#she’s VERITY QUEEN

[lunar-eclipse-cos]

After Loki S2, I decided to go back to my roots to cope. And by that, I mean go back to the Loki: Agent of Asgard Marvel comic run.

I love Loki and Verity's friendship so much. I also like to ship them as well. There is absolutely not enough stuff with them in it in any capacity, whether purely platonic or romantic. So, I've decided I'm going to start trying to rectify that.

Anyway, enjoy this sketch that I hope to later digitize of Loki and Verity.

#art #my art #loki #verity willis #loki agent of asgard #loki agent of asgard fanart #agent of asgard #loki and verity #marvel #marvel comics #loki odinson #loki laufeyson #god i love these two #i love them both as friends and also as a ship #loki is a genderfluid bi queen #and my headcanon is that verity is also bi #also that verity is possibly ace as well #but just because shes ace doesnt mean she doesnt want some romance #but then again she could also just be demisexual #i dunno theyre both fictional characters #i still love these two

[bigfatbreak]

Hihi!!! First of all, just wanna say, LOVE UR AUS SO MUCHH!!! THEY'RE LITERALLY MY LIFE LINE WAH <333

SECONDLY, I recall Marinette saying something like not wanting to get 'kids' (her friends) involved in akuma fights. BUT she gave a few of her friends blasphemous. Why is that?

There will be a whole chapter bout that later, here's a peek into it

- Battement: <- we are here

- Lady Clarity: <- we will get function here

- Oberon: <- we will get reasoning here

- Queen Verity: <- we will get desperation here

#replies #thats not all the chapters but theres some setup

[aphroditesmoon]

to the people who follow me for my book content, these are some authors that i no longer support:

pierce brown: one of the earliest authors to share the "i stand with israel" posts. (I guess rebellions are only cool for plot points. I loved red rising but ive always found it to be a whitewashed version of the hunger games, and b4 u go "but hunger games characters r white too!!" No theyre not. Katniss was supposed to have darker skin. The movie franchise whitewashed her.)

sarah j maas: has made it clear that her grandmother was in the IDF and is proud of her israeli heritage. I liked her when i was like 14. I grew to realise just how much queerbaiting and subtle racism there is in her books.

victoria aveyard: i loved her for a very long time, red queen was the series that pulled me back into reading and she have been one of my biggest inspiration in being a writer, but she had made a statement of standing in neutrality, and she have made a tiktok of her Starbucks order while everyone is trying to boycott starbucks for their donation to israel. I hope her words and actions are only of ignorance and that she'll learn to do better soon. but until then, I've completely lost my respect for her.

•••••••••••••••

IN RETURN: HERE ARE SOME AUTHORS WHO HAVE BEEN SUPPORTING AND DONATING TO PALESTINE AND WRITE AMAZING BOOKS:

- Rebecca F. Kuang: The poppy war trilogy, yellowface, Babel.

- Olivie Blake: The atlas six trilogy, One for my enemy, Alone with you in the ether, Masters of death.

- VE Schwab: A darker shade of magic series, The invisible life of Addie Larue, This savage song (monsters of verity) duology.

- Chloe Gong: These violent delights duology.

- Faridah abike iyimide: Ace of Spades.

- Leigh Bardugo: The grishaverse, Ninth house.

- Tracy Deonn: Legendborn series.

- Xiran Jay Zhao: Iron widow series.

#free palestine #palestine #book reccs #authorsforpalestine #israel #booktok #olivie blake #sarah j mass #rebecca f kuang #rf kuang #ve schwab #chloe gong #faridah àbíké íyímídé #pierce brown #red rising #red queen #victoria aveyard #acotar #leigh bardugo #grishaverse #six of crows #ninth house

[literaila]

verity what would you think about writing another peter x reader in which peter becomes a photographer and has to take pictures of reader and he develops a thing for her and he thinks that reader just flirts with him for fun and he's totally okay with that because he's a fool for her but after teasing peter and messing with him for a good amount of time she asks him out ? maybe inspired by "suck it and see" by arctic monkeys? thank you !!

chemistry

tasm!peter x fem!reader

a/n: the science jokes are real with this one

*

peter needed to get over himself. that much was clear.

honestly, he had the ability to rip out his eyes and throw them down the garbage disposal, and it was becoming increasingly obvious that he might have to. just to get some sanity back.

it wasn’t really his fault he was staring at you. no, it wasn’t his fault at all.

he was getting paid to stare at you. you had hired him to do this. to take pictures of you when you looked like this—partially glowing from the light, wearing a devious smile like you might be trying to crack his lens—and not get called a pervert for it.

his movements were automatic now. he’d done this enough—admired strangers and tried to pull the best out of them—but it was never quite like this. with every click of a button, and the perfectly adjusted flash, peter felt himself getting a bit hazy.

it would be his luck to faint while taking pictures of a pretty girl.

a pretty girl who’s head was tilted at him, eyes questioning, because she’d just said something and he was too busy scolding himself to notice

get yourself together.

“hmm?” peter asked, moving a step closer to you. “sorry i missed it.”

you smile like he’s said something funny. “should i try something else?” you say, “i’m not used to posing.”

“you’re doing great. you’re a natural.”

maybe a little too great. you blink at him, eyes darting away and sigh. even then, if peter took a photo, he’s sure it would come out perfectly. he probably wouldn’t need to edit any of these, even.

but he also probably would. just to stare at you some more.

“well, you’re the expert.”

but peter frowns. “are you feeling uncomfortable?”

“just—“ you shake your head. “will you tell me a joke, or something? i feel… awkward. i have no idea what i’m doing.”

“tell you a joke?” peter repeats, slightly amused.

“or just talk to me. anything.”

“sure,” he says, easily, nodding his head a bit too much. maybe it’s because you sort of whispered it, and peter sort of felt it on every single on of his nerve endings. “i, um,” he raises his brows. “i think i just forgot every joke i’ve ever heard.”

you laugh with your head tilted back and he snaps a shot. “just tell me about you, then.”

“me?”

“yes, peter parker, the photographer… and? part time comedian? full time alcoholic? father of six?”

peter frowns. “how old do you think i am?“

“old enough to be a professional photographer.”

“i don’t know if i would call myself a professional…” he winces, smiling a bit and feeling embarrassed for himself. flushed and completely ashamed because he’s usually better at this.

he can calm a clients nerves in five minutes. he can make people laugh and get the candid shot that he knows they’re looking for. he can turn an awkward social interaction into getting drinks after a shoot.

but there’s something about you and your smile, and the easy way you talk, like the words just fall out of your mouth and into place.

“i saw your prints,” you correct, shaking your head at him, “why do you think i hired you?”

“free eye candy?”

and then you actually laugh, chest releasing, and peter watches as your eyes squint at him like you’ve finally realized who you’re talking to.

it’s second nature when he presses the button.

“oh, yeah. i just googled ‘hottest male photographer in queens’ and yours was the first that came up.”

“i knew that ad would pay off eventually.”

“really, though. i’ve only got you for another twenty minutes so you’ve gotta tell me something good.”

peter frowns and moves to your left, changing the zoom on his camera and dimming the light. “i didn’t know you were paying for a gossip session.”

“okay, so you don’t like to talk about yourself. what else?”

he catches you as you adjust your hair, the light shining on the side of your face, gleaming off of you like something out of a sci-fi film.

peter shakes his head—his head is feeling a bit off. “um… i want to get a cat.”

you smile, completely darling and enough to knock a breath out of his chest. “i’ll add caring to the list. why haven’t you?”

“well, my apartment doesn’t really allow it…” he pauses for a moment playing with some settings. the two of you are dancing in circles, like a pendulum, when you move, he moves. “and also i’m not sure that i’d remember to feed it.”

“most animals make sure you remember. when i was a kid my dog would jump on whoever was closest when it was time for dinner.”

peter almost winces, and then catches himself. “i also think i’d poison it with my energy. it’d forget how to move its tail.”

“well, i’ve been around you for almost an hour and a half now and i can safely say that i still have control over all of my limbs.”

“good to know…” peter mutters while frowning at his screen. there’s nothing wrong with his camera, or with you, just with his hands. and his heart.

“everything okay?”

he shakes his head, then nods, clearing his throat. “yeah—yeah. i’m just messing with the settings.”

“are you getting anything good? useable?”

“they’re all good,” he says—to himself and out loud like a complete idiot. and then he looks up, awkwardly laughing. “like i said, you’re a natural.”

“even if you’re lying,” you tease, undeterred by his awkwardness, “i’m sure you’ll fix it all before i see.”

“i’m not lying, but yeah.”

when you smile, he smiles back.

“okay,” you say, moving. “what else? got any friends or family? any plans after this?”

“which question am i supposed to answer?”

“all of them, peter.”

he chuckles. “it’s mostly just me and my aunt. and a couple of long lost cousins. as for friends, i’ve kept in touch with some people from college. oh, and me and the john down the street who makes me a sandwich everyday are close.”

you lift your head, revealing the skin of your neck and jaw to peter. and a fetish he didn’t know he had. “and after this?”

“i’ll probably just go home and edit these, actually.”

“it’s friday.”

he shrugs. squinting at you before the next shot. he’s not even really looking.

“nothing fun?” you ask him. “surely you’ll be sick of my face after this.”

“that’d be hard.”

he watches a sheepish smile reveal itself on your face before it’s gone. you look away. “you’re young, peter. you should be having fun.”

“what are you doing after this?” peter asks, as a challenge.

your brows lift. “this seems like a line.”

he laughs. “not like that.”

you shrug and blink when the flash goes off. “i’ll figure out something. are there any good bars nearby?”

peter pauses, dropping his camera. “are we back to the alcoholic thing.”

“no,” you laugh, “we’re way past that. i just think that your flash is giving me a bit of an adrenaline rush. i could use a calm me down.”

“you okay?”

“i’m kidding, peter. keep going, you’re almost a free man.”

so he does.

you continue to prod him with personal questions, attacking him with your smile and your unsurprisingly sharp wit. you throw his words right back to him, and peter knows, in his deepest of thoughts, that he’s going to be hearing your voice later on.

that when he’s looking back on these pictures, he’s going to see a timeline of your allure, and of his own demise.

he’s already loving and dreading it.

he finishes up by making you laugh from your nose, loud and unprecedented, and so genuinely rewarding that peter has to refrain from clapping himself on the back.

you smile at him as you slip on your jacket, still talking to him, acting too smooth to be just polite.

peter also has to refrain himself from trying to shake your head as he walks you to the door. he tries not to stare any longer, knowing what kind of night he has in store.

“when should i be seeing the pictures?” you ask him, lingering when you finally get to the door.

“sometime next week. i’ll email you a preview with a few different editing styles that you can pick from and then i’ll finish the album.”

“email?”

he scoffs, opening the door for you. “i’ll have you know that not everyone is as young and hip as you. do you know how many grandparents want photos with their family?”

“it just doesn’t seem like you, peter. i’d thought you’d train a carrier pigeon.”

he shakes his head at you, trying to hide his smile.

“but, seriously, thank you so much,” you say to him, voice full and easy, and honest. he can feel your heart and smell your perfume. “i know i’m a lot. especially when i’m nervous.”

“i’m just glad you didn’t ask me about my social security number.”

you reflectively smack yourself on the forehead. “i knew i forgot something.”

peter laughs, letting you slip past him trying to avoid your touch. he doesn’t, and if benjamin franklin was there, he might’ve discovered a whole different type of electricity.

“i’ll talk to you soon,” peter says, and your close enough that it’s almost a whisper. “just let me know if there’s any issues with the pictures, or you have any questions. you’ve got my number.”

“i do.”

his body feels physically repelled from inside the studio, but he forces himself to take a step in anyway. “have a good weekend.”

“you too.”

and then you turn to go, and peter can’t help but stare. he hopes that the tint on the shop windows is enough to keep you from noticing.

but before he can close the door—and mind that it took him an outrageously stupid amount of time—you’re turning back around.

“wait, peter,” you say, voice breathless and jagged. like peters hands as they rush to push open the door again.

it’s embarrassing how quickly he manages to do it.

“yes?”

you smile, like you know exactly what he’s thinking. peter will have that smile branded into his brain.

