#this show has such epic hair across the board!!!!!! so hard to narrow down the screencaps

[trustiskingandqueen]

OFMD s1 + hair moments + b&w

[booksarelife-stuff]

Lily Enchanted-Chapter 1

Lily of the Valley was given a gift of obedience. In her adulthood, she’s on a quest to have the gift taken away… and maybe save her Prince and kingdom as well.

An Ella Enchanted AU.

Relationships: James Potter/Lily Evans

Word Count: 1,645

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At six years old, Lily was all smiles as she maneuvered her doll around. In her head was a fantasy that her doll was fighting a mean dragon to get to its hoard of gold to help the people back in her small village. All around her were the other children in her small school, chasing each other with squeals of delight.

Her epic battle was interrupted by a young boy with long black hair that was greasy and never had anyone talk to him since he was new to the school unless they were throwing insults at him. He was just walking past her when a loud voice crashed the fantasy around her.

“Why don't you go back to whatever cave you crawled out of!” The pale blonde schoolyard bully Lucius Malfoy called out towards the boy.

Lily threw down her doll and stood up.

“Stop being mean to him!” she yelled back. The boy sneered.

“Oh, bite me!” Malfoy spat.

She had no choice in the matter, as she marched towards him, grabbed the boy’s pale arm, and bit down hard.

The boy cried and pushed Lily away. The school teacher seemed to be paying attention and grabbed Lily by the arm and ordered her to write 100 lines.

When school was out, Lily started down the lane, her small brown boots crunching on the rocks. She had no issues with what she had done, despite the aching in her hand from handwriting the lines. After all, it was Malfoy brat who told her to bite him.

She felt a small tap on her shoulders. Lily stopped and turned, coming face to face with the greasy boy from earlier.

“I wanted to say thank you,” he said, his dark brown eyes watery. “For earlier.”

Lily smiled. “It’s no problem. Malfoy is just a bully.”

They started down the lane together and Lily found she liked having a friend next to her.

~~~

At eight years old, Lily grabbed onto her mother’s clammy hand, and as she took breaths that rattled her chest. Minerva stood on the other side of the bed and carefully pressed a cool wet cloth to her mother’s head.

Violet turned her green eyes to her daughter. The mother was scared. Not of her impending death, but how her daughter was going to navigate this world with little to no free will.

Violet knew how stubborn Lily was. How opinionated she could be, even at eight years old. But all it would take is for the one wrong person to find out about her gift. One wrong person and could ruin Lily’s life. And she didn’t even know.

“Lily,” Violet spoke, her voice raspy. Lily perked up from her stool and squeezed her mother’s hand. “You have a gift.”

Lily’s brow furrowed and the frown tugged on her lips.

“A gift?”

“When you were born,” Minerva piped up. “A wizard came and gave you a gift.”

“Obedience,” Violet rasped. Minerva’s lips pinched and nodded.

“You have to do whatever someone says,” Minerva finished.

“I don’t believe you,” Lily said. “No one has to do everything they tell them.”

“Throw your doll on the ground,” Minerva said.

It was the first time Lily noticed the little jump that seemed to happen when someone gave her a command. Her left hand grabbed the doll from under her arm and tossed it to the ground. It was like she had no control over her limbs.

Lily looked up at her mother and governess in fright. Violet looked so sad and Minerva looked like she was trying not to blow up in anger.

“You must never tell anyone of your gift,” Violet said. “Only Minerva and I know. Not even your father or sister.”

Violet started coughing and Minerva went to help her, but Violet waved her away.

“The necklace, Minerva,” Violet rasped once the coughing had stopped.

Minerva reached into the bedside table and pulled out a silver chain with a heavy heart-shaped locket attached to it. Violet took it in her hand and then handed it to Lily.

“No matter what anyone says or tells you to do, look to yourself, Lily,” Violet said as the locket was placed in the child’s hands. “What’s inside of you is stronger than any spell. And I will always be with you.”

~~~

She’s 18 when her father dies and Petunia, her insufferable husband, and his little sister move into the family home. Petunia had married shortly before Lily’s mother’s death. Lily had seen her sister only a handful of times until their father passed. Lily was handed to Petunia’s husband as a ward, along with the family cottage and all the possessions in it.

Lily watches with her arms crossed as Vernon Dursley starts yelling about how ugly the cottage is.

“Your father always took such pride in his home, but look at it!” Vernon says as the footman started bringing in their luggage from their carriage. “Positively medieval.”

“I cannot believe you grew up in this kind of squalor, Petunia,” Marge said, frowning at the antique vase by the hearth, her little dog yapping by her feet.

“It’s bigger than what you had,” Lily mumbled under her breath. Minerva, who was behind her, squeezed her shoulder. Whether to silently reprimand or in support, Lily didn’t know.

“Lily,” Petunia snapped as she pulled her gloves off her fingers. “Show Marge to her room.”

Lily felt the jump happen and her feet started moving of their own accord. She tried to dig her heels in because if the cottage was so small, Marge should have no issue finding her own damn bedroom, but her feet kept moving.

“Take one of her bags, too,” Petunia called, causing Lily to lurch in the opposite direction and grab a luggage case that was far too heavy for her.

It didn’t matter that Lily’s arms were screaming in pain at the weight. She had tears in her eyes as carried it up the steps to the upstairs room across from her own. She dropped the luggage the second she was on the threshold of the room and let out a little noise of relief.

Marge stepped in behind her, pushing Lily forward, almost falling over because of the suitcase. Marge made a tsk-ing noise as she looked around the room, putting the small dog she held in her arms.

“It’s so small,” she said, frowning at the space in her room. “Is that the wardrobe? It’s tiny! I won’t be able to fit my summer gowns, let alone for every season!”

Lily rolled her eyes as Marge turned around. She eyed the blank walls of the room with a scowl on her face. “I suppose once I put my pictures of Prince James up, it’ll feel more like home.”

Lily tried not to make a face at the mention of the absent prince, but Marge still noticed it.

“Not a fan of the royal family?” Marge asked, her eyes narrowed towards Lily. The little dog decided to let out a pathetic growl.

She wasn’t. Especially the Prince. He had been away at the boarding school for the last five years but was still somehow on the cover of every paper and magazine here while the King reagent, Riddle, started segregating all of the communities in the kingdom of Hogwarts.

How could she be a fan of Prince James when he was complacent in all of that?

“Not really,” Lily answered politely, not willing to elaborate. If Vernon was her caregiver then Lily could make an accurate guess at what Marge felt about the discrimination.

