New AU: Alternate History (General Notes)
In this universe, the map of Europe is largely different although general cultural groups (Italians, French etc) still exist. The Mongol invasion of the 13th century was successful and this is responsible for the cascade of events that led to these changes, though the invasion itself is not a major point of discussion. It is now the early 17th century and technology/culture has largely caught up with our timeline, even though politics and warfare is radically different.
(Y/N) is sole heir to the kingdom of Visigota, which stretches across modern north-west Italy and coastal south France. Their nearest neighbour is Occita, a kingdom covering the rest of south France which is reconciling with Visigota after a long war. Occita is warring with the duchy of Ancona in Italy.
(Y/N) is twenty and betrothed to the crown prince of Occita, who they are fond of. As the sole heir to the royal family they are incredibly politically important and have lived away from the court for four years, in an isolated country manor that does not receive many visitors. La Squadra are (Y/N)s personal staff, living with them in their private house.
Risotto is the butler. He is the head of the staff and manages (Y/N)’s affairs, though is of course limited by the orders of the king. He gets along well with them and they lean on him heavily for advice, but they restrain themselves for the sake of respectability.
Prosciutto is (Y/N)’s personal tutor. He teaches music and various languages and is rather strict, treating (Y/N) as though they were several years younger. This, combined with the fact Prosciutto was brought in to replace a previous tutor who was outed as a spy puts a lot of strain on their dynamic.
Melone is the household doctor. He helped (Y/N) recover from tuberculosis a year earlier and has remained ever since due to concerns about (Y/N)’s immune system. He is a good doctor but has a like of experimental treatments.
Sorbet and Gelato are (Y/N)’s personal ‘maids’. The lady they were originally sent ran away to elope and with no means of finding another maidservant with the restrictions placed on the household it was decided Sorbet and Gelato should step in, since it wasn’t like there were any visitors to witness this scandalous staffing decision.
Formaggio is the household chef who also serves as a footman where needs be. He is one of the most informal with (Y/N) because nobody else comes into the kitchen, giving them privacy.
Illuso is the huntsman, who like Formaggio also doubles as a footman. He works closely with Formaggio since he has to catch whatever Formaggio cooks. He is very flirtatious and bold and resents being a servant as he would rather fight in war.
Ghiaccio is the coachdriver. He has a reputation in the local villages for impeccable rudeness which (Y/N) often has to apologise for.
Pesci is a junior manservant taken in to save him from poverty. Prosciutto is secretly tutoring him so he can find a better profession in the future.
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Loki x Reader - Whumptober 1 Shaky hands
Shaky Hands.
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woo boy, I am RUSTY. I’m sorry Loki, I’m sorry readers. My writing is sooo different. Been doin the RP stuff but Loki, my man, I’m so sorry I’ve neglected you. You deserve better
This was it. This was your moment.
Your hair, done up in the finest of braids and curls – you and your mother had spent hours on it. Your ladies in waiting had placed pin after pin, painstakingly holding back each lock of hair that threatened to spring loose. When the finished masterpiece was complete, you hardly recognized yourself.
Adding to that, your mother's frail hands carefully handed the raven feather lined mask, inset with emeralds and onyx gems, laced with gold thread; real gold, your father had spared no expense. Carefully, you affixed it to your supple skin, pressing to your cheekbones and gazing out through the slits of the eyes. Again you stared at your reflection in the massive varnished mirror. Licking your lips gently, you finally applied a thin layer of rouge, the image was complete.
Straightening up, the green bodice of your dress rose into view, your breasts drawn to view by the neckline but modesty ever at present in your attire. The high silk collar, clutched your throat, but your decolletage was exposed, though only just. Beads of sweat already forming on your chest at the excitement of the ball that was to come tonight.
Absently, you swiped at your forehead with the back of your hand before pulling on your black gloves, struggling against the long bell sleeves of your green velvet dress, lace ruffles frilling out at the sleeves' edges. The rest of the green dress had a pattern of black vines sewn into it that seemed to come alive as you twirled and spun.
“Quit dawdling in the mirror and get going, you're going to be late!”
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Down the stairs you rushed, out to the waiting carriage. A fine mist of rain had already begun, setting a light fog for the evening. The air was heavy and damp, but fresh and alive. You breathed in deeply as you sank into your carriage seat, slumping back as the carriage lurched forward.
You had always loved to stare out the window, going into town from your estate in the country side. Watching the trees speed by, hearing the thundering of hooves, the rattling of the carriage wheels as the carriage tore up the leagues... but to your disappointment the windows fogged up and the thick greenery of the land that should now be the oranges and reds of fall was lost from sight.
