#rosewood's serenade

[bluemoon1331]

Hello, hello! Welcome to my main blog, where the DCA fascination consumes! My alt blog is @sharetheartman, go check it out if you wanna see the amazing art this community has to offer!

My Ko-fi (if you're able to help a struggling writer, very much appreciated. Can request written commissions if you want): BlueMoon1331

Below is a list of all my current fics on A03 and planned AUs! Give them a read if you love fantasy and the DCA! (Updated to divide between the SFW and NSFW stories)

<<<<<First up, the SFW section!>>>>>>

Finished Works:

One Lost Star- You are a bit of a hermit, living solo off the land since the death of your grandfather. Until you draw certain godly attention, that is.

Scarlet Masquerade- The sole heir to your kingdom, you find yourself caught in the tangled web of the automaton emperor's plans. However, things are about to go from bad to worse when you catch the interest of the deadly automaton assassin sent to end you.

WIPs:

Cosmic Journeys- Trapped in the depths of depression, you seek an unfortunate out. The nearby land owner won't let that happen, though. Thus begins a journey of self-worth and finding hope in a world of madness and compassion, monsters, saints, and everything in between.

Come and Go- A Megamind-inspired AU with Sun as Metroman, Moon as Megamind, and Eclipse as Titan, while you are a delivery driver caught in the middle.

Unusual- An oceanographer, there is no place you'd rather be than scouring the depths of the seven seas, studying its plant life and creatures, in particular the infamous mers, beings most of your co-workers are quite wary of. They don't seem to mind you too much, though, a fact you try not to put stock in until an encounter on the beach near your house flips your entire world upside down. Strings of fate and a battle to rule the oceans with you as the key? Ridiculous. Right?

Of Metal Parts and Roadside Shenanigans- You are a trucker traveling home before unwittingly tripping headfirst into a giant mystery. (More of @deceptiveshadow's Blood Moon cause I love him and cannot help myself.)

One-shots:

Party Crashing 101- A piece inspired by the mafia episode from Helluva Boss. Badass, protective reader ftw XD

Blooming In Adversity- You and the princesses were great friends in your youth, until you had to move away. Years later, you return, your friendship blooming anew. However, dark plots turn in the background, and it may be up to just you to save them.

Phantom Tide- You are a siren, crushed under betrayal. Sun and Moon are brothers recovering from the throes of grief. Perhaps you may be just what each other need.

Connotations- Your duties as a druid are fairly life-consuming, but you have happily devoted yourself to them. Keeping the peace is not the easiest, but you do it all the same. Unfortunately, the arrival of contesting priests threaten your efforts, setting you on a collision course to meet three of the forest's most powerful caretakers.

Diamonds and Iron- Being a rather big-time mafia boss, of course Eclipse needs places to stash away his income. As an outdoor enthusiast, you love visiting the local motorsports arena when you can afford it. Oh, who's that standing in the middle of the track, where you can't see?

<<<<<<<<<NSFW area ahoy!>>>>>>>>>>

Finished Works:

Never Play Cat and Mouse With Vampires- Living alone is a necessity, your skills in hunting, magic, and evasion giving you all you need for contentment, or so you tell yourself. In your newest home you, unfortunately, find that your capabilities only draw the infatuation of three local creatures that are intent to finally capture you and make you theirs. Annoyingly, they may just get that chance.

Dancing In Orbit- The lunar vampire is the last of his kind, a deadly plague on the Earth that refuses to yield despite the uncountable years that have passed since the last of his kin and kind died off. You, running from your intertwined past, seek to finally put an end to that, with some help from friends old and new.

Familiar Constellations- The vampires get a bit quirky about you, especially when you egg them on. Mature. Very, very mature. Good gods they are rough, but you love it. After all, you can get a bit rough with them, too.

Gravity- Featuring another of @deceptiveshadow's lovely OCs, Nova. Normally quite the quiet and cat-like companion, you join him for a round of games in which his behavior becomes increasingly odd. That's nothing compared to when you strangely wake in the tower the next day, having no recollection of how you got there, and what comes after.

WIPs:

Embers and Ash- Ghost hunting is your profession, and you are damn good at it. Which is why you don't think twice when you're hired to cleanse an abandoned mansion of its otherworldly resident. Too bad this job is not the cake walk you thought it would be.

Burning Stars- You run your farm alone on a world teeming with aliens and humans, content with your animal family and helpful community, even if you keep the latter at arm's lengths. Until your peace is interrupted by a certain intergalactic bounty hunter, anyway.

Rosewood's Serenade- The eldest child of your kingdom, you have trained since birth to be all your home needs and more, intent to take the throne when the time comes, marriage or no. However, your parents harbor a secret, a deal struck when disaster threatened to destroy all they hold dear, and you soon find yourself meeting a most intriguing being...

Demonic- The saying of Hell is empty for all the demons are here has never been more apt. Caught smack dab in the middle of the infamous Hell-Day event, you come out with an unexpected passenger woven into your soul. Now, you secretly fight to preserve the fragile balance between mortals and the demons trapped on Earth, all while contending with the fact your new neighbors are the very ones responsible for sealing the gates, the infamous Celestial Graces. They also happen to be the mortal enemies of the one currently living in you. Fun times all around, especially with devil himself on your heels, seeking to reclaim what he lost.

Along the Akesh- Blessed with visions since your youth, you were taken and raised by the temple, becoming one of the highest-ranked priests, second to only the grand heijut himself. With an awe-inspiring festival and ritual that happens only once every five centuries under way, you are eager to meet the moon god, one of the many you have had the pleasure of conversing with throughout your prayers and oracles, in person. Things take an unexpected turn, however, when the temple must pay recompense for an accidental screw up with a gift left by an old friend. You are about to learn just how intrigued you and the moon god truly are with each other.

One-shots:

Bleeding Feathers- You weren't supposed to go into the exclusionary zone, but that's never been a problem for you before. This time, however, you might just get more than you bargained for. Fan piece for @deceptiveshadow's harpy au! (Not TSAMS)

Color Theory- Moving back to your late grandma's cabin, you pray for things to finally settle down. Unfortunately, her myriad of secrets seek to come back and haunt you, but hey, it might not be all bad this time. You could use the comfort of an old friend. Another fic inspired by @deceptiveshadow! Their god Blood Moon this time. (Not TSAMS)

<<<<<<<Lastly, miscellaneous potential AUs!>>>>>>>

Lich King AU- With the three realms in shambles, cut off from each other, it is up to the most powerful warriors of Earth to fend off the lich king and his Elite army, including his own brothers. You, whom offers them a secret safe haven and relaxation when they need it, cannot deny your love for Sun and Moon, nor they you, but with Eclipse hounding for any weakness he can use against his kin, is the danger really worth it? You find the answer may be coming sooner than you would like when the two go missing after a fight.

Spirited Away AU- You have moved to a more remote region in hopes of forgetting a troubled family life. Content to spend your time among the lush jungles of the land, you inadvertently stumble upon an obviously long-forgotten temple. Curiosity eats at you, and you cannot help get closer, initially unaware of the myriad of eyes watching you, until you spot...an icy blue leopard? It's a good thing you helped those snakes and that spider on your way here.

Harem AU- You saved them from certain death, and now the clan of vampire brothers serve you. For years uncountable, you have pulled the strings, quite happy to cause chaos around the world when it becomes too dull for your liking, going from hero to hero. On blood soaked ground, you are content with your helpful vampires, though can things really stay the same forever?

[anandkumarnew]

Unlocking the Soul of Music: The Intern 41 Inches Acoustic Guitar

Music has the power to transcend time and culture, resonating with the deepest parts of our souls. For centuries, the acoustic guitar has been one of the most versatile and beloved instruments, captivating audiences with its soothing melodies and heart-pounding rhythms. In this article, we delve into the world of the Intern 41 Inches Acoustic Guitar, exploring its features, history, and why it continues to be a favorite among musicians and enthusiasts alike.

The Heart of Acoustic Elegance

When we think of the acoustic guitar, we envision an instrument that encapsulates elegance and simplicity. The Intern 41 Inches Acoustic Guitar is no exception. Crafted with precision and passion, this guitar represents a harmonious blend of art and engineering.

A Symphony of Sound

The essence of any great acoustic guitar lies in its ability to produce rich, resonant tones. The Intern 41 Inches Acoustic Guitar accomplishes this with finesse. With a body size of 41 inches, it provides ample room for sound waves to develop and mature. This results in a warm, full-bodied tone that can serenade a small gathering or fill a concert hall.

The choice of tonewoods plays a pivotal role in the guitar's sonic character. The Intern 41 Inches Acoustic Guitar features a solid spruce top, known for its clarity and projection, paired with mahogany back and sides, which impart a warm, mellow quality to the sound. This combination creates a balanced and versatile instrument that is equally adept at fingerpicking and strumming.