Marge turned away, once again assessing the room.

“I’m the president of the prince’s fan club,” Marge said, proudly. Lily almost laughed out loud.

Having had enough, she went to turn out of the room but was stopped by Marge.

“Show me your room,” she demanded.

The jump happened and suddenly Lily was leading Marge to her room across the hall.

Lily’s room wasn’t any bigger than Marge’s. Lily had her small bed pushed to one side against the wall to make more room. There was a small writing desk and chair that she used to write letters to Sev when they weren’t in school. Marge looked at her wardrobe in the corner of the room.

“Can I use your wardrobe as well?” Marge asked, stocking across the room to run her hand over the door.

Lily rolled her eyes at the audacity of her request. “No,” she said. “I need it for my clothes.” Marge let out a tiny whine and opened the closet, peering at the few dresses Lily had hanging up. “There is more than enough room in here for me to put my summer dresses up. Let me have your closet.”

The jump once again. “Okay,” Lily said, the words leaving her mouth without her consent. Lily then swore under her breath.

Marge looked at Lily in surprise but shrugged it off. She continued her inspection of the room, scowling constantly at Lily’s things. She made a particularly nasty face at the stack of books Lily had on her bedside table.

She finally turned her gaze towards Lily, eyeing her up and down like she was a stain. Her eyes caught on the heart-shaped locket that was against her collar bone.

“Pretty necklace,” Marge said, stepping closer.

Lily’s heart twisted as she closed in, knowing the route this was about to go. Lily crossed her arms defensively.

“Thank you,” Lily said. “It was my mothers.”

“Give it to me,” Marge said, her watery blue eyes looking at Lily.

Lily’s hand reached up and snapped the necklace off, handing it to Marge.

Marge took the necklace in her pudgy hand, her eyes a bit too knowing.

[blankdblank]

Next Caller Pt 25

*

“How’d it go? Yesterday?”

“It was good,” Mal said looking you over, “Still no sharing why you’re so tired?”

“You wouldn’t believe me.”

“Try me,” she said propping her hands on her hips.

With a huff you recounted the night and in her creeping grin you poked her arm, “Hey, don’t do that plotting smirk.”

“Your babies are having-,”

“Our Ravens-,”

“Are like your children, and together your Ravens are bonding and settling into families in your greenhouse. If he didn’t like you he wouldn’t dare let you suggest matching up his Raven with one that was living in your home. Roac is a part of him, he knows you and trusts you, with his baby.”

“You’re still not helping.” You said brushing your hair back to pull it up into a ponytail.

“Don’t you feel bad. He is a grown man, he chose to get out of bed and come help you, he accepted the offer to bring Roac, who is just as excited and had every chance to refuse the offer as well. Stop worrying.”

“There’s a better chance cows would rain from the sky.”

At that a sudden crash of something plushy into your shoulder had you looking down at the stuffed rhino on the ground then to the elderly Dam saying to the huffing donkey beside her, “Bruno! That was very rude!” Hurrying over when you bent to lift the rhino and caught her smile when she reached you. “I am so sorry Miss Pear. My son is not taking his donkey days well. Been helping me with my deliveries. I wanted to bring you one of my stuffies, your story really has helped my Edgar get some excitement in his week since his surgery left him off his feet.”

“Oh, thank you. I’m glad to hear that.” Her smile widened and you said, “He’s healing fine? Break room isn’t the same without him and his coffee and snack stand.”

“He’s doing well, few weeks yet, but he is feisty as ever.” She turned her head and huffed seeing Bruno wandering off then rolled her eyes back to you, “You two have a lovely day,” pivoting on her feet she said following her son, “Bruno, I have three more stops then we can go home.”

Looking at Mal you lifted the plushy saying, “Rhino, not a cow.” Only deepening her playfully narrowed gaze at you, “It’s my hill and I intend to die on it.”

“One of these days you are going to realize that this grump of yours and his family are treating you with the respect and love you deserve.” Your eyes scanned over your face and she rested a hand on your shoulder, “Your past, forgive the wording, is charred earth. You deserve so much more than you have gotten. Don’t let that limit what you think you deserve.” She poked the rhino, “You are a supernova, bring light, excitement, joy and chaos all at once. Shine, and let them help you. Just have to, settle your roots, you’re strong, take the wind.”

“You do realize I slide in the wind?”

“I will take the joke as a sign you’re letting that soak in a minute.” You rolled your eyes and turned to pass the crew on the show ahead of yours exiting the booths.

“I will be asking about how it went with Dis again later.” You teased making her grumble and watch as you settled your Rhino adorably up against your mic stand on top of your bag.

 *

Behind the closed door Thorin turned around and got to rinsing off the dishes you had left in the sink he added to your washer. Tidying up a little bit and ensuring the pan he had used to cook the breakfast he added to the washer then turned to go and check on Roac. Along the way however he paused curious about those shelves and turned to see your sisters’ room. Instantly a smirk ghosted across his lips once inside seeing the peach and sparkly silver shelves that from where the bed would be he could see the full effect of the sprouting starry vines from your sketch you had added to the future bunk bed structure he couldn’t wait to see added. Small touches, simple shelves customized by you to blend in more of what he could imagine your clan to be like.

Through the other rooms there wasn’t much changed past the painting filled atrium around your piano. Each one he got a close look at then turned for the theater grinning at the incredible paintings signed with the same pear in the corner except for one with a gemstone under a night scene of a man on one knee proposing to a woman under a grand cherry tree. He knew the symbolism in it, or at least the Hobbit symbolism to it. It was possibly a wish for a fruitful union for you, assuming that it was your mother who had painted it for you. The night scene with scarce stars painted were to suggest it was a bond solely between the two, a faithful and devoted lover for you. Though in the doorway of the theater finding Roac still napping and it occurred to him that it might have been simply a scene of her own proposal to Cirdan.

From there he turned to your living room recognizing your media player that with the projector turned on he put on a random show he lowered the sound on and switched the radio on to your station and in the end of the show before yours he went to steal a glimpse into the greenhouse. Kuu’s house was still empty and contently Balakavallatagh was adorably snuggled up together inside his home in matching nests while the hummingbirds hovered around feeding before returning to their hatchlings. Dot alone slept in the new home set up and fluffed up contently in her new nest with the leaves Roac had chosen laid out just so making him smirk in turning back to the living room.

