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#in honor of the first snow day of this winter i decided to sing one of my favourite winter melodies
ohnoitstbskyen · 1 year
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Det er hvidt herude, kyndelmisse slår sin knude overmåde hvas og hård, hvidt forneden, hvidt foroven, pudret tykt står træ i skoven som udi min abildgård.
Det er tyst herude, kun med sagte pik på rude melder sig den små musvit. Der er ingen fugl, der synger, finken kun på kvisten gynger, ser sig om og hvipper lidt.
Det er koldt herude, ravne skrige, ugler tude, søge føde, søge læ. Kragen spanker om med skaden højt på rygningen af laden, skeler til det tamme kræ.
[...]
Inderlig jeg længes efter vår, men vintren strænges, atter vinden om til nord! Kom, sydvest, som frosten tvinger, kom med dine tågevinger, kom og løs den bundne jord!
- St. St. Blicher, 1838
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neincraff · 2 years
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thanks for the tag @rideboldlyride !!
the first 20 lines of my most recently-written wips. the order is probably a little wrong because many of these were started a really long time ago and have been collecting dust for months, but I think I got it right. as you can see, many of the titles are still a work in progress too lol
Golden Mermaid AU Zutara On day two thousand two hundred and thirty one of Zuko’s banishment, he was getting drunk in a sailor’s pub.
Howl's Moving Castle AU Yuekka In, stretch, pull, repeat: the needle and cherry thread continue with their invasion into the felt.
Sleeping Beauty AU Yuekka It was like any other winter morning; the woods was silent save for the sweet calls of songbirds and a gentle scratch of wind, the fresh-fallen snow blanketing Yue’s cabin and insulating it from the rest of the world.
A Series of Unfortunate Miscommunications (made a while ago, recently rewritten) Zutara Katara's head was pounding.
Cinderfella Zutara Katara rounded another corner, her crystalline shoes clinking forcefully against the polished hardwood floors with every purposeful step.
Be Wary of Answered Prayers Zutara Oh please, great Kami of fire and steel, hear our words!
ZK Smutmas Zutara Zuko laid beside his wife on their canopy bed, catching his breath as she cleared a few stray hairs from her forehead.
Wild West AU Zutara Katara gave a quick dust of her riding pants, pushing back the brim of her brown hat, and checked one last time in the mirror that her trademark blue-checkered handkerchief was secure around her neck.
Sinbad AU Sokkla Down and down and down he went, the pressure forcing the air out of his lungs, pushing him even further underwater until colors faded into blue-greys and the sun became a single beam of white.
1940's AU Zutara Katara had barely rolled down the window two inches before the guard on duty decided that was enough room to grill her.
Strawberry Shortcake Tyzula Azula clawed at her phone, sitting on her cluttered nightstand next to an alarm clock that read 02:14 in bold red letters.
Sokka&Yue Prequel Yuekka Sokka never cared for international politics.
A Breath of Snow and Ashes Zutara “Gimme a big smile, mooncake.”
Bound Away Zutara Zuko gazed out over the warf, watching the small crowd wave goodbye to their relatives aboard the great wooden ship.
A Broken Mirror Remade Zutara A shadow in the night slipped down a dirty alleyway, careful feet avoiding the soiled pools of rainwater runoff and the rats scurrying to avoid becoming soaked.
Death 13 Zutara “Why are you dragging me to this, again?”
Blueberry Zutara Damn the fucking Chit Sangs.
How to Tame Your Dragon Zuko&Druk Father’s birthday party was boring.
For Pride and Honor Zutara The ancient centipedal spirit stretched his legs, drumming them against the surface of his damp cavern.
The (not so pragmatic) Tales of Ba Sing Se Zutara It had been a long week for Katara.
Looking back at these, it is kind of astounding how few have actually been posted. And I thought I'd done a decent job of cleaning out my Zutara wip folder recently, it's down to seven now lol. My AUs have certainly gotten stranger as time has gone on too. But wow, I have a very long way to go before I'm satisfied to post a lot of these.
If you want a snippet or a summary, send me an ask and I'll post it.
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shirbertshitposts · 3 years
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10 Shirbert Moments from Anne of Green Gables series I think about a lot
In honor of Valentines Day I thought I would post a list of some of my favorite Anne and Gilbert moments. It was hard to narrow it to just ten as I have been going through all nine books and trying to queue posts about all their iconic moments through the series; However I decided to pick the ones that I remember even when I haven’t read the books in a while. I didn’t have the heart to rank them properly so they’re just listed in chronological order.
1. His future must be worthy of its goddess
In the twilight Anne sauntered down to the Dryad’s Bubble and saw Gilbert Blythe coming down through the dusky Haunted Wood. She had a sudden realization that Gilbert was a schoolboy no longer. And how manly he looked—the tall, frank-faced fellow, with the clear, straightforward eyes and the broad shoulders. Anne thought Gilbert was a very handsome lad, even though he didn’t look at all like her ideal man. She and Diana had long ago decided what kind of a man they admired and their tastes seemed exactly similar. He must be very tall and distinguished looking, with melancholy, inscrutable eyes, and a melting, sympathetic voice. There was nothing either melancholy or inscrutable in Gilbert’s physiognomy, but of course that didn’t matter in friendship!
Gilbert stretched himself out on the ferns beside the Bubble and looked approvingly at Anne. If Gilbert had been asked to describe his ideal woman the description would have answered point for point to Anne, even to those seven tiny freckles whose obnoxious presence still continued to vex her soul. Gilbert was as yet little more than a boy; but a boy has his dreams as have others, and in Gilbert’s future there was always a girl with big, limpid gray eyes, and a face as fine and delicate as a flower. He had made up his mind, also, that his future must be worthy of its goddess. Even in quiet Avonlea there were temptations to be met and faced. White Sands youth were a rather “fast” set, and Gilbert was popular wherever he went. But he meant to keep himself worthy of Anne’s friendship and perhaps some distant day her love; and he watched over word and thought and deed as jealously as if her clear eyes were to pass in judgment on it. She held over him the unconscious influence that every girl, whose ideals are high and pure, wields over her friends; an influence which would endure as long as she was faithful to those ideals and which she would as certainly lose if she were ever false to them. In Gilbert’s eyes Anne’s greatest charm was the fact that she never stooped to the petty practices of so many of the Avonlea girls—the small jealousies, the little deceits and rivalries, the palpable bids for favor. Anne held herself apart from all this, not consciously or of design, but simply because anything of the sort was utterly foreign to her transparent, impulsive nature, crystal clear in its motives and aspirations.
-- Chapter XIX, Anne of Avonlea
2. For the first time her eyes faltered under Gilbert’s gaze
“What are you thinking of, Anne?” asked Gilbert, coming down the walk. He had left his horse and buggy out at the road.
“Of Miss Lavendar and Mr. Irving,” answered Anne dreamily. “Isn’t it beautiful to think how everything has turned out . . . how they have come together again after all the years of separation and misunderstanding?”
“Yes, it’s beautiful,” said Gilbert, looking steadily down into Anne’s uplifted face, “but wouldn’t it have been more beautiful still, Anne, if there had been NO separation or misunderstanding . . . if they had come hand in hand all the way through life, with no memories behind them but those which belonged to each other?”
For a moment Anne’s heart fluttered queerly and for the first time her eyes faltered under Gilbert’s gaze and a rosy flush stained the paleness of her face. It was as if a veil that had hung before her inner consciousness had been lifted, giving to her view a revelation of unsuspected feelings and realities. Perhaps, after all, romance did not come into one’s life with pomp and blare, like a gay knight riding down; perhaps it crept to one’s side like an old friend through quiet ways; perhaps it revealed itself in seeming prose, until some sudden shaft of illumination flung athwart its pages betrayed the rhythm and the music, perhaps . . . perhaps . . . love unfolded naturally out of a beautiful friendship, as a golden-hearted rose slipping from its green sheath.
Then the veil dropped again; but the Anne who walked up the dark lane was not quite the same Anne who had driven gaily down it the evening before. The page of girlhood had been turned, as by an unseen finger, and the page of womanhood was before her with all its charm and mystery, its pain and gladness.
Gilbert wisely said nothing more; but in his silence he read the history of the next four years in the light of Anne’s remembered blush. Four years of earnest, happy work . . . and then the guerdon of a useful knowledge gained and a sweet heart won.
-- Chapter XXX, Anne of Avonlea
3. I just want YOU
“I have a dream,” he said slowly. “I persist in dreaming it, although it has often seemed to me that it could never come true. I dream of a home with a hearth-fire in it, a cat and dog, the footsteps of friends—and YOU!”
Anne wanted to speak but she could find no words. Happiness was breaking over her like a wave. It almost frightened her.
“I asked you a question over two years ago, Anne. If I ask it again today will you give me a different answer?”
Still Anne could not speak. But she lifted her eyes, shining with all the love-rapture of countless generations, and looked into his for a moment. He wanted no other answer.
They lingered in the old garden until twilight, sweet as dusk in Eden must have been, crept over it. There was so much to talk over and recall—things said and done and heard and thought and felt and misunderstood.
“I thought you loved Christine Stuart,” Anne told him, as reproachfully as if she had not given him every reason to suppose that she loved Roy Gardner.
Gilbert laughed boyishly.
“Christine was engaged to somebody in her home town. I knew it and she knew I knew it. When her brother graduated he told me his sister was coming to Kingsport the next winter to take music, and asked me if I would look after her a bit, as she knew no one and would be very lonely. So I did. And then I liked Christine for her own sake. She is one of the nicest girls I’ve ever known. I knew college gossip credited us with being in love with each other. I didn’t care. Nothing mattered much to me for a time there, after you told me you could never love me, Anne. There was nobody else—there never could be anybody else for me but you. I’ve loved you ever since that day you broke your slate over my head in school.”
“I don’t see how you could keep on loving me when I was such a little fool,” said Anne.
“Well, I tried to stop,” said Gilbert frankly, “not because I thought you what you call yourself, but because I felt sure there was no chance for me after Gardner came on the scene. But I couldn’t—and I can’t tell you, either, what it’s meant to me these two years to believe you were going to marry him, and be told every week by some busybody that your engagement was on the point of being announced. I believed it until one blessed day when I was sitting up after the fever. I got a letter from Phil Gordon—Phil Blake, rather—in which she told me there was really nothing between you and Roy, and advised me to ‘try again.’ Well, the doctor was amazed at my rapid recovery after that.”
Anne laughed—then shivered.
“I can never forget the night I thought you were dying, Gilbert. Oh, I knew—I KNEW then—and I thought it was too late.”
“But it wasn’t, sweetheart. Oh, Anne, this makes up for everything, doesn’t it? Let’s resolve to keep this day sacred to perfect beauty all our lives for the gift it has given us.”
“It’s the birthday of our happiness,” said Anne softly. “I’ve always loved this old garden of Hester Gray’s, and now it will be dearer than ever.”
“But I’ll have to ask you to wait a long time, Anne,” said Gilbert sadly. “It will be three years before I’ll finish my medical course. And even then there will be no diamond sunbursts and marble halls.”
Anne laughed.
“I don’t want sunbursts and marble halls. I just want YOU. You see I’m quite as shameless as Phil about it. Sunbursts and marble halls may be all very well, but there is more ‘scope for imagination’ without them. And as for the waiting, that doesn’t matter. We’ll just be happy, waiting and working for each other—and dreaming. Oh, dreams will be very sweet now.”
Gilbert drew her close to him and kissed her. Then they walked home together in the dusk, crowned king and queen in the bridal realm of love, along winding paths fringed with the sweetest flowers that ever bloomed, and over haunted meadows where winds of hope and memory blew.
-- Chapter XLI, Anne of the Island
4. Gilbert, I'm afraid I'm scandalously in love with you.
"Gilbert darling, don't let's ever be afraid of things. It's such dreadful slavery. Let's be daring and adventurous and expectant. Let's dance to meet life and all it can bring to us, even if it brings scads of trouble and typhoid and twins!"
Today has been a day dropped out of June into April. The snow is all gone and the fawn meadows and golden hills just sing of spring. I know I heard Pan piping in the little green hollow in my maple bush and my Storm King was bannered with the airiest of purple hazes. We've had a great deal of rain lately and I've loved sitting in my tower in the still, wet hours of the spring twilights. But tonight is a gusty, hurrying night . . . even the clouds racing over the sky are in a hurry and the moonlight that gushes out between them is in a hurry to flood the world.
"Suppose, Gilbert, we were walking hand in hand down one of the long roads in Avonlea tonight!"
Gilbert, I'm afraid I'm scandalously in love with you. You don't think it's irreverent, do you? But then, you're not a minister."
-- Chapter 9, Anne of Windy Poplars
5. Suitable Places
"(Are you sure you kiss me in suitable places, Gilbert? I'm afraid Mrs. Gibson would think the nape of the neck, for instance, most unsuitable.)”
-- Chapter 12, Anne of Windy Poplars
6. He narrowly escaped bursting with pride
"Anne, this is Captain Boyd. Captain Boyd, my wife."
It was the first time Gilbert had said "my wife" to anybody but Anne, and he narrowly escaped bursting with the pride of it. The old captain held out a sinewy hand to Anne; they smiled at each other and were friends from that moment. Kindred spirit flashed recognition to kindred spirit.
-- Chapter 6, Anne’s House of Dreams
7. Queen of my heart and life and home
"Gilbert, would you like my hair better if it were like Leslie's?" she asked wistfully.
"I wouldn't have your hair any color but just what it is for the world," said Gilbert, with one or two convincing accompaniments.
You wouldn't be ANNE if you had golden hair—or hair of any color but"—
"Red," said Anne, with gloomy satisfaction.
"Yes, red—to give warmth to that milk-white skin and those shining gray-green eyes of yours. Golden hair wouldn't suit you at all Queen Anne—MY Queen Anne—queen of my heart and life and home."
"Then you may admire Leslie's all you like," said Anne magnanimously.”
-Chapter 12, Anne’s House of Dreams
8.  Annest of Annes
But the best of all was when Gilbert came to her, as she stood at her window, watching a fog creeping in from the sea, over the moonlit dunes and the harbour, right into the long narrow valley upon which Ingleside looked down and in which nestled the village of Glen St. Mary.
"To come back at the end of a hard day and find you! Are you happy, Annest of Annes?"
"Happy!" Anne bent to sniff a vaseful of apple blossoms Jem had set on her dressing-table. She felt surrounded and encompassed by love. "Gilbert dear, it's been lovely to be Anne of Green Gables again for a week, but it's a hundred times lovelier to come back and be Anne of Ingleside."
-- Chapter 3, Anne of Ingleside
9. I couldn’t live without you
Anne felt like a released bird . . . she was flying again. Gilbert's arms were around her . . . his eyes were looking into hers in the moonlight.
"You do love me, Gilbert? I'm not just a habit with you? You haven't said you loved me for so long."
"My dear, dear love! I didn't think you needed words to know that. I couldn't live without you. Always you give me strength. There's a verse somewhere in the Bible that is meant for you . . . 'She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.'"
Life which had seemed so grey and foolish a few moments before was golden and rose and splendidly rainbowed again. The diamond pendant slipped to the floor, unheeded for the moment. It was beautiful . . . but there were so many things lovelier . . . confidence and peace and delightful work . . . laughter and kindness . . . that old safe feeling of a sure love.
"Oh, if we could keep this moment for ever, Gilbert!"
"We're going to have some moments. It's time we had a second honeymoon. Anne, there's going to be a big medical congress in London next February. We're going to it . . . and after it we'll see a bit of the Old World. There's a holiday coming to us. We'll be nothing but lovers again . . . it will be just like being married over again. You haven't been like yourself for a long time. ("So he had noticed.") You're tired and overworked . . . you need a change. ("You too, dearest. I've been so horribly blind.") I'm not going to have it cast up to me that doctors' wives never get a pill. We'll come back rested and fresh, with our sense of humour completely restored. Well, try your pendant on and let's get to bed. I'm half dead for sleep . . . haven't had a decent night's sleep for weeks, what with twins and worry over Mrs. Garrow."
--Chapter 41, Anne of Ingleside
10. Old love light
DR. BLYTHE:- “The old, old love light that was kindled so many years ago in Avonlea ... and burns yet, Anne ... at least for me.” 
ANNE:- “And for me, too. And will burn forever, Gilbert.” 
-- Page 189, The Blythes Are Quoted
Feel free to respond to this post with any of your favorite shirbert moments that I missed!
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duxpuella · 3 years
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Oneshot: It's already spring in my heart!
<Atention: Modern AU where Neil lives, and Welton’s a boys & girls school.
Warnings: Fluff; poetry; cheesy flirting; >
Words: 1k;
Note: Y/n - your name/ Y/Ln - your last name/ Y/fn - your friend’s name; As Welton is located at Vermont, i will use it's year calendar. This is based on this headcanon of my.
Plot: spending Valentine's Day with Neil P. - (gn!) reader
Also, here’s my Neil playlist, hope you enjoy it!
