thanaredreamtof

[thanaredreamtof]

spotify wrapped has arrived. send me a number from 1-100 for a starter based on that song, or a lyric from it, or send a 🎁 for me to shuffle.

[thanaredreamtof]

closed starter for @hiddcnhorizcns

Erris had resigned herself to the corner of the tavern where she could still hear the music of the band, and the chatter of the friends greeting each other, but she herself was mostly hidden from view. She was a stranger here, with no one to share a smile with, nor would she want to. It was only for the necessity of having some warm food, out from the cold, had she even risked coming into the establishment. But she was far enough away from her old prison to take such a risk. No one should have heard of her here. So long as she stayed to herself, made no fuss, and enjoyed the meal and glass of wine, she would be fine.

"Now what's a pretty thing like you doing here all on your lonesome" called a voice which she did not recognise. She ignored the man at first, keeping her back to him in the hopes he would take the hint and leave her alone. However, her quietness did not phase him, and instead he placed his hands on her shoulders, immediately making her tense. "Now hey, that's no way to treat someone who's talking to 'em" He said his voice so close now she could smell the alcohol on his breath. She rose to her feet quickly, to shake him off, and faced him properly for the first time since he'd approached. The thought dawned on her that perhaps she shouldn't have picked the most secluded part of the tavern to be in; suddenly not being in easy sight of the other guests didn't have the advantage it had had a few minutes ago. "what's with the fuss, just wan' to get to know ya is all" he said and as he took a step closer he blocked her exit out of the situation, her back now against the table she had been dining at.

"Sir" she began, which only made him chuckle, a sound which made her blood run cold. "I wish to be left alone, there are other's here I'm sure to entertain you" she spoke, keeping her voice level. She watched as his tongue played with his lower teeth, and she flinched at the rank smell of alcohol that covered his mouth and clothes. "yeah but...you see...you caught my eye so you did" he said and went to place his hand on her waist. Erris held her breath, suddenly weighing up the risk of brining the rest of the taverns attention to her, versus what would happen if she didn't. However she didn't have to think too much longer as she caught sight of another patron who's eyes she met and pleaded to come over.

[thanaredreamtof]

Henry thought he misheard her when she spoke of the peace treaty. He had not mentioned it, so how would she know of it? He thought for a moment how she might have been a witch, a mind-reading sorcerer in the tundra. But that would be ridiculous.

"You have guessed correctly, I am a noble, I am the Prince of Aileach, the Kingdom of the Southern Waters. I was to reach Vyrhollin in a few days, but I fear that is no longer possible" he said, trying to ignore the thoughts of what the other Kingdom may do if they think the Prince has bowed out of the talks. "I know not who would have slaughtered my men, I assumed rouge bandits who would have exchanged our blood for gold, but it is possible there is a more sinister nature to it...perhaps Vyrhollin rebels who wish not to see a peace come to pass" he said. He had spend the days wondering who those murderers could have been, and unfortunately it still was an impossible question to answer.

At her offer of helping to guide him, he tensed. He studied her face carefully, it was true that she seemed the kind to help, that she would not slaughter him in his sleep. But such trust was not easily given in the tundra.

But did he have another choice?

"Why would you help me?" he asked her suddenly, resigning himself to take the help regardless of the answer. He knew that she knew, he had no choice if he wished to survive. He was a hunter it was true, but he was unfamiliar with the Northern terrain, and if he had any hope remaining of bringing peace, he would have to get to Vyrhollin as quick as he could - and even then it might be too late. "If you can see me to Vyrhollin without delay, you shall be handsomely compensated I assure you, anything you wish...I will see to it" he said, and he meant it. He would give everything he could to bring an end to the bloodshed. Paying his guide with more wealth than she could imagine was a small price to pay.

Vaeryn’s gaze shifted, her smirk fading as she took in his words, considering them carefully. A peace treaty between their kingdoms should have meant safety for a group of men like his. Yet here he was, a lone survivor, bloodied and wandering aimlessly. Something about it gnawed at her, a thread unraveling the tapestry of the tenuous peace she had always doubted.

