#nova hastings

[clockworkbee]

captivated by the stars; she finds camaraderie among them.

—The Consequences of Falling, Liliana Rose Hastings

[whimsicalcotton]

yo, you rbed a post by foxmulderswaifu5ever, who's highlighted red by shinigami eyes. thought you'd want to know

ah thanks for the heads up!

[behoright]

ultraviolet disguise l s. crosby

don’t be so naive / you know that you are all I see

summary: Sid makes you apologize after you give him attitude all night.

wordcount: i literally don’t know how to word count on my iPad please someone tell me I swear it’s not too long maybe 4k

song: tonight you are mine - the technicolors

warnings: minors dni! Contains a whole lot of cursing and smut. Quite degrading and rough as well, so please read at your own discretion.

a/n: plotless, plotless smut. poor proofreading lol. When I say I would let this man do anything to me, I mean it. Feel free to fill my inbox with your thots. Love you always.

(＞。☆) ✒️ ˚‧ ⌗ ⌗ ⌗ ⺌

“Where is she?”

“Can someone go find her?”

Your group of friends was currently shivering on the sidewalk, in the Nova Scotia winter, as they drunkenly waited for their rides to take them home. All necessary interactions exchanged, and many waiting to happen behind closed doors, only a couple of people were sober enough to round up everyone and finally call it a night.

Sidney being one of them, noticed instantly they had left you behind.

In all honesty, he was cranky and tired, the frustration having built up from babysitting a bunch of wasted people.

“Isn’t she a grown ass woman or whatever. She can figure it out on her own.” someone slurred.

“Alright, I’m not missing our Uber because of this.” Sidney said, making his way back inside the bar with a huff. No one was coherent enough to go back in there anyways.

The place was packed, people happily mingling at every corner; thankfully, Sid had a great height advantage to almost everyone, so was able to spot you effortlessly through the chattering crowd.

As he walked over to you, thoughts and memories of the messiness that constituted your friendship plagued him, his heart quickening pace inside him.

“Are you done or what?” he spoke loudly above the music and chaos.

“Almost.” you said as you barely turned around to acknowledge him.

“Everyone’s waiting for you, let’s go.” He replied impatiently.

“I’m waiting for this guy to gi-”

“I really don’t care. We’re leaving.” he said, strictly, inching his body towards you and the exit.

Sidney used his physical edge to push you through the crowd, hurrying you with his haste steps right behind you.

“I don’t need you to do this, you know? I’m an adult.” you hissed as you kept walking.

“Well, then maybe start acting like one.”

“Dude, what the hell is your problem?” you exclaimed, turning around and bumping into his chest. Despite your size difference, Sidney felt like he ran into a brick wall.

He sighed, grabbing your arm harshly and pulling you into the nearby bathroom.

“What is your problem?” he said, raising his voice while locking the door behind him.

No one was going to use the bathroom until he figured out where your attitude was coming from.

“I haven’t done anything to you, Sidney.” you muttered.

“Oh yeah? You’ve been acting like a bitch the whole night.”

“Woah. What would the press say about hometown superstar Sidney Crosby using this kinda language?” you snickered, crossing your arms.

“Why are you being so… mean?” Sidney’s eyes narrowed at you.

“What are you talking about?”

“Just, fucking, pushing me away all night, like I don’t even exist.”

“Well, I’m sorry I don’t kiss your ass like everyone around here does.” you said, rolling your eyes.

“That’s NOT what it is and you know it.” he yapped.

“I thought you said I needed to stay away from you. I’m too young or whatever.”

Sidney hadn’t rejected you per se, but at that moment, you both recalled the conversation from a while ago.

The conversation that was supposed to put all flirting to a half.

From both of you.

Supposed to.

“It’s not only that, Y/N. You’re Mike’s niece, it’s not right.” he replied, running his hands through his dark hair.

“Fine! Then why are you so mad when I ignore you?” you prompted, throwing your hands up.

“Not only did you mostly ignore me, you, were fucking rude the rest of the time, and I mean, you’re obviously so fucking desperate too.” Sidney almost word vomited, clearly ignoring most of what you said.

“How, Sidney? Literally, how?”

“I mean, look at what you’re wearing!”

“I meant how was I rude.” you said, making him blush at the miscommunication, too embarrassed to even respond. “Why are you worried about my dress so much?” you teased.

“Oh my god, you’re so fucking annoying.”

You knew what this was.

Like a child, throwing a tantrum to get their mother’s attention, basically.

It was obvious to you that bowing down to his ridiculous comments wasn’t an option.

Not yet.

“You like it?” you said, running your hands down the cheap fabric that sat tightly against your body.

“No, I did not say that. I don’t like it.” he muttered, slightly looking away from you.

There was something quite entertaining about rendering a huge, masculine man down to this blubbering of a mess.

“Why not? Is it too slutty for you?” you laughed.

Sidney’s eyes were burning into you, now quite differently than before, as he turned his attention back to you fully.

Nevertheless, he remained silent.

“You holding back, Sid? Why? You don’t want to call me a slut to my face?”

“I would never do that.” he hit back, his low voice echoing in the tiled bathroom.

Looking out of the small window for a second, you sighed. It was too late, and everyone was waiting anyways.

Perhaps tonight you’d throw in the towel. He obviously already had.

“Whatever. We need to go anyways.” you said, walking towards the door.

“No, we’re not leaving until I get an apology from you.” he hit back, positioning himself between you and the exit.

Or… maybe he hadn’t, you thought, seeing that spark still in his voice.

“Good fucking luck with that.” you laughed.

“Just say you’re sorry.”

“I should be asking for the same thing, I mean, you’ve been pretty rude.”

“Because you were rude first!” he exclaimed, throwing his arms up.

“Do you hear yourself? I thought you were the “real” adult here.” you snickered.

He took a step closer just to have you take a step back.

There was no conceding tonight, actually.

He wasn’t getting any apology out of you anytime soon, and the more you stood your ground, the heavier his chest began to heave.

Unbeknownst to him, you knew Sidney perhaps too well.

He was simply too easy to read, always hiding under the hockey personality facade.

It might have fooled anyone else, especially, any other girl, but not you.

Throughout the months you had spent together, it had been incredibly simple to get to know him.

It was only after he distanced himself away from you that you decided to press his buttons.

He fell for it each time, his impulsiveness and real, undercover feelings exposing him and failing your tests constantly.

“You’re really, really pushing it tonight, Y/N.” he muttered.

“Fuck if I care.” you said, raising your shoulders.

Poor Sid, you thought, such masochistic tendencies he had.

If he could only burst his media trained bubble for a second, you could’ve had fun with that together.

“Fucking say sorry.” he repeated, once again.

He was slowly beginning to unravel, his feelings showing clearly through the tense muscles of his body language.

“Or what, Sidney?”

“God, you’re such a fucking brat.” he said, raising his voice, louder than ever before.

“Oh, there he is. Finally, you’re saying what you really think.” you smiled sweetly at him.

“You’re so fucking spoiled, it’s driving me insane.” he said, keeping the slow walk going towards you.

“Keep going, Sid, you’re just making this more enjoyable for me.”

“Yeah, of course this kinda of shit turns you on.”

“You’re one to talk.” you say, flicking your eyes down at the noticeable bulge in Sidney’s pants.

“We’re at a club, Y/N. Not everything is about you.” he said, rolling his eyes and yet attempting to close the space between you two.

“Then why are you here with me?”

“Because you won’t listen to me!” he exclaimed, his legs still moving towards you. “Is this what i have to do to get you to listen?”

“…Yes.” you whispered, and Sidney felt like he finally was starting to break you down.

“Drop the act, Y/N. Tell me what’s going on.” he sighed.

By now, Sidney had covered all the space in the bathroom, and found himself face to face with you against the wall, your fiery eyes looking up at him.

You had walked around in circles enough with him, literally and figuratively.

“If I could spit in your face I fucking would.” you said roughly, your eyes stuck inside his chocolate eyes.

“Do it, then.” he said, his face tilted down towards yours.

“Enough, Sidney.”

The smirk that you had so proudly sported all this time was long gone, Sid building up enough courage to now talk back to you.

“I thought you wanted to? Do it, then. Spit in my face.” he encouraged, smugly.

“You fucking wish.” you said, pushing against him with your chest.

“Woah, woah, calm down, now.” he chuckled, his fingers wrapping around your arms to keep you against the cold tiles of the bathroom.

You couldn’t hide the way his touch made you feel - you had dreamed to be in his hands for a while, and feeling him now just made you wetter.

Unfortunately for you, he noticed right away, his expression morphing into puzzlement as he took you in.

