forests.

"What do we face?" I asked her, knowing that she was far more adept at interperiting the prayers that murmered in my mind like the background of a busy market.

Instead of words, images welled up.

Horrible, dark images.

Skaabs. Horrid, patchwork undead things. Corpses stitched together in a horrid imitation of life

And Ghouls. Restless corpses buried in unsanctified soil.

I felt uneasy for a moment, remembering Grixis.

Then light spilled through my mind, no doubt called forth by the angel.

That's things were attacking people. I had the power to help. To protect. And, more importantly, to heal.

The skies gradually grew darker around me. I was flying into a storm.

"Rise above it. You are are hope. Mere clouds will never stop you," Avacyn said, determined.

I could feel her. She was filled with regret, greif, and fury. Over her failure, over the fall of her comrades, over the state of Innistrad. But there was also hope, and joy. She had seen her friend, the name Sigardia sprung forth from my counterpart, leading the people, inspiring them. People still believed in good, and hope, and light, and mercy, even in the face of a rising tide of dark.

"We're here," she whispered.

I swooped down below the clouds, taking in the scene before me.

I hovered over the legion of dead, horrible monsters in massive numbers, ghoul and skaab fighting each other as much as the town's lone defender.

A werewolf.

He stood, flame glowing within him and escaping from between his teeth like drool, blade in one hand, fire dancing around the other.

He was a sight terrible and majestic to behold, like a sublime force of nature

His fur was a dark ginger, and he, quite curiously, was still clothed. He wore a kilt along with armour emblazoned with the golden sun of the Boros legion, drenched to the bone with rain.

Another Planeswalker, then.

He gave off a savage fury and grim determination, howling his challenge to the undead horde, battalions of rotted flesh torn to shreds at his feet.

He fought like a flaming hurricane, fat drops of rain sizzling as they landed on him. Blade swinging in wide arcs, claws flashing with fire.

He was grinning. It was chilling, like death itself had descended to return the dead to rest.

Despite all that I sensed another protector, albeit one more wild and savage. Avacyn only confirmed this, telling me what she could remember of this man. It was an unusual amount. When she had made her offer at Gastaf, to change the Werewolves, make them protectors, he had been one of the first to accept, and become wolfir.

And, when the Cursemute had broken, he stayed in balance, channeling that wild nature to protect his home.

And despite all that, despite his savage power, and wild power, he was beginning to falter.

That Would. Not. Stand.

Heroes should triumph. They should be able to have rest, happiness, rest, home once their battles were over. Not death in some dark place, far from home.

Avacyn agreed.

We hefted our spear aloft, parting the clouds and letting light spill onto the battlefield. I felt the familiar feeling of mana shaping into magic as we called burning shafts of light down onto the undead horde.

A softer light fell upon the village, meant to give hope, to rejuvenate, and to heal. Not a minute later, as i prepared to dive into the horde, a howl went up. The village of werewolves and wolfir emptied from the gates, following the lead and orders of the planeswalker. I smiled, and dove into the fray, landing in their ranks.

My spear-sword slashed through the dead like they were wet tissue. Through it I channeled holy light, burning scores of dead with each beam of power.

I used my wings to throw up dust in great, thunderous flaps to obscure sight, to propel myself around and away from attacks in such a graceful manner that it was like dancing, and to fly up above the fray to call down more healing glow for the wolven warriors, and burning light to smite the corpses.

The wolves moved in packs, all lead by the planeswalker. They cut down the dead, shredding their limbs so they couldn't rise again. When one of their number was hurt, another took their place until the next wave of healing light. Whenever one of their number fell, all it did was enrage those still fighting further.

The dead scattered before the combined fury of angel and wolf like chaff before the wind.

After the battle, I strode up to the planeswalker. When I saw his face, I almost cried. Despite thick stubble and a scar over one eye, I could tell that he couldn't be older than 20, but had seen fathomless horrors.

He was rather solidly built and very tall, almost nine feet. His face was solid and square, but still handsome. His hair was short, and the same darker shade of ginger as his fur.

I asked for his name, mentioning his Wojek status. It threw him off guard and he blushed and stuttered, but did manage to give me his name, which was Seamus Alastair Faodlah. I did chuckle at his stunned state. Finally, he asked me my name, and I told him:

"I am Elspeth Tirel, Heiress of Avacyn and Archangel of Hope. Will you help me save this world?"

He fell to one knee and bowed his head.

"Of course. This is my home. I would be honored my lady," he said, his deep and rough voice reverent.

When I spoke, Avacyn did too, approving of my actions.

"Then rise, Seamus The Wolfflame, first of my Wolf Knights, Hero of the Battle at Faodlah's Rest," I declared, raising my voice for all to hear.

"My lady... I thank you," he said, hesitating as he rose, "but I have sworn an oath to the people of another plane, to uphold the law and protect the people. I cannot just abandon it," he said, eyes downcast.

I considered this. Planeswalkers often form attachments to and are bound to duties on other planes. Finally, I placed my hand on his shoulder

"You do not have to," I told him, before continuing, "Simply spread word of me to those you hold in high regard. Ask them to help my cause. As my Knight, I trust your judgement!"

He nodded, a toothy, joyous grin splitting his solid, square face, and stood at my side.

We walked to address the assembled lupine warriors, who had moved to the village square and were beginning celebration with the villagers that had remained within the walls. Seamus remained on the ground as I took to the air, hovering about ten feet of the ground.

Again, Avacyn spoke with me, giving my words power and a almost musical quality.

"Today you have fought with courage, honor, determination, and passion. These are all traits that I look for in heros. I am Elspeth Tirel, Heiress of Avacyn and Archangel of Hope. Will those of you that wish to shine a light in this darkening world join me, as my honorable Wolf Knights, and help save this shadowed world?"

The answering howls from the warriors were deafening.

@actualborossoldier @gardianforce @selesnyapokemonprofessor @leonin-pal-adin @digitalis-the-engineer @chandra-pyromaster @aspenvald @holypupper @lasav-the-sneakster @jolly-ob-saint-nixilis @milolikesthings @userwordandpassname @tempus-vulpes @wearepaladin @kopala-warden-of-tumbr @lucianofsamosata @sorin-investigations @avacyn-jr @fe3nderm4n @thetalesofthereneverwood @baldore-of-the-boros @poison-stripes @chelsea-beleren-vess @leonsgirl

[seriouslyhooked]

Show Me (The CS Mixtape) Part 144/?

Series of CS oneshots inspired by music. Collection on FF Here.

A/N: Short future fic from Emma’s perspective on her wedding day to Killian. I know I have done many of these before, BUT, this song was a reader request, and it always make me think of wedding vows, so here we are. Besides, given the current climate of the show, I am searching for the fluffiest feels-filled fics and this seems like a good venue for some cuteness. Inspired by the song ‘Show Me’ by Idina Menzel.

We finally made it, Emma thought to herself as she gazed into the mirror in her bedroom and looked at the picture she made for in her wedding dress. Today’s finally here.

It was impossible for Emma to articulate her joy at that fact. This had been a long hard road to now, with ups and downs, highs and lows, but at the end of the day this was all she could ever want. In a few minutes time she’d be leaving this room and heading down the path of her chosen forever, coasting down an aisle that led to Killian, the man she loved and the one person in the world she wanted to build her future with.

There had been plenty of moments up to now when Emma doubted if they’d make it here. Things in their life together didn’t always go exactly to plan, and there had been more than a few wrenches thrown into their path and obstacles for them to tackle head on. A lot of that work to getting here had been internal for both of them. Emma had to let go of her past hurts, and Killian had to learn to do the same. They both needed time to grow and to heal and to change for the better, and yet the way they’d done that was through finding each other. Even in the worst of times, when hope was hard to find, and the odds seemed stacked against them, they always found their way back home to each other.

Thankfully today the Universe wasn’t intent on throwing any more trials in their way, and the world outside was perfectly situated to allow a real sense of peace. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and the breeze coming through the window of her bedroom right now was soft and sweet, cool but still mild, like something from a daydream. It was a sign to Emma that the battle to get to Killian was largely over. They’d face more trials for sure, but now they’d have each other and be tied together in every way, facing everything as a team in the way she truly wanted.

“Oh Emma. You look so beautiful.”

The watery words came from her mother, who must have stolen into the room while Emma was distracted by visions of the future. As Emma expected her mother’s eyes were filled with tears when she turned to face her. Snow was truly on the precipice of a full-blown cry, but Emma had to stop that. If she didn’t they’d both be shedding tears, and today was too happy a moment to do that. So instead of letting those feelings linger, Emma extended her hand to her mother and pulled her to look in the mirror with her. Here they stood side by side, enjoying a milestone so many mothers and daughters faced together, and it almost felt normal when so little in their lives ever did.

“I never thought I’d have this,” Emma whispered to her Mom and then she flicked her glance to her mother’s reflection and explained. “A wedding was never exactly on my radar, given the whole avoiding feelings and attachment thing…”

“Thank God you pushed through that, that Killian helped get you through that, and that you chose love in the end,” Snow said and Emma smiled in reply.