“do you wanna come with me to get that drink?” you ask him, softly, and wide, with a smile that bursts blood vessels.

peter really needs to get over himself.

*

#ask #tasm peter x reader #andrew!spiderman #the amazing spider-man #peter parker #peter parker x reader #andrew garfield!peter parker x reader #tasm peter parker #spider-man #the amazing spider man #tasm 2 #tasmania #tasm!peter x reader #tasm!peter x y/n #tasm!peter imagine #tasm #tasm spiderman #tasm!peter fanfiction #tasm!peter parker #tasm!peter x you #tasm!peter smut #tasm!spiderman x reader #tasm!peter one shot #tasm!peter fluff #andrew garfield peter parker #andrew!peter parker #andrew!peter x reader #andrew!peter smut #andrew!peter imagine

[george-weasleys-girl]

HI. You can choose whichever of the two (Fred or George, George or Fred, Gred and Forge) or you can do for both of them. I read your prompt list and two of them caught my eye. “First one who makes a noise loses” and “Let’s make a baby.” I anticipate as what you have in mind, you can choose one or both if needed..!

Thank you for your request, lovely! This is my first smut fic.😬I hope you enjoy it!

Oh, So Quiet

18+ only

George Weasley x fem!reader

Warnings: smut, George tries to be a teasing jerk, fails miserably.

~•~

Y/N grinned. She knew that look, and the fact that, seconds later, George grabbed her hand and pulled her upstairs and into the back of the warehouse proved it.

"You know exactly what you're doing, don't you?" He growled, pressing her against the little corner table.

"Whatever do you mean?" She titled her head, eyes widened.

"You know I can't resist you in that skirt," he moved his hands down her hips and began pushing it up.

Y/N licked her lips, admiring the growing bulge inside his pants. "Oh my, is this that skirt?"

George cocked an eyebrow as he slid his hand between her legs and damn near came then and there when he realized she had a little surprise waiting for him. "No panties?"

"Dear me," she gasped in mock surprise. "I knew there was something I was forgetting this morning."

He pressed her tightly to him grinding his still clothed erection against her exposed pussy. A soft moan fell from her lips, and she reached down to unbutton his pants. But he stopped her mid-movement, trapping both of her hands in one of his. Two can play at this game.

"First one who makes a noise, loses," he mummered in her ear, grinning and absolutely confident that he'd win this little wager.

Y/N smiled and hopped onto the table, spreading herself wide. "You're on."

~•~

It took every ounce of willpower George had to keep himself quiet. He'd never realized how much noise he actually made during sex until he could no longer make a sound. And yet, even as he angled himself to hit the spot that turned his wife into a quivering, moaning mess, he couldn't pull even the tiniest whimper from her open mouth.

George bit down hard on his lip, watching as his cock disappeared over and over inside Y/N's pulsing heat. He sped up his pace, knowing they only had a few minutes before Verity or one of the other employees came looking for them. He instinctively turned to look behind them, just as Y/N clenched around him, snapping his attention back to her.

Her head was thrown back, eyes squeezed shut and lips drawn tightly together as her orgasm crashed over her. It was more than he could take, and he exploded inside her, unable to stop the guttural moan that escaped his lips.

"Fuck," he chuckled, letting his head fall forward to rest on her shoulder, his hips pumping lazily, riding out the last of their highs.

"I win," she panted, her cheekiness evident even through her breathlessness.

"Indeed you did," he grinned, shifting a little so he could look at her. But much to their disappointment, they didn't have time to bask in the afterglow.

"Mr. Weasley? Mrs. Weasley?" Simon's squeeky voice drifted through the warehouse.

George sighed and pulled out with a soft groan, then quickly got himself in order. "I'll take care of this while you get presentable again," he said, giving her a quick kiss before sprinting around the corner.

~•~

*if you don't want to be tagged in future smut, please let me know!

@milivanili99 @fancy-pantaloons @turvi @zvummyummy @xmjthewitchx @pansexualwitchwhoneedstherapy @georgie-weasley @samberriejams @nighttimemoonlover @jsjcue @wzrd-wheezes @mrsgweasley @hufflepuffie @morally-grey-obsessed @fredweasleyyyyy @anvaaryn @samshifts @asuperconfusedgirl @hmisa11 @superduckmilkshake @mysticsheepsoul @gemofthenight @1lellykins @junerprsh @sierraluvz @wolfkill16 @kaysau2510 @qmylovexoxo @planetkt @costheticbabe @drama-queen-fromthevault @thatonepersonwhocantwrite @smallsweetvanillabean @themaraudersslut @hanne-montana @greenapplegrass @el-de-phi @lizzytrees @scooby-doo1995 @phant0mkitsune @spididerman @yoursarahg @marvelgirlstories @theimpossible-girl-whowaited @ceehance @Havenater1920

#george weasley #george weasley x reader #george weasley x y/n #george weasley x fem!reader #george weasley x you #george weasley smut

[elentiyawhitethorn]

Older but Never Wiser

CW: a bit of language

AN: Happy (almost belated) birthday @leiawritesstories my love!! This took way longer than it should have but depending on your time zone this might not be late yet lol, I’m dusting off the cobwebs to give you a little present :)

Based on this prompt: “you’re at the high school reunion and everyone’s talking about how you and [insert jerk here] were prom queen and king, unaware you dumped them years ago, and you’re moping… until you run into your nemesis from high school and you’re thoroughly distracted” (I can’t remember where this came from, it was just in my prompts folder, maybe I came up with it? Maybe not? Idk)

1458 words

Aelin could feel her shoulders begin to hunch as she drew in on herself. She’d known Chaol would be here, of course, but she hadn’t known the subject of prom queen and king would come up so soon, nor their joint senior superlative of “most likely to get married.”

She also hadn’t known Chaol would show up with a gorgeous woman taller than her, hotter than her, certainly classier than her, and wearing a giant diamond on her finger.

“I really thought you two were going to last,” Essar said, voice dripping with pity and sorrow as if she’d truly been invested in the relationship of two high school classmates she’d hardly ever interacted with ten years ago, let alone following graduation.

Aelin smiled tightly. “Well, it was for the best. I’m much happier now with my new boyfriend.” A lie, and an obvious one at that, if Essar bothered to notice. As it was, she was clearly more interested in the piece of gossip than its verity, even a decade after high school.

Some things really didn’t change.

The subject of Chaol was a bitter one—they had lasted several years following high school, and while Aelin had had plenty of time to move on, and multiple relationships following Chaol, seeing him now brought up old insecurities. Being interrogated about the end of their relationship by some random classmate at a high school reunion wasn’t making matters better.

“If you’ll excuse me,” Aelin cut in, “I should make some more rounds. It was nice to catch up with you.” There wasn’t an ounce of sincerity in Aelin’s tone and she couldn’t quite bring herself to care.

She and Essar exchanged goodbyes and Aelin fled, hurrying over to her friend Elide. Elide had been the class valedictorian and was now head of some tech company in Rifthold.

After catching up with her and a few others, Aelin headed for the refreshment table. She wasn’t one for social events, and after the tedious process of listening to the reunion’s organizers give speeches, followed by a solid half hour of unstructured mingling, Aelin was drained.

She poured herself a cup of punch. Staring into the reddish liquid at a distorted reflection of herself, Aelin sighed.

“I can’t believe Aelin Galathynius, socialite, gossip, prom queen extraordinaire, is moping at the snack table at a social event. Hell really has frozen over.”

Aelin started at the voice, looking up to see a man with stark white hair towering over her. He had certainly changed over the past decade, but the sharp pine green eyes clued her in on his identity instantly.

“Rowan Whitethorn,” Aelin drawled, grinning. “You…” She looked him over, taking in the size of his crossed arms, the deep tan, and the hard features. A tattoo snaked up his neck from somewhere underneath his shirt. Aelin whistled. “Time has served you well.”

Rowan chuckled, the sound all too familiar. “You think so?” He paused, and gave her a once-over of his own. “I could say the same.”

Aelin leaned against the table, smiling. “Do tell me what it is you do for a living. Wait—let me guess. Sly business man. Lawyer? Oh, tax collector!”

Another, louder laugh left Rowan’s lips. “I’m a child psychologist.”

Aelin’s jaw dropped. “Damn, okay.”

He grinned. “You’re what, a fashion designer? A housewife?”

Aelin rolled her eyes. “I work at a pharmacy.”

Rowan shook his head in disbelief, smiling widely. Silence settled over the pair, but it wasn’t an uncomfortable pause—merely a moment to take in each other after so long. Aelin remembered arguing with the boy this man had once been over schoolwork, over sports, over absolutely nothing.

“Gods, tell me you’re not with that asshole anymore,” Rowan said, breaking the quiet.

Aelin blinked, then felt her lips unconsciously stretch into a another smile. “No, I’m not.”

Rowan hmmed noncommittalaly. “You two were never a good match.”

He was the first person who hadn’t offered her condolences like it was some kind of recent tragedy, and for that Aelin felt her smile turn soft. “Remind me why we hated each other again?”

A breathy laugh. “I believe that was thanks to the time you scraped up the side of my car trying to park on the very first day of junior year.”

“We were sixteen! No one could drive well at that age.” Aelin was grinning.

Rowan crossed his arms. “Or perhaps the time you literally tased me? With a fucking taser?”

Aelin let out a startled laugh. She’d completely forgotten about that. One of the football boys had hosted a party while his parents were out of town, and his mom was a cop so he brought out her taser for a game of whoever can hold onto this $20 while being tased in the hand gets to keep it. Gods, high school had been quite the experience.

“That was part of the game! You took the risk, and you lost; I can’t be blamed for that. Besides, I happen to remember you making out with my boyfriend on one occasion.”

Rowan groaned in faux embarrassment, a hand running though his short locks. “Lorcan dared us to. Besides, you’d already broken up with Dorian at that point, so it didn’t really count.”

Aelin’s face started to ache as she realized just how widely her smile was stretched. “That definitely still counts, but fine, let me think of some other instance you were an asshole to me. I’m sure there were plenty.”

Rowan shook his head, eyes dancing with mirth, and opened his mouth to make a retort—but someone else beat him to it.

“Aelin! I was so happy to spot you here. How have you been?”

Of course, it was Chaol, leering over at her in a suit far too sophisticated for the occasion.

Aelin felt a wave of calm wash over her as she realized that as much as she didn’t want to have a civil conversation with Chaol, she wanted him to have the upper hand even less.

“Chaol, my gods! I’ve been great; I take it you have been as well judging by the beautiful woman on your arm?”

The woman in question blushed, and Aelin wondered what exactly she knew about her.

Chaol grinned and held up the woman’s hand—and the ring perched on her fourth finger—like some kind of prize. “This is Yrene, my fiancée. Yrene, meet Aelin and… Ronan?”

“Rowan,” Rowan correctly coolly, then glanced at Yrene. “It’s a pleasure.”

Chaol nodded dismissively and turned back to Aelin. “Is that a new haircut?”

It had been a solid six years since she’d dated the man, and at least three since they’d crossed paths. “Yes, it is.”

“And how are you getting on with that Fenrys fellow? Still happy?”

The last time Aelin had seen Chaol had been at the grocery story—fucking small towns—with her boyfriend at the time. He hadn’t lasted more than a month.

“No.”

A flicker of glee crossed Chaol’s features, and Aelin writhed internally.

“Much to my benefit, that is,” Rowan interjected. Aelin had nearly forgotten he was still standing with them. “For now I have her all to myself.”

What?

Chaol blinked, dumbfounded. “You two are together?”

Rowan shrugged. “We reconnected a couple years ago and hit it off—better than we ever had in high school,” he added.

Aelin had just enough self-control to paste a smile on her lips. Now understanding what Rowan was doing for, she took his hand casually.

Rowan’s hand envoloped Aelin’s, and his rough calluses scraped against her palm. It took restraint not to shudder, and Chaol be damned, Aelin was no longer paying attention to the conversation. Her world focused in on the warm hand interlaced with her own.

Less interested, probably now that he’d realized he didn’t have much to hang over her head, Chaol said a farewell and retreated with the fiancée who hadn’t spoken a single word. Aelin watched them leave gratefully.

Rowan slipped his hand out of Aelin’s and she almost objected before realizing herself.