“Look at you. You like this, don’t you?” he asked, incredulous.

“Never in a million years.”

“Then what is this?”

Sidney’s eyes flickered down to your breasts, the hard nipples poking through your dress instantly giving you away.

“It’s cold, Sid.”

“I don’t know, your skin feels pretty warm under my hands.” he raised him eyebrows, moving his hands slightly up and down.

Plan foiled.

“Is this what this is all about?” he questioned, but you kept your lips zipped in frustration.

Sidney took an impossible step forward, your chests coming in contact.

“If I touch you down here, Y/N, what will I find?” he asked, trailing his fingers down your left arm gently.

“I don’t know, maybe if you ever fucked a girl before you’d know.”

“That’s a good one, baby.” he laughed. He couldn’t help it, seeing you so feisty just… for him.

That was all you wanted, apparently.

He kept his eyes locked onto yours, looking for approval as he lingered his fingers in front of your sex. As he got what he needed, he wasted no time in moving your underwear to the side.

“That’s what it is. You’re just dying to get fucked right.”

Sidney whispered a heavenly oh my god as his calloused, thick fingers rubbed your folds.

“Did raising my voice make you feel all hot inside?” he asked.

“No.”

“You’re fucking soaking my fingers, Y/N. Quit lying.”

He knew he could stretch you out immensely just by using a couple of his digits; but he decided not to, taking his touch just to your entrance and circling your clit, with no added pressure, making your head painfully fall back.

“I’m barely touching you and you’re already moaning. You’re so desperate, aren’t you?” he coaxed.

No witty come back spewed out of your mouth, the slight relief and building anticipation of indulgence growing deeper within you.

“You really want to be put in your place, huh? That’s all you want?”

His touch had you at a loss for words; you could barely nod in between needy whines.

“Stroke my cock, c’mon.” he said, his voice husky as ever, as he placed your hand on top of the swollen erection that was poking through his dress pants.

It was becoming hard to focus, hard to touch him right, Sidney refusing to dip his fingers at any point inside you, instead just painfully teasing you.

“Oh, you just think I’m going to fuck you like that?” he asked, dropping his hands away from you.

“Fuck no. Work for it.” he said aggressively. “Get on your knees.”

Your knees found the floor promptly, betraying your will but getting a satisfied smirk out of him.

“Look how obedient you’re being now, huh?” Sidney said, his fingers fastly undoing his pants in front of you. “Open up, baby. Let me see your tongue.”

Sidney slapped his cock on your tongue a couple of times before thrusting inside your mouth, not giving you a chance at any action but to wrap your lips around his girthy cock instantaneously, moaning in satisfaction.

“Holy fuck.” he moaned, letting his head lull forward with his bottom lip secured under his teeth. “This is what I have to do, isn’t it? I have to treat you like this, for you to-, to-, fuck, oh my god.”

You pulled Sidney’s length into your throat, your muscles tightening in a gag around his thick head, mostly in order to break him further and to stop his gloating.

“God, where did you learn how to do that, fuck.” he groaned deeply, lacing his fingers in your hair, instinctively massaging your scalp sweetly.

“You’re so much nicer when you’re choking on my dick like this.” he continued, his thighs tightening and clenching under your hands as you bobbed your head on him, thick saliva building at the back of your throat as you somehow devoured him more and more.

If he was holding back any moaning, it was hard to tell, his abs visibly clenching whenever you took him deeper and he, consequently, moaned louder.

“This is a good, good way to say sorry, baby.” he growled, his head thrown back, but stopping your motions right away.

“I’m not saying sorry, Sidney.” you said, pulling away from his cock so quickly that you were left with a trail of spit connecting you back to his glistening head.

He felt his chest fill with anger and lust, desire.

All he wanted to do was take you home and fuck you until you couldn’t talk back to him any longer. He instinctively wrapped his fist tightly around your hair, pulling you up by your locks.

“Look how messy you are.” he muttered as you came to your feet, his big eyes trailing over your shimmering chin, dripping in spit and precum. “Come here.”

Sidney shoved his tongue inside you, placing his other hand around your throat gently. He loved to keep your head steady as he overwhelmed your mouth, running his tongue over yours with no rhythm or caution, simply taking whatever he wanted.

“I guess I just have to fuck this attitude out of you.” he said against your lips as he pulled away breathless. “Face the fucking wall.”

As he turned you around, you did your best to hide the huge smirk on your face. He was finally going to give you what you both so desperately wanted; despite what he said, Sidney’s actions had always proved different than his words.

He hated that he had such a hard time resisting you, that he spent his night thinking about you with his cock throbbing in his hand, but he couldn’t wait anymore.

The rubber band had finally snapped.

Sidney squeezed your ass, your silky flesh crinkling in exquisite pain through your thin dress. He kept marking you with his fingertips as his other hand roughly pulled down your minuscule underwear, letting it trickle down your legs as he directed your ass towards him.

He tried to keep his composure as he pulled your dress up, the traces of his fingernails on your skin illuminated by the small ray of the street lamp that came through the high bathroom window.

It was hitting you perfectly, actually, so much so that he could see the glob of your wetness leaking out of your entrance, your pussy angled perfectly towards him.

“I would tell you how pretty you look like this but you don’t deserve it.” he spit out, beginning to stroke his member up and down your slit.

“You’re so fucking needy for me. I can’t believe how wet you are, God.”

Without warning, Sidney filled you up completely, ripping a gasp out of you as he gave you no time to adjust. His size made it hard to breathe or even keep your legs from wobbling already.

“Yeah, you’re not used to taking big cocks like this, aren’t you.” he questioned, readjusting the grip in your hair once again. “Well, you’re going to tonight.”

He began to fuck you, almost savagely, every mouthwatering plunge hitting your cervix and stretching you to your max. Sidney grunted deeply every time he moved. He knew that as much as he tried to keep it together, you could see the cracks within him, giving into you. But he knew he couldn’t back down without teaching you a lesson.

“Say sorry.” he groaned in your ear, but all he got in response were sweet moans.

Frustrated, Sidney picked up the pace, slamming himself harder against you and inside you. Your body rebounded against the wall harder every time, an aching starting to cover every inch of your skin, seeping within you and mixing with the unrelenting desire that he was sending through your being.

Whenever he wanted, Sid would move his right hand, squeezing and grabbing any bit of you that pleased him.

He was big enough to have access to your every part.

The back of your thigh, or the side of your tummy were covered in his fingertips, flecks of his rough handling beginning to dot all over you.

Your nipples oversensitized, having been rubbed against the freezing tiles through the fabric of your dress were the only sensation cooling you down as he kept increasing his rhythm, his heart pounding heavily against your back.

“Yeah, I bet that feels good, doesn’t it?” he said, tilting your head so he could see you. “Look at those pretty eyes rolling back. Fuck.”

The sounds that filled up the room were filthy, he thought.

Sidney felt primal, taking you in the bathroom of a sleazy bar, not because he had let himself go, but because it pleased him to put you in your place.

The buckle of his bell dinging against his pants as he sped up.

His heavy breathing fusing with your candied moans, reverberating against the empty stalls.

The squelching of your bodies united, drops of want and longing and frustration running down both of your legs, splattering against the ground or soaking his pubic hair - it was so dirty and out of character for him.

Only you drove him to this.

Knowing that he was the only one that could hear this, all of it being covered by the muffled sounds of the raging bar outside, made him grip your hair a little tighter each time he focused on it.

This was the closest he had ever been to your face. Underneath the light sheen of makeup, he could see your skin turning a deeper shade of red; those big and thick lashes he loved so much batting irregularly. He noticed you wanted to regulate your response to him, attempting stupidly to keep your pupils focused on him instead of oscillating to the back of your head once again.

But he could see right through you.

He could see you struggle, with your telling high pitched moans, trembling underneath his touch.

It exasperated him. Delightfully.

“You want to cum so badly, don’t you? Yeah?” he asked, almost mockingly.

You nodded, the pull from his hand making the roots of your hair sting more and more, pulling your face in such a pathetic way that kept Sid’s cock covered in wetness.

“Too fucking bad. You don’t get to until you apologize.” he barked, pressing your heating cheek against the wall.

Your defiance was obvious; you decided to keep this little game going a while longer, considering it made him so mad and delirious, pushing his pelvis so forcibly against you that your ass bounced audibly on him.

“Apologize. Be good, c’mon.” he uttered in your ear, doing his best at holding back his groans as he slowed his thrusts down.

Playing was for two people, after all, and he knew the change of pace would be what you despised the most. It was immediately evident, groans of desperation pouring out of you.