Comfort and Playability An often underestimated aspect of a guitar is its playability. The Intern 41 Inches Acoustic Guitar boasts a comfortable neck profile that allows for smooth fret transitions. Whether you're a seasoned guitarist or a beginner, the action and playability of this instrument will make you feel right at home.

The guitar's fingerboard is typically made of rosewood, which not only adds to the overall aesthetics but also enhances playability. Rosewood is known for its smooth texture and durability, making it an ideal choice for guitarists who value both aesthetics and functionality.

A Brief History of Intern Guitars Understanding the legacy of Intern Guitars is essential to appreciating the craftsmanship and dedication behind the Intern 41 Inches Acoustic Guitar. Founded in [Year], Intern Guitars has earned a reputation for producing high-quality, affordable instruments that cater to musicians of all skill levels.

The company's commitment to innovation and quality has allowed it to thrive in the competitive world of guitar manufacturing. Intern Guitars' dedication to craftsmanship and attention to detail shine through in every instrument they produce.

The Versatility of the Acoustic Guitar The acoustic guitar is a versatile instrument that spans genres and styles. From folk to rock, blues to classical, it finds a home in virtually every corner of the musical landscape. Here are some of the reasons why the acoustic guitar remains a cherished companion for musicians:

Portability One of the most significant advantages of the acoustic guitar is its portability. Unlike its electric counterpart, it doesn't require amplifiers or power sources. You can pick it up and play it wherever inspiration strikes, be it a cozy campfire gathering or a bustling street corner.

Expressive Range The Intern 41 Inches Acoustic Guitar, like all quality acoustic guitars, offers an expressive range that allows musicians to convey a wide spectrum of emotions through their playing. From delicate fingerpicking to powerful strumming, it's a canvas for musical expression.

Connection to Tradition The acoustic guitar has deep roots in musical tradition. It connects us to the folk songs of the past and the timeless classics that continue to inspire new generations. Its nostalgic charm and ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia make it an invaluable part of the musical world.

Acoustic Beauty There's something inherently beautiful about the acoustic guitar's natural resonance. Its sound is pure and unadulterated, making it a favorite choice for acoustic purists who appreciate the unaltered beauty of the instrument.

Conclusion: The Intern 41 Inches Acoustic Guitar - A Musical Companion In a world where technology often dominates the music scene, the Intern 41 Inches Acoustic Guitar stands as a reminder of the enduring appeal of acoustic instruments. Its craftsmanship, tonal excellence, and versatility make it a worthy companion for musicians at all levels of expertise.

Whether you're a seasoned performer or a beginner just embarking on your musical journey, the Intern 41 Inches Acoustic Guitar invites you to explore the boundless possibilities of music. Its rich history, timeless design, and soul-stirring sound will continue to captivate hearts and minds for generations to come.

In the realm of music, where every note carries the weight of emotion and expression, the Intern 41 Inches Acoustic Guitar is more than just an instrument; it's a portal to the deepest realms of the human soul.

So, pick up your Intern 41 Inches Acoustic Guitar, let your fingers dance across the strings, and allow the magic of music to transport you to a world of endless creativity and inspiration.

[boxofteethrpg-blog]

Candlelight Vigil

Chapter 6 - The Compact

"Am I dead? It hurt less than I expected," Clarissa asked herself aloud. Then she realized her heart was still throbbing, her leg still festooned with pain. She still drew breath. While the beacon had died rosy sunlight drifted through the window. She blinked with mild disbelief and wondered if it was another trick. Somewhere distant a dog barked, and closer sparrows serenaded the rising sun.

With trembling hands, she set the holder with scarlet filament drifting in liquefied tallow on the edge of the bed. Not wanting to cause any additional damage Clarissa gradually worked the sprung spring from the meat of her thigh. The metal came free and she was dismayed at the amount of her own red on the sheets. The widow caught movement on the edge of her vision.

Long digits tattooed by over-laid stitch scars reached from the still-clinging darkness. The lurker snatched up a crimson thread with the end of two corpse-grey nails. As full dawn lingered minutes away, she could almost make out the silhouette of the man this time: tall and gaunt like an animate scarecrow.

She sneered. "You."

"Indeed. I must say, Mistress Blythe, I am glad to find you still in ownership of your mortal coil," the man spoke with such toneless refinement, "glad and surprised, in fact. I suppose it is not fair for me to be so. Did I not declare that you are a woman of admirable qualities? However, I suspect that your husband perished. For that, you have my condolences."

"Condolences!" Clarissa said. For all the world Clarissa wished she'd not flung her knife away. The ruined leg hampered her mobility too, but she lurched to that side of the bed anyway. Her becoming visage twisted with righteous hate. "You took him away. You killed him. What sort of sick monster are you?"

"Pray, I am one of the worst aberrations to wander this green earth, good woman. Yet, I do speak the truth when I assure you that I did not kill your husband. Nor am I responsible for your torment this autumn evening."

"Lies," she spat and looked for something, anything, to lash out with.

The silhouette remained unmoved in stance and voice. "I do understand how you may have come to this erroneous conclusion given the circumstances. I did promise some explanation if you survived, I suppose. I am not the sentient Gloom that took your husband. I am merely an arbiter here to ensure all rules of a compact are kept."

The woman looked at the vague shape of the intruder's head in mute confusion.

"When that fallow well at the heart of this quaint Rosewood was dug the founders went too deep. They struck the prison of something it is best never to speak of the name of. The horror that followed, while it brings a smile to my face, offended too many sensibilities, including mine. More so there were some who worried that it would attract the attention of those who hunt what few abominations still exist in the world. There are many of said abominations that would rather just be left in peace," the spook explained. He gestured in calm annotation even as one suture seam worked itself open and red string wiggled its way inside. "A deal was brokered. The Gloom would get to hunt within a house once per year with no outside interference. When the sun rose it had to return to its cell, leaving behind any who survived; which you have. Henceforth this abode can never be chosen again. Congratulations."

"Congratulations?" She sighed and felt her already unhinged mind teetering toward another break. There was no reason to believe this haunt, yet, Clarissa felt assured of his cold-blooded honesty. She watched with horrid fascination as the disfigurement knitted itself closed without a spot of life-fluid lost. She muttered, "I don't feel like I've won anything."

"Your life." The apparition said as his hands retreated. She was glad to see the sewn-on fingers gone.

"What is it worth without him?" Clarissa asked. When the unbidden guest did not answer she raked a tooth over the side of her lip. Clarissa stared at the gangly shadow and added, "are you the Devil?"

The figure sighed, heavy and with the first hint of emotion, "No."

"Who are you then?" She pressed, moving to the edge of the bed and up to her knees.

"The Tailor will do."

"Well, Tailor," Clarissa swallowed her fear, ignored her disheveled appearance, and asked, "I want my husband back. I need my husband back. Can you... can you broker this?"

Silence.

And then the well-spoken apparition vocalized once more. Some mote of pleasure crawled through his words, "why yes. I suspect that can be arranged. The price shall be steep, Widow Blythe. Are you willing to pay?"

Silence.

The woman dipped her chin. "I am."

With a swipe of a vile hand, the Tailor tugged on crimson threads that pulled the outside shutters closed. This cast the bedroom back into darkness, but a soft, comforting shade. Clarissa muffled a shriek and raised her chin instead. The Tailor loomed closer, the darkness thankfully hiding his features. As the man knelt beside the bed, Clarissa expected the stench of a rotting grave to follow. Instead, the Tailor smelled faintly of spiced sand and nothing else. His cool fingers probed her exposed thigh. She caught a glint of a needle and then felt a faint series of pulls about her wound.

"What are you doing?" Clarissa jerked away, but the Tailor's work was already done. In a sliver of sunlight, she noted the gash in her thigh was now neatly sealed with expert, red stitches.

"What is woven cannot be undone," the Tailor said as he slid to standing. His silhouette faded into the shadows as he added, "I will return in a fortnight so you may settle your affairs here."

"And then what?" she asked and was met with silence. Clarissa pressed a fist to her lips. What had she done?!

-Fin-

Find more of Zack's content at https://www.zacharyoshea.com/

[suchalonelysunflower]

The Siren’s Song (c.h)

Where The Storm Gathers - Chapter 3

Pairing: Stable Lad! Calum Hood x Princess! Reader

Summary: A glance of hope stands in the distance as Y/N and Calum set sails to see some old friends, but the waters are not as calm as they seem.

Warnings: Mentions of murder; Torture; Violence; Blood; Abuse; Sickness; Manipulation; Language; Some grammatical errors (English is not my first language, I’m sorry)

Word Count: 7.5 K

Author’s Note: Had to divide the chapter into two, you’ll understand why next week ;) This is the last boring chapter, I promise. Remember that Reblogs, Feedback, Comments and Likes help a lot (please help out of this ban!) 💕 Hope you like it and Happy Reading 🦋🌻✨

My Materialist // tag list on bio!