“Thank you, Rowan,” Aelin said softly.

Her gaze drifted over to him and snagged on his piercing green eyes.

Rowan stared back at her for a moment. “No problem.”

Aelin shook her head. “It wasn’t no problem. That was very kind of you.”

Rowan shook his head, but said nothing more about the endeavor. “How long are you in town?”

“A whole week. I wanted to stay with my parents for a bit.”

“And I don’t suppose while you’re here you want to grab coffee together? I still need an example of the atrocities you claim I put you through, after all.”

Aelin’s expression turned fiendish. “Does tomorrow work?”

———

Tag List (this is so outdated so lmk if you want to be removed/added!):

@aelin-bitch-queen

@autumnbabylon

@charlizeed

@evolving-dreamer

@feysand-loml

@flora-shadowshine

@gracie-rosee

@infernoqueen19

@julemmaes

@leiawritesstories

@lemonade-coolattas

@live-the-fangirl-life

@midsizewitch

@morganofthewildfire

@mybloodrunsblue

@nehemikkele

@realbookloverproblems

@rhysandswingspan

@rowaelinismyotp

@rowanaelinn

@sexy-dumpster-fire

@sleeping-and-books

@story-scribbler

@swankii-art-teacher

@thegreyj

@the-lonelybarricade

@thenerdandfandoms

@yesdreamblog

#rowaelin #tog #older but never wiser #my writing

[cardiac-agreste]

Chapter 12: The Armory

This is my story about Sabine & Marinette for the @mlbigbang. The story is from Sabine's POV as she tries to figure out what has been traumatizing her little girl (who, by the way, will not tell her anything).

This chapter has wonderful art by @izanogi! Check out their Tumblr!

Thanks also to @uptoolateart and @raspberrycatapult. These two absolute legends get me through the gauntlet chapter in and chapter out.

Synopsis

Sabine confronts Marinette with what she's learned, and then she makes a decision.

Extract

Old memories resurfaced…Hawkmoth’s clammy, psychic fingers slithering over her body, hot breaths whispering “Verity Queen” into her ear as he took control…the urge to just lie back and let it happen.

She shivered, remembering the self-disgust she’d felt afterward. It was like she’d let another man into her bed, the Day of Scarlet Moth.

She thought she’d be able to handle talking about this with Marinette, but instead she felt like she was a mouse caught in a flood, being sucked into a storm grate.

#miraculous ladybug #miraculous fanfic #miraculous fanfiction #marinette dupain-cheng #sabine cheng #marinette dupain cheng #tom dupain #chat noir #ladybug #fluff #time travel #tikki #kung fu #badass sabine cheng #rope dart #meteor hammer #Author:KPG #intergenerational trauma #ASBSF #family drama #ml fanfiction #mlb fafiction #ml fanfic

[mega-aulover]

Dragon's of Midland - Outtake - Verbotem

It's something I've been tinkering with. A scene I wanted to add in the original story. This chapter takes place between chapters 6 & 7. You can read Part 1, Part 2, and the Outtake I wrote for @andretries here.

It is unbeta'd so forgive all of the errors.

Rated T

Gale of Verbotem, walked toward Katniss. She was sitting at her table with Finnick and Haymitch at either side. Finnicks trek to retrieve Peeta wasn’t the reason behind his trip. He had also gone on a mission of peace to seek an accord with those who dwelled in Verbotem. 

They arrived the morning after Peeta had asked for a boon. Katniss recalled how fondly Peeta liked her voice. 

“Do you think this is wise?” Finnick said under his breath as the tall man from Verbotem approached.

“It will promote good will,” Haymitch advised.

They needed a peace treaty with the people of Verotem. It was imperative if they were going to go to war with Highland.

His father was the advisor of one of the Chieftains who came to meet her. Gale bowed, “Your Majesty, may I have this dance?”

Katniss plastered a smile upon her face. “Of course.” 

“Thank you, for your invitation,” Gale said. “We were appeased by your generous gifts.”

Katniss tried to wrinkle her nose at his musky scent. It was imperative she maintained her calm. She wondered where Peeta was today. He was quiet. “It was our wish to make peaceful relations with the people of Verbotem.”

“We have been ignored for so long it was a surprise to hear the people of Midland had a Queen. And if I may say such a beautiful one.”

Katniss couldn’t help the heated blush that stole into her cheeks. “We seek a treaty with Verbotem.”

“War is coming. I've voiced my concerns to the Chieftains.”

“But?”

“They are reluctant to make peace with a people who are unfamiliar with our customs.”

“Verbotem lies in mystery, but that will not prevent Queen Verity from attacking. Our people are an example of what the Queen is capable of.”

“And yet you survive.” 

“And yet we survive.”

Gale was about to speak but the music came to a close, and Gale returned Katniss to her chair. 

“Your Majesty,” Finnick jumped up. “May I have this dance.”

“Of course.” 

During the dance Finnick didn’t speak much but she was glad. Katniss was in no mood to speak or be social. When they returned back to the table Haymitch was waiting for her. 

“Anything?” Haymitch asked.

“I know they want something, but I am not sure what,” Katniss sighed. 

“Tomorrow morning is the last chance before they leave,” Finnick said.

“Do not lose hope,” Haymitch said. 

Katniss nodded. She could feel the men watching her, this was part of the job Katniss loathed. However for the sake of her people she would smile. 

Later that night when she was finally in her room. She sat on her bed trying to destress. It was a long day and she was tired. The difficult treaty discussions with the group of emissaries that came from Verbotem, was straining. The delegates were shrewd. 

“Do you wish me to undo your hair?” Rue asked.

“Not necessary, brushing my hair will help ease my tension.” Turning to Rue she said, “Why don’t you go. It is late and I am sure you must be tired. Between serving me and watching Peeta.”

Rue quietly nodded and left. 

Katniss wished to have been able to come to an agreement. However they were holding fast, there was something they wanted but weren’t voicing it. She pondered what it was they were seeking, as she stood and went to her table picked up her brush and began undoing the intricate braid.  

As she thought of the problem at hand her mind went to Gale. He was the tallest one in the group. He was rather fetching, not as good looking as Finnick. Thinking of her childhood crush she grinned.

Finnick stood by her the entire time watching Gale. She could tell Finnick was not happy to see this man approach her during the meal. 

However it was her duty to be a gracious host. She accepted a dance with the man, but when she was brought back Finnick had stepped up and asked to dance with her. Katniss didn’t understand the dynamics between both men.

"What is it with the males of your kind sniffing around you?" Peeta growled.

The familiar voice in her head caused her to smile. She hadn’t heard him the entire day. Katniss assumed he was sleeping. 

“I was wondering where you were. Normally you’d be pestering me about something.” 

“I do not pester.”

“Oh yes you do.” 

“I am not some feckless man-boy who is constantly whimpering after you. I am a dragon.” 

Katniss rolled her eyes at the mention of Finnick and mimicked his next line, “A rather magnificent dragon too.” 

“I only caution you.” 

"What are you talking about?" Katniss frowned, as she quietly brushed her hair. 

"You know what I speak of!"

“I really don’t” 

“Do not play games with me!” He huffed.

Katniss could just imagine him as a crosse-faced dragon inside of the egg, stomping his little feet. She had to tamper down her laughter.

"Are you..." Peeta paused then in an outraged voice. "Are you laughing at me?"

Katniss looked at the egg and tried to stop her shoulders from shaking.  "Maybe."

She couldn't help herself and she laughed out loud a full belly laugh. The image of a fuming Peeta was too good to not enjoy. He often had the upper hand. 

As her laughter tempered down Peeta finally spoke. 

"I take your safety very seriously."

His quiet pout did something to her. Katniss felt bad for laughing. "Peeta, I..." 

"That so-called emissary from the Verbotem Forest, he did not have noble intentions toward you."

"He wanted more than just a treaty. He was hoping to make you fall in love with you.” 

“No,” Katniss frowned. “I don’t think he was.” 

“I can prove it to you.”

"How?" Katniss neared his egg looking at him with curiosity.

"The one that neared you...I smelled him. His aroma was quite unpleasant…he smelled of rotten dying things and lemons. He was using a musky perfume that would draw you to him."

"He did..." Katniss was going to deny it but then choked because as much as she did not want to side with Peeta, he was right. The man with the slate eyes did smell. He smelt of citrus and decay. "Fine, he did smell of those things" 

"And he was sniffing you too." 

Katniss recoiled back at the thought of the man sniffing her. "No wonder Finnick looked upset." 

"For once I agree with the man with the personality of a pillow cover.  He was angered, and I could tell he did not trust that emissary."

“You agree with Finnick?”

“Only because the preening peacock did his job for once.” 

Kantiss said nothing. “I just wish I knew what they wanted.”

“I know what they want?” 

“How can you know that Peeta, you’re still in your egg.”

“I can do many things even if I’m in here. I overheard them tonight as they sat at the table to eat.” 

“You can do that?”

“As long as you are near, I can do a great many things. Anything to protect you.”  He waited a beat before speaking, “I know you are curious. As curious as a cat.” 

“I am but what will it cost me?” Katniss said.

“Why would you think that I would demand anything from you?”

“Because you don’t like men around me.” Katniss recalled his reaction to hearing about Sejanus not to mention his reaction to Finnick whilst they were battling. 

“That’s not true.”

“Prove it,” Katniss thought she had him. 

“Haymitch.” 

“That’s…”

“Haymitch is a man and he doesn’t bother me. Plus if you will recall I’ve never said anything bad about him.” 

He was so smug while making his point, Katniss wanted to scream. “You’re so infuriating.”

“No I’m not and you know it…in fact I will hedge a bet that you missed me today. Not hearing my voice. You missed me didn’t you,” He teased. “You can admit it, you know, I make your day brighter.” 

Katniss opened her mouth and shut it because he was right. She never understood how she was always letting herself get trapped into these conversations with him.  

“Now,” he said condescendingly. “They are looking for a marriage to the rotting lemon, and that buffoon fancies himself a good match to you.”

Katniss wrinkled her nose. “To him, he is fetching…”

“Ugh,” Peeta gagged. 

“However…I do not fancy him. Plus I cannot wed just anyone.” 

“Good.” 

Katniss fought her smile. “Most likely they are looking for a noble woman of great distinction.” 

“What are you planning?” 

“I may have someone who will fulfill their needs and if I present the marriage to his father before they speak tomorrow I can win their favor.”  Katniss stood. 

“You can now say thank you.” 

“Thank you,” she sighed. “I have to speak to…” 

“You don’t need to go anywhere. Haymitch is right outside of your door.” 

“Oh…” 

“Say hello to him for me.” Peeta yawned. “I’m tired…I have to go back to sleep. I’m a growing dragon.” 

Katniss smiled as she stood before the egg in the hearth.  “Good night Peeta,” she whispered. 

The knock at her door came and as Katniss opened the door part of her couldn’t wait to see what Peeta would look like when he did get out of his egg. “Haymitch,” Katniss said pulling him inside. 

“How did you know?”

“Peeta.” 

“Oh,” Haymitch said. “I keep forgetting the closer he is to hatching the stronger he becomes.” 

“Haymitch, they are looking for a proposal of marriage to a woman of a high noble rank.”

“Really?”

“Yes, they are going to suggest me on the morrow, but I have another in mind.” 

Haymitch smiled instantly, understanding her plan. “I can send a Falcon posthaste.”

“Good I want that proposal by morning. I wish to strike first.”

Haymitch left.

Katniss smiled, then slipped into bed.

“Will you sing to me?” Peeta whispered. 

The song came easily to her, she fell asleep lulled by the song and the sound of another heartbeat. She was woken up before dawn by Haymitch. She read the paper and smiled. “Yes this shall do.” 

When she emerged from her room less than an hour later, Finnick was waiting for her. “Do you think this will work?”

“If we strike while the iron is hot,” Katniss said as they walked into the room where the negotiations were taking place. 

The men stood and bowed as she walked to the center of the room scroll in hand. 

“You can do this,” Peeta whispered. 

Bolstered by hearing his voice she smiled. Mentally she thanked him before turning her attention to the men in the room. “Last night Gale of Verbotem said something that gave me pause.” 

“Oh?” Wolf, the head Chieftain and Gale’s Chieftain said.