Her wolf growled softly, sensing her unease, and she reached out absentmindedly, running a hand over its head to calm it. "Three days," she murmured, her voice softer now, laced with thought rather than venom. "And no sign of who it was that slaughtered your men?"

She turned back to him, her expression unreadable. "It’s strange. A peace treaty should have protected you. Whoever attacked you..." Her voice trailed off, and her eyes narrowed.

Vaeryn’s fingers drummed against the hilt of her dagger as she mulled over the possibilities. "Was it bandits? Raiders, perhaps? Or do you have enemies who would see the blood spilled despite the treaty?" She tilted her head, her eyes locking with his, their pale hue glinting like steel in the weak light. "If you’re a noble, as you seem to be, then I imagine the list of people who hate you might be longer than you’d like to admit."

"You say you’re not running, but someone wanted you dead. Badly enough to ignore the laws of peace." Her brow furrowed as she stepped closer, her voice dropping to a near whisper. "So, tell me, traveler. Who hates you enough to see you butchered in my lands? And why?"

She exhaled through her nose, considering him carefully. He was battered, clearly desperate, and utterly out of his depth in these lands. Whatever had led to the slaughter of his men, whatever enemies had hunted him, they would find him again if he stayed out here alone.

"Vyrhollin," she said finally, the name rolling off her tongue like a reluctant admission. Her hand brushed the wolf’s head, calming the restless creature as she took a step closer to him. "I could take you there." She paused, her tone cautious but steady. "But it won’t be easy. The tundra doesn’t care about treaties or titles, and neither do the things that hunt in it."

Her eyes flicked over his injuries, the weariness in his stance. "You’ve barely survived three days. Vyrhollin is at least another week’s journey on foot, through lands far harsher than this." Her voice lowered, almost a murmur, as though testing him. "You won’t make it alone."

[thanaredreamtof]

@forestofforever

Favourite ship dynamic: no one truly knows what exactly is going on between the two characters, including the characters themselves. But whatever it is, it's written in the fabric of the universe.

[thanaredreamtof]

Open starter: Robbie Mason (test muse)

open to m/n/f

Please read my rules before interacting

Robbie could feel the sweat dripping down off his forhead as he moved through the crowded streets. God damn it he looked forward to nightfall when the only heat would come from the fire he'd light. This was meant to be an easy job, in and out. He had been hired to find some sort of book, that was rumoured to be hiding in some stupid ruins across the water. Easy- if it was there, he would be back home in no time, with enough reward money that he reckoned he could live comfortably with for the rest of his life. If he couldn't find it - it meat it wasn't to be found. Robbie was the most skilled...he wasn't sure what you'd call him; investigator, hunter, triggerman when necessary... he always like the sound of 'cowboy' though he'd never admit that.

He spotted the man who he had arranged to meet to get the directions of the ruins, however there was someone else standing there too. "Good day" he said to them both, he tongue licking under his teeth. He listened as his associate spoke and explained the purpose of the other person's presence. 'Woah partner?' he repeated, shaking his head almost wildly, "no no, no one said anything about a partner now, I don't do partners" he said and looked to the other, "no offensive sweetheart"

@indiestarter

[thanaredreamtof]

He watched her as she braced herself for the cold water, and he thought to himself, how he had never seen someone look more beautiful than she did in that moment. He watched as she clung to the rope, and how she hit the water and how she rose again, and he swore - it was like he had died and was watching an angel.

As she exclaimed to him he tried to snap out of the trance she had put him under, and he smiled warmly at her. „Hell yeah you did“ he smiled and swam towards her, moving closer to her so the only thing between them was the ripples on moonlight in the water. „you really are something“ he said chuckling, wiping some of the saltwater from his chin. „You know what I think Di? I think you an I are gonna have a great summer“ he said biting his lower lip as he watched her. He could mull over his luck about how the most beautiful girl he’d ever seen had jumped into the water after him, later. For now he just watched her eyes. „You can swim right? Or do you want some help“ he said and moved even closer to her.