Book 2 Materialist || Prologue || Chapter one || Chapter two

Ashton could hear the distant sound of thunder rumbling all over the kingdom. He thought that if he could hear that, then maybe the storm was closer than anyone could anticipate. He hasn’t seen the rain in months, let alone the sun.

He got himself into this mess, he thought. He should’ve fought harder and stopped being so naive in regards to his father.

Ever since Y/N left, he made sure to let everyone know exactly the type of person the King of RoseWood was. Letters were sent and crows were removed from their positions in different courts. Ashton would look for allies to his cause; allies that could potentially help him to take the power from his father once and for all.

It was not Ashton’s plan to take the crown at such a young age, he never asked for this even though it was bestowed upon him since birth. But he would do whatever it takes to keep his family, loved ones, and people safe; and it was more than clear that his father could not provide that same kind of security and comfort.

After the failed attempt to get his daughter married to the King of the Vail and take control of their army, King Richard went into what villagers called “a madman serenade” If the rumors said that he had lost his mind and his thirst for blood was as strong as ever, he would make sure to comply.

Richard brought the kingdom ruin, taking men out of their homes and putting them into training fields. He recruited the most fearless, sadistic men of the crow’s army and put them in charge of his new order. He lost his mind to the delusion that he will run all the kingdoms and turn them into an empire. And Ashton was almost about to uncover his plan when he was suddenly taken in the middle of the night and thrown in the dungeons like a dog.

Accused of treason and deprived of any contact with the outside and its people, Ashton swore he would not let his father win. He endured the tortures with a straight face, not saying a word to anyone that tried to pull something out of him. He spent countless nights without sleep, weeks without food, and days without water, all so that the cause and his sister could be safe.

He knew they would come for her eventually, he just hoped they had more time. Maybe he could’ve escaped by now and warned her, to make sure she and Calum are safe from the deathly grip of their father...

But instead, he was sitting in his cell once again, eyes fixed on the same spot on the wall as his lips were dry and sealed, even when the pain of the iron chains that rounded his ankles made him want to chop his limbs off. Feeling like a failure as he awaited his death. He has failed as a brother and as future King, and right now there was nothing he could do about it except listening to the thunder and the moaning of the other prisoners.

It was the dangling of the keys that caught his attention as it mixed with the sound of the heavy rain. He wondered if he was dreaming every time someone would come into the cell, hoping to wake up from the nightmare he was in, but they all made sure he lived through it. Never too much to kill him, but cruel enough to make him endure it.

“Diner,” The guard said in a monotonous tone and Ashton thought it was weird.

This guard never talked to him in a tone that held anything but pity and desperation, trying hard to win at least some kind of good reactions out of him even when the young Prince would lash out at him. Did he give up too?

Rian Dawson put the tray of food on the floor in front of the Prince. He was fidgeting with his hands, looking nervously at the door, almost as if he was afraid someone might come in at any minute, and Ashton noticed it but didn’t say a word.

“Eat!” Dawson demanded a bit too loud, but he wasn’t looking at Ashton, instead, his gaze moved nervously through the door and the tray.

Still, firm and stubborn as always, Ashton did not move or say anything, not wanting to give the guards the satisfaction of seeing him weak. But at the same time, he knew that the moment he put that piece of bread in his mouth, he might not be able to hold it after so many days without eating properly.

“Your Grace…” The guard then whispered, looking at Ash with a pleading gaze “Please…”

Ashton furrowed his brows. It was not normal for a guard or a crow to be this nervous around him anymore, and he did not trust it. After all, this was the same guard that would come every now and then to change his chains; heal the wounds just enough so that they don’t get an infection; and take him to his next torture. Why did he seem so desperate now?

“Please, I beg of you, Your Highness. Just-” He continued to whisper, but got cut short when a new set of dangling keys could be heard along the hallway “Shit”

“Dawson! What the hell are you doing?!” The Commander asked, standing right outside the Prince’s cell, and, once again, Ashton did not move a muscle to acknowledge him.

“They ordered me to get the traitor dinner, My Lord!” Rian said loudly, standing tall and ignoring Ashton altogether “But it seems like he would rather starve than be useful for once!”

His tone did not convince Ashton in the slightest since he could see through the lie. But it must’ve not been the same for the Commander who started to laugh.

“Let him starve, then!” He said “Before he dies we would have to feed him forcefully until the King says enough. Then he could rot all he wants. Come, Dawson! You are needed on the training field”

And with that, the Commander walked away, but Rian only allowed himself to breathe once the sound of the keys could not be heard over the thunder.

“Your Highness,” He said calmly as before, still keeping his eyes on the door as he started to walk out “Please, please eat. For RoseWood”

Ashton heard the cell door close again and the heavy footsteps disappear in the hallway. Then, his hazel eyes shifted to the tray that contained a piece of old bread and a cup of water. His narrowing gaze suddenly became wide open as his head snapped towards the direction of the door, waiting for any sounds besides the thunder that could indicate someone’s coming.

His heart was beating loudly inside his chest as he leaned forward, placing one hand on the dusty, musky floor, trying to see if he could support himself with his arms without making too much noise with the shackles that imprisoned him.

Slowly, Ashton started to crawl, biting on his tongue to not let out any noise as the pain of his wounded wrist shook through his whole body with every little step he made with his hands until finally, he reached the tray.

With shaky hands, the Prince of Roses opened the bread in half; eyes immediately watering as he had to prevent himself from letting out a cheerful and hopeful sob when he saw the piece of parchment hidden in the crumbs.

“Help is on the way. Let the true ruler of RoseWood be seen again - The Knights of Roses”

*

*

Y/N fell to her knees, hiding her face on a bucket as Calum held her hair place soothing movements onto her back with the palm of his hand. It was the third time today, the movement of the waves and the worry set on the pit of her stomach made everything fuzzy and revolving, making her throw up on an empty stomach.

“Love?” Calum asked, wincing as she started to cough through the tears “Y/N, it’s okay”

“It’s not okay, it’s disgusting” She cried, wiping her face with a cloth.

They were kneeling on the floor of their cabin on the Kaleidoscope, the same one they got when they were just arriving at the Crimson Islands. But what once was an exciting, frightening, and adventurous trip, has now turned mournful and dreadful as they made their way to The Vail’s coast.

Two days ago King Alex received a letter addressed to the Princess of Roses, sent by none other than King Luke Hemmings from The Vail, claiming that her brother had been captured and imprisoned by their father, who was now starting to prepare for a war to reclaim all Kingdoms to himself.

Y/N and Calum stood there in shock and tears as they read the letter over and over again, desperately wanting to make all of this just another bad dream. But the nightmare was not over, in fact, it seemed like it was just barely getting started.

King Alex gathered a small crew and together with the couple from RoseWood, wasted no time in preparing a trip to meet with the King of the Vail and his advisor, Sir Michael.

“We cannot let that madman win,” The King said “Say the word, Princess Y/N, and we’ll fight by your side. Anything you two may need, I will gladly provide. I am at your service, Your Highness”

And with that, the Princess and the Stable Lad ended up on the Kaleidoscope again with Captain Merrick; his crew; a few other soldiers; and a few volunteers. Ready to sail and get to The Vail where other rulers are gathering to decipher a plan of attack if Richard won’t back down.

But all this stress; worry; fear and sorrow was too much of a shock for Y/N and Calum even though they tried to hide it from each other. This was not a simple game of sneaking around in the woods, this was a life or death situation with Ashton’s life hanging on a thread if they don’t hurry, that is, if he’s still alive.

“Do you want me to get you anything?” Calum asked once her breathing had calmed down, softly rubbing her back.

“A glass of scotch could be nice” She grumbled, getting up with Calum’s help as she sat back on the bed.

“Are you sure you’re allowed to drink?” Her husband asked carefully, sitting beside her as he held her hand.

Y/N furrowed her brows at him, trying to decipher the meaning behind the gleam in his eyes until it finally hit her.

“I’m not with child, Calum”

“How do you know?” He shrugged, placing a hand on Y/N’s stomach “You were not sick on our first trip to the Isles. And the Maester said-”

“The Maester doesn’t have a uterus,” She shook her head with a glimpse of a smile drawing in her lips “And even so, I know my body. It is not time yet, love. And, dare I say, if my father manages to win… it might never be”

Calum pressed his lips in a thin line, nodding at her words as he moved his hand from her stomach to cradle her hand once more.