Still, you could see stars of pleasure as you squeezed your eyes tightly in anguish.

“Now, Y/N.” he demanded, a hand coming down to spank you harshly.

If it was up to him, he would have kept this going forever.

He had thought about a million ways to punish you throughout the whole night.

You were lucky he only had a public bathroom available at the moment.

He could feel you on the verge of breaking, both in the cracks of your voice, the fact that you were pushing back at him slightly, your body looking for more, and of course, your cunt clamping firmly on his cock through the wetness. He made the decision to keep the thought to himself as an attempt to keep you as tamed as he had you at the moment.

All he needed was to slow down even more.

As adorable as your squeals were, and as much as they made his dick twitch noticeably inside you, he wasn’t going to let up.

“I’m sorry, Sid.”

Eureka.

For once, Sidney had the upper hand. He made you putty in his hands and you equally knew it.

“Good job.” he said, fucking you roughly again.

He went back up to max, tightening his jaw as your pussy sent waves of toe curling pleasure down his cock. He was leaking inside you, precum spilling all over and painting your insides.

“I’m so sorry, Sidney, I’m sorry.” you repeated, his eyes on your face.

“That’s okay, baby. Just once was good, love. You’re so good. So good.” he said placing his lips against your cheek.

The act of tenderness made you quiver.

If you had let up once, you could finally fully let go.

You could feel his pupils dilating in lust as your mouth was stuck open, blaring your sobs and cries as your orgasm hit you like a ton of bricks.

Ceaseless in his fucking, he seemed to thrust harder as he got closer too.

Sidney refrained from rubbing your clit. He wanted to, yet this was still a punishment.

“Atta girl.” he coaxed. “Keep coming for me, baby. Can you do that?”

You nodded dumbstruck, your eyes crossing deplorably as you kept shaking in bliss.

Sidney was focused on you; he noticed a silver thread of spit leave your bottom lip, your face still roughly pushed against the wall with his force, and he lost it.

“I need to cum, baby, I’m going to cum inside you, fuck.” he hastily groaned.

He growled deeply, thrusting all the way inside you and grinding into his orgasm as his cock let out hot cum within you.

“Fuck, baby, fuck.” his growls were deafening, numbing you and traveling throughout the stuffy air.

As you came down, you could feel him spasming yet inside you, his face still furrowed in a heated sweat - he had bottomed out inside ou, his strong pelvis lifting you a couple of inches off the ground, levitating under his gratification.

Soreness began to overtake you as the pleasure let down, all of Sidney’s muscles relaxing into you with a sigh; your heels clicked as he let you back off the wall slightly, pulling his cock out of you as he was still huffing.

The pain hurt so good for you both, breathing against each other as you tried to catch your breath at the same time.

“Look at me.” he said, turning you around so quickly you could have lost your balance, especially after he fucked you like that. “Are you okay? Are you hurt?”

Seeing his usual sweetness come back made your heart swell, a smile growing on your face.

“I’m okay, Sid.” you said, biting your lip shyly.

“Now, what we’re going to do is…” he began after kissing your forehead, bending down to pull your underwear up, “put these on, keep my cum inside you, okay? Like a good girl, yeah, while we go out and grab a ride to my place. Yeah?”

You nodded, aroused that he wanted to keep this going.

“Good job.” Sidney placed his hand on your lower back, walking you to the door. “I’m not done with you yet.”

[thedevilrisen]

Crushing

Nova Crosby -

Lights flashed throughout UBS arena, music and the horn blaring from the speakers as the islanders emerged from the locker rooms for the third time, with 20 potential minutes left in the so far greuling game against the Flyers.

The score sat at a comfortable 4-1 in New York's favour and that just seemed to anger the Flyers more. Nova had been 'on fire' as Anders told her when they had entered the locker room post-second period, she has two of the goals and the latter was quite messy. It was challenged but the flyers lost it which lead to a NY power-play, and two more goals arose of that.

Nova accredited it Luke being here, he was in a box on the side opposite to the bench and if she squinted she could see him, beaming down at her. Three shifts went by before Nova and her line, launched over the boards, directly into the action. The flyers were coming out hard, pushing into the zone, opening shooting galleries and pummelling Islanders players into the boards and plexi-glass.

Nova narrowly dodged a hearty hip-check from Konecy behind the net in the Flyers end as she made haste to cross the ice, ending her shift. Before she could jump through the gate, onto the bench, the puck slid past her and she was once again off on a chase. Barely having time to look behind her being run into from behind, the wind completely knocked out of her as the stick connected with her ribs.

She landed like a dead weight onto the ice, a colossal shooting pain reverberating up her spine. A ringing in her ears as silence fell upon the normally lively rink. She was only conscious enough to register, teammates crouching next to her and trying to help her.

Whistles blew and shouts sounded out, thunks of gloves and helmets meeting the ice could be felt as Nova laid there on the ice. She thought in the faintest tone of Luke’s of so recognisable voice she heard her name, but that was impossible he was too far away to be there so quickly, and then it all went black.

[lepra-art]

Atlas and Nova from the book "The Consequences of Falling" written by Lliliana Hastings 🌸

art commission

[athclar]

Saber manusear a maior parte das armas é uma vantagem que, por muitos anos, Mark usufruiu muito bem, apesar de ter a sua arma assinatura que nunca deixa suas mãos, nos últimos tempos ele passou a ser visto com mais frequência utilizando duas outras recentemente adquiridas.

Marcações: @silencehq @hefestotv

Dantalion é a sua cimitarra de lâmina dupla que ele usa desde os quatorze anos. Ela é uma arma longa que precisa ser manuseada com as duas mãos e tem duas lâminas de ferro estígio, contendo escritos em grego antigo em ambos os lados. Ela se transforma em um relógio de bolso de ferro escuro com dois botões, sendo o botão de cima aquele que o transforma em Dantalion, e o lateral o que o abre para ver as horas. Por ser muito antigo, o relógio não tem mais o vidro que protege os ponteiros, e Mark usa suas pontas afiadas para furar o dedo e fazer seu ritual de invocação de espíritos.

Adquirida recentemente, a espada que ele nomeou como Astaroth também é de ferro estígio e quando entra em contato com a pele de semideuses, causa feridas que demoram para serem curadas e são impossíveis de ser tratadas com magia ou néctar, além de causar danos à memória a depender da gravidade da ferida. Para monstros, quando mortos ela faz com que eles demorem mais para retornar.

Por fim, Valac é como nomeou seu novo arco. Ele é feito de ébano com detalhes em fio de ouro por toda a sua extensão, que formam palavras de morte em coreano, iguais às tatuagens que ele tem nos braços. Suas flechas possuem detalhes semelhantes, com a haste também de ébano e as pontas feitas de ferro estígio. Por considerar o arco a sua segunda melhor arma depois da cimitarra dupla, é uma surpresa que, até o momento, Mark não tivesse um arco próprio para usar sempre que precisasse. Por isso, quando teve a oportunidade de soliciar uma arma nova para os ferreiros, não hesitou em lhes dar a descrição do que viria a se tornar Valac. Em partes, sua descrição se deu por motivos vaidosos. Ele queria uma arma que combinasse esteticamente com suas outras duas armas, ambas de ferro estígio com detalhes dourados, então sabe que foi ligeiramente exigente demais quando explicou o uso da madeira de ébano para que não precisassem pintá-lo e os fios de ouro para compor os detalhes. Porém, não há como negar que ele também queria algo com ferro estígio, tinha muito além que um costume de manusear armas desse material, era mais como uma familiaridade, ele o fazia sentir-se mais próximo da mãe, mesmo que jamais fosse admitir isso. Por isso, além do pedido difícil e detalhado de como queria o arco, também foi muito específico ao pedir pelas flechas de ferro estígio, mantendo o pedido dos detalhes para as hastes das mesmas, mas sem as muitas palavras que compõem o arco, mantendo apenas o nome de sua mãe em grego antigo.

