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only-here-for-jatp · 4 years

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Don’t Take My Spot!

A new Juke friendship fluffy one-shot posted in my This is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things Series. It features Hesitant!Luke, cuddle piles, and pillow fights.

It’s about 3 thousand words.

Read it on Ao3 Here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/26881345

And also below.

It’d been a week since the show at the Orpheum where Julie saved the boys and gained the ability to touch them. She couldn’t really tell who was most excited about everything that had happened since then.

It could’ve been Carlos who immediately started bonding with the boys upon confirmation of their existence. Alex and him would watch tv shows together, sprawled out on the couch, and chatting even though Carlos still could not see or hear Alex. Reggie and Carlos would play video games and somehow the added competition of being able to mess with each other’s controllers without intervention added a level of difficulty to their racing games. Luke and Carlos engaged in some new pranks and Julie admittedly had been ready to kill both of them when she woke up to the sound of her least favorite song blaring through her alarm at 3 am on Saturday Morning.

Reggie was definitely in the running for the most excited since everybody agreed that with the new development it was time to tell Ray about the new additions to their family. Surprisingly enough, Ray took it in stride. He’d been a little suspicious once she started to get a good look at their faces, after all Rose hadn’t been the only Sunset Curve fan in the house. He figured his daughter would let him in when she was ready, and he’d been anxious to meet the boys himself. He took time to bond with all of them, but he had a huge soft spot for his eternal companion Reggie. To say Reggie was thrilled would be an understatement and it was becoming increasingly difficult to separate the two.

It could’ve been the band in general who was most thrilled about the new arrangement. They were tactile ghosts after all and preferred to have as much contact with each other as possible at all times. Now that they could add their additional band member to the list, there was rarely a moment when at least one ghost boy wasn’t touching her. They’d even started popping into school in the middle of the day just so they could be in contact and do whatever version of a nap ghosts were capable of. Luke had been the touchiest of all of them, but more than just being in contact with her for longer he would touch her differently than her other band mates. He’d play with her hands or hair or slide his hand across her back when he moved behind her at the piano or in the kitchen.

They still hadn’t addressed whatever was between them and besides their tight hug the night of the Orpheum they hadn’t been that close or… intimate. It wasn’t quite avoidance, more like hesitation on both sides. She knew that she was just as bad as he was, but somehow her brain still wondered if she’d imagined everything between them. Maybe he didn’t feel anything.

It didn’t really matter though, because she was just as excited as her boys to be able to reach out and touch them. She’d been so worried about them disappearing, it meant everything to her that she could reach out and physically reassure herself that they were here and okay. She loved the group hugs she could get before heading off to school or playing with Reggie’s hair as they sat and watched Luke and Alex’s antics, or being able to hold Alex’s hand when he was feeling anxious. She tried not to think about all the ways she could touch Luke, but when she had a bad day at school being able to lean on him, literally, went a long way to improving her day. Yeah, everyone was thrilled about the changes going on and the band had started Saturday Night Band Bonding. This week they were having a movie night, Julie was showing them some of the classics they’d missed since 1995. They’d put a projector in the studio and rearranged the furniture to make a mattress comfy pile in the center.

Alex had arguably claimed the center since he was the one who would be most invested in the movies and paying the most attention. Which brought protests from Reggie who settled on his left, but they were weak protests since he almost always fell asleep whenever they put on a movie. Julie ended up settled to Alex’s right, she’d seen all of these and was excited to watch her boys’ faces light up. Luke was running late for whatever reason, which was unfortunate for him since his friends had decided to take up most of the cuddly surfaces.

Luke poofed in and pouted at the sight. “Hey! Where’s my spot?”

The three just looked up at him and laughed. “Guess you shouldn’t have been late!”

Luke walked up to Reggie nudging him a little with his foot and giving him his best puppy eyes. Reggie stared into his face for a second before shaking his head and curling up deeper into his spot. “Not a chance dude.”

Luke started to walk over to Alex but was stopped short when Alex called out, “Has it ever worked before?” Luke sighed and turned his gaze to Julie. Alex chuckled at the obvious resignation. Both Reggie and Alex glanced over to Julie, interested to see how this was going to turn out.

“Molina, you won’t leave me without a spot, will you?” His voice was soft, and he was giving her a little grin. Trying to charm her, but also almost a little afraid of succeeding. “You won’t turn me away right Jules?”

Julie knew she was done for the second he turned his sights on her, but she thought she could make him work for it a little. However, at the soft sound of his nickname for her she gave in scooching down so he could sit at the top of the spot she claimed. It wasn’t a lot of space, but she gave him a small smirk and said “Take it or leave it.” She followed it up with a serious glare and added “Just don’t take my spot”.

His smile lit up the room as he sat cross-legged near her head. Alex and Reggie turned back to face the screen with small smiles since they knew, he would take whatever Julie would give him. Soon the movie started, and they all settled in for their marathon.

Julie felt a little jittery at first with the cute boy she had a crush on sitting so close to her, but as she became more engaged in the movie and how her band lit up at the sight of HSM she relaxed. At some point she needed to find a new spot in her soft things pile and ended up stretching her arms above her head. She’d momentarily forgotten Luke was there until her hands hit his knees and she blushed before pulling her hands back towards her head. That little touch had sent a surprisingly sharp shockwave through her and she was desperate to pretend she was nonchalant.

A few minutes passed before she even knew he realized what happened, but slowly his hands moved from his lap to toy with hair a little bit. Running his fingers through it. She could feel herself relaxing even as her heart tensed. It felt nice and it took everything in her to keep her gaze on the movie and not search out his eyes.

It was about halfway through the movie and his soft movements through her hair had lulled her into a sense of peace. Slowly his hands traveled from moving through her hair to toying with her fingertips and she felt her sharp intake of breath. She still stubbornly watched the screen as if, if she called attention to what he was doing she would spook him. Her heart was pounding, and she never knew she could feel so much in just her fingertips. He was tracing up and down her fingers to her palm and then moving her fingers around. She could feel the goosebumps moving up and down her arms. Hesitantly, she started moving her fingertips back as if it was her body’s natural response.

She kept on, getting slightly more confident as her fingers started pressing against his and tracing back as his hands got closer. She still hadn’t looked at him, but she swore she could tell exactly which smile he was using. At one point it was almost like their fingers were playfighting and she was working hard at stifling her giggles when suddenly his finger hooked onto one of her own. This time though, he didn’t let go. It was like a mini version of handholding and she could’ve sworn her blush was visible from space.

Slowly she glanced upwards only to be caught in his eyes. He’d been staring at her and his eyes were warm, filled with awe and light and maybe a little surprise. She watched his small smile spread and his hands moved to capture more of her fingers, never losing eye contact as he did so. She returned the smile with just as much awe and surprise, but also maybe a little nervousness. He seemed to sense it, smiling even bigger before turning his attention back to the movie. She glanced back at the movie and felt him gently pulling her hands into his lap and moving so there was no question anymore about whether or not they were holding hands.

They spent the rest of the movie like that until the lights came on to find the controller and put on the second movie. They both had jerked apart with sheepish smiles attempting to keep whatever just happened for themselves without their band mates finding out. As Julie got up to switch out the movie, she watched Luke’s smile turn into something more devious and she made sure to remind him- “Don’t take my spot.”

He just grinned at her and waited until her back was turned before scooching down a little and repositioning, so his legs were open in a V rather than crossed. Julie turned around and gave him a hard look, not buying his innocent act for a second. At the sight of her look he let out a low chuckle and responded, “Just getting more comfortable, is this okay?” She nodded and moved to lay back down in her spot except this time between his legs.

The lights went out and the movie started. She wondered if he would reach for her hands again, but she hadn’t put them back towards her hair. Should she move them up so they were more within his reach and available? But what if he didn’t grab them again? She started to squirm as her thoughts jumbled and she ended up rolling over to her side and using his leg as a pillow. It was… surprisingly comfortable. And she scooched a little bit up toward him so she could find a comfier spot on his leg for her head. She glanced at him briefly, discovering it was his turn to blush and stubbornly stare at the movie.

A silent giggle escaped her as she moved her hand to wrap around his leg, near her face. She was settled in quite comfortable with the new arrangement when she felt one of his hands back in her hair. This time she managed to keep her breathing steady although she could’ve sworn time stopped for a brief moment when he did that. He gently pushed a curl behind her ear before he traced his fingers down her back. Softly his fingers started tracing circles and rubbing up and down her back and she could feel the small hum in her chest as her body relaxed into his touch.

Somehow, she felt more than heard his small chuckle at her response and soon his other hand had found the one on his leg and was squeezing it in an attempt to convey how comfortable he found their arrangement too. Julie could tell he was gazing at her and she looked up to give him a small smile and a squeeze of his hand back before returning her attention to the movie.

As the movie progressed Julie scooched deeper and deeper into Luke. It was instinctual more than intentional, and she hadn’t realized just how close she’d gotten until her head was literally in his lap and he could nearly lean over and whisper comments about the movie in her ear. Which he did.

Luke marveled at his luck as the girl he adored kept moving closer and closer to him and slowly his hands had moved until they were clasped together at her waist, wrapping her up entirely with him. The movie was long forgotten as he soaked himself in her touch and the warmth building in his chest as he watched her go through all the emotions that were stirring inside him. He never wanted to let go of this beautiful magical girl that he couldn’t help but watch and admire.

His bandmates had been shooting him knowing glances and smiles ever since they caught him playing with her hair during the first movie. They would be teasing him so much later, but he figured holding this precious angel in his arms was well worth whatever was coming. As she scooched closer though, he started getting hints of jealousy in the boys’ eyes. They were so tactile, and it wasn’t fair that Luke was getting special Julie cuddles, he guessed. Since the start of the second movie the two had moved into their typical cuddle pile wrapping legs and arms around each other.

It was nearing the end of the movie when Julie started to drift off into sleep. She was warm and comfortable while wrapped in Luke’s arms and the weight of the world didn’t seem so heavy. A quick glance at her other bandmates revealed their cuddle pile and while she was perfectly content to be caged in by Luke, she still wanted all her boys. Slowly she reached out her arm so she could lightly tug on Alex’s shirt. He was just out of reach and that was all she could manage. Alex’s eyes quickly glanced down to the small hand gripping his shirt as if he might vanish and chuckled before shifting Reggie and his cuddle pile a little closer. Reggie reached out and grabbed Julie’s hand and placed it on Alex’s stomach while Alex reached out so he could be in contact with Julie.

Luke shot a grumpy pout at the two before hugging Julie tighter and whispering in her ear, teasing her lightly “Am I not enough for you Julie?” hearing the playfulness in his tone she shot him a sleepy look and said “jealous?” His eyes lit a little at that as he remembered Nick, but jealous of his brothers? Of his band? “Nah” he whispered back at her.

The movie ended soon after their little conversation and despite the fact that she was more asleep than awake Julie insisted on putting the third movie on. After a puppy dog look of her own the boys agreed and Luke stood up to put the movie on. He slowly shifted out from under Julie, melting a little at her grumbling protests. When he returned though he discovered Julie curled up into Alex’s side, his arm wrapped around her and her arm wrapped across Alex and Reggie.

He smiled at the sight of his three favorite people in the world all wrapped up in a contented ball of limbs and warmth. Sinking down into the spot Julie vacated, he scooched closer to curl up behind her, burying his head in her curls. At this point, he wasn’t even sure Julie was awake, but much to his surprise he discovered she was. At the feel of him behind her, she rolled over still wrapped in Alex’s arm but leaning into Luke and entangling her limbs in his.

Everything in him was happy. In fact, he couldn’t remember the last time he’d been so peaceful and content and a quick glance at his boys let him know they felt the same. Luke could feel Julie’s breath on his neck as she tucked her head under his, using one of his arms as a pillow. He let that hand reach out to Alex, wanting to be connected with his boys too. Alex’s arm stay curled around Julie’s front and Luke’s other arm went to wrap around her back. He traced circles there until Reggie’s fingers found his and they linked up still pressed against Julie’s back. The band was all connected like one big spider web.

They finished the remainder of the movie like that, frequently unable to tell where one of them ended and the other began. It was perfect they all thought until the end credits rolled and Julie’s eyes wrenched themselves open. She was glaring at Luke, but not with any real heat behind it. “Wait a second.” She exclaimed. “You stole my spot!”

Luke sputtered at the accusation, “But you- and cuddles- and really?” He was so busy attempting to explain how it really wasn’t his fault that he missed the pillow coming at it him until it hit him in the face. “Oh it’s on Molina.” A pillow fight ensued between Julie and Luke with him winning until Alex and Reggie came to her defense. It was quickly a free for all once again however, and probably would’ve continued on for much longer except Luke accidentally sent a pillow flying. It knocked all the DVD case off the table and narrowly missed the projector. Julie sighed. “This is why we can’t have nice things.” She managed to get out before collapsing into a fit of giggles. Luke looked sheepish at his error, tossing his weapon aside and lying beside Julie before dissolving into giggles himself. The other two soon joined and upon resuming their cuddle pile, Julie once again drifted back into sleep. They boys snuggled in closer, vowing to protect her and adore her as they settled in for the rest of the night.

#jatp #julie and the phantoms #jatp fanfic #juke #cuddles #pillow fight

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howtosingit · 4 years

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2020 Fanfic Retrospective

I was tagged by the truly wonderful @firefighterstrand @reyesstrand and @officerrxyes 💙💙💙

How many stories did you complete?

48 😳

What is your total word count for the year?

152,364 ⁉️⁉️⁉️

What fandoms did you write in this year?

911: Lone Star - I’m a monogamous shipper and in a committed relationship with Tarlos 😅

Did you write more, less, or roughly around what you expected you would?

So much more! Before this year, I had only written 3 other fics for 2 different fandoms. I never, NEVER expected to write so many fics for one pairing in such a short amount of time.

What’s your own favorite story of the year?

It really changes depending on what mood I’m in, but I think Come Back, I Need You to Hold Me always sits pretty close to the top. Also, I gotta give love to the Lifeguard AU. And also It’s A Million Things About You because when I dream of being in love, that’s what I see.

I know I was only supposed to pick one, but my fics are my children and I love them all.

Did you take any writing risks this year?

I started my first multi-chapter, which I am still working on. Before I published chapter one, I had NEVER shared something that wasn’t completely written. I am a major procrastinator, and unless I feel like people are really counting on me to update, I lose the motivation to do so. So, that’s been scary and risky and challenging, but I love what I’ve written so far, and I love the ideas that are coming in later chapters.

Do you have any fanfiction goals for 2021?

Finish the multi-chapter, definitely. Write 7 fics for Carlos Reyes Week because he is my boy and I love him and I want to give him all of the attention that he deserves. Write 7 fics for Tarlos Week, if there is another one this year. Also, would love to write 250K+ words this year; I think it’s doable, since I really only wrote for about 7 months of 2020.

What is your most under-appreciated story?

I honestly don’t even know. Just by AO3 numbers, i’ll be there for you, ‘cause you’re there for me too has the least amount of hits and kudos (by a wide margin, too), but it’s also a fairly recent fic so I don’t know how telling that is. I love all of my stories, so I want them all to be equally loved.

Now, I will say the one fic that I do not appreciate enough is I’ll Build My Life Around You - I struggled so much with writing it and I posted it before I actually liked it. It’s the only fic that I’ve posted where I was like “I really don’t like this, but I want to post something for Day 3 of Tarlos Week and this is all I have.” I’ve made my peace with it now, but I should give that fic a little more love, I think.

Biggest fanfiction related disappointment of 2020?

I mean, I still haven’t been able to establish a schedule for writing and posting the multi-chapter, and I’m way behind where I wanted to be on it; but I’m still getting a chapter out every 2-3 weeks, so I don’t feel too guilty. I was also pretty sad that I didn’t do all of Tarlos Week. That’s partly why I’m so determined to do all of Carlos Reyes Week, even if it kills me (also, see above to know more about my love for my boy).

And just as a final, recent thing: I didn’t get to write a fluffy holiday fic for the boys, and I love Christmastime fluff, so that breaks my heart a bit. I am determined to deliver next Christmas, though!

Biggest fanfiction related surprise of 2020?

Honestly? Just that people have read and enjoyed my work. I never in a million years thought I would become a regular fanfic writer, but so many people have shared kudos, comments, asks, and messages telling me how much they love to read what I write, and that kind of positive affirmation is truly the best motivator in the world. I wrote one Tarlos fic in February, read a ton in April, got so inspired that I wrote a second one in May, thought that would be it, and now we’re here. It’s been crazy and wonderful, and writing and reading fic has truly been my salvation through this terrible year.

I’m getting to this a day or two late, so I’m sure everyone has been tagged already, but I invite any writer to look back on their year of amazing work and share their responses! I always say that I’m my own biggest fan (as we all should be), and things like this really give me a moment to appreciate just how much I’ve been able to achieve.

(Actually, let me tag @emisfritish - we might not be in the same fandoms anymore, but I know she’s had a stellar writing year, and I want to hear all about it!)

