#newby hall and gardens

[foreverforgally]

In the Garden

A Gally Fanfic; Chapter 1

The Glade.

Summary - You, The reader, are the first female ever to grace the presence of the Glade. At first the tensions between you and keeper Gally are high, the enemies to lovers trope creeps through your life. Will you give into the trope? Or will you chose the love triangle?

Warnings - Maybe smut in different chapters or hints of sexual activity. Fluff! Angst! I am definitely not a good writer!

I wasn’t the first person in the glade, maybe the twentieth or twenty-first. The comforting smell of spring grass and rain dew was the first thing that comforted newbies that popped up from the box. It was so long ago, but I remember my first night in the glade.

I was scared, people laughed at me and I couldn’t remember a thing. I hid myself in Homestead, the walls outside were unbearable to look at. i felt trapped, alone, hell i was alone.

i was one of my own kind, first female to appear from the box. y’know, at first i thought i was being punished, like i had done something wrong and this was a judgement gone wrong.

there was a knock on the door, and then a soft creak from the wood scrapping the floor as it opened.

“Hey greenie, you going to hide forever?” called a soft but strong voice. I didn’t want to reply, why should i? i didn’t know who these people, i can’t trust anyone.

silence past over Homestead, a long sigh passing through the boy. “Listen.. I understand you’re scared,” the floor scuffed under his steps.

“But we’ve all been there. I’m sure you have questions that I can answer, you’re safe here.” finally, the steps stopped in front of the long table i hid under. “So, please, come out.”

I hesitated, but i felt satisfied enough with his statement to peak my head out from under the table. He was tall, looked older than most i’ve seen and reaked off confidence, he was a leader.

“Ah, there she is.” his hand reached out to help me out, a gesture of peace. I took his hand, and he pulled me up. “not much of a talker?” I just stared at him, unblinking and uncomfortable.

He chuckled through his breaths, “That’s okay, I’m sure us boys out there will break down those walls someday.”

It was awkward for a few moments, the only sound was the shuffling of my feet that connected to the ground, in which my eyes did too. “Are you ready to come out? i’m sure they’re dying to meet you.” he said encouragingly, with such a contagious hopeful smile that you couldn’t help but grow one as well.

That was when i spoke my first words.

“Gladly” was all i said and he grasped my hand and led me softly outside.

The sun glared brightly in a cloudless sky, it was so bright i immediately covered my eyes for some shade.

“This, is the glade.” He said, leading me over to a skinny but tall blonde.

“Newt! Come ‘ere” The blonde looked back squinting before dropping his tools in the garden and running over to greet me with a smile.

“Well well, if it ain’t the greenie” His accent was thick, his lopsided smile matched his energy as he catches his breath from running.

“Yeah well I want you to show her around, think you can do that for me?” He asked Newt, sounding like a question but it felt like an order. “Can do Alby, I’ll pick up from here.”

So his name was Alby, well Alby turned to wave goodbye before running off to do something. “Hey love, just follow me and keep up yeah?” His smile was so comforting.

He turned and starting to walk in another direction, i had to push my strength in my legs just to keep up with his pace.

“I’m Newt, by the way” he said as we walked through the field.

“I’m..” I paused confused, do I not have a name? who am i? Why am I drawing a blank?

“It’s alright greenie,” he snickered “We didn’t remember our names at first either, you’ll remember it soon or a nickname will get too stuck for us to start calling you by it.”

“That’s what happened to Frypan” He smirked, opening the door to a kitchen slash dining hall.

“Now I know you’re not talking klunk, shank.” Frypan called out from his position behind the counters.

Newt chuckled and Frypan directed his attention to me. “Hey greenie, how’s your first day goin? any messes yet?”

Silence took over for a second, i built my liquid courage. “I’m definitely gonna need therapy after this.”

small laughter filled the silence, “So she does speak.” Newt said

I shrugged, “What can I say, I’m mysterious.”

“Ah well are you? You’ll definitely have a chance to prove that card at the bonfire later tonight.” frypan said as he cooked for lunch.

I turned and looked at Newt confused, “Bonfire?”

Newt smiled “Yeah, we get a new greenie every month, gives us enough time to prepare a celebration.” I nodded along, now understanding the glade.

For the next hour Newt showed me around every touch of the glade, and i was starting to understand the algorithm.

The runners run the maze, Slicers care to live stock, Gardeners take care of crops, etc etc.

the last stop on our list were the builders. Buff teenagers working in the heat to cut wood for the special bonfire. God was it intimidating.

the most intimidating aspect about the builders, was their leader. “See that shuck with the eyebrows yelling at everyone? That’s Gally, he’s the keeper of the builders.”

Gally, The first time I saw him I was frozen. He was scary sure, but his soft muscle and toned back drew me in. Eventually I was caught staring, my face reddening as i quickly broke the eye contact we made.

“Gally, come meet the new greenbean.” Newt called him over.

“God must you call me that? So embarrassing.” I said frazzled from being caught ogling.

He laughed, “Come for the accent, stay for the existential crisis.”

Gally nodded towards his team before jogging over to me and Newt. “So.. You’re a girl.” His eyes trailing my body up and down. I knew it wasn’t sexual, everyone had done it.

I laughed in awkward, “Uh yeah I guess I am.” my eyebrows creased and my tongue trailing the side of my mouth.

“Yeah well just keep out of my way and we won’t have any problems, got it?” his eyebrows raised in question but he jogged off before I could even get offended.

“Jesus i’ll just go ahead and fuck myself.” i scoffed, muttering in disbelief as my eyes watched his movements.

“Hey don’t let him mess with you, the guys a bloody twat. You’ll get to prove yourself tonight anyways.” Newt placed his hand on my shoulder and stood next to me.

“Why, what’s tonight?”

#gally maze runner #gally x reader #gally #gally imagine #tmr gally #the maze runner #tmr #tmr imagines #newt tmr #tmr newt #tmr alby #alby maze runner #fanfic #fanfiction #fandom #foreverforgally;ITG

[jpitha]

Soon after Kelly arrived, war was declared.

She and her parents transferred to the joint Human/K'laxi starbase because of Kelly's mom's work in the diplomatic corps. It was her first time leaving Parvati and she was super excited. She had heard that there was a side effect some people experienced when going though a wormhole, but she didn't notice anything. One moment she was looking out the window at her planet, then there was a flash of white light and she was in the inky blue black of space.

She had seen K'laxi before of course, there were plenty who came to Parvati work work or live or take a vacation, but this was her first time being in close contact with them. She was excited to make friends.

She was delighted to learn that her class was almost evenly split between humans and k'laxi. After school, Panemi, a K'laxi girl from her class ran up to her.

"Kelly! Did you hear the news?"

"No? What's up?"

"Oh, that's right, you just came aboard. The war's on!."

Kelly was taken aback. "War? With who? I thought we had good relations with the Xenni!"

Panemi shook her head, her earrings jingling as she did so. "No, not them silly. The people over on the sunward arm!"

"What?" Kelly felt hopelessly lost.

"Just...just come with me. You'll figure it out." She took Kelly's hand and led her down the hall.

When they got to the room, there was about a dozen kids, human and k'laxi milling about.

"Okay! I got the new girl!" Panemi yelled as she walked in. "We can begin!"

"Right." one of the human boys looked like the leader. He was a little older than Kelly, maybe a grade or two ahead. "James and Nermani have just come back and they say the the Sunward kids don't have any balloons made yet, so if we go now, we can surprise them."

"But Max, we don't have any balloons ready yet either." A human girl about the same age as Max spoke up from the back.

"Well then Mary, it sounds like we'd best get started. Everyone grab a handful of balloons and start filling them. Use the faucets in the commons that the gardeners use."

Panemi grabbed Kelly and they both went out into the gardens to fill balloons. "Do you get it now?" she said.

"It's a water balloon war!" Kelly sounded relieved. "But, will we get in trouble?"

"We haven't yet. Max says that Sunward and Planetward arms do this every year and have for a long time. It's just water and we don't fill them too full so it won't hurt anyone. You just get a little wet."

Kelly has done water balloon fights on the warm days back on Parvati; she knows how to fill and tie them. After a short time, they're all full in the cardboard box they brought, and they carry them back together.

"Done already? Nice work newbie." Max says as they come back in.

"Uh, Max?" Kelly began. "So, I've done water balloon fights back on Parvati, but have you given any thought about..." she paused. "...Artillery?"

Max raised his eyebrows. "Tell me more."

As the rest of the kids came back into the room, she explained. "Okay, so if we can get our hands on some synthetic rubber in strips we can weave a little basket on the end and have two people hold each end and someone put a balloon in the basket, pull it back, and launch it super far!"

"Kelly, that's brilliant!" Kelly beamed at the compliment. "Starbase?"

"Yes Max?" The Starbase answered immediately, coming in over the headset of everyone in the room.

"Two questions. One: Can the printers make synthetic rubber strips?" And Two: Can we have some to make some water balloon artillery?"

There was a pause of a few beats. "The printers can make synthetic rubber strips Max, and I'll allow you to print some on the condition that you don't make it too powerful. At full draw, you can't bruise. I'll explain to you how to make it like that..."

As Starbase explained the basics of creating a water balloon launcher to Max, Panemi looked at Kelly.

"That was such a good idea! You used to have water balloon wars back home?"

"Yeah, but they weren't this coordinated. This is a lot of fun though, thanks for inviting me along Panemi."

Panemi's fur rippled a small blush, but Kelly missed the meaning. She hadn't learned K'laxi body language yet. "You're welcome. It's so cool to have someone who grew up on a planet here! You have to tell me all about it. I grew up on the Starbase my whole life, I've never been planetside!"

"I'd love to tell you about it! Maybe you can come over to our quarters later and I'll show you photos."

Another blush, missed by Kelly. "I'd like that."

#humans are warriors #humans play games #humans are deathworlders #humans are space orcs #humans are space oddities #humans are space capybaras #sci fi writing #writing #worldbuilding

[algesalges]

Vers Moi: Part 10

Chamber x Reader

Intro, Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9, Part 10

Masterlist

Warnings: Angst with comfort, fluff, nightmares, nonsexual nudity, being judged, pls dm if I am missing any and pls ENJOY

P.S

I have to thank sticky note for saving this chapter, honestly I think it was the wifi that crashed when I was writing this, but phewwww its back.