Her mother had been very clear in her immense happiness for Emma and her future son-in-law, and that acceptance from both her parents, despite some of the darkness in Killian’s past, had been so incredibly appreciated on Emma’s part. It made an already special day all the more wonderful, because she knew everyone who she loved was celebrating not just for her happiness, but that she’d found that happiness with her true love who they all loved as well.

“Yeah. But there were moments in my old life when I wondered what it might be like. I always wanted my parents to be there, even if I never knew you, and now you are. You and Dad have been with me through every part of this, and I…”

Oh shit, here were those tears again, but this time it was her mother’s turn to be strong. Snow turned Emma to face her and held Emma’s face in her hands, looking at her with misty eyes, but a sincerity that could not be denied. It was a sure sign that some much needed words of wisdom and heartfelt motherly affection were coming, and Emma could hardly wait.

“There is nothing in this world that compares to being your mother, Emma. I only wish I could have been there more, but what we have had has been the greatest honor of my life. Seeing you these past few years, watching how brave you are to have hope when life taught you that you couldn’t… that has been the best of adventures.  And today we’re starting another one. You and Killian are going to have a wonderful life together, Emma. I can feel it.”

Emma’s chest flooded with warmth at the thought, because she knew her mother was right. Call it intuition or what have you, but Emma could sense that they’d turned the corner. Maybe the forces of evil might come knocking again, but the harrowing separations, and the back and forth of pain and doubt, those were over now. This was the start of a new chapter, a brighter one, and hopefully a long and happy one too.

“Speaking of my future husband... how is he?” Emma asked, knowing that the captain she loved never did very well in situations where they were apart. He’d had to sleep aboard the Jolly last night and had missed seeing her all of today, and Emma could only imagine what he was putting her Dad and Henry through because of it. He wouldn’t be cruel or mean in any way, but her pirate was at his best when she was close, and honestly it was the same for Emma.

“Well after I finally convinced him that a wedding at sunset would be worth the wait, and that you would love the ceremony to be at that time, he calmed a little bit. But there’s been a fair amount of pacing and your Dad’s gotten the brunt of Killian’s more stubborn desires to see you sooner than he should.”

“Are they already waiting?” Emma inquired, and her mother appeared to gauge her reasons for asking immediately. Killian wasn’t the only one who was impatient, and Emma had been eagerly anticipating this next step so long, she didn’t want to wait anymore, not if she could help it. Snow’s lips curved into a knowing smile and she nodded.

“We can go anytime. He’s waiting for you.”

That was all Emma needed to hear to grab her bouquet of flowers and head out the door arm in arm with her mother. The walk down the stairs and through Emma and Killian’s home wasn’t rushed, but each step was charged with this blissful kind of energy. Emma could feel the space between her and her fiancé lessening, and the time was nearly here for her and Killian to say their vows and make their promises to spend forever with each other. And all the while that they walked towards that next moment, Emma took it all in, tracing every part of their story over again in her mind’s eye that she could. The good and the bad, it was all a part of the fabric of their love, and Emma was grateful for it all because it led them to now.

Some people might think a few of those memories would be too painful for Emma or Killian to bear, but those old scars were merely the proof to Emma that this love was fought for fiercely and was hard earned. She knew that life wasn’t always the picture perfect fairytale people wanted to believe in. Sometimes the people you love messed up, or you pushed them away when that was really the last thing you wanted. The important thing was forgiving people for their weaker moments and working to do better yourself. Both she and Killian had done that time and again, and now they were whole again, with trust and honesty constantly present in this relationship between them.

“Are you ready, Emma?” Her mother asked when they reached the doorway and Emma nodded.

“I’ve been ready for a long time,” she confessed and her mother pressed a kiss to Emma’s cheek before lightly knocking on the door. When she did it opened immediately to reveal Emma’s father, brother, and Henry. Her mother smiled widely and took little Neal from his father, moving to the rest of the ceremony where she would have a front row seat to the festivities.

“Wow,” her father said when he took Emma in in all her wedding day glory. She beamed up at him, loving the fact that her Dad hid nothing from her. His eyes were just as full and sparkling with that excess of emotion that her mother’s had been, and yet Emma didn’t hate it. In fact she embraced those feelings, and she took them for the gifts they were. Her Dad loved her unconditionally, and that love was truly evident from the awe in his voice.

“I dialed Mom back on some of the more princessy elements, but she got her way with the flower crown in the end. So what do you think?”

Emma did a little twirl in the dress that she’d chosen. It didn’t billow out like a princess gown, but there were traces of the kind of dress she’d worn in Camelot. With the lace and the long sleeves, some might call it modest, but it was also exactly what Emma wanted. The details were exquisite, and the flowers in the details were pretty and never failed to make her smile. She felt beautiful in this dress, and she could hardly wait to see Killian’s reaction when he finally saw her after waiting for so long.

“You look perfect, Emma. And you will always be a princess no matter what you’re wearing,” her Dad professed and Emma giggled a bit at that, not feeling at all ashamed of how joyous she was right now. She deserved this. She and Killian both did.

“You look happy, Mom. Actually I don’t even think happy does it justice,” Henry mused and Emma took his hand and squeezed it tight.

“I am, kid. More than happy.”

“Good,” her father agreed. “Because if you weren’t this would all be going in a very different direction. I don’t go giving my daughter’s hand to just any old person, you know.”

Emma laughed at the teasing joke and Henry and her Dad joined in before both of them offered her their arm and they moved through the rest of the space with the same even steps that Emma and her mother had taken before.

At first Emma had anticipated that it would just be her Dad giving her away today, but then Henry had come to her and asked to do so too a few weeks back. He said it was important to him, and that he wanted Killian to really know just how much he approved. Emma had agreed on one condition – that Henry know he wasn’t ‘giving her away’ at all. He would always be her heart and her first priority, and her getting married and eventually adding to the ranks of this family wouldn’t change that. He was her son, her kid, and the person who had given her all the tools to believe in herself and believe in love, and that love and caring she had for him would never change.

“Wait for it,” Henry said right when they were about to go around the bend, and Emma almost asked him what he meant, but then she saw the ceremony before them and she knew what he was after.

Her family had gone all out for this, and while it was elaborate and ornate, it was also somehow simple and intimate just as Emma had wanted. There was white everywhere, in the flowers, in the decorations, and yet there was color too, bursts of it that Emma felt were very reflective of her inner feelings right now. This wedding was gorgeous, but it also felt alive and vibrant, and not stuffy or too meticulously controlled. It was honestly awe inspiring, and brought tears to her eyes, but the most important part of all of it wasn’t the flowers or the guests, it was Killian, who was waiting for her down the path of flower petals looking about to burst with love and excitement.

“You know, I don’t think he’s feeling it so much. Maybe we should turn around,” David joked and Henry laughed at that.

“I don’t think you’d love the reaction you got if you tried, from either of us,” Emma said and her Dad agreed, letting the music fill the space between them as they made the rest of the way down the aisle.

It was a long march, a slow march, and one Emma would have liked to take faster, but she used this time to really take in the man she was about to marry. He was so handsome, dressed in a formal way that still let him be himself, and Emma was not unaffected. In fact her mind raced right past this moment and the reception to the night they’d have together when everybody left and her heart kicked up, but she counseled herself to be patient and to take every part of this in. There was no need to rush, when they could just be in this happy state of grace for a while.

By the time the moment came that she gave her Dad and Henry a kiss and handed off her flowers to put her hand in Killian’s, Emma was on a whole new wavelength. The humor had largely fallen away and all that was left was this intense need to be in this moment with him and memorize every element so she never forgot how perfect this was. This was their day, a day they’d been building towards and would hold dear to their hearts forever, and it was just the start of everything to come.

“I love you, Emma,” Killian whispered before anyone else could get a word in and Emma grinned at that, responding in kind and catching herself just before kissing him. He totally saw it though, and he let her know with another whispered promise that soon enough she’d get that kiss and he’d make it one to remember.

The ceremony was blessedly short, without some of the pomp and circumstance her mother had described as customary in the Enchanted Forest. It was more like the weddings in this realm, but Emma and Killian had designed it so there weren’t all kind of readings and things. It was just the basics from Archie (who was their justice of the peace), and then their vows, which they’d designed to be personal and heart felt.

“Emma – I’ve tried time and time again to find the words to tell you how I feel. I’ve been striving for eloquence, but sometimes simplicity is the clearest way to show one your true heart. So I’ll say this: I have loved you almost since the start, and though it seemed impossible that I could let go of my old life, you made that journey to something better a reality for me. I found strength through your strength, light through your kindness and acceptance, and hope through your love. You have been my northern star, the map that set me on a path of being more, and I promise here and now never to stray from that. I will do right by you and be the man you deserve and the man I’ve always wanted to be.”

Emma could feel herself getting choked up, but she would not cave to those emotions. The tears would come, but she wanted them to wait just a little longer. As if he could read her mind, Killian smiled and brought her hand up to his lips to kiss lightly before continuing.

“Since meeting you, I’ve learned that life as a hero is never easy, but loving you, Emma, that’s the most effortless thing I’ve ever done. You made it impossible not to fall under your spell, and even in our darkest moments, there never came a time when you have not meant the world to me. You, Swan, are a miracle - my miracle - and I intend to show you that every day as long as we live that I was worth you taking the chance on.”

