Alexei glanced over to her, brows furrowed as he studied her. “Of course I need you,” he sighed softly before rubbing his temple. He had never considered the servants as just that, they had always been seen as extended members of the family. But he saw Wanda as being closer to his sisters than him. Though, that may have been his own fault because most days he just wanted to be alone because of his illness. 

“Are you sure?” he asked softly, intense blue eyes finding their way to her face. “We’ll have to plan a night to leave, when the guards aren’t on duty.”

Wanda knew it was useless to fight, useless to argue. There was no point to it at all. He was above her in all ways and far be it from her to cause any sort of scene, even if she disagreed. Especially when she disagreed, such as now. Instead, she simply nodded and said, “Yes. I understand. But do you not also need me?” She helped deliver the first members of a new royal generation after all. She thought of herself as more than a simple servant to the family. Did he not? The idea made her sad.

“Then we disappear,” she said after a moment. We disappear.”

okay, so I have the next week off from work, so who would like a starter? or to plot?

What turned into no more than a week, turned into half a month. Anastasia was off of her bed rest, and had taken to pacing the library most days if she were not dealing with foreign officials. And if she were not doing that, she was with the twins. Her siblings could see how sick with worry she was, and worried themselves if she’d end up on bed rest again. All the news she got about Moscow was not good. 

She was hiding in the library that day, when Olga shouted that a car was coming up through the gate. Her eyes darted to the window, dropping the book she was reading before picking up her skirts and running to the main entrance of the palace.

Helmut knew he could never keep anything from his beloved Anya for long. “Yes, solnishko. It is because of the riots. There are anarchists who require quelling. It is my job. I will be home soon, I promise you this. No more than a week.”

He was in fact gone for half a month.

If you were to ask a passing stranger about her kind, most would furrow their brow and think of them as nothing more than a fairy story. Once, there were many of them, bears, wolves, great big cats, lots of different skin-changers. Yet now, now if there were any left, they stayed to themselves and to the woods, not daring to go out into the world. Death and suffering had been all they had been met with before, so when Iona had come across a Man one day, she had almost attacked him before she realized he was no harm. Surprisingly, they had gotten along well and, somehow, she had even allowed herself to become friends with him. Bonding over loss and sharing stories. Though she never thought she would see him again. Their time together was something she missed, but she knew she needed to keep to herself to stay safe.

She moved West, not knowing what lay in wait for her as she traveled. Iona had crossed paths with unsavory things before. But this many Orcs began to make her question things going on in the world. It was then she began to stray closer to normal trails and roads, listening for any gossip or news from travelers. Sauron's forces were moving.

This particular day she had walked out, senses unaware until she noticed the group on the road and nearly transformed on the spot. And yet, before she could, he was standing in front of her again, the distant memories coming back to her as she was now frozen in her spot. Normally, she would have never let this happen, she was too exposed, and there were too many people for her liking.

Blue hues burned brightly as they focused on him as he spoke. "Yes...I remember you," Iona replied softly, regarding him curiously as her eyes moved to his companions. "It has been some time, Boromir, son of Denethor. I did not think our paths would cross again. It is good to see you are well."

Though she had many questions, and it seemed his companions did now as well.

@athaexnen \\ Starter for Iona

What was thought of as legend had been ever true. Hidden deep in the forests where no Man wished to venture, there were peoples wild and free. Blessed or cursed with magic, good or evil unsure, no more were they trapped forever in the writings of curious scholars and fable-writers. For Boromir had come into contact with one such creature of the wood. A woman appeared from behind the emerald of a tree's leaves, Iona was her name and proud of her kin she was. Skin-changer was her sort. Able to do more than what was once believed, she possessed tricks that could not be explained, left Boromir in a gaze of wonder and amazement. She was feral but not like that of an orc. A survivor but not someone of blackened heart, there was no threat to Gondor nor the steward-prince by her stay. And beneath the hanging shade of the oaks that grew before them both, a friendship of some capacity bloomed, a rosebud in the light of spring. There was respect and there was kindness. A promise not to harm. An oath to leave one another in peace.

She was a face that Boromir never believed he would see again. A mist in the mind of his memories, a chance encounter that would forever be with him. But once more, like the rise of a morning sun, Iona had returned to him just as she had done before. From the shelter of the woods, flora all around her like a marvelous cape, stumbled into the path of the Fellowship and was startled by their presence. But quickly did Boromir present himself to her. Stood as a wall between her and the others, hand raised in warning to either sides of the road.