“He said you were reluctant because we are unfamiliar with your customs. It is true we are unfamiliar with your customs. Just as you are unfamiliar with ours. Would it surprise you that the people of Midland are also people from Highland?”

A murmur through the room as the men who stood in the room looked surprised. 

“We are welcoming to all who seek refuge. There are many who have suffered at the hand of Queen Verity. Much like the people of Verbotem.”

“It is true,” Wolf agreed.

“If we are to have a peaceful alliance the only way to an alliance is by marriage.” Katniss handed the scroll to the Chieftain. 

He gave her a surprised look and unscrolled the roll and he was shocked. “Amha, I find no objection.”

Gale’s father Amha, came forward and took the scroll. After he read it he was too surprised. “I find no objection, Gale?”

Gale walked up to his father and read the scroll he looked at Katniss before he turned to his father. For a moment Katniss thought he would object.

“Whatever you do do not remove your eyes from him,” Peeta whispered.

Katniss felt her eyes warm. “What are you doing?” She asked Peeta in her mind. 

“Nothing, just making your eyes glow.” 

Gale turned his face away. He cleared his throat. “I find no objection.” 

“Take that,” Peeta said.

Katniss nodded and tried to act as if nothing was the matter. 

“You are indeed a wise ruler,” Wolf said. “We had consulted our guides before coming here and were advised that a marriage proposal was the only way to create a lasting peace. You are strong in the old ways and I will agree to an alliance.”

Katniss smiled. “Come let us break bread and sign the accord. I understand you wish to leave as soon as possible.” 

Wolf nodded his accent. The alliance was signed and they were soon on their way. Katniss was glad to have them gone. She entered her chambers. She could hear him humming the song she sang to him. 

“Happy?” 

“I will be as soon as you remove the stench off your body,” Peeta said.  

Katniss rolled her eyes. Sometimes she couldn’t win.

#Midland Verbotem #Dragon of Midland #Outtake Verbotem #Mega-AuLover writes

[little-peril-stories]

Febuwhump Day 23 - Presumed Dead

From the cut ending of The Queen of Lies:

“Lettie!” The patter of footsteps drew near, and a golden-haired girl with blue eyes and pink ribbons in her hair—she looked nothing like Colette, it had to be said—burst into view. She seemed to be on the verge of tears. “Oh, Lettie, it’s terrible, he saw the paper, he saw the news, and—”

Her voice cut off abruptly and confusion flashed across her face as she spotted Bree. “Oh—who—” Her eyes went round. “Oh. Oh, Lettie, you didn’t. Did you?”

“Fucking shit,” Colette hissed, ignoring the girl’s questions. Grabbing Bree’s arm, she barked, “Come on. Don’t worry about your shoes.”

Bree yelped as Colette wrenched her forward, all urgency and no gentleness.

“Will?” Colette called. “Will!”

“Lettie, he’s—” The pretty blonde girl—what was her name? Verity?—followed. “Oh, he just looked so—”

Colette and Bree burst into the sitting room, and there he was.

There he was, by the window, perfectly still. Gazing out and watching the snow falling in the growing morning light. His back turned. His limbs shaking. One hand braced against the glass.

“Did you know?” he asked, his voice strangled. The question was obviously meant for Colette. “You always fucking know everything that happens. Did you know about the fire?”

“Will, just—”

“Because the paper says it happened a week ago, and if you hid that from me, Colette, I swear to fucking god—”

"Will, I—"

"Did you know she was dead?"

#febuwhump #lps the queen of lies #presumed dead #I mean #may as well share this bit since it won't be in the actual story #death mention #tw grief #grief #shock #horror #angst #betrayal #(sort of) #or at least #feeling betrayed #whump #whump writing #febuwhump cheater

[melodyalanaroster]

Under The Stars With You

The results for the Seniors’ final exams were ready and had been posted. It was finally the day the class found out if whether or not they were graduating. However, the majority of the students had something else on their minds. Most of the girls would not stop talking about what they were going to wear to the Senior Prom. “Come on Nath! Let’s go get our scores!” Alana cheered as she pulled his hand towards their homeroom. “Really? We all know you two passed. You don’t need to see your scores.” Sam laughed as she and Kentin walked up behind them. “We need to make sure.” Nathaniel smiled. When Mr. Faraize entered the room, he looked at the four of them cheerily. “Hello students.” He beamed. “Good morning sir! Where are our scores?” Alana asked, curiously. “Patience, Miss Roster. I will hand everyone’s files out as soon as class starts.” Mr. Faraize chuckled.

When everyone had taken their seats, the class was a buzz with talk about the upcoming events. “I’m gonna be Prom Queen!” Amber loudly proclaimed. “Who would vote for a vain drama queen like you?” Sam asked. “I know you and your idiot sister won’t get it!” Amber shot back. “Remember! My sister is dating your brother!” Sam popped off. “Quiet everyone!” Mister Faraize called as he picked up a stack of folders and stood at the front of the classroom. “Your exam results are in these files and will show you if any of you need to retake them to graduate. To those of you who passed on the first go, congratulations! You may spend the rest of the year focusing on Graduation and, of course, Prom. If you need to retake any of the exams, please come see me and we can schedule your retakes.” He announced. Several students looked around, worried. “I hope I passed!” Violette blurted out. “I’m sure you did fine!” Kim assured her. Mister Faraize began walking around the room and handing out folders. “Are you kidding me?! I have to retake my history exam?!” Amber shouted. “At least it’s only one test.” Lin attempted to comfort her. “I passed all mine!” Alana cheered. “I told you so!” Sam laughed. “I got all A’s!” Nathaniel beamed. Kentin looked through his file. “I barely passed Math, but I made it!” He cheered. “I wonder where mom is gonna take us to get our dresses...” Alana pondered out loud. “Probably the more aristocratic side of town... Achille is gonna be out of town this weekend, so Mom will most likely use it as an excuse to hang out with Aunt V.” Sam shrugged. “Yeah, right! Like you’re gonna get designer dresses! I doubt you’ll even get something out of a BARGAIN bin!” Amber scoffed. Sam and Alana looked at her and rolled their eyes. “You’re right Sam... Not to mention, Verity and Agatha know where to get the dresses that will look the best on us!” Alana chuckled.

“Alana! What are you gonna wear to Prom?” Rosalaya asked as they walked towards the Gym. “I bet you’re gonna wear a lovely ball gown! Just like a princess!” Alexy cheered. “Nope! I’m going for something elegant and formal. I’ve already decided that I want a floor length, blue, dress and silver accessories.” Alana explained. “That sounds lovely!” Alexy beamed. When they got to the Gym, Boris was already at work directing the students in preparation for the weekend’s festivities. “Don’t forget! There is plenty of time to nominate and vote for Prom Royalty! We need a King and Queen and runners up!” He announced. “I know who I’m gonna nominate and vote for!” Rosa cooed. “Who?” Alana asked. “It’s a secret!” Rosa smirked as she walked over to the ballot box, wrote two names on a card and dropped it in. Alana looked at her friends and thought for a couple of minutes. “You could write your own name and run for Prom Queen.” The voice in her head suggested. “No. I want it to be someone who truly deserves the title... Someone who is a great friend. And I want Prom King to be someone sweet too.” She thought back. Suddenly, the choices were obvious. “I know the perfect people to have the title.” She sighed as she walked over to the ballot box, wrote her choices down and dropped the card in. “The theme is “Under The Stars” and we are going to make this place fabulous!” Boris cheerfully called. “Don’t forget to purchase your Prom Tickets so you can get your invitations by the end of the week!” Mr. Faraize instructed as he walked into the room and began putting up decorations.

After everyone had given Mr. Faraize their money for their tickets and the Gym’s transformation had begun taking shape, the bell rang for lunch. “Alana, before we go eat, I wanna talk to you.” Nathaniel cooed. “What’s up?” Alana asked, curiously. He took her hands and looked deep into her eyes. “I know its already been implied... But... Will you g-go to Prom with me?” He asked. “Of course! I’d love to!” Alana blurted out with tears in her eyes. “Great! I’ll meet you at your apartment that night!” He beamed. Filled with joy, Alana threw her arms around him and kissed his cheek. “I can’t wait to dance with you that night!” She cheered. “Come on you two! We saved your seats!” Armin called as he poked his head around a corner. Nathaniel walked a couple of feet forward, turned around and held his hand out to her. “Shall we?”

As the day went on, several students could be heard complaining about their test scores, the loudest of which was Amber. “I still can’t believe I have to focus on my retake! I wanna put more focus on my Prom outfit and becoming queen!” She whined when she entered the classroom. “Amber, calm the frick down! All you have to do is a little bit of studying, and retake the stinking test! Then, once you at least get a somewhat passing grade, you can focus on your little fantasy!” Alana angrily huffed as she and Priya entered the room and grabbed a few items from Mister Faraize’s cupboard. “I don’t wanna hear anything from the little wretch who ruined my family, poisoned my brother against us, and took him from us!” Amber shouted. “I didn’t ruin your family! I did not poison him against you. Your brother is free to be who he wants and associate with you and your mom. He just doesn’t want anything to do with your dad, and you know why! And, I’m his GIRLFRIEND, if he wants to spend time with you, it would be wrong of me to stop that!” Alana shot back.

★

“I am so happy that we get to take you shopping as a family! This will be wonderful!” Verity loudly cheered as Sam and Alana entered their living room. “I wish Rini could be here...” Alana sighed. “I know... But she’s got her studies and Achille won’t let her leave the school until she graduates.” Verity looked down. “I’m sure that, once she graduates, she’ll be able to go shopping for more formal dresses with us another time!” Lynne beamed as she did her best to maintain an upbeat mood. “If Achille ever lets her...” Alana muttered. “Well, let us all pile into the car so we may start this fashion adventure!” Verity cooed as she motioned towards the door. “Yeah, let’s get this party started!” Sam boomed. When the ladies got out of the apartment building, they noticed a limousine parked in front of it. “Come on girls! Let’s go SHOPPING!” Agatha cheered as she stuck the top half of her body out of the sun roof of the vehicle. “Hey girls!” Seraphina smiled as she stepped out and opened one of the doors. “This is definitely going to be an event!” Alana laughed. “Oh god...” Sam chuckled. 

When everyone got settled down in the limousine, Verity looked at Sam and Alana. “So, girls, before we get started... What styles are you aiming for?” She asked. Alana was quick to describe the style that she had mentioned to Rosalaya and Alexy. “Of course you’d go with elegant and classic! I love it!” Verity cooed. “So, Sam? What about you?” Seraphina inquired. “I think I wanna go with something kind of out of my element... Something short and glittery.” Sam smirked. “Oh god, you’re aiming to drive poor Ken insane!” Alana laughed. “And what if I am? I’m not like you. I don’t aim to be a proper lady!” Sam spat. “I’m not a proper lady! I just like classic elegance!” Alana spat. “Just like a proper lady!” Agatha laughed. “Can we just go?!” Alana huffed. “Yes, let’s begin this adventure! I’ve booked the finest shop in town for this day!” Verity cheered.

The Aristocratic district of Amouria was filled to the brim with businesses that catered to the finer side of society. Towering skyscrapers, expensive apartments, high dollar enterprises, designer shops, Michelin Star restaurants, and world renowned patisseries all made the quaint, worldly, non-aristocratic side of the city look like it was an entirely different realm. “We’re going to shop for a couple of hours, then I’ve gotten us a table at Across The Universe for a late lunch or early supper! The top table in the garden of course!” Verity beamed. “This is going to be an absolutely lovely day!” Agatha cooed. “I suppose it will be!” Alana smiled as the limousine pulled up in front of a skyscraper. The group walked into the building and was greeted by a young lady at the front desk. “Mrs. Mekina, Ladies Roster, welcome to Regalia. Mademoiselle Baudelaire is waiting for you upstairs.” She nodded. “Thank you. We’ll take ourselves up there.” Verity smiled as an attendant opened the elevator and they all went upstairs. 