Onto the couch he settled and listened to the opening scene with a seemingly out of place mission Raul went on his ship the Tibelt by a voice they hadn’t heard often before, the narrator fully describing each moment same as from the epic cannon top proposal earlier in the story. A swashbuckling sword clashing adventure ending with his breaking into the court of Duke Frenn and requesting his aid and then leading them to join in on the search for their dear friend Bunny.

However anticlimactic it seemed next was a heart wrenching interaction between the Countess and Wolsey where she was left weeping when it seemed he was leaving her home with the impression he had given up hope. Though fully packed and ready to go he was heard boarding the Tibelt rousing hope once again that the army to meet up with the still gathering allies. It seemed their efforts could be for naught when Holm was heard shouting that the room you were being kept in was empty with a stone block on the wall missing forming a tunnel outside.

Covering his mouth like so many others Thorin sat with his heart thundering practically seeing Bunny racing through the forest around the hidden keep. Panting with earth crunching and twigs catching on her clothes muddled with echoes of Holm shouting out her name. A sudden gasp from her however cut the show to silence before it ended with a loud bellow sparking chills through everyone listening.

.

The sign off music played and Thorin’s gaze turned from the radio he shut off to Kuu, just noticed to have joined in on listening to the show whose cheeks puffed up in the start of a big yawn. “Do you listen to the show?”

After his full body shiver Kuu replied, “No. We prefer the book with the images. Off to bed now. Goodbye.”

Thorin chuckled saying, “Goodbye.” Watching him turn and walk back to his house before standing up and stretching his arms right up over his head from being in the same position for so long. Lowering his arms again he strolled through your home and made his way to your study. On a trunk from the doorway he spotted your typewriter, moving closer he felt a magnetic pull to get a closer look to your best friend who helped free you from the prison of your old life.

Around the edges he could feel the gritty scrapes hinting at when it had scuffed rocks and been halfway stripped of its fading former brilliant black paint job. Every inch showing your modifications and touch on repairing the various parts complete with the hatch on the side holding the Khuzdul and Elven character hammer sets to go with those characters etched next to the common tongue characters on the clearly hand engraved and polished keys once coated with gold and wax letter tops long since worn down. Just smoothing his fingers across a few of the keys he couldn’t help but smile sensing the joy just seeped into this little once abandoned machine you rescued and kept safe for so long.

The notepad however coated in Vanyar rune coated drafts clearly for the next in the series were left in the open and forcing himself to turn and inspect your book collection in the collapsing shelves from your open trunks lining the walls. Various languages coated each of the spines in various conditions with one that seemed to hold the oldest collection. Crouching down he smirked pulling out the copy of the leather bound phone book sized book on Durins half bleached by the sun you had found on Ruun. Around that were blank books fully bleached with faded smudged symbols on the spines, one of which he pulled out and smirked at the phone book sized patchwork book in a line with others.

Smoothing his palm across the sand worn cover he opened the front cover and saw the first page of Khuzdul runes hinting that it was the hammer set you first found in the typewriter. The first page had his heart rate slowing at the sentimental note from you introducing this as your first story that you hoped one day you could bring home to your mother. Biting his lip he closed the cover smoothing his palm across it again in turning it to put it back again waiting for the day he hoped you might offer to show him yourself. The sound of an odd chirping sound had him up again and heading through the house back to the theater where he smirked finding Roac awoken by a nature show on sea birds.

Thorin chuckled saying, “Sorry Roac. Kuu must have left it on.”

Roac ruffled his feathers standing up asking, “Has Dot eaten yet?”

“I believe she is still sleeping.”

“Good,” he rose up flapping hard to fly past Thorin, “I can wake her to a feast!” Making the Dwarf smirk in moving closer to turn off the projector and fold your blanket again then move to head back to the living room.

 *

Outside the doorway when you exited, your lips parted seeing the golden strapped and heeled black platform pumps on Echthellion’s palm you took hold of in his deep chuckle, “Where did you find these?”

You looked up at him and said, “Not telling. But they are yours.”

“Thank you.”

He chuckled and tilted his head, “Come on, off for contracts.”

You nodded then pointed at Mal, “I’m finding out what happened.”

She grumbled again and turned to head out to head back to her place readying for another visit from Dain to see BamBam and come see his latest check up at the vet. Following Ecthellion you went to his office and eased your fingers around the pen you were given while he readied the contracts. Already you signed the anonymity pages for him to ready the deal so that all the pages on these contracts had you named as Bunny. Dozens of signatures later and the papers were locked in his case freeing him to stand and walk around the desk to accept your crashing hug before he asked, “What else have I missed?”

In a groan your head fell back and his grin eased out hearing your latest chaotic unfold in your life. “Now not only do I have a giant bear shaped hedge trimmer in my yard I have two Great Owls. Not even mentioning I have one of the rudest courting birds in my house, I swear, if Roac didn’t seem to like her-,”

Ecthellion laughed and gave you another hug you melted into, “Go home, take a nap.”

“I’ll try, but who knows who will show up at my door this time.”

Back into the hall you pulled out your phone and smiled at the pictures of your sisters and mother with their necklaces along with pictures of Cirdan with his shirt and journals making you giggle at the raving reviews of the gifts and pictures you had sent their way. All the way down to the garage again you hugged the rhino to your chest smirking as you eyed your heels from the expensive brand in the lift.

Standing outside of his car with his arms on the hood Frerin was waiting and pointed at you saying, “Ents! I figured it out! The roar!” You giggled and came closer to the car luring his eyes to your shoes and rhino, “More gifts for the show?”

“The rhino is from a wife of our coffee cart guy, he’s out from a surgery. And the shoes are from Ecthellion, said to leave my shoes for the festival to him.”

“Hell of a pair of shoes. Had an ex who loved that style of shoes, so expensive.”

“Every now and then he demands to get me a new pair. I still have some pink ones but they don’t work with the look.” He nodded and you opened the door and lowered inside. “Eager for your flight?”

He chuckled and said, “It’s a flight out for an event then a flight back to get back in time for the festival. Can’t wait to see you fully dolled up.”

“What are you going as?”

“Badger, obviously, mask and all.”

“Adorable,” Making him chuckle again.

“I imagine you are straight off to bed when you get back.”

“May sit up a bit.”

Smirking at you he asked, “So, with the scooter does that mean you would be wearing heels more often?”

“Don’t think I go places often requiring heels.”

“That could always change.” He hummed out and said, “Let’s get you home, Sis.”

A buzz from your phone had you looking at it and saying, “Aviary is thrilled Belly and Darling got on so well.” Inhaling sharply you drew his eye and asked, “Have you seen Zebra Raven mating dance?”