"Stop!" Boromir called behind himself, his voice never dancing beyond gentle tone. "Don't move. Do not harm her, friends, nor frighten her anymore. She poses no threat to us. I know her. I have seen her before."

Boromir cast his glance to Iona, the green of his eyes a warmth rather than a sadistic burn. "Do not be afraid. We've met before. Do you not remember? We came across each other in the forest outside of Minas Tirith. You told me your name and I told you mine. We found solace in the losses that we have experienced. It's I, Boromir, son of Denethor. I come to you now as I did back then: in friendship. You are Iona, yes? Iona, daughter of the Beorning?"

okay! I know I've been gone a bit, but I am back. I honestly just needed to get my muse back for certain characters of mine. And I've been dealing with a lot irl. But I am here and I'm thinking redoing a few things, so bare with me while I get my bearings back here.

When he raised his voice again, Olga found herself retreating back and staying silent. She hated arguing, it reminded her of her mother. That relationship had been strained for a while now in itself. The eldest daughter was more like her father in ways and found it easier to speak to him most days. But now she was feeling rather small, like she had lost confidence in her voice all of a sudden.

“I-I am not doubting, I know he is strong but I can see it in his eyes most days. He is tired,” she sighed. She was tired. Anastasia was the one to keep Alexei company the most, helping him around when he didn’t want to use his cane now. The two still tried to make trouble whenever they could, but she saw it on her brother’s face when he would come to her. He couldn’t hide the exhaustion in his hues. When Grigori placed a hand on her shoulder, she looked up to him then, her eyes glistening from tears as she couldn’t hold back her emotions anymore. “How can we help the people? That is what I want to focus on. They don’t deserve to starve because of something out of our control. Our resources are limited,” she began but stopped as he mentioned banishing people. “From what I have gathered, there are a lot of people against the monarchy now. How would we banish them all? It would be impossible...” 

( continued . ) @athaexnen

A relief crossed his face once he saw the title of the book. Deep down he feared he'd find a controversial book in her possession, politically speaking, but thankfully that wasn't the case, so he placed the book back onto a table beside them before he looked at her again. "I won't argue with that, because you are right. Although I'm not responsible for the unmitigated lies which were spread. Envy and ignorance are the hotbed for gossips."

"I do not want to hear you nor anyone in your family to doubt the well-being of your brother! Alexei will get better and better, I give you my word for that! Have I not cured him anytime all of you already thought of his funeral?! That boy is strong and with my help he will only become stronger." For some time he just remained silent, listening to everything what Olga had to say. "Have trust in your family, in yourself, in God, and most of all, in me. I want to protect you Olechka." Rasputin let out a tired sigh before he placed his hand onto her shoulder. "I asked your father tirelessly to postpone the opolcheniye. We already have troubles sending food and weapons to the soldiers at war....we cannot give them more. Your father fails to see that his people -the people who adored him- are losing faith because they are starving...I want to gain control over the Duma to help and restore the peace in our country and to banish those who are against the monarchy."

Anastasia panted softly, her breathing heavy as she looked up to Wanda then as the other whispered to her. She could feel tears pricking the corners of her eyes as another wave washed over her, her hands trying to grab hold of whatever she could. Another scream tore through her as she managed to look down, there was so much blood. Seeing just how bad it was made her head spin.

Olga rushed inside and to her sister, kneeling down next to her and Wanda. "Nastya, I'm here, it's okay," the eldest Romanov grabbed her sister's hand and looked to Wanda worriedly. Olga had been a nurse during the war, had tended to soldiers and even helped deliver a baby or two before, but this, seeing her sister like this, worried her. Moving to check under the blood soaked chemise her sister wore, she sighed softly as a smile crossed her face. "Nastya, I want you to push as hard as you can, I can see the head," Olga urged her on.

Anastasia gripped both Wanda and Olga tightly as she did as she was told. She pushed with what strength she had, screaming loudly enough to be heard down the halls as a cry finally filled the night air. "It's a boy!" one of the other nurses said as they cut the umbilical cord and wrapped the small thing in a bundle. The young grand duchess was absolutely spent as she felt her body fold against her sister, tears falling down her face as the eldest kissed her temple, whispering praises.

