#brilliant botany

[jstor]

The doors to science for too long were shut to women—and the struggle continues—yet women still have managed to contribute invaluable work. Here are 5 open collections on JSTOR that feature the work of important women botanists and botanical artists.

[woewriting]

wednesday addams is good at everything.

──

The sun was setting in the distant horizon, the orangish color painting the sky, the dim lights automatically turning on as the room became darker, all you could see was the silhouette of the girl sat in her chair, rapidly typing on her writing machine. Watching Wednesday work on her novel always left you mesmerized, she wasn’t allowed to make a single mistake as the antique machine didn’t have an erase button and the writer refused to stain the paper. She was brilliant.

“You’re good at fencing, botany, writing, and I’m sure you’re great at killing people too, but…” You stop, unsure if you should proceed with your, stupidly and terribly planned, plan.

“But?”

“But I doubt that you’re good at kissing.”

Wednesday’s hand stopped typing as she turned her face to the right, her side profile illuminated by the fairy lights that, somehow, you convinced her to hang over her working desk. The perfectly drawn nose, the plump lips, and God, her jawline! So sharp that you’ve always wanted to run your finger over the bone to see if it would cut.

The girl kept her eyes on the wall, her brain working in what her next step to this, obvious, teasing should be. You could almost see the engines twisting inside her skull.

The moment she stood up, her eyes were fixed on your face, jaw tensed up, hands in fists. It was like she was ready to throw a punch at you, it wouldn’t be the first time… but when she took a step closer and you closed your eyes, waiting for the collision, her fingers pulled you by the collar of your shirt until you felt her hot breath against your lips.

“I’m good at everything.” Her voice was serious.

Tilting your chin up, a small smirk tugged the corner of your lips. Eyes slowly opening, meeting hers.

“Why don’t you prove me wrong then, Addams?”

Wednesday loosened the grip on your shirt, the stretched fabric showing your collarbones, a few moles adorning the skin. For a second, in an intrusive thought, the brunette wanted to count each one that covered your body. She had seen a few whenever you wore sleeveless shirts or shorts, they decorated your skin like stars in the night sky, but there was one she had never seen before and, now, got her full attention and became her favorite, a small mole near the vale of your breasts.

She wanted to touch, her hand reaching down to invade the ruined fabric in a curious act, but she stopped midway when she felt the deep breath you took, she could see goosebumps all over your chest with the sudden proximity. You had been next to each other before, but not like this. Not with her eyes peeking through your shirt, her plump lips taking all your attention, so close to yours.

Wednesday was so kissable, and she didn’t even know that.

Not with her hands on your neck as she looked up, big brown eyes staring at your soul. She took a deep breath, swallowing the air to her lungs almost as if it was hurting. And when she closed the gap between you two in a bruising kiss, it felt like a burning knife pierced her throat.

Her nails dug the back of your neck, her teeth biting your lower lip. You knew Wednesday wasn’t gentle, but this was a whole new level. Wrapping your hands on her thin waist, you finally pulled her impossibly closer.

Her tongue licked yours deliciously before sucking hard on it, a struggled sound escaping you, a small string of saliva connecting your lips before she kissed you again, the ragged, unsteady breathing making your lungs burn, begging for air. Pulling back, your chest rose and fell aggressively, your lips lingering over hers, almost touching, uneven breathing colliding with your face.

Before you could kiss her again, her hand pressed down to your chest, pushing you away. Your knees buckled against the bed frame, and you awkwardly fell onto the mattress.

Wednesday was blushed, eyes half open and red, swollen lips. She looked like a mess, and you’re sure you look even worse, you could feel the burning feeling on every centimeter of your body, your hair all over your face.

“Good enough for you?”

[wisteriagoesvroom]

helloooooo :)) sliding in with a generic marvel-esque vaguely criminal organization landoscar au with background lestappen because I am nothing if not predictable

Oscar is their resident poison specialist (he makes new poisons, tests them, makes antidotes, etc. for the organization to use). His preference is plant based poisons, like belladonna and nightshade, because he graduated college with a botany degree and therefore has a lot of knowledge about them that he can put for use. He spends most of his time in his greenhouse full of toxic, beautiful plants that he tends too very, very carefully. They’re his babies.

There’s a whole backstory involved with how he came to join the organization that involves him accidentally killing his college roommate

Lando is a former gymnast turned espionage guy who also does theft on the side for funsies that works for the organization. Like vaguely cat woman-y? Obviously he’s super flexible and super good at his job because duh.

His favorite hobby is breaking into Oscar’s greenhouse via the windows and watching him work. Oscar is super fascinating to him, and he’s enamored with how absolutely brilliant this quiet, stoic boy, with maybe five facial expressions total is.

Lando sits there and listens to Oscar ramble about his complex science things. He doesn’t understand most of it ngl, but he loves the way Oscar’s face lights up when he goes on a long tangent about the chemical properties of cyanide and why it’s superior to arsenic.

Also sometimes lando brings Oscar random pretty shiny things that he stole that he thinks Oscar might like and leaves them on his desk, kind of like a crow. Oscar keeps all of them in a box under his bed. He looks at them when he feels down (he doesn’t tell lando that)

Oscar is equally obsessed with lando but this is already wayyyyyy too long so 😭 you just gotta trust me on this one

And then eventually, the rest of the people in the organization pick up on the growing landoscar feelings situation. Alex and George give lando a bunch of (loving and caring) grief about it. A bet between them is born. “$50 lando is too chicken to confess to Oscar by the end of the month”

Yada yada time skip a week or so and lando and Oscar FINALLY do something about the tension between them one night late in Oscar’s greenhouse, lando freshly back from a mission. Boom they kiss and then lando, being the idiot that he is, as soon as they pull apart, goes “lol George and Alex owe me $50 now”

Cue misunderstanding trope. “Oh you only kissed me for a bet?? You don’t actually have feelings for me 😔 I knew it was too good to be true.”

Lando realizes his mistake but Oscar’s already out the door, disappeared into the night.

And then Oscar gets kidnapped by the enemy 🤗 because he’d normally be more aware and vigilant and stuff but his emotions are really going through it so. The ransom note comes through the next day.

Gonna leave it on that because otherwise I will spiral into a full blown fic when I already have too many wips to finish

I'M SO????? HOW DID U JUST RANDOMLY SLIDE IN HERE WITH THIS???? i am so obsessed with these details my god the POISON? CATMAN ESPIONAGEGYMNAST? christ. and then lando leaving him little gifts like a crow. OSCAR ACCIDENTALLY K-WORDING HIS ROOMMATE (and possible guilt)?? the classic misunderstanding thingy "but oscar gets kidnapped" leading to a climactic rescue oh oh oh this is the stuff of dreams.

idk what to do with myself exactly cus this is so gorgeous. anyway have a moodboard for your efforts cus like my goodness this was lovely to read.

[sarielsnowings]

please tell me about your ocs

Fkdjdjsls THANK YOU, ANON.

Well it might be too much information to fit in a 2am post so I'll pick one for now:

Dr. Nathaniel C. Thorne (a.k.a. The Botanist):

It all started with this idea I had while walking though the IKEA plant isle:

Charming fellow and mad scientist obsessed with implementing plant characteristics into the human body.

His main field is botany but he's also a doctor in medicine and chemistry. Victorian era gifted child with free time and money to invest in an education.

Most of his interest focuses on carnivorous and poisonous plants, but he also has a soft spot for all kind of flowers, particularly roses, narcissus and pansies.

He's a passionate scientist with a brilliant mind and no regards for moral judgment, easygoing, sarcastic yet charming and driven by curiosity and a mentality of “fuck around and find out” when it comes to questionable experiments (i.e. he might break the laws of nature just to find out if he can). And well, hear me out, what if trying to grow chlorophyll in our bodies as a new source of energy? And if that works, why not grow something else? This might not actually be the most scientifically sound hypothesis, but as a friend pointed out "it’s nothing a little radical experimentation won’t fix". I guess he just didn't expect one of the side effects to be "the plants can talk to you in return".

His experiments with his flowers and the co-dependent relationship he subsequently develops with them lead him to his downfall and inevitable descent into madness, practically condemning him to a reclusive confinement in his laboratory (greenhouse), only to have his mind twisted by the demands and desires of the now dangerously aware plants growing on him.

He's also been featured a couple times on my NSFW twitter account but... We'll see if those get posted here. 👁️

Till then... Hope this satisfied some curiosity! 🌹

[bettertwin9000]

👾 ） # INTRO ﹕ Hamato Donatello

(Artist:@dying-marshmallo)

↳ ❝ You Never Let Me Shine! ❞

[ WELCOME TO THE BLOG. ]

— File Entry 🌙

ᶻz My name is Hamato Donatello (He/She/They), The world’s most brilliant scientist and biggest botany enthusiast. Generally speaking, even if I am a walking prodigy, I am here to have fun rather than be a personal Wiki How search bar. Send me questions or tell me about anything interesting, and I’m sure we shall get along just fine.

Oh, and Be aware that I am an Introject.

› 💜 . . BOUNDARIES ﹠ [ EXTRA ]

— Familia (as Leo puts it)

❤️ → @hamatored

🧡 → @mystic-mikey

💙 → @bettertwin1

🤍 → @ratjitsu

If you wish to read through our boundaries (which you should.) Go ahead and click Keep Reading to do so..

→ Boundaries

■ Tcest , Prosh▪︎p and NSFW DNI

■ Do not flirt with me; I will never be interested.

■ Do not sexualize me or say weird things about my body.

■ Do not infantilize me.

■ I KNOW I HAVE AUTISM. It is NOT the most defining thing about me.

→ Art Boundaries

□ Do NOT repost our art without proper credits ANYWHERE.

□ Do not reclaim our art as your own.

→ System Boundaries

■ Do not try to use information about me that you know from my source against me.

This is likely to be updated over time. Ciao.

(Also, thank you to Leo for creating this format for me.)

[thechibifoxcub]

Amongst the darkness that accompanies the rain fall, stands a rose most pure and vibrant. Brilliant hues of ruby and emerald adorn the flower while the drops of rain glide down youthful petals and thorny stems. A flower most sought after yet seemingly untouchable despite its radiance can cause one to ponder about its purpose. Is a flower not meant to be picked and preserved for one’s own pleasure? But if so, why does the flower wilt so swiftly? Do you need to pull it from the earth below and preserve the rose in it’s entirety, or can it not be snipped at the base and be dried and pressed for future perusal?

How can one know of such things before the rose withers? And why, once plucked, does the flower choose to die and not stay in its glass vase? Why has no one truly thought of this before? Science, of course, explains everything if someone was able to stop and actually pay attention, but that’s not the point. Science and botany explain much but the emotional toll that follows once said rose is gone. Science does not explain the pain except through definition alone and by biased experiences. At least, that’s what they think.

Because to them, you see, that once brilliant flower, the one covered in dew drops and sunlight now sits cold and soaked from rain water and regrets. The flower they plucked and cherish now sits shriveled and decayed. Or, more so, that it’s in the process of decay. Their flower sits still with eyes once full of that eye-catching hue; a magnificent array of light and happiness now fading along with the waning sunlight that once brought them comfort. Rain clouds block out the heavens and the rain fall grows, yet their flower sits here beside them…. Withering inside their polished glass vase. The youthful glow of that flower- no, person now sits still behind window panes and foggy memories as the vibrancy begins to fade. A rose is a rose best left free; yet how can one enjoy such a rose of left be? Tell them how they can save their rose, before the final petal falls and the world around them crumbles. A rose is a rose, but their purpose is yet foreseen. A flower is a flower that they plucked all too soon. And a person is a person that is meant to be free.

This is random af and I don’t even understand it myself, but I’ll be damned at least it’s something! So much going on and I’m just trying to get back into things after being sick for so long and with all of the bullshit that’s been going on lately. Angsty but it’s something 😅 Any way I hope you like it!

[daydream-cement]

Sweet Camellia

Larissa Weems x Teacher!Reader

Synopsis: A new botany teacher comes to Nevermore and bringing her charms. She whispers sweet nothings to her plants in German and they grow wildly for her. Will the Principal be able to resist her?

Authors Note: This is based off a prompt from @the-dorky-dame. Shorter than anticipated, but I love it. If my German translations suck, pls dm me and I will fix them. Song for this chapter would be any song from the album Dopamine by BORNS.

Larissa had been too busy with the start of the semester to even think about the hiring process for the new botany teacher. She relinquished that control to the board. One thing Larissa couldn’t deny is that her breath was taken away when she stepped into your office and saw you whispering softly to a plant with a brilliant white flower with many beautiful swirling petals.

She watched you for a long while from the doorway of your classroom. You were very focused on using your plant-based powers to generate a classroom of your dreams. Vines of honeysuckle, wisteria, and jasmine grew up the walls, filling the classroom with the scent of a sweet perfume.

“Wachst für mich, meine Kleinen…” You whisper, asking the young plants to branch out, resulting in more leaves and flowers. You grin at the sight, but you can feel eyes watching you now. You glance up at the woman who had graced your classroom, “Good morning. How can I help you?”