You finally find out that the package was not even a package in the first place, instead it was a woman. Her name was Neon, or Tala Nicole Dimaapi Valdez on your report. You and Sage made sure she was well settled and you took a liking to her upbeat personality. At first she was shy and timid but soon as Phoenix greeted the new agent headquarters became a more welcoming place where she could call home.

You asked Chamber why he was assigned, answering with, "We are acquaintances before, Brim insisted she'd join". Which was true Killjoy was the most infatuated, which may have imposed a bit of discomfort towards the newbie, but she was quick and agile. She can shoot bolts and much more! So of course Kj must have a look at her.

Brim seemed a bit more at ease with the new agent around, meaning more security was around. He lowered work hours and less paperwork, so you could give a tour to the new agent around. You toured her in training and workout areas, the dining area, pool, garden etc. She seemed amazed by how large the headquarters can be without including the agents personal rooms and labs. 

Tala started to feel a bit more comfortable, since you were like the guidance counsellor of Valorant, making sure everything lands in order. At the end of the tour you led Tala back to her room where she could settle,

"oh yeah Jett and Sage invited you to workout with them, don't worry Jett only competes with Yoru and Phoenix".

She giggled at the comment and agreed, you wished her a goodnight. It was only 7pm although she must still be feeling jet lag and so does Chamber, when he came back he chose not to sleep instead to indulge you. Although you appreciated his gesture. Speaking of which he must be dwindling in the lab on new designs or doing business calls. 

You head back to your office while along the way pick up Liam (Brim) some food, knowing he is still under some pressure. 

You open the doors, surprisingly seeing Cypher and Sabine around Brim, you slowly start to back out of the room but Brim waved you permission. You slowly place the sandwich on the edge of his desk. Cypher continued his speech, "I am just trying to say this is not like my other enemies, this one has a knack for this".

Viper conquered Cypher's statement. 

"What do you propose"? Sabine asks gently.

You look up to the concealed man,

"Deploy me and Sova, we will need time to track this person".

Brim grunted, "You deploy tomorrow then, I need this to be back in order".

Cypher nodded off and went out the doors.

"y/n prepare to deploy them, and send headquarters in code yellow".

"yes sir", you hurried back to your desk processing the jet’s info and loading in the code. Code yellow was only used if anyone was at stake meaning they should not leave headquarters for any reason whatsoever. Viper mentioned a hacker of some sort being able to track down sensitive information onto the agents, which was threatening knowing that the culprit was able to identify personal moments, information, and location on the agents. This frightened you as well knowing you were defenceless towards enemies only an ally to your team. 

Soon after you sent out a meom you got numerous messages from friends who were in the blue of the situation asking what was the matter, you said you'd explain it later tonight at the living hall. You finished up checking the jet's vitals, and led Sova and Cypher to the smaller jett knowing they were just two. You waved them goodbye as they departed. You finished up last of your paperwork and Brim actually headed to bed before you. You wished him goodnight and finished your last duties. You went back into your bedroom to change into some pjs before heading to the living area, try to become  a bit more comfortable since it was late into the night. You started to take off your blouse and felt some hands sneak around your waist. He seemed be having a little groove while humming a melody. He kissed you by the neck spinning you around, he seemed to be dancing a little salsa, classic guy.  You laugh at his little antic, he sways you around, dipping you but keeping you in his arms. He planted a kiss mid dip. He pulled you back up removing your blouse kissing your neck.

"nuh huh mr, I have to attend to the living area", you smirk while pulling away. He frowns,

"can they not wait"? He wraps his arms around tummy as he kisses your bare shoulder.

"Of course it's important, they need to be informed".

He groans against your skin.

"What about mine?".

He giggled brushing him off, turning to give him a quick peck. You open your closet detaching your bra and throwing it in the hamper, Chamber gives you a quick whistle, that you scoff off. He plants himself on the bed waiting for you to continue your show.

"I don't think I continue with an audience". You laugh.

"hmmmm, I don't think you minded the audience when I strip-"

"OKOkok".

"Turn away".

"ha pardon"?

"You heard me".

He scoffs, you hear the bed shift 

"I don't understand, you have the most beautiful body I ever seen, attached to the most beautiful person".

Your face shys away while giggling. You remove your tights and skirt, becoming completely nude. You shuffle around the wardrobe trying to find a nice pair of pjs to wear. Usually you just sleep naked with a shirt and undies, but the protocol insistes some modesty  around other agents. 

You get a soft pair of sweats and a tank along with a cardigan.

"How much longer is this torture is going to take"?

"Stop being such a drama queen, I'm done".

 He plops himself at the edge of the bed, looking at you with puppy eyes. You could not ignore him when presenting himself so adorably. You walk up to him giving him a peck, he tries to engage a more searing kiss to which you denied him. He whines as you walk to the door. You blow a kiss leaving him hopeless.

You walk towards the living area, coincidently find Neon.

"What are you doing up"?

She pulled up her phone showing the alert.

You hit your face forgetting completely that Tala was in the protocol as well. You apologise and lead her to the living area. 

There sat Kj, Raze, Jett and Phoenix. 

You introduced everyone and sat yourself on one of the large bean bag chairs. "So you may be wondering why an alert was sent. There has been a security breach." Phoenix's brows furrowed. 

"Do not worry no one is guilty here, but someone has been able to receive sensitive information, meaning we must stay in headquarters until the issue is handled".

"Whose handling it", Raze asks.

"Cypher and Sova".

Kj in a thought process, "someone is behind all of this".

"I guess"?

Everyone knows that Cypher and Sova are excellent at tracking individuals when it comes down to a singular person. This stressed the group since this person must've been powerful enough, meaning a one man job.

Jett broke the ice talking about something different, everyone started conversing even Neon, you were glad they took the information so calmly. The situation is more dire than they think, especially with Brim worried. 

You yawned and excused yourself for the night, others wishing you a goodnight. You opened the door to your room seeing no one in sight. You slide yourself into bed, you check your phone earning messages astra, Reyna and Skye are being recruited back to the protocol due to shortage of agents. Knowing that there are still rogue Radianites and the black market on the loose working for government officials. Surely you will have to be welcoming their arrival in 2 days. Reyna is like the vip of the protocol being a sort of governess back to her home country. Skye is a ranger back at her home and Asta with the most beautiful powers. 

You place your phone on the charger pad and lay down. You watch the luminescence of the lamp, you feel tired but awake. Something bad is happening and you just can't put your finger on it. 

You shut off the lamp and lay down to sleep, Chamber is probably doing late night calls in his room and you'll surely see him in the morning. 

You shuffle out of bed, a growing pain in your abdomen. You walk out in the hall seeing Brim standing furiously outside. He looks down on you with crossed arms Jett and Phoenix look like hurt children in the corner. Viper and Sage looking down on you in disgust. Brim started yelling, you couldn't hear anything everything was inaudible. You turn back looking at Phoenix and Jett who are tearing up. You see Yoru walking past you, bumping shoulders giving you a cold shoulder. Looking back to see Brim spitting in your face pointing a finger at you. Where is Chamber? What is happening?

You jolt up awake, panting. You glared at your clockseeing it it 4 am. A bad dream, or nightmare. No clue on what this meant, the pain, the silence, the yelling, being looked down upon from your peers? Nothing made sense, you felt so alone. You crawled out of bed, you walked out of your room heading towards Chamber's room. You opened the door trying to make as little noise as possible. You see that he is under the covers softly breathing. You pull up one side of the cover trying to slide under. Vincent stirs awake, "What are you doing here mon ange"?

You didn't answer, instead you just burst into tears. Afraid and tired Vincent sits up and brings you down with a hug. His arms wrapped around you, one hand petting your hair, hushing you. He didn't need to ask what happened, you've been stressed about the whole affair. It finally got to you when you were most weak, the worry and the risk. He laid you down, he rested on top, he peppered your face with kisses, he relaxed you giving small actions of love.

"I love you y/n, I promise to keep you safe", giggling at you hiccups

You looked back up to him with pearly eyes,

"I love you too Vincent"

#Chamber #Chamber x reader #Chamber x y/n #chamber valorant #chamber x reader #chamber smut #chamber x y/n #valorant x reader #valorant x y/n #valorant smut #Valorant x reader #Valorant x y/n #Chamber Valorant #Chamber smut #Valorant smut #Chamber x fem!reader #chamber x fem!reader #Chamber angst #angst #chamber angst #fluff #chamber fluff

[ibitsunahaato]

Beyond the Imaginary 1

Time: Next day

Location: In the Hanging Gardens of ES.

Hiiro: …

Tatsumi: Is the weather not splendid today, Hiiro-san? However, the way you are looking up at the sky… Could the unusual listlessness be due to homesickness?

Even at Seisou Halls, there are individuals who have found time in their schedules to return home. Has it not been half a year since Hiiro-san visited home?

Hiiro: …Yes. But I had remotely exchanged greetings with my hometown along with Nii-san. If I were to think of a reason, I’d say that it is absentmindedness since SS is over.

Tatsumi: Hmm. Could it be burnout syndrome due to SS? Now that I think about it, I have also been feeling a bit languid since the beginning of the new year.

cannot say for sure whether it is the fatigue from SS or the sluggishness after New Year’s but… It is indeed quite peaceful now that we have run past the year-end busyness.

Hiiro: Fufu. Sluggishness after New Year’s? Tatsumi-senpai also experiences such things?

But the last two months were definitely dense with work even though it was a short period. Because of that, it feels like the neighbourhood’s scenery has completely changed as a result of SS.

It was like looking straight at a dazzling ray of light… That kind of feeling—Like realising that the pinnacle of idols is still very far away.

Hiiro: And the joint appearance of the supreme commanders—fine and Eden, seemed like it had swallowed the entire SS venue into a whirlpool of excitement and emotions. I could really feel the magnificence and beauty.

Tatsumi: Yes, I understand.

If I am to be honest, I still wonder whether the scene I saw that day was a dream after all.