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image font - credits to @gaydurden;
The snow was piling outside, although the winter was nearly on it's end. It was Valentine's Day week and, every student was utterly excited. Those were the days where couples bound together and love confessions were made. Happily (or not), Valentine's Day would be on Saturday, giving everyone a chance to spend with their significant others or simply ignoring the day if you might.
Mr. Keating, as a romance enthusiastic, couldn't help to give an assignment themed for the occasion. "A confession poem!" he said, which kept Neil thinking for a while. It could be either authorial or from another, already well-known, poet. He searched for hours, and yet nothing seemed to say exactly how he felt about (Y/n).
You've been flirting for a while and, although it was clear that he was into you and vice-versa, no one took action. He did invite you on dates quite often, and you both spent much time alone together (if that makes sense). But still, nothing official. Todd, on another hand, was already dating (Y/fn) for a few weeks. That made Neil both happy for his friend and worried for himself.
He was smooth with his intentions, perhaps way too smooth? But he didn't want to rush things either. Jesus, he frequently held himself back to avoid flirting with you all the time and not make you uncomfortable. Was he holding back way too much? Sure you made him feel like if an entire garden was growing out in his heart, and he could bet that bees followed you around... That's how sweet you were! But did you felt the same?
You both did talk almost every day, and you did laugh at most of his jokes. You called him by a pet name as much as he did with you, and you never excused yourself from his touches. You did flirt back every once in a while and dance with him occasionally too. Perhaps you did feel the same.
Also, Todd and (Y/fn) always encouraged him to confess. That must mean you liked him back, right? With his heart full of hope and inspired mind, he decided to write his poem. The dawn had already arrived, and Sunday was nearly on it's end. The assignment was due on Monday morning, and the students should read them out loud.
Neil did his best, 22h Todd turned the lights off, and the boys went to bed. Neil sent his usual "Good Night, Dove! Sleep well :)" and almost immediately he got the usual answer "Good night, Nightingale :)."
He locked his phone screen. "You know they like you back, right?" said Todd, "How are you so sure?" "Because it's obvious, Neil." "If it's that obvious, I would've noticed, wouldn't I?" "Indeed, but you're way too oblivious for that. And so are them, apparently!". "You're just being nonsensical..." Neil said, turning to his bed corner, "You know I'm not, but fine! Keep up with the denial." and they both give in to sleep.
Monday has arrived and tension floated by the corridors. Today was the assignment day, and nervousness was impossible to avoid. Neil woke up with a knot in his stomach and tried not to give it attention. Perhaps it would go away if he didn't acknowledge it. Suddenly his phone buzzed, Todd looked at him smirking. "Morning Nightingale, excited for Mr. K's class today?" Neil couldn't help but smile. "Morning Dove, sure! Are u?" "Ofc, see you there!" he locked his screen again.
"Shut up, Todd." "I didn't even say anything..." Todd answered, laughing at Neil's (now pink) cheeks. The three first periods were painfully slow, anxiousness keeping him from paying attention to anything at all. Until finally, Mr. Keating's class. He entered the room, quietly, "I hope you made your assignment class. As to open the day, (Y/n) would you do the honors?" and so they stand, answering a short yes to the teacher.
"I chose a sonnet from John Milton, is called 'To the Nightingale.'" Mr. Keating nodded, giving them space to continue. As Neil's heart skipped a beat, and the poets took a glance at him. (Y/n) looked at Neil for a few seconds, enough to make it even more obvious as to who the confession was meant.
Sonnet I : To The Nightingale O Nightingale, that on yon blooming spray Warblest at eve, when all the woods are still, Thou with fresh hopes the Lover’s heart dost fill, While the jolly Hours lead on propitious May. Thy liquid notes that close the eye of Day, First heard before the shallow cuckoo’s bill, Portend success in love. O if Jove’s will Have linked that amorous power to thy soft lay, Now timely sing, ere the rude bird of hate Foretell my hopeless doom, in some grove nigh; As thou from year to year hast sung too late For my relief, yet hadst no reason why. Whether the Muse or Love call thee his mate, Both them I serve, and of their train am I.
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With the reading finished, the class burst into applause. Neil had a smitten look on his face which made you smile. It was a success, and hopefully, he had caught the hint this time. You had tried to confess many times, but his insecurities often got in your way. But this time, you would make your intentions as clear as water.
After you, two or three students tried their luck. But you couldn't exactly pay attention, neither could Neil. When Keating asked for volunteers, his hand automatically rose in the crowd. He walked to the class front once the teacher granted his permission and proceeded to read, out loud, the poem he wrote the night before.
The winter was long gone And for the first time in a Few months I felt the rays of sunshine Extend it's fingers through my skin The spring has arrived And although I liked the white Flowers, rabbits, and bees make me rhyme and feel like writing a love hymn Oh lover, look what you've done! There are roses and dandelions through the whole sidewalk of my house, you thrive your love in me!
this poem is of my authorship;
The class burst into applause once more, until a voice from the back called attention. "Is not exactly spring yet, Neil," said Charlie with a smirk only intending to tease his friend. A few classmates laughed as Neil answered "It's already spring in my heart!" without giving much thought to it. A wave of "Owwn" was spread as you smiled at him.
You both exchanged loving gazes. Your love was finally blossoming.
Hope you like it! I take requests by ask! (info on requests);
Also, you’ll find more of my writing here.
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dr-ethan-ramseyy · 3 years
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I’ll Make This Feel Like Home
Pairing: Jonathan Hayes x reader
Warnings: none
Word Count: 1.5K
Summary: Jonathan takes you to Maine for Christmas, which makes you think quite a bit about the future.
A/N: I know it’s nowhere near Christmas, but that 💗 level up conversation got me thinking… Also I’ve been to Maine a few times and I absolutely love it there
✨ you can find part 2 here ✨
“I’ve always wanted to settle down back home… Honestly as far as homes go it’s pretty wonderful. And I’ve always pictured growing old with my partner in a house up there by the ocean. Lighting a fire in the woodstove during the winter...Putting on a Christmas record so we can slow dance to it...I’ve been including you in those plans lately.” ~Jonathan Hayes
Jonathan was thrilled when I had agreed to go to Maine with him for the holidays. And really, how could I say no? I had met his parents once before, pretty quickly after he had gotten back from his deployment. We couldn’t get enough of each other then, he was by my side practically every moment of the day. After we had spent a few straight days in his bed, he somewhat sheepishly asked if I still wanted to meet his parents, and of course I couldn’t wait to go see where the man I loved grew up. 
We decided to make a road trip of it, loading up on snacks and singing along to the radio with the windows down, his fingers intertwined with mine between the seats. We had arrived at his parents’ house fairly late at night, and they were thrilled to see us, just the same. His mother launched herself at him, standing up on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek. She beamed up at him and he smiled right back before glancing back at me, a slight blush on his cheeks. It was like I could feel the love radiating off of them, and I suddenly understood why Jonathan’s family meant so much to him. 
She turned to me then, as Jonathan’s father gave him a solid handshake, looking at him with all the pride in the world. 
“You must be Y/N!” she smiled, pulling me in for a hug. “He’s told us so much about you, dear, we’re so happy you could join us for the weekend!” 
“Thank you so much for having me!” I said. 
His father greeted me politely and they ushered us inside, Jonathan carrying our bags, his hand on the small of my back. 
We settled into the living room, Jonathan sitting next to me on the couch, his arm draped around my shoulders, while he caught up a bit with his parents. All three of them kept bringing me into the conversation, never letting me be left out for even a moment. 
The rest of the weekend went on pretty much like that. I got a tour of the house and their town, and it was all just as Jonathan said it would be: absolutely wonderful. His parents told stories from his childhood, and Jonathan would pull me closer and blush. He would tell stories about me, and I would blush and roll my eyes before he laughed and kissed my temple. It went perfectly. 
I told him that. I told him that his parents are incredible and Maine is incredible and I couldn’t wait to meet his brothers. I told him that I had such a good time, a better time than I had even hoped for. I told him that it meant the world to me that he showed me this world of his. We went back home, he met my family and friends, and things kept going as perfect as could be. 
There was one thing I didn’t tell him. I didn’t tell him because it scared me, even though I knew it shouldn’t. I didn’t tell him that as soon as I felt that ocean breeze on my skin, I wanted to stay. I didn’t tell him that when we were walking on the coast hand in hand, I couldn’t help thinking that I wanted to do that forever. I wanted to be anywhere with him, of course, but I was shocked to find that I fell in love with Maine almost as much as I had fallen in love with Jonathan. 
It wasn’t Maine itself, obviously. None of the things I loved so much about being there would matter at all if it weren’t for him. But I started to picture it, living out there, settling down by the ocean with Jonathan. I wanted it. I wanted to stay there with him. He had mentioned it a few times, that he wanted to settle down up there. But, he had never said seriously, not like he was thinking about it anytime soon. So, I never brought it up. 
Now here we are, Christmas Eve, snuggled up in Christmas pajamas his mother had gotten us, next to a fire Jonathan had built up in the fireplace after his parents had gone to bed. It was just the two of us now, his brothers had left a few hours before. Of course, they were every bit as welcoming as his parents had been, and they reminded me of Jonathan in so many ways, it was comical. 
“They love you, you know,” Jonathan murmured in my ear, pulling me just a little closer into his chest.
“Who?”
“Well, my parents, obviously. But my brothers told me right before they left. You’re officially part of the family, baby.” I could hear the smile in his voice. 
“I’m so honored,” I said, looking up at him with a smile. “Your home is amazing.”
“You’re my home, sweetheart,” he said before pulling me in for a gentle kiss. “But yeah, it’s pretty great here, too.”
I laughed. “You’re such a sweet talker.”
“I mean it!”
“I know,” I said, quieter now, looking into his eyes. “You’re my home, too.”
He smiled that brilliant smile that made my knees weak, and suddenly shifted me off of him so that he could get up and walked to the record player on the other side of the room. 
He played a slow Christmas instrumental then sauntered up to me, holding his hand out, palm up. 
“May I have this dance?”
“Of course,” I giggled, setting my hand in his. 
He pulled me close, gazing down at me while his arm wrapped around my waist. I put my hand up on his shoulder as he swayed us, slowly spinning around the room. 
Once a new song started, he pulled me even closer, leaning down to rest his forehead against mine. “You’re so beautiful, sweetheart.”
“We’ve been dating almost a year and you still make me blush.”
“I love making you blush,” he murmured before closing the distance between us in a slow kiss. 
“I love you,” he said between kisses, bringing his hands up and cupping my cheeks. 
“I love you, too,” I whispered back when I got air back in my lungs. 
Suddenly, and to my horror, I felt tears on my cheeks. I was crying.
Jonathan’s demeanor changed instantly, concern flooding his eyes. “Are you okay? Did I do something?”
I shook my head, frantically wiping the tears away. “No, I’m fine, I’m sorry, I don’t even know why I’m crying.”
He bent down a little to look into my eyes, unconvinced. “Are you sure? Did something happen today?”
“No, no, everyone is so great, I…” I trailed off. He would definitely think I was insane. 
He took my hand, gently leading me back to where we had been sitting before. He sat facing me, his hand placed comfortingly on my knee. 
“You’re worrying me, Y.N. Whatever it is, you can tell me, you know that,” Jonathan said gently. 
“It’s just…” I looked around the room, trying to find the right words. My eyes landed on several family photos that were hanging on the wall. 
He followed my gaze to them, then looked back at me quizzically, waiting for me to continue. 
“I love it here,” I said finally. “The ocean, the town, the snow. I really love it here.”
His eyes lit up for a moment. “You do?”
I nodded. Seeing him happy made the edges of my mouth quirk up. 
His eyebrows knitted together in confusion. “I’m really glad to hear that but… why were you crying?”
“I don’t know. Ever since the first time we were up here, I could picture it. Us, growing old together up here by the ocean. Dancing to Christmas records… It just made me emotional, I guess. I just really love you,” I said, looking down at my hands, feeling self-conscious. 
Jonathan put a finger under my chin, gently tilting my face up to look at him. He was smiling at me with so much affection in his eyes, if I wasn’t sitting down already, I probably would’ve fallen over. “I really love you, too. I didn’t know you thought about stuff like that,” he said quietly. 
I lifted my shoulder up in a shrug. “How could I not?”
“You really want to live up here someday? With me?”
“I really do.”
He grinned and pulled me into his lap, wrapping his arms tightly around my waist and kissing me. “I’m so happy. Let’s start looking at houses now,” he said, trailing his lips down to my neck. 
I burst out laughing. “Now?”
“Okay, maybe in the morning,” he conceded, capturing my lips again. 
“Tomorrow is Christmas,” I said against his lips, teasing him.
He groaned, pulling back just enough to glare at me. “Fine. But we’re looking. Soon.”
“Soon,” I agreed, pulling him back into a kiss. 
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the-pontiac-bandit · 3 years
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Kalasin + sword
Kalasin would call herself a fair hand with a sword. Had she been a knight, she could have been great. She still dreamed, sometimes, of her blade flashing through the air like Alanna the Lioness’, its speed causing the air to sing in its wake as she fought the Realm’s enemies in the same royal armor her brother wore. Instead, though, she had trained doggedly, her mother putting a sword in her hand and shoving her off to find a knight to practice with. Sir Raoul had been patient and encouraging. Sir Geoffrey hadn’t gone easy on her, even when she was a girl of only twelve, still tripping over her own feet more often than not. Sir Alanna--Kalasin’s favorite adoptive relative was Aunt Alanna everywhere except the training yards--was fierce and difficult to please, encouraging her to be stronger, faster, better. Sir Gareth was Kalasin’s personal favorite, though, because while the others had left her, sometimes one at a time, others all at once, off in a service she’d never perform, Sir Gareth was at the practice courts each morning she was at the palace, sword in hand, ready to teach.
She thought of all of her teachers as she unpacked her sword. Her new chambers were tastefully decorated in the Tortallan style. It felt familiar and comforting, in the midst of this new palace where everything was strange. She suspected her husband-to-be must have had a hand in it--even in the short three days she’d known him, he’d shown himself to be far more kind and considerate than she’d imagined possible of anyone whose title was your Imperial Majesty. Her sword shone, having been polished with care by her youngest brother Jasson as he sat on her bed at home and pretended to help her pack. She traced the enamel raven on the hilt for a moment, finding comfort in its grooves and contours, the same textures she’d felt on the weapons of her loved ones for longer than she could remember. She’d never thought to appreciate it before, but suddenly, her throat felt tight at the thought of playing with the hilt of her father’s dagger while he perched her on one hip, at the memory of sprinting through the winter snows at the palace, her first sword, a Midwinter gift from Aunt Alanna, held triumphantly in her fist.
To shake off the feeling, she pulled off her veil--an unpleasant necessity she hoped to eliminate from Carthaki fashion as soon as she’s been crowned--and kicked off her delicate Carthaki slippers. Her chambers were large, easily large enough for a few simple passes. She was certain she would not be allowed to train publicly in this new, strange land, but even His Imperial Majesty could not prevent her from practicing here.
She began one of the drills she knew best, warming up her muscles with the simple combinations of blocks and strikes. The warm air felt suffocating, daring her lungs to burn as she pushed her body further. She felt the pins holding her hair back fall, heard them clatter onto the stone floors, but she only paused long enough to kick them under her bed, where they wouldn’t cause her to trip. She’d intended only to swing the blade once or twice, to loosen her shoulders in an attempt to loosen the knot she felt in her chest, but the harder she worked, the more relief she found. Her straining muscles, exhausted by the weight of the weapon and the weight of her heavy dress, worthy of an empress, protested each pass. Her calves burned, unused to the exercise after days at sea, followed by days of pretending to be a proper and worthy bride. Despite the pain--or perhaps because of it--she found herself starting to grin, her breath coming harsh between her teeth.
The knock on her door was loud, loud enough to startle her. By its insistent tone, she guessed that her guest had knocked several times, but that she had been too engrossed in her swordplay to notice. She spared a moment’s regret for her hair, cascading down her back in an unladylike tangle, and for her veil, which would take minutes to affix properly to her head, before she opened the door, doing her best to control her breath.
It was Kaddar. She could have sworn, for just a moment, she saw a hint of surprise in his dark eyes. It was gone as quickly as it appeared, if it was ever there--he could hide his emotions better than any Yamani, she’d discovered in her days at the Carthaki court. His eyes flicked down, to the sword still in her hand, his expression unreadable.
She dropped the sword, wincing as it clattered to the floor, and bent her protesting legs in a deep curtsy. “Your Imperial Majesty, to what do I owe the honor?”
“Please, don’t,” was his reply, even as he bowed deeply in return. “Lady Lynette mentioned that you’d chosen to unpack your belongings yourself, and after the meeting with the goldsmiths’ guild, I thought I’d come offer my aid.” He smiled then, a true smile that reached his eyes. It warmed them, making him seem far more like the gangly teenager that Daine had described in agonizing detail to a nervous Kalasin than the self-assured emperor who had met her on the docks.