Lowly he chuckled, “No, I have not had the pleasure.”

“They have it, on the site. It was painful to watch,” making him chuckle again. “I love him, but if a guy tried to pick me up dancing like that, I don’t think I’d make it to his bow.” Making him chuckle again, “I mean it’s a nice idea to have guys dance to pick you up but thinking it and doing it would be vastly different.”

“I will note that down, your guy has to be able to dance,” he chuckled at your nudge to his elbow, “Alright, just have an interpretive dance on standby. Got it.”

He chuckled again at your head leaning forward to tap against your rhino’s, “Terrible.”

“I’m teasing, I wouldn’t set you up to be embarrassed, even on another’s behalf, Sis.”

Glancing over you asked, “Did Dis tell you how her meet went with Mal?”

Frerin chuckled, “Not yet, Mal seem shaken?”

“Not shaken, but avoiding. If it went badly she’d be in tears but she’s not saying something.”

Frerin, “No doubt she’s just processing. Big weekend.” He looked at you again, “So that’s how you ended up at the tea shop? Your coffee stand guy got sick?”

“Well, I drink cider at work, coffee makes me jittery. I tend to have panic attacks when I get jittery.” You glanced at him and said, “Not all the time, but it’s like an intense house of terror like they have in theme parks. Brain just imagines things that aren’t creeping up on me.”

“I get like that with espressos. And hot air balloons, can’t even be near them.”

The final turn had him parking in front of the house and he reached over patting your knee, “Get some sleep, Sis.”

Out of the car you climbed and through the winds you slid your way through your propped open front gate and up to your front entrance where you exhaled relaxing in the relief from the force against you. With a final wave his way you let yourself inside seeing him wave back and start to drive off when you eased the door shut. His continued use of the term of sister was shaken off as you hung up your bag and followed the sounds of the show playing to the living room. The room was empty but the whistle of your kettle had you turning for your kitchen to find Thorin there with a grin saying, “Great show. I take it that was our mystery narrator?” You nodded and he asked with a smirk easing out, “Rhino and heels?”

“Ah, heels are for the weekend and the rhino was a gift. Our coffee cart guy is off his feet on medical leave and his wife brought this, show’s been helping keep him distracted.”

“That’s good.” You nodded and set them down on the counter as he said, “Roac brought Dot breakfast. She was pleased.”

“Doubtful,”

He chuckled and said, “She argued the berries weren’t bright enough but ate them anyways. Still good ground to start on. Him and Bala are flying around the back yard giving the girls some time to chat.”

For a few moments your eyes were locked in the silence until he turned to grab the kettle to fill your mug pouring water over your filled whale infuser, “No mug for you?”

He shook his head, “Not this time, had some earlier. I drink any more of your tea and you’ll run out by morning. I will get you more cider and teas,” your lips parted and he said, “I want to. Someone has to make sure you don’t get swindled on some imitation.”

“Well don’t forget your fruit, veggies, jams and bread.”

“I-,” Around the counter you strolled and grabbed one of your reusable totes you started to fill randomly making him chuckle at the hefty amount you set on the counter with a cling wrapped loaf of bread on top.

“Payback is painful isn’t it?” You teased.

And he rumbled back playfully, “Excruciating.”

“Good.” He smirked then looked to Roac in his flight into the kitchen from his stop into the greenhouse.

Proudly the bird landed on Thorin’s shoulder and puffed up saying, “Dot has asked me to leave.”

Your lips parted and Thorin chuckled walking over to stroke his hand down your arm, “Good sign. Thank you for the bag. Enjoy your tea and get some rest. No pressure on coming in tomorrow if you want to stay in.”

“You get some sleep too Mug Dealer.” You looked to Roac, “Thank you, Roac.”

“I am eternally grateful for you finding me my Mate.” Grinning at you while Thorin lifted his bag.

Thorin rumbled another low goodbye and you escorted the pair to the door and made sure they both got in safely before you turned back to your tea. Lifting your whale seeper you cleaned it out and rinsed it off and turned to lift your mug sending off a review of your tea. ‘Surprised by some company at home, but chivalrous as ever my Mug Dealer came to my rescue with another lovely pineappley touch to it.’

Again comments racked up with the usual amused statements egging you on to make a move with your Mug Dealer if you weren’t already together. And you pocketed your phone seeing some of the other shop owners from the expo still puzzled as to who you could be but no less amused by the dynamic involving the surly Dwarf they assumed to be the Dealer in question in need of a good wooing himself. A check on the greenhouse brought Belly to a swing closer to you stroking his head against your cheek before flying off to chase after Darling in another hopeful round for increasing their chance of a large clutch of eggs. Kindly you greeted Dot who eyed you curiously then asked, “Roac has left?”

“Yes.”

She nodded and said, “He certainly flies fearlessly.”

With a nod you replied, “Yes he does.” Taking a sip of your tea while she hopped to the perch outside of her home.

Fluffing up her feathers she said, “I shall not make him struggle too long I think.” Flying down to the ridge around the fountain to inspect the lily pads that she hadn’t seen before, testing if they would hold her or not.

Turning from there you went to check on your hummingbird house grinning at their parents who left you to watch their hatchlings now getting their feathery coating in order signaling in a week or so they could be left without their mothers for longer periods. Though here safe in your warm greenhouse they really didn’t need much heating and there was more than enough food to keep them and hundreds more well fed for generations to come. “Hello little ones.” Various personalities had begun to show already and before long their parents were back to catch their yawns in time for a noon nap signaling your turn back to your kitchen to rinse out your empty mug. To your couch you went to relax to whatever was still playing and slowly drift off into a nap of your own.

 *

“I am pleased with the territory for my dwelling with Dot.” Roac said shifting on the bar on the passenger side of the dashboard in Thorin’s car in his first turn.

“It is an incredible greenhouse.”

“Jack Rabbit has changed the lands to perfection for hatchlings.”

Thorin glanced at him wondering why he had called you that. “Yes, she has. Jack Rabbit?”

“That is what Bala and the others call her. I wish to fit in.”

“Ah,”

Roac’s head tilted looking his friend over, “Have you danced for her yet?”

That had Thorin look back at him, “We do not dance to attract Mates.”

“Singing then? You have a very deep voice, none can bellow as you can. Surely she will choose you.”

With a chuckle he replied, “Thank you, but again, our courting rituals are far more complicated than yours.”

Roac looked forward, “Hmm. She has a fondness for you, the home is-,”

“Roac,” he sighed in catching his friend’s nod, “The necklace she was wearing, I gave it to her.”