Diana couldn't help but giggle while he explained how to use the rope. She found it hard to pay attention because she was so busy admiring him and wondering about the kind of person he truly was. She questioned if he was as perfect as he seemed or if he had any secrets she'd later find out. It was hard for her to trust anyone, it even surprised herself that she was doing this with him. He winked at her and then jumped into the water, causing her to let out a scream before quickly covering her mouth.

She realized the water must be really cold, which scared her. Despite her fear, she challenged herself to stop overthinking and just take the plunge. Grasping the rope, she shut her eyes and took a deep breath. Lifting her feet off the ground, she attempted to swing. Although her swing wasn't as strong as she had hoped, she eventually leaped into the water.

For a brief moment, the coldness of the water shocked her, but it felt revitalizing - almost like a wake-up call for her soul. Submerged underwater, everything turned pitch-black. She swiftly swam back up to the surface and took a deep breath. Glancing around, she spotted Tommy and swam over to him, laughing uncontrollably.

"I can't believe it! I actually did it!" she exclaimed between fits of laughter. "Thanks to you, teacher"

[thanaredreamtof]

Before the sun even had the chance to, Henry had risen that morning. He welcomed the cold air as he made his way to the stables, hoping to clear his mind for a little while. His dreams had not been kind to him, and he resigned himself to finding solace in the trees and the daybreak.

The day ahead would be a long one, the hours accumulating themselves into a ball where his father hoped his son would find a new bride, the future queen. Most of the princesses invited Henry had met before, all very kind, polite, and appropriate options to be his betrothed…but none of them captured him- made his heart race- echoed through his mind till he saw them again. No. He wondered if such a match existed or if such loves were confined to the stories his mother had told him as a child. But something inside him new this not to be true.

He set off at high speed at first, trying to bring his adrenaline down, and after awhile found him and his trusted steed in a steady pace. He reached the forest on the edge of the kingdom, it had always been a place of great mystery for the townsfolk, and great peace for him. The fae lived somewhere within the roots and moss, but no doubt - those were also stories of his mother.

Or so he thought.

He hadn’t been watching her long before she noticed him, and the moment she did he climbed down from the horse quickly, entranced by her beauty. „Hello“ he repeated, too stunned to speak much more as he met her eyes. Her question of if they spoke the same language intrigued him beyond belief, and he couldn’t help but take a few steps forward before realising this may frighten the strange, beautiful, girl before him. „Yes, yes I believe we do“ he smiled warmly, his words stumbling out one after the other. He cleared his throat before he spoke again, trying to convey kindness, safety, that he was not someone to fear, „Eden“ he repeated, „what a beautiful name“ the words came out more hushed than he’d intended to, and he moved to shake her hand as well, his fathers rings glistening in the early morning sunlight. „You come from, beyond the veil?“ he asked, trying to piece her story together. She couldn’t be…it couldn’t be true…could it?

@thanaredreamtof closed starter

Her kind had always warned her not to go to the human side, to never step foot to their lands... they warned her that humans were nothing to be kind to. They weren't trustworthy, they couldn't hold to their words. Horror after horror she heard of their cruelty and yet, she was born with a fascination for everything but the world she had and knew. The idea that she could see all new things if she just went across the veil, the border between. It took her a lot of courage but, she did it. It was bright and early, she'd snuck away all on her lonesome, just to cross over and she kept telling herself it'd just be the once.

She thought she was alone so shed off the secretive cloak she'd been wearing and in truth it was like the light found her as she twirled around the forest. Her smile as wide as the beaming sunlight but any human would zone in on the elegant and elongated points of her ears. She was not like them. She was not like him, even the way she spoke soft, unknown words, luring a squirrel to take an acorn from her hand and lighter than air she stroked the top of its head. She was whimsical, even her outfit, made from leaves it seemed, all held together in to a dress, shades of autumn. Deep red and orange, hints of green that matches the enchanting green of her eyes. Eyes that now, in horror, stared right at him.