Since I had once given up hope on my idol life due to injury, I could not have even imagined standing under the spotlight like that again.

Performing together with Crazy:B was also very enjoyable. Now let us rest a bit and go back to that stage after we level up more than last time.

Hiiro: Yes, Tatsumi-senpai is right. We are still seen as a new unit but I want to work hard in order to be able to take greater strides this year.

Aira: Argh, I’m super late~!

Did I make it?! I did not?! …Exactly one o’clock—Barely made it!

Hiiro: Aira does not change even with the new year. Since this is not for work, I don’t think anyone will reproach you even if you are a few seconds late?

Tatsumi: Hiiro-san, I am sure Aira-san could not allow himself to be late because he was the one pushing himself to keep strictly to the time we decided on.

Since today is ALKALOID’s first meeting of the year, after all.

Aira: Yeah! Since we’re newbies, ALKALOID wasn’t invited to many New Year’s programmes but…

On the other hand, this might be our last chance to enjoy the new year in a private way.

We need to increase our activities so that next year, our schedule book is filled with jobs ♪

Hiiro:Umu[1]. If you are talking about starting the new year privately, did we not visit the shrine together after SS? Did Aira see that as work?

Aira: I’m saying that it doesn’t… NVM[2]. Stop finding faults this early in the year.

Hiiro: Umu. I wonder what “NVM” means. I would like you to explain in detail.

Aira: Oh, c’mon. I don’t wanna be put in a bad mood at the very beginning of the year because of Hiro-kun… I’ll explain later so just shut up for a while!

More importantly, I can’t see Mayo-san anywhere… Did he get the meeting place wrong?

It’s rare to be contacted by Mayo-san asking for all four of us—ALKALOID—to gather. Since he’s not used to HoldHands, maybe he got it wrong or something?

Tatsumi: It had never crossed my mind that Mayoi-san would be late since he just set up the meeting but… We do not know whether some kind of unforeseen circumstances might have happened on his way here.

…Oh? What is this…sound…?

Is that…a radio controlled…?

Aira: Nope, that’s a drone!

Hiiro: Radio controlled? Drone…?

Aira: Um… Drones are toys that can be controlled using a program but if a person nearby is controlling it, then it’s radio controlled… Kinda like that…?

Hiiro: Umu. Both are words unfamiliar to my ears. Are they like small airplanes?

Aira: Yeah, that’s why it’s not the time for explaining every single thing to Hiro-kun! Why is a drone flying around…?

Ah, maybe it’s gonna start shooting something?

Woah! Aerial photography from a drone is gonna be super cool, right?♪ If you’re fine with me, I’ll show you whatever you want!

Tatsumi: Hmm. Aerial photography? For that matter, the camera is moving in a way that its aim is only on us.

In any case, communication is most crucial. Shall we face the drone and try to hold a conversation?

Hello, dear pilot of the drone! What on earth could this be?

If there is any business you have with us, please let us meet face-to-face and talk!

Sora: HaHa~♪ Did you call Sora?

Aira: Huh… HUH?! Did Harukawa-senpai just come out of the drone—NO, he’s floating?!

Can you all see him too? No, wait! I’m too scared to hear the answer so just wait a sec!

Maybe I’m seeing things since I’ve been working with Harukawa-senpai a lot lately…

Hiiro: Don’t get so upset, Aira. I can see him as well.

I do not understand the mechanism behind it but I cannot feel his presence. I can understand that the person himself is not there.

Sora: HiHi~♪ Excellent reasoning! Actually, the Sora here is a hologram and he was watching the situation from afar!

Hello! Good afternoon, everyone from ALKALOID! Sora is here to request a job from you!

Hiiro: Umu. We are always accepting work but…

Before that, please tell us. Why is Sora-kun here?

Tatsumi: Indeed, we could have taken it as a coincidence, but your appearance was carefully planned, was it not?

We were summoned here by Mayoi-san’s message on HoldHands. Then why is it that instead of Mayoi-san, Sora-san has appeared—

Sora: HuHu~♪ That is because Shisho~…

Oops, since Sora is the project's host, he can’t talk about the things that have been decided.

Murky Onii~san is in a different place! If you cooperate with our work, Sora will tell you the place~♪

Aira: Um. This “work”—What kind of work is it? We were called in such an oddly elaborate way… I’m getting bad vibes…

There’s no way that Harukawa-senpai can request us to do something dangerous, right?

Sora: That is for you all to accept and see!—If Sora were to say that, you’d be put on guard so maybe Sora shall reveal just a little information~?

This is a special job that only ALKALOID can complete!

We shall make you the passengers of the Phantom Airship~☆

Aira: Phantom Airship…?

Writer: Kino Seitarou

← previous ✦ story masterlist ✦ next →

JP Proofing: nazunyan427 ✦ EN Proofing: Clyde

Hiiro sometimes uses ウム (Umu), a super cute way of agreeing/noticing/remembering something depending on context.

In the original text, Aira uses ノーカン (noukan) here which is slang for “it does not count”. Hiiro is obviously unfamiliar with it and asks for an explanation. I tried to mimic the situation in English with NVM standing for “never mind”.

#enstars #ensemble stars #alkaloid #hiiro amagi #aira shiratori #mayoi ayase #tatsumi kazehaya #phantom airship #sora harukawa

[whatdoesshedotothem]

Wednesday 28 May 1834

7 10

12 ¼

fine 56° at 8 ½ - breakfast at 8 ½ a little sucking of her breasts last night otherwise perfectly quiet off at 10 ¼ and at Newby Hall in ½ hour and ¾ hour there - some handsome Gobelins’ tapestry in the drawing room, but nothing worth going to see except the statue gallery in 3 rooms domed and lightened from the top - several good antiques collected in Italy by Mr Weddell - said to be the finest private collection in England - a fine statue of Brutus, as also of a sitting nurse, but the finest the Barberini Venus, in the attitude of the Venus de Medicis - 3 fine busts, of Minerva, Jupiter and Hercules - the house merely a good substantial 3 story brick mansion with 2 wings (one the statue gallery) projecting forwards in and from the front of the house - a handsome broad avenue-sort-of approach - passed  thro’ Ripon alighted at Studley in 55 minutes at 12 25 – brought the guide book and off with guide at 12 35 - the laurel bank (common laurel cut into one even uninterrupted surface about 18in. high) and the waters kept within borders ‘shaven with the scythe and levelled with the roller’ and prim temples and all the smooth-cut peeps are far too artificial for me - the little Skell, too, is tortured out of nature save where it steals away and amid the ruins and brushes under and behind the abbey to the mill -  a carriage road from the house (Studley Royal) to the Abbey, certainly the largest, most perfect and most beautiful ruin I ever saw -  said and probably truly said to be the largest and most perfect abbey remain in England – the river flows thro’  4 arches under the end of a cloister over which the dormitory counting 40 cells – the Refectory and reading gallery on one side (from which the scriptures were read aloud during dinner) wanting little but the rood - the church part, too, wanting little else - not even all the yellowish white wash yet off the pillars and arches - the great tower gutted, but perfect exteriority - singular placed, at the end of the north transept - chapter house - kitchen buttery, abbots’ house etc  very large remains – this is the only abbey-remain that ever gave me a clear idea of what a monastery used to be - Miss W- sketching the interior of the church part (from the gallery behind the high alter) from 1 ½ to 5 ½ -  I read and slept and walked about and read and slept again - went to Fountains’ Hall and the old house built out of the ruins of the abbey and bought from the messenger family about 60 years ago for £18000 the wood on the estate being at that time worth £20,000 - part of the house occupied by the farmer and part by H.P. from some regiment who looks after the grounds and takes all that is given for shewing them (makes with salary and perquisites £700 per annum) and is younger brother to the steward who has £1000 a year and lives close to Ripon - a family is to pay ½ a crown not more for seeing the grounds and single people often give as much - a queer set of names in the visiting book in which we entered our own names at the lodge on alighting – some people had been eating there and on our return the man seeing we had had a small basket of sandwiches said it was against the rule – the estate said our old guide is let all alike , good land and bad, so that some of the tenants who have the bad are too high rented and some too low – some have been reduced of late - the fine meadow that was the monks’ garden just above the 7 old yews, producing 2 to 3 tons of nay per acre - that ‘never fails of a crop’ and is worth £3 per acre pays 25/. like the rest - went to Fountains Hall – Mrs Marton very civil came out and shewed me the drawing room (on account of its old tapestry) and what used to be used as the chapel tho’ a large fireplace in it - several great many coats of arms in the middle  large window - off from Studley at 6 20 – for some distance a fine long vista terminated a by Ripon minister -  this struck us very much - passed thro’ Ripon and back (10 miles) to dinner here at Boroughbridge at 7 20 - dinner at 7 ½ almost immediately afterwards coffee – everything very good and comfortable – till 10 ½ wrote the above of today – very fine day and evening – F59° in our sitting room now at 10 ½ - paid the bill and the waiter, went upstairs at 11 1/4

[aeoki]

Phantom Airship - Beyond the Imaginary: Chapter 1

Location: ES Sky Garden Characters: Sora, Hiiro, Aira & Tatsumi

TL Note:

In Japanese, the phrase Aira used for “doesn’t count” (ノーカン / “no-kan”) is a borrowed word from English (“no count”). This is a new word/phrase for Hiiro so he doesn’t know what it means.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ< The next day. ES Sky Garden. >

Hiiro: …………

Tatsumi: The weather is beautiful today, Hiiro-san. But are you looking up at the sky because you feel melancholic and homesick?

Some people went home on their off days at Seisou Hall as well. You haven’t been back home in half a year, right?

Hiiro: …Yeah. But at home, I talked with my older brother on a “device”. If I had to say, I suppose I feel absentminded after “SS” ended.

Tatsumi: Hmm. “SS” Burnout Syndrome, I take it. Now that you mention it, I also felt somewhat out of things ever since the new year began.

Perhaps it was due to exhaustion from “SS” or the holiday mood. Everything was so busy during the end of the year, but it has all calmed down now.

Hiiro: Hehe. The holiday mood, hm. Tatsumi-senpai, you get like that too, huh.