“I came to introduce myself. I’m Larissa Weems, the principal of Nevermore Academy. I couldn’t be apart of the hiring process.” She explained, making her way to you as she spoke. You watched her look around the classroom, obviously noticing a change in the classroom decor. You didn’t have the same appreciation for carnivorous and deadly plants as the last professor. Your focus was the world of flowering plants.

“Y/n L/n. You’re new botany professor. Delightful to finally meet you.” You hold out a hand as she steps to you, you crane your neck to look to her. Her beauty rivaled that of the camellias that sat on your desk. Larissa could have sworn that she saw a spark in your eyes, like you were admiring her.

———

In the following weeks, Principal Weems visited you numerous times. You almost wondered if she visited other teachers this often. Sometimes she would tell you that she lost her copy of your lesson plans. Other times she wanted help with a new potted plant. Once she even came in to ask you her Weathervane order even though you emailed the font desk secretary your order hours before. You were beginning to think she may have ulterior motives for coming in to see you.

Larissa had been listening to you speak to your plants before she would make her presence known in your classroom. Today she was planning on trying to remember some of your words so she could look them up later. You were working with your baby pink camellias when Larissa came to visit you one morning. They loved when you doted on them, whispering sweet nothings as you cleaned up dead flowers and leaves, “Hallo, meine süße Kamelie. Wie geht es meinem Liebling heute?”

Your darling girl. That was your favorite thing to call your camellia plants. They seemed to like it as well.

Larissa didn’t stay to talk to you, however. She only listened from outside the greenhouse, trying to write down the words you spoke so she could translate them in her office. She tried repeating the sentence over and over as she made her way back to her desk.

Hello, my sweet Kamelie. How is my darling girl today?

Larissa’s heart sunk. You must have been on the phone with another woman. She had really been hoping that you were single. With a little more time, Larissa was even planning on asking you out.

You were a little surprised when Larissa didn’t visit your classroom for an few days. Typically, she always stopped down in the mornings, but you hadn’t seen anything of her. You were beginning to miss your conversations. You were beginning to miss her presence.

You decided to take matters into your own hands when you set up a meeting to talk to her about investing in refurbishing the greenhouses. The greenhouses were fine, but she would have to come down to your classroom for the meeting. You were ready to do anything to see her again.

A knock on your classroom door drew your gaze upward to meet Larissa’s. There she was. Finally back in your classroom.

“I’m here for our meeting.” She seemed a little more formal than usual. A week ago she had been so friendly and casual. What had changed?

“Yes, I’ll show you the current conditions of the greenhouses and explain why updates would be helpful for our students.” You match her professionalism, you raise a hand indicating for her to come with you to the greenhouses.

You explain to Larissa the outdated glass and materials as actually quite flammable and the pose a hazard to students. You both continue walking around the greenhouses until you see that she may no longer be paying attention to you. Her eyes were reading a plant identification tag for one of your many camellia plants.

She smiles as she gazes at the plant so you decide to speak to the plant so it would bloom for her, “Guten Morgen, Kamelie. Wie geht es Ihnen heute?”

“Kamelie?” Larissa asks, changing her focus down at you. You don’t notice her staring at you, rather you are enjoying the new sweet pink flowers that are emerging from the camellia’s branches.

“Yes, Kamelie is camellia in German. My plants like that we have a language most of the students don’t quite know.” You smile at the plant, bringing a hand to stroke the fresh petals.

She hummed in response as she internally kicked herself for jumping to conclusions. Larissa’s eyes scan the greenhouse before turning back to you, “I was thinking we could grab a drink sometime. Just me and you.”

“Like a date?” You ask, tilting you head to the right as you stare up at her. You could tell she was nervous and you enjoyed that the ever-so confident principal was jittery at the thought of asking you out.

Her face became flush. It wasn’t often she asked someone out and the fact that it was you had her flustered, “Y-Yes, like a date.”

[mega-aulover]

A S. W. A. N. Story

This is for the wonderful @alwayseverlark who is always finding ways for this fandom to unite. I am grateful for your friendship and for your encouragement. Thank you for all that you do!

Special thanks to @lemonluvgirl87 for betaing :)

T rating for some bullying family disputes - family drama-meet cute - elitism - A modern AU of an Everlarked Cinderella....but with out the whole shoe thing.

Summary: Katniss Everdeen is a smart girl. Brilliant, actually. She has more degrees than she has fingers on one hand. But she has never felt beautiful or interesting. When she is asked to be Madge's maid of honor Katniss has serious doubts she'll fit in with her childhood glamorous friend. Will she survive the wedding and find love? Or will she be a total embarrassment.

Katniss sighed as she looked at her image in the mirror. At 24 she wasn't the typical girl in her mid-twenties. For one, she had a masters in the field of botany and another in Environmental Biology, with two minors- one in Paleontology and another in Genetics. She had several papers published in prestigious medical and scientific papers and was one month away from getting her doctoral thesis reviewed.

Though none of her academic success wouldn't have happened had it not been for Mrs. Swanson. At the age of eleven Mrs. Swanson saw that Katniss wasn't interested in what was being taught. Her teacher suggested Katniss take an aptitude test to see if she had any learning difficulties. Her scores for the test showed that Katniss did not have learning difficulties, she was in fact a smart brilliant child.

Katniss was next given the national IQ test to see her acumen. Mrs. Sawanon believed Katniss was smart. Her high scores were surprising. As a result she was skipped from the sixth grade to high school. Katniss qualified to be instantly enrolled to the University of Panem on a scholarship when she turned sixteen.

Because of her genius, Katniss often found it difficult to interact with people. Unless she was truly comfortable, she didn't talk, and she often felt left out in social situations.

The weekend wedding, she was going to be part of, scared the living daylights out of her. It's why it was important this weekend, everything went smoothly.

Critically she examined herself in the mirror. She wore comfortable green cargo pants with the hems rolled up because she was short. Her white t-shirt was clean, her sneakers were new. Katniss slipped on a loose heather gray knit sweater as they were going to take a flight and planes were often cold.

Katniss grimaced at her reflection one more time giving herself a pep talk. "You're going to be alright, Everdeen. If it gets too much you can always take a walk."

Walking helped center her and it would also help her not stuff her face. Food was her drug of choice, when things became bad.

Katniss still had about ten pounds to lose. She'd gained a lot of weight during her undergraduate years. The University of Panem, located in the heart of the Capitol of Panem, was surrounded by an urban concrete jungle and she didn't have the ability to hunt or hike.

During that time Katniss learned she needed the outdoors to help her cope with the stressors of life. The gym wasn't something that motivated her and so she gained a lot of weight on her petite frame.

"Don't forget to pack your contacts," Prim yelled from the guest bedroom. "Madge does not want you to wear your glasses!"

Katniss rolled her eyes pushing her glasses up the bridge of her nose. Her contacts were packed, as Madge dictated. Anyone who was considered a plane Jane knew that removing their eyeglasses didn't turn them into automatic beautiful swans. She wasn't pretty, she was dull and uninspiring. No one would ever wax poetically about her physical appearance. Though, with a bow and an arrow in her hands, Katniss transformed into something powerful and unstoppable.

She sighed, "Too bad there isn't going to be an archery contest this weekend."

Katniss turned around and walked into her bedroom. She lived alone in the Capitol these past two years. Her sister traveled from the university she attended in District One so that they could travel together to the wedding destination. Katniss hoped that this weekend things would change for her and Prim. She wanted them to somehow grow closer. This wedding could be the jumping point for new horizons. Things had been rough between Prim and Katniss. Katniss hoped being accepted by Madge and her sister's friends, maybe just maybe Prim would see she was worthy.

Katniss sat on the bed briefly and picked up the framed photo of her parents. It was one of the few mementos she had of her fathers. Her father, the late great Jackson Everdeen was a well-respected archaeologist, and he took them on adventures all over the world. He wore a hat and leather jacket like Indiana Jones.

Then he became ill.

When he died, Katniss's entire world turned upside down.

Turning sixteen and losing her father while finishing her last year of school was not easy. Her mother became depressed, and the bills piled up. It was up to her to take the mantle of adulthood. Katniss learned how to budget for money. She sold things on Craig's list to make ends meet. While most girls her age were at the beach, she was preparing dinner and lunches for the week, mowing neighbor's lawns for extra cash, and buying groceries. With the help of a friend of the family, Katniss convinced her mother to get help. Her mother slowly came back but she was never the same.

By the time August came around, Katniss was considering not entering University. Things were just starting to turn around, and her mother's mental health was important. But her mother pushed her to leave. Katniss suspected her mother was relieved when she left to study at the Capitol. Her mother never cried when Katniss left. There wasn't pride that her eldest was going to university. There was a feverish desire to get rid of her.

Katniss supposed that she was a living reminder of her father Jack, and her mother hurt to see her. It was this discovery that caused her to leave her home.

While her mother recovered and blossomed; for Katniss, living in the Capitol was hard. It was a stressful transition from the gentle rolling hills and mountains of her home district to the frenetic energy of a city full of towering buildings made up of glass, steel, and concrete. The only green to be found was in the clothing people wore.

Katniss threw herself into studying and working to maintain herself while in the Capitol. She made sure to put aside any extra money for her sister. Katniss saved a nest egg to fund Prim's education.

"Is that what you're wearing?" Prim asked, frowning. She placed her hand on her hip. Prim was clad in a short bubbly-pink slip dress, and mile high heels.

"It's freezing outside."

"But we're going to a tropical island."

"We're going to be in the air for nearly five hours. And we'll land at like five in the morning. I want to be comfortable."

"You'll look like one of the servants."

Katniss looked down at her outfit and sighed. She wondered where her sweet little sister had gone. When she graduated and came home Prim was all grown up. Her sister had transformed into a great beauty just like their mother. "But I'm comfy…"

"It's horrible," Prim said, her fist curling. "You've got to change, or at least take your hair out of that stupid childish braid."

"There isn't time."

"Just don't embarrass me," Prim huffed.

Katniss looked down at the picture in her hand. "I'll stay out of your way, don't worry."

Prim stomped away. Katniss could hear her sister say, "I don't know why Madge made you a bridesmaid."

Katniss expelled a deep breath before putting her picture back on her bedside table.

Madge had asked both Prim and Katniss to be in her bridal party. Katniss was surprised. She and the Mayor's daughter sat together during lunch back in high school, they didn't talk but they were friendly. Katniss was flattered until she met the other bridesmaids. All of the bridesmaids including her baby sister were tall slender modelesque blondes, with fair complexions and pale blue eyes. In contrast Katniss was short, with dark hair, gray eyes, and olive skin complexion.

Once again, she felt as if she didn't belong. The first time she'd felt this way was the spring she'd graduated from her undergraduate program and returned home for one summer.

Prim and her mother were a team, Prim inherited her mother's looks and bubbly personality. Katniss looked like their father and had his fire and frightening intelligence. Her mother refused to engage with Katniss. Instead, their mother focused on Prim. She showered her baby sister with everything, while Katniss was pushed to the side.

Katniss was a fish looking out of the fishbowl not being able to participate in the life her mother and sister had outside of the bowl.

"Come on Catnip," Prim sang, knowing Katniss hated that nickname. Prim bounded out of the house. "The car is here!"

"I'm coming," Katniss muttered, she loathed being called catnip.

"HURRY!" Prim bellowed from the car.

"Okay, okay," Katniss said. It was so cold outside her breath came out in puffy white clouds. Locking up the door she ran to the car and got in. The warmth stung her cold cheeks.

"I can't wait to get glammed up," Prim said as she put her seat belt on.

The car pulled out of Katniss's driveway.

Katniss smiled thinly, wanting the three-day weekend to go well, as she had hoped.

"I can't believe Madge is getting married tomorrow night," Prim said as she hummed along to the bubbly song. "She was so welcoming to me when I was pledging to her sorority. Took me under her wing, and so did Glimmer and Cashmere who are cousins. I can't wait to see them."

"I'm glad you've made great friends," Katniss quietly said.

"I know you don't care but I can't wait to get into my dress," Prim squealed.

Katniss said nothing, as the car slipped into the highway.

"Madge said that Cinna was hand-making the dresses, it's why he sent his assistants to take the measurements," Prim chirped happily.

Katniss frowned. No assistant came to take her measurements. As per the instructions she received via email she was to take her own measurements and send them to the provided address. She'd made sure that followed all the directions to the letter, she didn't want to make anyone upset with her.

"Can you imagine, me, putting on a couture gown that's worth ten thousand coins?" Prim smiled, her eyes were bright with happiness.

Katniss didn't say anything. She settled back in her seat and tried to relax letting what Prim said go over her head.

When they pulled up to the private airport that was going to take them to the wedding destination.

Katniss's smile faltered as they got out and saw the other women who were giants, one was named Glimmer, and the other Cashmere. These women were always frosty to Katniss, but for the sake of her sister Katniss squared her shoulders and plastered a smile on her face.

Prim squealed when she saw them.