The perked ears immediately dropped, hiding beneath the short waves of black hair. She turned, scurrying to grab her cloak where she'd hung it on a branch because the first thing she realized was the fact they did not dress the same.. nothing alike. He wore clothes and she wore, magic, earth, a fae of autumn well and truly. A real, breathing fae. "Hello.." she spoke softly, but clutched that cloak around herself, not daring to approach him. "Do we speak the.. the same language? I studied a lot about the people nearest the veil where I'm from I do hope I got this right." there was an attempt of a smile. "I'm not taking anything, truly. I have no aim to steal from your lands." suddenly one hand pushed forward, slender fingers from a dainty hand held forward. That was a custom she had read, shaking hands. It was not something they did, but she'd spent years reading books on human studies. "My name is Eden."

[thanaredreamtof]

He watched her as she moved, her words filling the otherwise silent air. He remained still as she stepped towards him, unwilling to make any movement that might send her dagger towards his throat, although the more she spoke, the less he feared her wrath. Though her words couldn’t be considered as kind, there was no malice it seemed. He wore justice on his hip but was slow to draw it, she had said. He let her words wash over him as he considered her. She would have a sense of justice for herself no doubt, but something told him it was more vigilante than his noble one.

“I am not running” he said earnestly, and exhaled, his breath creating a cloud in the cool air. “I was accompanied by my men, who were all slaughtered three days back“ he said and scanned her face for any sign that she may have had something to do with it. „I have since been trying to find my way back to the path“ he hesitated to reveal the nature of their journey; perhaps this girl would be an enemy to the peace he was seeking to bring to the lands.

„I do not wish to disturb you, or fight you“ he said, his eyes narrowing to the wolf beside her. „Perhaps you could simply tell me the fastest way to reach Vyrhollin…and then I shall leave you to this tundra…you do seem accustomed to it‘s harshness“

Vaeryn tilted her head, her expression a careful blend of curiosity and caution. Her wolf, though stilled by her command, remained tense, golden eyes locked on the stranger as if awaiting a signal. She let the silence linger for a moment, testing him, measuring the truth of his words against the way his fingers had hovered near his weapon.

"I don’t get lost," she replied, her voice low and steady, carrying a cadence that suggested the wilderness was as much her home as the wolf by her side. "I go where I mean to, and today, it seems I was meant to find you."

Her blue eyes flicked to the sword at his side, then back to his face. "You wear justice on your hip, but you don’t draw it easily. That’s rare." She stepped forward, just slightly, enough that the movement felt deliberate. If she wanted to hurt him, it wouldn't be by the small blade on her hip or the bow on her back, no... She held a far greater power that only a few could wield.

"These woods aren’t kind to wanderers, noble or not," she added, her gaze narrowing slightly as she assessed his disheveled state. "You’re either running from something or toward it. So which is it? And why do I feel like whatever you're tangled up in is what’s been stirring the forest today?"

She allowed the question to hang in the air, her wolf letting out a low growl as if to punctuate her words. She wasn’t one for idle conversation, but something about him—about the way the forest had brought them together—told her this encounter might matter. Whether it ended with words or blood, though, was up to him.

[thanaredreamtof]

Felicity x Etienne continued from here @forestofforever

She shared his smile as he spoke, her eyes tracing over the tuxedo that did fit him rather well. „you’re full of surprises tonight“ she said, and placed the glass of champagne she’d been sipping from, onto the tray of a passing waiter, „I didn’t think my opinion had ever mattered to you“ she remarked playfully. She looked around the room to the guests, all dressed to the nines for the ball. Despite herself, she did rather enjoy these events, there was something magical about the dancing, the drinks, the mystery guests and the night air that beckoned at the balcony.

She had recognised Etienne the moment he had walked through despite the tux and the mask. She would know his eyes anywhere. „But yes“ she said, bringing her gaze back to him, „I do like it“ she smiled. She thought back to the last time she had seen him, it was a few years ago at least but that to her now felt like hours. „you know in the centuries I’ve known you…I’m not sure I’ve seen you dance“ she said quirking her head to one side almost challengingly.