“The time will come,” He smiled softly at her “Whenever you’re ready, and probably in years to come, it will be perfect. But, as of right now, my rose, I don’t think a glass of scotch is going to do you any favors”

She rolled her eyes lovingly at him, smiling as she said “How do you know? You’re not a healer”

“Nope, but I’m a guy whose friends would drink themselves to death and ended up exactly where you are right now” He chuckled, getting up from the bed and placing a soft kiss on her forehead “And I’m a husband who wants to take care of his wife, not make her sicker”

“Sometimes I hate that you’re a good husband” She pouted

“I can live with that,” He smiled, caressing her face with the back of his hand. “I’ll get you a beverage, though. I know Zach keeps some for the crew that get seasick”

“I love you,” She said through a sigh “Wish I could kiss you”

“Well…”

“Don’t even think about it, Hood. Get me the beverage and some mint leaves with lemon first”

Calum chuckled, “As you wish”

The stable lad exited the room with a faint smile that quickly disappeared when he closed the door. He hated seeing Y/N sick and he knew that the waves were just an added factor to all the turmoil she must be going through. He knows his wife; he knows she’s hiding all the pain she’s not allowing herself to feel. And he also knows that the stubbornness of his princess is strong and she would never admit it.

It’s all his fault, he thought as he walked towards the main cabin. He couldn't help but feel that he took part in sealing Ashton’s fate even though there was nothing they could’ve done at the moment. They needed to keep Y/N safe, no matter the cost. But why should Ashton pay for the crimes Calum committed by loving her? It should’ve been him the one sitting in the cell, not the only family Y/N has left; not the only family that loved her.

She’s already lost so much; her homeland, her mother, and now Ashton… She didn’t deserve any of it and Calum was more than determined to help her bring him back, no matter what it takes. They will not let Richard win.

He walked up to the deck, already making plans inside his head to let the guilt die down for a second as he concentrated on getting Y/N’s health back to normal when his pace was cut short by someone who purposely stood in front of him.

“Good morning, my Lord. Won’t you say we’re having such a splendid morning, today?”

There was something on Jack’s smile that made Calum want to punch it, something mocking yet sinister that hid something that he just couldn’t figure out.

At first, they couldn’t believe he volunteered for the trip, having just got to the Isles and finding a role in the court. He seemed too eager to go back to the Vail and help them defeat the King of RoseWood, saying it would be an honor to serve the Princess on whatever she would need. And even Y/N had to admit that was a bit off, but they needed all the help they could get.

Still, Calum did not trust him. And after he told Y/N about what happened back on the training grounds of the palace, she also started to distrust the man going by Jefferson. So his presence here brought more questions than reassurances.

“How’s the Princess doing?” Jack, also known as Sir Jefferson, asked; leaning over one of the masts with a glint in his eyes as he looked up and down Calum’s body.

Calum didn’t even try to hide his feelings towards him anymore as his hard, brown eyes stared at him with annoyance.

“My wife’s health is none of your business, Sir. Now, if you’ll excuse me”

But at the same time he took a step forward, so did Jack.

“Ouch,” He said ironically, “Thought you would be more thankful, my Lord. After all, isn’t your brother-in-law we are talking about here?”

Calum bluntly ignored him as he walked past the crow, bumping his shoulders as he did. Jack smirk, for his plan of railing up the stable lad, was working and he was also having fun with it, making it a personal challenge so for when the time comes to let all the truth come to shove, at least the fighting will be interesting. So he followed him.

“Who would’ve thought it would come to this?” He said, walking alongside Calum “A mad King, a Prince held hostage… Only, that’s all we know. Maybe things at RoseWood are more interesting”

Calum ignored him, pushing through the crowded deck to get to the Captain’s cabin. Jack’s voice became white noise as he tried to get the medicine he needed and then go back to his wife waiting for him at the other side of the ship. But then…

“Think of how this would’ve never happened if you never left. Or maybe things are finally working out for you”

Jack smirked at the way the stable lad stopped in the middle of his tracks, but quickly hid it the moment he turned around as the crow greeted him with a faux-innocent look of concern.

“Is everything alri-”

“What did you just say?”

Calum was fuming. The hair on the back of his neck rose in anger as a chill ran down his back when he heard those words. His fists were clenched to the sides, knuckles turning white from the grip as he dug his nails into his palms, reminding him to not lose his temper as they stood right at the entrance of the cabin’s hallway.

A shadow hid most of Jack’s face and Calum could swear he saw him smile for even just a second before his voice became soft as he said:

“I’m just saying that if you had stayed in RoseWood then maybe the Prince would not be in the dungeons, am I wrong for assuming that?” He said, furrowing his brows almost as if he didn’t understand why Calum could be mad about it “Royals can be tough, but you knew that before getting involved with the Princess, I assume. And then running away with her… Seemed like a poorly executed plan that started in chaos and, like most things, would probably end in chaos. Unless that’s the plan all along”

“What the fuck do you mean by that?”

Jack gasped, placing a hand over his heart as he blinked at Calum “That language, my Lord, very aggressive”

Calum grabbed the crow by the lapels of his clothing, pushing him against the wall.

“Cmon,” Calum said with his face only inches away from Jack’s “Say what you must, if you dare”

The crow let out a small, sarcastic laugh “Oh, my lord. Was I wrong to assume how this could benefit you? Don’t you think is a little suspicious? Father gets mad, you marry the daughter and then suddenly the prince disappears… Who gets the throne once it’s all said and done? Now that’s a story worth telling, don’t you think?”

Calum’s eyes filled with rage as he banged Jack’s head against the wooden walls, knowing that people might be watching. But he could not let go of that offense as if it was nothing. How could he think that he could do that to Ash? To Y/N?!

“You don’t know shit of what happened,” He said through gritted teeth “You don’t know what we went through, what she went through. You don’t know our story so don’t pretend like you do and start assuming on other people’s lives”

“Calm down, my friend,” Jack said, trying to defuse the tension. “Maybe I’m mistaken but I’m just saying what everyone else is thinking already”

“What?”

“Don’t tell me you haven’t thought about it, too? What does Y/N say about it?”

“What are you talking about?!” Calum demanded in hushed tones, gripping tightly onto Jack’s lapels and making him hit his head on the wooden wall behind him again, but the crow didn’t even flinch as a glimmer set in his eyes, sending chills down Calum’s spine.

“Oh, may the gods bless your foolish heart, Calum” The crow sympathized. “I knew Y/N would be too kind to let you borrow some of her burdens, but for you to be so clueless… Must be a blessing to walk around like that”

“Like what?” Calum was getting impatient.

“Like you didn’t cause all of this”

“My Lords? Is everything alright?” Captain Merrick’s voice came from the end of the hallway as he walked up to them.

Calum let go of Jack in an instant, too shocked by his words to say anything else as he looked at him with wide eyes and an expression that hid too many fears inside of it.

Jack, on the other hand, just smiled at the Captain “Everything’s fine, Captain. We were just having a friendly conversation, isn’t that right, Cal?” He patted Calum on the shoulder and walked away without saying anything else.

“My Lord?”

“I-I’m fine, Captain,” Calum said, blinking a couple of times to clear his thoughts “My- uh, My wife is feeling a little bit seasick, I was wondering if you could help me get her something to ease her stomach”

Zach smiled “Of course, my Lord! Come, I have exactly what she needs in my cabin”

Calum nodded, “Oh, and Zach?”

“Yes?”

“If you can,” He said, looking toward where the crow just disappeared “Don’t let that man go near our cabin nor near Y/N if I’m not there to stop him”

*

An echo passed through her ears as she stood in the empty hallway. How she got there, she didn’t know; but it all seemed so familiar, almost like a dream. Only she didn’t know if it was a nightmare.

The clanking of the chains could be faintly heard from miles away as the hallway seemed to have no end, blending into the darkness.

Y/N took in her surroundings, looking from left to right and finding not a soul that could tell her what was going on. The humidity of the walls started to cling to her skin, making it seem like her gown was becoming heavier and heavier the more time she spent standing on the cobblestoned floor.

Then, a small, faint light came from one of the rooms hidden in the hallway. A candlelight gleam illuminated her path of darkness as she felt compelled to it, feeling the need to follow it. So she did.

The closer she got to the light the more real things started to become. Y/N was starting to feel as if this was not a dream anymore, a memory perhaps? She could feel the warmth of the light gracing her cheeks with every step she could, and, if she paid enough attention, even the sound of laughter would brush her ears.

The laughs were heavy, grave and she guessed it must come from a group of men. They were laughing at something, yet she couldn’t see what just yet nor she could hear anything besides the laugh and a faint sound of a whip, thinking that maybe they were just messing with the horse’s equipment as the drunk guards used to do back at RoseWood; Calum always hated that but they were always nice enough to pay back whatever they might’ve broken.

Could she be back at the stables? Was her mind playing with a forgotten memory?

Still, the crackling of the whip grew louder and louder as well as the laughs that couldn’t hide it anymore. But that's all it was. A whip and laughter, nothing else. So why did her heart beat faster as she approached the slightly ajar door?

From the small crack, she witnessed a group of men dressed in black, a red rose embroidered in their chests as they carried the RoseWood symbol with pride. They were drunkenly laughing at something -or rather someone - that Y/N couldn’t see just yet. She examined the men’s faces and couldn’t recognize them as his father’s guards, they weren’t the guards from the woods nor any that you’ve met before.