"Have you met any of the groomsmen?" Cashmere asked.

"No, I haven't met any of them," Prim said.

"They're gorgeous," Glimmer said.

No one had met their partner; Madge had gotten engaged less than two months ago. It was a whirlwind romance that led to a quickly planned wedding.

Katniss tried to keep her calm when she was left behind to take care of the luggage. All three women were talking at the same time. Their voices were a cacophony of vain prattle. On the plane, Katniss sat by herself as it took off. Five hours later they landed at the exclusive island Madge was going to get married at.

A car drove them to the house, and Katniss's jaw dropped. The white house was enormous, and it was set amongst lush landscapes. The air smelled sweet with tropical fauna. The botanist in Katniss wanted to investigate what flowers produced such a sweet scent. The elegant front porch with its roof supported by four tall columns was welcoming. The elaborate doorway was made from a native rich wood. The elegant large windows had shutters, which were merely decorative.

There was a woman waiting for them with three frosty fruity drinks.

Katniss was about to reach for one when Glimmer shoved her to the side.

"Oh, my goodness these are delicious," Glimmer said.

"I know," Prim squealed. "I'm legal here I can drink!"

"I really need to relax. I've been so stressed," Cashmere said giggling.

Katniss watched her sister giggle and nod.

Madge came out and she grinned when she saw them. "Hi, I'm glad you're here. We've got to get you guys ready for tonight. Cinna is here with his team. The guys are getting ready as we speak. Helene will take you to Cinna's prep team," Madge said.

Katniss was going to follow when Madge pulled her back.

"Katniss, thank goodness you're here, I need you to help with the flower arrangements, they're a nightmare."

Katniss smiled. "Sure."

While the others were whisked away for mani-pedis, and facials Katniss was put to work. Even though she didn't know much about bridal floral arrangements, Madge was right, the arrangements were a hot mess. Using her phone she looked up wild plants. Katniss found a few species of plants outside that could be used to better the decorations.

When she was finished with her first task, a message was sent down from Madge. Katniss was to assist the staff set up the reception, next she was told she was to help set up the cocktail hour, she was made to help while everyone was getting ready. That is how she found herself hauling chairs down to the patio.

As she was tying the decorations on the chairs that lined the wedding aisle, she heard the distinctive voices of men. She looked up to see four men dressed in tuxedos standing by the backyard entrance of the house.

One was tall with a slight build with sandy brown hair, another had thick meaty fingers, and there was another that was bronzed with green eyes. They were all handsome, but in her opinion, it was the last guy that was the best-looking one.

He had warm blue eyes and was athletic like the other guys, but his movements were graceful. There was something about him that caused her to want to give him a flirty smile. And Katniss did not flirt.

"Hey, Marvel, maybe she can get us some drinks," the one with the meaty fingers said as he pointed to Katniss.

"Cato, I don't think she'd know, she looks like she's here with the vendors," Marvel said.

"I don't think Madge would like for us to get drunk, until after we have taken the pictures," the one with the warm blue eyes said.

"Peeta's right, Madge would have our arse if we looked drunk in those pictures," the bronzed one said.

"Come on, live a little, Finnick," Cato said. Turning to Katniss the one called Cato said, "You wouldn't happen to know where the drinks are would you?"

Katniss shook her head, she was a bundle of nerves, and she couldn't answer their simple question. She brushed by them entering the house, hoping she wouldn't have to speak to them. She took her sweater and tied it around her middle. Her hair was piled up into a messy bun. She was sweaty and tired, and she still needed to take a shower and put on the dress she was sure would not fit her.

Katniss felt like she always looked like a frumpy potato sack, even when she tried her best. To her embarrassment her cousin Gale had taken her to her winter formal dance when she was sixteen. It was her father's last wish. The dress her mother had secured her was a tiered silky pink ruffled dress with high lace collar and long sleeves that were also ruffled. It was one size too big, and the color was supposed to be pink but in the pictures, it looked brown.

"Are you sure you don't know where the drinks are?" Cato pulled out a stack of coins and asked, "I can make it worth your while?"

Katniss took a step back not knowing how to make these men know that she had no idea where they would keep the alcohol.

"See I told you she wouldn't know," Marvel said.

These were the times Katniss wished she had her bow and arrow. These entitled pricks always thought they had the right to objectify women and treat them like crap.

"Leave her alone Cato," Peeta said. "Look she's just trying to earn a living okay? Just leave her alone."

"Peeta's right," Finnick said.

"She probably doesn't speak English." Marvel then proceeded to shout, "HABLA ENGLISH! ENGLISH!"

"Come on, we're wasting our time," Cato said. "We better get back."

Katniss was glad they were leaving, Marvel and Cato were idiots. Money did not buy people class.

Peeta stayed behind, as he watched the guys move on to the other side of the room. They cornered one of the waiters. Peeta turned to Katniss, "I'm sorry about them. They're not even my friends. You did a great job."

"It's okay really," she said.

"They're real jerks. I guess that makes me a jerk too, but I'm sorry. You shouldn't have to deal with guys like me, like us." He slipped his hand in his pocket and he looked full of energy as if uncomfortable.

"Thank you," Katniss said. She smiled politely. He was a nice guy and she wished that someone like him would one day pay attention to her. She knew that it was useless to want something like this. A gorgeous guy like him would never really pay attention to someone like her. She was the help in his eyes.

"So what…"

"There you are," Prim said, looking resplendent in a floor-length chiffon gown with open crisscross back and sweetheart neckline with spaghetti straps in a lovely peach shade. "Why aren't you dressed!"

Katniss was about to respond.

"Prim," Cato exclaimed.

"Cato, I didn't know you'd be one of the groomsmen," Prim said breathily.

Katniss rolled her eyes when she realized this was the guy Prim had saved in her phone contacts as Steak. She hung back.

"So…" Peeta said. "Do you work here or are you with the rental companies?"

Katniss cleared her throat, took a deep breath, and said, "No."

"Will you be at the wedding?"

Katniss nodded, her heart racing in her chest.

He smiled at her and Katniss swore time slowed down, like in the movies.

"Do you think you'll save a dance for me?"

Dumbfounded, Katniss stared into his eyes. She saw that he was a gentle soul. Katniss felt her cheeks heat up. He wanted to dance with her and that itself was a miracle. She gave him a crooked smile, unsure what to say. It figured she'd finally meet a guy when she looked and smelled her worst. He was in a tux, looking like a gift from the gods.

Before she could answer, her sister's head snapped to Katniss. She gave her a venomous look.

"So, I'll see you later?" Cato asked Prim.

Katniss glanced to her side wondering what she had done wrong.

Her sister giggled, before purring, "I've got to go, but I'll see you later." Her sister wrapped her hand around Katniss's arm and then dragged her away.

"Prim, would you mind slowing down," Katniss said as she was dragged to a corner. Katniss could see the guys from where she stood hidden in the shadows.

"You're not supposed to speak to anyone," her sister hissed.

What her sister said didn't make sense."Prim, I was…"

Prim pushed her away and pointed at her chest."Where have you been?"

Her tone denoted more of a demand than a question. "I've been working, while you and the rest of the girls were getting dressed."

"Madge…"

"Madge was the one who sent me down there to work."

"Madge would never do that," Prim huffed.

"You know I don't lie Prim."

"I don't believe you."

"When have I ever lied to you, Primrose? Besides, didn't you notice I wasn't there with you guys?"

"You know what, it doesn't matter. What does matter is the photographer is here to take pictures and here you are ruining Madge's day."

"I was only doing what she asked me to do." Katniss wished her sister would believe her. "Prim…"

"Instead of arguing you should be worried about getting ready. Though I doubt there is anything Cinna and his team can do to make you look better."

Katniss ignored her sister's insult, having an argument would be counterproductive. Her shoulders slumped, as she took a deep sigh. "Just point me to my room so that I can take a shower."

"Fine," Prim huffed.

Katniss followed Prim down a flight of stairs down a long corridor to a room far away from the rest of the guest's rooms. In fact, it wasn't even in the same wing. "Madge didn't want you disturbing everyone's fun this weekend," Prim smirked.

The room was smaller than her college dorm room. But at least it offered privacy. "Where is the bathroom?"

"It's in the hallway." Prim crossed her arms. "You'll be sharing it with the staff."

"Okay," Katniss said. It didn't matter; she was only going to be here a few days. "I can be ready in ten, fifteen max."

"You only have five minutes."

"Okay." Katniss was trying not to get annoyed by her sisters' curt responses. She opened her suitcase and took out her shower kit.

"Don't get upset. It's not my fault you don't have time, because you were wasting time downstairs."

"Prim I wasn't wasting time-"

"You know, Madge didn't even want you to be part of her bridal party. She knew you were going to do something to ruin her day. And she was right."

"Then why am I here?" Katniss asked, shocked and dismayed by her sister's vitriol. Her eyes watered up, but she tempered down her sadness.

"The only reason you're here is because Madge's father was a friend of his…"

"You mean our father, Prim, Jackson Everdeen."

At the mention of their father's name Prim's face became stormy.

That summer Katniss lived at home; Prim never mentioned their father. There were no pictures of their father in the house. In fact, Katniss noticed their mother had taken down any pictures of Katniss as well. Any time Katniss brought up their father, Prim became upset. Katniss tried to broach the subject with their mother, but their mother shut her down.

With rage Prim ground out, "He abandoned us."

"He was sick, Prim, for a long time. He fought to get better to stay alive. I don't know what lie you've told yourself but our father didn't want to die…he loved us."

"He wasn't even a father to me."

Katniss was going to respond but Madge and Glimmer came into the room. Madge was wearing a white robe with the word bride in pink crystals, and she also had a pink sash that said the same thing. Glimmer wore the same dress Prim was wearing except she wasn't wearing heels she was wearing fuzzy slippers. It was such a silly thing for Katniss to notice as she looked into Glimmer's steely eyes.

"Prim," Madge said, looking at Primrose with kindness. Her frosty eyes flickered to Katniss momentarily. "I came to get you. I'm about to put my dress on and I wanted you to be in the picture..." Madge said with compassion, "Primypooh, Are you okay?"

Prim stood there; her face twisted in anger. "No, I'm not! She always does this…like a dog with a bone."

Madge turned to Katniss and then spat, "I don't know why my father idolizes you. You're a freak of nature, you smell like dead things, you're fat, and you're not even that pretty."

Katniss opened her mouth and shut it. She turned to her sister, silently pleading for some sort of benevolence.

She didn't understand why her sister was so mean and caustic with her.

"That man messed up my mother. Fucked her up in the head! He was selfish. He filled mother's head with the life they would have. But in the end, all she did was suffer. Our mother could have married into a reputable family. A family with means, a name, like the Mellarks or the Johnstons. Mother had her choice of men to choose from, but she made one mistake. She got knocked up with her…" Prim pointed at Katniss. "She's just like him, ugly as fuck, and always ruining things!" Prim sneered at her with so much malice, Katniss was taken aback. "My mother regretted her life with that man. Regretted having you. She said she should've gotten rid of you when she had the chance!"

Katniss stood there numb. It was like being pelted in the face with a frozen snowball multiple times.

"I told you that she's a disaster," Glimmer said.

"Ladies," a gentle voice called from the doorway.

Katniss balled her hands trying to displace her pain and hurt into that part of her body so that they wouldn't be witnesses to her tears. Part of her acknowledged she should have stayed home, said no to Madge, and made an excuse. However, the drive to fix her relationship with her sister prompted her to say yes and come.

"Oh, Cinna!" Madge's tone of voice changed, and in an instant, the countenance of all three blondes changed from irate, to ambassadors of light and happiness. "What are you doing here?'

"I'm here to get Miss Everdeen ready," Cinna said calmly.

There was a woman with him, she had aqua-spiked hair and gold tattoos above her eyebrows. Her face did not belay the tension that had to be swirling in the room.

"I'm assuming you're Katniss?" Cinna asked.

Katniss nodded, she didn't expect Cinna to be so young for a man who'd already made a huge mark in the fashion industry. Even though she wasn't a fashionista, Katniss was aware of who Cinna was. He dressed one of her colleagues when their suit was ruined. Unlike the woman who stood next to him the only decoration he had was a thin gold line over his eyelids. He was dressed in an elegant black dress shirt with gold-colored buttons and crisply pleated pants. He glanced at Katniss and his smile was gentle, and his eyes were reassuring.

"Venia, tell the others to get everything ready," Cinna said.

Venia nodded.

"There's no need…I'm afraid plans have changed." Madge smiled thinly, but Venia didn't listen to Madge, she left.

"Oh," Cinna breathed out.

"I just don't have time for…besides you've dressed my cousin who I sent you the measurements for, she looks amazing in the dress. Plus, I'm sure, you don't have anything that will fit her."

"You know, your father was the one who made the request," Cinna said. "Mayor Undersea told me, it was important to him that Jack Everdeen's eldest be present in the wedding because he saved his life."

"My father?" Madge said.

"He did?" Prim questioned harshly.