“Oh,” was all Kalasin could manage for a moment, doing her best to hide her shock. She could hear the Countess of King’s Reach groaning good-naturedly at Kalasin’s inarticulate response, but the Countess was now an ocean away. “I would never expect such help from Your Imperial Majesty,” she replied courteously. “But if you wish to join me in my chambers, I’d welcome your esteemed company.” She patted her back internally at the response, proud to salvage her initial shock.
“Truly, it’s Kaddar,” he smiled, stepping through the doorway. Kalasin stepped back, allowing him to pass, but instead he paused at her side. He bent down and picked up her sword, examining it with care and a hint of awe in his guarded eyes. “You fight?”
Kalasin’s hand went to her hair, intending to twirl a strand--a nervous habit she thought she’d shaken years ago only to discover it had returned with her move to Carthak--and found instead that the combination of fallen braids and complex swordplay had rendered it a veritable birds’ nest. “I was trained on the sword,” she replies, pausing for a fraction of a second as she weighed his name against his title before deciding to avoid addressing him entirely. “I still find joy in the practice, although I certainly would never expect to use it in combat.”
“Would you show me?” he asked, in a tone devoid of all imperial grandeur. It was not a command, not even an imperial request. It was kind, and he sounded as though he was already prepared for her to politely demur and redirect the conversation.
She knew that she could refuse, knew that every lady in both the Tortallan and Carthaki courts would have thought her mad not to. Instead, though, she reached a hand out for her sword. He handed it back wordlessly, retreating to take a seat on a chaise in the corner while she took a moment to shake out her shoulders.
She began one of her more complex drills, praying to the Goddess she wouldn’t stumble on the unfamiliar floors or take a chunk out of her beautiful teak four-poster a few feet away. If she was showing him she could fight, she intended to show him, after all.
She could see her blade flash in front of her, but she knew better than to follow its path. She kept her eyes trained ahead, utilizing the wardrobe a yard in front of her as an imaginary foe. It would not serve, Sir Geoffrey had reminded her over and over, to be distracted by the beauty of the blade and lose track of one’s opponent. She was light on her toes, thanks to hours of drills with the surprisingly agile Sir Raoul, and sure in her movements, thanks to Sir Gareth’s consistency in her training. Sir Alanna’s speed, and the wickedness with which she fought, were imbued in her style, and in the slashing strike with which she finished the drill, drawing the blade halfway across her body before whipping it back around her left side to finish with the point directly at the wardrobe’s imaginary throat.
She stood, truly panting now, as Kaddar started to laugh. She felt her cheeks burn as she moved to the bed and re-sheathed her sword. She put off looking at him, staring at the enamel raven for another few seconds until it would have been rude to continue avoiding his gaze.
When she turned, though, she was surprised to find joy on his face. His laugh was not mocking, she could see. It was delighted.
“That was excellent, although I don’t know how I expected anything less, with Alanna the Lioness as your godsmother. You’re quite a sight with a blade in hand,” he grinned. “And I’ve no doubt you could hold your own against any Carthaki knight.”
“Thank you,” she replied as she felt the shame sliding off her shoulders, leaving them feeling light despite the strain she’d just put on them. Her muscles still burned, her lungs still screamed for air, but she’d once again found the wide, genuine smile she’d had alone in her chamber.
Another knock on the door startled them both this time. He rose to open it, and she could see from behind that his shoulders fell. His prime minister was at the door, looking frantic with a large stack of papers weighing down his arms. Kaddar turned back to her, the disappointment even clearer on his face.
“I have to go, it seems. But I practice the sword each morning at the first bell after dawn, at the practice court on the southwest corner of the training yards. I’d really appreciate the company, as all my current sparring partners are far too concerned about my status to give me a proper fight.”
“I’d like that,” she replies, a small warmth filling her chest where it had felt knotted with grief that morning. “I’ll do my best to provide a challenge,” she paused again before adding, "Kaddar.”
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ofcloudsandstars · 4 years
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The Solar Holiday parallels to the Lunar Cycle and Cycle of Life
Every Sabbat you see plenty of posts of what to do and the meaning and such but I wanted to draw some parallels that will always help you understand their relevance and their role to play in the cycle of the year and in life. In nature there are many patterns that overlap and mirror each other. There is of course the cycle of life, growth, death and rebirth that we see celebrated in the sabbats, that reflects our own life cycles and that is repeated monthly for each lunar cycle. If you honor the lunar cycles and the web and flow of magic and energy it brings, you will see a grander pattern for the solar cycle and the points that we celebrate for each sabbat.
Yule - New Moon - Rebirth
The Winter Solstice is the longest evening of the year as sunlight has the least amount of time on our side of the hemisphere and it coats us in darkness and frost. It's a time that prompts us to celebrate indoors where it's warm, where we can decorate with lights and come together with loved ones during the darkest time. This is the beginning of the cycle as the sunlight will only grow in it's light and energy until the summer solstice. This period reflects the New Moon where we feel more insular and self-focused. Where as the new moon causes us to focus to our emotional landscape within, visualize for the cycle beyond and create intention to how we can achieve our goals, Winter Solstice amplifies that for the entire year’s cycle to come. We may feel insular on a physical level, wanting to stay indoors and hibernate, connect with the deep roots of the earth in our own homely burrows or by eating the rooty foods in season. It's a time of visualization for the year to come but also rest and hibernation. In our life cycle this also represents a moment of our rebirth. Our spirit is still not fully in this physical world yet it has reincarnated for it's next cycle and is resting before taking form again. This period of the time is just the seed. There is no activity yet but there is potential that is ready to grow the moment you decide to plant the seed in the ground. Yule is fantastic for any magic or rituals revolving around rebirth, restarting or reviving old hobbies or lost projects, setting intentions for the year to come and visualizing where you'd want your year to take you. It's also a wonderful time to gather close friends and loved ones to celebrate the longest night of the year and give each other blessings towards each other's endeavors to manifest the dreams they have along with positive energy for the new cycle ahead. It's also great for resting, taking time away for oneself and hibernating. It's a time to travel to other realms or explore deeper within yourself with meditation, trance or flight. During your periods of rest and sleep you could take notes of your dreams or visions that may come your way that foreshadow the year before you.
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Imbolc - Waxing Crescent - Hastening
This period marks the middle of winter where we are halfway between the Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox. In some places it may be in the middle of blizzard season where as others as the light slowly returns so do the snow drops and birds. It's noticeably lighter as the days begin to grow longer. Animals are peaking from their burrows and life is stirring under the Earth. During the lunar cycle this sabbat corresponds with the waxing crescent moon. It's a period representing our intentions and wishes that are ready to be planted. Around this lunar cycle the sun is sextiling the moon (and the next day they are in quintile which means natural talents or skills can be revealed), which the energy pushes us to want to experiment with our ideas, brainstorm or test things out. We may want to charge forward with our new ideas and impulses even in the face of resistance and actualize our dreams, however this is a time that’s great just for trying things out. Our sense of purpose may feel heightened during this point of the lunar cycle and during Imbolc in the solar cycle as Spring begins to stir. In the life cycle this represents the seed sending out new shoots. It's still underground but life is beginning to stir in the unseen realms. It is the period in our life cycle where we are developing in the womb. Life is beginning to stir as our soul finds it's way into a new body, full of potential, dreams and wishes yet still 'underground'. The meaning of Imbolc is said to derive from "Ewe's Milk" as it was the time when livestock began lactating in preparation for their babies birth. It's a time of preparation for the new life emerging. With the sunlight returning this is often a time of hope as you will feel more optimistic emerging from the relentless darkness of winter. This is also a great time to set resolutions, though most people like to set them during the New Year, the first half of Winter (really the period between Samhain to Imbolc- the dark period that represents the 'spirit world' of our life cycle) should be for resting and hibernating. With the light and energy returning you may feel more inclined to try new things or get stuff started, however it's not exactly a time yet to take charge on new projects, but brainstorm and experiment. Maybe take on new class for fun, try new mediums for art or enroll in an online course. Imbolc (also celebrated as Candlemas) uses candles and light to celebrate the return to light yet another layer you can add magic to this is making spell candles representing your wishes or potential to light during this time. Magic revolving around wishes, setting intention and clearing obstacles are great during this time. This is also a great time to divine to gain insight on your goals or advice on where to get started. Candle scrying can be insightful along with burning bay leaves to make wishes. Imbolc is also a great time to prepare for the year ahead by cleaning, whether that means cleaning the home, getting rid of the winter dust, banishing any beings you don't want around or it could mean cleansing yourself in the form of a bath or energetically with juniper smoke bundles and to lift whatever energy from the darker part of the year that you may be carrying with you into this quarter. It's a great time to break habits and "sweep" away unwanted energies from outside your home. It's a time to inspire yourself, believe in your potential and experiment in order to give yourself some experience or insight towards your goals that lie ahead.  
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Ostara - First Quarter - Childhood
The Spring Equinox brings fresh bright green grass, budding trees and sprouting flowers as life seems to return to the surface of the Earth. Chicklings are being hatched along with other offspring of animals. There is fierce energy in the air as this time of the year falls on the start of Aries season. (In the Southern Hemisphere it's Libra season which may make this new start be about decision making and finding a middle ground with your plans and reality.) With the start of Aries season we are filled with energy to charge ahead despite any opposition. The sun is in equilibrium before it enters the lighter half of the year. It is a time of decision making and planning to materialize your goals and gather what you've learned from experimentation from the Winter Crossquarter and apply it to reality.  In the Lunar Phase this corresponds to the first quarter moon which is a period of planning in order to take action. Taking action during this time can meet a lot of opposition but it's not a time to feel discouraged due to it. Often those obstacles show us what we need to learn and reflect on in order to overcome it or master it later. During both the solar and lunar cycle a good way to honor this square-tension of energy is to start planning and creating to-do lists of things you'd need to complete in order to manifest your goals for this cycle.
In the life cycle this reflects the time when the plant pours energy into it's new branches and sprouted leaves. The Branches are delicate and can easily be blown down with a heavy wind, but with resistance to keep growing and trying again the plant can succeed in sprouting. This also reflects the time of our life where we are children, exploring the world, running into new opportunities or challenges and learning how to overcome them. It's a time to celebrate the inner child, celebrate this time of challenges in a lighthearted way with competitive games (I will never grow out of egg hunts) and celebrate the new start of energy with laying down our goals. Magic on Ostara is great for focusing on what you want to sprout and grow. It's also great if you use divination to help draw up a plan of action. As the sunlight is at equilibrium but will get brighter as we head towards summer, it's a great time to use that energy of increasing light to help illuminate opportunities or solutions to help solve obstacles. Ostara is great for unlocking magic to open up opportunities for you. Though Aries season may bring challenges, the Spring Equinox is about courage in the face of adversity and enjoying the return to life. It's a wonderful time to honor the inner child and celebrate yourself with activities you loved doing as a kid.
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Beltane - Gibbous - Adolescence
As the pinnacle of Spring arrives, the trees are in full bloom, tulips have swollen past their peak and lay in a bed of their own discarded petals, Magnolia trees explode across lawns with intoxicated fragrances, animals sing with symphonies of mating calls and Spring Fever is in the air. This Sabbat is a celebration of fertility and the entrance towards the fertile quarter of the year when gardeners and farmers start cultivating their gardens and plants for the harvests in the next quarter to come. The Earth is blooming and ready to plant things in, the animals and people are ready to mingle and the energy is full of promise for our goals to bloom before us, if we just take the time to refine it and focus on revision. This time of year represents the gibbous phase when the moon is in between the first quarter and full phase. During the aspects this time is also influenced from when the Sun is trining the Moon bringing opportunities, luck and benefits if we focus on our tasks and refine our work. It's a harmonious time during the Lunar Cycle and the Solar cycle especially during dreamy Taurus season while everything is in bloom. This time of the year mirrors the life cycle of when the plant starts to bud and bloom flowers. With pollination there is potential for fruits to grow later in the cycle. This Sabbat reflects the point of our life where we are entering adolescence. Puberty is readying our bodies to be fertile though we are not ready to do anything yet since we still need refining and maturation. However like some teens, animals and the bugs of spring we may have one thing focused on our mind during this intoxicating time of the year. You may feel inclined to meet a match, (especially since it's warmer now, the flowers are out, people are dressing lighter, the animals are doing it so why not?) or focus on how you can work on and refine your projects or annual goals. Magic during this time is fantastic for attraction magic, using your energy to help your endeavors "bloom" or come to maturation and help accomplish your goals. It's a great time to put things in the soil with intention both metaphorically and physically. It's a wonderful sabbat to get your garden started and start to find ways to materialize things. It's a fantastic time to raise energy, take chances and attract opportunities or people your way.
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Litha - Full Moon - Adulthood
The sun is at it's Peak today as Summer Solstice is the longest day of the year. The start of summer has begun bringing in long hot days full of light and energy. Energy feels the most potent this time of year as the relentless sun can be reflected in it's power off of the pavement, the earth and plants it helps to swell up, the storms it's raises with it's heat and the excitement that summer brings. This sabbat reflects the Full Moon phase where energy feels at it's peak and it's great time to cast spells and release magic. During this time of maximum light, there is a height of clarity. During full moons as the two luminaries are opposite each other it can create polarities, decisions to make, new perspectives or oppositions however the key to balancing the intense energy is finding the middle ground that's best in moving forward with your goal. Summer solstice is often associated with love, partnerships and our relationships to others. In the life cycle summer solstice represents the moment where we enter Adulthood and we are finally independent however we still need connections to help our dreams to manifest. It's the peak time in our lives where we feel the need to network to get things done. Summer is the time of year most people make new friends, lovers or connections from everyone being out and about. Summer is a time of power where our influence can reach far and wide. It reflects the life cycle in a plant where it is bright green and leafy after it's flowers have been pollinated and shed and is turning it's energy into fruit. Summer Solstice may either leave you feeling energetic and charged like a full moon or the heat and brightness can leave you feeling restless and agitated as well like a full moon. It's a wonderful time to raise and release energy by a bonfire, charge magical items in the zenith of the solstice's sun, making connections with people, do friendship and love magic, use divination to make important decisions, make solar water, do solar magic, channel the sun's energy (sun bathing as well) and celebrate the peak of light and energy during this year! Any type of prosperity based spells would do great now as the energy is at it's peak and will help to amplify abundance in your life.
Parallel: There are Parallels with each sabbats as well. Where as Litha is celebrating the peak of light and our connection to others, Yule is very insular and focused on ourselves, our visions and rest. Litha celebrates the peak of light and life where as Yule is the darkest point of the year that parallels the life cycle where our spirit is not yet fully in this realm.
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Lughnasadh - Disseminating Moon - Middle Age
The fields turn gold with matured wheat, the fruits and vegetables are ripened and the first harvest is here. The middle of summer brings abundance and joy of our successes as we reap what we've sown for the year. This period of the year reflects the disseminating moon phase also known as the waning gibbous. Some aspects that influence this phase is when the moon trines the sun or when there is a sesquiquadrate that gives us the wisdom to help solve problems that the full moon might have illuminated.  As the moon begins to shed light after the end of it's full moon phase, it is time for us to share our knowledge and apply what we've learned. You have the wisdom of what you have accomplished in your endeavors and now it's time to share your work or wisdom with others. This time also help us feel full of love for what we've accomplished and generosity to share with others. The waning gibbous moon makes us feel in abundance and want to share the joy with others. Lughnasadh is all about celebrating our successes and sharing the wealth. A key ritual done during this sabbat is to bake bread with those you care about and share it together. This sabbat and lunar phase corresponds to the life cycle of the plant finally producing fruit. All of the hard work has finally paid off and we are seeing the fruits of our labor. During this time of summer many fruits are in season along with vegetables and the over abundance of zucchinis. This sabbat also corresponds to the life cycle where we are middle aged and finally have found our vocation or have mastered in our career. We are starting to enjoy what we do, have gotten good at it and can even teach our wisdom to others that are not as experienced yet. Even if you aren't in the mood to celebrate your hard work for the year, you may want to take this time to reflect on what you have accomplished and if you haven't moved as far as you'd like, what you could do to move that forward. Going back to the life cycle parallels, some people who haven't followed what truly resonated with them in life tend to have their midlife crisis's at this time and sometimes celebrating a sabbat that focuses on your goals accomplished can give you stress that the year is nearly over if you haven't been able to make much process. However there is still a lot of the year left for you to continue work, so it's a great time to reflect on the wisdom you've gain so far on your journey, glean whatever knowledge you can from your experiences and apply that to your journey ahead. However if you did have a prosperous year and are making successes this year it's a great time to celebrate! And maybe celebrate your successes with your friends (and their successes!) Additionally it's a fantastic time of reflection by comparing where you were last year during this time and the year before or five years before. You will notice that in some ways you have progressed and that is worth celebrating! Magic that's great to do during Lughanasdh is focusing on what you need to accomplish. Divination to gain further insight and reflect on your wisdom can be enlightening during this time. Creating charms and enchantments that will boost your ability to accomplish that to-do list you've created back during Ostara that may have been refined during Beltane would be great during this time too. Placing spells and charms on the CV you would need to send out or your applications, placing glamours on the projects you've finally released to hope they gain more attention and have a successful start, channeling Saturn to help you create structure and work at your goals and ambitions all will be great magical activities for today.