#about my writing

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descendantofthesparrow · 4 years

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Encore - Harry Hook x reader - part 14 - comfort

@musicarose

It had been a long day at work, Karens, assholes who thought just because you smiled at them you wanted to date them, and impatient people who couldn’t fathom that they weren’t the only people who wanted a certain cupcake.

As you unlocked your door, you spotted a dark form hunched over on the couch, it was shaking and choked sobs echoed in your ears.

“Harry?” you whispered, dropping your bag on the floor and quickly closing the door behind you, jumping over the back of the couch to sit beside your sobbing boyfriend.

“Harry what's wrong?” you whispered, trying to pry his hands away from his ears and pull him into your chest, hands rubbing his back. “baby what's wrong?” you pressed your lips to his cheek.

“i-I” he whimpered, wrapping his arms around your waist slowly “I went with Ben to the isle ta do a check up on the kids an’- an’” he sniffed, hands tightening their grip on your shirt. “I saw one of da’s….clients” he stopped, hearing the click of your jaw as you clenched it, realizing what was going on.

“I get it, Harry, it's okay not to be okay, please tell me they didn’t try anything?” you spoke as calmly as you could, hand drifting up to his head and running your hands through his hair.

“n-no” he coughed a little “he didn’t see me, I came here as soon as I saw him, I just…..i just got so scared and…everything came back” he muttered weakly, nuzzling into your neck as he calmed down.

“good, im glad you came here, how long-“ he shrugged.

“lost track of time” he muttered, pouting as you pulled away from him.

“ill be right back” you cooed as Harry continued to grip your shirt “im just getting some water for you” you gently removed his hand and walked into your kitchen.

You quickly grabbed a water bottle from your fridge and walked back into your living room, sighing as you watched harry wipe his face of dried tears.

“Stay here for tonight okay?” you muttered, handing him the water bottle and grabbing the pink fluffy blanket, wrapping it around harry and kissing his forehead.

“mmhm” he hummed, closing his eyes and smiling as you pulled away and turned on the tv.

“have we watched d3 yet?” you asked him, to which he shook his head no “alright d3 it is! I'll get some snacks okay?” he nodded and fixed the blanket around his shoulders.

As the movie started, Harry looked to you, a soft smile blooming on your face as you sang while grabbing snacks.

“I know you~ I walked with you once upon a dream~” you sang to yourself, glancing at harry from time to time, making sure he was alright.

Soon the popcorn was done and you poured it into a bowl and joined Harry on the couch, laughing slightly as Harry opened his arms and pulled you into his side, wrapping the blanket around the two of you.

“so what do you think so far?” you whispered, finally looking to the screen, it was just past good to be bad, and now the kids were being chosen.

“it's okay” harry muttered “when does uma-“ you snorted.

“like 45 minutes in” harry frowned and slumped into the couch.

“really? But that’s so long!” harry whined, glancing at the remote.

“well, there's…not a lot that happens before uma shows up, I'll give you a run down then we skip to you?” harry snorted and nodded.

“aye sounds good”

“Okay so ben proposes to mal, which you knew, they get the kids, hades tries to escape, Audrey steals the crown and scepter this is all in one day by the way” you chuckled as Harry whipped his head around to look at you confused

“wait Audrey stole it that early on? I thought she stole it the same day we found out?” you snorted and shook your head.

“yeah she had the scepter for like, two days before doing anything, im surprised no one thought ‘hey…audreys missing and so is the scepter and crown, and she's still upset over ben, maybe we should check on her?!’ but nope, everyone's focused on Mal and her problems” you ranted. Harry snorted and focused back on the screen.

“alrigh’ continue” you nodded, and snapped your fingers to remember your place.

“right so then beast essentially forces mal, mal, not ben, to close the barrier and im so confused why mal had that power when all ben had to say was ‘yeah not happening’ and that closing the barrier forever side story would have been done right when it started but anyway, Audrey curses mal to be an old hag” harry shot up at that, eyes bright and he fumbled for the remote.

“what! Where is tha’ I need ya see it!” you laughed and grabbed the remote, quickly scrolling to the scene.

“personally it's my favorite scene in the whole movie” you chuckled as you let the scene play, watching harry as Audrey appeared and started taunting mal.

“oooh burn~” he cackled, cheering as Audrey hit mal with the old hag spell “YES TAKE THAT YOU BITCH~!” you almost fell off the couch at that, holding your stomach as you laughed.

“o-okay okay so mal and the others go to the isle and the barrier dispells audreys curse and then you show up!” you skipped through more of the movie to where harry stole the bikes.

“so well just watch from here kay?” harry nodded and righted himself on the couch again, pulling you back into his arms and settled in for the rest of the movie.

“sooooo Persephone isn’t in here?” he asked midway thought knight falls.

“Nope, I think that was just…us” you muttered back, head buried into Harry's shoulder as Carlos slid on the shield to grab his sword.

“mmm” harry hummed, tossing some popcorn in his mouth, “is it weird that this seems…a lot more boring through the screen than it was in real life?”

“yeah” you laughed “when I went through it, it was so much more terrifying, I kept thinking ‘don’t screw up, don’t screw up’ cuz if I did I could have died or something”

“yeh almost did lass” harry muttered, pushing his cheek against your head “if it wasn’t for Persephone tha’ knight would have killed yeh”

“but It didn’t” you kissed his jaw “she saved me and im still alive”

“yeah” harry muttered “that’s true” he sat up a little as the scene ended and the ‘ice breaker’ scene began “uhhh wha’s this?” he laughed raising his brow at evie.

“oh this is just something that was supposed to happen but with everything going on it didn’t” you simply answered, giggling as movie evie complimented movie Harry's accent.

About an hour later you were slipping on some sweat pants and one of Harry's shirts, smiling as Harry was already asleep in your bed, curled up and snoring softly.

You were glad he felt safe enough to fall asleep that easily, especially after what happened that afternoon on the isle.

You frowned, you would have to do something about hooks “clients” you didn’t know if any of them had any lingering…’ feelings’ towards hooks reference to harry as payment.

Maybe it would be safe for harry to stay here a couple more days, and you would visit Ben to talk about those people.

You nodded to yourself, that sounded good. You shut off your bathroom light and walked across the room to join harry.

you slid between the sheets and tossed your arm over his shoulder, resting your head between his shoulder blades.

“I love you harry hook” you muttered to yourself, smiling as Harry sleepily muttered back ‘I love yeh too’

--end of part 14--

permtaglist

@queer-cosette

@sephiralorange

@lunanight2012

@daughter-of-the-stars11

@amorathegamingkitsune

@random-thoughts-003

#descendants #Descendents #disney descendants #harry hook #harry hook descendants #harry hook x reader #harry hook imagine #part of your world #reprise #encore

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aflyingcontradiction · 3 years

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The Magnus Archives Relisten: Episode 16 - Arachnophobia

Our building had acquired something of an infestation of some sort of insect I didn’t recognise – small, silvery worms, almost like maggots, but slightly longer – and I assume that they provided a good meal for the eight-legged little monsters. - Statement of Carlos Vittery

CARLOS! MAYBE YOU OUGHTA BE A BIT MORE WORRIED ABOUT THE WORMS, CARLOS! JUST SAYING, CARLOS! (Also between this appearance and the Web later appearing as people-infested-by-spiders, I straight-up thought the Web and the Corruption were related for a while - that was pre-all the Entities being listed, of course.)

I was aware of this spider in a way I had never had been of others that preceded it. It wasn’t the biggest, maybe an inch wide, but its abdomen was swelled grotesquely. I could feel every one of its void-black eyes focused upon me, see each hair on its fat, bulbous body, and smell the venom I knew dripped from its fangs. Erm - eww? (Or more intelligently: This is some masterful wordplay for evoking disgust. 'Bulbous body' indeed. And the use of multiple senses, too. Good writing!)

None of this was enough to make me think twice about gingerly pushing Major Tom towards the thing with my foot and fleeing the room.

I listened to this episode before the Q&A where Johnny confirmed that killing off pets wasn't a thing he was going to do, so I spent a pretty large part of this episode going "Oh no. The KITTY!" and got utterly distracted from everything else.

Although that’s not really how it felt at the time – at that point it felt almost involuntary, as though some something were lifting me, hoisting me to my feet by unseen strings.

Ah, I see, the Web has stopped fucking around and is playing for real now. (Yet again, I completely glossed over this on my first listen.)

My hand hit the spider, killing it instantly, and plunging into the egg sack below, causing it to tear open and explode. I was suddenly covered in thousands of small, white crawling things

Carlos and I actually share this experience - kindergarten-aged me once unwisely grabbed hold of a spider egg sack in our garden because it looked interesting and fluffy and - well, see above.

If I were of a more alarmist nature, I might think the appearance of Mr. Vittery’s corpse lent some credibility to his tale. But as I told Martin earlier, he was there for over a week, so there is very likely a perfectly natural explanation for the fact that his body was completely encased in web. - Jon

Ah yes, Jon. Perfectly natural. You're not even good at this 'denial' thing, are you?

My impression of this episode

I too dislike spiders, probably to the point of a minor phobia, but this episode did very little to or for me, apart from maybe briefly gross me out a little and give me an itch. I think spiders are just a little too... small, physical and specific (I'm not really sure how to best describe it) to work as a TMA fear, I think. Fortunately the Web isn't all about spiders. That particular Entity somehow just has a weird aesthetic added onto its actual thing. 'The fear of being controlled or trapped without knowing it, of your will not being your own - also spiders'.

Favourite quotes

I had seen them in their spindly multitudes (This isn't really all that memorable as a quote, but 'spindly multitudes' as a description of 'there were lots of spiders' makes me giggle, so it's going in here)

#tma relisten #the magnus archives

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chal-lelerc · 4 years

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ok so like. here’s my harry potter house thing. i’m ngl i tried to do this but then i deleted it bc it was getting too long and i didn’t have the attention span but. it kept sticking in my brain so i decided to pick it back up and as such, i’ve lost the original post but it was a quarantine activity (sort drivers into houses, assign quidditch positions, explain) posted by @verstappened. houses done first, then positions, then explanations for both. i tried to make feasible teams, i.e making sure there arent too many of a single position per house, so this really screwed some of the sorting but oh well.

i did the houses first, then positions, then explanations in that order for the most part.

5/13/20: the sorting was mostly done before i heard all the differing opinions (of which there were many!)

5/19/20: alright so this is literally like 2 months old but i’ve just finished it lolol

Lewis Hamilton:

Slytherin: THE GLORY MAN. the aloof kind of superiority, confidence, is top dog, he’s simply the pinnacle of it all. kind of lethal and doesn’t do the whole ‘looking up to others’ things (outwardly, but he seems very soft on the inside tbh). very majestic and is almost a gryffindor, the kind of slytherin that Merlin is. hard-working, got here from incredibly humble beginnings, which kind of stands out from the rest, but he’s clearly now at the top level of society. still very protective of Others. scarily ambitious. Was originally a gryffindor but I wanted the brits to be in different houses for their quidditch positions to work. Could honestly go either way though.

Seeker: more glory. periodt. he stays winning and scoring the most points. clutch-man. Speedy boy, kind of in a different world than everyone else when competing (he’s always at the front lifetimes away from everyone else lmao. playing a diff game.)

Valtteri Bottas:

Hufflepuff: HE SEEMS. LIKE. A. BIG. CHILD. always relegated and brushed off but is literally God-Tier and no one can convince me otherwise. i consider him to be rather reliable (reflecting only the 2019 season at least lmao). a bit of a vindictive streak bc he knows what he’s Capable Of even when others underestimate him. has a very bright smile.

Beater: have u seen him. he’s a big boy even though he’s 5′8 and only an inch taller than lando norris he seems bigger than he is ok

Charles Leclerc:

Slytherin: this bitch. what a snake. hiss hiss.

Chaser: he wants what lewis hamilton has but chose the wrong position. still a star in his own right. pride and joy of his house, will be at the lead of every formation play unless told otherwise by his head of house, to which he will brood and complain ab but comply in the end bc he wants Team Success and loyalty to his Family. scores the most points on the team and people act like he carries even though he literally has a partner(s).

ok but fr my gut said charles is a slytherin (do i really need to explain why? very critical, doesn’t accept inferiority, somehow succeeds. just a feeling his brain seems to fit motorsport politics well), but i was seriously contemplating whether he’d be a gryffindor to max’s slytherin instead. but then i saw someone mention the whole lion schtick and i was like for all of max’s brattiness he is Gryffindor so sharl is snake. sorry don’t make the rules just follow them.

further edit: this was written before he started streaming (this is how old this draft is) and can u believe him he’s the epitome of the “not all slytherins r evil wenches” idea

Sebastian Vettel:

Ravenclaw: idk for all of Seb’s goofiness he just seems cerebral to me. Seems to know mildly irrelevant facts and is really quite smart however is hopeless in the modern age. Kind of that wise old(er he’s not that old) man knowledge. I’d trust him to give me all the life advice I need but also to write a 10 page essay on the nuances of the effect of emotion on verbal language (which we all know he is very experienced with).

Keeper: it’s the protective Dad Power.

Max Verstappen:

Gryffindor: WAS REALLY GONNA PUT HIM IN SLYTHERIN BC HE’S A NASTY LIL SHIT. TOTAL BRAT. GIVES FUCK ALL WHAT OTHERS SAY. BUT HE IS LION AND LION IS HE SO GRYFFINDOR IT IS. also just bc he needs to oppose sharl in every way possible it’s called Poetic Cinema. also his driving style is clearly the bravery and confidence to the point of recklessness that is prevalent among gryffindors.

Chaser: again, he must oppose Charles. so, not a seeker although he’s clearly singularly the most prized competitor. just like Charles, pride and joy of house, their star chaser. the comparisons never end. the competition never ends. the fighting never ends. one of the most interesting and dynamic performers to watch, is predictable in that he’s not predictable except that he will always be aggro to the max. will always be in trouble for getting rough bc that’s Not His Job but that’s just the gryffindor disregard for rules. master point scorer.

Alex Albon:

Gryffindor: was really a toss up btwn this and Hufflepuff but the ultimate deciding factor was the fact that I wanted all the British Boys to be seekers. he really just sticks it out as max’s teammate like a real one (nothing against max, everything against Helmet Merco) for the good of the team, still is sweet with max anyway. fitting that they’re in the same house too.

Seeker: he’s not the small boy that lando and lewis are but he is (thai/)British. very special boy (big ups on the promotion even tho it was Sad Times for Pear) deserves very special job. also he has a hot girlfriend (alex albon who i only know lily he’s boy toy) idk how that’s relevant but it seems fitting.

Carlos Sainz:

Ravenclaw: bc he’s a spaniard but is still better at english than Lando (i think everyone is tbh). Seems to be a quiet type of smart, sensible, but perhaps this is just the consequence of being compared to Lanno at all times LMAO (no hate all love bby Lannd). would be the type of ravenclaw to follow his friends on absolutely idiotic ventures but would step in to prevent near death or likely-legal-problem causing actions (and only then; otherwise it’s every man for themselves and everyone is free to make a fool of themselves and break some laws. carlos may dabble in such practices.)

Chaser: seems to be a go-getter, not going for points doesn’t even cross his mind. will always be the one driving up the pitch, the strategist of sorts bc he seems big(ger) brain (than lando lololol).

Edit: I wrote this part ab him long ago but this entire section of this post is now irrelevant and canceled.

Lando Norris:

Hufflepuff: you all know why. zero explanation needed. like, none.

also has a bit of an aggressive streak which tends to catch ppl off guard. is not afraid to confront u (hello pageNO) and at times defies the hufflepuff stereotype of being perpetually happy go-lucky (he has his bad days!). but when with His True Crew he is absolutely a hufflepuff ball of energy.

Seeker: small and speedy. energetic to the max. small. quirky and different from the rest, so he gets the special job. small. everyone would kill to protect him. small.

Daniel Ricciardo:

Gryffindor: AW I DIDN’T EVEN REALIZE THAT I PUT HIM AND MAX TOGETHER. LOOK I EVEN MADE THEM BOTH CHASERS. AH HOW BIGBRAIN MY MIND IS. everything ab dan is gold. golden skin, the colors in redbull and renault, his smile, just the vibes. he’s just got the enthusiasm and charisma and this intensity of a gryffindor. super aggressive, his late breaking (from his rbr at least) is legendary and maddening with how he pulls it off. is almost a hufflepuff but the gut said no.

Chaser: is Max’s teammate. so yeah. was obviously the star until younger max came to the show. a bit lost in limbo bc of it but they still work well together.

literally want to make him a hufflepuff so. bad. but i couldn’t split up maxiel. also his vibe is just different from other ‘puffs like stroll so.

Esteban Ocon:

Slytherin: ask max.

Chaser: being characterized off of their relationship with max seems to be a theme here. will go head to head with max w/ absolutely zero shits given. talented, but the rivalry with max is entirely secondary to charles imho. still yet to show his full potential but is still quietly a thorn in max’s side. many are interested to see what he is able to do in the immediate future.

Pierre Gasly:

Hufflepuff: GUYS HE WANTS TO OWN A PANDA

Chaser: constantly trying to prove himself and score big boy points. had a stint as seeker until lando came along. did not do as well as ppl had hoped, returned to chaser and proceeded to crush it from there. praticed a lot with charles as children (the friendship dynamic w/ their houses was definitely unforseen but is amazing).