[thanaredreamtof]

Sam looked at the little girl with a soft smile, „nice to meet you Lily“ he said trying to sound normal about the whole situation, „and you Zara“ he added, „though I’m just sorry it’s under these conditions“ he said as he averted his gaze to his window to see the town behind him burning in the distance. His heart sank as he watched it, he should have helped more, he should have got more people out, but he couldn’t turn back now with the girls in the car. So he would just do his best for them.

„I can take you wherever you wanna go“ he said exhaling, „if you’ve got family or people you need to get…“ he said and checked the metre. Luckily he had filled it up after work last night before all hell had broken loose. „My brother, he’s got a ranch about, well it’s about ten hours away, I was gonna head there and you’d both be more than welcome to stay if you’ve got no where else to be“ he said. Hopefully whatever chaos was happening here hadn’t happened there just yet.

Zara glanced out of the windows into the dark, the light of the city slowly getting more and more faint as they drove away from it. Everything felt wrong, it was a strange experience, something that she thought would only happen in movies. She had no idea what it was, who had attacked... She just knew that she needed to get her daughter out of there safely.

"Sam... Thank you." she replied, turning to face him with a weak smile. "I'm Zara, this is Lily." As if on cue, the little girl turned from where she had buried her face against her mother's shoulder, spotting the stranger smiling at her before nestling back in close. Zara pressed a tender kiss to her hair and took a deep breath. "I don't know. I was taking Lily for a walk in her stroller when there was that weird lightning storm... I got home as fast as I could, but everything was getting worse."

[thanaredreamtof]

He watched her as she spoke, and recognised her as a worthy opponent. He learned long ago not to judge a warrior by their appearance- and even then she looked fierce. He held his breath for the moments they shared their eyes until she lifted her hand to signal to her wolf to calm down. He exhaled slightly, calculating that she was not intending to harm him as the bandits those days prior had. Perhaps this was placing too much faith in the stranger but he figured if she wanted to harm him, she’d have done it already.

He drew his hand away from the hilt of the sword, and held it up. Peace was always his priority, sharing its place with justice. “Something like that yes” he replied when she asked if he was lost.

He took her in, a beautiful but strange creature, braids as white as starlight with red like his men’s blood. “I am not in much shapes for either no” he confirmed, a sound akin to a chuckle escaping his mouth as he spoke, once again meeting her eyes. “And you? Are you out here for trouble or lost as well?” He asked, moving slightly to the side in a circular motion without getting closer to the girl. His gaze shifted from her to her wolf, who still regarded him as a credible threat. Rightfully so, he thought, but there was no need. If she drew her hand away from her dagger, there was no reason they could not have a civil conversation.

Vaeryn’s fingers curled around the hilt of her dagger as the stranger spoke, his voice cracked and worn. The massive white wolf at her side stepped forward, his growl rumbling low and dangerous in the icy stillness of the tundra. Vaeryn didn’t flinch, her snow-white braids streaked with crimson catching the faint sunlight as the wind tugged at them. She tilted her head slightly, her sharp gaze assessing the man before her.

He looked half-dead, his cloak tattered, frost clinging to his boots and beard. The man’s hand hovered near his sword, and though he had made no overtly hostile move, the tension was as sharp as the blade at her hip.

“I could ask you the same,” she replied, her tone cold and measured. “You’re a long way from anywhere..Not many make it this far into the wild unless they’re running from something—or looking for trouble.””

The wolf let out a low growl, his gaze fixed on the stranger, and Vaeryn raised a hand to calm him, though she didn’t take her eyes off the man.

“You don’t look like you’re in much shape for either,” she added, her gaze flicking to his weathered cloak, the frost clinging to his boots, and the gauntness in his face.

When he didn’t respond right away, she arched an eyebrow. “Lost?”