Parallel: The Parallel Sabbat to Lughnasadh is Imbolc. Where as Imbolc is about wishes and resolutions, Lughnasadh is seeing those wishes come to fruition.  Where as Imbolc is about potential and hope for the cycle ahead, Lughnasadh is celebrating those successes and hard work. 
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Mabon - Final Quarter - Crone
The warm air turns cool and crisp as the emerald leaves bronze and golden. Autumn is here along with the second harvest of warm and colorful foods from apples, grapes, wine, lumpy squashes and gourds. There is only a quarter left to the cycle as the light wanes from our side of the hemisphere. It's a time of reflection from the cycle we've experienced and gratitude from the wisdom we've earned. The Autumn Equinox corresponds to the final quarter moon phase in the lunar cycle. During the final quarter phase it's a great time to reflect on the journey you've had so far, meditate and self reflect on your decisions and wrap up any unfinished business or projects. It's a period for reviewing your work, your decisions and any longstanding issues that need to be addressed. In the solar cycle when the Autumn equinox appears in the northern hemisphere, it's the beginning of Libra season where harmony, justice and middle ground is found. It's time for us to make peace, reflect on the year past and be grateful. (In the southern Hemisphere it's the start of Aries season so that energy may manifest for you to challenge any unsolved businesses head on.) In the life cycle this represents the end of the fruit shedding and leaving behind seeds to start the next cycle. This also parallels to the the life cycle when we reach old age and become the Crone. We are wise with many stories to tell of our lives and can only reflect upon the journey we've had.  This time may make you feel ready to focus on your home life and prepare your home to be cozy for the colder months. It's also a great time to gather with friends and share stories of the year that has passed and the positive memories you've had of it. (Or if it was a shit year then celebrating that it is almost over!) Magic revolving around what you'd like to shed away would be great to do during this time. On a Mundane level it's a great time to clear the house, clothes you may not need anymore and do an autumn shedding. It's a nice time to give things away that you no longer need in order to pass it on to someone who could benefit from it.
Parallel: The parallel sabbat to Mabon is Ostara. Where as Ostara wants us to set down plans and sow seeds for goals we wish to accomplish, Mabon reflects on our journey and how we may have accomplished those goals. In the life cycle where Ostara celebrates birth and the inner child, Mabon celebrates the Crone and wisdom.
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Samhain - Balsamic Moon - Death
The fallen leaves have littered the ground in brown frail crunchy corpses while howling chilly winds shiver the bare trees above. Halloween is nearly here and the waning light has plunged most of our days into darkness. The sunlight is towards the end of it's solar cycle and reflects the Balsamic Moon (also known as the waning crescent moon) in the lunar cycle. The waning crescent moon is great for shedding, banishing and seeking resolution or closure. It's a great time to cut chords and banish anyone or anything that is no longer working towards your best existence before you enter a new cycle and a period of rest. Instead of carrying any negativity with you during your time of self transformation and renewal into the new cycle, it's important to do some shadow work and release anything you do not want to take with you. In the life cycle this represents death as the plant becomes frail and returns to the Earth leaving behind a seed for the next cycle and as we shed our physical form and move on to the other side. Before we die it's important to find closure to issues we can resolve and shed away anything we don't want to take with us into the next cycle. Though death is a dramatic transition, it's a period of transformation and a start of another journey. Samhain is the crossquarter leading us into the darkest quarter of the year which is a great time for shadow work, spirit travel, self reflection and self transformation. It may be the heaviest time of the year for some, especially those that struggle with the relentless darkness but it's a time that offers rest, reflection and positive transformation. Samhain can make us feel moody as we may be more aware of our shadow selves and the darkness surrounding us. However Halloween has made dressing up as a monster and expressing our less favorable sides fun! It's time to embrace the darkness, be spooky and celebrate the end to the cycle. Magic on Samhain is great for banishing, cutting chords with that which doesn't serve you, finding closure, shadow work and communicating with your shadow self and self-transformation.
Parallel: The opposite Sabbat to Samhain is Beltane. Where Samhain is death and looking towards the next cycle as a chance to start again, Beltane is fertility and looking at the warmth and light ahead to reap fruits. The fields and garden of Samhain are filled with dead or bare plants fueling nutrients into their roots to prepare for winter where as the gardens of Beltane are blooming with fertile life.
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Then the cycle begins at Yule again which is rebirth and parallels with the New Moon!
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ren-c-leyn · 3 years
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Friday Night Fights Story: Revenge
 Decided to do this again since I had fun the last time. This is a short story for @promptsforthestrugglingauthor‘s Friday Night Fights writing event. I wrote this story using this week’s prompt is here, as well as these 1,2 other prompts from their vast collection.
 Okay, a warning before you jump into this one: this is a story of revenge. It both mentions deaths in passing and actually has a murder in it. It’s a little more descriptive than my usual glossing right over it, but it’s not overly graphic.
 It started years ago: when the queen died without announcing an heir. No one knows what happened, and frankly, I doubt anyone cares. Not truly. Not for the right reasons. Heaven’s mercy, I don’t even care about what happened, only the fallout of it.
 Nobles of all stripes set their sights on her throne. They all wanted to rule, even the ones who pretended to bow their heads. Of course, it couldn’t be settled civilly, no. No one gets power like that without a cost.
 Unfortunately, the one who paid for the throne with the blood of the people and the other nobles is, frankly, a tyrant.
 We risked everything to rise, to stand against him, and were destroyed. I watched in horror as my ancestral home was burned to the ground, my own parents forced to stay inside. And I swore to do more than get him off the throne: I swore to take his head.
 Many other nobles and merchant families rallied to my quiet calls, the whispers I sent out in the dead of night. But traitors came, and good people died. Now, now there’s only two of us left. Two desperate people searching to relieve the throne from the weight of the king’s sins.
 I knew something was amiss as I sat across from my last partner in this conspiracy. He fidgeted through the plan, practically squirmed at each point. Then, when the potential fall out of it all hit him, he stiffened up like a damned corpse left out in the winter snow.
 “You ask too much.”
 “Only what is needed.”
 “And if this fails too? What happens when it comes crashing down on our heads, hm? What will you do then? What shall I do then? What of my family? My daughters?”
 I sat silently, staring back at him. An icy chill ran through my chest. His family? What of my family? What of all I sacrificed to face this monster openly? Coward. The word echoed in my mind as I stared him down from across the table. One left, I silently corrected myself.
 “Isn’t it the price we all paid?”
 In the thick of the following silence, he ripped himself up and out of the worn out chair.
 “That’s it! I’m giving up and I’m just done.” He strode toward the door, only turning back for a moment. “What, no protest? You’re not going to give some grand speech to convince me otherwise?”
 “With you gone, there’s no one in my way. By all means, don’t let me hold you back. I’ll make sure the next ruler is aware of your cowardice in due time.”
 He lingered there at the door, face uncertain. His body swayed back and forth, deciding. Eventually, a sigh escaped him.
 “You ask too much,” he echoed in a defeated tone.
 “Then leave, for you won’t have much to lose, soon.”
 His face danced between hardened anger and fresh anxiety before just melting into exhaustion.
 “You believe this has a chance? An honest chance?”
 “As much of one as we’ve ever had, and if it fails, well, is that any worse than how we’re living now?”
 He mulled the words over before sighing again.
 “I... I’ll make the arrangements.” He turned to face me fully, his face turning stony and hard. “But don’t fail. By the gods, I don’t care what you have to do, but don’t fail.”
 I gave him a tight-lipped smile.
 “Who do you think you’re talking to? Now, unless you have another dramatic outburst to make, I suggest you move quickly. Time is of the essence.”
 He gave me a curt, half bow, the tattered clothes of his disguise wrinkling and swaying as he did his best drunken stagger out of the rotting shack, singing off key in a shrill and irritating voice.
 I leaned back in my seat and folded my hands, listening to the familiar way the floorboards creaked underneath. We would do ourselves what we had failed to do with armies and laws. I shook my head. No. Not we. I. I would do it. I would avenge my family, my house, my honor, my queen....
 Three nights passed, and the package arrived at the tavern I had been hiding out in. I pulled out the finery, the mask, the invitation, and the note.
 ~ Don’t fail.
 I snorted and threw the parchment back down. Who did he think I was? A coward? An amateur? I didn’t survive this long by making mistakes.
 I began the slow, tedious process of fitting myself into the clothing. The silks and velvet felt foreign to me now. It had been so long, so very long, since they had last touched my skin. The lace suddenly itched. The jewels and gold felt heavy around my neck. I looked in the mirror and felt ill. It was like staring at a twisted ghost of my former self. A ghost of the person who burned away that day.
 I pulled the mask on, dispelling the image. Maybe one day I could look at my reflection with pride one day. Not tonight, though, not tonight.
 I scooped up the invitation and the most important item of the night before setting out, careful to avoid the paths prying eyes would linger around. The Baron, for all of his cowardice, did know how to follow a plan. The carriage was right where he had promised, driver and all.
 I climbed into the back seat and the horses whisked us away to the grand ball. A beautiful and exciting event for an even more thrilling one.
 Getting in was no trouble for me. I showed the invitation and was announced under a false name. When asked whom I was, I merely tossed out a name of one of the advisors and moved on.
 There was a thick feeling of nostalgia as I waded through the crowds of fancy dresses and elegant suits. The flashes of jewels, the soft music of the band playing in the back of the ballroom. Servants floated around in their best uniforms, passing out drinks and treats as nobles talked business, events, vied for favor and power with each other. It was such a strange world compared to the dark alleys and cramped, ale-scented basements I had been living in for years now.
 But this was not a place for me to linger nor a time for reminiscing. No. Not while the job was left unfinished.
 I swept through the room, a drink in hand, searching for him. It took some time, slipping in and out of conversations, and a dance with a random minor lord before I finally saw him. Just at the end of the dance, as we were both bowing to each other, I spied him from across the room; golden candlelight softened his features, and his eyes just nearly looked kind. Human. But only nearly. I reached for the knife strapped to my thigh.
 The dress was styled perfectly. No one would see me pulling out the blade from the slit underneath the fluff and ruffles. I doubted anyone would even notice the gesture. No. Not until the blood was spilling.
 I excused myself from my former dance partner and waded back into the crowd, eyes locked on him. The king’s laughter began to filter through, slowly rising above the talking and the music as I grew closer. He didn’t know. The fool didn’t even suspect that I, that death, was so near. And it made me angry.
 I didn’t know why, but it made me so angry that it felt like ice was in my chest and my blood was catching on fire. The knife handle in my hand was likely the only thing keeping me from outwardly showing my rage; betraying my contempt, my bloodlust.
 Before my mind had finished processing where I was, I was standing before him. His attention focused on me, and I bowed before him.
 “Your Majesty, it is an honor to meet you again,” I spoke far more tenderly and calmly than I knew myself capable of.
 “It is a pleasure to see you again....” his voice trailed off as he attempted to place me, to recall my name.
 The smile that came to my lips was the first genuine smile to grace my face in years. I spoke quietly, a near whisper, as I reintroduced myself.
 “Wolfstone. Quinn Wolfstone.”
 Just was the recognition and shock registered in his eyes, my knife came out of its hiding place and flew across his throat. A sea of crimson flew out, staining the deep cobalt blue of his fine clothes an even darker red. He collapsed onto the white floor, the sea of red slowly ebbing further and further out as he choked and gargled.
 I stood over him, the knife already back in its place. Still, the blood on my mask and dress would be a dead giveaway. Suppose I should have asked the Baron to send me a red one, but it did not matter now.
 The nobles and servants were screaming as the guards started to rush for me. I ran out, shoving through the crowd until the minor lord whom had danced with me earlier in the evening caught me by the arm, pulling me around to look him in the eye.
“What…what have you done?” he asked, voice dripping with horror.
“What needed to be done. And I won’t apologize for it,” replied with resolution and steel before ripping my arm out of his grasp and continuing my flight out of the palace as the alarm was sounded.
 From somewhere behind me, I could hear that distant cry, the one I had been waiting to hear since my life went up in flames.
 “The king is dead! The king is dead!”
~
Short story taglist, let me know if you’d like to be added or removed:
 @nemowritesstuff ,  @likelyfantasywriterspsychic, @dawnoftheagez,   @orphicodysseywrites,  @hannahs-creations, @writer-candy, @kaylewiswrites, @ravenpuffwriter,  @tenacious-scripturient​, @ofinkblotsandscript,   @mischiefiswritten,   @kespada, @asterannie, @silvertalonwriteblr, @inspiring-prompts, @greenwood-writes,  @wemitodd , @elkatheinkstained, @n1ghtcrwler, @writingiswilde,  @say-no-to-negativity ,  @wordshavings  
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avictimofthejazz · 3 years
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A/N: I’ve had this song stuck in my head for over 36 hours. Now it’s Face and Amy’s problem in American Revolution Verse. It also lets me explore one of my favorite topics: The use of singing in a casual setting as a form of entertainment and a way to pass the time, a habit that has largely been lost since World War II. No, a paper is not currently planned.
Also in this verse, Face and Amy have a long-standing understanding between them that began when they were teenagers. The fulfillment of this agreement has been delayed and waylaid by all manner of trials from Face being forced into the British Army before being betrayed by them and having to go on the run to Amy’s step-father deciding not to honor the original agreement that existed between Amy’s father and Face.
One Morning in May
Only two miles lay between Brumsville and Crabapple Field, the local name for the house and land owned by Margaret Sullivan’s late husband Jacob and now resting in her care by virtue of her adult son living on Long Island and unable to worry about a property in Pennsylvania. The fine spring sunshine, after a winter dominated by blustery days and snow that never seemed to end, tempted Amy Allen to make the walk from her step-father’s house to Crapapple early in the morning. Her only real goal in such a venture came to fruition when Templeton Peck quickly agreed to accompany her into town.
While neither had any desire to linger in Brumsville longer then needed, the gently sloping road twisting through the woods offered plenty of reasons for the couple to dally. Mid-afternoon finally saw them drawing closer to Crabtree with the intent to wind their way to her home. If they waited much longer, her possessive step-father would likely dispatched someone to fetch her, even though she was thirty. Most of the neighbors just shook their heads at the man’s actions, suggesting that at her age he should be grateful she had any attention from a suitor at all.
Arms looped together, they rounded a bend and entered into the orchard that gave Crabapple Field its name. Humming a tune under his breath, Templeton began singing as they passed into the shadiest portion of the path, the air thick with the sweet smell of the blossoms. Amy joined him a few words into the first line. “As I was a walking one morning in May, I spied a young couple a makin’ of hay. O one was a fair maid and her beauty showed clear and the other was a soldier, a bold grenadier.”
Amy dropped off to let Templeton carry the grenadier’s lines, “’Good morning, good morning, good morning’ said he, ‘O where are you going, my pretty lady?’” Templeton winked toward Amy.
She shook her head playfully in reply, “I’m a going a walking by the clear crystal stream, to see cool water glide and hear nightingales sing.” She drew a breath and shifted closer to him with a mischievous smile, “O soldier, o soldier will you marry me?”
Templeton’s grin widened, “O no, my sweet lady that never can be for I’ve got a wife at home in my own country. Two wives and the army’s too many for me!”
They joined together again, both voices straining slightly as they tried to stay on tune, “As I was a walking one morning in May I spied a young couple a makin’ of hay. O one was a fair maid and her beauty showed clear and the other was a soldier, a bold grenadier.”
The final notes dissolved into laughter that rang through the trees. A few minutes later, even that faded and the only sounds that could be heard were the bees busily inspecting the blossoms and birds scolding any squirrel foolish enough to climb near the nests.
Fin.
A/N 2: “One Morning in May”, also know as “The Bold Grenadier” or “The Nightingale” among other names, first appeared in England in the late 1690s. There are multiple versions—some going much more in depth into the wooing or others implying a more purely romantic encounter then the more humorous encounter implied here. I used the short, more commonly recognized version of the lyrics simply because most of the versions I’ve found to listen to use these lyrics and I didn’t want to ramble on forever.