Katniss had no idea, but it was a balsam to hear that her father was a good kind man, and not the monster Primrose painted him to be to Madge and the rest of the entourage.

"Yes," Cinna said, "He and your mother were excited that Miss Everdeen was the maid of honor."

"He did," Madge squeaked out.

"So, if you do not mind, I have to make sure your father's wishes are taken care of."

"I…" Madge stammered.

Cinna smiled.

"But she has no dress!"

"Do not worry, I will make sure your pictures are wonderful. Also, Caesar Flickerman is here."

"Caesar Flickerman!" Madge squealed.

"Upon my invitation, he came to interview you and your family," Cinna said charmingly. "Your wedding is the event of the season. You are, after all, marrying a Highbottom."

"OMG, Caesar Flickerman," Glimmer exclaimed. "My mother loves him!"

Katniss wasn't sure what was going on.

"You're needed downstairs," Cinna said, winking at Katniss. "Caesar is going to set up his cameras in the bridal suite so that he can have footage of you in your dress."

"Madge, forget about her," Glimmer urged. "You have to be camera perfect."

Madge turned to Prim, "I want you to be there for the interview."

"Of course, you're going to be famous," Prim said.

Madge turned to Cinna, "Thank you so much." She turned to Katniss and her face soured. "There isn't enough magic to make her look good, but if you can do something to make her less embarrassing that would be wonderful."

Madge, Glimmer, and Prim left in a hurry.

Katniss expelled the breath she was holding.

"I'm sorry," Katniss apologized; she never intended to cause problems.

"I heard everything," Cinna said quietly.

"Oh." She was mortified that strangers had heard everything. It was one thing to be known as the black sheep of the family, it was another to have it be known to strangers. Especially important ones.

"I am going to make you look resplendent," Cinna promised.

"You don't have to, I'm not going down there." The words were thick in her throat as it closed up with emotion.

"No, don't let them win," Cinna said. "Don't let your sister treat you like that."

"But, she…" Katniss stammered as the tears she'd been battling slipped from her eyes.

"She's a bratty bitch," Cinna said. "I've met plenty of girls like her, however, I've not met a woman like you…Mayor Undersee told me how you kept your family afloat after your father died. He told me how you are the one who is paying for your sister's education, and still sending your mother a part of your paycheck. The Mayor is very proud of you, he showed me the articles you've written, and the accolades you've received."

Katniss bit the bottom of her lip to keep from balling.

"I also heard the way you worked downstairs, pitching in…" Cinna said. "You're quite admirable."

"How?"

"My friend Portia was supposed to be downstairs doing the decorations. Her plane was late, when she arrived she said she saw you handling things. You're unique, and if they could remove the stick out of their asses they'd be able to see it."

"I'm not…" Katniss was going to say she wasn't worthy, but Cinna spoke over her words.

"You are," Cinna gently smiled.

"Thank you for your kind words," Katniss sighed. She blinked and then taking a tissue from her pocket blew her nose.

"No need," Cinna said. "Just leave that behind, I have everything you need."

Katniss blinked, she believed him and left her shower kit behind. She blindly followed Cinna. Part of her wanted to run and hide. The small hope Katniss held to possibly fix her relationship fizzled. Once more she felt unloved and an outsider.

When she arrived in his suite of rooms, his assistants were all ready for her. "Everyone I'm guessing you heard what this brilliant young lady has been put through."

Venia smiled and her eyes sparkled, as she approached. "We're going to make you look better than the bride. And when this weekend is over, everyone is going to love you!"

Katniss swallowed, the fiercely determined look in the eyes of the group of people, it made her tremble. No one had ever looked at her that way. Even though she was fantastic in her field she never attended social events. Katniss was terrified to be called a phony.

"Trust me?" Cinna said.

Katniss nodded. Instantly she was whisked away to the bathroom that was twice the size of her apartment bedroom. For the rest of the time she was soaked in luxurious scented water, buffed, polished, perfumed, and peeled. The peeling wasn't great but her skin had never been softer.

She sat in a chair, her hair in a towel having lost track of time.

"What do you want to do with her Cinna?" Venia asked.

"With those eyes, smokey and dangerous," Flavius said.

"I think we should keep it basic," Cinna said, tipping her chin up. "Amplify her classic beauty," Cinna said.

Katniss couldn't believe that Cinna was saying she was beautiful. Physically she wasn't pretty but Katniss knew in the woods, she shone like a diamond.

"Oh yes," Octavia breathed. "She's such an exotic beauty, we can play up her eyes, and her skin tone. Ugh…I wish I had your olive skin tone."

"You think I'm pretty?" Katniss blurted.

They laughed.

"You really don't know do you?" Venia said.

"You're a treasure!" Flavius exclaimed. "You are so gorgeous you make all of the girls ripe with jealousy."

Venia added, "And you have a banging bod!"

"I always thought…" Katniss didn't finish her sentence, instead, she peered at her reflection. The pert nose, the weird color of eyes, the extra weight. She was forever comparing her darker skin to her mother's and Prim's fair one.

"Did you bring contacts?" Venia asked.

"Yes, Madge said I should," Katniss said. "It's in my shower kit, but I left it on the bed."

"Kist," Venia said to her assistant. "Go get all of her stuff."

"Sure thing," Kist said.

"Well young lady, it's time to get your hair done," Flavius said.

Katniss watched as Flavius quickly transformed her thick straight dark locks into bouncy waves of perfection. He parted her hair to the side and then explained he was giving her a relaxed finger wave. Her hair looked fantastic.

After putting on her contacts Venia applied her makeup as Octavia finished up her nails. Katniss wasn't allowed to look at herself while they worked on her face. When they finished Cinna held out the dress. It left her speechless.

"What do you think?"

"Cinna's it's your best design to date," Venia breathed.

The dress looked like a soft sunset. It was a floor-length strapless gown with silk organza draped over one shoulder creating a small cape.

"Are those polka dots made from fabric?" Katniss asked.

"Actually, tiny crystals were woven into little pockets throughout the dress so that when it moves," Cinna said, moving the gown. "It glitters."

Katniss gasped as the dress shimmered in the light.

"She's going to look like a Grecian goddess," Flavius whispered.

"Let's get you dressed," Cinna said.

The dress slipped over her head and within moments she was ready. Katniss wondered what she looked like. They didn't have time to do a reveal because Madge was calling.

"Just trust me you look amazing," Cinne said, winking at her. Katniss nodded and stood straighter feeling it. The dress felt amazing, softer than her favorite cotton tee-shirt.

Cinna leaned in close and whispered into her ear, "It might hurt but sometimes you have to cut the toxic people from your life."

Katniss looked at him wide-eyed. She could never cut her sister out of her life. She was so alone and having her sister and her mother even if it was hurtful made her feel part of a family.

"Ready?" Cinna said.

Lifting her chin in the air Katniss nodded and followed them downstairs.

She could hear the women talking and laughing as they were congregated by the doors. None noticed her and for once Katniss didn't care.

"Katniss Everdeen," Mayor Undersea said, coming forward with his wife.

"You look wonderful," Roberta Undersea said.

"Thank you Mrs. Undersea," Katniss said. Roberta was Edward Undersea's second wife. Madge's mother passed away a few years ago due to a botched-up plastic surgery accident. She was smart and it was well known that Madge and her stepmother didn't get along.

"I am so happy Madge had the sense to put you as her maid of honor," Mayor Undersea said. "Come and see me. I want to introduce you to a few people here. They've read your articles and want to meet the young lady who is making our world a better place."

"Thank you, sir," Katniss said.

"Oh Peeta, have you met the young lady you are going to walk down the aisle with?" Roberta said, pulling the blond man from before. Katniss could feel her cheeks warming up at the sight of him.

"Uh hi again," Peeta stammered.

"Again?" Roberta said grinning.

"Well she was helping out before," Peeta said pointing to the outdoors.

"Of course, she was," Mayor Undersea said. "That's the type of lovely young lady she is, Muriel," he called over to someone.

A woman with a dour face and critical blue eyes came over. "This is Jack Everdeen's oldest. This is Katniss."

Muriel's face turned wide with surprise. "Oh, she's the one that saved us all of that money."

"Mom," Peeta said.

"Shut up, boy. This is the type of woman I wanted for one of your brothers, not one of those bottle died blondes with the botox-injected faces. I read your article on how to save money while going green. We saved millions because of that article."

Katniss hid her smile.

"Mom," Peeta said. "She's the girl who I'm supposed to be…"

"Don't lose sight of her, she's a peach," Muriel said. "I shudder to think of you with that Glitter girl."

Mayor Undersea laughed, "Muriel we'll do lunch next week. Catch up on that golf game?"

"Why not? You'll lose," Muriel said. Turning to her son she said, "Now just stand there, give her a compliment Peeta."

"Mom," Peeta looked at her. "She's right…I mean you're gorgeous and I'd like to know if you'd go out with me this weekend?" Peeta said, rushing through his words.

"Really?"

"He's the best of the Mellarks," Roberta whispered to Katniss encouragingly.

"Well you don't have to say yes, but I just thought you should know that I also think you're also amazing. She fixed the decor earlier this afternoon."

"They had you working?" Mayor Undersee asked.

"I was helping out," Katniss said softly.

"You were the only one. I can't even tell you where the other bridesmaids were," Peeta said.

"Father, Father…" Madge called out.

"Madge dear," Mayor Undersea greeted.

Madge's lips were thinned. Despite her unpleasant attitude, Madge looked gorgeous in her princess-cut cathedral-length ball gown. It looked like she had sparkly white coral motifs on her dress. Cinna had done an extraordinary job on her gown. It was masterful, it made her look regal. "You cannot expect me to have…that woman in my wedding party."

"Now Madge," Mayor Undersee began.

"Father, I have to tolerate having her here, but now my pictures will be ruined. I mean have you seen her, she's an unattractive troll."

"Madge," her father said.

"Why can't cousin Mavey take her place, she is after all family?" Madge argued.

Katniss realized Madge didn't recognize her and she decided to keep quiet and see what happened.

"Madge, you will do what your father wants," Roberta said, and winked at Katniss. She too had come to the same conclusion as Katniss. "He is paying for this entire affair after all."

Katniss could see Madge formulating the all too familiar you're not my mother when her father cut her off.

"I told you. I did not agree with you marrying that young man, but you wanted him. So out of love, I have done all of this. However, per our agreement, Highbottom signed an ironclad prenuptial agreement. And you were to have Katniss as your maid of honor and Prim as a bridesmaid."

"But…at least Prim is presentable. My pictures will be fine with her in the back…but Katniss…" Madge looked and finally spotted Katniss.

Katniss was sure Madge would recognize her.

"Ugh, I'd rather have this woman here. She's better looking than Katniss. She will even look good standing next to Peeta."

Muriel snickered.

"Madge," her father opened his mouth and shut it, he gave Katniss an apologetic smile.

"Fine," Madge ground out. She huffed away her gown, nearly knocking down the easel with an image of her and her fiance.

"Just like her mother," Muriel muttered.

Roberta chuckled.

"I am sorry for my daughter's rude behavior." The Mayor rubbed his face. "It's my fault for spoiling her after her mother's death."

"People do funny things while grieving," Katniss replied.

"You know it was me who introduced your father and mother. He was so brilliant, like you. I was lucky to have known him."

"And if not for you, I wouldn't have married Peeta's father," Muriel said.

Gentle music began to play. A sign for all of the guests to go to their seats.

"I think I better grab my seat. Remember Peeta don't let this one out of your sight," Muriel said to Peeta.

"I think I'll join you. Edward honey, you better join Madge I think they're about to start." Roberta left with Muriel. Mayor Undersee walked away to find his daughter.

Peeta glanced around, his face was red. "I'm sorry I thought you were an employee…I didn't know you were that Katniss."

"How many Katniss's do you know?" The cheeky words slipped out of her mouth before she could stop them.

"Not many," Peeta chuckled.

"So how long have you known the groom?"

"To be honest the only guy I know is Finnick. He's in the fraternity that my brother went to. I've known those guys but never really hung out with them. Truthfully I think they picked me because I'll look good in the pictures."

Katniss found herself laughing.

"Honestly I'm glad the pictures are over with. I think after this I'm going to get a ticket and go back home."

"Why?"

"I'm not wanted here. I'm not going to stick around to be around people who don't like me."

"What if one of those people were your sibling?" The question slipped out of Katniss's mouth before she could even stop them.

"I overheard the way your sister spoke to you. You were only trying to help out the bride, not ruin her day. If anything without you the decor wouldn't have been finished."

"You heard all of that," Katniss felt her face become heated. It was embarrassing for her to know others had heard her sister's demeaning words.

"My older brother was that way. I love him but we don't get along. He disapproved of everything I did. I had to walk away."

Peeta's words were like a revelation to her. Her eyes found her sister. She loved her baby sister with every bone in her body but at the moment their relationship was toxic to Katniss. The words Primrose had spoken about their father hurt. The way Prim perceived Katniss hurt. Katniss looked up at Peeta.

"I learned a long time ago that family doesn't have to be blood-related," Peeta said.