[thanaredreamtof]

He wasn’t sure how long he had been walking, but he guessed three or so days. The night seemed to disappear against the tundras white lands, and having not eaten or drank in some time, he found the sun and moon light hard to differentiate.

It had all happened so fast, one moment him and his men, a band of eight, were attacked, the arrows seemingly came from nowhere, and although they were all skilled fighters, their opponents had struck down his comrades like they were made of snow themselves. All of them were trained to the highest degree, with many glorious victories in their past, now they lay some miles back, their blood seeping into the thick snow.

Henry had escaped with his life, but wasn’t sure how long he would have possession of it out in the wild. His men had been guiding him to Vyrhollin where he was due to meet with the leaders for peace talks. He knew roughly where he was meant to be going but everything seemed to blur together in the cold landscape.

He wondered if he would be found, if he was going the right way, if the bandits had intentionally left him alive…they hadn’t said anything. He didn’t have time to look at those he had killed, as the arrows from the trees were seeking his skin and he had to flee. He was known for his bravery, and his skill in combat, but even he could not take down a faceless enemy from afar with merely his sword by his side.

He hadn’t noticed the other at first, but looked up and met their gaze as he emerged into the clearing. His eyes narrowed to the dagger at the strangers side and he instinctively placed his hand at the hilt of his sword. „Good day“ he said, quirking his head to the side as he took in the sight that fell before him. A girl and a wolf; the former would suggest friend but the latter suggesting foe. „what brings you here“

@thanaredreamtof liked for a starter from Vaeryn.

The woods stretched endlessly in every direction, their quiet serenity interrupted only by the occasional rustle of leaves or the chirping of distant birds. Vaeryn stood in the clearing, her snow-white hair catching the dappled sunlight as it spilled through the canopy. Her long braids, streaked with vivid crimson dye, hung over her shoulders. One hand rested lightly on the saddle of her mare, a tall white beauty whose coat gleamed like freshly fallen snow.

The horse stood free, untethered, but stayed close, as loyal as the massive white wolf lounging in the shade nearby.

Vaeryn tilted her head, watching the wolf. His pale fur blended almost seamlessly with the grass, but his intense blue eyes betrayed his ever-watchful nature. He had been restless all day, ears twitching and eyes darting to the shadows between the trees. Now, as he stood and sniffed the air, her instincts prickled with unease.

“What is it?” she murmured, her voice low.

The wolf growled softly, his gaze fixed on a point just beyond the treeline. Moments later, a branch snapped, loud and deliberate. Vaeryn’s hand dropped to the hilt of the dagger at her hip, her eyes narrowing as a figure stepped into view.

[thanaredreamtof]

She watched him as he scoffed at her remarks,and only gave a slight smile. In another scenario such a gesture would have annoyed her, however she could see what lay behind the scoff, and for the first time since she’d met him, she almost pitied him. She may have been on her own, with a past she wanted to forget and a future that was unknown, but it was hers to decide. She was free. All the riches, suits, whiskey, pearls, devalued in comparison.

When their eyes met as he complimented her, her heart stopped. She didn’t say anything for a moment, no quick remark or genuine thanks left her lips, all she could do was meet his gaze and feel the intensity.

At his question of her plans for the morning she suddenly felt sheepish. No, she had no plans. She didn’t know what she would do tomorrow apart from avoid the boys from that night, if they weren’t already locked up. Of course Floyd would have his important meetings, and despite his high praise somehow saying she would spend her time working on her art in whatever quiet part of the ship she could find seemed childish in comparison.

“I don’t have any plans tomorrow…” she said her eyes not leaving his as she spoke. This would have to be it. They would have to say goodbye for the night. Right? “I don’t suppose…” she started and then paused, taking a sharp inhale of breath. Floyd was engaged. She had to remember that. She was not going to be a mistress. She was not going to get involved with someone who was betrothed. “…well I don’t suppose you would like to see each other…tomorrow?” Perhaps they could be friends. Perhaps the energy between them was one that was heightened by the events of the night, by Floyd’s heroism. Perhaps it was all in her head. It certainly felt like she was dreaming.