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wizardouxie · 4 years
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deya/callista x human! s/o headcanons !!
request: headcanons for Deya/Callista with a human s/o please??? - anon
never in all the years that she lived
did she ever think 
she’d find a human like you
there was just something different about you
something that set you apart from the others
and frankly? it terrified her at first
she wasn’t supposed to sympathize with humans!
so she started becoming a little more hostile to you 
maybe you were trying to emotionally manipulate her
you probably needed something from her
she didn’t think that you actually liked her for who she was
but you did and you didn’t let her distrust discourage you
in fact it gave you more of an incentive in trying to win her affections
gradually she warmed up to you
and one day began asking you about human things
you of course gladly obliged in giving her answers
turns out her personal favorite thing to find out about humans is the concept of holidays!!
she loved the idea of being with the ones you love and celebrating joyous occasions
just having people around who would tolerate her was something she craved ever since she was a child
you know, having no family and all
so it’s no surprise she didn’t believe you when you invited her to spend the winter holidays with you
“why me? you could spend it with your family or something,”
“but i want to spend it with you,”
she grudgingly accepted your invitation
later on she realized that doing that was probably the best decision she’s ever made
you taught her so many things, like how to decorate a christmas tree, sing carols, and even cook human food (though she personally still preferred socks over mashed potatoes)
throughout everything she felt so honored
just to be included 
she felt like she was wanted by someone
so as the snow began to melt and spring took over, she literally clung onto you
we’re talking lots of hand holding and hugging
cuddle sessions!! and head pats
just anything to keep you close
but she also tried to act aloof 
it’s kind of funny
“sweetheart you need to let go of me!”
“uh huh sure. come on it’s been a whole day since i got to hold you,”
“yeah if there were 30 minutes in a day...”
neither of you exactly confirmed if what was happening between you both was considered a relationship
all you knew was that the feelings were definitely mutual and you didn’t want to change it one bit
also did i ever tell you that she loved making you smile??
she learned from jim that people love flowers
however she wasn’t going to bring you flowers like humans do
nah that’s boring
“can i open my eyes now?”
“not yet! we’re almost there,”
“come onnnn,”
a few more miles and then
“okay we’re here”
dropping your hands you took in the sight in front of you
wow
words couldn’t describe exactly what you felt
instead of bringing you flowers, she brought you with her to a secret flower field in the forest
it was absolutely ethereal
the flowers here weren’t like the ones back in camelot
they were so much more vibrant and beautiful
“like what you see?”
“oh deya, i love it!”
the trollhunter was never one to cry but looking at your smile she really wanted to
you meant so much to her and she could only hope she was able to express that
in fact, a part of her wanted to stay with you here forever
of course that wasn’t possible, she still had a duty to uphold with her people and you were already aware of that
so instead you both decided to make the place your safe haven to go to whenever you both were free
and let me tell you, the best experiences were always at night, when the fireflies lit up the field and the flowers glowed
it just made the two of you feel safe and loved there
little did the both of you know that the story of your love would be passed down to future generations for the next 900 years
the tale of two lovers and their secret flower field.
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cutieodonoghue · 3 years
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Tumblr media
dark gray (12/?)
summary: Killian Jones operates a lighthouse in the middle of nowhere, preferring a life of isolation, until one day a woman and a baby wash up on his little island and change his life forever.
read it on: ao3, ff.net
and also catch up on tumblr!
///
Twelve
Killian startles Emma awake before he can do the honors himself. He settles a bowl of breakfast on the nightstand and then sits on the bed.
"What are you- is everything okay?" She has awful morning breath and a voice to match, but she's never been more lovely, with her ratty golden curls and the pillow scars on her cheek.
"Everything's fine," He smiles because he can't help himself. "I made you breakfast." He gestures to the bowl. "Henry's got a bottle, too, in the kitchen."
Emma's expression softens as he explains and she actually smiles back at him. "Oh. Well, thank you, Killian."
He can't help but admire her, even in the way she yawns and rubs the sand out of her eyes. She scoots upright, stretching a bit, and he still doesn't look away, something she notices.
"You okay?"
Embarrassment colors his face and he shakes his head. "I… I was hoping, maybe, tonight we could go on a date."
Emma stares at him with wide eyes. Obviously, she's confused. "A date?"
Killian pulls on a smile to give himself strength and nods his head. "Aye. A date. Tonight."
"How?" Emma asks. "Kinda… alone on an island."
Killian laughs. "I realize." He searches her face. "Just… trust me with the details. What do you say, love?"
Emma holds her mouth open in thought. He'd imagined this would go much simpler and smoother- especially considering their interactions the day and night before. She'd been eager to share about their pasts and just as delighted to share in his personal space.
"I…" She suddenly breaks out in a grin. "Yeah. Okay."
"Good," Killian smiles back. He leans in to kiss her, but thinks better of it, instead kissing her forehead. "I've got to go tend to some things. I'll be back."
Emma's eyes shine bright at him as he steps away from the bed. He glances down at Henry where he lies in the cradle and bobs his head.
"See you in a bit."
Emma laughs at him, a delightful sound, as he continues to step backward to the door. "See you later."
/
As Emma adjusts to the new day, she realizes that Henry's been unusually quiet, based on the schedule she’s known him to keep. 
With a frown, Emma leans over Henry's cradle and finds him sleeping, his chest rising and falling with a little noise escaping his nose. She presses her hand to his forehead and her frown deepens.
He's warm. Much warmer than he was last night.
Emma's heart rate quickens as her mind races. 
What is she supposed to do? He's too little to give medicine to. Is it even a fever? How is she supposed to know for sure?
Worry clenches tight within her chest, very nearly paralyzing her to the point of staying still.
Quickly, she shakes herself out of it. Killian can help.
She folds her arms against her chest and hurries out of the bedroom into the living area of the little house. Killian isn't anywhere to be found, which isn't a surprise. By now, he’ll probably be in the lighthouse.
She steps into a pair of boots and grabs a coat before she frantically hurries outside, a grimace on her lips at the freezing cold air nipping at her nose. She can see her breath in front of her and she thinks the sky looks like another storm. 
To her luck, Killian is just barely at the lighthouse door, so she calls out his name and he spins around, already making his way to her so she doesn't have to do more work than she needs to.
"What's wrong?" he immediately asks worriedly.
Emma shakes her head. "He... Henry's warm. It's not- I don't think it's normal. I'm worried he's sick."
Killian frowns deeply. "Is he still asleep?"
Emma nods. "Yeah."
His concern carries them both back into the house and into the bedroom, where they both look at the sleeping boy.
Killian feels his forehead. He frowns deeper than before and she can tell he's not satisfied with the temperature of their boy. He looks at her after a moment of contemplation.
“I think we should let him rest. When he wakes up we can try and cool him off with a bath."
Emma nods in agreement. "Okay."
She lets out a worried breath, rubbing her hands down her arms to try and soothe herself. Seeing this, Killian pulls his arm around her middle and kisses her temple.
"He's going to be alright, love."
Emma's stomach churns, but she manages a smile at him. "Okay."
He doesn't look convinced. "We won’t let anything happen. Yeah?"
Emma closes her eyes and presses her hands over her face. "You say that, but look at us, Killian. We're nowhere near anyone who could actually help him and he's so small, I-"
"Hey," Killian holds onto her, forcing her to look him in the eye. "Henry will be fine. We're not going to panic, Emma."
Emma nods weakly. "Okay."
Killian drags his hand over his head and clenches his jaw. "I need to go check on something, but I will be right back, love. I promise."
He's so sure of this, but all Emma can envision is a dark, dark future.
Her stomach aches from worrying and she decides to leave the room, lest she disturb Henry's sleep. 
She can’t help but wonder if this is normal. She isn't even related to Henry and she is out of her mind scared.
Emma sits at the table, staring at a single line of dialogue on a page of a book she'd been reading. 
The day had started so optimistically. They were going to have a date, and maybe that would have led to something good between them, but instead… she's worried about Henry.
It doesn't take very long for the front door to open up with its patented squeak. 
Killian enters with a slight smile on his lips. "It's started to snow."
She manages a smile back at him. "Really?"
He nods and steps out of his boots, takes his coat off, and then comes to join her at the table. "I'm afraid it's officially winter."
Emma chuckles at the melancholy in his tone. "Do you like the winter?"
He shrugs. "It isn't a terrible season. Just unruly."
Emma hums. She stares blankly at the book in front of her again.
She realizes suddenly that Killian has no reason to particularly like winter. He doesn't have anyone to share it with. He doesn't come home to hot chocolate and Christmas movies. He doesn't get into any holiday season cheer. 
There are no festivals or lights. No friends to exchange gifts with. No family to wake up to on Christmas morning.
Emma holds her breath as she looks at him. He's so different than anyone else she's ever been with. She can tell he cares. He isn't lacking in that. But he's still a broken man held together by his clever wit.
"Henry will be fine, love."
She blinks a few times at him. "I hope you're right."
/
They work together to get Henry taken care of all day. 
When he wakes up, he's crying, clearly irritated and maybe a little fearful. He's burning up but clearly has chills and he's got a runny nose.
Killian only warms the water up a little and they bathe Henry together.
He isn't his cute bubbly self, though he does find it hilarious when Killian carries him into the living room with his tiny fist in his mouth while Killian pretends to chomp on him dramatically. 
She's carrying Henry's former outfit and a new diaper along with his old one, and when Killian sets him down on the couch, they function like a well-oiled machine as they redress him.
Henry apparently loves the attention, because he keeps relatively quiet the whole time, his eyes bouncing back and forth between them as they work and speak.
After they change him, he becomes fussy and tired, so Emma holds him and Killian sings until he eventually falls asleep. He's still warm, but not as warm as he had been earlier, so Emma puts him in his little bed and goes to sit by Killian on the couch.
He is comforting in this situation, with his kind voice and his fingers that lace so perfectly with hers. He presses his lips to her head and she rests her cheek against his shoulder.
"What do you think it is?" she asks, voice small. 
His hand strokes at her forearm. It's the most calm she's felt since she woke up this morning.
"Dunno, love," he sighs. "I'd say the flu, but I'm not sure that the symptoms are the same in babies."
She hums. "Could be the flu." She narrows her eyes and gnaws at her lip. They sit in silence for a few moments. "Don't you have stuff to do?"
He sighs. "Aye. But this is more important."
Emma dips her brow, sitting up so she can see him. "He's asleep, Killian. There's not much he can do asleep."
He nods. "But you're very much awake and I know you're taking this hard, so you need me to stay here with you. Keep you company."
Emma's expression softens and she studies his eyes. "Oh."
He smiles gently, lifting his hand to stroke back her hair. "Believe it or not, not all men are arrogant assholes intending to harm you."
Emma has to laugh a little, pulling out a smile from him.
And then realization and memories set in and she feels tears in her eyes. She is suddenly weakened by her past; suddenly thrust into the whole reason she shouldn't be with him in the first place.
She can't stay here. She needs to go home.
Killian is a lone wolf. He won't ever want to leave his work for her, his home for her. He won't ever want to sacrifice this so that he can be with her in Storybrooke, because that's just the kind of man he is. He has his own world and she has hers.
She doesn't blame him for that. She does blame herself for ever collapsing into this relationship. She feels comfortable in his arms. She delights in his laughter and his smiles. He completes the parts of her that hurt, but maybe that's the worst part.
She allows herself these last few days, because soon, they'll be parting ways, and right now, her little boy is sick and the only other person in the world who understands how that feels is holding her hand.
/
Killian’s heart throbs in his throat while he stands at his desk in the lighthouse. He presses his finger against the switch to the radio. The light flickers on.
Clenching his jaw, he fidgets with the settings until he’s satisfied.
There was only one way to find out if all of his tinkering actually worked.
The crackle of the airwaves gives him hope, but when he actually gets a reply to his call, he closes his eyes tight and a breath of air escapes his lungs in relief.
"Mister Smee, it's so good to hear your voice."
"We were going to come check on you, Jones," Smee says with worry. "What happened out there?"
Killian hesitates for a few moments before pressing the call button and speaking. "Radio troubles. Listen… a woman and an infant washed up onto the island a few weeks ago. The baby's fallen ill. I need help as soon as possible."
For a beat after releasing the button, he waits in silence.
"Emma Nolan?"
Killian manages a small smile and nods. His fingers tighten around the receiver. He clears his throat, forcing himself to respond. "Aye. That's her."
"She's all over the news. Her parents have been looking. It's good to hear she's alright."
Killian doesn't respond for a moment. While he couldn’t say for sure that Emma was entirely healed, she was definitely better off to a certain degree. 
"You can get a message to her parents that she's eager to go home to them."
Smee laughs into the radio. "Can do, Jones. I'll be on my way at first light. Wouldn’t be a clean rescue if I came during the storm tonight."
Knowing help is on the way gives him some peace. Now if they can just make it through the night...
"That'll do fine. Thank you, Smee."
/
Emma sits up next to Henry on the floor of the bedroom. 
She hasn't really eaten all day and she's exhausted because it's getting close to midnight, but she needs to watch him. She needs him to be alright.
"Emma?" Killian's voice pulls her from her half-dazed thought. She looks up. He's standing in the doorway with a concerned look in his eyes. "I've made something to eat. If you're interested."
While she’d like to continue to sit on the floor with her legs tingling and her stomach grumbling, she knows she needs a break from watching Henry sleep. 
"Okay."
When she reaches the kitchen, she finds the table set for a romantic dinner for two, a candle in the middle of it all.
Emma turns to Killian, an unasked question on her lips, and he shrugs. "You said you'd go on a date with me."
She has to hide her laughter as he pulls out her chair. When she sits down across from him, he gestures to her bowl.
"Tonight, we'll be dining on stew and bread. An island specialty."
They eat in silence for a few moments, with the exception of a romantic instrumental playing in the background. 
She has to admit, it's a sweet gesture to get her mind off of Henry and what could possibly go wrong.
With a soft sigh, she looks up at him and finds he's staring back at her, nervous.
"So, what have you been up to?"
Killian shifts in his chair and shakes his head. "Not much." He forces a smile. She can tell because it stays at his lips and travels no further. "Been thinking about what a date between us would look like mostly."
Emma scoffs and shakes her head. "Yeah, well, it probably shouldn't look like this."
"Why not?"
Emma shrugs. "It's late at night and I'm… only thinking about Henry. And about how much I want to go home." She sets her spoon down in her bowl and covers her face with her hands. "God, I'm sorry, Killian, I'm really sorry, but I'm just… we can't keep doing this."
"What?"
She removes her hands and her shoulders sink, her heart feeling heavy. "We're playing house."
He immediately stands up, going around the table to kneel beside her chair. He takes her hand and searches her eyes.
"I fixed the radio," he says. Emma's heart jumps in her chest. "So that you can go back home and Henry can get the help he needs, if he needs it."
"You…" Emma struggles to keep the tears from her eyes. "You fixed the radio?"
Killian nods. "Aye." He searches her eyes. "Your parents have been looking for you."
It's all so overwhelming. Emma can't stop the tears from coming and she ends up releasing a harsh breath as she begins trembling just slightly.
"I'm going home?" she asks in a shaky voice.
"Aye. You're going home, love. You and Henry both.” Killian smiles at her. “In the morning, a boat will be here and can take you back to the mainland." He searches her eyes, shaking his head slightly. "And from there, you can hop on a plane home."
He strokes the back of her hand with his thumb.
In all of her excitement, she feels a bittersweet sadness weigh on her chest. She shakes her head. "You're not coming with us?"
For a moment, he just stares at her. He swallows and a smile flinches at his lips. "I… wasn't sure if you'd want such a thing."
Emma shakes her head and sniffles as she catches another tear with her knuckles. "I want you to be happy. If that's here or there…"
Nervously, she stops herself. 
There's a chance he'll say no, that he wants to stay here, and she'd understand, but now that she's certainly going home with Henry in tow, she feels nothing but joy and that joy is tampered knowing who he was before she came into his life.
Killian averts his gaze from her for what feels like an eternity.
She doubts herself and their bond, ashamed that she’d even ask if he wants to join her if he’s this uncertain about it.
And then, he meets her eyes with the gentlest of smiles. 
"You and Henry make me happier than I've been in a long time." Her heart swells at the admission and she feels a hot tear slip down the side of her face. She wipes at it hurriedly. "I'll stay with you. If you'll have me, that is."
She can't help but smile. "Of course I will."
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theofficersacademy · 3 years
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The warmth of the Goddess’ blessing has blanketed the land in a rich array of color, and the people whisper their prayers for the year’s crop to grow bountiful under her care. As they wait, hearts and minds turn to thoughts of love and friendship, women weaving fresh petals into lush garlands as gifts for close friends, or to court the attention of a hopeful lover.
With the warmer weather comes more activity along the continent’s coastline, however. The city of Enbarr, the capital of the Adrestian Empire, has long enjoyed its position as the largest and wealthiest port of southern Fódlan. Its reputation for safe and secure trade has been called into question though after a recent string of stolen shipments occurred in Adrestian waters. The Church has heard the desperate pleas of the people, and now sends you to investigate the matter and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Black Eagles Mission: Investigate the thefts!
Welcome to TOA’s first house-centric mission season since April! This season’s mission will be focused on the Black Eagle house, but there are also non-mission tasks available as well. (Please see the FAQ for details on how this works, even if you’ve read the FAQ before.)