But even though it was just two months, it was a very fulfilling period of time. Thanks to that, it seems the town scenery before and after “SS” changed in a blink of an eye.

It felt like I was staring straight at a bright light – As if it made me realise that the peak of being an idol is still very unattainable.

The powerhouse units like “fine” and “Eden” were especially amazing. It felt as though they drew the entire venue into a whirlpool of excitement and emotions – it was full of magnificence, beauty and fun.

Tatsumi: I know exactly what you mean.

Actually, I still think the scenery we saw that day was a dream.

Because of my injury, I thought my life as an idol would come to an end, but never would I have thought I would have another chance to stand on such a grand stage.

I thoroughly enjoyed performing with “Crazy:B” as well. I’d love to perform like that again after some rest. I hope we can stand on our next stage with a new and improved version of ourselves.

Hiiro: Yeah. Tatsumi-senpai, we’re still seen as a novice unit, but I’ll do my best so that we can make a great leap forward this year.

Aira: Whaa, I’m so late~!

Did I make it on time!? Or didn’t I!? …It’s right on 1PM – I’m safe!

Hiiro: You haven’t changed even though it’s a new year, Aira. We’re not meeting up for work, so I don’t think anyone will blame you if you’re a few minutes late, though?

Tatsumi: Hiiro-san, I think Aira-san made a promise to himself that he would do his best to be punctual, so he didn’t want to be late.

After all, this is the first time “ALKALOID” would be meeting after the New Year.

Aira: Yeah! Even though we’re newbies, we haven’t been called to take part in any New Year TV shows, though. 

On the other hand, it might be the last chance for us to enjoy the New Year too.

We’ve gotta work hard so that our schedules are full to the brim next year ♪

Hiiro: Hmm? But we went on a shrine visit during the New Year together after “SS”, didn’t we? Was that work in your eyes, Aira?

Aira: That doesn’t count. Don’t nitpick things right from the get-go.

Hiiro: Hmm. The shrine doesn’t count numbers?[⁎] I wonder what that means. Can you explain to me in detail?

Aira: Oh, geez. I’m getting myself swept up in your pace and it’s only the beginning of the New Year… I’ll tell you later, so keep quiet for now!

Anyway, I don’t see Mayo-san, though… Did he go to the wrong place?

He was the one who sent us a message and asked to meet up. He rarely does that. Did he make a mistake because he’s not used to using “Hallhands”?

Tatsumi: It’s hard to imagine Mayoi-san being late when he was the one who initiated this gathering… Perhaps something unexpected cropped up.

…Oh? This sound is…

Is that a radio controlled device?

Aira: No, it’s a drone!

Hiiro: Radio controlled device? Drone…?

Aira: Uhh, a drone is a toy which can be controlled using a programme and there should be someone nearby with the controller…

Hiiro: Hmm. I’ve never heard of those words before. Is it like a small plane?

Aira: Wait, this shouldn’t be the time explaining everything to you, Hiro-kun! Why is there a drone here…?

Aira: Ah, is there some kinda shoot happening now?

Yay! Filming from the sky on a drone is very cool ♪ I wouldn’t mind letting them capture me at any angle!

Tatsumi: Hmm. Someone is filming from the sky? The camera seems to be only focused on us despite that, though.

Either way, communication is important . Let’s say something to the drone.

Hello, person controlling the drone! What on earth could this be about?

If you have business with us, then please tell us!

Sora: “HaHa~♪ Did you call?”

Aira: Wait… what!? Harukawa-senpai popped out from the drone – he’s floating in midair!?

Is anyone else seeing this? No, I’m scared to hear your answers so wait a minute!

I’ve been working with Harukawa-senpai a lot recently, so maybe I’m just seeing things…

Hiiro: Aira. Don’t worry. I can see him too.

I don’t know how it works, but I don’t sense his presence. I can tell his actual person isn’t here.

Sora: “HiHi~♪ Good guess! This Sora is a hologram and the real one is observing everything nearby!”

“Good day and hello, ‘ALKALOID’! Sora has come with a job offer for you all!”

Hiiro: All right. We’re always looking for work.

But answer my question first. Why are you here, Sora-kun?

Tatsumi: Indeed, this is a rather coincidental meeting.

Mayoi-san contacted us via “Hallhands” so we gathered here. Despite that, Mayoi-san is nowhere to be seen, but you have appeared instead, Sora-san…

Sora: “HuHu~♪ That’s because Maste–”

“Oh, Sora is the “facilitator”, so Sora can only mention specific things.”

“Dark Onii-san is in another place! If you’ll all agree to take up our work offer, then Sora will tell you where he is~♪”

Aira: Umm. What’s this “work offer”? This looks like a lot of work just to tell us about it and I’m getting a weird feeling…

Don’t tell me your work offer entails something crazy?

Sora: “You’ll find out once you accept! …Well, I’ll get a warning if I said that, so Sora will spill a little bit~”

“This is a special job that only the members of ‘ALKALOID’ can do!”

“You guys shall be the passengers of the ‘Phantom Airship’~☆” Aira: “Phantom Airship”?

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ← Previous Chapter ᠂ ⚘ ˚⊹˚ ⚘ ᠂  Next Chapter →

#phantom airship

[dpark2903]

Newby Hall and Gardens April 2022

#NewbyHall #Ripon #north yorkshire

[xamylouise1989x]

|April Round Up|

How is it the 11th May already, I feel like It’s flying by! Hope you’re all well. For me April was such a busy month so busy that I’ve barely had time to blog, it’s kind gone back on the back burner!. My April started off by preforming in a few online burlesque shows which was fabulous. I had 3 days out exploring, a couple of trips to the metre-centre shopping, a few exciting emails, a few beer…

View On WordPress

#April round up #Beningbrough hall and gardens #Cherry blossoms #Days out #Kiplin Hall #Monthly Round Up #newby hall and gardens

[bellafayegarden]

The grounds of Newby Hall, England

#Newby Hall #Beautiful Gardens #Beautiful Places

[quicksilverownsmysoul]

Sparks Pt. 4

Summary: Peter Maximoff comes back after a weekend at home to find Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters crowded and booming with noise. He decides to investigate and finds out that it's orientation day for new students. He sees you and immediately is head over heels, but in his attempts to impress you he embarrasses himself beyond belief and runs off before you can even introduce yourself.

Read Part Three Here

All the new students chatted excietley among themselves wondering what you guys were being called to the garden for. There were only a handful of you guys about 20 or so but when it comes to mutants that number was massive. You too were excited to find out what was going on, you tried your best to ignore the slight feeling of embarrassment you had, you had almost told Peter you thought he was cute. A part of you was relieved that Jubilee had spared you of a possible rejection but the other half wondered what his reaction would have been. 

“What ya thinking ‘about?” You felt yourself jump up at the sudden noise, scaring Jubilee who was holding onto your arm. You whipped your head to the side to see Peter standing there leaning on Kurt’s shoulder. Kurt pushed him off and went behind you squeezing next to Jubilee muttering about how everyone took advantage of his powers and never thanked him. You shot him a smile as he passed by and he returned it. If only you could have seen the way Peter’s disappeared for a moment, before snapping right back when you turned to face him again. 

He opened his mouth to say something but was interrupted by Professor X pulling up at the front of the crowd. “Thank you all for coming, I hope you have all met your roommates and hopefully were able to get acquainted before I interrupted you all. Well before Peter interrupted you all.” Everyone laughed and Peter gave a little bow and waved like he was the queen of england. “So what we will be doing is a display of abilities for our new students.” Everyone started whispering at this but Professor X put his hand up as a signal for silence. “I know it can be unnerving especially if you still can’t fully control your powers. But this will give me and the students here a chance to see what your abilities are and what your skill level is at. That way I can assign you to the appropriate classes and you can find students with similar powers or struggles to help you while you are here at this school.” He smiled at the crowd, hoping to ease their nervousness. “When you come up give us a short introduction and then a small display of your powers. Who would like to go first?” The crowd fell silent, everyone absolutely hated the idea of telling the whole school about yourself and then showing your powers. “Come on now, one of you has to get it started.” 

“(y/n) wants to go!” Peter blurted out. 

“Excellent,” Xavier exclaimed. “Come on up Dear.”

Your eyes widened, shaking your head rapidly back and forth. Peter reached for your hand and gave it a little squeeze pulling you closer so he could whisper in your ear. “It’s better if you go first, you get it out of the way and you don't have that feeling of dread while everyone else is going.” You gave him a skeptical look, he gave you a reassuring smile. You yielded and gave him a quick nod. The crowd parted to make way for you as you awkwardly walked to the front. “Hi my name is (y/n) (y/l/n). I am 19 years old and I enjoy painting and I really like movies.” You felt your hands shaking slightly. You always hated doing these introductions, and it wasn't helping that the crowd was so quiet. 

“I love movies!” Peter shouted, easing the tension. You looked up from your feet to see his beaming face. “Do you like Karate Kid!” You laughed, as did the crowd. You were grateful that he was trying to make you feel more comfortable. 

“Yeah I like Karate kid.” You responded. 

“Do you like Daniel or Johnny!?” He shouted again. “Cause I personally prefer-”

“Peter!” Xavier interrupted, glaring at him. “Stop.” 

“This conversation isn't over!” Everyone continued to laugh at Peter’s antics, the feeling of nervousness you had had was long gone. 

“Anyway,” Professor X did his best to redirect the conversation back to what it was originally intended to be. “If you don’t mind Ms. (y/l/n), show us what your abilities are. 

“Yeah okay.” You gave him a nervous smile and took a deep breath. “My powers aren’t all that strong. But I don’t mind,” You looked around for how to display your power, it was getting dark in the garden, there were lights in the garden but they were very dull and gave off very little light. You held your hands out slightly, a soft light surrounded your hands and you flicked your wrist up. The small action caused light to pour from the lamp posts, illuminating the whole garden and allowing everyone to see clearly. You could now see Peter beaming at you, his smile the brightest thing in the garden. “I can manipulate electricity.” You explained letting the lights dim slightly. “It’s a weaker version of the power so I can’t actually wield electricity and form it into what I want, but I can affect things that require it.” You made the lights dance softly and flicker on and off. “I can also do this other thing but I need a volunteer.” You admitted face burning with a slight embarrassment. You don't really like showing off. 