The Twins Are Born || BaronDuchess, Olga, & Wanda

@athaexnen continued

Wanda smiled at Anya as she worked, and worked hard the Duchess did. "You're wonderful," she whispered even as the others were more pressing and urgent. However, as Anya continued pushing, it became obvious something more was needed. "Send for her sister," Wanda instructed the youngest of the three. This couldn't happen without Olga here, she saw that now. Wanda cupped Anya's tired, exertion-ridden face, and whispered a small prayer in her native language.

Outside, one door opened just so, and the youngest ushered Olga inside. Helmut caught a glimpse of Anya and his face fell. How could he have done this to her, on the other hand, this is the price we humans must pay to earn the reward of children.

"It may sound mad, but I've found myself falling for you." - Bucky to Olga

Olga found herself glancing over to James as she set her book down. She had been reading in the tea room, lucky her sisters had decided to leave for the time being when he made himself known. "Oh? Have a fever do we?" she tutted as she set her book aside before standing and crossing the room towards him. Olga looked up to him and smiled softly. "You do not look nor sound mad, silly perhaps, but not mad," she hummed softly.

@siberianwarriors

kingdom-of-vanity​:

 “No, you never struck me as the kind of girl who’d want that life, but some rather follow traditions than their heart…I’m glad to see you’re the latter.” He chuckled about her comment nodding in agreement. “True, and me of course while I was there! It’s been a while since I’ve been at such a gloomy place, all the drama and darkness….if it wasn’t for you I’d have found an excuse to leave right away. You truly are brave for bearing to be there this long.” Jaskier was a free spirited person so he didn’t stay at one location longer than a few months even if it was a pleasant place. The bard smiled to himself as she felt her holding tightly onto his hand. 

 “You’re right about that!” Jaskier said chuffed before he glanced aside at her. “And I will tell you many more stories, and I may write ballads about you…who knows.” He winked down at her before he cast his eyes ahead and continued walking down the road. Jaskier found her really sweet, honestly he wasn’t used to such a nice treatment. He lightly blushed from that kiss and he gently nuzzled his nose against hers. “Should we risk a tavern on our way? Or would it be a bad idea?” He wondered how fast they’d notice her absence and he definitely didn’t wish to be dragged back to the palace, probably thrown into a cell. “We could maybe find shelter down there in the forest…is it…safe? The lands I have crossed were sometimes filled with monsters…I have a small knife but rather wouldn’t risk an encounter.” @athaexnen​     

Aerea shrugged her shoulders a little, knowing full well the gloom he referred to. Her family was a bit much sometimes, especially to those outside. Her Uncle Jaeharys had kept the peace this long, but it hadn’t always been that way and even though she had been quite young, she could remember Maegor and the things he had done to her mother. Nevermind the mind games most at court played. King’s Landing had once been a refuge from her mother’s overbearing nature, but now it mostly sucked the happiness from everything.

She wrinkled her nose and giggled. “Ballads? About me?” the girl grinned as she walked, kicking a few stones. She wasn’t really worth writing songs about was she? Her eyes turned to the forest he was pointing to and pursed her lips. “I’d say the only thing we’d have to fear is bandits, but they keep mostly to the road,” she hummed. “I’ve got my sword should anything happen.” Aerea prided herself on knowing how to use it, though wasn’t very sure how intimidated someone would be by her. The thought of a tavern and roof over her head was nice though, but with her hair, she’d be recognized immediately. “As nice as a tavern sounds, maybe we should try the forest?” 

Adrahil honestly hadn’t had this much fun in a long time, and as they danced, hearing Felicity laugh made him smile. Dancing always reminded him of his childhood, when things were a little better in his family’s home before the threat of another war. 

His eyes stayed on her, not wanting to lose her in the crowd even as they changed partners before his hands found hers again and the song came to an end. The happiness he felt was something new and unexpected as he breathed heavily, chuckling lightly. “I’m glad you enjoyed yourself,” he found himself smiling more, something he rarely did now a days. It was a real smile. Brushing a hand through his dark hair, he glanced around, at the crowd as everyone either dispersed or danced to their own music in their heads. Alcohol did wondrous things sometimes. 

“Come on,” he said softly as he gave her hand a squeeze.

thanaredreamtof​:

Keep reading

Anastasia furrowed her brows slightly as she tried to understand. “Called away? For what? It’s too soon,” she said as she shook her head. She had just had the twins not too long ago and was still on bed rest at the doctor's say. "Does it have to do with what my father was talking about the other day? The riots there?"