Daniil Kvyat:

Hufflepuff: really wanted to make him a slytherin but the quidditch positions didn’t work out. firmly believe this works though. more of the rough and tumble type, definitely the kind that will sock u in the nose if u write off hufflepuffs as a joke. could honestly probably be a gryffindor too with how unapologetically aggressive he can be in the name of His Beliefs. gives me big dumb himbo vibes now that i think ab it tbh which is mostly the justification here. also he has a child omg.

Chaser: but the one that’s always headbutting bludgers out of the air (torpedo bitches). also had a stint as seeker before but it Was Not His Thing. he’d much rather be chasing and throwing things than seeking things. also he’s pierre’s mate :,) would’ve been a beater but romain and valtteri will not be anything else so daniil took the boot whoops.

Sergio Perez:

Slytherin: it’s just the vibe. knows his weaknesses and is able to make up for it with his confidence and talent in his strengths. very ambitious, plays the right cards at the right times to get the right results. something ab him puts me on edge, but like in a good way; i feel like there’s always a trump card up his sleeve, like when he gets to q3 out of fucking nowhere in a racing point.

Keeper: he gives me the same vibes as seb idk what it is. very dependable, backbone of his team.

Lance Stroll:

Hufflepuff: guys have u seen the guy. he’s just here to have a good time. may seem a bit airheaded at times but he means well 99% of the time. untapped potential. seems like a no thoughts head empty canadian hockey boy (and every one of these types is a hufflepuff don’t fight it); may or may not be the only accurate description of him.

Chaser: he’s just trying his best out here. i

KEEPER?: SO I DID A QUICK GOOGLE AND HE USED TO BE A HOCKEY

GOALIE?????

so scratch my initial thoughts (tbh i didn’t really know where to put him and i originally had romain as keeper but that’s an issue to fix later on now) BECAUSE LANCE STROLL IS A keeper GOALIE AND NO ONE CAN REFUTE THIS. ABSOLUTELY NO HUMAN OF THIS EARTH. WHAT GLORIOUS INFORMATION TO STUMBLE ACROSS.

Kimi Raikkonen:

Slytherin: guys i really don’t have an in depth analysis of this but i don’t think iceman needs one.

Beater: see above^. y’all must get the vibe.

tbh could also be a keeper tho similar energies to seb and checo, but honestly his no fucks given attitude is ultimately what swayed me

Antonio Giovinazzi:

Gryffindor: he just has that majestic quality (that could also fit a slytherin but i only see red when i see antonio). look at that lion’s mane. also he’s one of kimi’s to paddock friends? seems fitting that he’s a gryffindor to kimi’s slytherin.

Chaser: plays second fiddle to the duo that is max and daniel, often regulated to vibing on the side. but he’s there and he’s important and he has potential (i’ve been seeing ppl talking ab a ferrari move and i’m positively shaken). [edit: again, this post is old.]

im sorry its glaringly obvious idk much about him asdfjasldkd

Kevin Magnussen:

Slytherin: guys lots of these are just self explanatory sorry if i seem like im taking the cheap way out but it’s fact. brundle and crofty call him a great white shark for crying out loud.

Beater: unapologetically chaotic. lurking around the edges making people feel hunted. spends more time playing baseball in the middle of the matches than quidditch and sometimes it backfires but it’s good fun and it sometimes works.

Romain Grosjean:

Hufflepuff: y’all he’s such dad energy and he likes to cook. gets written off a lot but he actually cares (he’s a part of the grand prix drivers assoc.!). he seems so wholesome and he spends time with his kids and their school work when he can do u feel those water drops yeah those r my tears.

Beater: i really wanted to make him a slytherin beater to make him teammates with k-mag but he’s just. not a slytherin. but i kept the beater part. spends the majority of the hufflepuff v. slytherin matches sending bludgers kevin’s way even when he doesn’t mean to. it’s always reciprocated.

George Russell:

Ravenclaw: I’VE SAID IT BEFORE AND I’LL SAY IT AGAIN THIS KID. is so marvelously well spoken and he just has such a simple yet effective way with words. he knows what’s reasonable to expect but never fails to expect the most that he can given his circumstances. again, mentioned this before but a lot of it is his accent. the glottal stop is a historically stereotypically rural (i.e. “uneducated”) thing but I’m American and I Don’t Listen to the Rules, so the accent just makes him seem so sophisticated to me especially when he’s saying things like “horriiiiiiiific” and presenting his hefty powerpoints.

Seeker: my British Boys Are Seekers headcanon continues. definitely a Golden Boy of the team kind of guy (hello tragic dumpsterfire that is williams :/ ).

Nicholas Latifi:

Hufflepuff: same boat as lance. his twitch streams are so wholesome he’s just chilling man. twitter made me write him off as daft and unnecessary at first but like fuck twitter i’m all here for ninky latvia now.

Chaser: lowkey gives me keeper vibes as well? the sensible, level-headedness. but obvs that’s lance so chaser it is. still the level-headedness that helps him hold down the fort btwn pierre and daniil who can tend to get a bit imaginative, and also the energies of them + lando.

5/19/20: so it’s quite clear to me that i grew tired of brain functions the more time i took on this and the later ones are a bit lacking and for that i’m very sorry. that being said i’m still happy to see this finished bc the idea was VERY exciting for me.

#max verstappen #charles leclerc #daniel ricciardo #lando norris #f1 #formula one #f1 grid #harry potter grid #finally done folks lordt #was anyone waiting for this idk but it's here #it's also glaringly obvious who i know less about but that too is something that one must excuse #whoops

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infinitelytheheartexpands · 4 years

Note

How would you direct Don Carlo(s)?

This may run a little short. Apologies; it is currently 5 AM and I have been up for 18 and a half hours. I just can’t sleep and I also am not functioning brain-wise at 100%. Things I will say:

I’d personally go for traditional, beautiful and detailed and very much period but also like not overboard. I’m not Zeffirelli (no offense to Zeffirelli). I don’t want people to ooh and aah over the sets to the point where they’re looking at that instead of focusing on all of the Interpersonal Drama TM. Also also sorry but in my head the color palette is dark and heavy for the most part (although for the first couple scenes not so much. and this does not mean Bad Lighting *cough cough Vienna cough cough*)

Five-act Italian, Modena, with Lacrimosa, shortened opening (I just love that fanfare so much, okay?). Also maybe if I can get away with translating them into Italian, some of the cool extra bits like the extended Elisabetta/Éboli scenes. Also I don’t want to plagiarize Konwitschny but I loved what he did with the ballet.

Of course, you know me, ALL THE GAY. LET CARLO AND RODRIGO KISS FOR CRYING OUT LOUD (and yes I’ll make sure it gets filmed in this hypothetical scenario). We’re talking showing ALL the homoerotic subtext in ALL the crazy relationships.

I debate with myself about whether it would be good to play the Fontainebleau act as a flashback Carlo’s having in the monastery and where he gets awoken from his daydreaming by the Creepy Monk Chorus. I don’t know. I kinda like it though.

Things I will NOT do:

THE CAGE

Éboli being in Act IV, Scene 1 before she’s supposed to be there

KILLING ÉBOLI (since it seems that Elisabetta does forgive her, I like the idea of her taking Elisabetta to San Yuste)

wimpy auto-da-fé

the Celestial Voice onstage??? idk I just really don’t like that (especially not the way the Konwitschny production did it)

RODRIGO ANIME BETRAYAL WHAT THE FUCK ROBERT CARSEN

end list

There will be Blood TM. Carlo and Rodrigo get Fluffy White Shirts. No this is not up for debate.

Also sorry but I’m doing the original cliffhanger ending. I like just having a little shard of uncertain hope that things may somehow turn out okay (we have enough historical license as is lol).

Anyway that’s about it for now. I may add to this later.

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jakes-eyebrows · 4 years

Text

Vampire AU

Pairing: Danny/Sammy

Word count: 4K

Warning: suggestiveness, brief mentions of blood, accidental death of a pet.

Tagging @imacrowcawcaw because we are Sanny buddies 💕

Gifs are from @edgeofgreta

The Kiszkas are a family of vampire hunters. They have been for generations. Kelly is their leader; his father was a hunter, his grandfather was a hunter, his great-grandfather was too and so on. His priority has always been to care for his family and protect everyone he knows from those inhuman creatures.

Josh, Jake and Sam are Kelly's sons; they grew up training to become professional hunters.

Danny is a pure blood, he was born a vampire. He's the youngest of the Wagner clan an ancient family, powerful and feared by everyone... except for Danny himself who doesn't necessarily follow all their rules.

Flashback

When Danny was still a very young vampire his only friend was his mentor Carlo. The man knew Danny got bored of his endless lectures, the boy was bored of living the same day every day. Carlo imagined how miserable that felt, so from time to time he allowed Danny to go outside on his own to explore, the young vampire liked to spend time in the woods. All of this against his parents’ wishes of course.

Danny wasn’t allowed to leave their property alone. His father insisted it was simply because he was a royal, and if he wanted to go out to hunt it had to be with the adequate “company” (his father’s loyal servants). Danny was smart beyond his years, he knew the real reason he couldn’t go wander outside by himself was because of the vampire hunters. He heard the stories told by the elders.

It was a cool autumn afternoon, the sky was gray, that day he came across a lady and her- son? They were collecting wood. Danny lived surrounded by adults so he was pleasantly surprised to see someone else who looked around his age. He climbed down from the tree he was spying from and quietly made his way closer to them but kept a decent distance.

He could see the lady and the boy talking and smiling as they filled a sack with logs, they looked happy. The young vampire felt strange after witnessing this, his own mother had never looked at him that way. He understood then they were different.

He was lost in thought when he clenched his fist and accidentally broke the branch he was holding, he panicked for a second thinking the noise would alert the strangers of his presence, luckily only the boy looked in his direction. When he spotted him he stared for a moment and smiled at Danny, the vampire smiled back when he saw the boy had warm brown eyes and rosy cheeks. Yeah, definitely not one of his kind.

Their silent exchange lasted only a few seconds...

"Sammy... Sammy, we got enough wood my boy. Let's go." The lady said.

Danny returned home. He had questions in his head, but he couldn’t go to anyone he knew for answers, not even Carlo and obviously not his parents. He was also confused; usually when they go hunting, the people they find to feed off always look terrified of them, as they should be. However, this boy had looked him in the eye and smiled at him. It felt nice. Danny figured he could go back the next day to the same place, in hopes of seeing that boy again.

“Boys, who’s coming with me? We need to go get more wood.” Asked Papa Kiszka.

“I wanna go!”

“Not you, Sam. You went last time with mom. It’s the twins’ turn.”

“Are we out? But mom went yesterday.” Said Jake.

“I did, dear. I let Gretna have the sack we had left, you know her husband’s been a little sick so he can’t go collect it.”

“In that case Jake wants to go.”

“Shut up, Josh!” Honestly Jake didn’t mind going but was irritated by Josh wanting to boss him around. It was always the same with them, they would start throwing punches at the littlest provocation. Sam knew that, so he tried to calm things down by insisting he could go again to help his father.

“Alright then. Let’s go, son. We need to come back before it gets dark.”

Danny was comfortably laying down by a tree, eyes closed hands behind his head when he heard someone approaching. He quickly got up to go hide behind the bushes. He stood there observing; he was once again pleasantly surprised to see the same boy from the day before, but he was accompanied by a man this time. The man had an ax with him, he started chopping some wood and the boy was helping him pile it.

“You know, I think I’ll just finish chopping all of it so we can leave some here for next time.” Danny heard the man say then he saw the boy kneeling to pick something up.

“Dad, look! A bunny!”

“Be careful, boy. You don’t wanna scare it.” Sam smiled as he held it in his arms and gently caressed its head.

Danny kept watching them closely until the boy put the animal down. The bunny hopped in Danny’s direction, he wanted to run when he saw Sam following it but he stayed in place. The bunny continued until it stopped right in front of Danny and Sam was walking behind it.

“There you are!” Said Sam picking up the bunny again. He saw Danny quietly standing there.

“Oh, you again. Is this little guy yours?” Danny shook his head no.

“I’m Sam. What’s your name?” Sam, Sammy- Danny remembered the lady calling him that. He wanted to answer but he also remembered the rules. He wasn’t supposed to reveal his name to a human unless he was planning to kill them. He looked at Sam, he opened his mouth and closed it again and just smiled instead of saying anything.

“Don’t be shy, here, you wanna hold him?” Sam offered. The vampire walked closer and extended his arms, Danny held it and they both smiled, it felt warm and fluffy so he tried to gently squeeze it against his chest but-

“Hey- be careful! You’re hurting him!”

Danny didn’t know how to properly control his inhuman strength yet, which made him accidentally kill the poor animal.

Sam started crying “Why did you do that? You- You’re a monster!” the boy yelled at him. Danny looked mortified, he felt terrible, not for killing the bunny but because he made the boy in front of him cry. He wanted to apologize but he didn’t get the chance.

“Sam!” His father came rushing to find his son crying. He saw Danny with the dead bunny in his arms. Kelly knew better than his son, with a quick glance at Danny he knew right away. “A vampire!” the man exclaimed and in the blink of an eye Danny was gone he had disappeared into the woods.

“We need to get out of here now!”

When they made it back to the village, Kelly immediately got together with the other hunters to inform them about what he had seen in the woods.

“A child you say? How is that possible?”

“If they fed from a child that kid wouldn’t survive. Those bastards.”

One of the hunters, visibly frustrated, kept listening quietly until he decided to speak up…

“Unless that child was never human.”

“A pure blood!” Kelly concluded. It seemed like the only logical explanation after all. “If there’s a pure blood vampire around, surely there’s more hiding near the area.”

“God help us.”

After what happened with the humans Danny ran away, he knew he had to go back to the lair before sunrise but he didn’t want to, he needed to be alone for a while. For the first time in his life, he understood what he really was and he hated it “You’re a monster!” Sam’s words kept repeating in his head. He sat on the ground and rested his head on his knees.

“Daniel is missing!” Carlo alerted Danny’s parents.

“Go find him then. I am sure you know where to look.” The mother responded coldly.

“And you better act fast. Sunrise approaches.” The father said, he didn’t look bothered in the slightest.

Carlo knew Danny better than anyone. Since the day Danny was born he had been in charge of teaching him, he had to guide him and prepare him to become a ruler among the undead just like his parents. And yes, he knew where to look for the young vampire.

He knew the spot in the woods Danny frequented to go relax, so he headed that way. There were only two hours left until sunrise.

The hunters had come up with a plan to find the vampire’s lair. They split in two groups of five, one of the groups headed back to the place Kelly had seen the kid vampire to track him and his possible companions.

Carlo made his way to the part of the woods he knew Danny liked to visit. He checked the trees until he arrived at a big ancient one and that’s where he noticed various footprints on the ground. He kneeled to inspect them, they looked small, they could be Danny’s but they appeared to be going in two different directions “Another kid?” then he realized there were adult footprints as well. He shrugged and decided to keep looking.

“There he is! Get him!” Ru shouted, he was one of the hunters.

Carlo had his guard down so he couldn’t act fast enough. He felt the pressure of multiple bullets entering his body from his back. He got up as fast as he could ready to fight back but he found himself outnumbered; sunrise was coming, he knew he had no choice but try to escape.

In order to kill a vampire they had to shoot them right in the heart and set fire on them before the body could regenerate.

The hunters chased Carlo but the vampire was much faster than them, he managed to lose them but he was also getting weaker after being shot many times. He found a place to hide and laid down on the ground, knowing he didn’t have enough energy left to make it back to a safe place. He accepted his fate and decided to watch the sun rise one last time, he admired the view as he felt the first rays of sunshine burning him.

15 years later

The hunters were still after them. They had been killing many more vampires in the past few years; mostly lesser range ones but still. Danny's been meaning to get back at them, so he’s come up with the perfect plan: He will kidnap one of them, knowing the rest will surely come after him. He will set a trap for the hunters and kill them all, kill the men who murdered his only friend. A nice revenge.

The Kiszkas still have a camping spot outside the village to protect the people from the vampires in the surrounding areas. Danny's been observing them for weeks looking for a vulnerability, perhaps a weak link. But he quickly came to find the hunters had no weak link. He needs to be smart about his first move.

The group of hunters consistently remains with 10 members. When an elder retires, gets sick or dies they are replaced by one of the young apprentices. Danny knows their current leader is a man named Kelly, his two sons are part of the group too, along with other seven men.

Danny has seen one of the young hunters with the same girl many times. He can tell they are pretty close so she must be his lover. The weak link he needs. So one night, the vampire sneaks into the girls house while everyone’s asleep. He finds her in bed sleeping peacefully; she’s wearing a thin white night gown that leaves her arms, her neck and part of her chest exposed. Her skin looks delicate and soft… Danny’s instinct tells him to just take her right then and there, it would be so easy to get lost in her warmth and the taste of her blood. He must resist the temptation for now, he needs her alive for a bigger purpose.