“I’d pick you every time,” Emma whispered and Killian’s hand came up to her cheek, to wipe away one of the tears that had fallen as he whispered back.

“And I you, my love. I will choose you from now until my dying day, and ever after. You are it for me, my greatest dream and surest triumph. I love you.”

Emma wasn’t sure how she managed to get her voice to steady or to find the words after his touching vows, but she was adamant that she do so. Killian, after all, was always the one giving her grand statements and beautiful words, but today they should both reap the benefits of this love, and she’d find a way to let him know that she was just as deep in this as he was, and to convince him that they were equal in each and every way.

“Killian, the day we met you said you could read me like a book, and I thought at the time that was just a line from a cocky pirate who was way too full of himself,” Emma paused because there was a smattering of laughter from their guests and a chuckle from Killian too.

“But you proved even in those first moments that it wasn’t a line. You saw the one thing that I’d struggled with more than anything in the world – trust. I couldn’t bring myself to really trust anyone even when I wanted to and I had all but given up with trying. I thought I could love people and be there for my son and my parents even if I kept parts of myself from them, but you proved me wrong. You showed me over time and with so much perseverance that at the end of the day real hope requires absolute trust, and I can never thank you enough for that.”

Killian ran his thumb across her knuckles lightly, his blue eyes staying trained on her face, and Emma could feel his silent promise that there was nothing she need thank him for. She could almost hear his words in his head, but she knew, even if he couldn’t, that he’d managed to save her from herself by helping her have faith.

“We were both different people then, back there on that beanstalk, guarded and attached to lives neither of us wanted, but somehow, together, we’ve come through that. We went through hell and worse to get to this moment. We tore down walls, weathered every storm, and through all of that my love for you has grown. It’s bigger than anything I ever thought possible, and I know the reason for that is because we know each other, we understand each other, and we recognize that our key to happiness lies together.

“I don’t know where exactly the road will lead us. I suspect there’s a few more villains in our path or crises in our future, but I do know that every day we have together I intend to show you as you’ve shown me that there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you. We’re a team, Killian, and from this moment on I promise to never let you lose sight of that. I promise not to run unless it’s to you, and not to lose my hope in you and in us. And I promise to love you, now and always.”

There were a few more steps to go through, some of them incredibly memorable, like the moments when they both said ‘I do’ and when their wedding bands were slipped onto their fingers, but Emma was anxiously awaiting one moment in particular, and when it came she and Killian both struggled to contain themselves.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife -,”

The rest of Archie’s words were lost for Emma and Killian, who gave way to their desires and stole that kiss to seal this union there in front of everyone. It was packed with emotion and promise and light, and though her family was there and the whole town was watching them, Emma and Killian didn’t pull back until they were good and ready. When they did, Emma felt like a final part of her soul had clicked into place, and she was so relieved. Finally she had everything she’d ever wanted, and now the future was unlimited and her world was made new.

“Now what?” Emma asked, her voice low but jesting as the crowd of guests clapped and cheered for the two of them, and Killian only smiled at her, his hand cupping her cheek and his eyes searching hers and seemingly finding exactly what he was looking for.

“Now we live happily ever after.”

Emma loved the sound of that, and in the end, she loved the reality so much better. Because they did find that happy ending they were looking for, and it was all so much more beautiful and worthwhile than anyone ever could have imagined.

……………….

Heaven knows I went through hell Trying to trust somebody else I had all but given up Cause I was never quite enough

Couldn't tell I was going under Suddenly, suddenly that water Pulls you in, pulls you down Balancing on a tightrope wire Build the walls, build the walls up higher Until you, until now

Baby, I feel it deep down in my bones There's a part of me no one else has known When you look, not afraid of what you see But you say show me, you say show me

And I know you can see into my soul To the part of me no one else has known When you look in my eyes, I do believe I can show me, I can show me

Breathing in and breathing out I won't look back and won't look down All the mess that came before Set me up for something more

Couldn't tell I was going under Suddenly, suddenly that water Pulls you in, pulls you down Balancing on a tightrope wire Build the walls, build the walls up higher Until you, until now

Baby, I feel it deep down in my bones There's a part of me no one else has known When you look, not afraid of what you see But you say show me, you say show me

And I know you can see into my soul To the part of me no one else has known When you look in my eyes, I do believe I can show me, I can show me

Baby, I'll leave it all out on the floor (I can show, I can show) Cause the past, it won't break me anymore (I can show, I can show) When you look in my eyes (I can show, I can show) I do believe (I can show, I can show) I can show me (I can show, I can show) I can show (I can show, I can show)

Baby, I feel it deep down in my bones (Deep down in my soul) There's a part of me no one else has known (No one else has known) When you look, not afraid of what you see (Oooh) But you say show me, you say show me (Oooh)

And I know you can see into my soul (see into my soul) To the part of me no one else has known When you look in my eyes, I do believe That you say show me (show me) And you say show me I can show me (Oooh) I can show me

I can show me (I can show me) I will show me

Post-Note: So as I go through these old prompts, I have to say that I am so thrilled for all of them. There is not a single suggestion I have received for this series that I haven’t found to be lovely, and though it’s taken quite a bit of time for some of these to get written, I want to assure all my lovely readers who have asked for songs that I appreciate them floating ideas my way. I am hoping to focus a little more on the mixtape in the coming week and get more of these off my list of to-do songs, but only time will tell. Anyway thank you to my lovely reader who asked for this song in particular, and thank you to all of you for reading! I hope you have a lovely rest of your day!

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9, Part 10,Part 11, Part 12,Part 13, Part 14, Part 15, Part 16, Part 17, Part 18, Part 19, Part 20, Part 21, Part 22, Part 23, Part 24, Part 25, Part 26, Part 27, Part 28, Part 29, Part 30, Part 31, Part 32, Part 33, Part 34, Part 35, Part 36, Part 37, Part 38, Part 39, Part 40, Part 41, Part 42, Part 43, Part 44, Part 45, Part 46, Part 47, Part 48, Part 49, Part 50, Part 51, Part 52, Part 53, Part 54, Part 55, Part 56, Part 57, Part 58, Part 59, Part 60, Part 61, Part 62, Part 63, Part 64, Part 65, Part 66, Part 67, Part 68, Part 69, Part 70, Part 71, Part 72, Part 73, Part 74, Part 75, Part 76, Part 77, Part 78, Part 79, Part 80, Part 81, Part 82, Part 83, Part 84, Part 85, Part 86, Part 87, Part 88, Part 89, Part 90, Part 91, Part 92, Part 93, Part 94, Part 95, Part 96, Part 97, Part 98, Part 99, Part 100, Part 101, Part 102, Part 103, Part 104, Part 105, Part 106, Part 107,Part 108, Part 109, Part 110,Part 111, Part 112, Part 113, Part 114, Part 115,Part 116, Part 117, Part 118, Part 119,Part 120, Part 121, Part 122, Part 123,Part 124, Part 125, Part 126, Part 127, Part 128,Part 129,Part 130, Part 131,Part 132, Part 133, Part 134, Part 135, Part 136, Part 137, Part 138, Part 139,Part 140, Part 141, Part 142, Part 143

[tonymga-blog]

Nina and Mo's Christmas Party

Silent Night Joseph Mohr; Music by Franz Gruber

Silent night, holy night, All is calm, all is bright. Round yon Virgin Mother and Child, Holy Infant so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace; Sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night, holy night, Shepherds quake at the sight. Glories stream from heaven afar, Heav’nly hosts sing Alleluia; Christ the Savior is born; Christ the Savior is born.

Silent night, holy night, Son of God, love’s pure light. Radiant beams from Thy holy face, With the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth; Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.

Hark! the Herald Angels Sing Words by Charles Wesley; Music by Felix Mendelssohn

Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King! Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled.” Joyful, all ye nations rise, Join the triumph of the skies; With the angelic host proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!” CHORUS Hark, the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!” Christ by highest heav’n adored; Christ the everlasting Lord! Late in time behold Him come, Offspring of a Virgin’s womb. Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; Hail the incarnate Deity. Pleased as man with man to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel! CHORUS Hail the heav’n-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Son of Righteousness! Light and life to all He brings, Ris’n with healing in His wings. Mild He lays His glory by, Born that man no more may die. Born to raise the sons of earth; Born to give them second birth. CHORUS

Deck the halls with boughs of holly, Fa Ia Ia Ia Ia Ia Ia Ia Ia. `Tis the season to be jolly, Fa Ia Ia Ia Ia Ia Ia Ia Ia. Don we now our gay apparel, Fa la,fa Ia Ia Ia Ia. Troll the ancient Yuletide carol, Fa Ia Ia Ia Ia Ia Ia Ia Ia.

See the blazing Yule before us, Fa Ia Ia Ia Ia Ia Ia Ia Ia. Strike the harp and join the chorus, Fa Ia Ia Ia Ia Ia Ia Ia Ia. Follow me in merry measure, Fa Ia, fa Ia Ia Ia Ia. While I tell of Yuletide treasure, Fa Ia Ia Ia Ia Ia Ia Ia Ia.