“Anya, you must know I love you.” BaronDuchess

She furrowed her brows lightly as she looked up to him. "Of course I know that," Anya said softly, though she had been a little confused. "What's going on?"

@thisvastmultiverse

Olga found herself smiling gently as he placed a hand on her stomach, their son moving and kicking at their father's touch. She looked up to him and giggled.

"Alexei...I think that's a perfect name," she replied softly, her eyes finding his as she placed a hand over his on her stomach.

“You have never been more beautiful to me than when you are heavy with my child.”

SoldierDuchess

Olga glanced up to Josef, smiling softly as she rubbed her belly. She held her hand out to him, beckoning him over. “Do you want to feel? They’re quite active today,” she giggled lightly.

@thisvastmultiverse

☆- put this star in the inbox of your favorite blogs. Its time to spread positivity ! 🌷

<3 thank you bestie

The moment Olga had seen him, her heart had stopped, she was sure of it. Tears had pricked her eyes as she stumbled to him, her hands reaching out to cup his face as she looked up into his eyes. She thought she was dreaming at first and she had wanted to cry at the cruel trick her mind was playing on her. "You're here," she whispered, tears starting to stream down her face.

She wrapped her arms around him, burying her face into his chest as she sobbed, unable to hold the emotions that came flooding forth. All this time waiting had brought so many terrible ideas to her mind. But she was holding him, he was here and he was okay. They were okay. Her body shook as she tried to calm herself, inhaling his familiar scent. “I love you.” 

@athaexnen // since I missed our babies part 1

"I'm back, Olga. I'm back," James whispered to his beloved, pressing his forehead to hers despite being dirty from what he and Illya had been doing while the family fled. He needed to feel her, alive, in his arms. He'd seen what would have happened if it wasn't for Illya's intervention, or his for that matter as it was a two man job to stage an execution.

It kept flashing before his eyes, the mental image of Olga falling down, blood blossoming on her dress. He wanted to scream until he finally was holding her, shaking slightly as he cradled the back of her head. "You're safe...you're safe now...we're safe now," he promised her.

☆- put this star in the inbox of your favorite blogs. Its time to spread positivity ! 🌷

Ahh thank you!

Alexei sighed, “I-I don’t know exactly. I love my family, my sisters more than anything, but the toxicity that still surrounds the rest of this family and our advisors is too much. It killed the man that was helping me, it nearly killed us,” he paused, the memory of Rasputin nearly too much. “And maybe, maybe other countries have ways of dealing with this that Russia just hasn’t found yet. Who knows?”

Though when Wanda said she would go with him, he shook his head. “I appreciate it, Wanda, I do. But my sisters need you more,” he pursed his lips. “We wouldn’t be able to take any money, we’d have to completely disappear, you understand that?” 

“We will make it work. I promise.” Hmmm maybe a new duo!?

"People keep saying that, but I do no see anything working in the foreseeable future," Alexei sighed heavily before leaning against the chair. He was tired, he was angry, and most of all he wanted people to stop fussing over him now. No longer was he a child and did not need to be treated as such. They had survived the murder of their close friend and a revolution, his youngest and oldest sisters married.

"I need out of this mad house," he pinched the bridge of his nose then before turning to look at Wanda.

@thisvastmultiverse

Olga gave him a small look before glancing back to the papers. “I know there are several of my extended family who would want a grand party in the coming month, but I think we should be extending our good will to the people,” she began as a few advisors shared looks between each other. Every since the Grand Duchess had been made next in line, things were changing a little too drastically for them.

 “Anastasia would want a charity event. Maybe-maybe we could do something like Papa had for his coronation? But better security this time?” she questioned as the head of the military looked to her and shook his head lightly. “Your highness, we don’t want another Khodynka tragedy, especially in your sister’s name with a baby about to be born.” The man said before clearing his throat.

Olga huffed slightly, why an event was even necessary to be had with each royal child was beyond her. Though she had done it with hers. “Well, everyone is expecting something to be done before the baby,” she looked back to Helmut then. “You’re the father in this, what do you think Anastasia would want?” 

“I think it would be interesting if- SQUIRREL!” Helmut to Olga

Olga blinked, glancing towards the window as Helmut shouted. "Ah, yes, I see, here we have the duality of man," she remarked as the advisor next to her merely glanced down to the paper they had been looking over. She cleared her throat lightly. "Helmut, we need to pay attention."

@thisvastmultiverse