The vampire sits down at the end of her bed, he waits but she doesn’t move. He scoots closer and as soon as he puts his cold hand on her leg she immediately gets up, she’s sitting straight now with a dagger in her hand, pulled it out of nowhere and is now pointing it do Danny’s chest.

No weak link Danny sighs.

“Who the fuck are you?”

“Careful, flower. Don’t want to hurt yourself, do you?”

“You’re-” she stops talking when they stablish eye contact. Danny’s eyes are literally hypnotizing. He plays with her mind and plants a seed in her brain that will help the vampire with his next move.

“You will bring him to me.” He seals the spell with a kiss on her lips.

And that’s how Jake found himself in this situation. The couple arrived at a beautiful valley outside the village to be alone when suddenly a vampire appeared before them. Jake tried to fight but Danny was faster, he grabbed the girl by the neck and held her between the two before Jake could shoot him. The vampire offered him a deal and promised him he would let his girlfriend go unharmed if the hunter came with him.

When she came back to her senses, she remembered what happened and ran to find Jake’s father and the other hunters. “It’s all my fault.” She sobbed in Sam’s chest… she didn’t feel strong enough to look at Josh, terrible guilt eating her up. “I’m so- I’m so sorry, Josh” she told the older twin when she felt his hand on her shoulder.

“We’re gonna get him back.”

Josh made it his mission to save Jake and kill the vampire. Sam too even if he wasn’t a member of the group of hunters. Everything he knew in terms of hunting and fighting he had learned from his father and his brothers.

The truth was Sam never really wanted to become a vampire hunter. He had different interests, in his mother’s words he’s a science man. Sam believed in the power of reason rather than in chasing and killing. However, he would never turn his back on his family so he prepared to join Josh and their father in Jake’s rescue. If he had to kill a vampire so be it.

“What’s your name?”

“Brave of you to ask me that, mister. You know what happens when a vampire reveals his name to a human?”

Jake smiles cheekily “He shows his good manners, and I’m Jake by the way.”

“Well, Jake. Sorry about the lack of commodities but don’t you worry, you won’t be staying for long.”

“Are you gonna kill me?”

The young man didn’t look scared at all. Danny could easily sense the fear in humans, he could practically smell it so he was certain this Jake guy wasn’t pretending. This was not entirely surprising for the vampire maybe just a little odd. Jake must have felt confident, he knew the other hunters would come searching for him, which also served Danny’s plan.

“Not tonight. Goodnight, Jake.”

Back at the camp, the hunters had their plan set and were ready to commence the search of the vampire’s lair. Danny had been spying on the hunters long enough to know some of their tactics, he had learned they usually split in two groups of five when they were on a mission. He wasn’t wrong. The hunters did split in two groups, the plan was as follows: the first party will go searching for Jake, if they didn’t make it back in 24 hours the other group will go looking for them.

It was easy to follow the vampire’s tracks this time, the hunters realized there could be a catch so they had to be prepared.

“When we get there, Josh, Ru and me are going after the creature. Sam, you will stay behind and wait for my signal. You will go get Jake while we handle the rest. Understood?”

“Got it.”

30 minutes passed and still nothing. Sam was starting to get really worried, what if the others were in danger? Or hurt? He followed his gut and decided to sneak into the vampire’s lair. From outside it looked like an abandoned castle, it appeared to be old and decadent. However once inside the place he came to find it was clean, spacious and luxurious with paintings on the walls and extravagant décor everywhere. He carefully roamed the halls with his weapon in hand.

“Did you lose something?” The vampire’s voice echoed at the end of the hallway. Sam knew it was useless to run, he had to be smart.

“I was just talking a walk, I got lost and I ended up here.”

“Really?” the voice was approaching. Sam attempted to use his weapon but a very cold hand on his wrist stopped him from doing so. Danny grabbed Sam from the shoulders to turn him around to face him and enveloped the human in his arms.

Sam’s heart skipped a beat when he was in front of the vampire. They stood so close Sam could feel his cold and hard body pressing against him. He experienced real fear for a second, then decided to look up to face his captor who was only a couple inches taller than him, he wanted to look him in the eye before the vampire took his life.

He was face to face with a very handsome man. Sam unconsciously held his breath, eyes full of wonder. The vampire had luscious black hair and the most stunning dark eyes. His skin was perfectly smooth and pale, and his lips, looked ripe red, fleshy and dare he admit… desirable? This was probably the most beautiful person Sam had ever seen. His face looked familiar too, but why? All these thoughts went through his head, it was as if time had stopped just for the two of them or maybe just for Sam who was mesmerized.

Danny was no better. He held Sam’s gaze for a moment then couldn’t help but admire all of him, his pretty long hair, a mix of light brown and golden streaks, his skin almost as perfect as his own but with a natural blush to it, he looked healthy, alive. His eyes were framed by elegant arched brows, his nose long and thin and finally his pink lips looked so… kissable. Danny felt warmth spreading in his chest, longing, he wanted to kiss this man, he wanted to taste his skin, he wanted-

“You really are a monster, huh?” Sam interrupted Danny’s train of thought.

“What?”

“That day in the woods, you killed a bunny right in front of me… but I won’t let you kill my brother now.” Sam said as he pushed a knife in the vampire’s stomach. Danny arched in pain, it hurt like hell it felt as if the knife was burning him when it entered his body.

Sam knew that wouldn’t kill the vampire so he ran, screaming for Jake, hoping his brother would hear him, he hoped his screams would alert the others of his whereabouts too.

“Up here! Sam, I’m here!”

Sam ran up the stairs following Jake’s voice. He found him in an empty room chained to a wall.

“Jesus Christ! We need to get you out of here.”

“Where is he? The vampire.”

“I barely managed to get away from him. The knife dipped in holy water, it worked!”

“It won’t kill him though.”

“I know I know we better hurry up.”

When Jake was set free they hurried out of the room. “Where are the others? Where’s Dad?”

As soon as Danny recovered his breath and got up he pulled the knife out of his stomach, it burned him again. He noticed the wound wasn’t closing as fast as usual. He hated himself for aborting the mission but he had to go lay in his coffin, that was the only way to fully recover. A coffin filled with natural soil from his motherland.

The other three hunters were trapped in a dungeon, the vampire had poisoned them. Danny’s plan was to let them die and rot in there.

When Jake and Sam found them they feared the worst, they were laying on the floor unconscious. Ru had a huge wound on his neck, Josh and Kelly looked bruised and bloody but there were no significant wounds in sight. Sam got to them to check their pulse, they were still breathing.

“Fuck! He’s dead.” Said Jake after checking on Ru.

“We don’t have much time we need to get Dad and Josh back to the village now!”

Sam felt relieved once they stepped outside the castle and it was sunny, he took another look back, deep down he knew the vampire would be coming back for him.

Weeks passed and Sam’s fear came true. The vampire came to visit him one night, but this time he wasn’t looking for revenge.

“Are you gonna tell me your name?”

“I’m Daniel.” He said sitting next to Sam on the bed, the vampire looked curious as he grabbed the human’s hands, he carefully inspected them. Sam flinched a little at the cold contact but didn’t move his hands away, his heart started beating faster out of… fear? The nerves in his gut increased when he realized he felt attracted to the vampire.

“Your hands are soft, you’re not a hunter.”

“I’m not.”

“Is that why you’re not trying to get away? Because you know you can’t win?” Danny asked as he started kissing Sam’s hand. He gently pressed his lips to the knuckles then turned it to kiss his wrist as well. Sam quietly gasped and bit his lip.

“I- I’m not afraid of you.”

Danny looked up visibly pleased. He didn’t need to use his mind controlling powers to keep Sam close.

“Good.” The vampire said standing back up and made his way to the window.

“Where are you going?”

“I’ll let you go back to sleep, Sammy.”

After that night, the vampire started visiting his room regularly. Sam always had questions for him and Danny was happy to entertain him, he liked having a friend. Sam talked to him about his inventions, his plans and how he wished to move out to see the world.

Danny understood how Sam felt, he opened to him and talked about his parents going away, moving to a different land when the hunters started killing their clan one by one.

“I didn’t want to live their life, live by their rules, so when they decided to leave I just… stayed.”

Sam noticed the sad look on his face, he wasn’t completely sure about his feelings for the vampire but he knew he didn’t like to see him down. Daniel’s presence made him happy and Sam hoped he could make the vampire happy too.

Daniel, Daniel, my Danny… he liked the sound of it… wait, no. Sam shook his head.

“Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I was just thinking… I’m glad you stayed.”

They were standing close to each other. Danny put his hands on Sam’s slim waist to bring him closer and Sam let him. He delicately brushed his lips against Sam’s neck before he started kissing him. Sam’s pulse increased when he felt the vampire opening his mouth to gently suck on his tender skin, then he soothed the area with his tongue. Sam let out a moan and put his arms around Danny’s shoulders to keep him there, the vampire continued to kiss and suck on his neck. Sam panted when he felt the fangs scratching him. Never in his life had he experienced such an erotic moment, his hips pushed against Danny…

“Are you gonna do it?” that stopped Danny.

“Do you want me to?”

“I want you to kiss me.” Danny kissed his throat again then moved his hand behind Sam’s neck, he pressed his lips to Sam’s and for the first time ever, he felt it all. It started with a gentle peck then Danny began to move his lips against Sam’s sensually, he responded kissing back and opening his mouth to let his tongue poke Danny’s lips, deepening the kiss. Danny sucked on Sam’s tongue softly and the younger gasped. Their heated make out session continued until Danny felt his instincts wanting to take over, he stopped and pulled away from Sam’s embrace. Sam looked away embarrassed.

“I’ll be gentle with you, Sam.”

Sam bit his lip and nodded, still not looking back at Danny. Danny didn’t want him to feel rejected so he grabbed his hand. “We could go out for a walk.”

Epilogue

“You warm up when I touch you, interesting.”

“You expected me to be ice cold.”

“Yeah but I used to eat snow, so I’m used to it.”

“Are you comparing my dick to snow?”

“Your dick tastes better though.”

#gvf fic #sam kiszka #danny wagner #sanny #greta van fleet

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pumpkin-spice-whump-latte · 5 years

Text

Whumptober #22: Hallucination

Sleep paralysis doesn’t mix well with crushing guilt and panic attacks. No siree-bob. Carlos breaks down and Ben’s there to piece him back together.

content includes: 50% hurt and 50% fluffy, fluffy comfort. Panic attack, sleep paralysis demon, but a HAPPY ENDING FOR ONCE LMAO.

References and deals with the aftermath of #21: Laced Drink, in which Carlos and Ben were both heavily drugged and Carlos successfully resisted an experimental aphrodisiac, but not until after a lot of struggle and some noncon touching. There’s some talk of heavy feelings of guilt on Carlos’ end for what nearly happened, and references to how they were both victimized in separate ways by the drugs.

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Ben was going to kill him.

Carlos lay on his back atop the stiff cot in their cell, able to move his eyes but nothing else. No matter how much he tried to will his treacherous body to move, it just wouldn’t respond. Was this how Ben had felt? Was this how it had felt for Ben, drugged and on his back and touched all over by someone who was supposed to be on his side? The shame of the previous day still burned inside him like a brand, and he’d eventually tried to sleep to escape it. It seemed to have followed him. Demons always did.

They didn’t always stand in the corner of your room though, silently staring you down and (his brain just knew it, like a dream script, like two plus two) contemplating your inevitable, bloody death.

The only light source came from the harsh fluorescent glow of the hallway creeping under the door, casting bizarre shadows over the walls and making the spaces in between them seem too sharp. Peaks of light and common sense that dipped off into valleys of unknown darkness. Ben stood in one of those valleys. Clothed in fuzz and rage, eyes trained on Carlos and hands curled into fists at his sides. The figure that was shaped like his friend and had his friend’s face stood like a stain of righteous fury in the darkness, mere moments away from beating Carlos to death with his bare hands.

But of course he was, of course, he’d been driven to this by torture and betrayal, and Carlos would have gladly accepted his fate had it not been for that pesky “will to live” that clung to his ankle all the time. That little beaten, exhausted thing was babbling to him in Panic language, telling him get up, get up you idiot get UP! Remember the time that hobo stole your shoes when he thought you were asleep? You flew off the ground and attacked him and you can do it now too! You have to do it now or he’ll c h o k e you like you choked him. He’ll hold you down and–

But he just couldn’t. He couldn’t even take in a full breath, his chest feeling like something was squatting on it and squishing all the air out. And still Ben remained a silent watcher in the corner, seeming more great and terrible than death itself, more ominous and sure than it too, because for the first time in a long time Carlos knew he would dying for a good reason.

___

During all this Ben had been sleeping in his own stiff cot, not two feet away. Oblivious. His dreams were troubled and peopled by demons of his own, but his body was just as outwardly peaceful as Carlos’ was. That is until the screaming started.

Being woken up by awful, animalistic screams of pain happened more often than he cared to dwell on, but this time it wasn’t coming from some poor creature in another cell. It was coming from Carlos. Ben swung out of bed and was at the other man’s side just in time to catch him from falling off his cot, but as soon as Ben’s hands touched him Carlos bolted away.

“M'sorry, I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean it, please don’t hURT ME FUCK I'MSORRY…” He scrambled across the floor until he backed himself in a corner and huddled there, shaking like a dead leaf in the wind.

“What the…?” Ben tried taking a few steps closer but Carlos just screeched again and curled in on himself further.

“Buddy… Carl… It’s okay.” He put his hands up to show they were harmless–he was harmless–and inched forward another step or two. “It’s just me. It’s Benny. I wouldn’t hurt you. Everything’s okay.”

“No, no, nonono…” Carlos muttered, words muffled against his knees and hands twisting in his hair. “You were–you were right there–” A hand shot out to point at the far left corner. “And it would… It would serve me right, it would serve me f-fuckin’ RiGhT because I almost fuckin’… I was like two seconds away from doing some awful f-fuckin’ shit to you and honestly just–just make it quick okay? Just snap my fucking nECK so he can’t m-mmmmmake me hhnn….”

Ben knew then that it had been some kind of nightmare, knew then the depth of the cut that had been made in Carlos’ soul, and closed the distance between them in a heartbeat. He crumpled to his knees and wrappeddas his arms full around Carlos’ shoulders. Even though Ben was met with a violent flinch and further pleas for mercy one second (and death the next), he held on.

“Shhhh… It’s okay. I’m not gonna hurt you, Carl. M'not gonna, I promise. It’s not your fault. It would never be your fault. Just breathe for me buddy, that’s it.”

To his credit, Carlos did attempt to gasp in longer and longer lungfuls of air, and after a minute or two his shaky breathing started to even out. Ben kept up the litany of soothing, repetitive words; the gentlest reinforcement against the invading army of panic crowding in against Carlos from all sides. It was okay. Ben wasn’t upset. Carlos didn’t deserve to be hurt.

That last one got a mumbled response from against shoulder. “Sure ‘bout that?”

“Yes.” He answered calmly and very, very sure. Ben pressed a hand to Carlos’ face, thumb gently lifting his chin enough so he could catch those teary green eyes. “Listen. You were drugged. Just like me. It was awful and horrifying and I–” The words caught in his throat and he had to stop himself. Take a deep breath. Push through the memories that grabbed at him and tried to steer him off course.

“...But that was Tillman’s fault. That was the scientist that slipped shit into our drinks. You hear me? It wasn’t your fault.” He dropped his voice down low. Gentle and soft and just for them. “If I’m the one that gets slipped the aphrodisiac next time, and–and I’m not able to stop it… Would you blame me?”

Carlos shook his head frantically, words trying to bubble up and spill out of his mouth again. “No. No! Of course not! Nevernever ne v e rrr nonono–”

“Shhhh…” Ben pressed in close, that stricken face still held between careful hands, lips close enough to kiss. He cooed comforting noises against Carlos’ mouth, thumbs swiping at the renewed tears. “Shh, calm down. I believe you, buddy. And I wouldn’t blame you either. Okay?”

Carlos closed his eyes, seemed to struggle against the idea of forgiveness for a moment more, then surrendered with a shuddering sigh. Nodded small and quick into Ben’s hands.

“…'Kay. Sorry.”

“For what?”

“Wakin’ y'up.”

Ben snorted and pressed their foreheads together. He remembered the cat he’d had as a kid used to do that to show affection. Non-verbal and familiar and full of trust. “If you really feel bad about it you can stay up and keep me company, 'cuz I sure as hell am not going back to sleep any time soon.”

“Me neither!”

Arms came up and wrapped around Ben, anchoring Carlos to him with tight fists and crossed wrists. The tears came again but Ben knew from hard won experience they were of a different breed, born of the exhaustion that settled in after adrenaline ransacked your body. They were coming down tears, and he held Carlos through them. Rocking him a little and reminding him every time he got a chance to speak between the other’s hiccuping sobs;

“It’s okay. We’re alright. You fought it and you won and I’m so proud. We’re gonna keep fighting. Just you and me.”

Sometime after Carlos had calmed down, after he’d allowed his grip on Ben to loosen, he sought out one of Ben’s hands. Shuffled their fingers together like the time they’d sat and held onto each other through the pain of the implant chip.