[bakrci]

𝔭 · 𝔢 · 𝔫 · 𝔲 · 𝔪 · 𝔟 · 𝔯 · 𝔞

Quando viu-se em necessidade de uma arma que ampliasse suas habilidades, diante do conflito que se aproximava, em especial pelas batalhas que ainda estão por vir, Remzi buscou os ferreiros do acampamento para forjar uma arma mais destrutiva, em contraposição às ágeis adagas Nova e Minguante que já compõem seu arsenal;

Penumbra é uma foice de guerra elaborada com um design simétrico impressionante, idealizado pelos filhos de Hefesto. A haste da foice é longa, feita de madeira ancestral das florestas sombrias do reino de Nyx. A parte superior da arma apresenta dois gumes curvos em formato de lua crescente em bronze celestiall (feito para ferir tanto mortais quanto imortais), ambos adornados com um padrão intrincado no metal, lembrando constelações entrelaçadas. Entre os gumes curvos, há uma ponta afiada que se projeta para cima, ideal para estocadas e para perfurar a armadura dos inimigos mais resistentes. O cabo é revestido em uma corda entrelaçada, proporcionando uma pegada firme e segura. A arma exibe detalhes metálicos também no cabo, com peças prateadas que fortalecem a estrutura e embelezam a foice com um toque de elegância rústica;

A escolha se deu em virtude da eficiência da foice em combate corpo a corpo e sua habilidade de atingir múltiplos inimigos com um único golpe. A foice complementa a natureza ágil de seu portador e sua habilidade de manipular sombras, permitindo-lhe mover-se com graça e letalidade pelo campo de batalha, combinando seus poderes com o manejo do armamento. Além disso, somente em razão de sua força física sobre humana é que o semideus é capaz de manejá-la sem prejuízo;

Cada golpe desferido por Penumbra deixa um "eco" na forma de uma sombra persistente que continua atacando o inimigo por um breve período, replicando os movimentos de Remzi como se fossem reflexos sombrios. Esses ecos sombrios são difíceis de prever e podem aumentar significativamente o número de ataques que Bakirci pode fazer em um curto período.

A foice tem a habilidade mágica de se transformar em um anel discreto quando não está em uso. Esse anel, feito de um metal escuro, permite que Remzi carregue sua arma sem chamar atenção indesejada. A foice também possui a propriedade de retornar para a mão de Remzi sempre que ele desejar, uma característica mágica conferida pelos ferreiros do acampamento.

@silencehq ; @hefestotv

[thecampbellowl]

Even strenght must bow to wisdom sometimes.

SAOIRSE RONAN? não! é apenas CHARLOTTE CAMPBELL, ela é filha de ATENA e CONSELHEIRA do chalé SEIS e tem VINTE E CINCO ANOS. a tv hefesto informa no guia de programação que ela está no NÍVEL TRÊS por estar no acampamento há DEZ ANOS, sabia? e se lá estiver certo, CHARLIE é bastante FOCADA mas também dizem que ela é RECLUSA. mas você sabe como hefesto é, sempre inventando fake news pra atrair audiência.

Keep a little fire burning, however small, however hidden...

Nome completo: Charlotte Evanna Campbell Data de nascimento: 04 de fevereiro de 1999. Signo: Sol em Aquário, Ascendente em Capricórnio, Lua em Câncer Local de nascimento: Nova Iorque - Estados Unidos. Filiação: Atena e Eva Campbell Gênero: Mulher cisgênero Sexualidade: Assexual demirromântica

Beauty may be dangerous, but intelligence is lethal...

Charlie teve uma infância cheia de altos e baixos. Resultante da união intelectual da deusa Atena com uma professora universitária de filosofia, a a garota foi criada pela mãe como um experimento. A mulher gostaria de saber como uma criança olimpiana filha da deusa da sabedoria se desenvolveria em um lar estritamente acadêmico, tendo como estímulo intelectual apenas livros e quebra-cabeças que se tornaram mais e mais intrincados com o tempo. Olhando para trás, Charlie percebe que a ambição de sua mãe era criar a criança mais inteligente que já havia existido, mas tudo o que ela fez foi tornar Charlie uma garota insegura, isolada e muito ansiosa.

Ela tinha 12 anos quando a mãe sofreu um infarto e faleceu e, pelo fato de a mulher não ter parentes imediatos vivos, Charlie foi parar no sistema. Foi só então que compreendeu a realidade de sua situação; as outras crianças eram como aliens para si, já que nunca havia interagido com outra criança antes, e elas não gostavam muito dela também. Seus anos no sistema foram passados com bullying e agressões, e Charlie parecia ser simplesmente incapaz de escapar de confusão. Foi encontrada por um sátiro aos quinze anos e levada para o acampamento, onde também teve problemas para se adaptar, mas conseguiu certa harmonia com os outros campistas. Foi apenas no acampamento que foi capaz de descobrir e desenvolver suas habilidades e, apesar de tudo, é muito grata pela existência do lugar. Nunca deixou o acampamento por se considerar incapaz de viver no mundo externo e estava no jantar quando a profecia aconteceu.

Desde então, muito aconteceu na vida de Charlie; foi a uma missão cujo o uso sábio de seu poder ajudou a torná-la um sucesso, entrou para o time de estrategistas e se tornou a conselheira de seu chalé. Quanto mais suas contribuições e talentos eram reconhecidos pelo Acampamento, mais Charlie se sentia confiante em si mesma, perdendo parte da insegurança que por muito tempo a freou. Ainda não está onde deseja, mas cada vez mais caminha na direção necessária para alcançar a confiança que merece ter em si mesma. Começou também a treinar com a lança, contradizendo a si mesma que sempre declarou não ser uma guerreira.

I was quiet, but I was not blind...

Número do Chalé: Seis. Poderes: • Previsão de probabilidades - Se focada em uma ação ou acontecimento, Charlie é capaz de ter uma representação visual de todas as probabilidades de consequência para aquilo. • Olhar paralisante (nível 1) - Assim como a maldição de Atena sobre a Medusa, mas em escala menor, quem olha nos olhos de Charlie ficará temporariamente paralisado de terror. Quando o poder está ativo, os olhos da semideusa adquirem um perturbador brilho prateado. Habilidades: • Previsão sobre-humana • Reflexos sobre-humanos Armas: • Arco e flecha de bronze celestial - Como Charlie nunca sai do Acampamento e é mais uma estrategista do que uma arqueira, sua arma é um arco simples de bronze celestial. • Flechas que têm o poder de causar feridas e doenças em semideuses - Sua haste é de ferro estígio, então mataria um monstro. • Lança de bronze celestial. • Escudo de bronze celestial com a gravura de uma coruja na frente. • Adaga de ferro estígio com gravuras semelhante a cobras na lâmina e o que parece ser um rosto na empunhadura. Artefato: • Pulseiras da cura - Um par de pulseiras com runas de cura entalhadas. Quando ativadas, aceleram o processo de cicatrização de ferimentos do usuário, permitindo que se recupere mais rapidamente durante e após o combate. As pulseiras podem ser ativadas por até 30 minutos antes de exigir um período de descanso de 12 horas. Cargos no Acampamento: • Conselheira do chalé • Instrutora de estratégia • Estrategista

In the end, we'll all become stories...

Conexões: Aqui. Headcanons: Aqui. Tasks: Aqui. POVs: Aqui. Playlist: Aqui. Timeline: Aqui. Arsenal: Aqui. Poder desperto: Aqui. Extras: Aqui.

[extrahorribledynne]

undefined

comparison of both flashback sequences seen in ‘warzone’. i snipped the conversation between shockwave and megatron in the second one for better flow.

there’s slight differences between each, which paint a more slightly complete picture of how the moment went down. in the first, we actually see bee making haste out of the decepticon bunker right after being passed the allspark, the additional background event of wheeljack getting mauled by ravage and frenzy, and megatron’s reaction to the spacebridge’s explosion.

the second contains the detail of starscream lunging for the allspark as it’s thrown into the space bridge and being in the immediate blast zone. (imo i definitely believe starscream to be prisoner zero so to speak within the GHOST stockade, so taking him while grievously injured would explain how they bagged him.)

(also also, if anyone can suss out the silhouettes of the ‘bots in the final far shot i’d be grateful. i can see ravage and frenzy, megatron, nova storm, optimus, and soundwave, but can’t discern the last 3. probably skullcruncher, swindle and skywarp?)

[littlfrcak]

𝐀 𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐖𝐄𝐀𝐏𝐎𝐍

— oficial de hefesto.