Her sister threw her head back and laughed. It was a girlish yet feminine laugh intended to allure Cato. Cinna's words came to her in that instance. Both men were correct. As she watched Prim flirt with a tipsy Cato it dawned on Katniss that her sister was no longer a defenseless little girl. She was an adult.

Her mother was an adult.

They were all adults and her mother and sister didn't need her as much as she needed them. Katniss wanted more out of life. She wanted to feel safe again like when her dad was alive. She wanted that sense of family. Peeta was right she didn't have to be related to someone to call them family.

Prim was able to care for herself. Cato leaned over and whispered something in her sister's ears and her sister gave him a lusty look. Cato grinned and as he leaned back he nearly tripped over Finnick.

"Finn, you're cramping my style…" Cato looked flushed and his eyes were a little watery.

Marvel handed Cato a flask and the man drank from it and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. Both of them chuckled. As they took more swigs from the flask. Marvel and Cato were clearly intoxicated.

"Marvel, Cato please find your partners," The wedding planner said. She was a redhead that looked like a fox. She wore sensible low-heeled shoes as she briskly put everyone in order.

She hovered over the group, her eyes quickly darted from looking at the tablet and looking about wildly at the group assembled.

"Peeta, would you happen to know where I can find Katniss Everdeen," the woman asked as soon as she reached them.

"I'm Katniss." Katniss said.

"Oh, I thought you were…well they said you…" The woman stammered.

"You thought I was ugly?" Katniss prompted.

"The way the bride described you…" she stammered then she took a deep breath. "We need you and Peeta to be ready to walk. I'll give you a signal to line up in front of the doors and then you march down the aisle."

Katniss smiled.

"Alright everyone please take your places," the woman shouted.

The procession began and Katniss watched a stately couple make their way through the doors. Katniss hung back as she watched the harried wedding planner try to wrangle the bridal party and the groomsmen. Katniss watched as her sister left with a drunk Cato followed by the other bridesmaids. It was finally her turn.

Katniss put her hand over Peeta's arm before taking a deep breath. There was a brief flicker of recognition as Prim recognized Katniss. Her sister's look was glacial, to say the least. Katniss stood waiting for the bride unaware of the appreciative glances she was getting from the groomsmen.

Madge floated down the aisle and did not pay any attention to Katniss; Madge was too busy hamming it up for the cameras and the audience. When the ceremony was over Katniss was glad that the reception was followed immediately by the cocktail hour and the dinner. They were waiting for the meals and Katniss was starving.

The meals were late and so the dance floor had opened up and people were dancing, and the drinks were flowing. Cato and Marvel were getting progressively louder. Waiters were walking around with small little hors d'oeuvres.

Mr. Undersea had been introducing Katniss around the room. She had more business cards in her hand than there were flowers in Madge's bouquet. Katniss saw a waiter with a silver platter loaded with bacon-wrapped scallops.

"I wouldn't eat those if I were you," Peeta said by her side.

Katniss turned around to ask why not when she saw that he had a slider in his hand. "Unless you're willing to lose some fingers I suggest you move that away from my face."

"Actually this is for you," Peeta offered.

"Oh, you're my hero," Katniss snatched the slider and with two bites it was gone.

"Katniss," Mayor Undersea called her.

"Hide me," Katniss whispered.

"Tell you what, I'll go get you food. Talk to the Mayor then meet me by the ice sculpture of Madge."

"As long as the food doesn't make me sick I'll eat anything," Katniss said.

"I'll take it you're not one of those salad queens."

"Either you cough up a salad or stop talking. I'm about to go outside and munch on the grass."

Peeta laughed. "Point taken."

"Katniss," the Mayor waived her over.

Katniss watched another waiter walk by.

"Trust me I get you the food." He winked and said, "I'll see you soon."

Katniss was headed to the mayor when a waiter got close. She was about to get an hors d'oeuvres when she was pulled back. Prim pulled her into a room where Madge was with the other girls.

"What are you doing wearing that!" Prim whispered furiously.

"Are you trying to upstage the bride?" Glimmer accused.

"Yeah," Cashmere said narrowing her eyes. 

This was a little too reminiscent of every movie where the Cinderella character was confronted by the antagonists. Over the years it could be the evil stepsisters, the mean co-workers, the popular 'it' crowd, or the disappointed family members. Katniss stood straight; she wasn't going to be beaten down.

"I'm not going to justify your behavior by letting you beat up on me. I've done nothing wrong. Madge congratulations on your nuptials. I hope you have a pleasant life and that you will never need the prenuptial agreement your father put in place. Primrose, I think it's time you grow up. I love you but I've been killing myself paying for your expenses and your education and all I seem to get from you is rotten vitriol. It's time for you to grow up. I'm not paying for your education or your lifestyle."

"Doesn't matter, mom will take care of me."

"Our mother. She can't afford it," Katniss "You're such a big fat liar. Mom…"

"Why would I lie? Do the math. Numbers do not lie. Mother hasn't worked in years. Where do you think she gets the money?" Katniss felt no victory at her words but they were truthful and were coming from a place where she put herself first for once.

"From her family. Our grandfather left her a small inheritance."

"Oh Primrose, there is no inheritance. It's been me…" Katniss wondered what lies her mother had put inside Primrose's head. "I've been the one sending money home. The one who has paid for your education, and the one who has spoiled you rotten. It's time that I stopped and let you be an adult."

"I don't believe you," Primrose spat.

"Don't," Made said. "She's only doing this because she's jealous. Jealous of you, of me, of how hot I am."

Katniss smirked, "Right."

"The only reason you're here is because of my father. I think it's time you left. Glimmer, call security. I don't want this riff-raff in my wedding."

It didn't matter at this point. Katniss was ready to leave.

The door to the room opened, and Peeta walked in. The music blasted in, and there was shouting. The room became quiet when Peeta shut the door. "Hey there you are, I was looking for you." Peeta took a look around the room, "Are you alright?"

"Yep." Katniss felt lighter than in years. She smiled at Peeta. "I was about to leave."

Peeta offered her his arm and she gratefully took it.

"Oh Madge, I forgot to tell you. You need to go speak to Cato and Marvel. They're trying to hit on the officiant's wife."

"What?" Madge said.

Peeta opened the door and there was Cato and Marvel grinding against Madge's ice sculpture.

"No!" Madge screeched as she got up and walked out with her group. Prim wouldn't look Katniss in the face.

Katniss felt a stab of pain in her heart. At this moment she wouldn't cry, she'd save that for private time. Peeta put his hand on hers and gently squeezed.

"One day your sister is going to see that her friends are not supportive and she's going to regret this moment."

"I know but it still hurts. I love her so much," Katniss said.

There was a loud yell and both looked out of the door to see Madge falling into her cake. Marvel and Cato were on the table laughing as the only thing that could be seen was her red-bottomed shoes sticking out from a mountain of cake.

"I think this is our cue to leave," Katniss said.

As he walked with her out of the room Peeta turned to her and said. "I know this is going to sound very douchey. But I flew here with my mother. She's got her bags already packed and ready to leave. I wouldn't mind giving you a ride home or having you forever with me. Did I say there was a bounty of food aboard my plane? I have cheese buns."

"That is quite the request?"

"So I take it forever, is off the table?"

"I didn't say it wasn't…" Katniss was contemplating what a cheese bun was.

"Okay, so I got my swan chance?"

"Swan?" Katniss frowned as they walked across the reception to exit. Peeta pulled her into a dance. From the distance, she saw Mayor Undersee nod at her

"You know a story without a name, this is our meet cute…"

Katniss laughed. This was her Swan story.

The End….

Epilogue Sort of…

Katniss sat aboard Peeta's private plane. After the wedding, Katniss and Peeta started dating. They were going out for a few months. Katniss had never been so happy. She missed her sister and mother, but she knew they had to learn to defend themselves and learn to live on their own two feet.

"Are we ready," Peeta's father said, clasping his hands and walking into the cockpit.

Peeta and his father were going to fly his mother and father on a small vacation in another district. She bit into one of the flaky morsels of bread. The fragrance of the melting cheese and herbs made her mouth water as she moaned. This was her third one.

"Good huh," Muriel said.

"I'd marry your son for just these," Katniss said with her mouth full of food.

"I think that can be arranged," Muriel said.

Katniss's eyes widened. "Um…"

"Mom," Peeta said as he walked on board.

"She's a good girl, and smart to boot," Peeta's father yelled from the co-pilot's seat.

"My husband is right, plus, I need some intelligent grandbabies."

"MOM! DAD!" Peeta exclaimed. His face was red.

Muriel smiled and waved the plate in front of her face. "He made them from scratch."

Peeta gave his mother that please-stop-look before saying, "I wanted to have something to eat on the flight. I was nervous about the trip."

"Oh, I'm sorry." Katniss felt guilty. "I'm eating your food."

"No don't worry, I don't mind," Peeta grinned, taking one from her hand. "Just save me one or two."

"Don't worry Everdeen…you can keep your name if you want…I just want a grandbaby, in return."

"MOM!" Peeta exclaimed.

Peeta turned to her his hand rubbing his neck, his face red, "Don't…listen…unless you know… that forever thing…that's still on the table."

Katniss grinned. "If you promised to make me cheese buns, I'll take it into consideration."

Muriel laughed. "I told you she's a keeper from the get-go, I don't know what you're waiting for."

"Mom, please…"

Katniss couldn't help chuckling. Peeta and his family were always this way. His mother was right, though about the women his brothers married. Those women were only interested in the money, that's why they were not invited.

Peeta was going to head for the cockpit when his mother winked at Katniss but addressed Peeta. "Son, why don't I fly with your father? You come back here and get to know this lovely girl, entertained."

"Are you sure?'

"I don't mind, besides this'll be a bonding time for your father and me, and your dad gets a thrill when I fly." His mother saucily said.

"I think I need my ears checked. Do you know if it's possible for that memory to be erased?"

Katniss laughed. As Peeta leaned over and placed a chaste kiss on her lips. "I've been dying to do that all morning."

"Mmmm…" Katniss hummed contentedly.

"Sorry about my mom and her pushing for a wedding and a grandbaby."

"No need, she's just trying to take care of you."

"I just wish they'd let me woo you on my own," Peeta said.

"You're doing just fine, wooing me," Katniss said.

"I am?" He grinned.

"You are, and if you keep me feeding me I won't even notice the wedding."

Peeta laughed. "Alright duly noted. Just remember this moment when I propose. Because forever is on the table for us."

Katniss settled back with her plate, like a dragon hoarding a golden treasure. Her swan story was a beautiful one.

[strawbubbysugar]

Ooooo, I wanted to do one of these. ☁️📦📚👑📖❤️... these may be too many... maybe just the top 3 you'd like to do?

Also, side note, that last chapter got a sketch out of me. I blinked, and the sketch appeared on a sticky note like magic. Oh well, I guess that means I gotta clean it up and post it... Tee hee... <3 I bet you know which part. <3

Eehehe excellent choices! 📦 PACKAGE - what are some "most likely to…" that can apply to them? (assuming this is the high school yearbook classic) Dahmia: Most likely to be asked for ID at 30 Elio: Most likely to set a world record Arche: Most likely to write a best selling novel 📚 BOOKS - how were they at school? what is their best subject? what is their worst subject? do they have a favourite subject? Dahmia: Did well in her studies in the subjects she cared about. Just atrocious at the ones she didnt. Her worst subject was music (she can carry a tune but the keys of a piano seem to elude her) and her best subject was Botany Elio: Just awful in his schooling, didnt do as much of it once he was on the front lines. Best subject was Archery and swordplay, worst was history Arche: A very studious man, did excellent in almost all subjects. Best subject was literature and history, worst was religion 👑 CROWN - what does your oc want to be remembered as? why? Dahmia: She would rather not be remembered, but if she must be, she would like to be remembered for causing positive change Elio: As a brilliant hero, who helped all Arche: As a just and powerful ruler 📖 OPEN BOOK - do they like reading? what's their favourite genre? Dahmia: She enjoys reading a fair amount, though only in the subjects shes interested in. Cant keep her eyes on the page if she isnt interested in the subject. Loves fieldnote books, the sort where researches put their notes into a book with illustrations of their discoveries (namely plants) Elio: Not much of a reader! Arche: Yes. He'll read anything he can get his claws on. Favourite genre is trashy romance history ❤️ RED HEART - their love language(s)?

Dahmia: Quality time, acts of service Elio: Gift giving, Touch, acts of service Arche: Quality time, words of affirmation

[that-one-poison-trainer]

50 Fun Facts About Viper!!

"but wait wasn't this going to be 25 fun facts?"

Yes but I wasn't expecting this option to win the poll so I originally lowballed the amount of fun facts

NOW ON TO THE FACTS

1: When I first wanted to participate in Pokemon Roleplay I was originally going to play a different character. She would've been my player character OC from Brilliant Diamond and Legends Arceus. She was the former Sinnoh champion, had a connection with Dialga, was sent to and back from Hisui, and became a Pokemon groomer after experiencing all those horrors and coming back home. I scraped the idea because it felt too "mary sue" and I didn't know if people would be too critical of her or not.