She had never felt this way before, how all her breath could have left her chest while also feeling the safest she had in years while sitting with him. She couldn’t help but let her mind wander to what it would feel like to be closer still. “You should probably go” the words came out as a hollow whisper, as she faced a paradox within those four words: it was the truth, but she didn’t mean it.

Felicity listened intently as he spoke about his true dreams and passions, and somehow, unexpectedly, they seemed to include a place for someone like her ; for an artist whose work wasn’t “too bad” as he put it. She smiled warmly, and met his eyes as he referred to their previous joke, the tension in the room eased suddenly. Playfully she rolled her eyes, “high praise truly” she remarked, and leaned back into the couch.

She could see it in his eyes, Floyd was a good man, and perhaps his family and friends were too, and Audrey, but there was a desire there in Floyd to exercise this goodness which set him apart. “I think that sounds marvellous” she said, and she meant it. She considered asking what role his fiancée and his father played in preventing such dreams but she decided to leave their names out of the conversation for fear it would break this spell that seemed to be cast between them. “Maybe one day you will make it a reality…I’m sure if anyone could take on such a feat it would be you” she smiled. “If you’re searching for any artists too you could let me know, I might have a piece or two you could hang down the very back”. Her fingers played absentmindedly with the blanket he had wrapped around her previously, now strewn across her lap. Her eyes locked with his as the self deprecating joke left her mouth. He is so handsome she thought.

The grandfather clock in the room began to sound, announcing to the two that it was midnight. Her mind fell to the cabin which lay closer to the waves, that she was meant to sleep in that night, but not least the fire but Floyd’s company kept her glued to the space she was in now. “You better get some sleep Floyd, your absence will certainly be noted now, and I don’t want you in trouble on my behalf” she said, adverting her gaze to the fire in front of her. “I imagine you have meetings and business to attend to tomorrow?”

[thanaredreamtof]

Heyy everyone

Hope everyone is doing well. Just wanted to pop on here because I watched Gladiator 2 at the weekend and I haven’t stopped thinking about it. Has anyone else seen it ? Would anyone want to write something set in Ancient Rome with gladiators and emperors ?

[thanaredreamtof]

Heyyy so I might be coming back to write a little bit…anyone from the past who’d like to reconnect / write together again ?

[thanaredreamtof]

Felicity listened intently as he spoke about his true dreams and passions, and somehow, unexpectedly, they seemed to include a place for someone like her ; for an artist whose work wasn’t “too bad” as he put it. She smiled warmly, and met his eyes as he referred to their previous joke, the tension in the room eased suddenly. Playfully she rolled her eyes, “high praise truly” she remarked, and leaned back into the couch.

She could see it in his eyes, Floyd was a good man, and perhaps his family and friends were too, and Audrey, but there was a desire there in Floyd to exercise this goodness which set him apart. “I think that sounds marvellous” she said, and she meant it. She considered asking what role his fiancée and his father played in preventing such dreams but she decided to leave their names out of the conversation for fear it would break this spell that seemed to be cast between them. “Maybe one day you will make it a reality…I’m sure if anyone could take on such a feat it would be you” she smiled. “If you’re searching for any artists too you could let me know, I might have a piece or two you could hang down the very back”. Her fingers played absentmindedly with the blanket he had wrapped around her previously, now strewn across her lap. Her eyes locked with his as the self deprecating joke left her mouth. He is so handsome she thought.

The grandfather clock in the room began to sound, announcing to the two that it was midnight. Her mind fell to the cabin which lay closer to the waves, that she was meant to sleep in that night, but not least the fire but Floyd’s company kept her glued to the space she was in now. “You better get some sleep Floyd, your absence will certainly be noted now, and I don’t want you in trouble on my behalf” she said, adverting her gaze to the fire in front of her. “I imagine you have meetings and business to attend to tomorrow?”