Aside from the BE mission, there are other fun things taking place! This season will run from Garland Moon to Blue Sea Moon in TOA canon, but since it’s November-December in real life, some of our non-mission tasks are going to be in honor of the holidays (Fódlan celebrates Thanksgiving in June and Christmas in July)! Take a look!
BE Mission Task Board
Enbarr, the Imperial Capital, the crowning jewel of Fódlan, the place where Saint Seiros first alighted on this continent, the genesis of all civilization… A city that predates the Empire itself is bound to be filled with rich history and places to see. Take advantage of his opportunity and see what you can find!
The merchants, based on their personal experience, claim that the attackers were simply pirates, with no specific targets except for anyone with potential loot. Their stories share one consistent fact: that the pirates flew a yellow banner, bearing the emblem of a brown horse leaping over a lemon. They would investigate, if only they had the funds and supplies. Hey–so long as you’re bothering them all the time, why not help them out? Time is money, and you’re wasting theirs!
The nobility, having done their own investigations, claim that they have spotted ships flying a flag with a very specific emblem on it, one that originates from the Dagdan continent. They’ve always considered this truce with Dagda to be a fragile one at best, and the youngest of the group are itching for a chance to go to war. They’re also not too happy about potentially sharing the glory–you’ll have to work whatever magic you have if you want them to give up anything valuable.
You’ve learned about defensive structures from studying the battlements of Garreg Mach, but Enbarr offers a fresh perspective on city defense in an area that you’ve had little opportunity to study: defending against attacks from the sea. Enbarr’s city-watch has gladly allowed students and faculty of the Officers Academy to marvel at their state-of-the-art onagers, crucial for fending off enemy ships. It’s a unique opportunity, so you better not squander it! [Bows +1]
One way or the other, you find yourself on a ship to patrol Enbarr’s shores. It’s a tense journey, to be sure, and you watch as the sailors frequently look out to the ocean for the marauders. An alarm bell rings above you, and the crew erupts in a panic. “They’re here! They’re coming!” None of your professors have ever taught you how to fight on a boat, but sometimes experience is the best teacher. Hope you’re a quick study! [Any Weapon +1]
NEW! At last there’s a breakthrough in the investigation. A patrol brings news of an isle off the northern coast that seems to have some sort of habitation, evinced by the boats seen coming to and from the place. You’re sent to check it out from a safe distance and report your findings to the Knights of Seiros. The ocean, however, has other plans, and a sudden storm turns the waters rough as you enter the shallows. Whether you’ve planned for it or not, you’ve found yourself washed ashore this island... There’s smoke rising from the trees in the distance. Good news? Probably not. [Grants Gauntlet +1]
NEW! There’s a smaller isle off the coast of the larger one, and at a glance it seems to be nothing more than a collection of rocks. Someone in your party insists on investigating it, and sure enough... it’s an island made entirely of jagged rock. But before you shove off again to spend your time more wisely, you stumble across what appears to be a trapdoor buried beneath the stone. Inside? A treasure cache of gold, odd trinkets, and - strangely - a ridged, bone-white weapon that bears a resemblance to one you’ve seen before...
Non-Mission Task Board
The Garland Moon has come once again and brings, well, the garlands! The Pages of the Blessed Incunabula, a book club, is hosting their annual costume contest! Dress as your interpretation of characters from songs and stories and enter to see if you win! There is a category for each house, encouraging students to use their own country’s folktales. Winners get the special Lion’s Garland, a gigantic wreath of flowers that is traditionally refused by the victor and granted instead to a close friend or (potential) lover. Make your costume and fantasize about who you’ll give the Garland to (or grumble about why you can’t keep it for yourself).
Have you been searching for a hobby that blends your singing talent and love for melodrama? Well, search no more! Thespian blood runs through your veins, and the Garreg Mach Theatre Club is in need of fresh meat–ah, members–to fill their ranks for the Choir Festival! Whether you’re singing your heart out, building the sets, or making constant references to your favorite opera, help put on a musical rendition of The Lament of Saint Macuil! [Faith or Authority +1]
The Inter-House Reception is a traditional event on the 29th of the Garland Moon intended to bring down walls between students of different backgrounds at the academy. This year, it’s a grand feast in a potluck style! Bring your own dishes to the dining hall and share with all your friends. Try not to poison them though.
Wild beasts have been spotted in great flocks outside the walls of Garreg Machs. The giant birds don’t seem to be gathering to attack the monastery, but the Church can’t be too careful. Go figure out what’s been calling the creatures to the fields in such large numbers, but try not to be maimed for inciting their territorial defense. Befriend them, hunt them, or maybe even try to tame them -- good luck! [grants Flying or Riding +1]
NEW! The Rite of Rebirth is one of the most important days of the year, and in some ways also one of the most dangerous. With the Holy Tomb open to visitors for a single day, security needs to be tight to handle the massive crowds coming from all over the continent. Students with availability have been asked to help patrol. Hopefully no one causes a commotion. [Grants Lance +1]
NEW! There’s a special tea brewed for the Rite of Rebirth. The leaves must be kept fresh, so there’s no stock of them in the monastery. Archbishop Rhea calls a handful of students with free time to venture into the mountains to gather the incandescent flowers that grow at its peak. The mountain is under protection of the monastery and frequently patrolled by the Knights so the trek should not be dangerous. But as you near the top, you find that snow has blanketed the peak. Even stranger than that are the houses built out of ice, though no one seems to live here. Is this the work of magic or... something else? Whatever the case, you decide to take some time to enjoy this mid-summer winter wonderland.
NEW! As the sky is believed to be the home of the Goddess, the stars are thought to be the souls who have departed this world to join her. With the shorter nights, the Blue Sea Moon is the month when the barrier between the world of mortals and the world of the divine is thought to be the thinnest. Late at night, when the sun has finally disappeared completely, the people of Fódlan take some time to commune with their departed loved ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the divided task board work?
This season’s mission is assigned to the Black Eagles. Therefore, tasks from the ‘BE Mission Task Board’ must be undertaken by someone that is affiliated with the Black Eagles.
Tasks from the ‘Non-Mission Task Board’ have no house restriction and can be undertaken by anyone.
These aren’t the only threads I can do, right?
Of course not! These are just prompts to help give some ideas of possibilities. You’re always free and encouraged to make up your own threads. You’re also more than welcome to worldbuild on your own, using these prompts as a base.
How do I claim the skill points?
In order to qualify for the skill point, the thread must clearly allude to the listed task and preferably feature the task being completed; however, the point can still be claimed even if your muses narratively fail the task (failure is sometimes just as fun to write as success, after all). You do not need to message the masterlist to claim your skill point.
Can I only do one task?
Nope, you can do as many as you’d like with as many different partners as you’d like! You can do the same task with more than one person! However, you can only claim the skill point for each task once.
What if my partner leaves or drops a skill point thread?
If the dropped thread has at least 2 notes (not counting likes, only reblogs with replies in them) and you have hit at least 400 words on your end, you may still claim the skill point.
Remember to use (and track!) the #toa open tag for any open threads, and you can also post a link to your open thread on the appropriate Discord channel! If you have any other questions or concerns, shoot us a message through the masterlist or on Discord!
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shinobirain24 · 3 years
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Water and Ice- Chapter 10: Vale
After the Fall of Beacon
Weiss was back to the Schnee Manor, since Beacon Academy have fallen at the hands of Grimm. All she could do now is just look at her window where airships are flying by. The mansion is nothing but a silent place. The only time there when she has a conversation is when her close confidante and butler, Klein is called to let her know that her father calls. She wishes her sister would be there to assure her that everything will be alright. But the truth is, it isn't. Now Winter is still with the Atlas Military to find some answers about the Fallen Event. The house, no the manor is nothing more than a prison in her father's presence. Her brother minding his own business complaining about his sisters' "barbaric" huntsmen training.
The worse part of the chaos is when she is seeing her friends injured, scared, and sad. Some classmates crying over the loss of their teammates and loved ones. Such horrific images still stuck in her head. Ruby running up to the tower of Beacon to save their friend, Pyrrha Nikos whose battle cannot be won against a formidable foe. Blake, happened to be stabbed on the side of her abdomen. And Yang, whose left arm was cut off trying to help Blake against an enemy. Her teammates are more like sisters to her since the day they formed a team; Team RWBY. It was their first time at the Vytyl Festival, and their enemies have ruined it.
The other worse part of the Fall, is that her father, Jacques have showed up in his ship. "Father?" She said in shock. But her ankles have shaken. But she tried her best to keep her composure. Yang, still lying on the ground, injured. Watches in sadness to see her friend leave. Neptune notices some red flags judging by the slight reaction of Weiss seeing her father. "Time to go, Daughter. There's no use in staying in this useless obstruction." Jacques said coldly. Making the students shocked of what he was saying. Neptune gently grabbed her wrist as she reluctantly walked towards him.
"Hey, you don't have to." He insisted. Making Weiss flustered. But she shook her head and pulled away her hand. "Sorry, everyone. I have to go." She apologized.
"Don't make me warn you again, Weiss." He sounded more serious. That's when Nora Valkyrie, a ginger-haired girl with a black sweater vest, white shirt and pink skirt came to her defense that Weiss wasn't asking for to not cause trouble for them. "Hey, old man! She doesn't have to go if she doesn't want to! So why don't you just pack up and leave?!" Nora yells at him. As her friend Ren, a raven-haired boy tried to intervene before she hurts anybody.
"Yeah! Go home before we make you sorry!" Sun backed up.
"Weiss, come on." Neptune offers to take her away from the conflict. But seeing how ruthless and powerful her father was, she knew things would be worse for her friends if she resists. She takes one look at Neptune one last time before departure. "I'm sorry, I have to go. There's nothing we can do now. However, I wish you all safe." Weiss stepped inside the ship before it lifts off.
Back in the Manor
Weiss is sitting on her bed waiting for her sister to at least come home for a visit to feel better. Everywhere she goes in the manor, her father has constant eyes. Then a knock on the door. It was her butler, Klein. Despite working under her father, he was the closest friend and father figure Weiss had been close to when she was younger. He didn't like the way Jacques have treated his daughter. So he tried his best to keep her happy while keeping in low profile. "Ms. Schnee."
"Yes, Klein?"
"I believe this letter is for you. I must say, I never thought you'd be getting letters since you left for Beacon. Let me know if there's anything I can do."
"Thank you, Klein." She nods after Klein have left for other occupations around the household. Weiss then looks at the letter, there was no return address. But she opened it to see who the letter belongs to by reading it.
"Hey Snow Angel,
How have you been? I was wondering if you're okay. I know it wasn't the best time writing to you this letter. Pretty awkward, right? I know we haven't spoken much since the Vytyl Festival. What I saw what you did back then, was pretty amazing. I know things are hard for us all, my team and I went back to Mistral for some recuperation. Sun left to find Blake because she felt ashamed for what happened to Yang. It must feel worse being separated from your own team. And believe me, it gets worse to lose someone you cared for. Trust me, I may be not look like I did. But I felt that before, because I lost someone important to me a long time ago. When it's winter, the snow reminded me of you. How the breeze flows like your hair, your eyes glamour like the icy waters. When you fight, I can see you soar like the swan. When you sing, it brought such a gentle melody in the air. Like the moonlight hearing your call. The truth is, I just missed you. You became the first woman to have approach me with a smile. Keep that smile to fight the good fight. Things will get better when your team gets back together. Trust me, blood or not, family is about bonds that are shared. Like how Sun ,Scarlet and Sage have been brothers to me. Right now, Scarlet is kinda angry at Sun for leaving without telling us. As for Sage, mostly silent. They didn't take this very well. But I could understand what Sun is trying to do.
P.S.
If there's any chance you visit Mistral, I'll be happy to show you around for some time."
-Neptune.
Weiss is then blushing at his words he wrote to her. Like the blossoms falling from the wintery weather. Looking at the window. At the shattered moon. Her eyes closed in happiness, that someone have written to her. It have given her hope for the day she will be free from the patriarchal prison.
"Neptune." She thought. "Thank you." She then placed her lips on the letter as a sign of luck.
Ever since you wrote me this letter, it set me free. Actually, you have set me free. I know now that I cannot depend on Winter anymore.
Weiss thought back about that night she received the letter. She picked it up from her satchel and read it secretly without him knowing it on the ferry. She then hid it away. The letter may be a few years old, but it is still the treasure she has held. Sitting on the bench next to Neptune who is looking down on the floor. She scooted towards him and has her hand over his to keep him company. Much to his relief.
"Are you exciting to see her?" She asked.
"Well, I haven't seen her for months. She would basically check on my health every time I came home from Haven for summer vacations. What about you? What did you do when school was out?" Asked Neptune.
"Mostly at home. Back when I was an heiress, there was absolutely nothing but studies and tutoring 24/7." Weiss sighed. "Now that Whitely is the new heir to the Schnee Dust Company, I don't see the point of staying in the mansion." Now as a former heiress, Weiss is even ashamed at her own name since it was in ruins, no thanks to the man who fathered her and her siblings. "Still, I hope he does better than my father. Cause the last time he ever run the company, he got what he deserved, an orange jumpsuit." Weiss joked. Reminding her the time she read the headlines in the newspaper. Where the newspaper shows an image of him in an orange jumpsuit. And his mustache and hair got all messy having not been groomed for months after. Given a life sentence due to Winter being given the position as the new leader of the Atlas Military. And she wasn't going to let him out anytime soon.
"Seriously, that's hilarious!" Chuckled Neptune.
"I know, right?! I doubt Winter is going to let him off easy. Even if he is our father, he is beyond redemption." Weiss points out.
"That's insane coming from him." Neptune commented. They both laughed. "Are you sure about coming with me on this one?" He asked. Thinking of whether or not that Weiss is sure she wants to help him out of the situation she already put herself in.
"Of course, I do. I am not backing down on this one." Weiss assured him. Then she decides to change the subject. "Your parents are nice." She compliments. Making Neptune glanced at her and smiled. "They're the best. Dad can be kinda busy at times when Jupiter looks after us. But he's also an expert at amplifying weapons. As for Mom, straight but also lovable. She won multiple cases and a zero loss whether she's the prosecutor or the defender."
"A lawyer, huh? Yeah, she told me that. It was amazing of how hard she works." Weiss said. Looking back at the environment Neptune have lived in, it was all normal. Like many families, there could be arguments, but can be resolved later on. How parents could be supportive. How siblings do things together. She felt slightly jealous that she wishes it could've been this way if her family was never rich. Winter have told her some tales about their maternal grandfather before he went into retirement. A nobleman who works in honor of his own father when he left a small amount of his inheritance to create the Schnee Dust Company. She never met him, but was aspired to bring honor of his lineage. But after she was revoked from her inheritance, she decides to no longer bear the Schnee name, she will be just Weiss. But will still use her semblance in his honor.
Unbeknownst to them, there was a man hiding from the front row of the ship and took pictures of them both. Then they heard the click. "Did you hear that?" Asked Weiss.
"Yeah, I heard that too." Jolted Neptune.
"It sounded like a camera." Then the man was nearly caught but hid his face from behind. "Please tell me someone else is spying on us?"
"That's weird. Maybe we're just hearing things." Weiss shaken. "Or maybe there could be someone on the ship."
"We might have to keep an eye out. I have a bad feeling about this." Neptune points out. Looking at the mirror hanging on the ceiling of the ship where it shows the man still hidden without knowing that Neptune is glancing. "If we could just play it cool like nothing happen, that's when he or they'll let their guard down." He whispers. "We'll wait until the boat stops and we run for it and get lost." Weiss nods. Gripping his hand in nervousness. In theory, there could be anyone who heard the news and wanted them for their bounty. Or worse, assassination. But the general was never the type to put their head on the bounty. But rather to bring those alive. And Weiss knows that there is still heart that her sister would never be tempted to murder someone.
The ferry stops at Vale City. The kingdom where Beacon Academy was still underdevelopment after the students transferred to Shade Academy for catching up the semester. "Here it is. Vale." As the citizens are walking off the ship. Weiss and Neptune walked further and carefully listening to the footsteps the man is making. They cannot make a glance at him, or the worse can happen. They walked faster until they hid the alleyway and lost him at last. "He's gone." He sighed, much to their relief. Getting lost in the crowd means the man have gotten confused and went to search somewhere else.
Vale Hospital
Neptune and Weiss have made an appointment in an attempt to meet Ceres. With claims of a fever. Once the nurse have called them from the waiting room. They have entered the office. The door opened, to Neptune's surprise, it was a blue-haired and eyed woman. With a curly ponytail. A lab coat with a sweatshirt and brown skirt under. Reading glasses above her bangs. "Hello, I'm Dr. Ceres Vasilias. And I have been informed of..." The doctor was cut off when Neptune reveals himself.
"Sis, it's me." He interrupted.
"I beg your pardon, sir?" The doctor tilted in confusion. Until Neptune removed his hood and goggles. "Nep...tune?" She questioned.