Letting out an irritable sigh, you slumped back in the coach and set about trying to find a way to entertain yourself. You should have brought a book. For a bit you tapped your foot but it was hard to keep count of the tapping with the rattling of the carriage throwing you off and the tapping was arrhythmic to the rattling of the carriage outside and started to give you a headache. Again you grumbled irritably, deciding to count different parts of the carriage. Nails, boards, the little pin bits that held the cushions in place. For a bit you pondered what the name of those pins might be called, did they have a name? It seemed fitting they had a name, they deserved a name. Perhaps you could come up with a name. If you came up with a name for those cushion pins you would be famous and remembered, but only if it were something really clever and memorable. Glancing down at your gloved hand, you noticed a loose thread and attempted to pick at it as you thought of a really memorable and clever name for the pins.
Suppose there already was a name for them that you just hadn't remembered. That would be unfortunate.
The coach seemed to be slowing down, there were voices outside.
You startled from your thoughts, suddenly noticing the lights around the carriage.
Laughter, conversation.
There was a knock on the carriage door and it opened. You blinked at the sudden brightness, holding up your hand, the dimness of the light inside nothing to the myriad of candles and torches outside.
'Madam!' The stagehand held out his hand, offering it to you to help you down.
You smiled at him, taking his hand gratefully, legs stiff from the long bumpy ride.
A gust of cold wind ruffled at your skirts as you stepped down from the coach, onto the gravel road, others exiting the carriages on either side of you. Men and women of all sorts milled slowly towards the grand hall at the end of the lane.
'I shall walk you in.' The coachdriver said, offering you his arm, guiding you towards the line of people.
Merry couples laughed and called to one another, huddling against the chill wind, ducking against the growing rain. The cabbies that stayed outside tending the horses didn't seem to mind as much, though they seemed at least better dressed for the cold. From time to time, they did throw a longing gaze towards the warmth of the hall, before shaking their hands and bitterly stamping their feet and rubbing their hands, returning their attention to their duties. Your cabby helped you reach the hall before bowing low and returning to tend to the carriage.
For a moment, you watched him leave, knowing you were at a crossroads of your life. Slowly you turned back, one of the waiters of the grand ball ushering you in and offering to take your coat.
Upon helping you inside, he whisked away your coat and you found yourself ushered into the dance area.
Now without your warm coat, shivering slightly and desperately searching for a fireplace, you looked around. You knew, in time, you would warm up and long for the chill of outside once more, but for now, you were cold.
The ballroom was simply massive. Gold floors in each direction and a gold domed ceiling with ethereal paintings adorning its visage. Indications of wealth were on display everywhere, no expense had been spared. Many of the gathered guests simply stood in awe at the displays of such extravagance.
As your eyes finished scanning the room, they fell upon a man. The only man who didn't seem captivated by anything in the room, be it a person or the displays themselves.
He was stunning. Breathtakingly so. His hair, slicked back and ebony black. His eyes so vividly green and you were certain capable of wit and intelligence, seemed bored and subdued. Even his appearance, a sharp black suit, incredibly well tailored, perfectly fitting his figure, bespoke his position of power and authority, yet he looked bored. He sat in a chair, legs stretched apart, head resting on his fist, propped up by his elbow and looking fit to doze off.
Tilting your head, you noticed a flicker of movement from his eyes, despite the apparent boredom, they were moving, lightning fast. He was watching everything unfold. Everything. Every interaction, every conversation, from the lowest server to the richest nobleman, he was taking it all in like a cat.
Suddenly his gaze met yours, and for the briefest moment, his look of boredom seemed to change. A touch of interest seemed to cross his face.
You blinked, glancing away as you felt your face heat up.
Quickly you looked back.
He was gone.
You scanned the room, looking this way and that, not seeing him anywhere.
Slowly you turned a complete circle.
Finally, frustrated, and confused, wondering if you had imagined the whole thing, you stopped, hands on your hips.
'Lost someone?' You heard a velvety voice from behind you. It was deep and rich, mysterious and alluring.
You spun around. 'I.' Your mouth fell open and immediately snapped shut, seeing the strange man before you.
The man stood a good head and shoulders taller than you as he grinned down at you.
There was a moment of silence between the two of you as the man stared down at you and you stared up at him not certain how to proceed. He seemed to be studying you curiously, you mostly were transfixed by his beauty, and a little bit intimidated by his intoxicating aroma.
Slowly his smile faded, 'My dear, your hands are positively shaking.' Slowly, with the utmost care, he reached down and took your hands in his, lifting them to your eye level. He too wore gloves, even still, you felt an electrical jolt at his touch. The man caressed the backs of your hands with his thumbs, gently stroking them as he gazed deep into your eyes.
'I'm Loki, by the way.' He murmured softly.
You felt your trembling increase as you slowly breathed your name back to him.
'Oh dear, I don't think I seem to be helping. Would you like me to stop?' Loki looked worried, staring down at your violently shaking hands.
'No.' You whispered, shaking your heads quickly, 'Please don't stop.'
Loki raised his eyebrow, 'Are you certain?'
'Would you like to dance?' You blurted out.
'Excuse me?'
'This is a ball, is that not what this is for?'
Slowly, Loki grinned, 'Well this did take an unexpected turn, my dear, I would be happy to.' He leaned down and pressed a kiss to the back of your hands before pulling you closer towards him and guiding you towards the other dancing couples.
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