Felicity didn’t avert her gaze from his face the entire time he grappled with the question. As he pondered over it, his tongue rolling over the words, she only looked at him with eyes that said, go on. She figured her silence would force him to speak more, and she was right. It surprised her a little, how he eventually admitted it. She couldn’t help but feel some sense of pride in knowing his revelation, it being obvious that he had not shared these feelings with many, if anyone at all.

She shifted on the couch, moving so that her elbow rested against the cushioned back and her palm against her head. It’s not about what I want it’s about what I have to do, he said. She knew a thing or two about that feeling, but unlike him, she’d broken out of that situation. That wasn’t to mean that she was lighter for it, or she was superior to him for having made the hard decision of following one’s own path, after all it came with an abundance of troubles; but it was her choice. She nodded her head, a simple “I understand” leaving her lips, a smile playing at them in an effort to be comforting.

She wasn’t sure how much he was willing to divulge, but suddenly the awkward air that had just hung in the room seemed to have lifted slightly. “Could I just ask” she said, her eyes wandering away from him to the fire in front of them, the warmth it radiated helping to ease the coldness still in her bones, “If…if you didn’t have to, what would you like to do…where would you like to go…if you could” she asked, her voice soft, showing a genuine curiosity in what ideally his life would shape to be without the input from others.

[thanaredreamtof]

A silence seemed to descend upon them, but not at awkward one. The space that voices could have filled was instead replaced with an intensity, their eye contact strong, and their words cryptic. "A night cap sounds good, but just one" she said, with a glint in her eye that said that she knew it would not just be one, but at least then she could say she put up some protest against the man's charms.

She rose from her seat, and waited for him to follow her suit. Her eyes glanced around the room to see if there was anyone she knew. It wouldn't really be a problem now anyways, after all, she was just having dinner with a friend.

She purposfully 'forgot' her jacket that evening, not that it was particulary cold, but on her way out of the house earlier she decided she would leave it behind, a test maybe to see just how gentlemanly he was.

She watched him carefully, enjoying looking at him. It was easy to blush in his presence, especially when he seemed to be taking an interest in her. She would have loved to ask him more personal questions, but something told her they would have to wait till the second date. As they walked to their next destination she felt like probing a bit. "So tell me Ethan..." she said his name like it was water off her tongue, "what do you think of my husband?" she asked, looking for his reaction, "you both seemed to enjoy each others company at the poker evening...and he has spoken a lot about you" she said, which was partially true. She'd heard him on the phone to his associates, and a lot of 'that fucking calfornian bastard..." under his breath.

“Already agreeing to a second date? I guess we are something meaningful then, huh?” he asked rhetorically with jest.

He liked her confidence. She was ballsy. And being with Ethan would require that kind of strength. Felicity was just the kind of girl the big boys needed. Loyal. Trustworthy. Could take care of herself. And one that knew when to keep her mouth shut. Especially when it mattered. It was a shame really that he would also ultimately be the one who would help her break her silence.

His smirk tugged gently at the corner of his mouth when she mentioned his other girls. If she only knew.

“You don’t like a little mystery?” he joked with an uptick of a smirk, going back to his meal.

He quickly thought through what he could and could not tell her - or rather what he was willing to divulge - of his past.

“No girl, or girls, back home,” he assured her. “So it looks like you’ll get all the spoils while I’m here,” he added charmingly, through his bites. “I’m originally from Chicago,” he continued. "My family and I didn’t really get along so when I was old enough, I took off. I ended up in the west coast’s promised land and the rest, as they say, is history,“ he told her vaguely, but truly. “In all honesty my first few years there weren’t as glamorous as life now,” he added with a smirk her way, insinuating the status of his company. “It was a real struggle,” he lied, his words a cover for finding his murderous groove there. Unfamiliar territory is never easy, but he adjusted quickly.

“My turn,” he went on quickly, purposefully blocking her ability to ask about things further. “Now don’t take this the wrong way because it’s a good thing, but you’re much softer than the other women I’ve met around here, so I have to ask, were you always from New York or were you another hopeful transplant?”