2: Viper was originally an OC before she became a role play character, surprisingly I haven't made too many character changes when deciding to role play as her. Except for her connection with the Subway Bosses, which changed a lot. Originally they were her surrogate uncle figures, but I changed the relationship they had because I wasn't aware if there were any Ingo or Emmet roleplayers. Even after meeting [TAG INGO AND EMMET] I feel like the whole surrogate uncle thing wouldn't work with their current relationship 

3: earlier Viper character designs had a lot of Scene and Scenecore influence. However these were scrapped because they looked bad and I hope they never see the light of day

4: Viper has really sharp teeth, similar looking to Iono's. There's no real reason for why they are so sharp other then I thought it looked cool

5: I have never actually played any Gen 5 games. A lot of my knowledge comes from Bulbipedia, my experience with the Gen 5, anime, and my Submas hyperfixation

6: Viper is autistic, because the mod is also autistic 

7: Viper's current special interest is Poison types. But when she was a kid she had a train and Subway Masters special interest, and after that she had a botany special interest. 

8: Viper currently lives in Virbank, but she was born and raised in Nimbasa and spent some time living in Driftveil 

9: when Viper lived in Ninbasa she befriended a Trubbish who she would eventually reunite with. This Trubbish became Viper's ace Buttercup the Garbodor 

10: Viper's Mom is a Flouriest and her Dad was a mechanic at Gear Station but he has since retired

11: Viper was bullied a lot as a child 

12: Viper's parents divorced when she was in middle school. She chose to move with her mom in Driftveil

13: Viper is a Highschool drop out

14: Viper started her Pokemon Journey because of her Mom insisting that "if you're gonna drop out of school you might as well become a trainer". She even called Professor Juniper to send a Snivy as a starter. This was how she met Oleander the Serperior

15: Viper really likes camping, it makes her nostalgic for her times traveling Unova doing the gym challenge 

16: Viper had two pokemon on her gym challenge team that are she no longer owns, they're Stamp the Swoobat and Dribble the Vaporeon. They were donated to Professor Juniper a little after she started working at the Virbank Gym.

17: Dribble was caught in Castelia as an eevee roaming the streets

18: Stamp was caught as a woobat on Reversal Mountan

19: Viper never grew out of her admiration for the Subway Bosses, she's just better at hiding it now.

20: Viper only caught a Litwik and a Joltik because they're prominent pokemon on Ingo and Emmet's teams. They're even named after them

21: Emmey was caught in charge stone cave

22: Ingrid was caught in the celestial tower

23: Viper absolutely despises any and all evil teams, this stems from an incident during her travels. Viper was walking out of a pokemart late at night with Emmey out of her pokeball, when a team plasma grunt ran by and grabbed her. Viper started physically attacking this grunt out of fear to get Emmey back, which was successful. 

24: Viper was inspired by battling Roxie to become a Poison Type specialist

25: Viper completed the gym challenge and had the chance to fight the Elite Four, but decided against it because she had no desire to become champion 

26: Viper caught her Scolipede Belladonna as a Whirlipede in Lostlorn Forest after she finished the gym challenge bur before applying to work at the Virbank Gym. She remembers this day fondly.

27: Viper works part time at the Battle Subway, she just gets called in to battle trainers on the lines when no one else is available.

28: Viper has made a kid cry before after beating them in a pokemon battle at the Virbank Gym

29: Dripple the Vapoureon was eventually donated to a swimming school to help kids learn to swim. Viper visits her often.

30: Viper has a kitchen cabinet in her room dedicated to Ingo and Emmet merch, both official and unofficial. If you ask her about it she'll deny it's existence.

31: Two Ten the Arbok was found as an ekans in Floccesy Town. It was believed to be released by a trainer and was considered invasive in the area, so Viper decided to investigate it. 

32: Cyanide is Viper's most recent pokemon, they were originally an egg gifted from someone at the gym who acquired it in Galar. 

33: When is comes to @lostlornghost Viper originally started bickering with them as a way to prove her superiority after their altercation in the Subway tunnels. But now she fights with them as a way to show her affection.

34: Outside of team skull business, Viper wants to know @team skull unova better 

35: Viper would've probably participated in the Team Skull raid on the Plasma Castle regardless if she was a team skull member or not

36: Viper recently started to keep her personal life a secret from the people at the Virbank Gym. She doesn't want anyone to know about her wacky, cosmic horror filled RoTumblr adventures.

37: personally I believe that Viper putting on the @liminal-station head and getting possessed by Virus was really out of character her to do. I feel like she would've been more adverse to putting on an inter dimensional severed head. I only did it because of my love for the trope of characters getting possessed and evil shadow selfs, and I think I made it work.

38: from Viper's perspective, she was trapped in a room of static during the Virus arc. Viper still has nightmares of this place 

39: Viper was semi-aware during the Virus arc. She she had the energy for it she could sorta tap into her senses and see what Virus was doing in her body. 

40: despite everything, Virus doesn't blame the Liminal Subway bosses for what happened to her. They had no idea any of this would've happen, she knows it wasn't their fault.

41: Ever since the Virus arc Viper has been suffering from Post Eldritch Madness. That head flooded her 3rd dimensional brain with knowledge from a world without knowledge, indescribable things she does not fully understand. And despite everything she's expecting to return to her life as normal.

42: Viper gained some unintentional side effects after taking off the head. These include being able to understand and speak Binary Code and her voice sounding like it's on a bad discord call when stressed 

43: Viper also developed a fear of the Porygon line after the events of the Virus arc.

44: Viper is so confused about the Garbodor doll with a mohawk given to her by @doll-anon because she has never had a mohawk in her life

45: Viper keeps the Garbodor with a Mohawk plushy in a bin because she's a little convinced it's haunted.

46: if you were to ask Viper what type she would specialize in if she wasn't a poison specialist, she would say grass

47: If Viper was a monster, she would be a Mummy

48: If Viper was a card suite, she would be the club

49: Viper has a cabinet in her house dedicated to Subway boss memorabilia, both official and fan made. 

50: Virus never left（╹◡╹）

[kjs-s]

Put on an act

Pairing: Foggy Nelson x reader

Summary Foggy panickly introduced you as his partner to his ex.

Prompts :“Can’t believe I let you drag me into this” and “Act like we’re dating, I see my ex”

Word Count: 1300

Warnings:  none I can think of

A/N: This is my entry for @locke-writes 2k celebration. Congats again Noah and I hope you will like this

''We need to pick something meaningful. Which ones do you think will say 'thanks for sticking around' and ' we appreciate you'?'' Foggy asked you looking around the flower shop a little lost. Karen's ten-year anniversary working for Matt and Foggy was coming up.  The little celebration was your idea after Karen narrated how she came to work with them when you were first hired as a paralegal. You couldn't believe how fortunate you were to be employed by such terrific people.

''I know that, pick pansies, sunflowers, and yellow roses. We actually had a botany and flower meaning class in my university.'' Your tone was so sincere that you could fool anyone that didn't know how fond of sarcasm you were.

''Really?'' Foggy sounded enthusiastic hoping he wouldn't have to stay any longer in the shop and he could just return to the office and the case he was working on.

''Of course not. I have no clue, my botanic skills and non-existent. Let me look it up.'' You searched for the right choices while Foggy was trying hopelessly to locate someone to help you.

After about ten minutes you looked up from your phone.

''Ok, I think I have a decent bouquet picked out. We just need to find those four flowers and ask one of the florists if they go well together.'' You tried to show Foggy your phone but he panicky turned toward you and asked you to follow him out of the way.

''I'm sure those are great but right now I need a favor. Please act like we’re dating, I see my ex over there.'' He nodded towards the entrance where a couple was browsing the potted plants.

''The blonde one, with the cute red coat? She looks like a nice girl.''

''She is but we broke up because she was offered a job in Chicago and I wanted to stay here. And you know me, I couldn't deal with having a long distant relationship. So, please pretend to be my partner if she notices us.''

You didn't get the chance to respond before Marci was right behind you without her company excited to see Foggy again.

''Hi, I almost didn't see you there. How have you been?'' Marci greeted her ex and you couldn't help but admire her confidence. She had a way of talking and could make everyone around her stop to listen to her.

''I'm great. Still working with Matt and the business is doing fantastic. Oh, and that's my partner (Y/N) who also works with us.'' You shook her hand.

''So you are Marci. I knew Foggy's ex was a brilliant lawyer that helped him on cases and I am glad to finally meet you.''

''It's great to meet you too. I am happy that he found such a sweet person as you.'' Then the man who was with her earlier approached you.

''That's my husband Trevor. We got married five months ago and we just moved back to New York. Honey, these are Foggy and (Y/N).'' Trevor knew who Foggy was surprising you about how civil this random meeting was being. You could never imagine being that cordial with any of your exes due to the fact that you broke up because they were either immature or totally arrogant.

Marcia and Trevor had already placed their order and began to leave but not before they invited the two of you to dinner at their new house the next day. An invitation that Foggy accepted without a second thought.

''Are you out of your mind? Couldn't you lie and say we are busy or that Matt needs you for a case?'' You tried so hard to not raise your voice at him.

''I'm sorry, I didn't think this through. I can make something up to try to avoid this. Sorry, I honestly didn’t think it would bother you that much.''

''It's not bothering me. I just believe I would feel bad lying to them during the entire evening. They both seem so friendly. But it will be fine. I don't mind pretending to be your date or your partner. Now let us go see about those flowers. I picked daises that symbolize loyal love, arborvitae for unchanging friendship, and lastly for affection zinnia, and morning glory. I believe Karen deserves the best bouquet for her party.'' Foggy agreed with you and ordered the bouquet to be made and delivered to the office in the afternoon.

Later that day during your little celebration you informed Matt and Karen about your encounter earlier. They found it hilarious that you pretended to date and hoped you at least have a good time during dinner the next day.

You decided to get together before dinner to come up with a story about your relationship just in case they ask.

''We don't have to come up with a complicated story. I have been working for you for a while now and I liked you from the moment I met you. We will just say that after a while we decided to act on those feelings and hopefully, we will be together for a long time since we already see each other all the time. Simple enough?''

''Yes, I like it. I will say that I asked you out before the holidays so if you rejected me at least the office would be closed and I would only be humiliated and heartbroken at home.''

''I would never humiliate you. But, sure let's say that. I just can’t believe I let you drag me into this'' You playfully complained to him before making your way to Marci's home.

She and her husband were delighted to see the two of you, especially Foggy since he hadn't met any of Marci's other friends from when she used to live in New York.

As you predicted, you were asked about how long you are together and how your relationship started.

''I liked (Υ/Ν) since the first day we met. Matt was the one who decided on adding a new employee to our team and we were blessed with this angel. The first thing I noticed from our interview together was the approach to Matt's crazy questions. I hadn't seen anyone else answer him with such intelligence and creativity. And on top of that, we got lucky to find someone with a charming personality. I found the courage to ask (Y/N) out after working together on an extremely tough case. I can't hide that I was a little surprised that such a wonderful person agreed to date me.'' You mentioned that you were the lucky one. And indeed you always felt delighted to have met him. In addition, you hoped there was some truth to his words.

After dinner, he drove you home thanking you for everything and making small talk about work. However, you couldn't get his words out of your mind.

''Did you rehearse your little speech about how we started dating beforehand? Because it was really sweet.'' You asked him while still in his car.

''I didn't, I just honestly find you amazing.'' He couldn't bring himself to look at you right this moment.

''I find you amazing too. And I hope I could do this in a more romantic way but would you like to have dinner with me tomorrow? Just the two of us this time.''

''You mean it? Because I would love to.''

''Of course, I mean it. I will text you the details tomorrow morning after I make a reservation.'' You smiled at him and after giving him a peck on the cheek you left the car. The moment you entered your home you took notes of all the things you had to do the next day in preparation for your first real date.

[silverhallow]

15. "Finally, a good idea." For Philoise? 🙏🙏

So I sort of tweaked the prompt so it fit with the story that my brain decided to write… hope you don’t mind and hope you enjoy it.

Being trapped in a lift was not in Eloise Bridgerton’s plans for the day. In fact she’d go as far as saying they were not in her plans for any point in her life…

Being trapped alone, she might have been able to contend with, she could manage her own company all well and good, despite her upbringing and being constantly around people but being trapped in a lift with a complete stranger… a strange man at that, was probably in her top 10 least preferred things to happen to her.

“Fuck” she swore loudly as the lift came to a clunking, grinding stop and all the lights went out.

“Eloquently put” the stranger said to her, amusement in his voice.

“I do not need sarcasm right now…” Eloise snapped

“It wasn’t sarcasm, I was going to say the same thing but you beat me to it…” the strange man said.

“Oh right well, do you have a torch or lighter so we can find the alarm thing on the panel to tell someone we’re stuck…” Eloise asked

“No but my phone does…” he said, still sounding amused “besides lighting a lighter if it’s a possible gas leak that’s caused the lift to stop working due to the heat from the engines, then it could have disastrous consequences” he grinned at her.