“I’ll do it!” Kurt’s hand shot up in the air, he beat Peter to volunteering. His hand was paused slightly before he lowered it. Jubilee shot Peter a knowing look at seeing his disappointed face. He avoided her gaze. Kurt poofed form where he was to the front of the crowd right next to you. You wave the smoke away and take his hand in yours. As soon as they connect a slight shock goes through you to him and Kurt’s hair stands comply on edge from the electric shock. “This is amazing!” You giggled at his reaction and he gave you a toothy smile. Peter formed look at you and the way you looked at lane another, from here it was hard to tell if it was one of admiration or one of affection. An unknown feeling settled into Peter’s chest as he watched you two hold hands. Something he couldn't quite place. 

“I can send electric charges to people that I come in contact with.” You explained. “It can range anywhere from a small shock out of nerves or a full on electrical shock, with the same power that a defibrillator can distribute.” You let go of Kurt’s hands and his hair fell back down. “If I can control it then the power wears off when I stop touching them but if it's out of nerves or shock it may leave their hair standing up.” Peter remembered how his hair had stayed on end when you had held his hand.

“Thank you (y/n). That is a very fascinating power. “Xavier gave you a gentle smile and you returned it before making your way back to Jubilee. She complimented your powers and said that you guys were meant to be friends and roommates because your powers were similar. Professor X called up another student and they gave a quick display similar to yours. It went on until everyone had gone and you were at least familiar with one another. Professor dismissed you guys yet again and informed you that dinner would be served in the hall. Tonight's meal was going to be grilled cheese and tomato soup. 

“Grilled cheese?” Jubilee whined. “I’m so sick of grilled cheese they serve the same food every week.” Jubilee looked around to make sure nobody was near. “What do you say we get some real food?”

“But I thought we weren't allowed to leave campus.” You questioned.

“That’s just a suggestion, if you can find a way out who says you have to stay.” Peter said pushing himself between you two, hands slung over both of yours shoulders. Jubilee shrugged him off and he settled for just having his arms around you pulling you even closer in a side hug. “Let us show ya some fun newbie.” 

You bit your lip debating it. While you were thinking Kurt and two other students made their way over to you all. You remembered the guy and the girl from the earlier demonstration from the x-men. It was Scott and Jean. 

“What are you guys talking about?” Scott asked as he came closer. 

“Prison break.” Peter answered. “That is if (y/n) here agrees to letting us show her a good time. The x-men way.” All eyes were on you awaiting your response. A wave of excitement rushed over you.

“Alright let’s do it!” They all cheered. 

“I’ll drive!” Peter shouted. 

“No!” everyone yelled back, you let out a laugh. This was going to be fun.

I hope y’all enjoyed this chapter! Peter was interrupted before he got to say if he liked Johnny or Daniel from Karate kid? Who do you think he prefers 👀 who do you prefer ? I’m a Johnny girl myself

#peter maximoff #peter maximoff x reader #peter maximoff x you #peter maximoff fanart #peter maximoff fluff #peter maximoff headcanon #peter maximoff x y/n #peter maximoff fanfiction #marvel #quicksilver #evan peters #quicksilver xmen #marvel fanfiction #jubilee xmen #xmen fanfiction #quicksilver xmen x reader #kurt wagner x reader #kurt wagner #evan peters fanfiction

[saphirered]

Hai I love your writing and I was wondering if you could do more verin x reader, like how would he react after finding out about essek, and he searched for him then he met the m9 and reader ?

Hope this turned out the way you wanted it! 😘

After the disappearance of his brother, Verin could simply not let it go. The Shadowhand disappeared from Exandria’s surface overnight without a word of warning. No traces left. No signs of a struggle that may indicate his enemies having gotten to him. Why would Essek leave everything behind willingly? Everything he gave his life for in service of the Bright Queen and the Kryn Dynasty? There had been suspicions about a traitor amidst the Bright Queen’s court but Verin simply refused to believe that to be Essek. His brother would never… Would he?

Verin, much like his brother is resourceful and shares a similar determination to reach a goal by any means necessary. That goal right now; finding Essek. Verin’s unsure what he will do once he finds his brother. There’s so many questions… But what if the rumours are true? No. He can’t think like that just yet. He will not tarnish that reputation through speculations. He needs answers first. He needs to find Essek.

Months of searching, following whatever traces he could find. Verin had to look to the past any ties before Essek’s disappearance. That lead to a group of strangers. A colourful bunch of chaotic individuals seemingly defying all odds when faced with them. Verin may not be able to track Essek but he could try and find these people… The Mighty Nein.

————

Heavy bag over one shoulder dressed in fine clothes you stroll through low-lit halls flanked by two guards. Radiating a sense of authority and sternness you stop in front the metal bars, on the other side a redhead leaning back against the wall looking up at you innocently without a single worry.

“Master Widogast, I’ve been told you’re here on suspicions of corrupting the minds of your students. Do you have anything to say for yourself?” You address your friend. This never ends. Caleb gets himself arrested because someone finds out what he’s allegedly been teaching at the Academy. He’s dragged off to a holding cell and your disturbed amidst your work day to get him out again. This time you’ve made him wait though. You had an important meeting you couldn’t get out.

“It’s all just a mistake. You’ll find my students can vouch for me and prove this misunderstanding to be nothing more than part of the curriculum of theoretical transmutation.” You dig through your bag, take out a scroll and hand it to one of the guards. The guards reads it over awaiting your command.

“Well, hurry up! Release this man before I have you written up for unlawfully keeping one of the Soltryce Academy’s most beloved teachers.” The guard quickly jumbles with the keys and the barred door is unlocked. Caleb gets up and you step aside to allow him to exit. The guards wait, not entirely sure what to do next. What did you expect of newbies…

“Are you really going to stand around loitering? Back to work.” The guards scurry off and you and Caleb walk next to each other exiting the building and into the streets. Once you’re both in the clear you drop your more rigid behaviour and punch the wizard in the shoulder.

“What was that for?” He exclaims rubbing his arm. That’s gonna bruise.

“The only reason I took this job is to get you and the others out of trouble when you inevitably got yourself in a mess again but between Beau’s bar fights and your borderline treason, I swear you’ll be the ones that will lose me my job.” You’re only half serious. You can’t count the times you’ve had to bail the Nein out for their antics and have definitely been abusing your newfound power to do so. The king might be an asshole but at least the pay is good and the benefits better.

Reaching your destination, wizard at your side discussing who might have spilled the beans on Caleb’s rather liberal teachings you open the low fence to the garden. In the garden you’re met with the familiar disguise of your friend Essek, sunhat to guard him from the harsh sunlight, gardening gloves on harvesting some vegetables. Upon seeing you he grabs the basket next to him and joins the two of you with a smile.

“While I’d hoped this wouldn’t become a habit, thank you, for getting Caleb out trouble, again. Your endless efforts are certainly appreciated. We are in your debt many times over.” The disguised drow sends the redhead a loving glance as he addresses you.

“And don’t you forget it. One day I might come and collect.” You grin at Essek with the pleasure of turning his own words against him. Of course you didn’t mean them. They’re your friends and you’ll never seriously ask for anything in return for anything they ask of you.

“Clever.” Essek speaks sarcastically smiling at your comment.

“But if you feel inclined to repay me for my hard work, you can make sure you’re both on time for dinner tonight. The gang’s getting back together and you’re expected.” Essek hands you the basket he’s carrying providing you with the resources of a home cooked meal for the gathering of the evening. It’s been a while since everyone’s been at the same place the same time.

“I’ll do what I can but I make no promises.”

“All, I can ask for.” You turn your attention to Caleb. “That reminds me.” A quick inconspicuous motion of your hands allows you to summon a small stack of papers. Another perk of your job; getting information the higher ups want to keep to themselves. Luckily a lot of them have assistants that are much easier to get that information from.

“Beau and you can get back to work. But not tonight! Tonight’s work free, for all of us.” Caleb quickly leafs through the ledgers you’ve handed him.

“You know, if you ever grow bored of the court life, you can always join me in teaching free thinking and magic at the Academy…” Caleb jokes as you pick up the basket ready to leave the wizards to the rest of their day.

“And who’s gone bail us both out then?” You laugh over your shoulder closing the fence behind you. Back to your home and prepare for the evening. You can’t help but feel like you’re being followed. You pay close attention to the shadows and for just a moment you’re sure you see something, or rather someone. Choosing not to pursue you continue on to your home. It’s not like your place of residence is a secret to anyone.

————

The house is noisy, happy chatting and laughter fills the dining room. How you’ve missed this. The table has been set, plates, cutlery and all, a multitude of decanters and bottles ready and filled, and plates and platers filled with food are added one by one. There’s something for everyone, everyone’s favourites.

“Yasha, can you take the cupcakes out of the oven for me?” You ask the barbarian wearing her floral embroidered apron stirring a pan on the stove as you plate the smoked pork. Yasha plates the baked goods by flavour and carries the tray to the dining room as you follow behind with your platter. Cheers erupt from the rest of the Nein as you and Yasha place the final dishes on the table. Everyone takes their seats and digs in pouring themselves drinks, taking whatever they desired, happily conversing about what everyone’s been up to in the past few months, talking about new plans for the future and the nostalgic adventures of the past together. You’ll have to get back to that some day. Maybe soon?

Despite the happiness of the whole event you still can’t get over this feeling you’re being watched. It’s not scrying, your home is protected from it and you feel safe to assume it’s not anyone from the Assembly or the king’s council. So who is it?

————

Verin watches the group as they enjoy their feast, his brother among them. He looks happy and content, as if the weight of the world has been lifted from his shoulders. Is this what he left Xhorhas for? He always wanted more, so how could Essek be content with a normal life? No matter the motives he’s loved, they’re his friends, something he never truly had before.