He didn’t say it because he didn’t trust his voice but he thought it. He thought it as loud and as strong as he could, as if the shadow Ben from his night terror and the scientist himself would both hear him and back off. At least for now. At least while Ben held him.

Together.

#whumptober2019 #no.22 #hallucination #aftermath of trauma #noncon mention #hurt/comfort #sleep paralysis #guilt

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fanesavin · 5 years

Photo

The first arrivals for the coronation are spotted at the docks and the games are begun.

[ Part 1 ]

Miguel had been travelling for awhile - he had just gotten the invitation to the coronation recently - soon after deciding to return to the Forty Isles. So he made his way to the Capitol and sent his fleet on it’s way back home, Miguel kept only two of his crew with him, that was more than enough for him. The over-sized broadsword at his hip and the way his muscles popped when he crossed his arms usually stopped any trouble before it began. That meant that Miguel de la Cardero Reyes Ojeda Lopez was waiting at the docks when his older brother arrived. There was an apple in one hand, and a smile on his face as he joked with his remaining crew and discussed the possibilities of the coronation. For all the world he looked like a silly young man, someone who hadn’t had the time or the capacity to be bitter - not yet. Though his demeanor was light, his eyes were sharp, and as soon as Iann set foot on the docks Miguel grew tense.

His mocking smile faded once his casual survey of the docks made Iann spot his youngest brother. The little two-faced oaf (Blessed Lupita please forgive) was on the bottom of the rock staircase that would lead up into the Capital walls. He looked sweet and jocular and approachable - and Iann knew quite well he was none of these things. He felt a warm surge of pleasure to watch Miguel’s shoulders bunch ever so slightly, when they met eyes. Miguel was subtle, but Iann could handle that at least. He’d been handling it for about 30 years now. He strolled over, wide sweeping steps that forced the fishmongers to go scurrying aside for him. He got closer, giving one of Miguel’s similarly tense men a cheeky wink, as he nipped the apple from his brother’s hand, and bit into it. “I didn’t realize they remembered to give you an invitation. Nor did I realize you would bother to attend, my little brother. The Sea Awaits,” he added, as a belated formal greeting.

Miguel smiled at his brother - he had lost count of how many layers of subterfuge they were playing, how many games they ran at once - and he couldn’t tell if his smile was real or fake. Did he love his brother? Maybe. But did he love other things far more…? “Fortunately, I was within reach of their birds. And on my way back to the Forty Isles, the rest of my fleet has gone on ahead. I can go home with you, right Iann?” He couldn’t very well say no, not when the travelling son wanted to return home. “Good weather for sailing,” he gave the formal response as he smiled up at the warm sun and the few fluffy white clouds. “Good weather for a coronation too!”

The sound of a voice called down from the ship, a woman dressed up in decorative armour standing on the edge. It was clear from the way she was standing that she wasn’t there by her own choice. Nor were the men standing around her entirely friendly. ‘If you insist on bringing me here, I would suggest you get me off of this damned ship,’ Collette called down to the man prancing about and calling himself all sorts of titles. She didn’t care that he was talking to another man. Their titles were pathetic.

Iann instinctively smiled back, then congratulated himself for letting his little brother set the tone. Or did Iann already do that, by taking his apple? It tasted like fish and tar, but Iann ate it anyway. “My flagship is your servant, little brother,” Iann said in an offhand way, although he remembered quite well what happened the last time he let his brother board his flagship. This time, Iann wouldn’t eat any of Miguel’s supposed delicacies, no matter what intriguing foreign land he liberated them from. Before Iann could talk about the coronation though, he heard a call up from the deck of the Freewind Flagship, and his idle smile turned into an amused (if slightly tense) grin. “Ah - come little brother - come meet my prize.” Iann motioned for Miguel to follow, and he eschewed the gangplank his Officer offered to put down for the Lady. “No, no. Put her in the crate casket,” he said, motioning to the pulley. A rope was thrown down to him for the pulley. “Like cargo. White Lady, if you would be so kind as to sit in the casket and I’ll be happy to bring you down to the docks.”

Miguel didn’t have the energy to mourn the loss of his apple. Instead he over thought what its theft could mean. Did Iann trust food from Miguel again, did Iann trust food that Miguel didn’t want to give? It was information that could be useful to him and he filed it away for later review. There wasn’t any poison in store for his brother, not anytime soon. Not of origin from Miguel at least. He had other plans for Iann. “Prize?” One of Miguel’s eyebrows went up and he glanced toward the Freewing Flagship. He heard the woman’s voice but he didn’t see her. “What did you do, Iann?”

Collette’s jaw clenched and she made no movement for the longest moment. She glared daggers at the man even as she relented and sat in the crate like a hound. She swore that any degradation she would face under this man’s thumb would be returned a thousandfold. She hadn’t killed better men just to become an bauble.

Iann looked haughty and stern, losing his cheer for a brief moment as he gazed at Miguel with a somewhat pitying look. “I’m doing what is my right, Miguel,” he stated, soft and calm. The cheer was back when he felt the casket shift under Collette’s weight. “And you know the legend of the White Woman of the North, hm? This lovely thing claims to be her. I found her and she is mine. A good omen, wouldn’t you say?” And a beautiful claim to tout in front of Miguel no less, hopefully give his little brother landlubber legs at the implication of Iann’s gain. “You know what? It is good weather to sail today, you’re right.” He carefully lowered Collette down to the docks, and then extended a hand to help her out of the casket. “My Esteemed Lady, may I present my youngest brother - Miguel de la Cardero Reyes Ojeda Lopez of the Forty Isles.

Miguel’s face tensed for a moment, but then he gave a tight smile to the supposed White Woman of the North. She could be an invaluable piece in the fight against his brother - Miguel had no doubt about the hate in her eyes. Miguel ducked his head in greeting, but made no move to touch her hand in the usual way to greet a woman. "My esteemed lady. Just call me Miguel, I’m at your service. What may I call you?”

She would have been easy to spot once she got deeper into the capital having a small group of followers and escorts. Not that Cassandra felt she needed the protection particularly, but things got a bit more difficult when you brought your toddler to the coronation. But she had her reasons. When she spot sight of the familiar ships Cassandra moved her horse down towards the docks, at first just watching the brothers from behind in quiet. Her expression was placid listening to them and even watching the ‘prize’ that Iann brought down like cargo. Cassandra sighed and shook her head, still atop her horse with Adeline’s pony not far behind, “And so the grand reunion begins.” She called out, “It’s amazing what a coronation can do. Even for the brothers of the Forty Isles.”

Collette ignored the hand of her captor as she climbed from the crate. She didn’t even look at him, her eyes trained on the man he was trying to introduce her to. 'If you’re blood to this fool, then you are likely little different.’ She finally glanced at her captor. 'But if you’re half as skilled, you may call me White. Or War.’ Collette was for friends. And in this place they were few and far between.

Trust Cassandra to bring a horse onto the docks. Iann had seen her out of the corner of his eye (how could he not, sitting on her beast) but waited until she deigned to acknowledge them. In truth, he’d learned to appreciate the Grand Lady of Summerset, and despite her ailing House it was a good match between her and Juan Carlos. Their poor middle brother never wanted to rule or fight or anything other than travel and raise a family. But what lit Iann’s dark eyes up was the sight of the little Princess on her pony. “My Lady,” he said with a flourishing but quick bow to Cassandra, but then he stepped closer to Adeline. “Ahhhh, my beautiful angel. Such good things I’m rewarded with and I’ve only just set foot on land. My beautiful little niece,” he cooed over her. His love for her was as immense as his love for his own children; in fact, there was one moment where Iann had tried to steal her out of Summerset to join his own brood. Cassandra had stopped him then - and that encounter had been a valuable one that made Iann only love Adeline more, and even love Grand Lady Cassandra as well. She knew that her daughter was enchanting. He ignored Collette’s insults - they were normal by now and pedestrian at best - and then made more introductions, glad to hear Collette tear his brother down as much as she tried to do him. “Lady White, this is Queen Cassandra of Summerset, and her little Princess, my niece Adeline. And Miguel’s niece as well, I’m sure.”

Miguel raised his head and nodded at Lady White. “Then I’m pleased to meet you, Lady.” As he brought his head up he saw the small love of his life riding her pony next to her mother. Miguel wanted control of the Forty Isles, that was true. But another truth was that Miguel couldn’t have children in the traditional way. Iann had already sired plenty. But he would pass the Isles to Adeline, or her children - when the time came… if the time came. Miguel nodded to Cassandra. “At your service, sister.” And then his face lit up even more, turning him into a cheerful, jovial uncle. “And hello darling Adeline!” He stood close to his brother, crowding the little princess, fawning over her.

Collette turned to watch the woman on the horse and clasped her hands in front of her. It was alienating to be so far away from the colder places of the North and without a weapon. These people seemed at home here, even if it wasn’t. Collette neither knew nor cared about that. She just wanted to go home, free to fight.

Cassie smiled briefly to her brothers-in-law, lip curling just a bit more as Adeline received the attention she was so used to, but while the brothers cooed over the princess Cassandra looked a bit more intensely at the lady Iann had brought out. Her brow furrowed, and she got off her horse approaching Collette just a few steps closer. The stories of the white woman of the north were not overly common in Summerset, but Cassandra knew of them none the less. She gave a brief nod to the other woman in greeting. If she really was the White Lady, there was something a bit more ethereal to her than any of them. “I don’t know how he managed it.” Cassandra spoke. “But certainly we can do better than a cargo hold.” Her eye narrowed slightly, “Even apparent heirs forget their manners, time to time.”

'Even I can be bested by numbers, it seems.’ Collete glanced at Iann then back at this 'Queen’. 'And I’ve never met a man who remembers his manners.’ Though she seemed stiff to Cassandra, she offered a rare but courteous and restrained smile.

Iann hoisted Adeline off her pony, covering her in soft beardy kisses. “Seeing you makes me miss my own,” he confided fondly at Adeline, who looked nothing like her father, or his own children. He handed the pony’s reins to Miguel to keep the animal calm, as he continued nuzzling the child. And he watched Cassandra and the White Lady make their acquaintance. “She is my guest, but sometimes I like to tease her,” Iann said, smile crinkling his eyes. “She is free to wander where she pleases of course. But Lady White will return to me, once this is all over.” War indeed. War had no place in a city aching for peace. She was uncomfortable, so far away from her cold home. Among people who craved anything other than more battles and bloodshed. If she was who she claimed, she was an intriguing thing, if a little singular-minded.

Miguel fumed a bit at being handed the pony’s reigns. But he could be patient, he would get a chance to snuggle Adeline too. Instead he stepped toward Cassandra, the Lady of Summerset and smiled just as sunnily as her title. “Is there any new of your husband? I would be grateful to hear about my brother…”

“Too true.” Cassandra laughed at Lady White and her comment, she turned slightly watching Iann take the young girl down from her pony, her lips thinning for a brief moment, “I don’t see what you need her for.” Surely, if Iann had been strong enough to overpower her, it’d make the Lady somewhat a moot point. She took in a breath being asked about her husband and returned to the horse waiting patciently behind her. Cassandra pet the beasts nose soothingly and shook her head, “Very little. He does as he likes and this…crusade is something of a pet project.”

Collette remained silent, even as her captor claimed she had some freedom and the woman claimed that she was useless. It prickled under her skin to think that this minor setback was enough to crush the image she had earned for herself. It was insulting that she was defeated but even more insulting that she was no longer considered worth showing off. Turning away from the group, Collette started her way along the docks.

“Ahhhh Juan Carlos and his righteous crusades…” he sighed; and yet he turned a blind eye to the requests that came from Juan Carlos to the Forty Isle Treasury, to fund his soldiers and crusades. What did it matter? It kept their middle brother busy, and Iann and Miguel were both constantly bringing new treasures back to the Forty Isles to keep them well-monied, well-positioned. That was one thing he could credit his youngest brother with at least; the boy had an eye for precious things. Just as he did; and so in response to Cassandra, he tactfully handed the daughter to the Princess’ governess, and then replied simply, “I need precious and rare things, and the Lady White is precious and rare.” He watched her turn and stride away, her head held high. “There she goes. Watch how she strides - proud and beautiful, no?”

Cassie watched as Collette did practically marched away. Cassandra could hardly blame her, but if she was as far away from home as everyone was eluding, Cassandra didn’t know where Lady White could possibly be finding any solace. Still, she decided to follow suit, and stepped back up into her horses saddle, “Well, I’m going back towards the castle. I’ve had enough sea air. You’re welcome to join.”

The colour of Collette’s hair drew people’s attention to her to the point that the fishermen whispered behind their hands. She felt exposed. Battlefields where she was a ghostly flash of blood and silver were one thing. Bustling docks were another. Especially dressed as ostentatiously as she was.

“I shall be along shortly,” Iann announced, glancing at Miguel out of curiosity to see what his brother’s plans were, should he choose to announce them. “I have some business to attend to on the Docks.” He really did mean it, too. The Forty Isles had their businesses forged on all ports and dockyards along the coast of Bluesprings, as well as lands beyond.

Miguel nodded. He had explored the Capitol plenty. And while he loved the salty air, he was ready to explore the castle. “Then I shall accompany our dear sister and niece to the castle.”

Collette glanced over her shoulder at the upperclass group as they split off from each other. Small mercies that her captor hadn’t insisted on dragging her away from the frankly unpleasant and dull docks to be shown off, yet. She returned her attention to some shells and dried seaweed snacks a little girl in rags was trying to sell her. 'I’ll take them all.’ But as she reached for her purse, she remembered that her captor had taken that from her, too. So she unclipped the golden brooch pinning her cloak and offered it to the little girl. 'Take it. Please.’

Prelate Theodore closed his hand over Lady White’s wrist, not threateningly, but to forestall the child eagerly snatching the brooch. “Perhaps some payment that would be of less … foreign currency for the young one,” he said, letting go again. “Please, allow me.” He opened his own purse and pressed three clover-minted coppers into the girl’s grubby hand, her eyes going round as she thrust forward her shells and snacks in return and scampered away calling for her mother in a high, excited voice.

Collette tensed upon feeling someone’s hand enclose around her wrist, half expecting it to be her captor. But when she heard an entirely different voice and accent. She glanced up at the stranger, her jaw flexing. Her swallow was visible. She barely had time to reach out before the basket was shoved into her hand. Tugging away from the stranger, she stepped back and clipped her brooch back on in silence. When she looked back up at him, she flicked her chin up in defiance. 'The brooch is doing nothing of worth. At least the girl would’ve benefited.’

Fane was unaccustomed to the warmth of Kingdoms such as these - sun was an infrequent occurrence for those hailing from lands further North in the realm. Shielding his eyes against the rays he studied the lay of the city limits before glancing at a few of the advisory companions that had joined him on the trip South. There wasn’t much for himself that he’d brought, his were a relatively simple people but there were some goods for trade regardless. “I’ll see you at the Castle nearer the ceremony, don’t concern yourself with my whereabouts before then” with this he stepped onto the plank leading to the docks glad for the welcome feeling of solid ground under his feet and not several tonnes of unstable oak. Warm food and drink would be a welcome relief after the journey.

Prelate Theodore inclined his head, clasping his hands behind his back. The neat, stark lines of his heavy clergical habit in charcoal brocade made him look like a solemn raven, his voice modulated and precise. “The brooch would benefit the charity box of the Cloverry, should you be inclined; in the hands of that child, it would only have drawn the attention of bigger, more predatory eyes.” He regarded Collette for a moment before saying, “Do you hail from the North, Lady? Is it the coronation that has brought you so far from home?” Prelate Theodore accompanied his own questions with a polite introduction. “I’m Theodore Aynesworth, the Prelate of the Cloverry.”

Collette kept her chin up, unwavering under the judgemental gaze of a powerful man. She’d faced powerful men before. 'The North is my home.’ She glanced towards Iann only to find that he’d disappeared into the crowd of fishermen. A small mercy. She then turned back to this 'Theodore’. 'Then take the brooch.’ She slipped it back out of her cloak and thrust it towards him. 'Help the people.’

Fane glanced at the rush of colour and noise around the docks figures of all shapes and sizes busy dealing with several other far more notable arrivals than he. He drifted in the crowd, mindful of his purse attached securely to his belt his free hand resting on the hilt of his blade non-threateningly. Until he noted the familiar garb of one individual in conversation with another young lady. Gravitating towards them he purchased an apple from one of the merchants and approached taking a bite from the ripe fruit as he observed the interaction with the woman curiously.

“Very generous of you, Lady.” The glitter of the brooch disappeared into the dark cavern of his purse, which he snapped closed with a sharp click. “Especially in these times when there’s hardship everywhere.” The Prelate looked over the ships in the harbour, giving Collette space to maintain her dignity; provincials, unaccustomed to the way that the clergy carried themselves, often got defensive and felt they were being judged when they were simply being … observed. The Cloverry valued very highly the qualities of observation and analysis in its order. In looking around, Theodore caught sight of a more familiar Northern face, and his own austere expression creased into a smile. “Lord Savin!” he greeted the war hero. “Here, I have one of your countrywomen at hand. Come, stand next to her and radiate some of that chill in your bones.”