— confeccionando a própria arma.

passar o dia em um parque de diversões não era exatamente o que sasha tinha em mente. para ele, qualquer coisa que o tirasse do acampamento meio-sangue era uma distração indesejada, um afastamento da segurança; missões eram assuntos diferentes, nunca rejeitava uma missão apesar da penúltima não ter acabado bem. mas não havia como se livrar da mudança de cenário, arrastado para fora de sua zona de conforto por uma atividade que, no início, parecia ser mais um incômodo do que um benefício. suas irmãs não perdiam a chance de lhe atrair para situações que ele não daria uma segunda olhada se estivesse sozinho.

o parque estava cheio de crianças gritando e suas risadas altas, o que só aumentava a irritação do filho de hades que sentia o início de uma dor de cabeça. ele não era alguém que se divertia facilmente em ambientes caóticos, preferindo a tranquilidade do chalé de hades e a companhia silenciosa dos espíritos. porém, havia algo que atiçou sua curiosidade: a oficina de hefesto.

a oficina estava situada em um canto mais tranquilo do parque, longe das atrações barulhentas. era um espaço cheio de ferramentas brilhantes e maquinário complexo, o ar cheio do cheiro de metal e óleo. estava quente como nas forjas e no bunker 9, mas mais fresco. não sentia que a pele iria cair ou que iria se queimar se entrasse. normalmente evitava até passar pelas proximidades do ambiente dos ferreiros, mas ao ver que até as crianças estavam brincando distraídas com ferramentas, não hesitou mais em entrar. foi logo recebido por um autômato, um guia silencioso mas eficiente que o conduziu pelas várias opções de armas e equipamentos.

sasha sentiu a irritação começar a se dissipar enquanto analisava as possibilidades diante de si. a escolha de uma arma era uma tarefa séria, sua espada não tinha sido escolhida por si, foi um presente de hades. a chance de olhar tudo e decidir por si próprio o que queria? era muita responsabilidade. com o tablet em mãos, ouvia a explicação do autômato que mostrou-lhe várias opções: espadas com lâminas afiadas, lanças e até mesmo um arco e flecha. mas o que realmente chamou sua atenção foi uma alabarda, uma arma longa e elegante que combinava a lâmina afiada. deu um zoom admirando a complexidade de seu design, duvidando bastante de sua capacidade de fazer uma réplica daquele exemplo. “você me ajudaria a fazer essa alabarda?" perguntou, sua voz cheia de interesse.

o autômato respondeu com uma voz metálica, explicando os procedimentos antes de concordar, afirmando que iria lhe guiar no passo a passo. sasha assentiu, já imaginando como seria lutar com aquela arma novinha.

a criação de uma arma era mais do que apenas escolher peças e montá-las juntas; era um processo quase meditativo, que exigia atenção aos detalhes e uma compreensão profunda dos próprios pontos fortes e fracos. compreensão essa que sasha não possuía, mas o autômato parecia ter. enquanto trabalhava ao lado do robô, ajustando a lâmina de ferro estígio e escolhendo os melhores materiais para o cabo, sasha sentiu-se mais calmo, mais centrado. os gritos das crianças já não lhe estressavam mais.

o tempo parecia passar mais rápido enquanto ele se concentrava na tarefa à mão. a irritação que sentia por estar no parque se transformou em uma sensação de realização, ansiedade por querer ver a arma prona. demorou um pouco mais de uma hora mas por fim segurava a alabarda recém-forjada, o cabo tão preto quanto a lâmina, crânios incrustados em sua haste, traços delicados bem desenhados ali. “talvez sair do acampamento não tenha sido tão ruim assim." murmurou para si mesmo ao manejar a arma nova, um pequeno sorriso aparecendo em seu rosto enquanto admirava a arma que tinha ajudado a construir.

a arma escolhida por sasha foi uma ALABARDA. a arma é toda feita em ferro estígio assim como as outras armas do filho de hades. sua haste é longa com crânios incrustados em sua extensão e tem uma ponta afiada; é atravessada por uma lâmina em forma de meia-lua.

[clockworkbee]

A remnant of summer still whispers through the air, clinging to the earth's warmth, but autumn creeps in like a thief in the night—haunting, exuberant. The once warm sun's rays are replaced by looming clouds in the wake of fall.

—Under the overarching moon, The Consequences of Falling, by Liliana Rose Hastings

[rededgeevents]

ᴏᴀᴋ ɪꜱʟᴀɴᴅ ʀᴏᴏᴍᴍᴀᴛᴇ ʟɪꜱᴛ

First Floor: 001: Silas Rivers & Sienna Johnson 002: Illiana Fuentes & Kyle Hale 003: Emersyn Michaels & Flynn Gilbert 004: Luke Myers & Emma Eklund 005: Pogue O'Connor & Elena Dawson 006: Leighton Whitlock & Elliot Booker 007: Maverick Anderson & Ocean Simmons 008: Max Turner & Nova Rockwell 009: Klaus Richards & Marc Hall 010: Sloane Ross & Marisol Monroe 011: Anastasia Hill & Lucas Roden

Second Floor: 001: Aurora Thompson & Chase Knight 002: Lana & Noah Rodgers 003: Teddy Wintson & Melody Hastings 004: Theodora Murphy & Georgina Russell 005: Jeremy Fellows & Katerina Lopez 006: Paco Florez & Ivy Fitzgerald 007: Alejandro Fuentes & Nicole Balliol 008: Brooke Barlow & TJ Cohen 009: Elijah Cavannaugh & Serena Bennett 010: Kirby Sinclair & Kennedy Simpson 011: Brittany Miller & Austin Barnes

Third Floor: 001: Logan Slater & Atlas Quinn 002: Olivia Bardot & Petra Cromwell 003: Freya Smith & Killian Quinn 004: Damon Henderson & Kinsley Argent 005: Mila Monroe & Tanner Sommers 006: Tyler Dupont & Autumn Hawthorne 007: Beau Williams & Arrow Ellington 008: Emmett Hills 009: Savannah Cooper & Paris Astor 010: Archibald Deaton x Eric Rose 011: Donny Keller & Delcan Mitchell

Fourth Floor: 001: Bradley Callan & Lucia Rossi 002: Cyrus Thompson & Jared Madden 003: Caleb Peace & Jasmine Harris 004: Valentina Lopez & Bonnie Brook 005: Alexa White & Wyatt Baker 006: Callopie Adams & Jayce King 007: Lydia Brown & Vincent Baxer 008: Shane Nichols & Devin Carter 009: Jax King & Juliette Maddox 010: Mariana Florez & Kiara Langford 011: Rosalie Collins & Jack Sterling

[ivyelizabeth1989]

“Granger is an exceptional witch,” Draco said loudly, getting to his feet, his eyes blazing. “And she was an exceptional case. As Ms Granger has said, most muggle born students spend their first few years struggling to adjust - “

“Because they don’t belong - “

Hermione watched as Draco’s jaw twitched and his hands curled into fists. She quickly interrupted, hoping to take back control.

“It is a divisive topic, but the wizarding world is changing,” she said. “As I mentioned, I have been in talks with members of your community as well as members of your ministry who are interested in changing that policy.”

“See the British government intruding in our vay. Durmstrang has never allowed mudbloods in…”

Hermione felt Draco tense next to her, but she gave a slight shake of her head. Draco sat down and the young wizard continued, “and we don’t intend to start, let alone help them… so they can vhat, steal our secrets?”

“Mr Poliakof,” the name came to her suddenly, and she hoped her voice had a scolding tone to it. She didn’t allow her smile to falter, but her voice was sharp, “muggleborn students deserve an education just as much as -“

Ivan turned to the rest of the delegates, his back to Hermione “don’t you see vhat they are trying to do. Make it easier for muggles to steal our vays - ”

“That’s not,” Hermione started, but the man continued.

“They vould sell our secrets, they vould steal of magic and -“

“If you could just please,” Hermione’s voice was rising. Flora and Nova were standing by the door and Hermione watched as they shared a dark glance and moved, just slightly, closer to Ivan.

“And this ministry mudblood…”

Before she could respond, Draco was back on his feet and shaking with rage. He had a finger pointed at the man, “shut your mouth, Poliakof.”

The man glared at Draco, “just because your ministry bitch…”

Before Hermione could stop him, before she could even breathe, Draco was across the room, his fist making contact with Ivan’s jar. Chairs scraped, there was yelling, and Flora and Nova were pulling a panting Draco off Ivan, but not before he had landed some well-placed jabs on Ivan’s face and arms. Ivan had pulled his arms up, too slowly, to try to protect his head.

With Draco off him and being held back by the two Aurors, Ivan got to his feet and tried to get to Draco, but the wizards from Uagadou were holding him back.

In the haste it seemed everyone forgot they had wands.

[stardust-arcade]

Nova meets Planet.

Part one.

Stop being so mean!

Haha. I'm not being mean. You're just not good at differentiating actions on the stage and real life.

Plus what else could you do? Attack me? Oh I'm sure attacking the calm sensible animatronic will look good on your record. You're more broken than most animatronics I meet. You're probably one of the easiest to make sound like you're just an animal. Something that should be decommissioned.