"Yeah, it's me." The she overchecks him for any injuries. As the youngest of five siblings, Neptune was the one they could mostly be worried about. "Oh my gosh, are you okay?! Are you hurt?! Are you injured?! Did you have water on your ears and eyes again?! I swear you'll go deaf if this happens!" Neptune breaks away from him before she gets exhausted. "Hey, hey, hey! I'm fine. There's no need to freak out." He assured him, knowing his sister, she's always worried for his wellbeing after what happened with Jupiter.
"Oh. Sorry, it's been months, you have no idea how freaked I got when I got promoted." Sighed Ceres. She then walks over to the door. Looking in both ways before locking the door. "Anyway, you shouldn't be here. There are men looking for you." She said , worryingly. "I know, I just want to see how are you, Sis." Could she blame him for checking on his family. Normally, she would tend his injuries.
"Ever since Haven Academy fell, I wasn't sure if attending Shade is a good idea since there is a lot of rogues in the streets. But seeing you coming back alive, it was a relief." Ceres explains. She has been scared hearing him going to Shade. But then again, where else can he study with Beacon and Haven gone, and Atlas' borders being shut down. Shade has become the best option to fight for survival. She then turned to Weiss. "Wait a sec, let me guess. Former heiress of the Schnee Dust Company?" She guessed. And Weiss shamefully nods. But she straights her face up for an introduction.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, you are probably aware for who I am."
"I wouldn't mind. I never thought my little brother would bag you up." Teased Ceres.
"Seriously, you too?!" Neptune protested. And Weiss covered her face while feeling the heat.
"Oh well. By the way, don't tell me you went on a mission to find Jupiter, didn't you?" She asked, sternly. After telling him not to take the mission to have the police involve. But Neptune disobeyed that request and went on. But being a huntsmen, it's an instinct. At least what Ceres can understand. "Sorry, Ceres. I just wanted to be sure it was him."
"I get it, you're desperate. But do you have any idea what this have cost me?" Ceres stared at him in the eye. "There were policemen questioning me for your whereabouts."
"It's called instincts, I have a feeling that the police can't get their facts right if they still think he's dead." Neptune argued. Then again, the police have already given up the search again since the huntsmen were called to Poseidon Island to search for the Thunderbolts. Which upsets her to think they would reopen the case. "You're right, it's pointless to have them involve. You're lucky you're wearing a disguise. Still it would be a good idea to dye your hair and change your name. But I can give you some plastic surgery." She suggested. But Neptune wants none of it.
"And ruin my looks? No way." He shook his head.
"Fine. By the way, there were sightings of Jupiter and his team being made in the news." Ceres points out, which got her brother perked up to hear the name of their older brother. "I heard that he's somewhere in the Emerald Forest. The thing is, the Thunderbolts have been digging up. Looking for something. It has to be some kind of relic, perhaps." She theorizes.
"We'll check it out ourselves." Neptune then embraces his sister before parting ways. "It's great to see you again, Sis."
"Me too, bro. Me too. If anyone asked, I didn't see anything." Ceres told him, and Neptune nods. "Now, hurry before the security finds out." She ushered, prompting him and Weiss to exit the building.
Later on, they made a reservation for a hotel room for the night. The room has white walls for each side. Glass shower windows. Brown curtains with the soft texture. Separate beds with white sheets and pillows. Pretty much three-star level of a hotel. But enough to stay for a few days until they get what they came for. "At least this way, we can take a break." Weiss sighed.
"Pretty much. It's great to see that Ceres is doing well. We should be searching for Jupiter tomorrow. There's a good chance he could be there. Or another moon stone." Neptune plopped onto the bed close to the window. While Weiss slightly opens the curtain to see if there's any police or any militia force around. "Looks like nothing came around yet. We should be safe for tonight." Weiss said. Knowing that they cannot hide forever. Even with their scrolls destroyed, there are still chances that sightings will be linked. "Looks like being huntsmen wasn't easy for anyone."
"No doubt about it." Then his stomach growls, all the walking and traveling have gotten him empty. Struck with hunger. Weiss then notices. "Wow, I'll bet all this trouble have gotten us starving. Tell you what, I'll be getting us something to eat while you stay here." Weiss offers. Not wanting to risk him getting caught.
"Are you sure about this? I don't think it's safe for you to go out walking today." Neptune objects to the idea.
"I'll be fine. There's nothing to worry about. You need to keep in low profile for now." Neptune wanted to come along, but then again, he might be recognized. They don't have the scrolls to call each other to ensure each other's safety. But Neptune need s someone he can trust with his goals. He cannot call his team, it'll also cost them to be arrested for harboring a fugitive. For now, Weiss is the only person he can rely on.
"Okay, just be careful." He told her. And Weiss nods walking out of the room to grab some grub. After Weiss bought some appetizers from a restaurant, she then takes routes in the city to make sure she isn't followed. But it backfired when she heard footsteps in the alleyways. It grew louder. It was a sign that there is a stalker on the loose. She then makes a step ahead to levitate with her glyphs to the top of an apartment building. Running on the roof until the mysterious shadow threw roses at her as she deflects them. Pedals have been torn apart from the stems of black thorns.
"How delightful to see you again, mi belleza de nieve." His voice is deep with the accent. Weiss is stunned to hear a voice she never wants to hear for a while. Then man is dressed in a black jumpsuit, with a mask and hood covering his mouth. A red scarf tied to his waist containing a whip and a toledo sword. "There's no point hiding in that mask. I know who you are, Carlos Vega." She said furiously. He then chuckled uncovering that hood of his. "How wonderful that you recognized me. I believe your father would like to have a word with you. If you can come with me." He extended his hand towards her. But Weiss backs off in refusal. "But he's in jail. There's just no way."
"On the contrary, I helped him escape. Yes it was me, Specialist Carlos Vega. The supreme graduate student of Atlas Academy. Heir to the Vega Corporation."
"Nobody cares, Vega. And by the way, I want nothing to do with my father. And when my sister finds out you broke him out. She'll lock you up for good." Weiss paces around him and has her hand on the Myrtenaster in case he is ready to attack. Shoot, I should've warn her about him. I forgot about him for so long, I never want to remember him at all. She thought. She then felt pain in her shoulder. Causing her to look down and saw a rose pierced into her shoulder. "What the-?! She winced. her body feeling weak as the eyesight got blurry.
"Unfortunately, you are clearly unaware of what my semblance was. My rose is extremely, poisonous. Once a rose is pinned into your body, the poison will stream into your veins and you'll be weak. I call it the Death Amor." Described Carlos.
No, I have to fight back. Neptune is waiting for me. I cannot let Carlos him near him. Otherwise we're done for.
"Please understand that I am doing this, all in the name of admiration." Carlos said in a sweet tone. Disgusting Weiss.
"Admiration? I call it sickening." Weiss retorted. She then dashed at the heir to clash his sword. Pushing each other away. Carlos then throws ten roses for defense. But Weiss blocks them all while dodging them with her glyph.
Carlos has the upper hand swinging his whip catching Weiss in the air. Pulling her back down on the roof. But Weiss cuts his whip but another rose is thrown into her abdomen. "Ah!" She winced again. But she is still standing. "Nice try, I'm not going to give up that easily!" Carlos spun and sings his blade. Crossing blades against her. But Weiss smacks him with a handle. But he tumbled back. While Weiss tries to knock his sword off his hands. Lunging him and it was a success. "Give it up, Vega. You have no chances of winning...Dah!" Weiss stumbles back and saw another rose on her right arm. She tries to take them all off, but they were too strong. They are stuck. Weiss collapse to the ground, still trying to fight the poison.
The former heiress pushes herself to get up, but she fell back down. Staring at Carlos with a glare. "Too bad, mi belleza de nieve. It looks like I'll be taking you after all." He taunted. Weiss' vision got all foggy and then all goes black for a moment.
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meloncholor · 4 years
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Writing Masterlist (4/7/2020 Update)
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Blog Exclusive
Trevor, You’re an Idiot - Trevor and Sypha try and name their first child.
Christmas Memories (Part 1) - (Prompt) A fluffy story about Trevor, Adrian, and my Bloodborne character name Ezio giving each other simple presents for Christmas and talking about their lonely past.
Reading - Trevor Reading over Sypha’s shoulder to annoy her.
Come to Bed - Sypha is an early riser and Trevor is a lazy boi; Sypha snores and it sounds like purring
Please Put Me Down - Trevor can speak french; Sypha gets injured and Trevor has to carry her
Remembrance - Trevor opens up to Sypha emotionally.
Mi Oso - Sypha tries to teach Trevor Spanish
Dog Days - Sypha brings in a stray German Shepard because it’s scruffy and soft and it reminds her of Trevor.
Magic Spider - Trevor and Sypha have to decide who kills the spider.
Birthday With the Dirty Boy - Trevor’s birthday.
Star Children - Sypha and Trevor looking at the stars.
Winter’s Bounty - Trevor makes a cloak like his for Sypha.
Your Laugh is Funny - Sypha is ticklish.
Goodbye, I Guess - Trevor visits his parents’ graves with Alucard and Sypha.  
Castlevania Mafia AU - Just what the title says.
Osito - Trevor asks why Sypha calls him that.
Birthday Girl - Trevor celebrates Sypha’s Birthday
Finish - Carmilla and Godbrand hate s*x. (Lemon)
In Bed Alone - Trevor isn’t feeling great.
A First - Elinore’s first words.
Singer - Trevor asks Sypha to sing for him.
Destino - Trevor likes Sypha’s singing.
Castlevania Warmup #1 - Elinore goes hunting.
House Call - Lisa treats a young Trevor.
How Lovely to See You Again - Vlad greets his wife (reader) when she gets home.
It’s Alright, I’m Here - You wake from a nightmare and Trevor comforts you.
Training Pains - The Belmont kids train together
No Matter the Cost - Vlad would do anything for you.
All for You - Reader and Vlad spend some quality time together.
Archive of Our Own
General
Warm - Trevor and Sypha share a moment by the fire. (Lemon)
A Snowy Relief - Sypha and Trevor have fun in the snow
Thunderstorm Blues - Sypha gets hurt by a night creature, Trevor is left to watch over her
An Unexpected Fortune - Trevor and Sypha have to share one bed at an inn. (Lemon)
A Few Drinks Together - Sypha insists on coming with Trevor to the bar. (Lemon)
A Cottage In The Woods - Alucard pays a visit to the Belmonts after a long time away.
You’re a Mean One, Ms. Carmilla - Carmilla calls on Hector when she’s bored (Lemon) (TW: R*pe/Non-con)
One Lie -Trevor nearly drinks himself into a coma
Old Friends - Trefor visits the new home of Leon Belmont
Castlevania 2185 - The gang breaks into Vlad Inc.
The Hanged Man’s Prize - You are hired by the famous crime lord Vlad Tepes, and his interests start to reach far beyond the scope of your duties. (Lemon)(Incomplete)
Hidden Charms -  Alucard likes SOME things about Trevor. (Incomplete)
Grace - Trevor saves you from a witch-burning and you are left with the aftermath of what you’ve seen.
Indulgences - Trevor is a filthy dirt man who only functions on spite, even when it’s to his detriment. Alucard fixes this.
Fifty Shades of Carmilla - Hector and Carmilla have a tit for tat relationship
I’m Waiting, My Lord -  Trevor Belmont is the only son of the poor noble house Belmont, he's invited into the service of King Vladimir Tepes after the death of his ailing wife and is assigned to be the retainer of Prince Adrian along with the court magician Sypha Belnades, and the Prince has plans of his own for his personal knight.
People Watching (Complete) - You and Vlad have a falling out.
Belinda and Leandra Belmont - Exploring Trevor’s parentage
Light Reading - Sypha finds a book on vagina spells.
Mother Dearest - Sypha finds a journal on Trevor’s Grandmother.
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Blog Exclusives
Tone Deaf - Kyoka/Bakugo AU where they’re musicians
Seeing Stars - BNHA boys smoking weed and girls dropping acid.
Dancing Queen - Todomomo trying to learn to salsa dance.
I Didn’t Know - All Might forces Endeavor to reconnect with his family.
Torment - Students find a bottle of Aizawa’s scotch.
An Early Morning - Emi and Aizawa’s morning with Kiwa.
Please Stop Asking Me - Emi is the first to push for kids.
Bakugo’s Lament - Bakugo explains why he didn’t become a villain.
Unpolished Kiribaku Warmup - The family goes shopping.
BNHA Kyoka/Kaminari Warmup - They’re hanging out.
Little Wonders - Ochako and Izuku in their home.
Parent-Teacher Conference - Emi and Aizawa are asked to come to Kiwa’s school.
Save Me - All Might almost drowning, based on the scene from Aladdin.
A Forgotten Memory - Enji and Yagi before everything changed.
Archive of Our Own
Two Bros in a Hot Tub and They’re Definitely Gay - Kirishima visits the number 2 hero Bakugo in his expensive home (Lemon)
Mom Swap - Katsuki and Izuku switch moms, that’s it.
Mom - Mitsuki visits her son in the hospital
Tired - She hasn’t seen Shoto in a while
Is this a Porno? - Izuku doesn’t think Mei has a medical degree… (Lemon)
Holding a Vigil - Momo waits for Shoto
Alice in Wonderland - Izuku has conflicted feelings when he sees Hitoshi at a strip club. (Lemon)
A Memory Preserved - Toshinori and Enji have passed their times in the limelight, it’s time for them to finally talk about what happened.
A Knight’s Honor - Fantasy AU; Bakugo and Midoriya spar.
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Blog Exclusives
Spoken through Pen Strokes - Charthur fluff.
Just a Little Bit Longer - Jovier Fluff.
Sunny Days (Part One) - Charthur Fluff
Happy Valentine’s Day Arthur - Albert pays a visit.
What Once Was - Arthur finding out about his ex-wife and son.
Dance With Me - Dutch asks Hosea to Dance.
Charthur Warmup - Pure Fluff.
Wasted Opportunity - John is an idiot.
Again? - John can’t sleep.
You’re Always A Party - Sean and Karen go on a date.
Archive of Our Own
Two Sides of the Same Coin -  Albert Mason is a fool.
She’s All I’ve Got -  Hosea has to save Dutch from her brothers.
Soaked to the Bone -  John takes Javier fishing.
Starry-Eyed - Arthur gets distracted while Charles is tracking animals.
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Blog Exclusives
Anwar and Nadia Warmup - Nadia tries serving traditional Haitian food.
Muriel and Lillian Short - She likes playing in his hair.
Trouble in Paradise - Lucio isn’t paying enough attention to Ophelia.
Noise - Lillian has a panic attack.
Another Warmup - Avina has trinkets Asra’s never seen.
Dandelion Bouquet - Julian gets an idea.
Archive of our Own
General
Mala -  Lillian takes Muriel to her favorite shop, and then she meets a new friend.
A Short Reprieve -  Lucio and Ophelia are late for a banquet.
Here in the Garden - Julian has to walk through the woods to get home, and on his way intrigues the interest of the woman who makes her home there.
Arcana Thirst
Let My Love Adorn You - Ophelia’s sanctuary is invaded. (Lemon)
Greeting the Sun -  Anwar and Nadia spend the morning together. (Lemon)
Deviating Divination -  Avina gets home late with her supplies. (Lemon)
Sanctuary - Lillian wants to give something to Muriel. (Lemon)
Be My Muse - Donovan is having an art block, Julian helps. (Lemon)
I Missed Your Warmth - Monica comes to visit Portia during a snowstorm. (Lemon)
A Nightmare’s Only Cure - Nadia has a nightmare. (Lemon)
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Archive of Our Own
A Lone Sword - Alistair and Leliana have a short conversation about their leader. (Dragon Age)
Sharing - Sten wants to give the Warden a small gift for returning his sword. (Dragon Age)
Gift of a Sword - Valmiro finds out what Kadan means (Incomplete)(Dragon Age)
Romantic Philistine - Catria and Lukas sneak away from camp (Fire Emblem: Echoes)
Shhh… -  Python and Forsyth forgot to be quiet. (Fire Emblem: Echoes)(Lemon)
Apples -  Catria and Lukas share breakfast. (Fire Emblem: Echoes)
Black Wine and Good Times -  Genji is escaping the mansion for at least a little while, he meets a stranger in a bar. (Overwatch)
Missing You - Genji finds out Jesse is coming home. (Overwatch)
Sickness -  Carol is a bit unsettled when she couldn’t grant wishes for a period of time, she goes to Strange for help. (MCU)
The Entrance - Grim is waiting in jail, he gets saved by an elf and he really likes what he sees (Kingdoms of Amalur)
It Was You All Along - Geralt has to rediscover feelings after the jinn takes some away. (The Witcher)
Secret Stash - Shane is invited to a barn party. (Stardew Valley)
Spoils of Conquest - Sawyer just wants Max and Felix to get along.(Outer Worlds)
The Quietest Nights - Forsyth realizes he might miss Python. (Fire Emblem)
The Witch Who Set This Flame (Personal Favorite) -  Tulma, an Altmer from a farm near Ivarstead, is contacted by the Thalmor to be an inside source on the happenings of Ulfric Stormcloak. Things don't go as planned and the Dragonborn will get justice.