Fane finished chewing a mouthful of apple pulp and swallowing it down before inclining his head out of customary politeness to the two individuals. “Prelate, quite the occasion to bring us all together wouldn’t you say? Who would’ve thought we’d live to see a unification such as this,” his eyes turned then to the women introduced as one of his own though he stepped into the circle. “The North eh? Any region in particular? I may know of it.”

“Praise unto the Whole,” Theodore intoned crisply; despite his devotion to the church, he wasn’t one for long, groaning prayers and invocations. When speaking with Lord Savin, however – a man whose House had been of stalwart support to the Cloverry – a nod towards piety was expected and welcome. “The Highest Raj and the Quiver of Houses will require all of our dedication and commitment. Are you planning any significant time spent in The Capital, eh?” That would mean a sizeable entourage of House Savin. And the Prelate liked to stay informed of any tradewind shifts in the demographics.

Collette watched as the holy man took the brooch without question and wondered about where exactly that wealth would go. Trickle down the lines without ever touching the ground? That was the way she’d heard such men gathered their wealth. She turned to leave, only to be pulled into another meeting with another person. She tipped her chin when the newest stranger addressed her. 'The North. There’s no need to split hairs.’ She didn’t want to address the fact that it was the entire North she’d called her home. Nor did she wish to address who she really was when that meant exposing that she’d been defeated. She reached into her new basket and picked out some seaweed to taste.

“Aye, praise be,” he answered in kind. His House over the generations had members belonging to the Cloverry and Fane himself had a healthy respect for the faith even if he wasn’t particularly so devout himself. The Prelate was a powerful figure in his own right. “That he will,” because how long would a King last without the support of his followers? “But no, I don’t plan to stay for an extended period of time. These climates are far too temperate for me and mine… We’ll likely be burnt to a crisp by morrow,” he smiled in relatively good humour all in all even if it likely would be the truth. “Well the whole North is as good as any, and I suppose you feel similarly? Can’t wait to return to the Northern wilderness eh? M'lady?” He wasn’t sure of her name so he stuck to general titles for the time being.

'I don’t think I’ll be returning to the North anytime soon.’ Collette wanted to, though. With all her heart, she wanted to walk the icy fields again. She wanted to feel the bitter chill against her cheeks. But some men would rather cage beasts then let them wander free. 'But I would hope to,’ she said, offering the Northerner a politer smile than she’d offered the Southerners around here.

Prelate Theodore watched groups of servants make their way from the docks towards the courtyard of Bluesprings Castle, carrying chests emblazoned with House crests. “Looks as though more banners are arriving,” he remarked, flicking a stray twist of jute from his shoulder as some porters went past him bearing roped-up boxes. “It’s not going to be the most lavish of ceremonies considering the coin put aside for restoration and relief, I warn you both – but then again, Northerners never do care for anything too elaborate, do you?” Theodore purchased a gold-striped pear from another child hawking its wares, polishing the fruit against his sleeve. “I’ve heard stories, Fane, that you’ve one cousin who freezes all his wine before serving it at banquets. The way that the North intended, is that the reasoning?” The Prelate smiled at Collette as well to include her in the conversation, but didn’t press any further interaction with her, instead taking a neat bite out of his pear.

Maya counted the boxes again and then a third time. She huffed a sigh. Someone had forgotten to pack the spices. If she was to bake what she had been ordered to they would have to purchase more at the marketplace, which would be expensive. Something was going to get their ass kicked when they returned to Blackspire. For now though the only thing to do was speak to her master about it. When Maya approached he was in conversation with a man and a woman. She curtsied and said, Beg pardon Lord Savin, sir, madame, there’s a bit of a problem with our baggage.“

"No?” Fane studied the young lady with a curious eye wondering why she might not return back to the lands of their people but now wasn’t the time to ask. Perhaps if he ran into her at a later point he would inquire more. “Well, we shall be returning after the festivities and if you are in need of transport there will likely be space - a few of our party wish to remain in the Capitol for a while longer.” An open invitation never hurt he supposed but he’d have to learn more. Fane’s smile grew a little wry at the mention of elaborate festivities, “I know little of the ostentatious ways of life so a simple affair will suit me just fine, but aye, my younger cousin likes to chill his vintages. Though I wouldn’t say it’s the way they intended it, more to contrast the warmth of our food.” Speaking of which one of the kitchen staff that had come with him for the event came up to him, “excuse me a moment Prelate, m'lady…” Turning to step aside for a moment just out of earshot of the former gathering “what appears to be the issue Maya?”

Collette turned away from the strangers and headed towards the stairs towards the larger city but caught herself as her foot touched the bottom step. She glanced around to find her captor. Though she couldn’t see him, she knew his men were following her. No one would let a trophy wander off alone. Not when his brother knew her true nature. Instead, she turned to sit on a small rickety bench beside the only tree and patch of green that lived beside the dock.

“Please, Lord Savin, attend to your business. I’ve matters of my own that require attention.” The young woman who’d come to speak to her master seemed concerned about whatever it was, and by the time the Prelate turned to leave them to talk, Lady White had departed without another word to apparently go sit by herself. He tucked that piece of interaction away, heading from the docks back towards the Castle.

With business finished, Iann strode down the docks to take him back to the stone stairs, leading up to the Capital walls. He noticed Inquisitor Savin, who seemed occupied with his own affairs. There was also a Prelate (the name escaped him; they all looked the same to Iann: boring and austere) who Iann gave a polite nod to in greeting. A glance at one of his men (Knight Harrison was attending to his own squadron on the Freewinds, and would join Iann later) who nodded a chin over to where Lady White was sitting and sulking. “Prelate,” he said, pausing by the Prelate. “She is my guest,” he said, without any finery or preamble. In that decorative finery he’d tricked Collette out in, he knew she stood out, and likely caught the Prelate’s owlish attention, even if it was just briefly. He walked over then, not minding if the Prelate followed or not. “You didn’t get far, my Lady,” he said with a bland congeniality. He offered an arm. “Come, it’s time to see Bluesprings Castle. I know you hate everything that isn’t covered in ice and snow, but the Castle is something of a marvel. It’s stood here for over a thousand years, through all sorts of wars, even the old ones with dragons. Nothing has destroyed it yet.” He looked over at the Prelate in case the owl had something else to add; the Cloverry loved their endless details and dates of history.

Collette only looked up when her captor approached with is undying enthusiasm. It would almost be charming if it weren’t on the face of a viper. She stood, straightening out her decorative outfit. 'I didn’t want your spies to become panicked. We all know what they’d do it they thought they lost me.’ She offered the slightest ground by taking his offered arm and following him. 'Castles are only as good as the men inhabiting them.’

Prelate Theodore kept pace with the Driftwood Heir, giving the man a sidelong look as he claimed responsibility for the Lady White. “Your guest seems discomfited by the warmth of our Capital,” he said, letting Cardero read into that should he desire to. Still, he was headed in the same direction that it seemed Cardero was, and chimed in as if on cue: “–in fact, the cellars and catacombs beneath Bluesprings Castle were built with coldmarble stones from the North, quarried and transported here in Fell Year 64.”

Right on schedule. Iann listened with quiet amusement as the Prelate prattled on as if he simply couldn’t help himself. He was surprised that the White Lady took his arm, but didn’t consider it a win; in fact, he almost hoped it was a strategy. The only thing that had thus far made him doubt the White Lady’s claim as the legendary Woman in White, was that she behaved utterly like a commoner. Brutish and unsubtle, like a hammer rather than a knife. Then again, perhaps that was why the commonfolk’s name for her was The Commoner’s Warrior. “Yes, yes, you are only concerned with honour and integrity, and so on and so forth,” he said to the White Lady, tiring of her proselytizing, as if she were the only one in the world who could ever possibly understand those concepts. For a month now, it was all he ever got from her. “She’s from the North, no House affiliation.” That much was obvious, Iann believed, from the way she spoke and carried herself. “But I do love a good bit of driftwood, as it moves between the currents.”

Collette raised a brow at Iann, a sound of almost maternal or mentorly disapproval leaving her. He seemed not to understand exactly what she embodied. Nor had he seen her in her true glory to judge her so. Her defeat had been the work of men who didn’t know the meaning of honour. 'My Northerness doesn’t affect my appreciation for anything. Nor does it stunt my intellect.’ Her eyes flicked to Fane as if making a point. Everything was a battle but not everything required a strategy.

“Have you been insulted, my Lady?” Iann asked, mild and surprised. “A thousand sugar apologies on a golden plate. Unless of course, you disapprove of such extravagance. You two would like each other, if you actually managed a conversation. Both very attuned to the acetic as the only worthy way of life…” he frowned slightly as he looked down at the Lady’s armour. “Where’s your brooch gone? Did you lose it, my Lady?”

The Northern woman continued to ignore him, cold as her land of origin, but the Prelate hadn’t become one of the highest of his order by being rattled at rudeness. Or judgement. “The Lady has very kindly donated her brooch to the work of the Cloverry,” he interjected at Cardero’s question. “She hasn’t lost it as she navigates the currents, have no fear.”

Collette eyed Iann for a long moment. 'You’ve insulted me by taking me from my home. I doubt anything you could say could insult me anymore.’ She glanced at the Prelate, her fingers ever so slightly tightening around Iann’s arm. 'The clothes you’ve put me in are already worth more than the commoners of this city put together. The brooch will feed a hundred families.’

Prelate Theodore said mildly, “Alas, we in the South haven’t adopted the practice of calculating the worth of our people in clothing and jewels. But your generous gift will be portioned most carefully to those requiring the aid of the Cloverry, and the High Raj.”

“You see?” Iann said, as the Lady once again plunged into another lecture, as if it were all just that simplistic, and she alone had clarity of mind. “She talks of nothing else, just as you do, Prelate. Perhaps she can join your order.” That last bit was entirely a joke, and patted The White Lady’s hand as they reached the city walls. “I’m glad to hear that I can no longer insult you. I suppose the only thing left to do now is praise you.”

'Mercy,’ Collette said, her mouth twisting in a way that could’ve been considered a slowly growing amusement. 'I would die if you praised me.’ She watched the Prelate as he told her the people would benefit from the brooch. Good. She had hoped the real people down in the streets would benefit. 'Perhaps you wouldn’t be trying to defeat your own brother or kidnapping poor defenceless women if you shared my beliefs.’

“I don’t want you to die,” Iann said, in shock that was both surprised by her tease, but also the truth. He wanted to ask if she even could die, but didn’t want to ask that in front of the Prelate. Instead Iann laughed. “Defeat my brother? I’m afraid you misunderstand, dear Lady,” he said, with a nod at the soldiers who opened the doors for him. “What beliefs are those? We have a Prelate here, and he enjoys hearing the ideas of belief. Prelate, if she accidentally blasphemes, take it in the good spirit of the day and don’t throw her in your nunnery.” Iann was joking again, in that last bit. The Cloverry, despite the Forty Isles not being particularly affiliated with it, was certainly not known for its oppression. But to reassure Collette he added, “Unless you’d prefer a nunnery over my company.”

Prelate Theodore hadn’t minded the Driftwood Heir amusing himself by pretending to matchmake the clergyman and the Northern woman – Cardero was known for his puckish sense of humour – but the Lady White’s insistence on believing herself the only person with noble intentions wasn’t quite as entertaining. “I’m certain she would find our nunneries beneath her notice, and most unpalatable to her tastes,” he said, giving the two of them a smooth bow. “Please, if you have any needs prior to the coronation ceremony, don’t hesitate to ask.” And then he diverted down a narrow corridor, heading to a meeting with the Ever Widow. There was much for them to discuss.

Collette made a face when Iann told her that he didn’t want her to die. It was usually the opposite sentiment men she’d faced held. But then again, he was the first to ever succeed in defeating her. 'I’d pity the nunnery that tried to contain me.’ She was about to tell Iann and the Prelate her moralistic and honour bound ideals when Iann was drawn away.

Maya took a step with Lord Savin to the side. She stood with her back completely straight, a habit of her childhood that she had never broken. “It seems the porter forgot to load the spice box. I had intended to check myself the baggage before we left, but I…” she hesitated. It likely didn’t matter to him why she hadn’t double checked the baggage. “I apologize sir. I’m afraid as well that this means I will have to ask for coin to purchase spices at the market here.”

Fane didn’t particularly mind being pulled away from some conversations if the importance was great enough. He frowned upon hearing the dilemma at hand, brow creasing as he exhaled. “Well, I would have thought we’d be here a little longer before I was parting with my coin, what spices do you need? And how much do you think you’ll need for them? Perhaps we can see if an arrangement can be made with a few of the nobles in town, they’ve likely all brought some of their own wares to trade while they’re here.”

“Ginger, nutmeg, cloves and cinnamon,” Maya replied. At the idea of making some arrangement with other nobles she shook her head before she could think better of it. Quickly she added, “I’m likely to get a better price and with fewer strings attached if I simply go to the market. I shouldn’t need more than seven and even then I expect to bring you change.”

Fane hummed under his breath but really these were antics he didn’t typically involve himself with. “If you’re sure,” Maya had been in his employ long enough for that he trusted her enough for such trips. Though where he might have typically told her to take the spare the blunder made him a touch less forgiving. “Very well, I’ll give you eight and bring me the change back when you have what you need,” taking his coin purse he counted out the necessary coin and held it for her to take. “I’ll walk with you some of the way. I need to familiarise myself with the city once more…”

Maya nodded. She was certain. While from what she had seen of Lord Savin he didn’t often play the game of politics. The unfortunate thing about that game though was that people didn’t always ask if you wanted to play. This was especially true at an event such as a coronation. It was better for her to simply go down to the market and avoid any potential strings that might come with an arrangement with another noble. “Thank you sir, ” she said with a dip of her head rather than a full curtsy as she took the coin. Her brows furrowed when he suggested they walk together. “You wish to walk with me sir?” she asked. Despite her months in his employ she did not know him well. Like most nobles he didn’t fraternise much with the servants. She worried a little, what he might be implying by his willingness to walk with her seemingly as an equal.

Fane was more or less correct in her measure. Navigating the murky politically tension fraught waters of the Capitol wasn’t wasn’t one of his favourite pastimes. And while Fane didn’t spend much time with the staff, he did make a relatively concerted effort to know those who worked or served him in some capacity. It wouldn’t do to completely ignore their existence considering the well-being of his house was founded on the well-being of the people that served it. So as she questioned what he said he looked at her strangely, “no need to look so shocked lass, we’re headed in the same direction,” he said by way of explanation with a nod to the main road leading up from the docks. “I assure you, I don’t plan to lurk like your shadow, I merely thought it made sense since we were both headed the same direction…”

Maya did fully curtsy this time. “I apologize again sir. This may be forward of me, but I have served for lords who had no interest in getting to know their servants in any capacity,” she explained before muttering to herself, “And some who took too much interest in it.” She began to walk in the direction of the market. While she was curious about the lord, she knew better than to ask questions. For one it was not her place as a kitchen girl, even one close to becoming the head of his kitchen. For another she might reveal too much in the questions she asked and force herself out of job and home yet again.

Fane waved a little in a fashion to say the repetitive curtsying wasn’t overly necessary nor was he particularly fussy about such matters. “No need,” as always when he spoke it was calm and to the point though he did grimace a little at her mention of Lords being too interested in getting familiar. “I have no doubt you’ve had bad… experiences… But you have no cause for concern on that front, not under my employ…” His slightly sombre expression eased a little into something that for a Northerner could almost be described as being friendly, if not that, kind at least. “I take the stance that if the people of my House know me and mine, it’s only fair I know them and theirs in turn… It’s a lot of people, aye, but it makes for an honest and happier home in my opinion and that’s all I seek in this world.”

Maya made a mental note that he did not stand on ceremony as much as other Lords she had worked for. In her mind, that was more dangerous. It made it easier for her to slip. There were still more than few lessons from her short lived childhood that tended to expose her. She noted too his grimace at her mutter about lords as well. In truth, they had more to worry from her than her from them, but she made no mention of that. “A honest and happy home?” Maya asked instead, “Is that all you desire milord?” Despite his earlier wave off of her curtesy she went with the formal title considering her impertinent question.

Fane let his attention wander a little as they departed from the waterfront and started towards the city gates. The city hadn’t changed overmuch since the last time he was here but it was best to re-familiarise himself with the layout regardless. Despite the royal affairs there was still more than one sign of the hardships the city’s inhabitants had been through. He was brought back from his observations by Maya’s question, “aye, I’m not for the complexities of the Capitol.” He was simple in that regard, some might call him dim or lacking in ambition but in his eyes he had all he needed to get by already.

Maya considered his answer for a moment. She considered too her motto, not the one emblazoned on her family crest but rather the one she had personally adopted years ago. There was no peace in power. “But are the complexities of the Capitol for you?” she asked, switching the subject and object of the sentence.

Fane considered Maya’s turnabout question. “Wouldn’t you say that’s the same question just turned about though? So surely the answer would be the same…” Perhaps it would be, perhaps not he couldn’t rightly say. “You’re rather quick aren’t you?” he’d known quite a few members of his household and while they were all skilled in their own way there was something different about Maya. He just couldn’t quite put a finger on what it was.