Eloise had never wanted to punch someone outside of her family more. “Smartarse” she muttered under her breath but any further retort was lost when a light appeared and it turned out the strange man was a lot closer to her than she’d realised and she jumped in fright.

“Scared of the dark?” he asked

“No, just… I don’t like strangers in my personal space” she quipped.

“The name’s Phillip…” he said before turning his attention to the panel and pressing the alarm button.

It rang twice before someone picked up and explained that there had been a major power outage at the University and all the electrics were down, they were working on it but they weren’t sure how long it was going to be.

“Fucking brilliant…” Eloise groaned, as she went rummaging in her own bag to look for her phone “and my phones nearly dead…” she groaned

“You can borrow mine if you need to call someone, i charged it up whilst I was working” Phillip offered

“Oh right… erm… thanks, just I was supposed to meet my sister-in-law this afternoon, we promised to take her two eldest boys to the museum to see the dinosaurs so obviously I’m not going to make it…” Eloise said, with no idea why she was explaining herself to a stranger.

“Here, you can call her if you want?” he said, holding out his phone.

“Th…thanks” Eloise said, taking it and quickly typing in Sophie’s number and calling her.

Sophie was understanding and a bit worried about her “are you alone?”

“No i’ve someone called Phillip with me, it’s his phone i’m calling off…” Eloise said

“Are you safe?”

“I’m trapped in a lift Soph… what do you think?” Eloise snapped

“Not what I meant… like who is he?”

“No idea, another student i’m assuming…” Eloise said as she looked at him and Phillip nodded “he’s nodding so clearly attends this uni…”

“Put him on the phone…” Sophie ordered

“What?”

“Now Eloise…” Sophie said in a no-nonsense tone and Eloise handed him the phone.

“Sophie wants to talk to you”

Phillip frowned and looked at the phone “erm… hello?”

“Phillip?”

“Yes ma’am?”

“You’re not some sort of sadist, rapist murderer are you? Is Eloise safe with you?” Sophie asked bluntly

“Erm… No, I'm not. I am a botany PHD student, I'm working on ways to preserve life, not take it…” he said a little taken aback at the bluntness of her question

“Very well, just a word of warning though, should you decide to harm a hair on my sister-in-law’s head… her eldest brother is a lawyer, a very good one, as is his wife… my brother in law works for the police… and the Bridgerton’s are not a family you want to mess with understand?”

“Y…yes ma’am” he said nervously, fear in his voice now which made Eloise raise her brow in amusement, something Phillip could only just make out

“Good, now if you would be so kind to let me know when you get out of the lift as I know Eloise clearly forgot to charge her phone again and i’ll not be able to rest until I know she is safe” Sophie asked

“Of course… i promise she will be safe with me” he said as the phone cut off and he turned towards Eloise

“She’s terrifying…”

“You’d think so to hear her talk but if you met her… she’s like 5”2, petite blonde, looks like butter wouldn’t melt but honestly, you don’t want to piss her off” Eloise sighed “how long do you think we’ll be in here for?”

“No idea, could take them hours to fix the electricity” Phillip said

Eloise groaned

“You’re not claustrophobic or anything are you?”

“No just… I don't, I just… I had a date for later tonight, not that I was looking forward to going but my brother had set me up on it with one of his old buddies from uni…” Eloise sighed “and I ate all my lunch at like 10 am so was on my way to Crabtree’s for something to eat…” she said as just on cue her stomach gave an almighty grumble.

“Well if you want to call your date to cancel… you can borrow my phone”

“I don’t actually know his name or his number, it was a blind date, Colin had set me up…”

“Wait… is your brother Colin Bridgerton?” he asked putting two and two together as he remembered the scary Sophie voice saying the Bridgerton surname

“Yes… why?”

Phillip blinked in the darkness “I… I didn’t realise it was his sister he was setting me up with…”

“My date is with you!?” Eloise squeaked

“It would appear so, he knew my brother and his wife Marina before they died. I’ve not really had time to date since I took custody of their twins with my PHD but I bumped into Colin last week and he offered to set me up with someone… I had no idea it was his sister…” Phillip said.

“Oh… well… this is awkward…”

“How so?” he asked

“Well i just told you that I wasn’t looking forward to it” Eloise said grateful the darkness hid her embarrassed cheeks

“Neither was I. I'm not the most social of people. I spend most of my time in a greenhouse with peas… I find it easier to talk to plants than humans…” Phillip said.

Eloise chuckled “well I can talk to people, I just… don’t do well in social situations. People find me a bit… highly strung supposedly”

“Well with Colin as an older brother I don’t blame you. I’ve heard a lot about your family from him”

“Don’t believe half of it, he has a talent for exaggerating does my brother…”

“Well I am aware of that… so Eloise… since our date appears to be going array thanks to a black out… Why don’t we take a seat on the floor of this lift and you tell me about yourself?” he suggested

Eloise gave a small smile in the darkness as her stomach growled again “sorry…”

“It’s fine, I've got some food still in my bag. I’ve got a habit of forgetting to eat when I'm working” he said, opening his backpack and grabbing his lunch container.

“You sound like Benedict… Sophie’s forever bringing him food when he’s busy with his art and forgets to eat…” Eloise said amused

“It’s only when I am here, i am more responsible at home”

“I should hope so if you’ve got custody of your brother’s twins…” Eloise said with a small smile

“Well Small Human’s need as much attention as my plants so I try to be… it’s hard though…”

“I know. We lost our dad when I was young, it was hard on my two eldest brothers with 6 small humans…” Eloise said softly.

“Here, it’s not much but it’s a cheese sandwich, we can split the crisps and when we get out of here… if you want… we can go grab some actual food?”

“Sounds like a good idea” Eloise smiled as she took the sandwich, an odd sensation creeping over her, contentment like she’d never felt before, she’d never felt comfortable around people, men in particular, she’d dated, but never had she felt this before.

They were trapped in the lift for two hours, something that normally would have had Eloise climbing the walls, but she’d barely noticed the time, they laughed, talked about their favourite books, their courses and aspirations. She loved that he listened to her when she went on a feminist rant about women in journalism and had been shocked when he’d agreed with her wholeheartedly.

She’d been so taken with him that once they’d been released and they went and found a little take away place to get some pizza, she went back to his and ended up spending the night… all in all she felt like though it was an unconventional first date, it was probably the best first date she’d ever been on…

That was until the following morning when they were awoken to banging loudly on the door and as Phillip opened it, he was accosted by her three older brothers, her younger brother and her brother in law…

And as Phillip was pinned to the wall by the tallest of the two, he remembered he’d clearly forgotten to tell Eloise’s sister-in-law that they were out and safe…

[robynlilyblack]

Shes underwater again - Send me a situation along with a character and i’ll write a lil blurb (e.g sirius black x shy! fem! reader on their first date)

neville x fem!ravenclaw!reader in herbology (and they like eachother lol)

Plant boy

Neville Longbottom x fem! ravenclaw! reader 

Summary: Y/n and Neville grow closer in Herbology

Warning: none cute fluff

A/n: 0.5k words, first time writing Neville, he is a such sweetheart and I had no clue for a title so I wrote plant boy x thanks for the request, enjoy!

Navigation | Golden Era Characters Masterlist

You hugged your books as you entered herbology, you recognised a lot of people but it was strange being in the same class as people who were once the year above you. As you scanned the room you spotted an empty seat by Neville, you had always had a crush on the boy, you loved listening to him for hours when he talked about magical botany, you also happened to find his clumsy nature rather endearing as you happened to have your moments too 

Walking over you lean forward a little to see he was nose deep in a book “This seat free?” you ask softly, watching the boy begin to smile before he even peers up at you

He nods “Yeah” he gestures to the seat as you sit down and take out your stuff the boys eyes trace your features, admiring you

Much like yourself Neville had fancied you for a long while but had been too shy to do anything about it

“Right class, since the greenhouse is still being rebuilt we will be doing a desk study, you and the person beside you…” you and Neville turn to smile at one another “…will have to write a report on a chosen plant and later on you will grow it. I know it’s a little out of order but hey ho” Professor Sprout shrugs “I’ll leave you all to get started, if you have any questions please ask Mr Longbottom because I need to go stop a small army of mandrakes from taking over the school” and with that rather comedically ominous point she leaves

The class turns to look at Neville a little jealous of you getting to partner with him, something that was extremely foreign to the boy. It made him anxious, his hand moving to grip his stool in order to stop them from shaking

You gently place yours over his, instantly calming him “Thank you” he whispers, a dusting of blush on his cheeks

You smile “I am pretty lucky to be with the whiz though” 

He lets out a small chuckle “So what do you want to do it on?” he says taking his free hand and flicking through the book, not wanting to move his other and lose contact with you yet

You leaned closer to him, he smelt like a garden but a sweet one, filled with flowers and ferns, wild and beautiful “I’m happy to do anything, I can take care of the sketches and general writing if you provide your brilliant brain” you let out a small giggle which makes the boys heart warm “I’ll get my…” you finally pull you hand away but he stops you, hand gently wrapped around your wrist before he slips it into yours, interlacing your fingers with a beautiful pink hue on his face

He then looks over at you, checking this was alright, smiling as you smile and continue to get your quill and parchment with the one hand, neither of you letting go any time soon

Thanks for reading 💛

[gothhabiba]

on the idea that the idleness of the Victorian Lady was more fantasy and performance than reality, displayed in drawing rooms and parlours (with "fancy work," "parlour knitting," &c.) and contradicted in the actual quotidian tasks of running a household, these lines in the anonymously published Workwoman's Guide interested me--

A woman, who in the upper classes of society, has taken her place at the head of a family, has undertaken a high and responsible situation; but one, in which, by daily attention to certain humble details, she can essentially serve the welfare of some who are dear to her, and of many who are dependent on her. The Author, as an Englishwoman, reflects with pride upon the number of her country women, whom the gifts of nature, and a brilliant or careful education enables to grace their place in society. She believes that very many of them are further qualified, as far as goodwill and natural intelligence can go, to discharge those humbler, but not less honourable, parts of their calling, to which she has alluded, but are deterred from applying to them (or much embarrassed if they do), from finding that, whilst they are proficients in many beautiful accomplishments, and not without cultivation in the more solid parts of information, they are yet mere novices in other unostentatious attainments, that have become indispensable to their domestic efficiency. The complete remedy for this inconvenience can only be found in making some further knowledge of domestic arts and economy a prominent part of the education of our daughters ; home and school must both be called upon to contribute. Amongst the arts in question, the homely one of cutting out is entitled to rank high, for subserviency to comfort and elegance, as well as to economy, whenever this is an object, and in what fortune can it wisely be neglected ? It is one which may seem peculiarly fitted to be taught in schools, by the conveniency of the means for teaching, by its cleanliness, and, if the Author may be allowed to say so, by its intellectual character, since to cut out well, it is necessary to think, and indeed the art, continually depending upon exact measurements, proportions and even correct diagrams, or figures, must be considered as a sort of unassuming household mathematics. Dress, it seems, has of late been admitted by philosophical critics to the dignity of a fine art : it both requires and cultivates taste, and the consideration of a pleasing effect and air in dress is first applied in the cutting out. (p. iv)

actually there's a lot that's interesting here. the noblesse oblige-y-ness (of the first paragraph) and the reaching for association with masculinity-as-respectability ("a sort of unassuming household mathematics") combining to make an argument for the elevation of women's daily household tasks (in particular, fiber arts)--but also the careful humility of the tone in making these claims ("certain humble details," "homely," "a sort of unassuming household mathematics"). but also the transparency of that veil of humility.

this is similar, to my mind, to a lot of other Victorian women's writing about their own tasks--the craze for botany, for example, or for collecting riddles, cultivating intellectual faculties and being a close analogue to the masculine without being unacceptably masculine (as well as the use of the concept of "taste" to name an acceptably feminine, eminently moral sort of intellectual faculty where the white, English, bourgeois woman may safely presume the authority to guide others*). but other aspects of this tone are not, of course, preeminently feminine--the sort of veneer of humility (the work opens with one of those "forgive me for having dared to publish this" prefaces**) is common across all genres and sexes

*where obviously the idea that poor "taste" in dress is morally corrupting is particularly class-based and racial in character

**"The Author of the following pages has been encouraged to hope, that, in placing them, after much deliberation, in the hands of a printer, she is tendering an important and acceptable, however humble, service to persons of her own sex" (p. iii)

[meteors-lotr]

Lotr/The Hobbit Pokémon AU

We havin’ fun here

Y’all knew this was coming, because I told you it was

A few years ago, I actually made a Pokémon AU for the Bardlings, and I will be using the same teams now, just with a few additions.

Not every character will be included, because there’s just so much I can do, but if you have any ideas for teams of a character who wasn’t included here, then feel free to share! Same goes if you have any other suggestions for the teams I made

They’re all grouped into the people they travel with, because the idea of them all traveling alone makes me sad. The gym leaders will be at the end of the post, and they will all have full teams but like they’d be changed around depending on what order they actually are in.