Mademoiselle Giselle Baudelaire had become the youngest, most sought after, fashion designer in Astaria. Having gained a reputation amongst the Astarian Aristocracy for her fine details and her fashion forward designs, it was obvious that she was going to be Verity’s choice to design the looks for her goddaughters. “Lady Verity! Welcome back to my humble studio!” The pink haired, porcelain skinned, woman with a pink eye and a yellow eye beamed as she walked up to them. “Mademoiselle Baudelaire! Its always a pleasure!” Verity cheered as the women shared a quick hug and two air kisses on the sides of each other’s heads. Giselle looked at the young ladies standing before her. “Well, well, well! I have never been able to design looks for the legendary Roster Clan! The family who has been essential in our nation’s creation and maintenance, and yet... Refuses to become part of the aristocracy. To what do I owe the pleasure?” She cheered. “Pleasure to meet you Mademoiselle Baudelaire, we are here to create my daughters’ prom looks.” Lynne announced. “Its a pleasure to meet you Miss Baudelaire. I’m Melody.” Alana politely bowed. “And I’m Sam.” Sam smirked. “It’s a pleasure to meet you too ladies. Now... Who would like to go first?” Giselle asked as she motioned for one of the girls to go stand on the platform in the middle of the room. “I will.” Alana announced. “Look at Mels taking charge!” Agatha mused.

After several minutes of Alana explaining her vision for her look, Giselle smiled as she walked around the room. “Your idea is very simplistic... I won’t be able to design and completely make it within this short time period... However... I do already have something made that wouldn’t take much alterations, if any.” She smiled as she walked into a room, rummaged around a bit and walked out carrying a floor length, deep blue, dress. “Here. Go try this on and let’s see what else we need to do to bring your vision to life.” She mused as she held the dress up for Alana to look at. “It looks great!” Alana smiled as she ran off to the dressing room. While Alana changed, Giselle asked Sam about her vision for her prom look. “I want something short, maybe a little sheer, glittery in the chest area... I’m not looking to be Prom Queen. I just wanna drive my date insane.” Sam smirked. “Samantha... You drive that poor boy mad enough as it is.” Lynne snickered. “Well... I think I have exactly what you’re looking for.... Young Miss Lafferty recently wanted a green dress, but when I made this, she threw a fit... I almost banned her from the shop for her actions...” Giselle explained as she pulled a very short green dress off of one of the racks. Just as the dress had made it’s way into Sam’s arms, Alana walked out of the dressing room wearing the blue dress that had been presented to her. “It’s a bit loose... But I love the style!” Alana observed when she made her way to the platform. “Melody! That dress is so you!” Lynne cheered. “Elegant! Absolutely radiant!” Verity cooed. “Our little Pixie Princess looks just like royalty!” Agatha mused. “Not bad, Mels!” Seraphina grinned. “We can take the dress in.... But it needs something...” Giselle stated as she looked Alana over. “I’m thinking a blue choker, a blue bracelet, blue heels, and maybe a blue clutch purse.” Alana replied. “That’s not what I mean... It needs a little... Sparkle.” Giselle observed. After a couple of minutes of thinking, the designer quickly looked up, ran off to a different part of the salon, quickly came back and draped a silver jeweled belt around Alana’s hips. “There! Just what that needed!” She mused. Alana looked in the mirror and smiled. “I love it!” She cheered. “Fantastic! I’ll get your measurements and we can take it in here within the week! Now, miss Sam, please go put on the dress that I handed you.” Giselle instructed. “Got it.” Sam nodded.

Minutes later, Sam walked out of the dressing room wearing a VERY short, green, dress that showcased an emerald, glittery, corset and a sheer, long sleeved top. “You’re wearing tights!” Lynne blurted out. “But, other than that? I think Ken will go insane!” Sam chuckled as a devilish smirk spread it’s way across her face. “I’m thinking, open toed, pumps and a silver bracelet.” Verity suggested. “Ken’s gonna have to go take a cold shower after prom.” Alana laughed. “Who is to say I’m not gonna indulge him?” Sam mischievously asked. “Really Sam? Sex on prom night is a little... American, is it not?” Alana judged. “At least we’ve been together for most of this year! Watch, I predict that, before long, Nathaniel will be whisking you away to his apartment for a night of dirty bad fun!” Sam spat. “Well, you’re both being given extra protection that night!” Lynne huffed. “Relax Lynne! You remember when you were their age! You took that poet and you both got caught doing it in his parent’s bed at the after party!” Agatha laughed. Lynne instantly looked horrified. “The girls did not know that story. Thanks for that.” She gasped. “Lynne, that is not the craziest thing you’ve done.” Seraphina joked. “Oh, yeah! What about that time she ran off with the Black Knight from that Ren Faire?” Agatha asked. “Aren’t you still wondering if he’s Melody’s father?” Verity asked. “Wait, what? Mom, is my biological father the Black Knight?” Alana asked, confused. “Enough! Melody, what does it matter? You are a Roster. You are my daughter, and if you choose to take on the role, you will be the head of the family when I step down.” Lynne boomed. “Geez mom... I was just asking...” Alana blurted out as she looked at her mother, bewildered. “Well... Ladies, I think we have found the perfect dresses for the girls! They’ll need to be fitted one more time a couple of days before the event, so I’ll need them here on this day at this time.” Giselle announced as she tapped on a tablet and showed it to Lynne. “We can do that. How much is this going to cost?” Lynne nodded. “Don’t worry about the cost, Lynne. I’m paying for it.” Verity beamed.

Later that day, the group of women sat at the top garden table at Across The Universe and ate their food. “Did you hear? The Royal Family has ordered that the new Cultural Center that’s being built in Amouria become the tallest building on this side of Europe. And they want it done in record time.” Verity chattered. “Really? Did they throw out the original builders?” Lynne asked. “Yeah. Apparently, they’ve gotten architects, engineers, and designers from Dubai to take over the project with the orders to get it done in five years.” Verity explained. “That’s gonna suck for this place... Across The Universe is known for having the highest restaurant on this side of Europe. What’s gonna happen if another tower blocks the view from up here?” Alana asked. “The tower is only going to block the view of the mountains. We can still see the sea from up here.” Verity clarified. “Well... We’ll have to visit the top observation deck when its finished.” Sam chuckled. “I think so too! It’ll be fun!” Agatha mused. “Another family outing for the future? I’m okay with that.” Seraphina nodded.

★

“Well! My dress is going to be from the best designer in France!” Amber boasted. “Ah... Yes, what crime did your father have to commit to get Antoine Moulin to sell you one of his pieces?” Sam cackled as she and Alana walked past Amber and her crew in the main hallway. “He didn’t commit any crime! Anyway, it’ll be better than anyone who sold you two dresses!” Amber spat. “As if Giselle Baudelaire is a hack...” Alana smirked. “How did YOU get dresses from Regalia?” Li asked, insulted. “Aunt Verity often gets clothes from her shop. She was quite happy to service the Roster Clan.” Alana chuckled. “You keep forgetting something major, sweetheart... By basic societal standards, compared to us, you are vermin. We choose to not be aristocracy... But that doesn’t stop King Julius from hoping that his little son will pick one of the two of us for his bride. That doesn’t stop the Astier Clan from praying to the gods that, one day, we will finally take the titles that they have been trying to give our family ever since the first true Astarian King ascended the throne.” Sam snickered. “That also doesn’t stop the legends of our family being monster hunters from continuing to stand the test of time. And don’t get me started on how the history of the Roster Clan is also the history of the city of Weathering. Amber, we should not be forced to be somewhat classist towards you... Yet, here we are.” Alana remarked. “Oh, by the way, its not just our dresses that are being done by Regalia...” Sam began. “What do you mean?” Amber angrily inquired. “Nathaniel and Kentin are getting their suits from there as well.” Alana smirked.

★

The closer Prom got, the more excited everyone became. Not long after Prom, Graduation would happen and everyone would be off to college. Although, Alana had started taking longer looks at her mother at times, as Lynne had begun coughing more and more with each passing day. “She’s probably just got something in her throat! I wouldn’t worry too much about it!” Rosalaya cheered. “For several days straight?” Alana asked. “You know your mom. I’m sure she’ll go to the doctor and see that she’s right as rain!” Rosalaya reassured her. “I really hope you’re right... She’s been spending an awful lot of time around Carol too...” Alana sadly sighed. “Alana... Your mom is going to be okay! Its not your job to worry about her health and make sure she’s good. Now, focus on the fact that, in just a couple more days, you’ll be dancing the night away with your prince charming!” Rosalaya mused. “You’re right! I should be more focused on looking amazing for when I’m able to be in Nathaniel’s arms as his princess!” Alana cooed.

★

“I can’t believe the girls are off to their Senior Prom!” Lynne coughed as the girls finished prepping for the event. “Lynne, don’t stress yourself too much! The doctors still don’t know what’s wrong!” Verity soothed. “I’m gonna be fine! I’m just excited to see my daughters all dressed up!” Lynne hissed. Sam stepped out of her room as she straightened out the bottom of her dress. “Watch out! This’ll probably be the last time you see me dressed up like this!” Sam confidently snapped. “This will definitely not be the last time you see me dressed like this! I love it too much!” Alana cheered as she stepped out of her room and joined her sister. The girls wore their clothes with pride. Sam’s hair was pulled over to her right side in a simple hair tie and decorated with a shiny green hair ribbon. Alana’s hair was done in a princess like up-do with flowers along the top like a crown. “Look at my girls!” Lynne had begun to sob as she and Agatha instantly jumped into a frenzy of photo taking. Alana looked at Verity with pleading eyes and mouthed “Help us!”. “Come on now ladies! I’m sure the boys are waiting right outside the door, too nervous to knock! Let’s get our princesses to their princes and the young couples to their carriage!” Verity excitedly urged. “But the boys aren’t even here yet!” Agatha whined. “Actually, they’re both outside. Kentin is freaking out over the fact that you guys have a limo waiting for us!” Sam pointed out as she put her phone back in her bag. “Wait, you guys have a limo for us? I thought you guys didn’t like that level of pageantry!” Alana blurted out. “Its your Senior Prom. You only get one! Let us have our fun and make you two the stars of this show!” Lynne mused. “Now, come on you four! Get in front of the limo so we can take pictures!” Agatha cheered. “First all four of you, then we want pics of the girls, then the boys, then each couple!” Lynne demanded. 

What felt like hours passed before the women would let them into the limo and send them off to the event. “I know that was only a few minutes, but it felt like an eternity!” Sam whined as the car pulled away from the apartment. “I’m not even sure why they got a limo.... The apartment isn’t even that far from the school...” Alana commented. “I think its sweet. Your family adores you two enough to shower you with love and affection, and make a fuss over you when its important.” Nathaniel smiled. “Well... The one thing I’m looking forward to the most is dancing the night away in your arms.” Alana cooed as she looked at him lovingly. “I-I can’t wait to spend the whole evening with you... My princess.” He whispered into her ear. Excitement instantly shot through Alana’s nerves like a bolt of electricity and radiated throughout her body. “Watch it you two... Mom did offer to get us both hotel rooms in case we wanted to have our own little “after parties”...” Sam cackled. “WHAT?!” Nathaniel and Kentin blurted out in unison. “Yeah... Apparently Mom’s Prom was crazy... So she’s got funds set aside for whatever we might need... Including hotel rooms and extra protection...” Sam explained. “Is this true?” Nathaniel asked Alana, bewildered. “Yep.” Alana nodded. “Holy hell...” Kentin gasped. “I d-don’t think w-we’ll need a h-hotel room tonight...” Nathaniel blushed. “I’m not sure if we’re there just yet.” Alana blushed. “The fuck you’re not?! You’ve been wanting to mount him for a while!” The voice in her head boomed. “We haven’t been together long! Its not appropriate!” She thought back. “Suit yourself... We’ll probably have other plans...” Sam smirked. “Ladies and gentlemen, we have arrived.” The driver announced as he pulled the limo to a stop. “You ready for this?” Alana asked Nathaniel. “Of course.” He sweetly smiled.