We Three Kings of Orient Are

We three kings of Orient are, Bearing gifts we traverse afar, Field and fountain, moor and mountain, Following yonder star. CHORUS O Star of wonder, Star of night, Star with royal beauty bright, Westward leading, still proceeding, Guide us to Thy perfect light. Born a King on Bethlehem’s plain, Gold I bring to crown Him again, King forever, ceasing never, Over us all to reign. CHORUS Frankincense to offer have I, Incense owns a Deity nigh. Pray’r and praising, all men raising, Worship Him, God most high. CHORUS Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume Breathes of life of gathering gloom; Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying, Sealed in the stone-cold tomb. CHORUS Glorious now behold Him arise, King and God and Sacrifice. Alleluia, Alleluia, Earth to heav’n replies. CHORUS

Christmas Tree (0 Tannenbaum)

O Christmas tree, 0 Christmas tree, thy leaves are so unchanging. O Christmas tree, 0 Christmas tree, thy leaves are so unchanging. Not only green when summer’s here, but also when `tis cold and drear. O Christmas tree, 0 Christmas tree, thy leaves are so unchanging.

O Christmas tree, 0 Christmas tree, you fill all hearts with gaiety. O Christmas tree, 0 Christmas tree, you fill all hearts with gaiety. On Christmas Day you stand so tall, affording joy to one and all. O Christmas tree, 0 Christmas tree, you fill all hearts with gaiety.

O Christmas Tree Words by Aretha Franklin

O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree How lovely are thy branches O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree How lovely are thy branches Your boughs so green in summertime Stay bravely green in wintertime O tannenbaum, o Christmas tree How lovely are thy branches Let us all remember In our gift giving and our merriment With our family and friends and loved ones The real and true meaning of Christmas The birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ O tannenbaum, o tannenbaum How lovely are, are thy branches O tannenbaum,… Joy to the World Words by Isaac Watts; Music by Lowell Mason

Joy to the world! the Lord has come: Let earth receive her King. Let ev’ry heart prepare Him room, And heav’n and nature sing, and heav’n and nature sing, And heav’n, and heav’n and nature sing.

Joy to the world! the Savior reigns: Let men their songs employ, While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains Repeat the sounding joy, repeat the sounding joy, Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

He rules the world with truth and grace, And makes the nations prove The glories of His righteousness And wonders of His love, and wonders of His love, And wonders, wonders of His love.

The First Noel

The first Noel, the angel did say, Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay; In fields where they lay keeping their sheep, On a cold winter’s night that was so deep.

CHORUS Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, Born is the King of Israel.

They looked up and saw a star, Shining in the East beyond them far; And to the earth it gave great light, And so it continued day and night. CHORUS This star drew nigh to the northwest; O’er Bethlehem it took its rest, And there it did both stop and stay, Right o’er the place where Jesus lay. CHORUS

O Come, All Ye Faithful (Adeste Fideles) English words by Frederick Gakeley; Music by John Reading

O come, all ye faithful, Joyful and triumphant, O come ye, 0 come ye to Bethlehem. Come and behold Him, born the King of angels.

CHORUS O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord.

Sing, choirs of angels, Sing in exultation; Sing all ye citizens of heav’n above: Glory to God in the Highest. CHORUS

Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, Born this happy morning; Jesus, to Thee be glory giv’n; Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing. CHORUS

The Twelve Days of Christmas Traditional

On the first day of Christmas, my true love sent to me A partridge in a pear tree.

On the second day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree.

On the third day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Three French hens, two turtle doves And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Five golden rings. Four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings. Four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me Seven swans a-swimming, six geese a-laying, Five golden rings. Four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me Eight maids a-milking, seven swans a-swimming, six geese a-laying, Five golden rings. Four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me Nine ladies dancing, eight maids a-milking, seven swans a-swimming, six geese a-laying, Five golden rings. Four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me Ten lords a-leaping, nine ladies dancing, eight maids a-milking, seven swans a-swimming, six geese a-laying, Five golden rings. Four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me Eleven pipers piping, ten lords a-leaping, nine ladies dancing, eight maids a-milking, seven swans a-swimming, six geese a-laying, Five golden rings. Four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me Twelve drummers drumming, eleven pipers piping, ten lords a-leaping, nine ladies dancing, eight maids a-milking, seven swans a-swimming, six geese a-laying, Five golden rings. Four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves And a partridge in a pear tree.

Away in a Manger

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head. The stars in the sky looked down where He lay, The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.

The cattle are lowing, the poor Baby wakes, But little Lord Jesus no crying He makes. I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky, And stay by my cradle till morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay Close by me forever and love me I pray. Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care, And take us to heaven to live with Thee there.

Angels We Have Heard on High Traditional

Angels we have heard on high Sweetly singing o’er the plains, And the mountains in reply Echoing their joyous strains.

CHORUS Gloria in excelsis Deo, Gloria in excelsis Deo.

Shepherds, why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong? What the gladsome tidings be Which inspire your heav’nly song? CHORUS

Come to Bethlehem and see Him whose birth the angels sing. Come adore on bended knee Christ the Lord, the newborn King. CHORUS

We Wish You a Merry Christmas

We wish you a Merry Christmas; We wish you a Merry Christmas; We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

CHORUS Good tidings to you wherever you are; Good tidings for Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Oh, bring us a figgy pudding; Oh, bring us a figgy pudding; Oh, bring us a figgy pudding and a cup of good cheer. CHORUS

We won’t go until we’ve got some; We won’t go until we’ve got some; We won’t go until we’ve got some, so bring some out here. CHORUS

We wish you a Merry Christmas; We wish you a Merry Christmas; We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. CHORUS

The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) Lyric and Music by Mel Torme and Robert Wells

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose, Yuletide carols being sung by a choir And folks dressed up like Eskimos. Ev’rybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe Help to make the season bright. Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow Will find it hard to sleep tonight. They know that Santa’s on his way; He’s loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh. And ev’ry mother’s child is gonna spy To see if reindeer really know how to fly. And so I’m offering this simple phrase To kids from one to ninety-two; Although it’s been said many times, many ways, “Merry Christmas to you.

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas Words and Music by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane

Have yourself a merry little Christmas; Let your heart be light. From now on, our troubles will be out of sight. Have yourself a merry little Christmas; Make the Yuletide gay. From now on, our troubles will be miles away. Here we are as in olden days, happy golden days of yore; Faithful friends who are dear to us gather near to us once more. Through the years we all will be together If the Fates allow. Hang a shining star upon the highest bough, And have yourself a merry little Christmas now.

I’ll Be Home for Christmas Words by Kim Gannon; Music by Walter Kent

I’ll be home for Christmas; You can plan on me. Please have snow and mistletoe And presents on the tree. Christmas Eve will find me Where the love-light gleams. I’ll be home for Christmas If only in my dreams.

Rockin’ around the Christmas tree By Johnny Marks

Rockin’ around the Christmas tree At the Christmas party hop. Mistletoe hung where you can see Ev’ry couple tries to stop. Rockin’ around the Christmas tree, Let the Christmas spirit ring. Later we’ll have some pumpkin pie, And we’ll do some caroling. You will get a sentimental feeling When you hear voices singing, `let’s be jolly; Deck the halls with boughs of holly.” Rockin’ around the Christmas tree, Have a happy holiday. Ev’ryone dancing merrily In the new old-fashioned way.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Words and Music by Johnny Marks

You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen, But do you recall The most famous reindeer of all?

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Had a very shiny nose, And if you ever saw it, You could even say it glows. All of the other reindeer Used to laugh and call him names; They never let poor Rudolph Join in any reindeer games. Then one foggy Christmas Eve, Santa came to say: “Rudolph with your nose so bright, Won’t you guide my sleigh tonight?” Then how the reindeer loved him As they shouted out with glee, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, You’ll go down in history.”

Here Comes Santa Claus Words and Music by Gene Autry and Oakley Haldeman

Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus Right down Santa Claus Lane. Vixen and Blitzen and all his reindeer are pulling on the rein. Bells are ringing, children singing; All is merry and bright. Hang your stockings and say your pray’rs, `Cause Santa Claus comes tonight.

Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus Right down Santa Claus Lane. Hes got a bag that is filled with toys for the girls and boys again. Hear those sleigh bells jingle jangle, What a beautiful sight. Jump in bed, cover up your head, `Cause Santa Claus comes tonight.

Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus Right down Santa Claus Lane. He doesn’t care if you’re rich or poor for he loves you just the same. Santa knows that we’re God’s children; That makes ev’rything right. Fill your hearts with a Christmas cheer, `Cause Santa Claus comes tonight. Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus Right down Santa Claus Lane. He’ll come around when the chimes ring out; then it’s Christmas morn again. Peace on earth will come to all If we just follow the light. Let’s give thanks to the Lord above, `Cause Santa Claus comes tonight.

Santa Claus Is Coming to Town Words and Music by J. Fred Coats and Haven Gillespie

You better watch out; you better not cry; Better not pout; I’m telling you why: Santa Claus is comm’ to town. He’s making a list and checking it twice; Gonna find out who’s naughty and nice: Santa Claus is comm’ to town. He sees you when you’re sleepin’; He knows when you’re awake; He knows if you’ve been bad or good; So be good for goodness sake. Oh! you better watch out; you better not cry; Better not pout; I’m telling you why; Santa Claus is comm’ to town.