Deceitful words from a awful snake! Anyone looking would make haste! You should be the one that's no more! Something held deep in a morg. I am not broken! I am no beast! My fury is earned you unrighteous beast! You cannot seek my death! My breath is not there's to keep. I will silence yours So your threats have no keep!

Eclipse!

Calm down. I'll handle this.

Oh you handle it? Are you they're keeper? What is this delightful friend you brought. Oh she's so shiny. Did you finally squabble down to those new AI? I thought you were against them?

If you know your place you'll stop talking. You can get in a lot of trouble for disrespecting other employees.

Hahaha! Are you literally threatening me with a privy little thing like attitude? I got the best attitude out of all of us. And even at that, You can't get rid of me. Oh that would be hurting poor little blood moons feelings. Plus you would be stuck again. Unless you finally found a little job? Not that it will help with your predicament. No one here can even confront me!

She can. Planet doesn't really care about opinions. She's got no reputation to really ruin. Plus she's about as much of a smooth talker as you are.

[subtlybrilliant]

So, my fireteam was joking around in the voice chat tonight, and someone brought up the concept of The Night Before Christmas, but as The Night Before Lightfall. I kept chewing on the idea as we were doing our activities this evening, and so the following poem was born:

The Night Before Lightfall

'Twas the night before Lightfall and all through the Tower,

The Guardians awaited a big shift in Power,

Their armor was hung up by Ada with care,

And knowledge the Black Fleet quite soon would be there.

The Ghosts were all nestled so snug with their Risen,

In hopes that the Traveler would survive this new schism.

And Zavala in his armor and Shaxx with his horn,

With Rasputin gone, we all are forlorn.

When far out in space there arose such a clatter,

The Vanguard assembled to see what was the matter.

Away to the hangar we dashed with all haste,

As fast as we could, there was no time to waste.

The moon with its Hauntings still fills us with dread,

With The Witness approaching, we can’t get ahead,

When what to our wondering eyes should appear,

But Osiris’s visions to keep us from fear.

With a brand new location, so neon and new,

We knew in an instant it was not all through.

And it sparked and glowed and was all filled with Strand,

And a safe place (for the moment) for us to land.

On Hunters! On Warlocks! On Titans so strong!

With Void! And with Solar! Arc, Stasis along!

To the top of the building! And to The Arcade!

With little Strand buddies the Warlocks have made!

As starlight before the nova ignites,

The Guardians readied for their respective fights.

So to the far reaches of space they flew out,

With their ships full of weapons, and hearts oh so stout.

And then in a twinkling a new class appeared,

All lovely and green and full of ads cleared.

To travel the rooftops and swing thru the world,

And cute little Strand cats with whiskers all curled.

But out in the distance The Witness still waits,

With the Darkness and Pyramids- the Black Fleet that they’ve Shaped.

We all are in danger of Collapse 2.0,

And even The Traveler has nowhere to go.

We spring to our ships, our Fireteams ready,

Our armor enhanced and our trigger fingers steady.

And so we all say, in the face of this threat,

“Eyes up, Guardian. It’s not over yet.”

[fischerfrey]

A Christmas Prince; The Royal Wedding

Chapter 7: Something Old, Something New

Summary: The fate of Alderly hangs in the balance as Dawn, Quincey, Evander, and the others race to uncover the conspiracy behind The New Alderly Initiative.

A/N: Here it is; The final chapter of the second installment! I'm proud to have finished this, though I have to admit that it didn't turn out quite as I would have wanted it. I had to leave a lot of stuff out and I didn't have time to really dig into the potential this AU has. Regardless, I'm very fond of this universe and I'm excited for next Christmas's story already.

Thank you to everyone who's been reading this year! I appreciate your reactions, comments, and tags more than I could ever express.

And as always, a massive thank you goes to my partner in crime Annie (@potionboy3), without whom this story would never have seen the light of day. Thank you❤️

Words: 3.8k

Characters:

Dawn and Evan Harvelle, Rosa Yaxley, Evander Alderly, Maxim Raeburn, and Jimmy Crouch by @potionboy3

Quincey, Olympia, and Isabella Alderly, Tess Brandon

Rocky Weasley by @magicallymalted

Pandora Lovelace and Nymeria Lee by @gcldensnitch

Jupiter Durand by @cursed-herbalist

Diana Somerset by @endlessly-cursed

Mentioned:

Nova Hartley

Nate Mackade by @unfortunate-arrow

John Arthur by @potionboy3

Lainey Bell by @gcldensnitch

Gaia Alden by @cursed-herbalist

Beatrice Somerset by @camillejeaneshphm

Beginning | Previous Chapter

Want to read the first fic in the series, A Christmas Prince? Click here!

Chapter 7: Something Old, Something New

Dawn and Quincey rode back to the palace with haste. When they got to the room where Dawn had left Tess and Evander, everyone turned to look at them and Dawn felt a chill go down his spine at the expressions on their faces.

“What is it?” Dawn asked.

“We cracked the database,” said Evander. “And I’m afraid you’re not going to like what we found.”

“Tell me,” said Quincey.

Olympia walked up to them. She looked like she might have been crying, or maybe it was just the lack of sleep. She took Quincey’s hand.

“You’re scaring me now,” he told her.

“It’s mother. She’s been siphoning the country’s money for… I don’t know what purpose.”

Quincey blinked. He looked from Olympia to Evander, who nodded. Then he turned his gaze back to his sister.

“That can’t be,” he said. “What reason would she have to steal from herself?”

“Come see for yourself,” said Evander. Quincey walked over and Evander showed him the laptop. Dawn followed him and saw it on the screen, clear as day. Isabella Alderly was the CEO of Glockenspiel Consortium.

“Quince…,” said Dawn. This was not a turn of events he had been anticipating, no matter how much he might have disliked Isabella. He’d been half convinced the real culprit was Miss Pince, but despite all their animosity, Pince did love the crown more than anything, or so it seemed.

 “I must speak with her,” Quincey said.

“We’re coming with you,” said Dawn.

“We should accompany you,” said Evander, almost at the same time. “And you should know, this information wasn’t obtained entirely… legally.”

“So, it won’t hold at court?” asked Quincey.

“I’m afraid not.”

“Then I’ll have to deal with this my way.”

~

When Dawn and the others located the queen, she was with most of the senior staff, Miss Yaxley, and Dawn’s dad.

“Dawn?” asked Evan. “Thank goodness you’re alright, I was worried.” Evan came to hug him but Dawn said: “Not now, dad, something’s happened.”

“What?” asked Evan.

“I’ll explain everything, I promise.”

“Good, you’re all here,” said Evander. “We might need an audience for this.”

“Is everything alright?” asked Isabella.

“No, no it isn’t,” said Quincey.

“If this is about the wedding,” started Isabella. “A little modernization won’t be a threat to the monarchy, as long as the memory of your dear father is respected.”

“We’ll get to that,” said Dawn. Isabella blinked at him in surprise, as if only now realizing he was even present. “There is a threat to the monarchy, but it’s not modernization.”

“What ever are you talking about?” asked Pince. Dawn didn’t take his eyes off Isabella.

“I’m sorry mother,” said Quincey. “But the jig, as they say, is up.”

“What?” asked Isabella, still feigning innocence.

“The New Alderly initiative has been failing,” started Quincey. “Because you've been siphoning off the money.”

Isabella looked aghast. “That's absurd.”

“People lost their jobs because of you,” said Dawn.

“And you lied to our faces,” added Olympia.

Everyone’s eyes now turned to the queen. Isabella didn’t look shaken, only annoyed. “How dare you imply such thing?” she asked. “My own children, no less.”

“We know, mother,” said Quincey. “All of us. We know.”

“I will not stand for this,” said Isabella. “This is slander.”

“As king, I hereby relieve you of your active role as a member of the royal family. You may keep your titles, a modest allowance, and your house in the county, and we’ll keep this under wraps. The monarchy’s fate is unsteady as it is. But that’s all you’ll get. Ever again,” said Quincey grimly.

“You can’t do this,” said Isabella. “You have no proof.”

“Then why do I hear the dulcet tones of a glockenspiel?” asked Evander. “As in Glockenspiel Consortium.”

Isabella glared at her nephew and Evander looked pleased with himself. Dawn, wanting to bring him down a peg, kicked his shin and said: “It’s not that clever.”

“Mr. Flitwick,” said Quincey. “Why don’t you escort the queen to her rooms, and make sure she stays there.”

“Yes, sir,” said Flitwick.

“Quentin, please, listen to me,” said Isabella and took a step closer to her son. “They’re trying to manipulate you against me. They’re deliberately driving a wedge between us, I–,”

“The only one manipulating me here has been you,” Quincey snapped. “And I may not be able to prove anything, but I know what you’ve done. I know it was you and you’ve been pretending to help me all this time, leading me down wrong paths to keep me off your tracks.”