The driver opened the door and the two couples were hit by a tsunami of clicking cameras, lights, and people rushing to greet them. “GUYS! You look amazing!” Rosalaya cheered. “Thanks you and Leigh look fantastic!” Alana mused as she hugged Rosa. “Thank you!” Rosa beamed. Several members of the Photography Club took their pictures as Rosa walked ahead of the group and lead them into the Gym. “Dance floor?” Sam asked Ken. “Already?” Ken inquired. “Yes.” Sam blushed. “Okay then.” Ken smiled as he began leading her to the center of the dancefloor. The DJ began to play “Clarity” by Zedd featuring Foxes. "Look who it is!” Armin beamed when he saw them. “Hey! You don’t look too shabby!” Alana chuckled. “Hey man!” Nathaniel smiled. “You two look great!” Iris cooed. “Did you not get a date?” Alana asked. “Nah. Decided to come stag with Alexy.” Armin shrugged. “Ah, that’s sweet.” She smiled. “I hope we dance to a really romantic song...” She thought. “Ah... Yes... The DJ will most likely play “A Thousand Years” and Nathaniel will whisk you onto the dancefloor.” The voice in her head snickered. “I actually hope that happens!” She thought back. “A bunch of us girls came as a group! Melody is hanging out with Peggy. Kim is over there dancing with Violette. Priya has already teased Amber for not being asked by anyone. And Lysander and Castiel came stag.” Iris explained as she pointed everyone out. “Kim and Violette look great together! Almost like a couple!” Alana cheered. “I don’t see it.” Nathaniel shrugged. “I do.” Priya chuckled as she walked up to them.

“Nathaniel and Alana look great together.” Lysander pointed out as he and Castiel stood by a secluded set of chairs. “I suppose they do...” Castiel huffed. “Do you really love her?” Lysander quietly asked. “I think I do.” Castiel nodded. “Then you should be happy that she’s happy.” Lysander sighed. “I should have asked her... I should have taken my shot a while ago.” Castiel muttered. “But, you didn’t. You can’t dwell on what you should have done. Focus on what you’re going to do moving forward. Just be happy that you’re her friend.” Lysander reassured. “You’re not wrong... I just... Wish she wasn’t so out of reach.” Castiel sighed. “So, you’re actually pining over her?” Rosalaya asked as she and Leigh walked up to them. “He is.” Lysander nodded. “I mean... Whose to say that she and Nathaniel will be together forever? They’re not as established as Leigh and me. Maybe sometime down the road, you’ll have your chance.” Rosa shrugged as she put her hand on Castiel’s shoulder. The four of them looked at Nathaniel and Alana, who were laughing and making jokes with Sam, Kentin and Armin. The song “Man On A Wire” by The Script had begun to play. “Rosa, don’t give him false hope. The best thing for him would be to just be happy that she’s happy and they’re friends.” Leigh pointed out. “Literally what Lysander just said.” Castiel rolled his eyes.

“Nathaniel, Alana! You guys look amazing!” Peggy beamed as she, Melody and Sharon walked up to them. “Thank you! You three look sublime!” Alana cheered. “Not gonna lie, I kinda hope you two get Prom King and Queen.” Sharon mused. “It’d be nice if Amber doesn’t get it.” Peggy remarked. “I’m kinda hoping that I get it.” Melody muttered. “I don’t think I’ll get it. But I hope that whoever I voted for does.” Alana smiled. “Who did you vote for?” Sharon asked. “Rosalaya.” Alana replied. “She’d be a great Prom Queen.” Peggy nodded. “Nathaniel, who did you vote for?” Melody asked. “I’m not gonna say. I’d rather just see who won.” Nathaniel stated. “A very diplomatic answer from a very diplomatic person.” Sharon grinned. “A good quote for the next issue of the School Newspaper!” Peggy cooed. “It’ll be the final edition with you two running the club, isn’t it?” Alana asked. “Yeah! But our apprentices are gonna handle it well. I have faith in them.” Sharon assured. “Natasha and Nick are good kids.” Peggy agreed. “I kinda hope that you two get the crowns.” Kim grinned as she and Violette approached them. “I think you two would be great.” Violette chirped. “When will they announce the winners?” Alana asked. “Should be soon. They wanna do it before they begin the slow dances.” Sharon explained.

It wasn’t long before the DJ stopped the music and Mr. Faraize took to the stage. “Good evening everyone! I hope you are all having fun on this lovely night!” He greeted. Several students cheered “YEAH!” in response. “Good! Not too much fun I hope!” He chuckled before his face turned a little serious. “Historically, Sweet Amouris High School has never taken part in the tradition of “Prom Royalty”. Unlike most high schools, we’ve never seen the point in this kind of popularity contest. However, this year, we resolved to change that. Other schools throughout our country have adopted this American tradition as a form of pageantry and we’ve decided to join in on the “fun”. You seniors have worked very hard and earned more celebration than just a dance. So, while only four of you will be receiving tiaras and crowns tonight; Just know, you’re all kings and queens to us.” He began. Mr. Faraize motioned for the DJ to begin playing very low music as Boris brought out a rolling table with two sets of tiaras and crowns on it. Boris then handed a very large pink envelope to Mr. Faraize, who then took out and unfolded a large piece of paper. “Your Sweet Amouris High School Prom King and Queen Runners Up are Alana Roster and Nathaniel Jacott!” He announced. “YAY!”, “GO ALANA AND NATHANIEL!”, “YOU GUYS DESERVE IT!” several students cheered. “What?!” Alana gasped. “Mels! Nath! Go! Get crowned!” Sam huffed as she pushed the pair towards the stage. “Go! Leigh and I made the crowns and tiaras for this!” Rosalaya urged as the students made a path for the pair to get to the stage. Nathaniel took Alana’s arm and proudly escorted her to the stage. “Congratulations you two!” Boris cheered as they bowed their heads before them. He placed the silver crown and tiara on their heads with great care. “The tiaras look like something straight out of Barbie: Princess Charm School.” Alana thought. “The crowns look like they’re right out of Disney movies.” The voice in her head piped up. When Nathaniel and Alana took their places by Boris on the stage, Mr. Faraize looked at the paper in his hand. “Your Sweet Amouris High School Prom King and Queen are Castiel Veilmont and Rosalaya de Meilhan!” He announced. “Castiel is Prom King but I’m not Prom Queen! This was rigged!” Amber shouted. “I’m not gonna get that crown.” Castiel huffed. “Come on! You won, fair and square. Now get over yourself and get crowned!” Rosalaya glared daggers into him as she grabbed his hand and dragged him up to the stage. Once the gold crown and tiara were on Castiel’s and Rosalaya’s heads, Boris instructed the four of them to stand on stage and pose long enough for photos to be taken and the balloons to be dropped from the net. The DJ turned the music up and started playing “It’s Time” by Imagine Dragons. “So? You and Leigh made the headwear? They look like you took them straight out of Disney and Barbie movies!” Alana laughed. “I was told to make them go with the theme of the school and that if this goes well, Leigh would be commissioned to make them every year for each class!” Rosa resounded. “They look fantastic Rosa!” Nathaniel mused. “I was hoping you two would be King and Queen. But, I’m happy that you guys at least got the Runners Up!” Rosa smiled. “I actually voted for you and Castiel to be King and Queen.” Alana happily shrugged. “You voted for me to be Prom King?” Castiel blushed. “Yeah, I thought it would be nice. The bad boy with the heart of gold getting some recognition for once.” Alana grinned.

The second they were allowed off stage, they took the opportunity to rejoin everyone. Student after student began to walk up to them and congratulate them. “I expect a picture perfect slow dance you two!” Sharon ordered Nathaniel and Alana. “I think we can make that happen!” Nathaniel blushed as he looked at Alana lovingly. “Hey, have any of you seen Amber?” Li asked as she walked up to them. “No. I haven’t even heard her since she got pissed about not winning.” Nathaniel shrugged. “She might be in the girls bathroom. I’ll go look.” Alana sighed as she walked towards the locker room. The sight that greeted her was absolutely horrific. “I THINK I’M GONNA VOMIT!” The voice in her head piped up. Amber was in the locker room. However, she was pressed up against the wall, lip locked with Armin. Alana quickly grabbed her phone, held it up high enough to get the pair into frame, quietly took a picture, slipped her phone back into her pocket and silently left the locker room. “Why did you take a picture of that sin?!” The voice in her head asked. “In case either of them piss me off in the future.” She thought back. “Are you gonna tell Nathaniel?” The voice in her head asked. “No. I’m not gonna tell Nathaniel that his best friend was in the locker room making out with his sister.” She thought back. “Why not?” The voice asked. “Because its not appropriate. If they feel like he needs to know, one of them will tell him.” She thought back. “Did you find her?” Nathaniel asked, almost a little frantic the second he saw her come out of the locker room. “Don’t worry. She’s just in there cleaning herself up and putting herself back together after her little tantrum. She’ll be fine.” Alana reassured him.

Shortly after Amber emerged from the locker room, she ran up to Nathaniel and demanded a dance from her brother. “NATHANIEL! Dance with me!” She whined. “Amber! I was gonna dance with Alana.” Nathaniel called back. “Give your sister a dance, we will have our slow dance before the night is done.” Alana smiled. “Does this mean I get a dance with the Runner Up?” Castiel smirked as he sauntered over to them. “No.” Nathaniel shot. “Nathaniel! He and I are JUST FRIENDS! It’d be like if Armin asked me for a dance! Go be a good brother and dance with your sister!” Alana huffed. Nathaniel gave her a look that said “Are you sure?”. “Yes.” Alana reassured him. “Okay. Amber, let’s go.” Nathaniel looked at his sister and sighed. “Shall we?” Castiel asked as he lead Alana to the dance floor. The DJ began to play “Everything You Want” by Vertical Horizon. “Is this really a song to dance to?” Alana pondered. “I would have thought you could dance to anything.” Castiel bantered. He pulled her closer to him and lead her into more of a waltz. “I mean... Its kind of weird for Nathaniel and his sister to dance to this song...” Alana replied. “So, its not weird for us to dance to it?” Castiel inquired. “Its not as if you’re interested in me, right? You’ve made it clear that you and I are just good friends. That the girls you’re actually into have bigger... Assets... And aren’t into pop music at all, like I am. Even if you were into me, you know you wouldn’t be able to be with me. I’m with Nathaniel.” Alana articulated. Castiel did everything in his power to hide the fact that Alana’s words were like a shot to the chest to him. “Yeah... I don’t like girls who sing to Taylor Swift!” He laughed. “Who told you!” Alana blurted out. “You did, just now!” His laughter boomed. “I like her music! Sue me!” Alana huffed. The song turned to “Just The Way You Are” by Bruno Mars. “Anyway... Seriously, why did you nominate me for Prom King?” He asked as he looked deep into her eyes. “I wasn’t lying when I said what I said on stage. Cass, don’t get me wrong, you’re a jackass. But, underneath it all, you’re a really great guy with a very kind heart. Despite everything, even your own pride, you end up doing what’s right... Even if you need to be slapped first. Hell, you even put aside your differences with Nathaniel to help him get away from his father. Its obvious that you put the needs of the people you care about above your own. You made that crystal clear when Lysander got hurt. Everyone talks about how Rosa, Lysander, Alexy, Nathaniel, Sam and I all help people and show kindness... But, they never talk about how sweet and selfless you actually are. I thought you deserved some recognition.” She explained. The shot to Castiel’s chest was then worsened by one of Cupid’s arrows going through the hole. He quickly twirled her around so in an effort to keep her from seeing him blush. He looked up and noticed Nathaniel staring daggers into him. As the song came to a close, he stopped their dance and kissed her hand. “I’m really glad you’re my friend.” He muttered barely loud enough for her to hear. “Watch it Cass! You don’t want everyone finding out your secret!” Alana chuckled. She pulled out her phone, wrote up a text and sent it before rejoining Nathaniel’s side. Castiel felt his phone vibrate, pulled it out, read the message smiled and walked back over to Lysander. “I guess, she really will always be just out of reach for me.” He muttered. “I’m really glad you’re my friend, too.”                                                      - MR