That puffed up his feathers giddily, “She is weighing her options then, just as Dot is restraining true impressions on my approval as her Mate! What is the next step I shall assist all I can!”

Wetting his lips Thorin replied, “It is a matter of working the right words at the right moment to agree for a courtship.”

“Words, of course. Poetry, not a song. I have faith in you that the right words might find you to secure her approval.”

Widely he smirked at his friend’s blind faith in him and the situation and rumbled back, “Thank you.”

The rest of the way Roac muttered his plans to finalize courting Dot only making Thorin’s grin deepen as it stirred options in his own ideas concerning you. Once parked he reached over taking hold of the bag first once his door was propped open and then for Roac who hopped onto his arm and walked up to his shoulder to free his hand. Securing the bag he took the short walk up to his apartment, inside which he spotted Frerin in the living room already smirking as he asked, “Ooh, she sent you home with goodies I see.”

Thorin chuckled and set the bag down feeling his stomach clench in Roac’s flight back to his dwelling in Thorin’s room to nap, from the bag he pulled out your bread and a jar for tomato soup and set up the tomatoes to let it simmer as you had. “Apparently this is revenge.”

Frerin on his feet hummed, “Revenge smells good.” Lifting the bread he asked, “She makes her own bread too?”

Thorin nodded and carried the bag to put the rest away in their pantry on a shelf usually left empty now entirely for your goods. “You have not tasted soup like this. So good.”

“She made you soup?”

“She was tired and anxious, comfort food.”

Frerin nodded and came to his brother’s side while he cut the bread just like you had, but left more behind to have some later, “Alone, together, cooking, details?”

Thorin sighed and looked at Frerin, “It was nice. Late night cooking, it was cozy. She was half asleep and the soup was incredible, grilled cheese too. She cooked we cleaned up and then handled the arrivals together.”

“That’s sounds perfect. I’m glad she called you.”

“So am I, even if Bala was the one who nominated Roac for his wingman and I’m just his chauffer, I have no clue how I could have handled being surprised like that.”

Frerin shook his head, “You and me both,” going to smell the soup, “This all she sent?” Then turned to head into the pantry to look at what you had sent.

Thorin’s eye however went to the box on the living room table and he smirked using his keys to open the package from which he pulled the cd out of. Across the cover a honey haired woman seated at the piano of singing stones in a brilliant silvery orange blend, clearly an older version of you. With you in a pink gown with strips laying delicately across your shoulders holding the dress above its drastic dip in the back lined with silver accenting gems matching those on the edges of the mermaid skirt. Facing the large mic they were left with just the silhouette of your face and sight of your lit up snowy curls braided up into an intricate bun.

Breaking the plastic wrap on it that dropped into the open box he switched on the disk player and put it on turning Frerin’s head at the intro of the ethereal piano. Taking hold of the case Thorin passed him he smirked as his brother focused on the soup he gave its first stir. Each and every song until the soup was served up building up their adoration for you upon discovering another of your hidden talents. Their own hums blended into the mix while enjoying the finished meal, only pausing when chills ran up their backs hearing the intro to the song that had been played on the Bunny show making the pair look at the track number to know the name of the song Frerin pulled up translated lyrics for on his phone only warming their hearts more. Fully cleaned up at the end of the disc Thorin took his box and the cd to his room to listen to again later on his way to dropping onto his bed once his heavy boots were taken off.

 *

Curiosity had gotten the better of you and upon waking up after sunset you brushed your hair out of your face and walked out to your back yard. Under the lights of the gentle glowing lanterns you walked the pathway back to the seating area already hearing Hector adjusting his wings on his exiting of their new home. Bright eyes landed on you and he turned fully at your brief wave, “Hello. Just wanted to check in, see how you liked your first day.”

Hector gave you a soft grin stepping closer and extending his wing to the side, “Come and see our changes.”

You nodded and came closer flashing another grin and wave at his mate upon stepping up into the seating area listening to all Hector and her had put into the area to make it comfy for their eggs. The trio that she revealed to you in their trade off on warming them on her way to the yard to stretch fully. Hector’s head tilted seeing you eyeing the eggs, “We would allow you to touch them.”

You looked up at him with a spreading grin, “Thank you,” knowing fully most birds would never allow someone to touch their eggs. But crawling carefully into the nest you got a better look and crouched down closing your eyes to listen to the warm eggs one at a time. “They sound very strong.” Climbing out again you asked, “Nearly time, right?”

They both nodded and she said, “We have agreed, should our daughter accept Kuu we would allow her to remain here with you. Our home has many daughters, she would find plenty and comfort here where we could always visit.”

“That’s so thoughtful, if that’s what you would wish for her. I would take very good care of her.”

Hector grinned at you, “We know. You have been most kind, the others, they tended me but did not see what we needed in that dwelling.” Settling carefully down on top of the eggs his feathers folded around.

“Yes, they have told me they might be taking some tips from my own dwelling. Especially for Striped Ravens, when they can find them. Their numbers are so low.”

She asked, “Your Raven has mated well?”

You nodded, “Yes, they took to each other right away. They seem very happy planning for eggs.” On her way to go search the nearby stream for fish you said, “Enjoy your night, I’m going to make some dinner myself.”

To which Hector answered, “Eat well, do not worry your mate will surely return to claim himself as yours soon.” Giggling to yourself mentally you walked back to the house catching sight of her one legged giddy hop with fish still wiggling in her foot she showed off to Hector. Dinner was pulled together, a thick stew using up more of your jarred goods and bread before you cleaned up and headed to your bedroom to change and lay in bed to a film waiting to fall asleep again knowing you needed more rest.

Pt 26

@himoverflowers​, @theincaprincess​​​, @aspiringtranslator​, @sweeticedtea​, @ggbbhehe4455​, @thegreyberet​, @patanghill17​, @jesgisborne​, @curvestrology​, @alishlieb​, @jogregor​, @armitageadoration​, @fizzyxcustard​, @here2have-fun​, @lilith15000​, @marvels-ghost​, @catthefearless​, @imjusthereforthereads​, @c-s-stars​, @otakumultimuse-hiddlewhore​, @mariannetora​, @shesakillerkween

Hobbit/LotR – @abiwim​, @jotink78​, @pastelhexmaniac​

[yourcoolfriendwithallthecandy]

Magic and Miracles and BEYOND Chapter 7

YA’LL I’M SO SORRY. I didn’t forget about this I swear, I just got hella distracted by life and a million other things BUT I’M BACK. And I know this is a short chapter but trust me, MORE is coming. So I would just like to say this cruise ship is based off of Royal Carribean’s Syphony of the Seas and almost all these pictures are from the Royal Carribean site, which usually sails the Carribean but for the purposes of this story, it’s going to Hawii and something similar is going to Alaska because this is a fantasy story where I go ‘fuck you’ to reality and everyone’s happy and nothing hurts, YET. (dun dun dun). And the ship has a dog park which I don’t think the actual ship does. And Dani and the twins RETURN and they just keep spreading the baby bug. 