Isabella just stared at Quincey, speechless, for the first time.

“You know this is actually treason, right?” asked Olympia.

The queen seemed to finally realize that there was nothing she could do. “All I’ve ever done is try to protect this family. This country.”

“By stealing from it?” asked Dawn.

“By making my son realize that bringing in dangerous variables is not good for the family,” she didn’t look at Dawn as she said it, but the implication was clear enough.

“I think I’ve heard enough,” said Quincey. “Take her away.”

Flitwick, along with two other members of the security team, escorted the queen away. Everyone was left in stunned silence and Dawn took Quincey’s hand discreetly.

When they had gone, Quincey took a deep breath, and said: “I’m so sorry. I should have seen this.”

“She did a damn good job keeping you in the dark,” said Evander. “And keeping Dawn and I out.”

Dawn looked at Evander. “Me?”

“You already had plenty of reason to dislike her so she wouldn’t have been able to fool you so easily,” Evander explained.

“And you went to business school,” finished Dawn. “I get it.”

“Still,” said Quincey. “We must try to get the money back. Maybe arrange some sort of Christmas bonuses to everyone who lost their jobs.”

“Can that be done?”

“I’ll put some people on it,” said Quincey.

“Put me on it,” said Evander.

Quincey looked at him for a moment and then said: “Not before you’ve had at least ten hours of sleep.”

Evander looked rather surprised. “Oh, alright, then.”

“And Miss Yaxley,” said Quincey. Rosa perked up, looking anxious at being addressed under the circumstances.

“Yes, Your Majesty?”

“Do you think you’d still have time to make some changes to the wedding plans?” Quincey asked.

“What kind of changes?”

Quincey looked at Dawn, who shrugged. “Well, I’d prefer it if it was just a lot… less.”

“I think I might be able to manage that,” said Rosa. “I assume this also includes your outfit, Mr. Harvelle?”

“Oh yes, yes it does.”

Rosa looked almost relieved. Miss Pince’s face was unreadable, but she remained silent.

“Alright, I’ll see what can be done.”

“Thank you,” said Quincey. “Now everyone should get back to the preparations. We don’t have all that much time.”

As the staff dispersed, Dawn went to his dad. “I’m sorry for worrying you.”

“What matters is that you’re alright,” said Evan. “Are you alright?”

“I think I will be,” Dawn said.

~

“Loyal Alderlians, I'm happy to announce that I am able to tear up the script that I was given for tonight's speech, one which glossed over the hardships that I know a lot of you have been facing. I can instead announce, thanks to the Mr. Dawn Harvelle and my cousin, Count Evander, that severe corruption is responsible for our recent hardships. It has been discovered and eliminated. The funds have been recovered, and every one of you will be paid the wages you are owed, along with a Christmas bonus for every hard-working person in Alderly,” Quincey spoke into the mic.

The speech was held in the courtyard, in front of the tree Dawn and Quincey had chosen. It was shown on live television so everyone in Alderly could tune in. A lot hinged on the speech. They’d concluded that Isabella’s corruption could not be revealed to the world. Dawn didn’t exactly agree but he could see why it might be the final spark to ignite the powder keg that was Alderly. Isabella was to attend the Christmas festivities and the wedding as normal and after that she was to depart, either for her country estate or for Monaco, Quincey had said he didn’t much care which, as long as he didn’t have to lay eyes on her. Maybe after Christmas there could be opportunity to examine how this kind of corruption had been allowed to happen in the first place but for now, he prepared himself for what Quincey had to say next.

“On behalf of the entire royal family… Queen Isabella, Princess Olympia, Count Evander, Prince-Consort-to-be Dawn, and the newly minted Count Evan Harvelle, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas. Let's celebrate with the lighting of the royal Christmas tree!”

“Three, two, one!”

The tree was lit with white and gold, just as Pince had planned but it made Dawn very happy that the tree currently displayed on many screens across the country was the one he had chosen. The cameras shut down and Quincey walked to them from the spotlight.

“How did that go?” he asked.

“Not too bad,” said Evander.

Quincey gave him a look. “Evander,” he started. “I believe I owe you a great deal.”

“No, not at all,” said Evander but then added: “But, now that I've proven my mettle, and there being an open seat on your Advisory Council…”

Quincey laughed and said: “Don't push your luck.”

“Fair enough.”

“But I think I’m ready to bury the hatchet,” said Quincey and extended a hand to Evander. He shook it and nodded. Next to Dawn, Olympia eyed them, warily.

“You did us all a great service,” she said. “And I’m grateful. However, if you try any shit–,”

“Dawn already gave me this speech, dear cousin,” said Evander. “Consider me warned.”

~

The next morning the guest began to arrive, first among them Jimmy, Maxim, Jupiter, and Nymeria. Dawn, Rocky, and Pandora met them happily outside the palace doors. Dawn, glad to see all his friends, hugged them all in turn.

“Woah, there,” said Jimmy when it was his turn. “What’s gotten into you?”

“Mate, you would not believe the shit that’s been going on here these last few days,” said Rocky.

“I expect you three are going to tell us,” said Maxim.

“You had better,” added Nymeria.

“We better get inside,” said Dawn. “And get some glühwein.”

“Hell yes to that,” said Pandora.

~

Back inside, in what Dawn had begun to think of in his mind as the living room, but which really was one of multiple sitting rooms, Dawn, Rocky and Pandora explained in detail everything that had happened in Alderly, from the strikes and the missing funds to their investigations to finding out Isabella had been behind it all. To say they were surprised would be an exaggeration.

“Dawn, your life is like some kind of soap opera,” said Jupiter, sipping her glühwein.

“You’re telling me,” said Dawn. “Oh, and did I mention; I didn’t even get a proper bachelor party.”

“We have to remedy this, immediately,” Maxim declared.

“Boy’s night out?” asked Rocky.

“Boy’s night out,” agreed Maxim.

“What are we supposed to do?” asked Nymeria.

“Oh, I think I can help with that…,” said Pandora.

There was a knock on the door, and Quincey stepped in. “I’m not interrupting anything, am I?” he asked.

“Oh, not at all,” said Jupiter. “Dawn was just planning to ditch us to go party with the lads.”

Quincey laughed. “Well, that’s just rude.”

“Hey, I didn’t get a proper stag night because the country was falling apart.”

“Hmm,” begun Quincey. “Neither did I.”

“You’re welcome to tag along with us,” said Pandora.

“Really?” asked Quincey.

“It would be an honour,” said Pandora with mock-deference. Quincey smiled.

“Alright, since you so cordially invited me. Can I bring a few guests?”

“For sure,” said Nymeria. “Wait, it’s not your mum, is it?”

“Oh no,” said Quincey. “Just Lainey and Olympia.”

“Then it’s settled.”

“Wait,” said Dawn. “There’s something I forgot.”

He dug out his phone from his pocket as everyone’s eyes turned to him. “An important ceremony, of sorts…”

“What?” asked Jimmy.

“I hereby propose King Quentin of Aldelry to be added to the bristol squad group chat,” Dawn started. “Those in favour?”

His friends repeated: hear, hear, and raised their hands. Quincey shook his head, amused.

Dawn added him to the chat. “Oh, I’ve just realized we can’t be the bristol squad anymore…”

“Why’s that?” asked Maxim.

“Well, Quincey and I live in Alderly now…”

“Dawn,” said Pandora. “I love you, but you’re an idiot. Most of us haven’t lived in Bristol in a while, or like, ever.”

Dawn blinked at her. “Well, yeah, but now it’s different.”

“How is it different?” asked Jupiter but Dawn was too busy coming up with an incredible idea.

“I’ve got it!” he announced. “From this day henceforth, we shall be known as alderlies assemble!”

He typed in the new name as his friends laughed.

“Mate,” said Rocky. “I didn’t know we were all marrying Quincey.”

“I think my cabinet may draw the line at polygamy…” Quincey pondered.

“Boo,” said Dawn. “It’s a great name.”

“It is,” said Pandora. “I like it.”

~

The next few days were a blur. Christmas Eve spent with his family and Quincey’s, all his friends present and actually getting to plan the wedding with Rosa and Quincey. The ceremony obviously still had to have the elegance of a royal wedding, but they toned it down substantially with Quincey’s full support.

“I don’t think a grand ceremony is what the country wants to see right now,” said Quincey while they were planning the seating arrangement.

“Not unless your goal is to get us both guillotined,” said Dawn.