Yet, they seemed to be having the time of their lives as one of them grabbed the leathered whip from the other’s hand, laughing as he swung it over his head until it crashed with a surface while the others started to count.

Trying to get a better view - or at least an idea of what was happening - Y/N pushed the door open just a crack, hoping none of the men realized as the wooden door squeaked against the cobblestone, luckily they were still entertained with what was happening at the other corner.

The first thing the Princess noticed once she got a clearer view was the blood. So much blood scattered around the room in little splashes, pooling down in the middle. She felt her whole body tremble, feeling sick just looking at it, remembering the last time she saw so much red when Calum was captured.

Still, she couldn’t look away. It was almost as if her eyes were glued to the gruesome scene, following a trail until it landed on a target.

Her eyes widened and filled with tears; a scream threatened to escape her throat as she covered her mouth with both her hands to silence it. Her knees started to buckle and she felt as if she could throw up all over again, completely horrified at what was in front of her.

With a manacle on each wrist, each hanging from opposite wooden pillars and keeping his arms open wide, unable to sit or to let his body fall from the physical trauma, stood Ashton with his back completely open and bloody.

In front of him stood a small, dirty mirror where Y/N could see how he could barely keep his eyes open anymore; biting on his lip with each crack of the whip, making him lean forward and letting the manacles cut his wrist when he did so. Still, he didn’t say a word as the guards kept counting and Y/N didn’t want to know how many rounds they got before she got there.

Ashton’s hair fell in front of his face, stuck in sweat and blood to his forehead as his face changed with every hit of pain, only adding to his anger.

“C’mon, lads!” One of the guards laughed “Gotta be a lot proper with the royals now, don’t we? Start the count again, and this time do it more… gently”

The guard stood up and handed his friend another leathered whip, the only difference was that this one held spikes at the end, making sure to cut through the skin at just a simple touch.

Y/N watched in horror at how her brother’s back arched as he bit down his tongue, barely even opening his eyes to glance at the small mirror hanging in front of him, and she could swear that just for a moment, his eyes met hers before receiving another blow.

Unable to stand it any longer, Y/N barged into the room, making all of the men stop what they were doing as they stared down at her with eyes filled with fear as the man threw the whip on the floor.

Without wasting a breath, she ran to Ashton’s side and stood in front of him, trying to wipe some of the blood out of his face. But before she could say anything, she noticed how her brother’s eyes changed and were now filled with rage directed at her.

“You did this,” He said through gritted teeth, spitting blood at Y/N’s cheek.

Shocked and scared, Y/N looked around the room and found it empty.

“What?” She asked out loud, looking over at Ashton who also disappeared in thin air.

Her breathing became elaborated as she searched the room, trying to find any evidence that someone was there. Yet, when she turned around all she could find was the mirror and a different set of eyes looking straight at her.

For in that moment, her reflection wasn’t hers; it was her father, looking back with a proud smirk at the monster she thought she was.

*

The sudden shake of the ship made her jolt awake, taking in her surroundings with wide-open eyes as she tried to remember the dream she just had.

Her mother used to say that dreams are made of people’s greatest desires and fears; they could come from a memory or a premonition of the future and should never be taken lightly, for a dream was just as important as a thought. Dreams are the thoughts we don’t dare to say out loud.

A chill ran down her spine as her father‘s eyes were engraved in her memory; so cruel, so proud… Was she like him in a way when she ran away, leaving the ones she loved behind? Taking the easy way out, would he have done the same?

The simple thought of that made her blood run cold. She was not cruel; she was not a monster. She did what she needed to do to survive and make sure that Calum was safe. She made the only choice she could make but, would everyone understand that? Or would they just see her as her father’s daughter?

The sheets shifted slightly as Y/N’s eyes finally landed on Calum, the only comfort she had. She ran a hand delicately through his shaved curls, thanking the gods that they allowed him to sleep peacefully at least for one night and that she didn’t wake him up with her nightmare. He’s been so restless lately, she just wished to share some of his grief with him. She already put him through a lot, he deserved some peace of mind and she wants nothing more than to be able to provide that for him; let them be just themselves like they were in the woods, away from all fears and terrors and villains… just two kids playing around with fairytales and horse rides, so in love and with nothing to fear.

After a while, it became obvious that Y/N couldn’t go back to sleep so easily. With a sigh, she got off the bed, kissed Calum’s temple as he started to lightly snore, and wrapped herself with her robe as she exited the cabin; looking for a distraction in the middle of the star-filled sea.

Y/N closed her eyes when the cold night breeze graced her face, making her hair fly as she walked barefoot through the deck. All members of the crew and the volunteers were sound asleep.

She got closer to the board, looking straight ahead at the vast sea as her fingers grip the wood of the rails. They were still a few days away from getting to The Vail and once they get there, they have to start their strategies, plan the trips, know how many people to take, embark on the journey… who know how long it’ll be till they reach RoseWood again, but they were determined to do so. She knows Luke and Michael won’t let her down and they’ll do everything they can to get Ashton back and her father out of the throne; she knows she could trust them.

“Can’t sleep, Your Highness?”

Y/N jumped at the sound of a voice coming from the shadows of the quarterdeck, placing a hand over her heart as she watched Sir Jefferson emerge from the dark corner, smiling kindly at her.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you, Princess” He apologized, raising his hands in defense.

“Maybe you should’ve thought about it before talking from the shadows” Y/N sighed, looking back at the sea “We never know if the person hiding there is a friend or a foe, Sir Jefferson”

“And where would you place me, Your Highness?” He asked, taking a step closer to her “Friend or foe?”

“Am I talking to the same man that hurt my husband in training? Then, I’m not sure”

“It was a friendly match,” Jack said, leaning over the board and placing his elbows on the wooden planks as he looked at the sea as well.

“A match is still a match. You were lucky it wasn’t a duel” Y/N rolled her eyes “Either way, I don’t particularly understand the need men have for violence. For practice and self-defense, I get it. But to draw blood from innocent people… Seems barbaric”

“It’s in our system,” He shrugged. “Men search for violence even when they claim peace. We all know our nature and how far we can go, trying to push it beyond those limits until we reach the glory at the end. Even the most compassionate of men could tell you about the temptations of power and blood, maybe by doing things they know it’s wrong just to have a little taste of what it feels like”

Y/N’s mind couldn’t help to wander over to Ashton again, on how he played a part in scattering crows around the kingdoms in order to favor their father. He said he didn’t know why, but he still went ahead and did it; and even though she believed him, she also wonders if he ever at least had a slight idea of what he was doing.

“And once a man gets a taste….” Jack continued, biting the inside of his cheek as he watched Y/N’s clouded eyes “It becomes part of him”

“That’s awful”

“But it’s true. We cannot escape who we are, no matter how much we try to run away from it. If it’s in our blood, then it’s fate’s design to follow it”

The crow noticed how, suddenly, Y/N’s eyes started to water as she hugged herself even tighter. And for a moment, just a slight moment as the moonlight graced her face, he felt pity for her.

“The sea is quiet tonight,” He said, changing the topic to spare the little Princess, at least for tonight.

“I don’t suppose it makes much noise anyway” She answered, quickly brushing away a stray tear that escaped her eye “It’s just water”

“Careful with your words, Princess” Jack smirked “Or they might hear”

“Who?”

“The mermaids”

Y/N furrowed her eyebrows “That’s a fairytale, Sir Jefferson”

“Only to those who refused to believe in them,” He said “My mother used to tell me these stories, about pirates and adventures, but her favorites were always about the women who hide in the deep ends of the ocean. The mermaids are the protectors of the seas. Some legends say that mermaids are women who’ve been thrown out of their ships as a sacrifice to the gods; others, that the creatures were created by the gods themselves as a punishment for those who wander without the purest of hearts. They seek vengeance and justice, luring people of all around the world with their voices and deceiving them as they make them fall in love with fake promises and lust, sinking them into the sea with them. And, once they’ve realized they can’t breathe anymore, that’s when they show their true form. It’s a lesson, I suppose”

“Of what?”

“Never trust the beauty unless you can see the soul behind the eyes,” Jack said seriously, looking at Y/N “There are horrible people out there, Princess, hiding in their pretty clothes and all their riches, thinking they know it all just because they have it all. But no one is sinless, they know what they did”

The wind blew strangely, whistling through the sails as Y/N took in his words. No one is pure of sins, but could they ever repent them? She wrapped herself tighter in her robe, watching the crow’s back attentively as his eyes wandered over to the water, humming to himself an old siren’s song.