So @the-immortal-marshal sorry for the wait but here you go. 

AO3

Magic and Miracles and BEYOND - Chapter 7

“So? How was Disney?” Sylva asked Ada as all the girls walked into a designer dress shop as they looked for formal attire for the cruises.  

“It was amazing,” Ada sighed wistfully as she went through the rows of dresses and found a few that she liked.

“Oh good, did Luche behave himself?” Sylva asked.

“Of course, he’s been the perfect gentleman.” Ada reassured Sylva.

“Good.” Sylva nodded before they all got dozens of dresses and tried them all on.

“Oh this is gorgeous on you!” Sylva praised as she watched Ada twirl in an ivory gown that perhaps looked a touch bridal on Ada and Sylva knew that once Luche would see Ada in this gown, he’d be thinking wedding bells too and knew she just had to get it for her. “It looks divine, I absolutely insist on getting it for you and I have the perfect pearl necklace to go with it too.” Sylva urged her.

“Ok,” Ada nodded in agreement before she put on another dress, this one a brilliant aquamarine that just made her hair pop in contrast. It was perfectly gorgeous and elegant.

“And that one too.” Sylva insisted which got Ada to squeal and giggle and twirl in her dress as the other girls emerged from their dressing rooms, showing off their dresses to Sylva too, wanting to get her stamps of approval too which Sylva was more than happy to give out. And once all the girls got all the dresses they wanted and needed, Sylva was more than happy to buy them all before making sure that the guys got the proper suits and things to match on the other end of the store.

“Lu,��� Sylva called out as she looked at a few shirts and ties.

“Yes?” Luche asked as he came to stand next to her.

“I’m really proud of you.” Sylva offered.

“Thank you?” Luche returned, not quite sure why she’d be proud of him.

“You’ve done really good with Ada and I wanted to make sure you knew that you were doing well.” Sylva encouraged.

“Oh, thanks.” Luche nodded.

“Now I need you to promise me something.” Sylva began and turned to make sure he was looking her in the eye before she continued. “You need to make sure you don’t have sex with her while on the cruises.” Sylva urged, dropping her voice to a soft whisper so that only Luche could hear her.

“Uh, ok.” Luche frowned in confusion, he had thought that would have been a given.

“I know it seems silly right now, but trust me, on the boat, wearing what she will be wearing, it’ll be a temptation and it’s of paramount importance that you make an honest woman out of her. She cheated once and from here on out, if she cheats on Cor with you, it’ll form a habit that will spell disaster for you both. Just trust me on this. Don’t kiss her, don’t give her any carnal pleasures whatsoever. This will be a new start for you both, give yourselves the best start you can, and that starts with respecting her and her current relationships, however doomed they may be. You need to do the right thing. Not what ‘feels right’ in the moment. But the right and proper thing over all.” Sylva urged before she got Ravus’ attention and brought him over.

“Ravus, I’m trying to make a point to Luche, when Selena was with Pelna and you two were getting close, did you two ever cross the line physically before her relationship with Pelna ended?” Sylva asked lowly.

“No, not at all, and I’m glad we didn’t. I mean it sucked, like a lot in those moments because there were so many times I wanted to, I would have given everything for it but looking back means that neither of us have any regrets with the way we got together and respecting her relationship with Pelna then- means that my relationship with her is respected now. It’s something you have to do if you don’t want the past repeating itself and I know Selena is much happier with herself and rests easy because of it too.” Ravus urged Luche.

“I don’t see why you’re making such a big deal about this, I knew going in that it would have to be like that.” Luche assured them.

“Did Ada get a white dress for the cruise or something?” Ravus asked his mother, trying to figure out what would prompt his mother to have this conversation before it dawned on him.

“Ivory. Wedding bells were going off in my own head when I saw her in it. She’s lovely, just, stay strong Lu, your future depends on it.” Sylva repeated as she grabbed Luche by the upper arms and shook him a little to emphasize her point with a laugh.

“Really?” Luche asked, a dopey grin spreading across his face.

“Yeah, you’re gonna have fun. Just, not too much fun.” Sylva narrowed her eyes playfully before she made sure all the guys were squared away too.

The next morning they were all in the terminal including Johnny, Anna and the twins and Dani, who had sorely missed Ravus and Selena who in turn had sorely missed them and outright refused to put down the twins, Selena commandeering Gabby as Ravus kept Izzy and Dani as they were waiting to board the cruise ship, all the dogs on leashes since the cruise ship had a dog park and a cat lounge on board and accommodations for dogs including a dog daycare so Ada wouldn’t have to be separated from Baxter, Crowe and Libertus could take Otis, Pashmina and Gladio could take Dianna and the Nox Fleuret- Caelums could take Pryna and Umbra and even Duchess was in a deluxe cat carrier, and Iris and Craig could take Noche since all the dogs had been traveling with the young adults all summer.

Sylva had gotten everyone suites, however with Ada being an add on and Hazel and Titus joining them too. It was a push to have everyone more or less together and on the same floor at least. Sylva was only slightly evil and mostly scheming, making sure Luche and Ada had side by side rooms where they could both sit on their balconies and see each other and talk to each other. This new cruise ship had everything. It had rock climbing walls, water sports simulators, it’s own water park, a traditional as well as an open dining option with over a dozen restaurants and buffets and golf, both a mini golf course and a golfing drive simulator, bumper cars, laser tag, an arcade that rivaled Dave and Busters, sports courts, an obstacle course, a sky diving simulator, zip lines, two trampoline parks, one was a traditional one and the other was with the harness and bungee chords so you would really jump high and even a trapeze school that had gymnastic equipment and a dozen different niche clubs and concert halls, ice skating, an escape room, a casino, dozens of shops on the boardwalk and throughout the ship, an out of this world spa and a bunch of other amenities that every active teenager and young adult could possibly want including loads of things for Dani and even a daycare for the twins. It was perfect.