Blog Exclusives
Another Geralt/Dandelion Warmup - Shameless fluff (The Witcher)
Final Defiance - Geralt fights a crudok. (The Witcher)
Spookfest 2019
Halloween Prompt #1 - Ophelia and Lucio go for a walk.
Halloween Prompt #2 - Donovan gives an autumn gift to Julian.
Halloween Prompt #3 -  Symone and Elinore freak out over losing a grimoire.
Halloween Prompt #4 -  Lillian has a bad habit of bringing home animals.
Halloween Prompt #5 -  Izuku and Bakugo go to a haunted location.
Halloween Prompt #6 -  Emi surprises Kiwa
Halloween Prompt #7 -  Avina gets flustered.
Halloween Prompt #8 -  Charles and Arthur go hunting.
Halloween Prompt #9 - Sam tricks Dean and Cas
Halloween Prompt #10 - Dean doesn’t realize what he’s done. (TW: Gore).
Thanksgiving 2019
Thanksgiving Prompt #1 - Anwar and Nadia Short
Thanksgiving Prompt #2 - Trevor and his Mother
Thanksgiving Prompt #3 - Elinore, Elias, and Symone Belmont
Thanksgiving Prompt #4 - Avina and Asra
Thanksgiving Prompt #5 - Clair doesn’t like eating flour.
Thanksgiving Prompt #6 - Ophelia and Lucio
Thanksgiving Prompt #8 - Leandra and Belinda
Thanksgiving Prompt #9 - Dean and Cas
Thanksgiving Prompt #10 - Geralt and Dandelion
Christmas 2019
Feliz Navidad a Los Muertos - Javier is missing what used to be his home.
Winterfest Prompt #1 - Jaskier has a habit of predicting things.
Winterfest Prompt #2 - Nadia and Anwar curl up in front of the fireplace.
Winterfest Prompt #3 - Lillian brings gifts for everyone.
Winterfest Prompt #4 - Bakugo returns home to a surprise.
Winterfest Prompt #5 -  Arthur is running from bounty hunters.
Winterfest Prompt #6 - Emi and Shouta are just trying to take a picture
Winterfest Prompt #7 - Monica and Portia are baking some cookies.
Winterfest Prompt #8 - Trevor is doing something a little out of the ordinary.
Winterfest Prompt #9 - Alm has an idea to take Celica away.
Winterfest Prompt #10 - Geralt doesn’t want to ice skate with Jaskier.
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onthesandsofdreams · 4 years
Text
Lover’s Embrace
Fandom: ASoIaF Pairing: Fem!Ned x Rhaegar Rating: T Summary: When his time to leave Winterfell comes to a close, he gives Ned his personal email and phone number, she gives him hers. “Anytime you wish to speak Rhaegar, you can, I’ll listen.”
Once he is back in the solitude of his room in The Red Keep, he plays a song Ned taught him. It eases his mind of any worries.
And he falls asleep with thoughts of a snow maiden. Words: 2482 Notes: For the @asoiafrarepairs‘s ‘A dream of Spring’ event. Day 5: Flowers & Embrace. Modern Westeros. First long fic for this pair, hope you guys enjoy.
Read @ AO3
Rhaegar knows what people say of him behind his back.
The sad-eye Prince, the one marked by tragedy, the bookish heir, a man with a sense of doom, an oddity - even for his family, a man who barely anyone knows at all. They all know about him, they greet him, praise him, flatter him, try to befriend him, but none save Arthur truly know him.
And he’s in need of a bride.
Many men have offered their daughters. He has not missed that Prime Minister Lannister had brought his daughter to live with him, so very near the Red Keep. Lady Lannister is pretty, she will be a beauty, but that is not what he is looking for. But he has not missed all the looks Cersei Lannister sends him, how she takes it upon herself to follow him around whenever she can, nor does he miss how her niceness only extends to a certain point.
So he does what he thinks that would give him a break, he calls his cousin. Robert and he are fundamentally different, Robert’s loud and outgoing, easy to get along with and with a penchant for women. But at the end, he still decides to call him, maybe Robert can help with some distraction.
Robert - as it turns out - is at Winterfell. Visiting his friend’s family, tells him that he should come too, “All snow, but the people are good. You and Ned will probably get along. Big library, bigger than the one you have.” Says Robert.
So, he calls Duke Stark, Prince or not, it would be highly improper to simply show up, Arthur in tow and spend time there. Rickard Stark extends the invitation easily enough, “As long as you wish to stay, your Grace.”
He informs Arthur, his permanent bodyguard to inform his father and goes to pack his bags. He has dinner with his mother and little Viserys, his brother barely able to stay still on the table, his mother wishes him good luck on his upcoming trip, Viserys begs a gift.
Four days later, he’s off to Winterfell on a private plane, but he still knows that he will have to take a car towards Winterfell, since the airport is located at White Harbor. Duke Stark had promised to send a car and someone to fetch him and Arthur, advantages of royalty and nobility, he’s aware.
Much to his surprise, it’s Robert himself who comes and fetches him. He can tell is Robert due to his loud voice, and Robert’s height is also a tell-tale, when he grows closer to where Robert stands, he realizes that Robert brought a companion, and said companion is a woman.
“Ah there he is!” Robert booms. “Welcome to the North cousin!”
A tiny smile escapes him as Robert’s hug threatens to crush his bones. Bless Robert for being so open. “I’m surprised you came, cousin.”
“Bah, you have so little faith in me, it wounds me.”
He can see that the woman Robert came with has maintained a respectful distance. “Not so, simply thought it would be a man from Winterfell.”
Robert laughs, “Well, not a man, perse, but someone from Winterfell did come.” Then Robert turns and beacons the woman to approach. “Come on Ned! Meet my cousin!”
He freezes. Ned’s a woman?! He manages to collect his wits about him as the woman approaches, she’s taller than the average woman, deep grey eyes with brown hair, her face is serious and solemn. He watches as she gracefully bows, “Welcome to the North, your Grace. I am Eddara Stark, daughter of Rickard. It’s an honor and a pleasure to host you.” Her voice is low and husky, it sends a shiver down his spine.
He bows his head, then takes her hand and kisses it. “The honor and pleasure are all mine, I assure you Lady Stark, thank you for welcome.”
The smile she gives him is small, but it reaches her eyes. And he can’t look away from them.
*****
The first days in Winterfell have him adjusting to the cold. Winterfell itself is warm, and he’s been given a warm room, fur covers and there’s always a fire roaring in his room. Duke Stark is a solemn and serious man, respectful but he knows that this is a man who should not be crossed. The same can be said about the elder of his sons, Brandon is pure fire and almost a match for Robert, Lyan’s is Brandon, but smaller and Benjen’s is at that awkward age where he’s trying to figure who he is.
But he is most intrigued by Eddara - call me Ned, everyone does - Stark. She and Robert met in college, as they both attended Arryn’s University in the Vale. She is the complete opposite of both her brother and his cousin, which is why it is such a surprise that Robert actually has made a female friend. 
It’s Ned who takes him to the family’s library and keeps him company at his request. She speaks of life in the North, of Winterfell and her family; he has to coax her to talk about herself. As it turns out, she studied management and history. Loves books and riding, plays the violin, has a penchant for chocolate and loves quiet nights in.
Which begs the question. “How did you become friends with my cousin, Ned?” He finally asks one day as they are going over a book of legends.
Ned shrugs, “He made a pass on me, I told him off. He tried again, I punched him in the face. Then he laughed and said that he liked my spirit. He never made another pass, we’ve been friends since.”
He laughs.
*****
Rickard organizes a hunt, and to his surprise, Ned tags along. “Occasionally,” she says when he asks if she’s a hunter. “Sometimes it can be fun.”
She’s an excellent hunter, later that night, he begs a song from her. “I don’t sing your Grace.”
“I meant with your violin, my Lady,” he smiles at her.
Her blush is adorable. “Oh. Of course.”
Her playing is impeccable and he finds himself being soothed by a song of the North. He closes his eyes and lets the music wash over him. He praises her abilities after that. “Perhaps we could play together, if you were to humor me and teach me a Northen song, that is.”
She smiles at him. “Of course.”
*****
He’s been in Winterfell for nearly a month, and he finds himself constantly seeking Ned’s company. Oh he talks with Rickard, drinks with Brandon and Robert, teaches some sword lessons to Lyan and Benjen with Arthur’s help. But it’s Eddara whose company he craves. There is something about her, an air of calm and peacefulness that draws him in.
And he knows himself enough to know that he is falling in love. It would be terrifying, but something about Eddara Stark sets him at ease.
She once found him on the Godswood of Winterfell, sitting under the Heart Tree. “There is such sadness on your face, Rhaegar,” she finally spoke after she felt comfortable enough to call him Rhaegar, even if it was only in private. “What troubles you?”
He had been startled, he had been so very lost in his thoughts that he had not heard her approach. “Ned, you startled me. But as to your question, I don’t know. My mother has always said that grief was my constant companion.”
She is silent for a moment. “Then perhaps you should do something that makes you happy.”
Such simplicity, he smiles. “I like my music, and I enjoy playing it for others. Reading, it also helps distract my mind and it helps me forget...” he stopped himself.
“Forget the troubles in the Capital?” She finished for him. “Then, perhaps, if you would agree, maybe hold a small concert for those who work here? I’m sure our cook and the rest would be delighted. And our books are still there, and they are plenty.”
“Yes,” he says, encouraged by her gentle nudging. “The troubles in King’s Landing can give headaches.” He admits. “And as to the concert, I might enjoy that. I have never played for our staff, my father forbid it.”
“Well, the King’s not here. Play and sing to your heart’s content. If you have no objection, I will organize it.”
“Go ahead Ned, I’ll play.”
“That’s the spirit!”
That night after dinner, he played for an hour for the staff at Winterfell. The round of cheers after he finished were nothing compared to the beaming smile Eddara gave him.
*****
When his time to leave Winterfell comes to a close, he gives Ned his personal email and phone number, she gives him hers. “Anytime you wish to speak Rhaegar, you can, I’ll listen.”
Once he is back in the solitude of his room in The Red Keep, he plays a song Ned taught him. It eases his mind of any worries.
And he falls asleep with thoughts of a snow maiden.
*****
He begins to write and call Eddara whenever he can. Arthur makes note of it, teases him. “And who would have thought,” he can hear the smile on his friend’s voice. “That it took a snow lady to melt you down. Are you sure you’re the one with fire on your veins?”
He smiles, “Fire and Blood,” he answers. “I suppose I am. But I will not deny that I enjoy her company.”
“Just don’t mention her name around Lady Lannister, she might throw a fit.”
He rolls his eyes. “No, I’d rather spare myself the grief.”
*****
Rhaegar,
We at Winterfell are doing quite well. Father wishes me to take over our winter resorts, it’s quite the task, but I do admit to be happy that he thinks I can take over. Brandon is near engaged to Lady Catelyn Tully, and I’m quite excited. She’s wonderful and I look forward to having another woman here. I hope you are well.
With friendship, Ned.
Ned,
I’m happy for you. Good luck on the take over, it sounds daunting. But I know you can handle it. I am as well as I can be, wrote a song for mother’s birthday. Told Viserys some of the legends I read from the North, he’s quite pleased and now determined to see the Wall for himself.
With kind regards, Rhaegar.
*****
“And I told Brandon, ‘If you cheat on Catelyn, I will end you.’ He pretended to be offended, but I’m sure he appreciates the fact I actually like Catelyn. Ben is also quite taken with her.”
He chuckles. “I know Lady Catelyn, she’s quite serious and duty-minded, tell that rascal you call brother that I’ll aid you.”
“I will. That will keep him in line too.”
“Good.”
*****
For the first time in a very long time, he writes a ballad that doesn’t end in tragedy. His mother’s eyes shine bright and she’s smiling at the end of his impromptu performance. “It’s beautiful, my son.”
“Thank you mother,” he is. His mother’s opinion on his music has always been important.
“I sure will give my thanks to whichever lady inspired you.” She says and leaves the room, leaving him completely off-kilter.
*****
He sends flowers, chocolate and a book to Ned for her birthday. She sends him a text with a simple smile emoji. He can’t quite hide his smile for the rest of the day.
For his own birthday, he receives a case of ice-wine, a venture Ned has come up for the North, the wine is sweet and delightful. He gives his mother a bottle and like the dragon of his sigil, he hoards the rest.
*****
He finally asks her for a date one sleepy Spring night. Ned agrees, they have dinner in a fine restaurant in King’s Landing, a private room just for the two of them. Ned will be in King’s Landing for two weeks and he already has three dates planned.
When he takes her to the house the Starks own in King’s Landing, he leaves her at the door, but not before kissing her hand, wishing it was her lips.
*****
They date in secret, his mother eventually catches on and she just smiles. Helps him, in fact, arranges things so he can see her more often and gives him ideas for gifts and tokens.
“You are happier than I've ever seen you, that is all I want as a mother. And Lady Stark clearly makes you happy, then she already has my love.”
“...how?”
His mother simply gives him a mysterious smile. “You are my son, that’s how.”
*****
The first time they lay together, he loses himself to passion. To her lips, to her kiss, to her skin. For the first time, he feels like a dragon burning. It’s a kind of fire he did not know was possible. He loves it and loves her.
And he loves who he is when he is with her. And makes a decision.
*****
He goes to the court’s jeweler, his alibi is a new piece for his mother. Once behind closed doors, he asks the designer for a ring, something simple, but elegant. Selects a pigeon's blood ruby, placed horizontally surrounded by small diamonds.
It’s a piece that will suit Ned quite well, since most of her jewelry is understated. He knows she inherited most of her mother’s jewels, wears them on occasion, but her personal taste is much simpler. That is fine.
*****
It’s Robert who does the shovel talk.
But to his eternal surprise, he does it discreetly. “Ned told me,” he says over a glass of fine whisky. “And I’m warning you cousin,” the way he underlines that word is enough for him to understand that Robert means it. “That if you hurt her, I’ll break you. That is, if I beat any of the Stark men to you first.”
He lets his shoulders fall, “I assure you cousin, she will not be mistreated, nor hurt so long as I live.”
“Good. See that you keep your word.”
*****
The ring is on her finger, and passion has flared up again, like a flame that only needed a spark to ignite and burn down any defenses he had left. The room smells of the flowers he decorated it with, but all his thoughts narrow to the woman who drives him mad with passion.
Theirs is a love that is both calm and filled with passion. He has never stopped giving her flowers, by now he knows which ones she favors the most, even if she always welcomes even the humblest daisy. And he vows to always give her flowers, for any random moment, to remind her that she is in his mind.
Here, in the dark of the room, where they lose each other in a lover’s embrace, he knows, he’s found his queen. And he has found his home.
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evendash · 4 years
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1 pic: A few days have passed since incident with the policeman and documents. Time travelers decided not to stir interest in themselves and moved to another clearing, refusing the chairs. Until winter came to the city, they could calmly wallow on the mat, wrapped in warm blankets, and feel safe. This forest is the only shelter from the past. It seems that the mood began to rise, and the feeling of confusion began to disappear. It was like a family trip, so a friendly atmosphere hovered around them, for a while they even forgot where they are and what they got in touch with. But despite this, everyone was lost in thought... 2 pic: Holly: So, are you ready? I take a picture. 3 pic: Sometimes it’s interesting and funny to watch the life of your younger copies, but it can be unpleasant and embarrassing. We are growing up, getting smarter, becoming wiser and those things that were so important to us before, now seem completely absurd. You want to run out and shout: «Shut up!»
George: Do you agree that I played a song much better than the lead singer from the club? Tiffany: George, I can't compare singing with playing the guitar. These are different things. George: It doesn't matter, he clearly has no hearing. Even the backing track was clumsy. Tiffany: As you know. But, as for me, the man has a beautiful voice and there is nothing to criticize him like that. 4 pic: George: Yeah...You still have to learn and study music. But it's okay, I still like you. Tiffany: What an honor! 5 pic: You understand that this has passed and this is no longer your concern, but you still feel some burden of responsibility for your past words and actions. And the strangest thing is that you don’t remember what moved you in those moments. 6 pic: Fortunately, a loved one is always there. And then. And now. 7 pic: George: So you lost yourself, right? Adwin: Oh, no..I know who I am and what I will do next, I have many plans for life...I just...I don’t know how to say... I feel defective. George: We are all in some ways defective. 8 pic: Adwin: Hm. True? Even you? George: Why are you so interested in me? Adwin: I want to know more. It turns out that I so poorly know my brother, with whom I lived for 10 years in the same house. George: You had to think earlier. Adwin: Yes...you're right. This phrase describes my whole life. 9 pic: And the first snow fell... 10 pic: And with it, new memories and regrets appeared.
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