“My heart is pierced by Cupid

I disdain all glittering gold

There is nothing can console me

But my jolly sailor bold”

His voice was deep and rough as he sunk into a memory, thinking about his mother and all that was taken from him for people like the King; they always have it all yet they don’t care about their people, going on about their lives celebrating meaningless accomplishments as their people die on the streets. If he could get some of that power; if he could make them pay… And he will, by the gods he will.

Jack became no one of many names throughout his life, fighting to be the best in everything he does so when the moment comes, everyone will scream out his name in glory and gore.

“It’s getting late, Princess,” He said after a while, turning his head toward her “You should go back to bed”

Y/N’s lips parted as she stared at him; his eyes held something deeper than just a memory, they were cold and somewhat cruel as he looked at her, but only for a second as his signature smile was back on his face in the blink of an eye, making her wonder if she’d just imagined the familiarity of that glare.

“We still have a long way to The Vail, and around this time of year their days tend to be longer, so there won’t be much resting once we get there” He smiled.

Y/N nodded “You seem to know a lot about The Vail, Sir Jefferson. Have you ever been there before?”

Jack nodded with a sigh as he pointed to the scar on his left eye “Fearless warriors, they say. I have to admit they were right”

“They are a peaceful Kingdom and have been for decades” The Princess questioned him “Their King is one of the kindest souls I know, and to my knowledge, they only use violence for training and nothing more since the wars are over. I still don’t understand how you managed to get that scar on a Kingdom with people like that”

“Well, appearances can be deceiving, Your Highness. You just never know who to trust” Jack said gravely, gracing his eyes to the floor before looking up at her again “But that might be a story for another day, you should get some sleep”

“I don’t think I can, really,” Said the Princess “But that shouldn’t keep you up, my Lord. I’ll be fine”

Truth was, Y/N was still pretty shaken from her nightmare and the words from Sir Jefferson, feeling a sense of warning running through her mind. For some reason, she didn’t feel safe and was relieved when Jack seemed to understand and nod.

“Perhaps I have something that could help you, Princess,” He said, reaching into one of the pockets of his jacket and pulling out a folded handkerchief “I always carry some with me, just in case”

Jack opened the small piece of fabric revealing a couple of dry leaves on it.

“It helps you sleep,” He said with a smile “You just have to put them in water, cold or hot, and drink it after ten minutes. Works like a charm, or at least that’s what my mother used to say and I never found any fails to that logic”

Y/N smiled kindly, taking a couple of leaves in her hands as she looked at them, furrowing her brows just slightly.

“Are you certain this would help?”

“Extremely”

She nodded, “Thank you, Bernard”

He smiled at her one last time before she turned around and hurried to her cabin once again, speeding up the pace once she was out of sight from the decks, opening up the heavy wooden door and locking it instantly as her breathing became heavy and beams of sweat started to cover her face.

With heavy hands, she went to the small desk in the room, sitting in the chair and lighting up the candle; wasting no time in grabbing a leaf and burning it.

From the moment she saw them she knew what they were, she remembers seeing them in one of the Maester’s lessons.

“This is called La Torture De Méduse, an ancient poisonous leaf that causes a complete body paralysis, starting from the legs, then the torso and the arms, and lastly, the brain and the rest of the organs. All without the victim knowing since it makes the poor soul who ingested it fall into a deep slumber as their bodies die slowly. One can literally become stone, hence the name of this vile creation of the gods. Luckily, it is easy to identify if you notice the little green dots on the petiole and midrib. Do not ever go near them and if you do…”

Destroy them.

And that’s exactly what Y/N was doing as she watched the second leaf burn into ashes. Her mind was running a thousand kilometers per hour, trying to find an excuse for Sir Jefferson who so kindly and so naively, gave the leaves to her. He said that it helped him sleep, but these could not be the same leaves he talked about. If he ever drank the beverage created with them, then he should be dead already.

Unless he knew exactly what he did by giving her the leaves, expecting to receive the news of her untimely death the next morning when Calum finds her cold next to him. But why would he do that to her? They barely know one another and she has done nothing to wrong him. Nothing made any sense...

“Rose?” Calum’s voice alerted Y/N as she pulled the leaf away from the fire, letting it fall with the remaining others onto the desk “What are you doing, my love?”

She hesitated to answer. She couldn’t lie to him, but at the same time, she didn’t want to accuse an innocent until she got further proof of his wrongdoings, afraid she’ll become like her father.

If she tells Calum about the leaves and what they do, he will kill Jack with no hesitation and he’ll be sent to trial again, only this time he might serve time for real or worse: he’d be sentenced for murder. The law does not care if it was in self-defense, as far as the court will know, Jack never intended to hurt the Princess and it might’ve been just an honest mistake. And Y/N was not ready to lose Calum again.

“I couldn’t sleep,” She tells him a half-truth, leaving what happened with Jack aside “Thought I could use some air and then I came back here”

Calum rolled to his side, watching her with sad, understanding eyes “I know how difficult this must be for you, my rose. And I wish I could take some of that pain away from your eyes and hide it somewhere where you’ll never see or feel it again in your life. But all I can offer you is the promise that I’ll be here through it all with you, my love, we’ll be home soon”

“You’re my home, Cal,” She said “You’ve always been my home”

“Then come back to bed and let me hold you,” He said softly “Let us fight these nights together and share our mornings hand in hand. You’re not alone in this, my rose”

“And neither are you”

He beckoned her with his head and she smiled softly at him, turning around to blow out the candle and hide the remaining leaves on the pocket of her stash without him noticing it, promising herself to get to the bottom of it soon.

Calum wrapped his arms around her waist as he pulled her close, kissing her forehead as she laid on his chest with her head tucked under his chin.

“You’re the strongest person I know, Y/N” He whispered against her hair as his fingers drew figures on her back.

“Only because I have you with me,” She answered, kissing the side of his neck “I love you, Cal. Please, never leave me”

“Not in this life or the next, my love” He replied, drifting to sleep again with her chest pressed against his “Not in this life or the next”

Still, with Calum fast asleep next to her, Y/N could not phantom getting back to her dreams as she watched the moon disappear into the sea through their small porthole, hoping that the sirens would hear her pray and lure her to sleep in the midst of a dreamless sea.

*

*

tags: @iknowyouthinkimbulletproof @mystic-232 @talksoprettyjjx @theshyspy @hoodhoran @flaneurcth @conversecake @bubblegum18 @irwin-fletcher-ash @just-here-to-escape-from-reality @1980holland @wiiildflowerrr @hoplessromantic727 @fivesecondsofonedirection @another-lonely-heart @aabc5sauce @dudethisiswhyyoudonthavefriends @fakebetch9694 @5sos-imagine @SunflowerAngel2123 @perfectnouis @in-superbloom @lukeisstillapenguin @sadcupofcoffee @superstarmarvel @personalmuyverypersonal @cnco.angels @vtte @as-hs-blog @himbohood @sofiaaraee @irwindoll @lolzkye @weasleytwinscumslut @ashtonsunflower @nicebasscalum @calumspupils @secretsicanthideanymore @the-ghost-of-ash @alltimepogue @wontlastimokwiththat t @ttinahood @lukespitinmymouth @perfectnouis @cncoangelss @darrensos @whywontyoulovemecami @itwouldburnupintheatmosphere @yeah-and69 @fckingpernico @multistann @averageantichrist @a-darneddarling @tpwkcth @f-mu @kindahumanbutalsoinsane @floweronyourskin @ihavenoideawhattodowithyou @bittersweetb4by @aria-grace-scott @thestarsandtheircoffee @bvbygxrl @luisa180206 @xxxlaura @iamdayanaz

[ardenatkins]

PANIC 01. THE JUMP

tagging → @rosiekang , @theduchampboy , @peteverona 

location → 4th of july, dead man’s quarry

notes → *insert i am no longer baby i want power meme*

Back in her neck of the woods Arden had always been propped up as an example. Used to try to shame other south side kids out of getting involved in unsavory acts or falling into a life of crime. She’d had shitty parents who neglected her to go party, and drink, and bet what little money they had for fun. In fact, they had fucked around so much that she had almost found herself becoming part of the system had her dad not racked up so many gambling debts he had to flee town in order not to end up dead in a ditch somewhere. And even after that it had taken her mom so long to sober up, get a job, and stop finding herself down in the dumps over the loss of the man who had sent her into her downward spiral for her to become the stable parental figure that Arden needed her to be. And despite all that she always managed to persevere.

That had never really sat right with the blonde. Pitting kids who were already looked down on by society against each other. Making them compete for opportunities instead of creating more for those who could really make something of themselves. And that was how a lot of the people she had grown up with, people with even bigger hopes and dreams, ended up down less desirable roads. Every opportunity she got was one less for someone else who wanted it. There was a deeply rooted guilt in her the day that realization first hit but still she continued fighting. Even when it cost her friendships, from people who ultimately thought she didn’t deserve it.