Sylva got everyone’s boarding passes and room keys handed them out before they all waited to board, most of them thankfully having games on their phones and tablets as Sylva, Lunafreya, Ravus, Luche and Ignis did some last minute business for Miracles from their laptops while Regis caught up with Noctis. Ravus only having a little trouble since Izzy was in a carrier strapped to his chest and Dani draped herself across his lap and shoulder and cuddled into his chest while he reached around both of them to type on his laptop. 

“So how are you doing Hun?” Titus asked as he and Ada sat down side by side as Hazel was doing some last minute business of her own on her own laptop from her spot next to Sylva at the computer table, one of dozens that was specifically built that had dozens of outlets so that the laptops and cell phones and other electronics could charge while the guests waited to board the ship.

“Doing much better.” Ada smiled happily as she had Baxter laying on her lap as Titus pet Baxter too. “How was the wine tour?” Ada asked Titus curiously.

“I couldn’t tell the fucking difference between the cheap stuff and the good stuff, wine is wine in my book, the whole time I couldn’t help thinking…‘I could go for a whiskey right about now’, beer on the other hand, that’s more my speed, a good porter or stout and I’m good to go and thankfully there was plenty of that too.” Titus chuckled which got Ada to snicker a laugh. “But it made Hazel happy and we had a lot of fun and I’m glad we went,” Titus shrugged but smiled happily nonetheless since he hadn’t gotten a real vacation in..he couldn’t remember when. “Got to have a lot of really good cheese and charcuterie though and all the food was outstanding. Granted, not as good as Hazel can make it but pretty close.” Titus appraised because to him, Hazel was the best chef ever and made everything great and it was hard for any food to equal hers since she was his gold standard.

“Aw, I’m glad you had fun. The gang took me to Disneyland. That was epic and awesome and amazing and I got my real first spa day the day before and I felt like jelly afterwards.” Ada informed him proudly.

“Oh so you got your ears? Your Mickey or I guess in your case Mini ears?” Titus gently teased.

“Several pairs, yes.” Ada nodded. “And then we got to go to the beach and splash in the Pacific Ocean and go surfing. I think I swallowed half the ocean and seaweed touched my leg and I screamed bloody murder because I thought it was a jellyfish or a shark and I climbed Luche like a tree and nearly accidentally drowned him trying to get away from it.” Ada began as Titus barked a deep belly laugh just imagining that. “It was really hilarious, everyone laughed and it was recorded on the waterproof go-pros.” Ada giggled. “And then Tredd found a dead slash rotting fish on the beach and tormented everyone with it before Yasmine and the tothers beat his ass that he was gonna make Crowe miscarry because of how many diseases were probably crawling on it.” Ada recounted.

“Good for her.” Titus grinned proudly.

“And then we had a bonfire and a BBQ right on the beach too and charted a big fishing boat and went fishing and then Noctis and his band did a few shows over the weekend which were amazing, because when they weren’t on stage, which even when they were, I got to do back up vocals which was epic and we got to enjoy the rest of the concerts and go back stage and meet all the other bands and hang out and get pictures and get autographs and merch from the other bands and I got to help with the band merch so that all of us could take shifts and have breaks and stuff and that was really fun and we made money hand over fist. And everyone has gotten along really well and there wasn’t any fighting or arguing about anything. And we’ve all been taking care of each other and Craig’s been doing most of the cooking and he is an outstanding cook, like, Nyx and Libertus can cook really great too and there have been so many times where we just raid a Sam's Club and we cook for ourselves instead of going out to eat for every meal and between Pashmina, Yasmine and Pelna cooking a lot of Indian food, I mean their chicken curry and tiki marsala is phenomenal, and their chicken Biryani rice is outstanding and Luna, Rae and Stella all do wonderful French cooking and Iris and Gladio bring the Spanish flavors and Cindy, I know she doesn’t look it but she has a Paula Dean in her and she makes pies, from scratch, like old fashioned, flaky crust pies made with lard, that are better than any bakery and she’s gotten all of us into it and Selena and Nyx bring a lot of the Mediterranean flavors and they make the best baklava and pitas and hummus and all kinds of stuff. And even Tredd cooks, he makes the best mashed potatoes, actually potatoes period he makes all the potatoes the best, not to be racist but because he’s Irish, I think it runs in his blood and mac and cheese with so much cheddar. And Libertus is of course Italian so he’s made fresh pasta and these sauces from scratch that take like two to three days to make but they’re the best ever. And Iggy orchestrates all of us between the two kitchens on the bus and even on the girls bus there’s an electric smoker so we smoke a lot of foods, like salmon and cheese and of course every meat imaginable and make our own jerky and Iggy makes the best coffee, I don’t know how he does it but he does and it’s amazing and Luche and I just do whatever everyone else tells us to do. I swear I think I’ve gained like ten pounds since I’ve been with them, I’ve eaten so much, but it’s all been so good.” Ada beamed happily.

“So has Lu been behaving himself?” Titus asked curiously.

“Oh yeah, he’s been the perfect gentleman. Like perfect.” Ada answered with fawning, adoring smile and a wistful sigh and Titus cocked a half grin at that. Ada still loved him too. He supposed it was inevitable. Like moth to a flame but he wasn’t sure who was the moth and who was the flame at this point.

“Good.” Titus nodded.

“Oh and then the guys had a video interview! That was the best! Did you see it?” Ada asked as she pulled her phone out and showed Titus the video on YouTube.

“Hi I’m Laney for Rock360 and I’m with the Chocobros! Say hi guys!” Laney invited before they all waived to the camera, Noctis, a little awkwardly still.

“So anyone who knows you, knows you got your start performing for kids at Miracle Hospital and your videos went viral and you’ve gained quite a bit of notoriety on the circuit and in the rocker community for being as diverse and as inclusive as yours is and the band it seems, fluctuates because sometimes, it’s the four of you and other times there’s like a dozen people on stage, what can you tell me about that?” Laney asked.

“Well, how that started is some venues want to see the girls that they saw in videos so that’s where we ask the girls for guest appearances.” Ignis explained.

“Aww, that’s really great that they can do that. And speaking with the other bands I understand that your crew is unique and that the only people who are actually hired are your drivers, otherwise it’s just you and your friends and it’s noted that it’s very much like a family and you’re all pretty close knit.” Laney noted.

“Yeah we are, it’s awesome, it’s us and our significant others which is great and we all get along and take care of each other.” Gladio grinned proudly.

“Now I also know that there is a lucky charm.” Laney giggled.