Then talks about the beacons came up. Mentions of the past missing ones and newfound ones. Aeor and its connection to Dunamis long before the Dynasty. The theoretics and potential of the beacons and the continued pursuit of studying them. Within the Dynasty this could be considered sacrilegious. And it made it look more and more Essek was guilt of the treason others suspected him of. His brother was a traitor and a disgrace in the eyes of the Dynasty and his family.

So why does Verin feel like none of that matters? He should be angry. He should dispose of his brother right here, right now in the name of the Bright Queen. But he can’t bring himself to it. His brother is happy, fought free from the expectations of others and the demanded unwavering loyalty to the Luxon and the Dynasty. Essek did exactly what he couldn’t.

————

You excuse yourself from the table making an excuse about checking on dessert and retreating to the kitchen alone. This feeling of being watched was getting on your nerves but tonight should be one without trouble and conflict. You’ll figure out if this watcher in the shadows poses a danger to you and your friends, if so you’ll dispose of them. If it can be postponed until tomorrow, then tomorrow you’ll deal with it but not tonight. Tonight is about peace, friends and family getting back together.

So when you reach the kitchen you open the window taking out the lattice work pies and cakes you’d made and left to rest and cool down before the Nein’s arrival. You get the batter you made and begin making some waffles. While you wait for them to be done you hum to yourself and sit in the open windowsill looking out over the city, inconspicuously looking around for your uninvited guest. The first batch is done and they haven’t showed up yet. Alright, you’ll make a second batch and some extra whipped cream while you’re at it.

Then you catch a glimpse of a shadow. You can’t make out all the details but the attire and a flash of pristine white hair leaves you to think it’s a drow. Thinking on your feet you cast hold person but the drow remains unaffected. Before you know it you’re pushed a few steps back into your kitchen. Supporting himself on the windowsill he holds a finely made blade to your throat. You lift your hands in surrender showing you have no ill intend…yet and are willing to talk and listen.

“My quarrel is not with you but one wrong move and I will not hesitate, mage.” The drow threatens you. You don’t doubt his words but this isn’t your first rodeo. If he tries anything he’s in for a fight. Getting a closer look you study the man’s features. There’s a sense of familiarity and you’re quick to conclude he must be related to Essek in some way. Broader build and longer hair but same features and eyes. He’s probably a fair bit taller too standing up straight instead of crouched in a windowsill.

“Perhaps not but it might be if you do not get out of my windowsill in the next few seconds.”

“Is that a threat?” He pushes the blade a little closer and you feel the cold steel against your skin, one move and it cuts.

“No. But take a look outside. You’ll see the torchlight of the guard patrol. Get inside.” A quick glance over his shoulder gives you the chance to take a step back from the drow and pick up your whipped cream and continue whisking before it loses its structure. He jumps inside and away from the window as you whisk completely indifferent to the fact a stranger just held a sword to your neck and entered your home even with your invitation.

“You must be Verin Thelyss.” You state putting the now finished whipped cream in the ice box. Verin stands there wary of you, expecting you to make a move and attack him at any second but you’re not and even from your demeanour he can gather you have no ill intent towards him. Not at all what he expected, but then again he didn’t expect to find his brother in the capital of the enemy nation of the Dynasty having dinner with a bunch of (previous) adventurers, some of which holding ranks within the Empire no less.

“You’re questioning my motives and calmness.” You lean against the counter crossing your arms. Verin lowers the blade but you’re unsure if it is because of defeat or he doesn’t see the purpose in holding you at sword point any longer.

“Why not just let me be caught by your guards? Why invite me inside your home?” Verin watches your every move, every twitch. You can see the same confusion and uncertainty and panic you’ve seen in Essek many times before so you offer a soft smile. Best you can do for him right now is stay calm, don’t make any uncertain moves and approach him with gentleness. You’re sure with how long you’ve been feeling like being watched today he’s been the one responsible and he’d have caught onto your conversations from the shadows.

“Call it a leap of faith. I trust Essek. He trusts you. You’ve done nothing to prove you have any ill will towards my friends so until you prove me otherwise you’ll be welcome.” You move slowly grabbing two knives. Putting one on the counter and sliding it over a little away from you until it touches one of the pie dishes.

“You’re good with a blade right? You can help me cut these pies and cakes and we can talk.” You gesture to the kitchen knife. Verin looks at you as if you’ve gone insane. Maybe you have but it’s more likely you’ve faced much worse than the likes of him. You move your own knife and he watches you as you begin dividing the cake in even slices.

“How do I know I can trust you?”

“You don’t.”

“Then why should I listen to you?”

“Because you’re still standing here in my kitchen.” You laugh plating the slices of cake on another silver platter neatly.

“Verin, if you came here to kill your brother you would have tried so this afternoon. That you haven’t only shows you’re not here for that. You have questions. You want answers. Now I’m not just going to let you walk into my dining room until I’m certain that the information you got and the questions I answer will not lead you to violence. So you help me get dessert ready. If you prove your intensions for your brother and my friends are honourable you can join us for dessert. If you prove a danger to them, I will allow you to leave this place tonight but should you ever return I will be the least of your worries.” Verin takes the knife and tests the grip as if it’s a dagger as he looks at the apple pie in front of him. He stabs the knife down carefully and cuts downward repeating evenly spaced out. You wait for him to talk not feeling like you should initiate conversation just yet.

“The one who stole the beacons and handed them over to the traitor mages of your Empire, it was my brother’s doing.” More of a statement than a question you nod. Diving straight into the deep end, aren’t we? No matter, better rip the bandage off quickly.

“It hit us hard as well. Though, I can’t say it was surprise.” You’re not sure how to place what you read from Verin. Pity? Disappointment? And a good bit of acceptance thrown in the mix.

There truly was a sense of acceptance because no matter how much he might want to deny it, just like you said, there had already been that underlying suspicion it was Essek given his aspirations. It’s one of those things that leaves you hoping something isn’t true and you wilfully suppress the possibility until there’s no other way around it and you’re faced with the truth. If what you said is true and what he gathers from your conversation with the Nein and you now, you found out in the moment. He’s only learning about this in the aftermath.

Essek lied to your faces, pretended to be your ally to cover for himself and yet you still found it within yourselves to forgive or at the very least accept everything he had done so maybe, just maybe he could try to do the same. Still he has many more questions but he’s unsure if you can answer all of them.

“I won’t ask you to forgive and I certainly won’t ask you to forget, but I will ask you to give your brother a chance. In his time with us he’s truly been trying to make up for his mistakes and repent for his sins and while they may not all be washed away in his lifetime, it’s a start. He’s just as much of a misguided tool, as most of us, promised an a glimpse of power by forces bigger than him and without a way out when he realised the gravity of his actions and the consequences.” You finish up the last pie and put the knife to the side. Verin hangs onto your every word.

“When we were about to walk into certain death gathering what we could, he told us that if something were to happen to him, we should come find you because despite everything, you were one of the only people he felt he could trust.”

“Then why didn’t he trust me with this? Why depart without a word?”

“Because burdening you with that information would put you in the same place he put himself in. He came here, to a place he knew you couldn’t follow. He left a place he would endanger everyone he cares about because he knows you, just like the rest of us would fight the entirety of the Dynasty just to keep him safe.” You’re right. Verin know you’re right because he would have stood with his brother in the end despite what crimes he had committed. Essek was not the master of this grand scheme but he played his part. He’d spend his life making up for it but at least he will work towards making this world a better place. Verin can only aspire to do that very thing; protect the people he cares about and make this world a better place.

“I still have many questions.” Verin breathes. It’s a lot to process and that’s okay. This is just the start but it is the most difficult part. You grab the plates and platters balancing them on your arms.

“Maybe you should ask him yourself. Why don’t you join us for dessert, Verin?” He doesn’t know how to respond. While you told him you’d let him join, he didn’t expect it to be now or with so little certainty on your end, but maybe you knew more than you let on. Without a verbal response Verin grabs the remaining dishes from the counter and waits for you to lead the way.

Entering the dining room Beau and Veth are in the middle of a drinking contest each with their own decanters of wine. Veth slams down the now empty decanter.

“Momma’s still got it children!” Veth exclaims cheering as Beau sits back disappointed, two more gulps and she’d have won. Yasha comes in telling her she’ll win next time. Fjord passes over a hand full of coins to Jester who calls him a loser poking his cheek giggling. Kingsley is on the verge of challenging Veth to a drinking contest of their own and Essek carefully manages to grab a bottle to refill his and Caleb’s glasses before this goes south. Caduceus is watching the chaos unfold deliberating wether or not he should get some hangover tea ready because they will need it if this keeps going.

When you enter, the cheers for dessert fall quiet quickly seeing the drow behind you carrying several pies. Essek freezes up and Caleb naturally takes a bit of a defensive position without breaking the dinner setting. Verin albeit awkwardly steps out next to you as you helping you put the plates on the table. With a wave of your hand you call over another chair to be put at the head of the table. You gesture for the man to sit and he does debating wether or not this was the right decision as all eyes fall on him. You take your own seat.

“Well, come on guys, dig in!” Not needing to be asked twice they do, some wary of Verin but you know they’ll ease up soon enough.

“So you’re Essek’s brother? He didn’t say you’re a hot boi too. Jeeze Essek, is everyone in your family pretty?” Jester asks stuffing her mouth with a piece of cake. Verin is taken aback by the blue tiefling’s comment and the identical faces he and Essek make are enough to send most of the table in a giggle fit. You cover your own response to this for your own sake.

“Eh-Thank you? I think? Though, if my company is undesired I can leave…” Verin suggests unsure how to further approach this doubting this is the right place for this.

“Nonsense. If our friend invited you to join, for whatever reason, you’re welcome.” Fjord assures. He knows you wouldn’t just allow this without a reason and just by the attitude of the guy, he gets a pretty good estimate there’s no malicious intent in Verin right now.

“Yeah and while you’re here you can tell us about all the embarrassing shit Essek did when he was a kid.” Beau punches Essek’s shoulder past Caleb who’s quick to get out of the monk’s way. Essek rubs the spot she hit teeth clenched but smiling nonetheless.

“So, Verin, what are your intentions here?” Caleb asks an open question hoping to get more insight in the drow’s motives. While he trusts your judgement one can never be too certain and he’d rather not be face to face with Essek’s brother on their way home should that scenario arise.