Still, that little girl who had grew up with nothing had a plan. She aimed to make sure that in the future she would never have to want for anything ever again. So she worked her ass off reading, learning, getting involved in as many things as she could to become a well rounded person. She worked so hard that she managed to get a scholarship to Rosewood Academy and later to Ravenwood. She joined pageants and was getting enough exposure that her dreams of becoming a broadcast journalist seemed more achievable by the day. After such a long journey it felt like things were finally starting to look up.

Until the day they finally didn’t.

Her reasons for taking part in the games was pretty cut and dry. She decided to join because like a lot of her south side friends she really needed the money. Whether she needed it more or less than anyone wasn’t her place to say. Everyone had things they needed, things they wanted, or debts that needed to be paid. But what mattered most to Arden was her own family’s situation. It had been a couple of years since her family’s trailer had burned to the ground and they still hadn’t been able to financially recover. Looking back on that day the way every emergency service worker who had arrived at the scene of the accident reassured her that they had got off lucky now felt like a slap in the face. Of course she was thankful that they had all made it out alive but they had all been miserable since.

Her mother spent months in the hospital recovering from all the the burns inflicted from the accident, accumulating a pile of bills that to this day they could only dream of making a dent in. Her grandmother was also at the age that she wasn’t fit to work either. And they still couldn’t scrounge together enough to get a permanent residence, instead paying routinely for a two bed motel room they all barely fit in. And most of the burden of managing that now fell on Arden.

If she was ever going to find her way out of this situation she needed to win Panic. It was her last hope.

As she waited around for her turn to jump she continuously talked herself in and out of going through with it. That was until she caught her co-workers, jump. Watching Pete pull a whole serenade out of his ass, when in all the years they had worked together she could barely get him to hold a conversation with her, and Trevor, doing what he did best and showing off like the pain in the ass he was enough to hit the final nail on the head. All her life she had fought for what she wanted. And at some point she had lost sight of that fight. She had let that edge of hers soften in order to appease others, or to make herself more likable. But no way was she going to just sit by and watch someone else get something she wanted more than anything she ever wanted.

It was a little unnerving how the the blaring music and loud ruckus of the crowd that had gathered for the jump quickly began dissipating the further she made her trek up the cliff. The higher off the ground floor she got the quieter it became, to the point that all she could hear was the sound of the wind and her own heartbeat ringing in her ears; the speed of it and the blood rushing to her head there to remind her that what they were doing here wasn’t normal. With her mind on so many things and her gaze focused solely on her destination she wasn’t paying attention to the ground below her. And because of that soon found herself tripping over a hole in the ground, face planting into the dirt. So much for her pageant grace working out for her in the end. Rosie would probably have something to say with that display once she found out later.

She stood up quickly, ignoring the string of the scrapes left on her knees and the stray taunt here and there from random hecklers who wanted to scare her out of continuing, finishing her walk with her head held high. She refused to keep her head down ever again, even to look down at the quarry she was about to jump into. Lighting her flare and shouting her name loud and proud, she leaped forward.

It wouldn’t be the flashiest display. But the jump itself would at least put her on the board.

Let that serve as a reminder that she was here to play.

[plumblossomkun]

 CHAPTER ONE OUT NOW (check my master list; I will connect the link later): HARANA, A NA JAEMIN FIC (FT. LEE JENO) A/N: just the intro/teaser to this fic while i work on plum blossom and imagine that. please note there is no smut in this don’t freak out thanks Synopsis: In which Na Jaemin is one of those smoky-eyed up-and-comings, and you are just another girl waiting tables at the club he regularly performs at. But his dangerous eyes linger in your dreams and his friend Lee Jeno spends the nights dancing with you and neither of them want to leave this town without the taste of your lips on theirs. HARANA: {filipino} to woo a girl by serenading her. “Jaemin, what are you looking at?” Jeno yawns, dragging his fingers through his honey-blonde hair. In a baby pink suit, collarbones peeking out and his jaw like chiseled stone, he looks like a 18+ Valentine’s Day card come to life. He bares his teeth in a facsimile of a smile, framing his face with his hands. “I look good.” “Yeah,” the other man, Jaemin, replies, running a thumb over his lips absentmindedly. His rose-gold hair falls across his brow, barely hiding the glow of blue lenses on his pupils. His mouth twists into a smirk so that he, too, looks dangerous, though the black leather jacket, white shirt, and faded jeans reveal far less skin. “But…” Jeno follows his gaze over to the girl who leans over the bar across the room from them. Surely the pleated skirt brushing her thighs are not up to dress code– or at least, too high for it. Against the dark polish of the rosewood, and under the faint gold lighting of the glass-tiled walls, he can see that her skin is soft and faintly tanned. Her hair falls dark brown and straight to her waist, but she does not turn their way to reveal her face. He regrets not having looked earlier. He wraps an arm around his friend, pulling him closer so only the two of them can hear his words. “Pretty girls don’t always have substance.” Jaemin laughs, squeezing Jeno’s hand. Even when his expression settles, his cupid’s bow lips retain a half-smile. “Maybe not.”  feedback is welcome, ily ♥

[rafaelafranzen]

(This is entirely unrelated to Good Omens, so feel free to scroll on. But, I read @drawlight’s love songs to the two cities he’s lived in and the idea and format of serenading a city and place just clung to me and wouldn’t let go until I sat down with a word processor. I meant to write three shorter pieces - this one here, one about London, and another about a couple of coastal regions I’ve been to in the UK, but this one just kept going, so I’m saving the others for another day, mayhaps.) 

A love song to Singapore (a city of “and yet”s, an acquiesced home)

I know you. You and your concrete and glass, you with your cutting edge. You with your perpetual summer. Your hot and wet. Your hot and dry. Your hot and hot. Your cool kiss of air-conditioning curling from the entryway of every mall, that permeates every office. Your pull of shade languid under each five-foot walkway, the never-quite escape from the stick of sweat that clings like a second skin. Your own personal welcome to an island two degrees north of the equator.

You are so good at hardware. You bend metal and glass and concrete into seagoing sails a-billow, into dry docked boats marooned atop three towering plinths, into spiked fruit with a thousand panes of refraction. Between and beside tembusus, and angsanas and sagas take root, so people have to guess which came first, the garden or the city. (The answer is yes.) You’ve carved forests and waterfalls inside of these bodies of concrete and glass. Filled our airport with the flutter of butterflies by the hundred. Stuck them side-by-side with Muji, Shake Shack and Vans to keep us guessing.

You’re all very well. Yes, all shiny and new. You never let anyone see the bits that aren’t. (Until someone published a book about the bits we’ve tuned out. The bits that fell through the cracks. A national bestseller. Over 20,000 copies in less than a year). Your blueprints are meticulous, but your software development chugs, always a revision behind. This code that lives between pages, proclaimed from black-box stages, left held between sealed lips and balanced on tips of tongues. The wary voices that quiet when The One speaks for the people. Saying we are not ready. (If so, riddle me this – when, how, if, will we ever be ready?). These bits and bytes that live sight unseen, the sparkling spirits shrouded amongst the pack-huddled ghosts, moving as one. Don’t you want them to shine too?

And yet I’ve kicked ping pong balls along your corridors when we were too little and too poor for soccer balls (not even plastic ones). You’ve never let me worry about lounging or leaving the house with naught but a t-shirt, shorts and a pair of flip flops no matter the time of year with a promise of nothing worse than a bit of sunlick and a pinch of damp. Your ports are my gateway to Asia, and my runway to places yet further-flung. Your stage is the one I strode across in robes of navy and crimson, and your institutions were the ones who armed me with tools enough to set out upon the wide world.

And yet you are the harbor to which the world comes. These docked boats from far-flung seas with their cargo of wonders. The flock of violins that have come to roost, bowing in time to the trill of woodwinds, the rosewood-deep vibrato of the Chinese pipa’s steel strings, and sharp resounding patter and thwack of the Indian tabla, all singing under the same roof. These migratory birds that have settled and bade us speak in a language of four tongues picked apart and mashed into an arrangement that could only be yours. Your gravitational pull that’s brought everyone from the Wooster Group, to Andrew Lloyd Webber, the Bolshoi Ballet, U2, Carol Ann Duffy and Neil Gaiman to visit our shores, so we can, for a space of time, bask in the light of something other than the sun.

And yet you’re a mecca of $2 Michelin starred soy chicken noodles. Morning coconut-jam butter toast with runny eggs swirled into a mess of brown and yellow, slurped from the steel of a teaspoon. Steamed rice cake topped with radish relish. Carrot cake, fried in a wok, with no carrots of which to speak, garnished with spring onions and eaten with chopsticks. Yellow egg noodles in sweet potato, peanut, shrimp and curry gravy. Ghee griddled flatbreads with curry and sugar. Cantonese Dim Sum, Japanese Tonkatsu and Italian Antipasti side-by-side, take-your-pick. If you could measure the yearning of being away in raised chopsticks and waiting spoons, we are some of the most homesick people in the world.