“Yes! That’s Crowe, she got pregnant right in the beginning of the tour so right before we go on stage we pat the bebeh belly for good luck.” Prompto answered before the camera cut to Crowe behind the scenes eating a doughnut and waived as Libertus pet her belly to illustrate.

“And that’s Libertus, her fiance, he’s the proud father, obviously.” Prompto beamed as Libertus nodded ‘yes’ emphatically and gave a double thumbs up with a bright cheesy grin around his own stuffed cheeks since he was eating doughnuts too. 

“Aww, that’s adorable.” Laney fawned before she continued to talk to them about their music and their songs and what their songs meant to them and how fun their tour had been and what other bands they had been performing with before they ended the interview.

“Aw, that’s awesome.” Titus grinned proudly before they boarded the cruise ship and got to their rooms. Ada squealing in delight at how magnificent her suite was, especially since she got it all to herself, well kind of, she had Baxter with her and that’s all she could ever ask for, there were already food and water dishes set up for him too. This next week was going to be heaven. She unpacked her carry on bag and by the time she was done, her luggage got delivered and once that was all put away she rejoined the rest of the group, dropping Baxter off at the on board doggy daycare, sticking close to Luche and Titus as they explored the ship before hitting up one of the buffets.

“So has Cor ever told you why he never wanted kids?” Ada asked Titus who nearly choked on his spit and tripped over his own feet as he felt his soul leave his body to go to the astral plane for just a moment to have a mini freak out as he then tried to grab Cor from the astral plane to come here and have this conversation with her because while he felt like a father figure. This was just...not his area of comfortable conversation topics but Regis was too far away to pull into this to deal with this, Regis was better at this kind of thing but if Ada felt comfortable enough to bring this up, he needed to handle this with care.

“Sweetie, I think he’s seen too much of the worst of humanity to try to bring life into the world, at least, that’s what he’s told me, why?” Titus asked.

“Just, with Crowe being pregnant the baby bug is going around.” Ada shrugged as she then looked over at Selena who had Gabby on her hip while she piled her own plate with food for the both of them while Ravus held Izzy and did the same while also helping Dani with her plate and the five of them already looked like the perfect family and Ada felt a pang of jealousy while also noticing how Luche was also helping Dani and was doting on her too and Ada felt like she was seeing a glimpse of what he would be like as a wonderful father too and it both warmed while rendered her heart a bit because she wanted that too but she couldn’t have it.

“Well don’t let it bite you too hard. Babies are a lot of work, they’re loud and messy and stressful and will change your life forever.” Titus gently warned her with a slight air of a teasing tone even though he could see from his vantage point, Hazel talking with Crowe and when Hazel touched Crowe’s belly and just the look in her eyes and the expression on her face that she was getting bit by the baby bug and for the first time in his life, the baby bug bit him too and his slight panic at Ada mentioning babies suddenly vanished and was replaced by the urge and need to make a baby with Hazel, but he would have to make sure they were both in a position to feel safe enough to do so. Because while he was getting older, he wasn’t that old, not yet. 

“Besides, you’re still pretty young, how about you try getting to the legal drinking age in this country and enjoy your youth without kids first.” Titus gently encouraged Ada before he sat down with Hazel and he was just struck by how adorable their kids would be. So he just picked up her hand and kissed her knuckles sweetly as Hazel practically melted in her seat.

Truth be told, she was getting bit by the baby bug pretty hard too and it wasn’t the first time it bit, but it was the first time it bit with Titus and suddenly her mind started whirling with all of the possibilities. There was just two problems, 1. Gil. 2. Charlie. There’s no way with them still so close that she’d ever get the chance to have a family of her own. A relationship was already pushing it. Maybe Cor had what it took to end it. She was hoping that with all of them being gone, he would throw himself into his work unimpeded and not distracted by anything or anyone and finally be able to end this once and for all and with herself being out of the picture, she could distance herself. He had the next two weeks to do just that and she hoped he could do it, for all their sakes.

“Ok guys, who’s up for the rock wall?” Titus challenged the guys after they finished eating and went over to the rock wall, Titus and all the guys getting tethered in to race each other.

“Ok? Ready? Set? Go!” The climbing instructor challenged as they all raced up the walls, Ravus, Nyx, Luche and Titus got an early lead with Gladio, Prompto, Noctis and Ignis barely getting up there as the girls cheered them on, Regis cheering his sons and Titus on as Sylva was cheering everyone on while Hazel cheered for Titus the loudest but only seconded by Ada cheering on Luche. 

“How the hell are you climbing so fast?” Luche, Ravus and Nyx asked Titus as they watched him race up the wall with surprising agility for a man his size as they did their best to navigate the wall. But Titus had a trick up his sleeve, he had studied his wall from the moment he saw it and had mentally already mapped out his route and suddenly Hazel wasn’t the loudest cheerer, Regis was. Regis was because he wanted Titus to beat the younger kids to prove that age and wisdom sometimes gave you the advantage over youth and brute strength and in record time, Titus won by being the first to ring his bell at the top but Ravus and Nyx tied for second only a second later as they both held onto the wall and looked out over the sea and then looked down at the crowd below and waived before they went back down just as Luche and Gladio tied for third to reach the top, followed by Ignis who was fourth. Prompto and Noctis, Pelna and Libertus all tied for last. Sylva and Regis having to coach them on which foot holds and hand holds to use and Regis had an ice cold beer waiting for Titus when he came down.

“And to the victor goes the spoils.” Regis beamed proudly as Titus barked a deep laugh as he took it and quickly and easily drank it down as Regis drank one himself.

“Seriously, how did you do that Coach?” Nyx asked in astonishment.

“Study the wall, see? Look at your wall, it’s not random, see- there’s a pattern, see the zig zag?” Titus pointed out on Nyx’s wall, making sure Nyx followed his line of sight.

“Oh!” Nyx, Ravus, Luche and Gladio all groaned as they mentally figured out how they could have climbed their walls better.

“Rematch!” Nyx insisted just as Libertus came down his wall.

“No! I’m done, one was enough for me.” Libertus complained.

“I’ll go again.” Ravus offered.

“Me too.” Gladio and Luche added with grins, Luche agreeing if only to hear Ada cheering for him again. He had missed that more than words could say.

The second time around, all four boys were within hundredths of seconds between each other as they had taken Drautos’ advice and taken a moment as another round of competitors had used the walls to study the walls and mentally map out their plan of attack with great success before they all got dressed in their bathing suits and enjoyed the on board water park. It was going to be one hell of a week.