#we'll see 👀

[words-etched-in-her-skin]

So, the holiday sads have been a bit of bitch this year, and this scene has been playing in my head for the past few days now. I feel like the holiday season would be a little hard and lonely for our dear Countess and that she would likely do well with a little extra comfort around this time. I apologize in advance for any angst this may cause ♥️

***

The castle was quiet. Almost so that you could hear the soft patter of snow as it blanked the outside world with it's gentleness. The dark hallways a stark reminder at just how late it was as you made your way towards the servant's quarters. Most days you were done with your daily duties much earlier in the night, but today was laundry day - the day where all the linen that had accumulated throughout week, plus all of the Dimitrescu's personals, were washed.

You stretched your sore muscles, letting out a sigh or exhaustion before continuing your way down the long corridors. You were just about to turn and take the hallway that would inevitably - and finally - lead you to your room, when you caught a warm light coming from beneath the doors of the library. You were certain it was probably Miss Daniela on one of her late night romance novel readings, but still - you thought it better to make sure no one had left the fireplace going unattended, just incase.

The soft creak of the door echoed through the empty halls of the castle but did nothing to stir the person who sat so stilly in front of the warm hearth. You stood puzzled for a minute, entirely not expecting what your eyes had fallen upon.

Though, there the she sat - the Countess of the castle and your employer - with a gaze full of melancholy as the firelight danced upon her prominent features, beautifully accentuating them. A small tea cup in one hand filled with a liquid that no longer seemed to hold any warmth to it. She sighed deeply, closing her eyes as if to hold back the weight of a thousand tears. You had never in all of your years working for Lady Dimitrescu seen her look so sullen before - so lost in her thoughts that she hadn't even heard you enter the large room.

Your fingers fidgeted for a moment, wondering if you should even disturb her. But the sadness that radiated off of her was far too immense to ignore.

"... My lady? Is there anything I can do for you before turning in for the night?"

You tried to keep your tone and words as level and professional as possible, but Alcina was still just as startled by them. Almost dropping the small cup in her hand, she looked over at you - her large frame outlined by a flickering glow and a dusting of tears coating her lashes.

"Mh? My apologies, dear, I was a million miles away." She looked back towards the fire for a moment before continuing. "I wasn't expecting anyone else to be awake at this hour."

"Laundry day." You replied simply.

"Ah." She said with a chuckle, though the soft sound lacked in its usual fervor.

You stood there for a breath or two, waiting to see if she had anything else to add before asking her again.

"Well.." She started, ".. be a dear and run along, then. No use in the both of us losing sleep. Another busy day awaits."

A part of you wanted to obey, to bow at her dismissal and wish the Countess a good night. But the all around flat tone to her words only strengthened your concern.

"Ah.. pardon me for asking, my lady, but.. are you alright?"

Again Alcina looked up at you startled, obviously not expecting such an inquiry. And you could tell she was mulling your question over for a minute, likely wondering if it would be out of line for her to discuss such things with one of her staff. Eventually, though, she sighed in resignation and placed the small cup on the table next to her before turning to face you.

"As far as my general existence is concerned, I am, as they say, as strong as ever." She smiled to herself before leaning back to light a cigarette. "But, you see.. I'm afraid his holiday season has left me feeling... less than adequate."

You nodded, that was something you could more than understand. The holidays were always an inherently lonely time of year for you. With both of your parents having died long ago, and your only sister cutting off contact with you the day you came to work at the castle - you could truly emphasize with the Countess.

Alcina looked at you and smiled at your understanding, a long drag off of her cigarette before she continued.

"And while I do my best to keep my spirits up during this festive season, I can't help but long for the company of companions long lost.. for family members gone too soon.. and for a life that no longer exists."

Another thing you deeply understood - you honestly couldn't remember the last time you shared a holiday with someone you truly cared about.

You hummed softly. "I understand, my lady. I hope the girls help somewhat with keeping your mind occupied, at least?"

She chuckled again, this time sounding a little lighter.

"Mh.. that they do." She smiled softly but her eyes still shined with that far away look. "Were you aware there was four of them once?"

"Daughters??"

"Mhm.. Alexandra. She was my eldest. She passed on many years ago, though."

"I had... no idea. I'm sorry to hear that, my lady."

She waved her hand almost nonchalantly.