“I-“ Verin tries to find the words picking them carefully. “I thought I knew before but now I don’t know. I came to find my brother and I found him, among friends. I have many questions, some answered by your gracious friend but I think for now, I’d like to truly meet my brother’s friends because if this is the company he finds himself in, I can only ask to witness his happiness.”

It’s a strange feeling for Verin to come to that conclusion. When he left Xhorhas he considered he might be bringing back the corpse of his brother, by his hand or someone else’s depending on circumstances, or bring him back in chains for treason to be tried in front of the Bright Queen. What he didn’t expect is to be met by an alternative that would change his views on everything. He realises that with your stories and those of the Nein he was just as lost as all of you, but now he’s found a group of people that willingly accept whichever path he chooses for himself without expectations, rules or conditions.

Verin first hand gets to experience why Essek chose to leave everything behind and give it up for these people. They are his friends, his family and he’d never be alone again if they can help it. Perhaps Verin can experience that too one day. The Mighty Nein will make sure he does because as we know, once you get involved with them, your life changes forever.

#critical role x reader #critrole x reader #mighty nein x reader #mighty nein #verin thelyss #verin x reader #verin thelyss x reader #critical role

[ask-the-gamekeeper]

She had sensed something was off about the manor… she could tell when the… things that watched the house, became alarmed and curious. Of course, this in turn, affected her own actions in spite of her recent tangle with mystery and the subsequent near death. She supposed though, this would be fine, wouldn’t it…? After all, if it was truly something worrisome… the least she could do was tell that scientist. Sure, he may not have exactly been supernatural the same way she, or the other hunters and survivors were, but he at least, could try to investigate, and if not… contact the Baron if required. She didn’t trust the higher powers of the manor… Hastur was unapproachable and silent in a way that made one think speaking was a death wish. And Yidrah was… well, Yidrah.

So naturally, she went to go and find that strange anomaly… the thing that made even the eyes of the manor jitter with anticipation and curiosity. She searched and searched, the almost ever shifting halls and paintings of the manor almost seeming to… guide her. As if the decision to look had been known amongst them, and they were indulging her curiosity for their… amusement…? Perhaps benefit was a better word. Finally, she happened upon the door, open and lettinf in a most… warm and soft light. How peculiar… she doesn’t recall the garden being here… or the door to the garden looking like this.

She passes through the open door and winces from just how… bright it was. The manor was often dim, save for the garden, so her eyes were a tad sensitive. As she stepped further through the flowers (which from the looks of them, may have been hydrangeas?) she had seen a figure. Something about him was familiar… but that couldn’t be him! He was far too well emotionally to ever be the callous, deer-headed hunter.

“Hello…?” She called out.

@idv-ask-the-empath

Upon hearing somebody emerge from the manor the gamekeeper couldn't help but to look up and-

Who was that? He hadn't seen anybody like her in the manor before... Granted, he didn't get to go to the manor overly often due to his position but, well, still... Was she a new employee? Or perhaps one of the Baron's invited guests? Either way, it'd be rude not to introduce himself.

So with a smile on his face- it was always nice to make a new friend- he stood up straight, a watering can in hand- the gardener's were sick, so he'd offered to help out a little bit when he had the time and so thus here he was, alone in the gardens except for this newbie- as he approached past all the different flowers, waving briefly with his free hand before letting it drop and stay by his side as he came to a stop just in front of her.

"Hi. Did you... need something? I'm just the gamekeeper here, Bane Perez... So you might not see me around much," and he may not be of much use when it came to matters within the manor, "but if there's anything you need help with at all, just let me know and I'll be glad to lend a hand."

He wasn't one for talking, always preferring to let others lead the conversation, but it was difficult to make friends with others if you didn't know how to speak up.

Just like the hunter by the same name, his voice was a little deep and gruff, if only a bit less rough. Contrary to the angry hunter though, his voice was more light-hearted. Even with the same height and body shape he seemed nicer, more soft around the edges and less towering... No limp hindered his movements and his skin was a healthy, living shade rather than the usual grey-purple that was to be seen from the hunter. Even with fabric and cloth covering almost every inch of his body any intimidation that could've brought was immediately destroyed by his friendly attitude.

@idv-ask-the-empath

#man is just #trying his best #adttp #adttp event #event #rp #roleplay #adttp + delara #sorry for no drawing this time smh #im excited <3 #a door to the past #delara whispers #idv-ask-the-empath #congrats delara !! #you finally got to meet one (1) emotionally healthy person !! #in the manor

[thebadboyfanclub]

You Little Sneaky Fox (Cedric x Reader)

This has been in my brain and I had to write it in order to stop, also my best friend @little-diable​ is a co star in this(surprise bithc).Enjoy our new add on the list, Cedric Diggory

Another year, another stash of newbies running around the castle. (Y/n) was walking to class alongside with her friend Chiara when she started to hear the whispers

“Of course they are slytherins”

You smirked at the young girls comment. She had to admit her and her friends walk was very noticeable and kind of demanded attention, their heads held high, usually an eyebrow raised, good posture and their shoes making a click clack sound against the well polished floor.

“you think anyone will join us this year?”

“Of course, thing is if they will be able to keep up”

She answered.(Y/n) never cared about the little kidos but it was funny to see them struggling and desperately trying to blend in by being rude and snobby, of course slytherin had a cunning reputation but there is a difference between confident and cocky, especially when you are a little kid.

Soon enough they were outside their class, as they opened the doors everyone was already at their seats and professor Snape stared right at them. Snape had a weird bond with (y/n), he knew she was powerful and she put in the work, a clear over achiever but she could be extremely stubborn,cold and sometimes even arrogant, her snarky comments were an annoyance.

“You are late”

“We like to make an entrance”

“Besides it’s only 3 minutes”

Chiara jumped in to defend her friend. They started to walk again at their assigned seats -they weren’t really assigned, they just always sat there- 

“3 minutes are important young lady. 10 points from slytherin”

“Oh what a shame, how will we ever get them back?”

(Y/n) whispered just loud enough for Snape to hear and for some of the students to laugh. Snape decided to ignore her and continue with his lecture.

As they sat down (y/n) saw a note waiting for her, her name written in beautiful calligraphy. Of course no one had dared to touch it nor question who was leaving notes for the lady who was pretty well known for getting caught giving sweet love kisses in the after hours.

“Well well well,at least he is always on time”

Chiara knew about him. At first she was shocked her friend would not only consider but being genuinely interested in a hufflepuff. As much (y/n) hated to admit it, she was slowly catching feelings for Cedric, he was sweet, gentle, but also passionate. She hid her smile as she carefully opened the note

“12 am, at our spot?”

She bit her lip and looked at her friend. Chiara winked at her before giggling in a dirty manner, she was happy for her, she hadn’t seen her friend get sweaty palms and ask what she should wear in... ever really.

But her craving for him was a slow burning fire that was know getting taller. She wanted him for herself, just the little whispers of other girls saying how cute he is when he was walking down the halls were enough for her to think a hundred different ways to behead them and him. So she came up with a plan, to see if she was the only one feeling this way.

Cedric stared at her from the other side of the room. He had to admit that he felt his heart skip a beat when he saw her giggling after reading his note, he didn’t even understand how a slytherin girl could be so addicting, he was so intimidated yet drawn to her, they were a few times during their “dates” that she showed him her gentle side, nuzzling in his neck for a few seconds, a sweet gentle kiss before she runs from him, her fingers running through his hair in a soft manner.

 He wanted to ask her out officially, stand next to her proudly for the world to see, however he was scared of her reaction, what if she laughed at him? taunt him and reject him? he would be heart broken.

As their class came to an end and they had time to go out in the garden and relax, Cedric was playing around with his mates and (y/n) was waiting for her chance to start her plan.

“Want to see a cool show?”

“What has your evil mind come up with?”

“Stick around and you will find out”

She shot back in a low tone as she walked towards the guys and chose to go for the ultimate threat, good ol’ malfoy. She had heard from a few “sources” that malfoy had a little crush on her, he was also a slytherin and Cedric did not like him. He was fourteen which means (y/n) would never do anything, but a little chat was enough to see what she was working with

“Morning Malfoy”

Draco turned to look at her, he was in shock but he tried to hide it not wanting to mess with his reputation. He smiled at her and run a hand through his hair in order to calm himself down’

“Morning (y/n)”

“I just wanted to come here and say that if you need any help with the spells don’t hesitate to ask me or Chiara, we’ll be happy to help you”

“T-Thanks”

Even this part was amusing to her, seeing the arrogant, rude and full of himself little malfoy stutter when he talks to a girl, just this thing was a personal win for her, making boys stutter and lose their cool around her was her drug of choice. She took one step closer towards him and shyly licked her upper lip

“Oh don’t mention it, you are one of us right?”

Before he could respond (y/n) turned her back to him and walked to her friend. With the corner of her eye she saw her real target, Cedric. He had stopped playing and was looking in her direction, over the time they had spend together she had learned how he expresses his feelings and she could clearly understand by the way he looked at her, his lips slightly parted and how he nodded his head that he was livid.

Chiara was giggling, admiring her friends plan that had clearly walked, she always loved to see (y/n) play around with guys brains-if they had any- it was truly a sight to see.

“You little rascal, he is fuming”

“Unfortunately you won’t be there for the finale tonight”

-

As the hours passed and (y/n) carefully slipped through the halls and the teachers guarding the castle to go and see her plan had brought her. As she approached him she could see his tense back, he was whispering to himself, his hands curling into fists and then released.

(y/n) hugged him from the back and got on her tip toes to give him a kiss. If that little incident had not happened he would have been the happiest man in the world right now.

“Hello darling”

“Since when are you so interested in Malfoy?”

Well, there goes his plan of casually slipping it in the conversation. He couldn’t hold his feelings any longer, he was hurt, almost betrayed, was she really interested in other guys? no, she couldn’t, he wouldn’t be able to handle it.

“What are you talking about?”

“(y/n) this is really not the time to play the aloof card, you never talk to him”

“How do you know who i do and don’t talk to Cedric?”