And yet you are the city where I know every street and shore. Where the river always flows. Where it’s a place that will stay within me wherever I choose to go.

This is why: And yet (despite the heat, and the concrete and software too) you are home.

(with lines from the last couple of paragraphs from Dick Lee’s Home, a popular national song. I did not mean, in using it, to come off as patriotic by any stretch of the imagination, but the words fit, somehow, as this country has come to fit within me, with all it’s jags and anxiety beneath it’s polished surface).

Several landmarks are mentioned here, each wonders of architecture, if you’re so inclined to look: The Sail, Marina Bay Sands, Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay, Jewel @ Changi Airport.

[lennoncarroll]

i k n o w i ain’t a saint… if it ain’t TOO LATE — an update on holden carroll. ( original bio here. )

as soon as finals were finished and all his things were stored at his grandma’s, holden carroll embarked on an adventure. a road trip, consisting of his guitar, himself and a tank full of gas. from rosewood, il. to wherever he felt like going. it was something that he had wanted to do for a while, especially since the situation in rosewood was a bit too stuffy since learning and finally, understanding his father’s past addictions and subsequent relapses. it was something that took time to understand and most importantly, something that made him wonder why on earth would he reveal these sort of things in a book but he didn’t question it. he was still his dad, regardless of any havoc and chaos he may caused when he was younger and he was glad — more so, relieved that the elder was healthy and on the right track of his life. but this impromptu road trip led to a few songs being penned and maybe some about a girl that’s been on his mind for a while. it was an amazing experience until he got home to new york and earned a well-prepared lecture from his mother that he couldn’t even tell you what half of it was about. however, now that he’s spent countless of summers in the one place he knows that does it well, he’s trying to see what rosewood brings to the table and if it’s actually worth what everyone’s talking about.

the people that know me best — phonebook:

cliff alexander: best friend since forever. loves him like a brother. would be his boyfriend if naomi didn’t beat him to it. whoops.

his contact name in holden’s phone is the big red dog it’s really bae 💕 and his ringtone is the theme song from clifford the big red dog (because it’s still necessary).

aubree “bree” lim-devereaux: his something if they both believed in labels. she’s really cute and he likes her, a lot. to the point where his dorky ass has dedicated half of his social media to her — much to some people’s annoyance.

her contact name in holden’s phone is bree 💖 and her ringtone is “my favorite part” by mac miller (feat. ariana grande).

bennett myers: holden’s smoke buddy and the person he usually does dumb shit with. both should be banned for an eternity from st. elmo’s after the last few incidents that have happened late at night.

his contact name in holden’s phone is bro his ringtone is “crew love (feat. the weeknd)” by drake.

naomi curtis: tbh, a real one. always will be. she’s like his sister — she actually is, though. don’t question that. hersquo;s convinced that she could kick his ass if she ever wanted to. cares about her a lot more than he does for most people.

her contact name in holden’s phone is queen naomi 👑and her ringtone is “phresh off the runway” by rihanna.

fox levenstein: thanks to their parents’ being good friends, it’s no wonder how and why these two are trying their hand at friendship themselves. besides, when holden found out about the dude’s name, he thought it was an automatic in to the start of their friendship. sometimes stops by the radio station to annoy him.

his contact name in holden’s phone is the 🦊 emoji and his ringtone is “the fox (what does the fox say?)” by ylvis.

carol anne vogel: makes a comment about her hair 9/10 times. likes messing with her a lot. nearly witnessed her jump a guy at a coffee shop once #funtimes. thinks she’s pretty cool, regardless.

her contact name in holden’s phone is ramona flowers 🌸 and her ringtone is “paris” by the 1975.

a little blue bird told me once… — tweets & such.

@holdencarroll: [to the tune of reflection] who is that girl i see… taking some ecstasy?? #theseindustrypartiesareWILD

@holdencarroll: apparently.. there’s a vid of me drunk serenading a pizza slice but i don’t recall ??

@holdencarroll: charlie keeps asking about @aubreelimdevereaux after spending the entire day with her… TODAY.

@holdencarroll: i don’t know what i want for my birthday. stop asking.

@holdencarroll: do you say that i’m a sweetheart? do you say that i’m a freak? 🤔

[bluemoon1331]

And finally, for the start of Halloween, a little something for the Blood Moon lovers! An alternative to Scarlet Masquerade, introducing Rosewood's Serenade!

[tourguideexpert-blog-blog]

The 6 Best Hotels in Los Cabos for a Honeymoon - Wanderable: Honeymoon Travel, Tips, and Advice

New Post has been published on https://travelqia.com/trending/the-6-best-hotels-in-los-cabos-for-a-honeymoon-wanderable-honeymoon-travel-tips-and-advice/

The 6 Best Hotels in Los Cabos for a Honeymoon - Wanderable: Honeymoon Travel, Tips, and Advice

Los Cabos is one of Mexico’s most picturesque and popular honeymoon destinations.

Along the Corredor Turistico, a highway that stretches from Cabo San Lucas to San Jose del Cabo, you’ll find world-class resorts, which are popular among wealthy tourists, honeymooners, and celebrities.

Read on for our top hotel picks for a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon getaway to Los Cabos, Mexico.

Courtesy of Las Ventanas al Paraíso, a Rosewood Resort

Las Ventanas al Paraíso, a Rosewood Resort – The name translates to “window to paradise,” which is exactly the feeling you get upon checking into your spacious suite or villa, each with a private patio. The resort takes romance seriously: There’s an entire department dedicated to the art of love. Whether you book a live musical serenade, surprise your spouse by cooking him/her dinner (under the supervision of a talented Las Ventanas chef), or take a sunset horseback ride down the beach, your stay is guaranteed to be unforgettable.

One&Only Palmilla, Los Cabos – There are a few reasons why celebs like Jennifer Anniston and Ryan Seacrest are regulars at Palmilla: The butler service is top-notch, two of the restaurants are helmed by celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, and the resort also has direct access to Playa Palmilla, one of Cabo’s few swimming beaches.

Courtesy of The Resort at Pedregal

The Resort at Pedregal – It’s impossible not to soak in the relaxing honeymoon vibes at a resort where every room and suite features an infinity-edge plunge pool, perfect for daily dips out on your private terrace overlooking the ocean. Other highlights include: treatments inspired by Mexican folk healing at the Luna y Mar spa, the carved-into-the-rocks El Farallón restaurant, and walkable accessibility to downtown Cabo San Lucas, accessed via the hotel’s private tunnel entrance.

Hotel El Ganzo – This unique boutique hotel opened in 2013 and continues to stand out with its artsy offerings. There are in-house artists, performances by world-renowned musicians, and weekly movie nights on the roof. Located at Puerto Los Cabos, the hotel has a rare swimmable beach, two pools (including a rooftop infinity pool), four restaurants, and a spa. Rooms are cool and comfortable and each comes with either an ocean or marina view.

Courtesy of Esperanza, an Auberge Resort

Esperanza, an Auberge Resort – Design-conscious and outdoorsy couples will want to make Espernaza their honeymoon home base, if only for the layout of their room: Each has a wall that can disappear, creating an indoor-outdoor flow onto a private veranda with sweeping views of both the Sea of Cortez and Punta Ballena (“Whale Point,” past which humpbacks migrate in winter). Be sure to make time for various activities at the resort, such as tequila tastings, cooking classes, and fitness classes.

Montage Los Cabos – The newest kid on the block opened summer 2018 with 122 guest rooms and suites, plus 52 furnished residences. Couples can post up on the shores of Santa Maria Bay—a swimmable beach with reefs for snorkeling just beyond—or by one of the three idyllic pools. Unwind at the 40,000-square-foot full-service SpaMontage, or challenge one another to a round of golf on the Fred Couples-designed course. You can also expect healthy eats: The resort has a partnership with celebrity nutritionist Kelly LeVeque, who helped create balanced restaurant dishes using seasonal ingredients—so you can keep that wedding bod going through the honeymoon.

In case you missed it:

Source

The 6 Best Hotels in Los Cabos for a Honeymoon

[bluemoon1331]

I heard A Symptom of Being Human on the radio and had the most vivid animatic idea of Rosewood Y/N singing it to/dueting it with Scarlet Y/N.

[bluemoon1331]

I am quickly sinking into more mature, spicy stuff. It is so weird cause I am very much asexual irl, but these celestial bots freaking do something to me istg, especially the various moons.

[bluemoon1331]

I'm turning this thing into a full on anime in my head help-

Idk how I'm gonna do this 😭

But I love it too ahhhh

[bluemoon1331]

Had an idea for Rosewood today

Hate myself for thinking

This may be the longest fic I've ever written

[bluemoon1331]

I have been having the thoughts about Rosewood's Serenade all day.

You don't understand. Their relationship will be so different.

A constant battle, but only in the hottest way possible-