“You and Castiel danced for at least two songs. He must have really wanted to talk! Although, I don’t know WHAT he would have wanted to talk to YOU about!” Amber huffed. “You know what, Amber? Everyone knows that you’ve been wanting to dance with him all night. You threw a fit a few minutes ago over the fact that he got crowned Prom King and you weren’t his Queen! Go and take charge of your life for once and ask him! The worst he can do is say “no”!” Alana blurted out. “YEAH!”, “YOU TELL HER ALANA!” several students cheered. “After he’s danced with you? I could never!” Amber scoffed. “What do you have to lose?! Its the end of the year and after graduation, you don’t know if you’ll ever see him again.” Alana raised an eyebrow. “Fine!” Amber huffed she gathered her confidence and walked over to Castiel. “What did you two talk about?” Nathaniel asked. “He just wanted more of an explanation as to why I nominated him for Prom King.” Alana flatly replied. “Why didn’t you nominate me?” He pushed a little further. “Because it would have been conceited for me to nominate my own boyfriend for it. I nominated Cass and Rosa for King and Queen and then Sam and Ken for the Runners Up.” She clarified. Nathaniel looked down, almost a little embarrassed. “I nominated us for King and Queen and Sam and Ken for the Runners Up.” He muttered. A wave of love crashed into Alana. “Oh my god! Nathaniel! You’re too cute! You know that, right?” She gushed. “Really? You just said that you thought nominating us was conceited.” Nathaniel sputtered. “Yeah, but you still did it! I thought you would have nominated someone else! Its cute!” Alana cooed. The couple looked at the dancefloor and watched Sam melt into Ken’s arms as the DJ played “Never Knew I Needed” by Ne-Yo. “I think they should have gotten some form of recognition.” Nathaniel commented. “Yeah, but at least they’re happy for us getting it.” Alana smiled. “Your sister is such a hard-ass. Even though she’s been with Ken all this time, its still weird to see her vulnerable.” Nathaniel observed. “Sam is only this way because she wants me to be the soft one out of the two of us. But it is good to see her be soft every once in a while.” Alana replied. “Come on Castiel! You danced with Alana!” Amber called as Castiel walked away from her. “Alana’s not a self absorbed, whiny, entitled, brat like you! Find someone else to dance with you!” Castiel shouted back. He continued walking in the direction of the courtyard. “Well... I was wrong. He did say something worse than “No.”... Whoops!” Alana shrugged. “I should go console her.” Nathaniel suggested. “No, Nathaniel. She’s a grown woman, she can handle this rejection. Aside from that, Li is here and can be there for her if need be.” Alana shook her head. “I mean... He’s not wrong.” Armin commented as he joined the pair. “Why don’t you ask her to dance? You’re her brother’s best friend, it might be considered doing him a favor.” Alana suggested. “Me? No.” Armin began. He turned to Nathaniel and put his hand on his shoulder. “No offense, man... But your sister is a beast.” Armin cringed. “That’s not what I saw earlier!” Alana thought. “Send Armin the pic of him kissing Amber!” the voice in her head cheered. “Nope! He hasn’t pissed me off!” Alana thought back. “Yeah... I know.” Nathaniel exhaustedly sighed. Alana rolled her eyes. “I still think it would be nice. Go take one for the team!” She urged. “Nah! But if you wanna dance, let me know! As it is, I think I’m gonna go see if Alexy needs me for anything!” Armin rushed off.

“Alright everyone! I haven’t seen our Runners Up formally take to the dance floor! It’s time to change that!” Boris announced as he took the mic from the DJ. “Mister DJ, we all know that Miss Roster and Mister Jacott are the “Big Couple On Campus”, so play them something extra special!” He requested, his voice sounding more flamboyant than usual. A spotlight was then turned to Nathaniel and Alana and followed them as they made their way to the center of the dancefloor. As the first notes to “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri began to play, Nathaniel stood before her and bowed. “May I have this dance, my queen?” He lovingly asked. Tears instantly came to Alana’s eyes. “You may, my king.” She purred as he took one hand in hers and placed his other hand on the center of the top of her back. She placed her other hand on his right shoulder. “FUCKING FINALLY!” The voice in Alana’s head shouted. “When did you learn how to dance like this?” She asked Nathaniel as he lead her into a very elegant slow dance. “My parents thought it would be proper for Amber and me to learn it.” He did his best to hide the pain of mentioning his parents. “And you?” He asked. “My two best friends are part of the aristocracy. Aunt Verity and Aunt Cosima convinced my mom to put Sam and me in the same classes as Viktor and Rini.” She explained. “I’ll have to thank Verity when I finally get a chance to formally meet her. And, maybe, I can thank your aunt Cosima at her grave one day.” he blushed. “That sounds like a really nice idea.” She admitted. As they continued to dance, the song changed to “A Thousand Years Part Two”, as if the DJ knew their dance needed to be longer. “Alana... I love you.” Nathaniel admitted as they swept across the dancefloor. “What?!” Alana breathed. She looked into his eyes, a combination of love and shock overcoming her facial expression. “Look, I know we’re only seventeen years old. That this is high school romance. That we could grow old and grow apart one day. But, I need to tell you, now. Melody Alana Roster, I love you. I don’t know what the future holds. And I can’t promise that you and I will always be together. But I love you. I’ve loved you almost since the first day you walked through that classroom door. And I love you now.” Nathaniel professed. The song changed to “This I Promise You” by *NSYNC while Alana gathered her thoughts and they prolonged their dance. She wanted to give him this massive speech of how much she’s loved him since her early days at Sweet Amoris. However, the only words that truly fit the moment were short and sweet. “Nathaniel... I love you too. I love you with everything I have.” She almost began weeping as she spoke. Her mind then turned to the idea of walking down the aisle to meet him and become his wife. “Either you become a Jacott, or he becomes a Roster!” The voice in her head piped up. “I have a feeling that, if he and I do get married, he’ll become a Roster.” She quickly thought back. As the songs ended, the two shared a deep, romantic, kiss. “I love you, my sweet Melody.” He purred. “I love you too, my darling Nathaniel.” She cooed.

“Alright, sis! Take your stuff back. Ken and I are getting out of here!” Sam announced as she stormed the dancefloor and handed Alana her purse back to her. “You could have waited for us to get off of the dancefloor?! You didn’t see me ruining YOUR moment!” Alana exasperated. “Yeah, well... I think its high time I go make Ken a man!” Sam announced. “You also didn’t need to announce that to the whole school! You don’t see Rosa and Leigh announcing their “after prom plans” to everyone!” Alana barked. “I know! But I knew it would make you two uncomfortable! Let’s go Ken!” Sam laughed as she started walking out of the gym. “Sorry guys! You two looked amazing and it was a lot of fun!” Ken shrugged before he followed Sam out. Alana looked down for a minute. “What’s wrong?” Nathaniel asked. “You know... We could take the offer to get a hotel room...” Alana suggested as her face became a deep shade of red. “No.” Nathaniel shook his head. “Why not?” Alana nervously inquired. “I don’t want your first time to be in some random hotel room. Alana, I have the chance to make your first time as special as possible... And I’m going to do exactly that. You deserve it.” He sweetly smiled as he caressed the side of her face with his fingertips. “Oh Nathaniel...” Alana breathed. “I love you Alana. When I finally lay you down, I want you to enjoy every second of it. Even if it means I end up doing all the cliché stuff to turn my apartment into the most romantic place in the world.” He purred.

As the night drew to a close, Alana couldn’t keep her mind off of the idea of making love with Nathaniel. She wanted it. She knew she wanted it. And she knew that she wanted her first time to be with him. Out of all of the other boys she’d ever met, and between him and Viktor, she wanted to give herself to Nathaniel completely. “Maybe after graduation?” the voice in her head asked. “I’m not sure. But I hope its soon.” She thought back. Nathaniel took her back to her apartment, only for the two of them to discover a note taped to the front door. “Mom says that she’s sleeping at Agatha’s tonight. She and Seraphina got into a bit of a drinking game and they both basically lost. I’ve got the apartment to myself.” She explained as Nathaniel gave her a questioning look. “Well, that’s almost convenient.” He blushed. “You could stay the night, rather than walk all the way back to your apartment...” She suggested. “I could... But, Blanche is probably missing me... And I would have to sleep in nothing but my underwear...” Nathaniel replied. “You could go home in the morning after I make us breakfast. I’m sure Blanche has enough food and water to get through to tomorrow... And, its not like its the first time we’ve been in bed together with you in nothing but your underwear and me in pajamas... Its just, this time would be under much better circumstances.” Alana urged. “Societal pressure would dictate....” Nathaniel began. “As it is, its also not like we’d be doing anything sexy anyway! I’m too tired to give informed consent! We’d just be sleeping in the same bed and waking up together! At most, we’ll end up spooning or maybe getting in a couple of kisses! And that’s IF Sylvester doesn’t decide to sleep on top of us!” Alana nervously chuckled. Nathaniel thought for a couple of minutes. “Alright. But, next time, you’re sleeping at my place.” He yawned. “Of course!” Alana smiled as she let out a long yawn.

Several memories passed through Alana’s mind as she held her sleeping boyfriend in her arms. The memory of the day they met. The first time he made her heart beat fast. Their argument when she exposed the abuse his father put him through. The day she helped him get Blanche. The hug he gave her when she slipped and fell out of the tree in the park and was caught by Castiel. The party at Iris’ house. The attempt at a double date with Rosa and Leigh. Their first kiss in the Sweet Amoris High School library. The fresh memories of Prom. The memories then shifted into hopeful visions of their future. The first time they make love. Going to college together. Introducing him to all of her family in Scotland and Ireland. Becoming his wife. One vision finally pushed Alana into the realm of dreams and sleep... The vision of herself, one day, holding their newborn.

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This technically covers episode 39. Giselle Baudelaire is a reference to Giselle from Enchanted, and the Baudelaire family from A Series of Unfortunate Events.

I know that Prom King and Queen and the runners up are typically an American thing... But, I wanted to include them in this chapter. I was gonna make Lysander Prom King, but I figured Castiel would be more popular according to High School Hierarchy.

The cultural center tower that’s mentioned in the Dress Shopping section is what ultimately becomes The Black Tower.

Lynne coughing sets up her getting sick and having to leave the country for treatment.

Antoine Moulin is a slight reference to Moulin Rouge and Marie Antoinette.

Natasha and Nick (Peggy’s and Sharon’s apprentices) are also Marvel references. Just as I have Peggy and Sharon referencing Peggy and Sharon Carter, Natasha references Natasha Romanoff and Nick references Nick Fury.

Songs directly mentioned in this chapter: “Clarity” by Zedd ft. Foxes “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri “Man On A Wire” by The Script “It’s Time” by Imagine Dragons “Everything You Want” by Vertical Horizon “Just The Way You Are” by Bruno Mars “Never Knew I Needed” by Ne-Yo “A Thousand Years Part 2″ by Christina Perry Ft Steve Kazee “This I Promise You” by *NSYNC Honorable Mention: “When The Stars Go Blue” by Tim McGraw I wanted to bring this song up, but couldn’t find the right place for it.

I was honestly considering making that final paragraph more nsfw... But I decided against it and wanted to make it more sweet and romantic. With the way the story goes, every last thing that Alana envisions for their future comes to pass.

#my candy love #my candy love prom #my candy love episode 39 #my candy love fanfiction #my candy love fan fiction #my candy love fanfic #my candy love nathaniel #the melancholy of melody alana roster #alana's canon #Alana x Nathaniel #alana roster #my candy love alana #melodyalanaroster #amour sucre #sweet amoris #amor doce #Sweet kiss #sweet love #Sweet flirt #sweet crush #Corazon de Melon #corazon de bombon #cdm #CDM Nathaniel #slodki flirt #dolce flirt #melody roster #amor doce nathaniel #nathaniel roster #nathaniel jacott

[promptsinpanem]

Dragon of Midland

Summary: The Realm of the Midland and the Realm of the Highland’s are warring. A battle that began eons ago, and their will only be peace in the land when the dragon is found and given to the rightful heir to Panem. Fantasy HG

This was part of @promptsinpanem​ the story I always wanted to write You can read the first part HERE

Special Thanks to my incredible beta @norbertsmom who edited 20K in less than a week.

Rated M for Violence, War, Death, Witchcraft, Magic, Graphic Scenes of Violence, Canon typical Violence, 

See the end for Latin Translations

PART 2:

Ch4 The Egg

That Evening

Katniss had never felt so connected to another creature whether it be human or animal. She stood by the fireplace, watching the egg. It was held in a cradle made of stone with hot stones around it. They placed the cradle close to the fireplace. Haymitch said it was important to keep the egg hot.