She was pushing it, she knew she was playing with fire and it  was extremely dangerous, but where’s the fun in being careful right? 

“So you are just suddenly a good Samaritan and decided to help Draco with his homework?”

“I didn’t know you were able to hear from that far, that’s an actual skill”

“Stop it!”

He didn’t yell at her, he would never -he was secretly too scared- he just raised his voice enough to show he was being serious. (y/n) looked around to make sure no one was around, she didn’t want another “scandal” on her back, she turned back to him and smirked at the flustered Cedric

“Are you jealous?”

“Yes, yes I am”

“Why? Last time I checked I am not your girlfriend”

“Like you would say yes if I asked you, I’m not stupid (y/n)”

She laughed. There it was, finally he said what she was dreaming of hearing, those sweet little words of victory,her plan worked perfectly and she got a relationship out of it, just like she had planned.

“Are you laughing at me”

“Yes I am, but not for the reason you are thinking of”

He was just looking at her, utterly confused with the way she was behaving. (y/n) tried to contain herself and got closer to him, wrapping her arms around his neck and looking straight in those beautiful eyes.

“Did you really think I would go for a boy that’s younger than me? I just wanted you to admit your feelings for me”

He felt his whole body relax, his heartbeat going back to normal. Now it was his turn to wrap his arms around her waist and spin her around, (y/n) giggled and gave him a kiss on his soft warm lips.

“You little sneaky fox”

“I didn’t get into slytherin by accident love”

#harry potter #cedric diggory #cedric diggory scenarios #cedric diggory imagine #cedric diggory one shot #cedric diggory headcanon #cedric diggory x you #cedric diggory x oc #cedric diggory x reader #cedric imagine #cedric scenarios #cedric oneshot #cedric headcanon #cedric x you #cedric x reader #cedric x oc #harry potter scenarios #harrry potter imagine #hogwarts scenarios #hogwarts imagine #hogwarts headcanon #hogwarts x you #hogwarts x reader #hogwarts x oc #hogwarts #diggory #robert pattinson

[mino-diabolik]

The Past

| ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ᴛᴡᴏ : ᴀ ᴍᴀɪᴅ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴀɴ ᴏᴅᴅ ɴᴀᴍᴇ |

Hurrying in her footsteps, the young maid’s shoes tapped away at the ground as she was followed by the very witch that had mocked the king and his sons.

Well, just one son, but that was besides the point.

Actually, no… what was that about? Why was the oldest prince the only one exempted from any verbal abuse? Could it be this woman—Elle—was actually much acquainted with the young master?

“Your name,” the witch’s voice suddenly yanked the young maid out of her thoughts.

She looked back at get, a bit startled. “Pardon?”

“A name,” Elle repeated, “do you have a name?”

The young maid mouthed an oh, finally understanding the meaning of her question. “DJ,” she responded.

Elle looked at her with intrigue. “Afraid of telling a witch your name? Is that it?”

DJ quickly shook her head. “No, no! Of course not, your grace.” She anxiously clasped her hands in front of her, “It is just that… my name was a bit too long for the former head servant to try and remember, so they shortened it to my initials.”

Elle nodded slowly, “I see.”

“But if the madam insists on knowing it—”

“No need,” she interrupted. “I like it.”

DJ couldn’t help but smile, “Madam is so kind.”

Elle sighed as she crossed her arms, “Also, please don’t address me by madam. Gives me the chills,” she feigned shudders. “You may call me by my name.”

DJ had to take a pause, as if she just couldn’t believe her own ears. She blinked once, glanced around, then broke a smile, “Madam Elle.”

Elle reached out a hand to mess with the girl’s hair with a defeated sigh. “That works for now, I guess.” She crossed her arms and lively looked at her, “You seem young. Or perhaps you’re just a newbie.”

The young maid thought about these words for a moment, before responding, “If you’re familiar with the youngest prince, I’m barely any younger than him, but I’ve been working at the palace since I was child.”

“Oh, dear,” Elle hummed. “How could you have hold on for so long at such terrible place?”

DJ fiddled. “I would not call it terrible… just a bit harsh.”

The witch chortled and shook her head with a smile. “Whatever floats your boat, dear.” She added, “I do hope to see you around often, alright? I’ll be staying here… let’s just say, for a while.”

As Elle walked around her to continue her way down the hallway, DJ jolted up. “Madam Elle, I haven’t—”

“Last door at the west wing on the third floor,” she waved her hand over her shoulder without looking back. “It isn’t my first time here, darling. I’m not worried about the dirt—it’ll give me something to do so I won’t die of boredom.”

“A—are you sure?”

“I wouldn’t be telling you, otherwise.”

With this, the witch vanished through the shadows at the stairway. DJ remained still as a statue in her spot until she couldn’t hear the other woman’s footsteps anymore.

She turned around and began pacing back to the front hall in order to wrap up the cleaning she’d been doing before getting dragged along by the guard.

Flawless posture, sequence of footsteps as if she was following a line, and hands clasped in front of her lap.

After being picked up near death’s doorstep from the side of the street by a compassionate guard, she was introduced to the old head servant of the Banmaden, who—convinced by the pleading of the guard—allowed her into the staff as a young apprentice, mainly working on the garden and away from royal eyes.

She was young. Too young, too naive. Too innocent to even exist in the world she had been brought into.

The day she had been asked by the head servant to trim the bushes and water the flowers for the party happening that night, was fresh in her memory. As if it hadn’t happened thousands of years ago.

DJ remembered every detail on every petal of the rose she’d been inspecting at the time when hurried footsteps interrupted her moment of observation. She quickly straightened up and made herself appear busy.

A young boy in a fancy white shirt and khaki trousers tucked into black boots came rushing through the maze of roses with a few Familiars in the shape of wolves chasing behind.

He was dashing… or at least, he looked like a gem in the poor girl’s eyes.

The prince, she realized.

Up until then, she had only heard about the monarchs and their sons. She had never really been able to see them with her own eyes. Just in portraits.

Now she stood close to one of the princes, joyfully skipping and jumping over smaller beddings of flowers and puddles from the recent watering they had received. The wolves gave chase nonstop, gleeful to play with their master.

DJ’s busy little hands had stopped—holding the gardening shears midway open over the stem of a rose—as she followed the young royal’s frantic sprinting with awe. It wasn’t until the prince began running her way, did she jumped out of her trance.

Her arms jerked and the shears closed around the stem of the rose.

The helpless beauty fell.

DJ gasped quietly putting the shears down my her feet and quickly bent down to pick up the flower. But before she could reach it, another small hand appeared and sweeped it up. Eyes wide, the girl looked up.

Young prince Shin stood in front of her, inspecting her face as he twisted the rose’s stem between his fingers. “Your eyes,” he started, “they’re different colors.”

DJ lowered her head.

Born with heterochromia iridium, her left eye shone in a pale blue and her right eye in a bright red ruby.

It was another factor to the head servant’s decision to keep her away from the public’s eyes during work, and it had been one of the many reasons she’d been tossed around the Human Realm in trades and sales on the black market until she eventually made her way to the Demon Realm—where she was abandoned to her own luck.

Not having received a response from the black haired, Shin scoffed. He stood up and crossed his arms, still making sure not to crush the rose. “I’ve never seen you around.”

The little girl rose from the ground along with him. “I…” her voice was small and weak, “I am just the head servant’s apprentice. I’ve been working for just a few months.”

The young prince hummed, “No wonder.” He looked over his shoulder and his Familiars took that as a cue to come close.

They sniffed up the little girl, who visibly stiffened up. She held her breath as the humid exhale of the wolves snouts brought chills through her arms.

Suddenly, one of the wolves kneeled, stretching its forelegs in front of him, then rested its massive head on the ground. It gently wagged its tail and expectantly looked at the girl.

Slightly startled and confused, DJ gaped at the wolf, then glanced at Shin, who appeared equally shocked.

“Wow,” the prince mumbled, “he’s never been this docile with newcomers.”

DJ turned to face the wolf one more; the heavy feeling squirming in her chest was gone. She pressed the skirt of her dress to her legs as she crouched down, slowly reaching a hand out to the dog’s head. The back of her fingers touched the wolf’s head like a feather. The enormous creature melted at the touch, rolling over on its back with a joyful pant.

Shin scooted closer, gaping. He looked at the previously expressionless little girl, now with a glow over her face and an almost unnoticeable curl on the edges of her face.

Shin opened his mouth to say something, when a call interrupted.

“Young master!”

Both kids jumped up.

An older man in a dark tailed coat paced around the outside of the maze, looking around. Once his eyes landed on the prince, the butler glanced at the girl momentarily—frowned—then looked away.

“Young master, your father calls!”

The prince perked up and brought a hand to his lips, whistling to call the remaining Familiars that had wandered off. Just as he prepared himself to rush away, he stopped right on his tracks.

He turned around to look at DJ. He glanced at the rose still in his hands, as if remembering for the first time in a while he was still holding it, and offered it to her.

The girl paused for a moment, then hurriedly reached out for it.

“Then… I guess I will see you around.”

DJ held her hand up to gently hold up the wide leaf from the wilting bouquet of roses on a vase, droopy eyes gazing at the darken petals.

The doors to the grand hall let out a deep moan as they were pushed opened by the footman on the other side, welcoming three royals into the hallway.

She quickly turned around, bringing her hands in front of her lap and lowering her head. She heard the vivid chatter between the king and youngest prince, which instinctively caused her to look up.

Unbeknownst to her, he had also decided to take a peek at her just as they passed in front of her.

Startled, she quickly snapped her head back down, receiving a scowl and scoff from the prince.

. . . He didn’t remember her.

That instance had been so long ago, both had grown so much… changed so much.

It wasn’t odd for something like that to happen.

After all, why would a prince bother to remember the face of a servant he had spoken nothing but once in his life?

With this thought in mind, DJ gripped the skirt of her dress, feeling her face burn bright red, up to the tips of her ears.

But it was near imposible for a little girl’s heart to forget the boy who had offered her a a rose with a smile on his face.

[ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ᴛᴡᴏ: ᴇɴᴅ]

#diabolikloversoc #dj #ellelaurent #shintsukinami #the past #the past chapter two