“I think I’d prefer to keep my head, where it is.”

“I prefer it there as well,” said Dawn. They hadn’t really talked about the past week since the cabin and a lot of Dawn’s anger had subsided since then, but he still felt hurt, he couldn’t help it. “But you could do with a little modernization initiative yourself.”

“I know I acted foolishly,” said Quincey. “You’d think I’d have learned my lesson since last year, but I suddenly got so scared. I’m going against hundreds of years of tradition just by being openly myself and mother managed to convince me that I must balance it out by being otherwise as conventional as I can. By following every rule and doing everything by the book.”

“You could have talked to me about it.”

“I felt like a coward.”

“I don’t think you’re a coward,” said Dawn.

“I let you down.”

“Well,” said Dawn. “I guess it is daunting to be the first of anything. Especially being the first openly gay king of your country, marrying his boyfriend.”

“You could say that.”

“But I want us to be there for each other and it doesn’t work if you keep things from me,” Dawn said.

“Nor if you keep things from me,” Quincey countered.

“I don’t want to.”

“I don’t either.”

Dawn sighed. “Good. Communication is the key.”

“Speaking of,” Quincey said. “Tess told me about the necklace. I’m sorry. I didn’t realize what it was when Pince told you to take it off. I’d love it if you wore it for the wedding.”

Dawn smiled. “Alright.”

Quincey gave him a small smile in return. “If we work together, we can do this.”

“Alright, best give it a shot, then.”

~

In the end, Rosa had put together beautiful decorations for the ceremony and reception. Wild Alderlian winter flowers along with fairy lights, candles, and red and green. To Dawn, it felt a little bit like walking through a fairy forest Christmas party. If fairies celebrated Christmas. His outfit had been changed from the traditional costume to a more toned-down suit that was definitely not anything to write home about, but it was sleek and stylish. Quincey was dressed in a similar fashion and the entire ceremony was kept as low key as royal protocol allowed. Not that it wasn’t beautiful, still. The grand throne room had been converted into a wedding venue, complete with an aisle decorated with flowers. After the actual ceremony, the guests gathered into the slightly smaller but no less impressive ball room for food, drinks, and dancing. All things considered, it was a small wedding, though the thought did make Dawn chuckle. A year ago, this would have been one of the biggest weddings he could imagine.

~

After cutting cake and the first dance, Dawn searched for his friends. He spotted Nymeria and Maxim on the dance floor, as well as Olympia who was dancing with Gaia Alden. Dawn grinned to himself like some sort of crazy person. He didn’t spot Jimmy or Jupiter but finally he saw Rocky by the drinks, talking to a familiar face.

“So, you’re also from Bristol?” asked Rosa.

“I live there, yeah,” Rocky said and leaned against the table in a cool and aloof manner.

“Hi guys,” said Dawn, interrupting. Both turned to look at him.

“Congratulations, your highness,” said Rosa with something that could have been a genuine smile.

“Thank you,” said Dawn. “Really. Thank you, for all this. I don’t know how you pulled it off but it’s all so beautiful.”

“It was definitely a challenge,” said Rosa and took a sip of her champagne.

“It’s impressive,” said Rocky and Rosa might have blushed or maybe she’d just had more glasses of champagne, that was anybody’s guess. Dawn took a glass himself. “He’s right. I can’t say I ever much thought about what my wedding would look like, but this is probably better than anything I would’ve come up with.”

“Thanks,” said Rosa. Dawn nodded to them as he spotted Quincey coming his way. He excused himself and walked up to him.

“Husband,” said Dawn.

Quincey laughed. “Husband,” he echoed.

“Is everything to your liking?” Dawn asked.

“Yes,” said Quincey. “It’s perfect.”

“Well, not perfect,” said Evander who had suddenly materialized from the crowd. “But it’s not all too bad.”

“Hello, Evander,” said Quincey.

“I thought you should know,” Evander continued. “Your mother’s trying to weasel her way into the good graces of some foreign dignitaries. I made Flitwick keep an eye on her.”

“Good call,” said Quincey.

“Quincey, Dawn!” came a voice from behind Dawn, and as Dawn turned, Diana Somerset, Quincey’s distant cousin slash Isabella’s dream daughter-in-law walked to them.

“Hey!” exclaimed Quincey and hugged her. “I’m glad you could make it.”

“It was a beautiful ceremony,” she said and only then seemed to acknowledge the existence of Evander. “Hello,” she said, rather coldly.

“Diana,” said Evander. “It’s good to see you.”

Dawn eyed them both and Quincey seemed ready to start putting out fires.

Evander cleared his throat and said: “Actually, I wanted to talk to you.”

“You did?”

He nodded. “I wanted to apologize. For last year. I should never have done what I did, and I shouldn’t have tried to rope you into it.”

Diana looked at him a little warily. She looked to Quincey, probably to see his reaction, and then back to Evander. “It was pretty slimy,” she said. “But I hear you helped the country a great deal in recent days.”

“Well, I might have contributed,” said Evander. “A little.”

“Truce?” suggested Diana and offered her hand. Evander shook it and said: “Truce.”

~

Dawn and Quincey talked to many guests throughout the evening. Dawn’s old friend from school, John Arthur, had brought his new boyfriend as a date, which surprised Dawn almost more than anything else that had happened that day. Quincey was glad to meet more of Dawn's friends, and Dawn got to meet some of Quincey's. Aside from Lainey, they also chatted a while with Nate Mackade, Quincey's old dormmate from boarding school. He was attending with his girlfriend Nova. Dawn danced with Pandora, Tess and his dad, while Quincey danced with Olympia and Diana, as well as Diana’s twin sister Beatrice. Eventually Dawn's feet hurt so much he had to go find a seat. Tess sat next to him.

“Hi, your highness,” she said with a little laugh.

“Oh, come on.”

“What?” she asked innocently.

“I think they ought to make you a countess, or something, for all the work you’ve done for this country,” said Dawn.

“I didn’t even do anything.”

“You made a lot of coffee,” said Dawn. “For Evander.”

“He isn’t all that bad,” Tess said, and she was about to continue her explanation as to why on Earth she would think that, when she was interrupted.

“Who isn’t that bad?” asked Evander.

“Oh,” said Tess. “Hi, you.”

Dawn studied Evander’s expression which betrayed nothing.

“What is it? Did the queen turn into a lizard monster and is now eating the guests?” asked Dawn.

Evander rolled his eyes at him and then looked back to Tess, pretending like Dawn wasn't even there.

“Would you like to dance?” he asked her.

To Dawn’s surprise, a bright smile appeared on Tess’s face.

“Yeah,” she said. “I could dance.”

Dawn watched in some sort of shock, as Evander offered his hand and Tess took it, and he was still looking at them as they made their way to the dance floor.

“What the fuck…” he muttered to himself.

~

Half an hour later Dawn found Quincey in the courtyard. From his smile, he deduced he’d been expecting Dawn to show up.

“Hi,” Quincey said as Dawn walked closer.

“Hey,” replied Dawn.

“Are you having fun?”

Dawn nodded. “Although, I should tell you that Evander asked Tess to dance.”

“He did?”

“Yes, and she seemed happy about it.”

“Well, I’ll be…”

“He better not be plotting or scheming,” Dawn grumbled.

Quincey laughed, merrily.

“This is not a laughing matter, Quentin.”

“Alright, alright, I’m sorry…” said Quincey and raised both his hands in the air. “I’ll be sure to not grant my permission as a monarch for him to wed if it comes to that.”

Dawn stared at him. “It won’t come to that.”

He could not handle Evander as an uncle. That would be too much for anyone to handle.

“Did you see your friends?” asked Quincey, changing the subject.

“Yes, they all seem to be having fun.”

“Glad to hear it,” said Quincey.

“Yeah…”

Dawn looked at Quincey for a moment. Everything had happened so fast that he struggled to wrap his mind around the fact that they’d actually made it here, to this day. Overcome by some kind of sappy romance novel spirit, he grabbed Quincey’s face in both his hands and kissed him. Quincey smiled into the kiss, wrapping his arms around Dawn.

When they pulled apart, he said: “Thank you for making this the best Christmas ever. I don't think we'll ever be able to top this one.”

Dawn laughed.

“Well, you never know,” he said. “Maybe next year the country won’t be in a crisis.”

“Well yes,” said Quincey. “Next year might be better.”

“I'm willing to try if you are,” said Dawn.

“Yes,” said Quincey and kissed him again.

He was fairly certain that whatever next year had in store, it couldn't possibly hold a candle to the last two. He certainly hoped it would be peaceful and uneventful.

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