Faye had received the summons to the coronation just as every other House had. The raven that had brought it to her hadn’t lingered. The missive had been dropped into her tower unceremoniously after the flapping monstrosity had shit on her floor, cawed at her, and then left without so much as a by your leave. She nearly tossed it into the fire. What care did she have for what went on in the capitol? They cared little for what happened in the marshes. Besides, the last time her family had decided to show their faces, they lost their lives for. Her mother, grandmothers, aunts. All swept up in the fervor of rage and violence that had been sweeping the land for ages. Burned after being captured in battle for their supposed dalliance with otherwordly forces. Which wasn’t the truth at all. Her family were healers. Always had been. And people still came. Rarely these days. But enough that Faye could still get news from town. Most often she didn’t like what she heard. But now, in the end, Faye had decided to go. Who would recognize her anyway? Her only distinguishing feature was the color of her eyes. Otherwise she wore black on black, with a fur-lined traveling cloak, a small, silver circlet around her brow, and a long dagger at her belt. Her horse was sturdy and a deep, dapple grey. A fine animal, he was eager for the trip to town, unlike his mistress. Faye made her way along the marshland paths until she came to the outskirts of the city. Pulling her mount to a halt, she hesitated only a few moments before spurring him onwards towards the capitol.

Maya shook her head. “No, I wouldn’t consider it the same question,” she said, “You may have little interest in the machinations of power, but that doesn’t mean other people don’t see you as threat to theirs. No one ever asks if you want power. They just assume you do.” She immediately that she had said too much. Servants didn’t know about this sort of thing. She might still be able to explain it away though. “I don’t know about quick sir, but it has been said that I may be too clever for my own good,” she replied and adding a shrug said, “But I always figured that was because I was better at haggling.”

Fane looked at the kitchen girl long and hard, far too smart on such matters to have an honest opinion about them and her choice of words? “Machinations 'eh? I’d say you use fancier words than I do. But you’re right, they don’t… Which is all the more reason for us to see this ceremonial business tended to and return back so we needn’t concern ourselves with such plots and conspiracies.” Fane’s lips curled a little as they walked along the road, “hm, perhaps so.”

Maya swore internally. She really should be better about this. “I’ll admit, sir,” she tried to explain, “I heard the last Lord I worked for say it and thought it might make me sound clever.” With a nod, she added, “But I agree, the less time spent in the Capitol perhaps the better. If you have much use for my opinion sir.”

Faye cantered her horse up the road and around the bend, slowing when she saw two travelers on foot. She didn’t recognize them, though she hardly knew anyone anymore. Faye almost stopped to speak to them, but they were deep in conversation. So she merely took her horse in a wide berth around them, nodding a small greeting as she passed.

Fane wasn’t entirely convinced by Maya’s excuses, but if she felt inclined to make them then so be it. “You thought right in that instance,” he agreed deciding that perhaps it was best to go along with whatever she was up to for the time being. “I don’t plan to be here any longer than I have to… of that I’m certain,” the sound of hoof beats drew his attention and he looked up towards a mounted traveller passing by who seemed to take time enough to nod in greeting. Fane found himself watching her curiously and returning the small dip of his head.

After a while, Iann left the White Lady to her own devices. Showing her as a prize had quickly turned sour, as she herself was not particularly lending herself as a trophy, despite her catching beauty and the decorative armour he’d put her in. He had to rethink his strategy, and there was nothing more that helped Iann centre his thoughts than taking a stroll through a busy port city. Port cities were the most cosmopolitan, the most busy and alive with energy from across so many lands. He was a Prince, but it felt nice to be anonymous for a bit, even here in the Capital on this auspicious trip. It felt familiar - and the Capital was larger than most cities in the world-yet-known. “Inquis–” Iann called out when he spotted Savin (the man was tall enough and towered over most) but he was interrupted when he almost walked into a horse curving his way. Or perhaps the horse almost walked into him. “Whoa -” Iann said, reaching out sharply to catch the horse’s bridle and bring it to a sudden pause. “Careful, now.”

Fane hadn’t been anticipating the sudden change of events, he’d heard someone call his title only to see the woman on the horse almost careen straight into the man Fane recognised a moment later. “By the Gods,” he muttered under his breath telling Maya to go on to the marketplace and get what she needed and to find him later. Checking the street was otherwise clear, it was, he hurried over towards the scene of the commotion scanning Iann first and then the woman on the horse and then back to Iann where he held the horse by its reins “are you hurt?”

“I am alive and well,” Iann replied, making quick tutting noises at the horse. The thing about being out in public in the Upper City was that they were mostly left to their own devices among the wealthy merchants and artisans. A lot of bowing and respectful greetings as people hurried on their way. But at the same time, Iann always knew these people were on the lookout for drama as well. Even in the waning of the long war, people still felt an anxiety about their lives and livelihood. And the only way they could expend that energy was by watching Nobles fighting duels, arguing in the streets, clashing their swords, trodding over each other with horses, and so forth. Excitement, once removed, with beautiful Lords and Ladies. The war was certainly painful, but it also provided so much conversation among the commonfolk; and the drama of the nobility was often a good a distraction from the pain of their own humdrum lives. So Iann knew people were watching both warily and almost eagerly, hoping for no altercation, yet also hoping for an altercation to talk about tonight over their suppers. He wasn’t in the mood to humour the people, not today and not with the Inquisitor. So Iann smiled widely, and looked Savin square in the eye. “It’s good to see you again, old friend. And I do mean old,” he said, joshing Fane even thought he knew Fane was hardly bothered by his age. In one way, Iann envied him that legendary long life. In one way. “This horse and her rider only nudged me.” He spoke casually, but he didn’t let go of the animal’s bridle just yet.

“Is this the point I’m expected to attempt to say that’s a relief in a believable fashion?” where his expression around less familiar faces was more stoic here it was a touch more animated, humorous in his commentary of the Crowned prince almost being laid flat on his backside. Perhaps another Lord would have bowed or genuflected but Iann was something of a wayward friend of the Savins so Fane felt less compulsion to show the typical and customarily expected posturing most nobles went through the stages of showing. Plus, considering how many of the man’s bastards were around the city of Mistveil Fane figured he had some right to addressing the man in such a fashion. “And there’s the expected retaliation,” he chuckled moving to grasp Iann’s forearm while patting him on the shoulder with his other hand. “Not old enough just yet to almost be sat flat on my ass in public at least. Now that would be an entertaining tale over dinner.”

Faye’s horse jerked it’s head and snorted as someone caught hold of his bridle. He danced sideways, shaking his head to try and unhook whatever creature had latched onto him. Faye took him in hand, frowning down at the man holding her mount’s reins. “I’d let go of him if you wish to keep your hand. He doesn’t care for strangers.” She looked over as the tall man who’d she’d passed a moment before came over. “No, m'Lord.” Faye tipped an eyebrow at the exchange between the two mean, already regretting her decision to travel here from the marshes. “His,” Faye corrected the man holding her stallion’s bridle.

Fane let his attention go to the woman on the horse, who he now could look at a little more closely. She wore no visible sigil or crest denoting any particular house or affiliation in particular, curious. Fane made it his business to know the houses of most lords and ladies and considering the circlet she wore she was clearly of descent from some house in particular. But what caught his attention most of all was the colour of her eyes. Something that had him tilting his head just a fraction as he peered up at her. “Glad no harm came to you m'lady. Though it’s a shame you didn’t sit him down in that puddle over there… now, that I will admit would have given me a laugh.”

Iann was about to laugh, enjoying Fane’s idea of banter. The man was hardly theatrical about it, but it was there if one chose ti to be there. Iann always liked that Savin gave people the option to see humour in his words, or not. Their choice - granted Fane’s nature, status, and height also tended to clout people’s choices. He said nothing as Fane mocked him openly to the strange woman, and her not-so-veiled threat to him, as she then demurred to Fane in the same breath. Interesting. Iann released her horse, and took a step back, his eyes watching Fane carefully, as he did.

Danny rushed after Iann, having become distracted by some of the rumble. He had been here after all, when the fighting was at it’s worst. Still it didn’t excuse abandoning his post. Armour making loud metallic sounds as he moved he eventually caught up, breath heavy as he stopped. “Apologises, my lord.” He looked over the scene, unsure of what he had missed.

“Not to worry, Ser Harrison,” Iann replied, not looking at his Knight; he could hear the man coming from a mile away. He bowed to the stranger woman and gave the Inquisitor a polite nod, then turned to address his Knight. “Have your men been successfully dispatched?” he asked, referring to the Naval Knights who Harrison commandeered on Iann’s Flagship.

Faye pointedly moved her horse to the side as he was released. “Thank you, m'lord,” she nodded curtly to Iann. She was out of practice with the formalities, and even more out of practice with being looked at as if she were not some frightening oddity.

Fane had sense enough to know where the limits of a situation typically lay. He might not have a mind for the scheming that went on behind closed doors but he had a good approximation of how to diffuse or in certain situations escalate things as and when he wanted to. Fane’s humour in this case was mostly an attempt to balm this woman’s apparent prickly nature. Mostly because she was mounted and Fane would rather not have himself or Iann trodden on. It would be an awful political mess to sort out to explain how the prince had ended up trampled on his watch. As one of Iann’s knights arrived Fane looked over to him curiously wondering how he hadn’t yet boiled alive in his plate. Though as the woman addressed Iann as m'lord he almost snorted instead saying quietly, “your royal highness.”

Danny observed the woman, bowing as Iann did, his head coming far lower however since it was of his station to do so. “Yes, My Lord,” Danny nodded gently, his breath catching quickly, he’d been in far more dire situations in his attire. Running beneath the sun was only temporarily exhausting. “They’re moving as we speak.”

Iann overheard the strange woman’s words and then Savin’s quiet correction, but didn’t acknowledge it. The last thing he had any interest in was incurring anyone’s threats, or Savin’s insults. He shook his head at Danny. “You’re so red,” he commented, pitying the pale-skinned man for his ability to burn. It reminded Iann of Savin himself, when he’d visited the Forty Isles. The first and last time the poor Iniquisitor had done so, despising the heat and appalled by the sun. “Very good, Ser. And please, change into your formalwear,” he said. He’d asked Danny to do so before, but the Knight was so intent on guarding and protecting, he insisted on being in his full plate armour. He really did look magnificent though, large and gleaming in the sun. And that unfortunate plum-red face. “Or at least keep your visor down.”

Faye glanced at the taller man as he made a sound that sounded like he was choking. She even opened her mouth to ask him if he was alright when the words 'your royal highness’ hit her ears. Faye blinked, then frowned. She looked at the man who’d snagged her horse, then at the panting knight next to him. Ah. Faye cleared her throat. Well, if there wasn’t a better way to thoroughly fuck herself before she even got into the capitol, she had no idea what it was. “Apologies, Your Highness.” Faye dipped her head in a more appropriate greeting. “It’s been some time since Ive left home. I didn’t recognize you.”

Danny’s skin burnt with ease but he was use to it, he had stood where they were now a burnt to the point of his lips so dry they cracked open and bled. This felt like little to the man and so he did as Iann’s second suggestion requested. “Of course, My Lord,” he agreed and placed his visor down so that the man did not have to look upon his burning face. Unfazed by this request he stood diligently behind his master as he recieved another apology. Clearly he was widely respected.

Fane observed Iann’s interaction with his knight both admiring and certainly not envying the man’s present choice of attire. Broad chest and barrel armed he was clearly a stalwart fighter. But his attention was far more taken by the woman mistakenly addressing Iann as m'lord. Raised a hand he rubbed a hand over his chin, “and where would home be for you m'lady? I don’t think we caught your name…”

Iann turned slightly, surprised by the woman’s need to apologize. He’d held her horse to prevent it from careening into him further and he’d only received unadulterated hostility in return. He regarded her calmly for a moment before asking, “And why should you recognize me?” He was about to ask where home was, but Fane beat him to it, which was perfectly fine. She certainly seemed more inclined towards the tall Inquisitor anyway. She wore no symbols of identification on her black on black wear, nothing to identify her for any particular House. The circlet, however… Iann’s eyes widened slightly and his breath caught, but he didn’t say anything, curious to hear how she would answer. If she chose to answer at all.

“That’s because I haven’t given it,” Faye said evenly to Fane. “Nor have you asked for it.” Her violet eyes slid to the prince. “One should always recognize nobility.” Feeling slightly put upon, Faye was uncertain how she would be received. But not answering a direct question might raise suspicions where none seemed to exist. “The Wildwood Marsh, m'lord.”

Miguel had accompanied Adeline and Cassandra to the castle. He saw them settled, settled himself, and changed into a more rugged outfit. It made him look like an upper class mercenary - someone who could walk freely between the different tiers of the city and be unbothered by most people. His broadsword ever strapped to his hip. He walked alone, without the two members of his crew, he had temporarily added them to the guards and servants of Summerset - to better take care of Adeline. It was easier for him to defend himself after all. He continued his exploration of the Capitol and kept his eyes out for his brother. Eventually he stumbled across him - along with a few other familiar faces. One an incredibly surprising face. That of the enigmatic and sightly eccentric Faye Lacroy.

"Good man,” Iann murmured to Harrison, when he heard the visor clinking down. It would be better that, then the Knight jogging all the way back down to the Waytried Docks to change on the ship. He could do so later. In the meantime, he could sweat in his armour, as was befitting a Knight’s role. Still, Iann was silently pleased by the near bull-headed determination of Harrison, ever since he’d sworn fealty to the Forty Isles. Iann had yet to determine if he was of any long term value, but thus far Harrison was at least true to his Knighthood. And when the woman announced that she’d come from the Wildwood Marsh, Iann was tempted to look over at Fane at that moment. However, he wasn’t sure if Fane would look back at him. The Wildwood Marsh, though. That could only mean one thing, although Iann had yet to see those legendary purple eyes. So instead, Iann spoke very carefully. “If you please, my lady, entering the Core City on horseback is reserved for Knights and soldiers. We tend to walk there, or if you prefer a palanquin, I can summon one for you.”

Fane paused when the woman spoke of her home, and while there was no major change in his outward demeanour there was perhaps a tad more curiosity with which he regarded her. Of course he’d heard the tales, never believed them entirely but considering the battles he’d fought in the past you could never entirely discredit legend. But every legend began and ended in fiction, until you met the true source of such stories and here was the well of many a haunted tale. “The Prince is right…” he sounded a touch apologetic, “we were on our way towards the upper Keep if you were headed there. Perhaps your mount could be stabled and tended to while you are here in the city?”

Faye took a moment to judge the requests of the prince, just as she took a moment to judge the looks she received from both him and the other man as they recognized her it seemed. “Yes. I think that would be favorable. I am certainly no knight.” As the Inquisitor spoke Faye nodded, “it appears I am, if you’d point me towards the stables, I can see to my horse.”

Iann saw his brother - or more specifically he caught the look on Miguel’s face when he saw the strange woman on her horse. It was a look of plain, raw recognition and Iann then took a further step back from the woman and her horse, suspecting that the more people who’s attention she caught, the more inclined she’d be to flee. Which was the last thing Iann wanted, of course. “Inquisitor, she favours you, and this lowly Prince - and his illustrious ass that you waxed so kindly over - is only in her way. Please,” he bowed to them both, with a flourish of his hand to allow them to pass. Then he knocked on Harrison’s armour and was sure to proceed behind the woman and her horse and Savin as well, as he crossed the yard towards his little brother. “Yes, I know who that is. And yes, that is she.” He frowned, and looked down at his shorter brother. “Tell me a truth, Miguel - have you met her before?”

Danny stayed the farthest back from the group, so far as he could tell they were all men of means and had made the woman their companion so he was by no means inclined to interrupt there conversation with any words of his own. He would remain steady, watching for what was around them to make sure Iann was safe.

Miguel smiled at his brother. “I always speak the truth to my esteemed brother.” And it was true, in his own way. Miguel had never told Iann an outright lie, Iann so seldom asked the right questions. “Truly, I have met her.”

Cassie When Cassandra had finally made it to the castle she had to spend a little while settling into her the chambers allotted for her and her daughter. She was eager to see the rest of the castle, it’d been ages since she made it to the capitol after all, and more and more people were arriving. The toddler loathed to let her mother go, but after changing out of her riding gear Cassandra left the rooms and followed the noise of footseps and conversation. She had to pick up her pace slightly to meet the cluster of people outside, glad to see Iann, Miguel again. But she caught up to Danny first since he hung back slightly – “You think they could have decorated a bit more huh?” She muttered with a smirk, “The trip wasn’t too taxing”.

Putting his arm around Miguel’s broad rounded shoulders, Iann steered him towards the Keep within the Core City. The keep was close to the Bluespring Castle, but not close enough that it didn’t have its own fine selection of taverns. “Come, you must tell me everything,” he said, and then looked at Harrison. “Ser Harrison, please keep us company,” he said, as if Danny had any other place to go. Almost as soon as they started walking again, Cassandra appeared to make her usual arch comment on something she saw to criticize about the Forty Isles way. As he opened his mouth to gently retort (gently, because they were siblings by marriage, and he meant her no ill-will), but even as he did, someone ran by and bodily picked up Cassandra, whisking her down the street towards the Lower City. “Ser Daniel!” he yelled, breaking into a run to follow the kidnapper before they reached the infernal rat-maze that was the Lower City.