Frosty the Snow Man Words and Music by Steve Nelson and Jack Rollins

Frosty the Snow Man was a joiiy, happy soul, With a corncob pipe and a button nose and two eyes made out of coal. Frosty the Snow Man is a fairy tale, they say; He was made of snow, but the children know how he came to life one day. There must have been some magic in that old silk hat they found, For when they placed it on his head, he began to dance around. Oh, Frosty the Snow Man was alive as he could be, And the children say he could laugh and play just the same as you and me.

Frosty the Snow Man knew the sun was hot that day, So he said, “Let’s run and we’ll have some fun now before I melt away.” Down to the village with a broomstick in his hand, Running here and there all around the square, sayin’, “Catch me if you can.” He led them down the streets of town right to the traffic cop, And he only paused a moment when he heard him holler “Stop!” For Frosty the Snow Man had to hurry on his way, But he waved good-bye, sayin’, “Don’t you cry; I’ll be back again someday.”

Thumpety thump thump, thumpety thump thump, Look at Frosty go; Thumpety thump thump, thumpety thump thump, Over the hills of snow.

It’s Beginning to Look Like Christmas Words and Music by Meredith Wilson

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas Ev’rywhere you go; Take a look in the five-and-ten, glistening once again With candy canes and silver lanes aglow. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, Toys in ev’ry store, But the prettiest sight to see is the holly that will be On your own front door. A pair of hopalong boots and a pistol that shoots Is the wish of Barney and Ben; Dolls that will talk and will go for a walk Is the hope of Janice and Jen; And Mom and Dad can hardly wait for school to start again It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas Ev’rywhere you go; There’s a tree in the Grand Hotel, one in the park as well, The sturdy kind that doesn’t mind the snow. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas; Soon the bells will start, And the thing that will make them ring is the carol that you Sing right within your heart.

Jingle Bells Words and Music by James Pierpont

Dashing through the snow in a one-horse open sleigh; O’er the fields we go, Laughing all the way. Bells on bobtail ring, Making spirits bright; What fun it is to ride and sing A sleighing song tonight. Oh! jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way; Oh, what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh. Hey! jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way; Oh, what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh!

Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Words by Sammy Cahn; Music by Jule Styne

Oh, the weather outside is frightful, But the fire is so delightful, And since we’ve no place to go, Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. It doesn’t show signs of stopping, And I brought some corn for popping; The lights are turned way down low, Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. When we finally kiss good night, How I’ll hate going out in the storm; But if you’ll really hold me tight, All the way home I’ll be warm. The fire is slowly dying, And, my dear, we’re still good-byeing, But as long as you love me so, Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

Sleigh Ride Words by Mitchell Parish; Music by LeroyAnderson

Just hear those sleigh bells jingling, ring-ting-tingling, too; Come on, it’s lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you. Outside, the snow is falling and friends are calling “Yoo-hoo”; Come on, it’s lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you. Giddy-yap, giddy-yap, giddy-yap, let’s go; Let’s look at the show; We’re riding in a wonderland of snow. Giddy-yap, giddy-yap, giddy-yap, it’s grand, Just holding your hand; We’re gliding along with a song of a wintery fairyland. Our cheeks are nice and rosy, and comfy cozy are we; We’re snuggled up together like two birds of a feather would be. Let’s take that road before us and sing a chorus or two; Come on, it’s lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you.

What Child Is This? Words by William Chatterton Dix; Music

What Child is this, who laid to rest, On Mary’s lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet While shepherds watch are keeping?

CHORUS This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing. Haste, haste to bring Him laud, The Babe, the Son of Mary.

Why lies He in such mean estate Where ox and ass are feeding? Good Christian, fear for sinners here, The silent Word is pleading. CHORUS

So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh; Come, peasant king, to own Him. The King of Kings salvation brings; Let loving hearts enthrone Him. CHORUS

Nina and Mo’s Christmas Party was originally published on Tony Merritt Web Site

[wesonerdy]

The Black Fairy’s curse has torn Emma and Henry away from their family. Can Henry remind his Mom who she really is in time for the Final Battle? Let’s recap how Once Upon a Musical brought us to this point and get a sneak peek of tonight’s two-hour finale!

Courtesy of ABC/Jack Rowand

Last week’s Once Upon a Time fulfills every expectation that the lead up to Once Upon a Musical and the CaptainSwan wedding promised. In past and present, we get to enjoy Disney’s signature singing and dancing. While a villainous threat almost prevails, family and love eventually win the day. It’s romantic and so beautiful.

“The Song in Your Heart” opens with young Emma, back in the group home in Minneapolis in 1991. She’s very excited about an upcoming talent show and is practicing her singing. This is until one of the older girls, mocks Emma, telling her that she isn’t special. Emma is now discouraged and, presumably, doesn’t enter the talent show.

In the flashback to the Enchanted Forest, Snow is increasingly frustrated with the Evil Queen’s threats. How are she and Charming supposed to protect their child? Charming tries to encourage Snow to rest, but before doing so, in an act of desperation she makes a wish that they could help Emma and give her a chance at a happy ending.

And the next morning, Snow and Charming wake up SINGING!!!

The first song “Powerful Magic” features Snow and Charming trying to figure out what’s going on, realizing that it’s a consequence of Snow’s wish the previous night, and that this is actually a good thing: “’cause love expressed through song is a weapon like the Queen has never seen!” This is how they’ll be able to defeat the Evil Queen and protect Emma.

When we meet the Evil Queen, we see that she is also bound up in singing spell. In “The Queen Sings”/”Love Doesn’t Stand a Chance”, the Evil Queen finds out from her Mirror about Snow’s wish and how it threatens her Dark Curse. The kingdom is all in joyous song, from the dwarves to Geppetto, Pinocchio, and Jiminy, and even Granny too. However, Evil Queen breaks into an awesome rock ballad emphasizing that “love is a waste of time. I’m here to tell you with love’s magic spell, you cannot match the power of mine.” Her Dark Curse won’t be stopped by the Charmings.

The Charmings need passage to reach the Evil Queen’s castle and go to a pub to commission Captain Hook’s Jolly Roger. However, Hook has no interest in their money; the only thing he wants in vengeance. And this begin’s Hook’s ode to Rumple “Revenge is Gonna Be Mine”: “Some say let it go, but I say hell no, I’m finally on the right path. Soon the Dark One will feel the fire of this pirate’s wrath!” Once the Charmings realize that Hook wants Rumple, they promise to turn him over in exchange for their passage.

Evil Queen goes to see Rumple, and interestingly, he isn’t bound by the Charmings’ singing wish. What’s more, if EQ wants to prove that Rumple was right to choose her to cast the Dark Curse, she better go find a way to fix things.

Meanwhile, Zelena, Wicked Witch of the West, watches this and sees an opportunity. Maybe when Zelena fails, Rumple will choose her, because “Wicked Always Wins”: “Oh, I will fly into tomorrow. My sister full of sorrow..Her life was so enchanted, she took it all for granted…Oh, evil may be powerful, but wicked always wins.” Zelena decides to trick EQ into using a spell she’s created. That way Zelena can swoop in, claim credit, and Rumple will realize his mistake.

Finally, the Snow and Charming arrive to face off against the Evil Queen. In “Charmings vs. Evil Queen” we have the ultimate battle via sing-off– Snow/Charming: “With our daughter’s fate at stake, seems we found a lucky break. Now let our song show the powerful magic. Now let our song show the power we can make!” Evil Queen: “Happy endings you will see, but the happy end will end with me! Love doesn’t stand a chance!”

EQ uses Zelena’s wicked spell and takes away everyone’s song.

Just when the Charmings think they’re down, the Blue Fairy comes to see them. She’s the one who granted Snow’s wish. Snow and Charming still have their song, but the magic isn’t meant to fight the Evil Queen; it’s meant for Emma. When the time comes for a Final Battle, Emma will have the voices of the people who love her inside her heart and she won’t be alone. According to Blue, when they all wake up tomorrow, no one will remember the magic singing. But who will remind Emma of the song in her heart? Blue didn’t know, but had hope…

In present-day Storybrooke, Emma, Killian, and company are making the final preparations for the wedding. Emma is trying to select her wedding dress when Snow says that her wedding dress made it over from the Dark Curse. Emma is very excited and agrees to wear the dress. However, when Snow brings the dress from the dry cleaners, and Emma is about to try it on (with Regina and Zelena too), the Black Fairy appears and destroys the gown. Now they know Rumple never banished her. Black Fairy makes an interesting proposal–if Emma surrenders her heart, Black Fairy will leave the rest of her loved one’s alone. Regardless, the final battle is coming.

When BF leaves, Emma, Snow, Regina, and Zelena go to the clocktower and see the threat is very real. There’s enough black fairy dust to curse Storybrooke ten times over… when the tower strikes 6pm (the time of CaptainSwan wedding), the dust will be released. Emma is determined to solve this on her own, but Regina, in particular, promises to stop the Black Fairy.