"It was a long time ago. But this time of year always brings back very fond memories of her. Christmas was her favorite day of the year." This time her smile was warm, filled with love. "Such an inherently kind soul she was. I have no idea where she got that from."

Another chuckle and you smiled.

"Oh, I have some ideas, my lady."

Alcina took another drag off of her cigarette and gave you a smirk.

"Flattery, dear."

In all honesty, though, it wasn't. Regardless of their reputation and the rumors that proceeded them, you wouldn't have the life you did if it wasn't for Lady Dimitrescu and her daughters. There weren't many places for people like you within the village. People who weren't of the norm and didn't follow the status quo. The castle was a safe haven for individuals like you - who fell outside the normality of what was considered 'good and right'.

You bowed low. "Honesty, my lady."

"Mh.. perhaps." She chuckled.

You stood quietly and let the silence of the moment envelope you. The warm glow of the fireplace dancing across Alcina features as you watched them finally begin to soften. And while you knew your small chat hadn't helped ease all of her pain, you could tell it'd at least helped lighten the heaviness of it all.

Still, you felt as though the both of you could do with the company of each other just a little bit longer.

"Would... you mind if I sat with you for awhile, my lady?" You asked softly, bringing a tender smile to the Countess' lips.

"Are you not exhausted from such a long day, dear?"

"Not all that much." You lied, every muscle in your body ached - but right then, keeping this large, sad woman company, was far more important.

She nodded, holding out her hand to the seat next to her.

"Very well, then."

And there you sat, long into the night. Swapping lighthearted stories and deeper ones at that. Laughing at each other's jokes as if you'd known one another for a life time longer than you'd actually had. It was a night filled with ease and comfort. With conversations so warm they almost drove the cold and loneliness of the holidays away.

... almost.

***

[fangswbenefits]

In a couple of hours, we will know which one won as Best Perfomance at The Game Awards 👀 Ben Starr as Clive (FFXVI) or Neil Newbon as Astarion (BG3).

[dizziesims]

Let's goooo I have 2 more hours at work and this is all I'm thinking about lol

[jessimiko]

Thinking about Ozma telling the god of light "I'm sorry, but...that world just isn't as dear to me without her."

Thinking about how Oscar is going to be grieving Ruby, and probably taking on her role as the leader, keep fighting and moving forward like she would. But in one quiet moment, he tells Oz that he thought he had understood before, but he didn't, not until now. "The world just... isn't the same without her."

Many thoughts head FULL

[ermespop]

Hi, everyone!

This is my new blog where I'll be posting fanart 😏 don't be fooled by the cute aesthetic the posts will be very random 😭

@tulipbunnie I won't be posting regularly :/

usual navigation post

[dribs-and-drabbles]

People hoping for Porsche to be completely sober when he and Kinn next have sex whereas I'm here wondering if they'll be somewhere other than a bathroom.

[oblivious-troll]

Officially halfway done the comic! 2 pages are 100% finished and coloured, plus I've finished the concept sketches for the last two pages ✨️😘

[tiedtomybrain]

,

[bhxrdy]

ohohHoHOOOOOOOOOOoooo

MmMMMMMmm

(This is my happy dance that we’re all in this together)xo

love it! hahaha 😂 come on, give me ur best movees 😜

[emjiroki]

Just hit 1.3k! Thank you Everyone!

[bitterseadrop-a]

ok since i'm playing touchstarved rn i also got reminded of obey me ... nightbringer is gonna come out while i'm in dublin but i'll probably get a chance to play it, me thinks abt making an obm verse 👀

[scentedluminarysoul]

Me, clicking on Mark's playthrough of "A Difficult Game About Climbing": Oh no, that looks like Getting Over It. Where he threw his chair and cried in a corner 😬

Mark, during the intro: I have prepared, in that I've made my chair much harder to throw

😂

[vidi-ugh]

Is my first attempt at NaNoWriMo seriously going to be a fanfic? 💀

Yes, yes it is.

[r0semultiverse]

The code at the end of the credits in the FNAF movie spells "COME FIND ME" btw for those without captions.

[hetabee]

I think, if I like how my Sims edits will look, that I might make a Simblr. Why tf not?

[softguarnere]

Okay, I know we're not that far into LAGLAM, but the Hallmark au has been a fun little distraction lately. But I'm debating if I should start sharing it or save it for next year. So even though it's not done, if I started uploading a few chapters of it, would anyone be interested in reading it?