Also, I do not know who the champion is. Maybe it’s Manwë, maybe it’s Lobelia Sackville-Baggins.

Frodo Baggins, Traveler - Umbreon, Joltik, Kecleon, Sableye, Honedge, Bagon

The nephew/adopted son of the gym leader of Shire City, the Step-Nephew(?) of the gym leader of Erebor City, and the brother/cousin of the gym leaders of Dale City, Frodo lives under constant pressure. Growing up in Shire City, there was a certain expectation that he would one day become a gym leader himself like the rest of his family, or at least a great battler. Frodo is not. He’s too soft to be a battler, he doesn’t like to see his Pokémon hurt, he’s forgetful of moves, he’s just not that good at it. The reason he’s traveling is less because he has a goal, and more because he wants to avoid people (He’s like his uncle in many ways).

Samwise Gamgee, Cook in training - Espeon, Mudsdale, Lycanroc Dusk Form, Floette, Greedent, Diglett

Born and raised in Shire city, has been the best friend with Frodo since they were three, and has been in love with Frodo since they were four. He understands Frodo’s plight with his family, and he does anything to help and support him in any way he can. Travels both to help his bro, but also to see the world and learn about new and exotic plants. He’s very curious about both botany and cuisine, so he takes in as much as he can.

Merry Brandybuck, Pokémon Coordinator - Gogoat, Pancham, Thievul, Bibarel, Galarian Zigzagoon, Minun

A boy of Shire city, Merry is a clever but very stupid lad. Thing is, Merry likes battling. He’s not bad either. But he also just really fucking likes showing off, and cool move effects and big explosions. Contests give you all of that. Man’s a brilliant battler, with a lot of good strategies and ways to combine his Pokémon’s moves to make for some beautiful creations, but the place he falls is just that he has no fucking idea on what is good against what. It’s not just the type charts, but also simple stuff like stats. He usually helps his mate Pippin in any way he can with his battling, as he would never be able to make it in an actual battle.

Pippin Took, Pokémon trainer - Breloom, Spinda, Sudowoodo, Swinub, Zigzagoon, Plusle

This Shire City boy may be dumb af, but by god he is trying alright? He’s attempting to be a trainer, but he can be a bit “uncreative” when it comes to strategies. The angel/devil on his shoulder Merry is the only reason he’s getting anywhere. At least he’s very caring about his lil guys.

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Aragorn Eveningstar, Pokémon ranger in training - Empoleon, Aegislash, Sceptile, Scizor, Marowak, Galarian Farfetch’d

The adopted son of the Rivendell City gym leader. Fricking stacked trainer, honestly, with a strong and relatively balanced team. He’s always been more interested in Pokémon rangers though, with their goal to preserve nature and protect rare Pokémon. He’s had a few (rather strange) run ins with legendary and mythical Pokémon before as well. He’s still a bit away from applying to be a ranger though, mostly because he still has a lot he wants to see and do. Rather cliche, but he wants to find himself.

Legolas Greenleaf, aspiring gym leader - Decidueye, Leafeon, Hisuian Lilligant, Formantis, Serperior, Abomasnow

Guess three times what his favorite typing is. The Mirkwood city gym has been in his family for many generations, and he’s determined to be the next one in line. He enjoys the free spirited nature and wildness of grass types, the way they can survive in any climate through adaptation. He’s absolutely smitten with Aragorn, partly just because he wants to protect nature and partly because, have you fricking seen Aragorn

Gimli Gloinson, Pokémon trainer - Tinkaton, Kleavor, Golett, Alolan Golem, Emboar, Froslass

Gimli is a trainer from Erebor city, but he has family all over the fricking region. Wherever they travel, he will have a relative there, even in this remote ass village in the woods, or this strange house atop a mountain. He's a big fan of Pokémon who look really bulky and tough, even though they sometimes aren't. Froslass was an accident, he meant to evolve her into a Glalie, but she accidentally came in contact with a dawn stone, but she's his baby. He may not look it, but he spoils his Pokemon absolutely rotten.

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Boromir Minas-Tirith, Pokémon trainer - Bisharp, Aegislash, Samurott, Litwick, Luxray, Weavile

The older brother of the Gondor city gym leader, though he was set to inherit the gym after his father. He'd wanted to be a traveling pokémon trainer since he was young though, so he entrusted it to the person he trusts the most. He traveled alone for a long time, occasionally meeting and battling his friendly rival Aragorn, but then a short but hot headed girl started following him around, so you know there's that. He travels home a lot to watch his little brother battle and cheer him on more often than not.

Tilda Dragon, Pokémon Trainer - Sawsbuck, Flareon, Braixen, Shiny Dartrix, Phantump, Druddigon

A girl from Dale City, Tilda is less traveling and battling in an attempt to actually take on the champion, Lobelia Sackville-Baggins, and more to just get out there. Sometimes just skips the middle man when battling Pokémon, and just starts punching them herself. She’s a hazard to people and Pokémon alike, but mostly she’s a hazard to herself. A weird friendship with Boromir, but they make it work somewhat.

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Bain Dragon, Pokémon Trainer - Mudsdale, Vaporeon, Shiny Liepard, Lycanroc, Sobble, Crobat

Bain is from Dale City, and he lost his eyes to a Sableye when he was young. Having always dreamt of becoming a Pokémon trainer, Bain’s dreams were crushed as without his eyesight, he could no longer see the battling before him. At least that’s what you’d think. But Bain learnt to fight without his eyes, going off his other senses instead, mainly hearing and feeling. He’s known throughout the Middle Earth region, and is an inspiration to many young trainers with disabilities.

(Also he travels with his partners Vivian and Kamarind (OCs), but I’m not bothering with giving both of them full teams. Kami does have a lot of water Pokémon tho, and Vivi has a Smeargle)

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Sigrid Dragon, traveling nurse - Jolteon, Stoutland, Blissey, Noctowl, Milotic, Alcreime

Sigrid is the oldest of the ‘dragon children’, and has always been a very maternal to her siblings since the death of their mother. Because of Tilda’s habit of straight up fist fighting Pokémon, and Bain’s wounded eyes, she had to pick up the healers skill that is mostly reserved for the Joy family. She studied under Dale City’s Nurse Joy so she could help her siblings, but once they both left on their journeys, she became kinda lost. Until she realized, that while most people know a lot about how to heal a Pokémon (and even if not, there’s a Pokémon center in every city, town, and village), human healing is a less honed craft. So she travels across the region, helping out and educating as many people as she can. She knows absolutely nothing about how to heal Pokémon though, her Blissey is better at that.

(Sigrid also travels with Tauriel, but her team hasn’t been made yet. I will gladly take suggestions tho)

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Gandalf Gray, the disturber of peace - Shiny Delphox, Hisuian Braviary, Hatterene, Rabsca, Galarian Rapidash, Cosmog

No one knows what’s going on with this dude. He’s incredibly powerful, yet he almost never battles (apart from with his ex husband that is). He just sorta wanders around, giving unhelpful advice to people, and encourages people to go on a journey. Also, a lot of the older generation knew him when they themself were kids, and he looks he exact same, so he might just be immortal

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And here comes the gym leaders. They are in no particular order, and they all have full teams what can be switched around and changed depending on what order you yourself choose to start in.

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Thorin Oakenshield, Steel types - Perrserker, Skarmory, Aggron, Bronzong, Archaludon, Kingambit

The gym leader of Erebor city, who looks very intimidating and majestic, but is a huge family man. Erebor City gym has always had a…reputation, mainly cause his grandfather went mad running it, overtraining his Pokémon and refusing to give out badges to people who beat him, and it was abandoned by his father and taken over by a fire trainer named Smaug for man years, but Thorin is adamant in that he can run it. He struggles with holding back when people come to his gym first, so it’s usually recommended that his is one of the later ones, but he’s gotten better at it. Happily married to the Shire City gym leader, and sometimes his gym is closed for a few weeks just cause he wants to visit his husband. Never during league season though.

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Bilbo Baggins, Normal types - Kangaskhan, Snorlax, Ursaring, Buneary, Cinccino, Furfrou

The gym leader of Shire city, who looks very sweet and kind, but is about as stubborn as they come. His mother was a very famous traveler and explorer, and while he did do some travel in his youth (it’s how he met his husband), but he never quite had his mother’s spirit. He likes normal types for the simplicity of them, sure sometimes more fantastical Pokémon can be nice and cool, but you know what to expect with a normal type. During off league season, he run a small bakery, mostly for the fun of it. Also his Buneary hates his guts and refuses to evolve.

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Elrond Eveningstar, Water types - Milotic, Quaquaval, Starmie, Lapras, Kingdra, Lanturn

Elrond is not just the gym leader of Rivendell City, but also the ‘lord’ of it, unofficial title. Rivendell has always been seen as a very welcoming and comforting city, especially to travelers, and no one embodies this better than Elrond. Despite being a strong trainer, Elrond tends to go a little too easy on new trainers. If you’re an experienced one he will not go easy on you though. His twin sons work in the gym as gym trainers, and they’re both pretty good at putting up a challenge for newer trainers, so it evens out for the most part.

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Galadriel Galadrhim, Flying types - Altaria, Masquerain, Togekiss, Swanna, Sensu Oricorio, Mandibuzz

Every single forum discussing the gym challenge has agreed on one thing about the Lothlórien City gym leader, DO NOT TAKE HER ON FIRST. Galadriel is fully capable to becoming the champion, defeating even the legendary Lobelia Sackville-Baggins, but has too much passion for her city and gym. But she is stupidly strong, never dare underestimate.

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Thranduil Greenleaf, Fairy types - Grimmsnarl, Shiinotic, Florges, Mawile, Sylveon, Alolan Ninetails

Mirkwood city gym isthe oldest still standing gym in all the region, and it’s been in the same family for that entire time. Thranduil has a lot of pride for his heritage, which can make him a bit of an intimidating person. He seems to be this regal, opposing figure, but in reality he’s just a very sassy drama queen. He has a throne in his gym that he sprawls out on between battles, dressing dramatically to match with his Pokémon, man wears a crown for Arceus sake. Absolutely adores his scraggy ass husband as well.

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Faramir Minas-Tirith, Fighting types - Bewear, Falinks, Primape, Tauros blaze breed, Medicham, Scrafty

The extremely surprising gym leader of Gondor, as it was believed that his older brother would take over the gym. He struggles a lot with being the unexpected choice and the newest gym leader, and while his brother supports him as much as he can he is gone for the most part, out on a journey. He likes fighting types because they’re strong and resilient, despite all the hardships they face. All of his team are softies for him (Even Primape and Tauros, two naturally aggressive Pokémon), and Falinks especially has taken him in as their seventh member.

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Sauroman White, Ghost types - Mismagius, Dusknoir Hisuian Zoroark, Sinistcha, Spiritomb, Gourgeist

Isengard city’s gym leader is known for two things. One, he is incredibly old fashioned in his battling style, refusing to ever change up his tactics and strategies. He frowns upon the new “Tera Types”, and “dynamax forms”, and all that. Back in the day, your Pokémon remained normal sized and normal typed, and we liked it! Two, he managed to fumble the region’s most iconic and famous person. Big L.

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Fíli and Kíli Oakenshield, Duo trainers - Amped Toxtricity, Shiny Flapple, Armarouge (Fíli) Low Key Toxtricity, Shiny Appletun, Ceruledge (Kíli)

After former Dale city gym leader, Bard Dragon, retired, the two nephews of the neighboring city’s gym leader took over. Fíli and Kíli are two peas in a pod, fully inseparable. Their battling is so in sync it’s almost scary to witness, and many people struggle when facing them because of it. Outside of battle they are very boyish and loud, finding jokes in anything then witness. They enjoy teasing their brother/cousin, but when it comes down to it they’d protect him with their heart and soul.

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Like I said, I don’t have many ideas for most other characters, but I know I want Éowyn to have a Glastier and Éomer to have a Spectrier.

[rcsthewriter]

Character Introduction: Isla

Isla Mac Dhuibh; 18; Female; Scottish; 15/10

Gracious; Extroverted; Nurturing; Dauntless; Whimsical

Background

Isla was born in the Scottish Highlands to her artist mother and conservation biologist father. Her Scottish ancestry spans generations.

While on a trip to the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh with her father, Isla flustered Thimothée so much that he dropped a pot he was carrying. Isla immediately gave her aid to help him re-pot it. They bonded over their love for botany and nature in general.

Moving to England to pursue Archeaobotony and Biology at Caldwod University made her parents both proud and anxious. The University is the caretaker of both a royal forest and an unusual lake that Isla has been reading about for years so the opportunity to see and study both in person is too valuable to pass up.

Headcanons

✏︎ Brilliant with plants, terrible with children

✏︎ Always smells of freshly turned earth and bluebells

✏︎ Basically a walking edible plant encyclopedia

🗡𝔯𝔠𝔰𝔱𝔥𝔢𝔴𝔯𝔦𝔱𝔢𝔯