Meanwhile, Killian is with Charming on the Jolly Roger. Charming is trying to convince his future son-in-law to wear a white suit for the wedding and Killian seems less than excited. They’re interrupted by Emma who has come to tell KIllian about the Black Fairy’s threat to separate her from her family so she has to fight the Final Battle alone. Killian wants to help her, but Emma refuses. She wants to protect him. Emma seems to reassure Killian that she’ll be there for the wedding, but Killian sees through her. She’s come to say goodbye in case her plan doesn’t work.

Killian won’t let Emma tackle this alone and goes to confront Rumple and the shop. Killian knocks Rumple out with some dreamshade to keep him from continuing to help his mother. Unfortunately Black Fairy intervenes.

At the Sheriff’s station, Emma is sorting through family mementos when Henry joins her. He encourages Emma, telling her that she can win the Final Battle. It’s the reason she was brought to Storybrooke. While talking Henry plays the tape of Emma from 1991, when she was practicing her song, but Emma immediately turns it off.

Similarly, Regina and Zelena are searching for a loophole to stop the Black Fairy’s curse and develop and idea. If Regina can isolate the part of the curse that stops time, she can prevent it from happening. Regina makes a potion to do just that, but as she’s showing it to the Charmings, Rumple intervenes. He seizes the potion… When Emma confronts the Black Fairy at the Mayor’s office, we see that Rumple has used the potion to freeze Emma’s loved ones. BF then taunts Emma, calling her weak and hopeless. She also plays that same tune of Emma humming.

Emma returns to the Sheriff’s station with Henry and tries to regroup. She shares how hearing herself singing reminds her of a time when she was alone, when no one even cared to listen to her sing a song. Henry tries to reassure his mother: things have changed and she can still save everyone. Emma agrees to do so by sacrificing herself. She’ll give the Black Fairy her heart and leaves to do so.

Henry doesn’t know how to help his mom. He becomes upset and knocks the Fairy Tale book from the desk… and, as if by magic, the page about Blue placing the songs in Emma’s heart appear. This is how they could beat the Black Fairy! Henry rushes to meet Emma as she’s in the process of handing over her heart. Black Fairy removes Emma’s heart and tries to crush it, but isn’t able to. Emma’s heart is stronger and the source of that strength is “Emma’s Theme”: “All the years of running, no, not anymore. I know what I’m living for. I’m no longer searching. Turns out all along the answer was inside me with a song.”

Emma breaks the spell that’s freezing her family and Henry returns her heart. They’ve won, for now! But Black Fairy still promises her curse will come.

Regardless, Emma and Killian will enjoy the time they have left. They get married! Emma and Killian, surrounded by their family and friends, recite their vows of love and exchange rings. They promise to love each other for all eternity and it’s SO LOVELY.

Jiminy declares Emma and Killian husband and wife…not an HEA, but “A Happy Beginning”: “Used to think that’s what I wanted, but now I finally know…There’s no storm we can’t outrun. We will always find the sun. Leave the past and all its scars, a happy beginning now is ours.”

We are treated to a beautiful, choreographed song, with CaptainSwan, the Charmings, Regina/Zelena/Henry, and the townsfolk in celebration!

Unfortunately, they are interrupted when the clock strikes 6pm and the Black Fairy’s curse is released. We have no idea what’s coming, but Emma promises: “Wherever we end up, we’ll win.”

  What is your favorite part of Once Upon a Musical? Favorite song? Share your thoughts in comments!

  Now, we must turn our thoughts to tonight’s Once Upon a Time Season 6 TWO-HOUR finale. There are so many questions, but this preview gives some insight about what to expect. 

Click on the number 2 right below (under the related posts) to read on!

Courtesy of ABC/Jack Rowand

In tonight’s Once Upon a Time Season 6 finale, “The Finale Battle” Parts 1 and 2 (written by Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz with Part 1 directed by Steve Pearlman, and Part 2 directed by Ralph Hemecker):

THE BLACK FAIRY’S CURSE LANDS OUR HEROES IN FAIRY TALE LAND WITH LITTLE HOPE OF RETURNING HOME, AND EMMA IS IN THE FIGHT OF HER LIFE—Henry awakens to a cursed Storybrooke and discovers Emma has been in the mental hospital, and the Black Fairy is the new mayor. Henry attempts to help Emma regain her memory while Gold tries to find out what has really happened to Belle. Meanwhile, Snow, Charming, Regina, Zelena and Hook are trapped in a crumbling Fairy Tale Land and desperately try to figure out a way to be reunited with Emma and Henry. (via ABC)

In these two clips from tonight’s episode, we see that the Heroes are in trouble. In the first clip, Henry goes to see Emma in the mental institution and she’s convinced that the truth about her family and the curse are delusions. Henry tries to encourage Emma to remember, but she gets frustrated with him. Meanwhile, in Fairy Tale Land, Killian, the Charmings, and Regina wake up in the Enchanted Forest and realize what has happened:

Nothing can be done until Emma starts believing. #OnceUponATime pic.twitter.com/876CXtaPLT

— Once Upon A Time (@OnceABC) May 13, 2017

Curses haven't stopped this family in the past. #OnceUponaTime pic.twitter.com/tGCAlpwrX1

— Once Upon A Time (@OnceABC) May 14, 2017

  “Curses have never stopped us before. Today will be no different.”

This is incredible that Emma thinks she’s been in the mental institution since the end of Season 1! I feel so bad for Henry… what if Black Fairy tries to lock him up too! At least we know the Heroes in the Enchanted Forest are working to reunite the family.

I just have to say I feel a lot of rage towards Rumple right now… I hope he’s satisfied *SARCASM*

Take a look at 20+ images from both parts of “The Final Battle”, including a look at Emma in the hospital.

Remember, we’re getting THREE hours of Once Upon a Time tonight! At 7:00pm ET|PT, ABC is airing the Once Upon aTime: The Final Battle Begins behind-the-scenes special. Then at 8:00pm ET|PT the Season 6 finale begins. Tune in and live tweet with me (@WeSoNerdy)!

Courtesy of ABC/Jack Rowand

Courtesy of ABC/Jack Rowand

Courtesy of ABC/Jack Rowand

Courtesy of ABC/Jack Rowand

Courtesy of ABC/Jack Rowand

Courtesy of ABC/Jack Rowand

Courtesy of ABC/Jack Rowand

Courtesy of ABC/Jack Rowand

Courtesy of ABC/Jack Rowand

Courtesy of ABC/Jack Rowand

Courtesy of ABC/Jack Rowand

Courtesy of ABC/Jack Rowand

Courtesy of ABC/Jack Rowand

Courtesy of ABC/Jack Rowand

Courtesy of ABC/Jack Rowand

Courtesy of ABC/Jack Rowand

Courtesy of ABC/Jack Rowand

Courtesy of ABC/Jack Rowand

Courtesy of ABC/Jack Rowand

Courtesy of ABC/Jack Rowand

Courtesy of ABC/Jack Rowand

Courtesy of ABC/Jack Rowand

RECAP/PREVIEW: ‘Once Upon a Time’ Season 6 Finale “The Final Battle” The Black Fairy's curse has torn Emma and Henry away from their family. Can Henry remind his Mom who she really is in time for the Final Battle?

[readbookywooks]

THE RIVER BANK

The Mole had been working very hard all the morning, spring- cleaning his little home. First with brooms, then with dusters; then on ladders and steps and chairs, with a brush and a pail of whitewash; till he had dust in his throat and eyes, and splashes of whitewash all over his black fur, and an aching back and weary arms. Spring was moving in the air above and in the earth below and around him, penetrating even his dark and lowly little house with its spirit of divine discontent and longing. It was small wonder, then, that he suddenly flung down his brush on the floor, said `Bother!' and `O blow!' and also `Hang spring-cleaning!' and bolted out of the house without even waiting to put on his coat. Something up above was calling him imperiously, and he made for the steep little tunnel which answered in his case to the gravelled carriage-drive owned by animals whose residences are nearer to the sun and air. So he scraped and scratched and scrabbled and scrooged and then he scrooged again and scrabbled and scratched and scraped, working busily with his little paws and muttering to himself, `Up we go! Up we go!' till at last, pop! his snout came out into the sunlight, and he found himself rolling in the warm grass of a great meadow.

`This is fine!' he said to himself. `This is better than whitewashing!' The sunshine struck hot on his fur, soft breezes caressed his heated brow, and after the seclusion of the cellarage he had lived in so long the carol of happy birds fell on his dulled hearing almost like a shout. Jumping off all his four legs at once, in the joy of living and the delight of spring without its cleaning, he pursued his way across the meadow till he reached the hedge on the further side.

`Hold up!' said an elderly rabbit at the gap. `Sixpence for the privilege of passing by the private road!' He was bowled over in an instant by the impatient and contemptuous Mole, who trotted along the side of the hedge chaffing the other rabbits as they peeped hurriedly from their holes to see what the row was about. `Onion-sauce! Onion-sauce!' he remarked jeeringly, and was gone before they could think of a thoroughly satisfactory reply. Then they all started grumbling at each other. `How STUPID you are! Why didn't you tell him----' `Well, why didn't YOU say----' `You might have reminded him----' and so on, in the usual way; but, of course, it was then much too late, as is always the case.