Danny looked up to where Iann was, making sure his lord was not looking back before he lifted his visor to take Cassandra in. He had spent most of the trip over looking at her when he was not actively doing his duties as commander of Iann’s navy. Those moments were few and far between but had distracted him greatly. “Not quite enough for the travel required to come?” he asked her. His pace picked up so himself and Cassie had joined Iann and his brother, feeling unsteady about the request, but that unease was replace with genuine fear as someone grabbed Cassandra from beside him, taking her off towards the lower city. He did not need Iann to say anything, responding on instinct he chased after her, the exhausted running from before not at all like the adrenaline rush he had now, his feet coming down firm onto the stone path, his stride strong. Catching up was no challenging but stopping them while they held Cassie was, not wanting to injure her in the process. So rather than remove his sword Danny removed his helmet, hitting the man over the head with the strong golden metal.

Iann caught up soon after - his keen, angry eyes spotted two people watching who turned to run, as Daniel’s helmet cracked the kidnapper’s head with a loud SNAP. The two who ran were clearly the kidnapper’s compatriots, and Iann pulled out two knives from his sleeve, throwing them towards the men. One hit a man in the back, the other glanced off a building just as the man slipped around a corner, likely clambering over a wall to get into the Lower City. “Curses,” he breathed, then turned to pull Cassandra out o the fallen man’s grasp. He didn’t hold her for long though, knowing by now that Cassandra was perfectly capable of standing on her own. “Don’t kill him yet,” he said to both Cassandra and Knight Harrison. “Who are you?” Iann demanded of the kidnapper, hauling him by the collar and giving him a shake.

Danny had not intended upon killing him but stayed silent about this, turning to Cassandra instead, looking to her to see if she was alright, or if she was perhaps in shock from the sudden taking and releasing that had happened.

Miguel was about to say something to Iann when the excitement bubbled up and he sprinted after Cassie and the kidnapper on instinct. Iann’s dependable knight was quicker though. And then Iann took over the interrogation. So Miguel paid attention to his sister, he lightly touched her hands and pat her arm. “Are you alright, sister? Nothing hurt, I hope.”

Cassie was about to respond to Danny when she felt the arms grasp and yank at her from behind. She gasped loudly, quickly escalating into kicks and screams as her assailant attempted to whisk her away. They didn’t get much of a chance though, and Cassandra was thankful for not only Knight Harrison, but her brothers in law that followed. Her heart was racing as she was placed back steadily on her feet, curls tumbled and out of place from the capture. She breathed, staring daggers down at the thief, “I’m fine.” Cassandra spoke coolly. “I just forgot about Capitol life, is all.”

“This has happened to you before, Milady?” Danny said, the formal addressing of her strange on his tongue. He had rarely been around female royalty, it had just never come up before and Danny would not have been shocked if he’d been using it incorrectly this whole time but Cassandra had politely allowed him to be.

“Ser Knight, go make sure that other man is dead,” Iann instructed Harrison to inspect the man who Iann had thrown a dagger at. He glanced at Miguel, who was hovering close to Cassie, as was Harrison. The kidnapper who Iann held managed to cram something into his mouth, and then he began to froth. “What is this - Miguel - ” Iann beckoned his brother, because his bother was more familiar with poisons than he was. “Miguel!” But it was too late, the man was near death. Before he died, he yelled, “FOR HOUSE KESLEY!!” And then he died. Iann stared at the dead man in his hands, knowing House Kesley was an old rival of Summerset. A minor house, but an old one. Iann seethed, and sneered. “House Kesley. I will kill them all. We shall lay waste to their lands.”

Danny nodded to Lord Cardero and moved over to the man he had thrown his dagger at, he was not quite dead but as Danny leaned down and pulled his master’s dagger out his lungs quickly flooded with blood and he died. “He is dead, Milord, I doubt House Kesley got as much as they intended out of this.”

“A long time ago.” Cassandra answered quickly, trying to look closer at the man who had grabbed her. He didn’t look familiar, and she was slightly comforted to know that perhaps, she was not grabbed for being recognizable as well. But then it was clear, this was some sort of retaliation, and her blue eyes darkened slightly. “Not to bright on House Kesley to do this at coronation.” Cassie stiffened, she’d raise hell with complaints if she had to.

Miguel’s eyes narrowed and he crouched by the remains of the would be kidnapper, apparently allied with House Kesley - but why would he yell that if the mission was a failure? It didn’t bring any honor to the house. He stuck one finger in the froth and took a demure sniff. “Mmm,” he glanced up at Iann from where he was crouched. “Not so quickly, brother. There are certain doubts I have. Why would he proudly name his house at a failed mission? As Cassandra says, why at the coronation? If I had to guess, I would say someone was trying to cause trouble today. So close to unification.”

“Thank you, Ser Daniel,” he said, then looked at the knight. “Your quick-thinking has kept the Grand Lady safe,” he proclaimed. It wasn’t necessary to explicitly say that Daniel had performed well - the fact that the Grand Lady was safe, made this point clear enough. Onlookers gawped in fascination, and this time Iann let them enjoy the 'show’. He was angry - livid in fact, at the audacity of his kidnapper. To the point that he wasn’t seeing straight, he was only wishing for revenge. Until of course both Cassandra and then Miguel offered insight that pulled logic over Iann’s rage, like a soft wet sea blanket. Iann looked from Cassandra to Miguel, then back at the dead man. “Of course. Of course, you’re right. So close to unification…” his mouth twisted in a different sort of anger. “House Kesley might try to kidnap Cassandra for some petty ransom, but they would never do something as treasonous as splintering the Quiver at a coronation. Hm.” He thinned his eyes. “How much trouble do they intend to cause, I now wonder.”

Danny only saw the pure leadership that came from his lord, each one of them deciphering what had occurred. This was not something Danny could understand, only capable of brute force and battle strategy. Things like kidnapping were beyond him. “I am glad you did not have to suffer than again,” he said to Cassie.

“Why not spoil the coronation?” Cassandra posed the question. “It’s not as if everyone supports the appointed Raj.” This she had no fear in saying, because what had just happened was clear proof. “People will always favor one house over the other. But I say we let those back at the castle know of the riff raff. As soon as possible.” She crossed her arms, and not because she was overly concerned for the other nobility visiting the castle, but because it was clear to her at least, whoever was prepped for the throne didn’t know how to properly scout their city. She didn’t say this though, and only nodded lightly in thanks to Ser Daniel. For once, she wanted the surprised stares away from her.

Miguel thought abut that for a moment, with pursed lips. Cassandra’s assessment was fair, and her plan was sound. He nodded. He wanted to explore the Capitol some more, but if Cassandra was going back to the castle he would accompany her. “Right, whomever is in charge of such things needs to know.”

“I will feel much better having you in the Keep,” Iann said to Cassandra, and gave her an apologetic look for saying it, in case she rolled her eyes. But she had just been kidnapped, after all. “Let’s go quickly. Ser Daniel, if you would be so kind as to lead the way - with your sword.” The knight could keep his sword drawn for as far as it took to get to the Core City, at least. And it should be enough warning, as well as Miguel’s muscles and both Iann and Cassandra’s respective glowers.

Danny drew his sword as requested of him. These seemed like such extreme measures for an event that was meant to be filled with joy and community and Danny’s heart fell at the prospect of all of this not doing as well as people had hoped. The war had been devastating, returning to that would only hurt people. Still, if it was for Cassie’s protection, then he would not object, leading their was back to the core of the city.

Cassie harrumphed at Iann’s comment and tilted her head towards him, “Yes well you see, that’s where I was headed originally when he just came out of no where and grabbed me.” Cassandra sighed as Danny did what Iann requested, she too thinking it was a little over the top. At least in front of the commoners. There was no need to strike fear into their hearts as of yet. “I really am fine. I should have been watching.” She upturned her palms, “I’m not used to the crowding. But I hope you know,” Cassie arched her brow, “I’m not going to be locked away in some tower.”

Ciara sat sitting in the courtyard with a couple other Ladies, working neatly on stitchwork and chatting idly as they worked. Around them, servants bustled, moving furnishing and barrels, but always giving the ladies space for their work and their privacy. There were mice who knew themselves to be , and those that didn’t - these lovely specimens of the gentry were just that, oblivious to the careful craft of her questions and answers. But a small gesture from one of the maids had her looking up, towards the front gates of the courtyard. “If you’ll excuse me, ladies,” she said, and when they demurred, she walked over to the source of interest, as Lord Iann, Miguel, and Grand Lady Cassandra arrived just beyond the castle gates, with a knight armed. “It seems the day has hardly started and you’ve had some adventure.”

Miguel stuck close to the group as they made their way back to the castle gates. His hands were twitchy and knees stayed bent. No one would be catching him off guard again that day. “Perhaps a bit too much excitement…” he looked to his companions, his brother and Lady Cassandra. They could explain what happened. Cassandra, and unfortunately Iann, knew him well enough to know that his air of jovial buffoonery was a ruse. But Lady Florent didn’t need to know that.

“These aren’t my towers,” Iann said blithely glancing upwards at the thick, austere towers of Bluesprings Castle that only peeked over the Core City walls. He offered a brief, grim smile at Cassandra. “My towers on the Forty Isles are actually fit for a Queen.” As they crossed the gates and entered the calmer, quieter (but still busy) courtyards of the Keep, Iann exhaled and relaxed. Somewhat. He nodded at Daniel, who could sheathe his sword now. And the moment he turned to the left, the Burned Lady herself was suddenly upon them. Iann smiled immediately, and bowed. “Lady Ciara, aren’t you a sight for sore eyes.” She wasn’t really; Iann could never keep his eyes off the scars marring her face, tracing down her jaw and under the cloth of her dress. He didn’t look at them due to rudeness or even curiosity, but just an acknowledgement of their existence. Why not see it for what it was? They made her so unattractive, and yet so compelling at the same time. “So you’ve heard what happened in the Inner City. News travels fast. My dear innocent sister-in-marriage here, part of some…yet-undetermined elaborate captivity plot? Here in the Capital?” He huffed in slight frustration. “This displeases me,” he stated, with a sense of expectation.

Cassie laughed, “A captivity plot. Imagine that.” Cassie smoothed her dress, “That’s only for individuals who pose a threat.” She laughed again, because at first glance it really was a hysterical idea. “But it was someone from House Kesley. You may want to look into them.” She advised bitterly. “And if you find or know any other information, do keep me informed. I’m clearly being targeted.” Her lips thinned again at the very idea, “People might think BlueSprings was up to something if more nobles are threatened.”

“News travels so fast it is rarely more than smoke,” Ciara replied, looking from Iann to Cassandra. “I’m sorry to hear that isn’t the case this time. Are you all right, my lady?” She was smoothing her dress and in good enough spirits to be furious, something which boded well. She said nothing of the assassins she’d detected early in the morning, the ones who were dead in the lock by mid afternoon. “It has been a while since i heard from House Kesley, but I will endeavor to find out what I can for you, my lady.” Their displeasure was also noted, well and loudly received, just as was Miguel’s kindly disposition. “We’re all here for peace. I hope you find more of it now that you’ve reached here.” We’re here for peace - that was Avitej’s line, not hers.

Miguel nodded. Ciara’s words were enough for him, for now. “Your concern is appreciated,” he said pointedly at Ciara. And then he turned back to Cassandra and Iann. “I’d like to check on Adeline, if that would please you dear sister.” He knew she was guarded well in the castle - the little princess had far too many titles and too few years to not be guarded well.

Iann regarded Cassandra as she both laughed it off as not being important enough, and then also pointedly said she was being targeted. “Perhaps that is the point of this attempt,” Iann murmured, although not trying to include it as part of the conversation between the two women, or to Miguel. He only spoke to himself, and then rubbed his forehead, his furious frustration growing. He’d arrived in the Capital under Sharma’s request, the Cloverry’s invitation and the promise of unification and peace. And if this botched (and now that he thought about it in retrospect, terribly executed) kidnapping attempt had happened to some other distant House, it might’ve been piquant but easily dismissed news. But it didn’t happen to some random House; it happened to his brother’s wife, and Grand Lady of the fading Summerset. “It is good to see Bluesprings Castle. I enjoy its beauty.” Iann’s tone was curt and abrupt, which didn’t quite match his pleasant words; but the words were as much true as the aggravation he tried to shift away from. Unthinking, he gave Miguel a nod of permission, as if Miguel had ever taken Iann’s orders or heeded his permission

“Yes, I certainly hope I find more peaceful surroundings my remaining trip.” Cassie repeated back to Ciara, clearly still if not shaken greatly annoyed that the kidnapping took place at all. “I’m only glad it happened early on.” At least Cassie could be weary early on, rather than caught off guard much later. “If there are extra gaurds in the castle, I’d like to request them outside me and my daughter’s chambers, at least for the night.” Miguel and Iann might jump to offer their own knights of course, but she felt Bluesprings somewhat owed her. “I’ll take some rest and uh-“ Cassandra sighed, touching her hair as if to ground herself, “Check on Adeline as well.”

The guards would be provided; Ciara would ensure it. She was too powerful a person to trifle with, and besides, from what she knew, Ciara liked her. “Enjoy your rest,” she replied, and then it was just her and lord Iann. “I look forward to see the castle and capital grow in the coming years.” She replied, and gestured for her to walk with him. “How fare the Isles?”

Iann watched Cassandra trailing after Miguel, wondering if she was more bothered than she showed. He tried to relax, but it was difficult. And it was tempting to rub his shoulders, but Iann wouldn’t in public, and certainly not in front of Lady Ciara. “Thriving, as usual,” he said, tone as breezy as an ocean wind. “My children have all left home now. The youngest has a ship of her own. A trireme, really; but she’s taken her crew far. To Promise Harbour, last I’ve heard.” Iann never tired of talking about his children; and aside from his eldest being a Ward of House Savin, he never worried that the politics of Bluesprings would affect them. “Have you ever seen Promise Harbour? It’s beautiful; but the people there are even more enchanting than the sights…” He hummed, and smiled, trying to distract himself. “I spent six months there once, and never left the Harbourmaster’s Palace.” He looked at his boots as they walked. “But enough about me and the stars of my life. How do you fare, Lady Ciara? Dare I ask, or will I be disappointed by the answer?”

“I have not, I have heard many great things about it.” Ciara did not miss the implication of his tone, and was not considered chaste enough to pretend to hide it. “The Palace must have been truly exceptional indeed, to keep you so long.” He asked about her and she smiled. This was the custom. Polite question after question, and the game of words Iann played so well. “Perhaps nothing so grand as wayfaring children, but this tenuous peace has been good for us. My sister has secured a new trade route with Greywald, and Snowdonia has opened their mountain passes. My sister has become grandmother, thrilled with her spring child.” There was no story about her, and that was by design.

“You live such a full and busy life, Lady - and yet still no husband?” Iann said with a bland smile, considering Ciara said nothing of herself. But really, he was thinking about Snowdonia opening up their mountain passes. His Isles dealt in trade routes - and even ones landlocked in Greywald held interest to him as it provided alternate routes and therefore competition for his merchant people’s trades. He hummed. “Perhaps it’s time that I secure a second wife,” he mused, even though only the Potentate-King of the Forty Isles was allowed multiple wives. And technically his father was still alive. “Do you think your sister would agree to an alliance? The Greywald sister. Unless she is one and the same with the grandmother one, in which case…” He shrugged. “Older women dohave more experience.”

“We all find ways to serve our families, do we not?” Ciara replied in kind, and watched the seeds she’d planted grow in his mind. His response was so typical of many men here. You did not make allegiances with women, you married them. Over and over. Some houses allowed polygamy - hers did not, although there were plenty of mistresses with just as much power. She had been raised by four women, all of whom her father had used in his bed and in his politics. “I’m afraid my sisters are all married, although they will be honoured that you suggested it. We can discuss trade deals after the coronation, if you’d like.”

His first marriage was political. He loved his wife, but not with much depth or passion. He loved his children more, and left his wife to her own devices, following in the steps of his own father that way. But duty was what it was; the marriage pulled her House out of ruin, and made the Forty Isles richer. His middle brother married strategically as well; maybe love was there too, but he had, by traditional definitions, married up. The lands of Summerset’s glory was faded during the war, and the Germaine name made a great and powerful allegiance for a brother who would never amount to much. Miguel had yet to marry; but as his two brothers, it was expected that whatever choice he made, it would be of benefit to the kingdom. So Iann snorted at the idea of her sisters being already married, since other people’s marriages hardly ever deterred him from getting what he wanted. He treated this in jest, but all he could think of now, was Snowdonia pass. What perfect time, this sister somehow finding this new trade route, and the mountain pass opening, just as peace was on the cusp of Bluesprings. How utterly convenient. “Well, if they are unavailable then we shall just have to marry each other,” he said, to shift the topic and make it more obviously silly. He wasn’t truly being silly, he was playing the game.

#got au #aka look at me backtracking to the first scenes so we have everything #got scene

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