It all seemed too good to be true. Hither and thither through the meadows he rambled busily, along the hedgerows, across the copses, finding everywhere birds building, flowers budding, leaves thrusting--everything happy, and progressive, and occupied. And instead of having an uneasy conscience pricking him and whispering `whitewash!' he somehow could only feel how jolly it was to be the only idle dog among all these busy citizens. After all, the best part of a holiday is perhaps not so much to be resting yourself, as to see all the other fellows busy working.

He thought his happiness was complete when, as he meandered aimlessly along, suddenly he stood by the edge of a full-fed river. Never in his life had he seen a river before--this sleek, sinuous, full-bodied animal, chasing and chuckling, gripping things with a gurgle and leaving them with a laugh, to fling itself on fresh playmates that shook themselves free, and were caught and held again. All was a-shake and a-shiver--glints and gleams and sparkles, rustle and swirl, chatter and bubble. The Mole was bewitched, entranced, fascinated. By the side of the river he trotted as one trots, when very small, by the side of a man who holds one spell-bound by exciting stories; and when tired at last, he sat on the bank, while the river still chattered on to him, a babbling procession of the best stories in the world, sent from the heart of the earth to be told at last to the insatiable sea.

As he sat on the grass and looked across the river, a dark hole in the bank opposite, just above the water's edge, caught his eye, and dreamily he fell to considering what a nice snug dwelling-place it would make for an animal with few wants and fond of a bijo riverside residence, above flood level and remote from noise and dust. As he gazed, something bright and small seemed to twinkle down in the heart of it, vanished, then twinkled once more like a tiny star. But it could hardly be a star in such an unlikely situation; and it was too glittering and small for a glow-worm. Then, as he looked, it winked at him, and so declared itself to be an eye; and a small face began gradually to grow up round it, like a frame round a picture.

A brown little face, with whiskers.

A grave round face, with the same twinkle in its eye that had first attracted his notice.

Small neat ears and thick silky hair.

It was the Water Rat!

Then the two animals stood and regarded each other cautiously.

`Hullo, Mole!' said the Water Rat.

`Hullo, Rat!' said the Mole.

`Would you like to come over?' enquired the Rat presently.

`Oh, its all very well to TALK,' said the Mole, rather pettishly, he being new to a river and riverside life and its ways.

The Rat said nothing, but stooped and unfastened a rope and hauled on it; then lightly stepped into a little boat which the Mole had not observed. It was painted blue outside and white within, and was just the size for two animals; and the Mole's whole heart went out to it at once, even though he did not yet fully understand its uses.

The Rat sculled smartly across and made fast. Then he held up his forepaw as the Mole stepped gingerly down. `Lean on that!' he said. `Now then, step lively!' and the Mole to his surprise and rapture found himself actually seated in the stern of a real boat.

`This has been a wonderful day!' said he, as the Rat shoved off and took to the sculls again. `Do you know, I`ve never been in a boat before in all my life.'

`What?' cried the Rat, open-mouthed: `Never been in a--you never--well I--what have you been doing, then?'

`Is it so nice as all that?' asked the Mole shyly, though he was quite prepared to believe it as he leant back in his seat and surveyed the cushions, the oars, the rowlocks, and all the fascinating fittings, and felt the boat sway lightly under him.

`Nice? It's the ONLY thing,' said the Water Rat solemnly, as he leant forward for his stroke. `Believe me, my young friend, there is NOTHING--absolute nothing--half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats. Simply messing,' he went on dreamily: `messing--about--in--boats; messing----'

`Look ahead, Rat!' cried the Mole suddenly.

It was too late. The boat struck the bank full tilt. The dreamer, the joyous oarsman, lay on his back at the bottom of the boat, his heels in the air.

`--about in boats--or WITH boats,' the Rat went on composedly, picking himself up with a pleasant laugh. `In or out of 'em, it doesn't matter. Nothing seems really to matter, that's the charm of it. Whether you get away, or whether you don't; whether you arrive at your destination or whether you reach somewhere else, or whether you never get anywhere at all, you're always busy, and you never do anything in particular; and when you've done it there's always something else to do, and you can do it if you like, but you'd much better not. Look here! If you've really nothing else on hand this morning, supposing we drop down the river together, and have a long day of it?'

The Mole waggled his toes from sheer happiness, spread his chest with a sigh of full contentment, and leaned back blissfully into the soft cushions. `WHAT a day I'm having!' he said. `Let us start at once!'

`Hold hard a minute, then!' said the Rat. He looped the painter through a ring in his landing-stage, climbed up into his hole above, and after a short interval reappeared staggering under a fat, wicker luncheon-basket.

`Shove that under your feet,' he observed to the Mole, as he passed it down into the boat. Then he untied the painter and took the sculls again.

`What's inside it?' asked the Mole, wriggling with curiosity.

`There's cold chicken inside it,' replied the Rat briefly; `coldtonguecoldhamcoldbeefpickledgherkinssaladfrenchrollscresssan dwichespottedmeatgingerbeerlemonadesodawater----'

`O stop, stop,' cried the Mole in ecstacies: `This is too much!'

`Do you really think so?' enquired the Rat seriously. `It's only what I always take on these little excursions; and the other animals are always telling me that I'm a mean beast and cut it VERY fine!'

The Mole never heard a word he was saying. Absorbed in the new life he was entering upon, intoxicated with the sparkle, the ripple, the scents and the sounds and the sunlight, he trailed a paw in the water and dreamed long waking dreams. The Water Rat, like the good little fellow he was, sculled steadily on and forebore to disturb him.

`I like your clothes awfully, old chap,' he remarked after some half an hour or so had passed. `I'm going to get a black velvet smoking-suit myself some day, as soon as I can afford it.'

`I beg your pardon,' said the Mole, pulling himself together with an effort. `You must think me very rude; but all this is so new to me. So--this--is--a--River!'

`THE River,' corrected the Rat.

`And you really live by the river? What a jolly life!'

`By it and with it and on it and in it,' said the Rat. `It's brother and sister to me, and aunts, and company, and food and drink, and (naturally) washing. It's my world, and I don't want any other. What it hasn't got is not worth having, and what it doesn't know is not worth knowing. Lord! the times we've had together! Whether in winter or summer, spring or autumn, it's always got its fun and its excitements. When the floods are on in February, and my cellars and basement are brimming with drink that's no good to me, and the brown water runs by my best bedroom window; or again when it all drops away and, shows patches of mud that smells like plum-cake, and the rushes and weed clog the channels, and I can potter about dry shod over most of the bed of it and find fresh food to eat, and things careless people have dropped out of boats!'

`But isn't it a bit dull at times?' the Mole ventured to ask. `Just you and the river, and no one else to pass a word with?'

`No one else to--well, I mustn't be hard on you,' said the Rat with forbearance. `You're new to it, and of course you don't know. The bank is so crowded nowadays that many people are moving away altogether: O no, it isn't what it used to be, at all. Otters, kingfishers, dabchicks, moorhens, all of them about all day long and always wanting you to DO something--as if a fellow had no business of his own to attend to!'

`What lies over THERE' asked the Mole, waving a paw towards a background of woodland that darkly framed the water-meadows on one side of the river.

`That? O, that's just the Wild Wood,' said the Rat shortly. `We don't go there very much, we river-bankers.'

`Aren't they--aren't they very NICE people in there?' said the Mole, a trifle nervously.

`W-e-ll,' replied the Rat, `let me see. The squirrels are all right. AND the rabbits--some of 'em, but rabbits are a mixed lot. And then there's Badger, of course. He lives right in the heart of it; wouldn't live anywhere else, either, if you paid him to do it. Dear old Badger! Nobody interferes with HIM. They'd better not,' he added significantly.

`Why, who SHOULD interfere with him?' asked the Mole.

`Well, of course--there--are others,' explained the Rat in a hesitating sort of way.

`Weasels--and stoats--and foxes--and so on. They're all right in a way--I'm very good friends with them--pass the time of day when we meet, and all that--but they break out sometimes, there's no denying it, and then--well, you can't really trust them, and that's the fact.'

The Mole knew well that it is quite against animal-etiquette to dwell on possible trouble ahead, or even to allude to it; so he dropped the subject.

`And beyond the Wild Wood again?' he asked: `Where it's all blue and dim, and one sees what may be hills or perhaps they mayn't, and something like the smoke of towns, or is it only cloud- drift?'

`Beyond the Wild Wood comes the Wide World,' said the Rat. `And that's something that doesn't matter, either to you or me. I've never been there, and I'm never going, nor you either, if you've got any sense at all. Don't ever refer to it again, please. Now then! Here's our backwater at last, where we're going to lunch.'

Leaving the main stream, they now passed into what seemed at first sight like a little land-locked lake. Green turf sloped down to either edge, brown snaky tree-roots gleamed below the surface of the quiet water, while ahead of them the silvery shoulder and foamy tumble of a weir, arm-in-arm with a restless dripping mill-wheel, that held up in its turn a grey-gabled mill- house, filled the air with a soothing murmur of sound, dull and smothery, yet with little clear voices speaking up cheerfully out of it at intervals. It was so very beautiful that the Mole could only hold up both forepaws and gasp, `O my! O my! O my!'

The Rat brought the boat alongside the bank, made her fast, helped the still awkward Mole safely ashore, and swung out the luncheon-basket. The Mole begged as a favour to be allowed to unpack it all by himself; and the Rat was very pleased to indulge him, and to sprawl at full length on the grass and rest, while his excited friend shook out the table-cloth and spread it, took out all the mysterious packets one by one and arranged their contents in due order, still gasping, `O my! O my!' at each fresh revelation. When all was ready, the Rat said, `Now, pitch in, old fellow!' and the Mole was indeed very glad to obey, for he had started his spring-cleaning at a very early hour that morning, as people WILL do, and had not paused for bite or sup; and he had been through a very great deal since that distant time which now seemed so many days ago.

`What are you looking at?' said the Rat presently, when the edge of their hunger was somewhat dulled, and the Mole's eyes were able to wander off the table-cloth a little.

`I am looking,' said the Mole, `at a streak of bubbles that I see travelling along the surface of the water. That is a thing that strikes me as funny.'

`Bubbles? Oho!' said the Rat, and chirruped cheerily in an inviting sort of way.

A broad glistening muzzle showed itself above the edge of the bank, and the Otter hauled himself out and shook the water from his coat.

`Greedy beggars!' he observed, making for the provender. `Why didn't you invite me, Ratty?'

`This was an impromptu affair,' explained the Rat. `By the way-- my friend Mr. Mole.'

`Proud, I'm sure,' said the Otter, and the two animals were friends forthwith.

`Such a rumpus everywhere!' continued the Otter. `All the world seems out on the river to-day. I came up this backwater to try and get a moment's peace, and then stumble upon you fellows!--At least--I beg pardon--I don't exactly mean that, you know.'

There was a rustle behind them, proceeding from a hedge wherein last year's leaves still clung thick, and a stripy head, with high shoulders behind it, peered forth on them.

`Come on, old Badger!' shouted the Rat.

The Badger trotted forward a pace or two; then grunted, `H'm! Company,' and turned his back and disappeared from view.

`That's JUST the sort of fellow he is!' observed the disappointed Rat. `Simply hates Society! Now we shan't see any more of him to-day. Well, tell us, WHO'S out on the river?'

`Toad's out, for one,' replied the Otter. `In his brand-new wager-boat; new togs, new everything!'

The two animals looked at each other and laughed.

`Once, it was nothing but sailing,' said the Rat, `Then he tired of that and took to punting. Nothing would please him but to punt all day and every day, and a nice mess he made of it. Last year it was house-boating, and we all had to go and stay with him in his house-boat, and pretend we liked it. He was going to spend the rest of his life in a house-boat. It's all the same, whatever he takes up; he gets tired of it, and starts on something fresh.'

`Such a good fellow, too,' remarked the Otter reflectively: `But no stability--especially in a boat!'

From where they sat they could get a glimpse of the main stream across the island that separated them; and just then a wager-boat flashed into view, the rower--a short, stout figure--splashing badly and rolling a good deal, but working his hardest. The Rat stood up and hailed him, but Toad--for it was he--shook his head and settled sternly to his work.

`He'll be out of the boat in a minute if he rolls like that,' said the Rat, sitting down again.

`Of course he will,' chuckled the Otter. `Did I ever tell you that good story about Toad and the lock-keeper? It happened this way. Toad. . . .'

An errant May-fly swerved unsteadily athwart the current in the intoxicated fashion affected by young bloods of May-flies seeing life. A swirl of water and a `cloop!' and the May-fly was visible no more.

Neither was the Otter.

The Mole looked down. The voice was still in his ears, but the turf whereon he had sprawled was clearly vacant. Not an Otter to be seen, as far as the distant horizon.

But again there was a streak of bubbles on the surface of the river.

The Rat hummed a tune, and the Mole recollected that animal- etiquette forbade any sort of comment on the sudden disappearance of one's friends at any moment, for any reason or no reason whatever.

`Well, well,' said the Rat, `I suppose we ought to be moving. I wonder which of us had better pack the luncheon-basket?' He did not speak as if he was frightfully eager for the treat.

`O, please let me,' said the Mole. So, of course, the Rat let him.

Packing the basket was not quite such pleasant work as unpacking' the basket. It never is. But the Mole was bent on enjoying everything, and although just when he had got the basket packed and strapped up tightly he saw a plate staring up at him from the grass, and when the job had been done again the Rat pointed out a fork which anybody ought to have seen, and last of all, behold! the mustard pot, which he had been sitting on without knowing it--still, somehow, the thing got finished at last, without much loss of temper.

The afternoon sun was getting low as the Rat sculled gently homewards in a dreamy mood, murmuring poetry-things over to himself, and not paying much attention to Mole. But the Mole was very full of lunch, and self-satisfaction, and pride, and already quite at home in a boat (so he thought) and was getting a bit restless besides: and presently he said, `Ratty! Please, I want to row, now!'

The Rat shook his head with a smile. `Not yet, my young friend,' he said--'wait till you've had a few lessons. It's not so easy as it looks.'

The Mole was quiet for a minute or two. But he began to feel more and more jealous of Rat, sculling so strongly and so easily along, and his pride began to whisper that he could do it every bit as well. He jumped up and seized the sculls, so suddenly, that the Rat, who was gazing out over the water and saying more poetry-things to himself, was taken by surprise and fell backwards off his seat with his legs in the air for the second time, while the triumphant Mole took his place and grabbed the sculls with entire confidence.

`Stop it, you SILLY ass!' cried the Rat, from the bottom of the boat. `You can't do it! You'll have us over!'

The Mole flung his sculls back with a flourish, and made a great dig at the water. He missed the surface altogether, his legs flew up above his head, and he found himself lying on the top of the prostrate Rat. Greatly alarmed, he made a grab at the side of the boat, and the next moment--Sploosh!

Over went the boat, and he found himself struggling in the river.

O my, how cold the water was, and O, how VERY wet it felt. How it sang in his ears as he went down, down, down! How bright and welcome the sun looked as he rose to the surface coughing and spluttering! How black was his despair when he felt himself sinking again! Then a firm paw gripped him by the back of his neck. It was the Rat, and he was evidently laughing--the Mole could FEEL him laughing, right down his arm and through his paw, and so into his--the Mole's--neck.

The Rat got hold of a scull and shoved it under the Mole's arm; then he did the same by the other side of him and, swimming behind, propelled the helpless animal to shore, hauled him out, and set him down on the bank, a squashy, pulpy lump of misery.

When the Rat had rubbed him down a bit, and wrung some of the wet out of him, he said, `Now, then, old fellow! Trot up and down the towing-path as hard as you can, till you're warm and dry again, while I dive for the luncheon-basket.'

So the dismal Mole, wet without and ashamed within, trotted about till he was fairly dry, while the Rat plunged into the water again, recovered the boat, righted her and made her fast, fetched his floating property to shore by degrees, and finally dived successfully for the luncheon-basket and struggled to land with it.

When all was ready for a start once more, the Mole, limp and dejected, took his seat in the stern of the boat; and as they set off, he said in a low voice, broken with emotion, `Ratty, my generous friend! I am very sorry indeed for my foolish and ungrateful conduct. My heart quite fails me when I think how I might have lost that beautiful luncheon-basket. Indeed, I have been a complete ass, and I know it. Will you overlook it this once and forgive me, and let things go on as before?'

`That's all right, bless you!' responded the Rat cheerily. `What's a little wet to a Water Rat? I'm more in the water than out of it most days. Don't you think any more about it; and, look here! I really think you had better come and stop with me for a little time. It's very plain and rough, you know--not like Toad's house at all--but you haven't seen that yet; still, I can make you comfortable. And I'll teach you to row, and to swim, and you'll soon be as handy on the water as any of us.'

The Mole was so touched by his kind manner of speaking that he could find no voice to answer him; and he had to brush away a tear or two with the back of his paw. But the Rat kindly looked in another direction, and presently the Mole's spirits revived again, and he was even able to give some straight back-talk to a couple of moorhens who were sniggering to each other about his bedraggled appearance.

When they got home, the Rat made a bright fire in the parlour, and planted the Mole in an arm-chair in front of it, having fetched down a dressing-gown and slippers for him, and told him river stories till supper-time. Very thrilling stories they were, too, to an earth-dwelling animal like Mole. Stories about weirs, and sudden floods, and leaping pike, and steamers that flung hard bottles--at least bottles were certainly flung, and FROM steamers, so presumably BY them; and about herons, and how particular they were whom they spoke to; and about adventures down drains, and night-fishings with Otter, or excursions far a- field with Badger. Supper was a most cheerful meal; but very shortly afterwards a terribly sleepy Mole had to be escorted upstairs by his considerate host, to the best bedroom, where he soon laid his head on his pillow in great peace and contentment, knowing that his new-found friend the River was lapping the sill of his window.

This day was only the first of many similar ones for the emancipated Mole, each of them longer and full of interest as the ripening summer moved onward. He learnt to swim and to row, and entered into the joy of running water; and with his ear to the reed-stems he caught, at intervals, something of what the wind went whispering so constantly among them.