Her hand traveled to her amulet. She played with the gold talisman. She picked it up and stared at it once more. It looked like two golden birds wrapped around a black pearl. The day she had been crowned Queen, Haymitch had surprised her with the Amulet. It added fuel to the fire that was in her mind. She was immersed in a cauldron of ambiguity.

Her life was an enigma. She didn't learn of her birthright until she was eighteen, and then there were two more years of silence until Finnick brought her the egg. She dreamt about it from the time she was a babe. Haymitch had all of the answers, but it was easier to blast open a mine shaft than get anything out of him. No matter how many times she broached the subject of her past, Haymitch eluded her questions. She was frustrated, she was fighting a war she did not understand. She was a Queen with no heritage.

It wasn't until Finnick left that Haymitch told her he was going to privately train her to use her magic. Haymitch did not want anyone else to know that she was magical. He did not let her leave their dwelling during the day. It was only with the advent of Peeta that she was allowed to join the raids.

Katniss stepped back from the fire. She sat in her chair, looking out into the inky darkness. Questions kept swirling in her had her people had a visceral reaction to the amulet?

What was the meaning of this amulet?

Why was Peeta bonded to her?

Why hadn't she heard his voice again since last week?

She reached out once more with her mind, but she received silence in return.

Katniss hugged her knees to her chest. For as far back as she could remember, her people mined for precious commodities that were traded with the people of the Highland. Then one day Highland raised their prices, then blocked the only source of water, and refused to trade. The people of Midland were pushed deep within the caves of the Midland Mountains.

Queen Verity had declared war with them.

Katniss did not want to fight. Nonetheless, they prepared for war. For weeks, their strongest men and women trained. They looked for the best scenario on how to lay siege to Highland Castle.

Queen Verity had a massive army. And there were unconfirmed rumors that most were mercenaries from other lands. Closing her eyes, Katniss thought of the map she studied daily. Thus far, there was no clear way to lay siege to Highland Castle. Its walls were thick and some said protected by deep magic. Only a magical being could break through their defenses.

Haymitch said she had the ability to breach it, but her magic would be depleted. Their hopes lay with Peeta. The dragon could easily take down the walls once he was born. However, Katniss did not want to use Peeta. She didn't want to think that war was his destiny.

Katniss did not want to have the blood of her people spilled, or the blood of the people of the Highland. But, then again, peaceful diplomacy had failed. The people of the Midland were cut off from trading with other lands. They did not have access to food or water except for what they could find in the mountains.

The people of the Highlands had all the access to the land and to the water. They could trade with others as they border the Iron Sea. The only territory they did not broach was the Verbotem Forest and the Western Mountains. No one from the Highlands was permitted to go there. There were stories of beasts of unnatural semblance called Muttations that roamed those woods.

In order to reach the cave where Peeta lay, Finnick had to cross Vebotem. He was lucky to have made it back. He still would not speak of the horrors he faced there. Finnick had left a youth tinged by idealism. He returned as a man, grounded in realism, a very good-looking man. Her cheeks burned pink as she recalled his golden physique. He smelled like saltwater, but also sweet like honey. Katniss bit her bottom lip as she thought of how good Finnick smelled.

"I see you have a crush."

The voice startled her.

Katniss looked around and then realized it was Peeta. She stood and walked to the egg.

"Now you wish to speak to me?"

Katniss could see the dragon moving within the black onyx egg. The voice within her head sounded young. However, Katniss felt that it was wise beyond its years.

He chuckled. "I do not like to share."

"I am not some trophy to be won."

"I did not call you a trophy." Peeta was taunting her.

"But you are treating me as if I am chattel or a bed," Katniss was getting angry. She had never treated anyone thusly. She had the utmost care and respect for everyone.

Peeta laughed at her outrage. "You are so innocent," he said in a haughty voice.

"Take it back." Her anger flared, and she could not understand why. She was tough and had done things she was uncomfortable with because they had benefited her people.

"No," he purred.

"You mock me."

"I am only being truthful with you."

"No, you are annoying me."

Peeta laughed. "You will never mate with another human."

"I must marry one day," Katniss said, lifting her nose in the air.

"Is that right?" His voice dripped with sarcasm.

"I have to…to think about available candidates. It is only natural that I find Finnick handsome."

"Hmmm," Peeta said.

Katniss could picture him, as if he were with her in human form, lifting his eyebrow, mocking her.

"I must produce an heir…and Finnick is fit. He could provide me with strong heirs."

"So, you wish to marry." His voice was so cheeky.

She stomped her foot. "Yes. I've always wanted to get married."

"Liar."

Her cheeks burned brightly. They were hot to the touch when her cool fingers flew to them.

"Be quiet!" Katniss demanded.

Peeta laughed.

Angrily, Katniss stomped away from the egg and climbed into bed.

"Aren't you going to say goodnight, sweetheart," Peeta cooed.

Katniss growled in response, turning her back to him, and went to sleep.

In the morning, she was at practice. She was dressed in all black with leather trousers and chain mail. She spun around as Finnick swung at her with his sword. His skill with a sword had improved. Katniss thrust her sword using the flat edge and pushed him back, making him turn around, which allowed her to kick him in the back.

Finnick fell to his knees, but quickly got up and hunched over. "You've grown as a fighter?"

"I've had to join the night parties to gather grain." Katniss noticed the muscles in Finnick's arms, and this tiny distraction put her in peril. Finnick was nearly on top of her before she felt a burst of energy pulse from her amulet. It knocked Finnick on his back.

"FINNICK!" Katniss ran to him.

Finnick groaned before he sat up. "Well, that was unexpected."

"Are you hurt?"

"No, just embarrassed," Finnick said, giving her a grin. "When did you start using magic?"

"I didn't. I've never…" She stammered. "It just happened."

"I told you I don't like sharing." Peeta's voice wound through her head.

"Oh, shut up!" Katniss replied.

"Sorry?" Finnick said.

"No, not you," Katniss replied. "It's the dragon."

"He's…" Finnick pointed to his temple.

"Yes, I can hear him again," Katniss sighed. "He's annoying."

"Are you two done flirting?" Haymitch said.

Katniss felt heat rush to her cheeks. She could hear Peeta laughing at her. She wished he would be quiet. Katniss cleared her throat. "What is it, Haymitch?"

"Come along, we have news."

Katniss sighed as she left Finnick behind and walked along with Haymitch.

"The spy?" Katniss whispered.

Haymitch pulled a piece of parchment from inside his coat and handed her the missive. Her heart fell as she read. Queen Verity is planning to hire mercenaries. Katniss only had two battalions, nearly the entire population of Midland. Queen Verity had nearly double that.

"I need to know how many, Haymitch?"

"I will find out."

Ch5 Queen Verity

That Next Night

Verity awoke with a scream on her lips. She could see the flames, while light blasted through her body. In her bed, she shook her fists balling the silken sheets.

For the majority of her life, she had one singular dream. It was always the same. A woman stood upon a turret looking down at her Kingdom. Then the sound of rushing waters, followed by being engulfed by flames so hot they were white. There was no potion, no sacrifice, nothing took away that dream.

The Witch told her it was nothing. When she was younger Verity believed the Witch. However, as she grew older and began to look like the woman on the turret, Verity thought her dreams may be part of a prophecy. The Witch told her that it was a memory of how her parents died. They were burned in a burst of flames.

Satisfied with the explanation, Verity put the dream aside. Then recently she had begun having them more frequently. Now Verity wasn't so sure.

She lit a candle by her bed and looked around the room. Everything in the room was white, even in the darkness. White was the color of her family crest.

Her family motto was Puritas Vincet.

She picked up her mirror to glance at her features.

Verity was older now, into her third decade. Thankfully the magic of the old woman kept her looking young. She had ruled from a young age. Then one day when she was ten and five the old Witch told her there was a disturbance in the land.

At the time, Verity had been expanding her kingdom. They had been waging war for a long time with the people of Midland. The Midland kingdom was composed of a collection of chiefdoms and she had conquered the majority of their lands. Verity had successfully laid siege to the last vestige of power Ore Silvae and had driven the remnant into the Midland Mountains. She had gifted the property to Lord Undersee; he had slain the Chieftain In-Nucis Lyme.

It was her intent when she was twenty and five to cut off their water and force them out of their hiding place. She had sent engineers to see how she could cut off Midland from the water they needed. The engineers had found a way to collect the water into a small lake at the foot of the Midland Mountains.

However, the Witch had always guided her in matters of state, and never once had the old blind bat been wrong. Verity trusted the woman because she had saved her life against Midland. They had killed her parents, and she swore vengeance and to uphold the code.

When the Witch told her that there was a threat to her power in the Midlands, Verity was delighted with the woman's words of warning.

Though the dam she built allowed irrigated water to trickle through the Mountains, she controlled the waterway and they were powerless, and at her mercy. The water that drained into Denby Lake gave Highland increased yield in their farmland and weakened Midland. Verity laughed at their pathetic claims for peace.

Getting up, she padded to the window and looked down at the courtyard. The smooth white stone reflected the moon above. In the distance, she could see the gently sloping green pastures of her kingdom. She'd been the stewart of these people and proclaimed Queen by her people.

She lived by the code set up by her family, the code they ruled by. The code that ran through her veins.

To protect one's self-interest

To live for fortune and glory

To demand reward

To question those placed in authority

To win at all costs

To maintain the purity of the Highland

To persevere unto the end

To Spare No One

To Show Strength instead of Weakness

She was instructed by her mentor that the people of Midland were to be destroyed as they were evil bottom dwellers who killed her parents and would kill her if they got the chance. Anyone caught dallying with those vile creatures was immediately put to death.

The people of the Highlands were a better class and they were being terrorized by the people of Midland. They had foolishly come for peace as if they had any right after what they had done. They were barbarians.

Verity knew a war was coming and she was preparing her people for that eventuality.

"ANOTHER RAID," came the cry from the courtyard.

Verity slipped on a robe as she quickly descended the stairs toward the courtyard. 'Twas beldam that night as the alarm was sounded and wounded were brought in. Poor farmers burned, terrorized, half-dead serfs of her realm. Her white robe floated around her as she ran toward the injured, her gut twisting in horror.

"Close the gates," she ordered.

The fools were letting people in. They needed to keep people out!

"Quickly," Verity reached out to a young squire. "Fetch me the old Witch."

The squire's eyes widened. "The Witch?"

Verity struck down the boy. "I am your Queen, fetch me the Witch," Verity ordered.

The young squire jumped up, and bobbed his head, "Yes, your grace," he said before running off to complete his errand.

Verity moved forward. An old lady with grizzled gray hair and soulful brown eyes sat in a corner clutching a young girl. Verity hated blood, hated the sight of death and destruction. But most of all she loathed weakness.

"What happened?" Verity demanded.

"They attacked our village, your Highness," The old woman trembled.

"The one on the outskirts of the Castle?"

"Yes." The old woman said not daring to raise her eyes.

Fury swept through her at the account. Verity lifted her hand to slap the old woman, but instead, she walked away. The woman was not worth her time. The people of Midland were becoming more daring. They were raiding the village that lay on the outskirts of the city of Highland.

She found a guard. "Quickly, gather riders. They are attacking the Highland village."

The man looked pale at the order.

"GO!" She growled.

The man nodded and ran.

Verity rubbed her aching head. She dispassionately watched a streak of blonde run out. Verity stood and watched as Adeline ran forward with a healing kit.

"May I help," Adeline asked, kneeling down on the ground.

"Fine," Verity said. "And be quick about it Delly."

Adeline nodded and ran into the small crowd of people.

"My daughter, she, she…" the woman cried.

The bereavement, the sense of hope was like a wave that Adeline couldn't take. She quietly asked, "If you let me examine the child?"

It was then the woman saw who she'd been speaking to, her eyes widened, "Oh your -"

"Please allow me," Adeline held out her hands.

The woman opened her arms to allow Adeline to see the child. The child was wounded.

"Come with me, we have to take her to a quiet place so that I can heal her."

Adeline led the woman inside the stable, the only place Verity deemed worthy for the surfs.

From the door, Verity could see Lady Crane and Lady Undersee snickering and calling Adeline Cartwright, Delly. Verity laughed because Adeline flinched when she heard them use the nickname.

"You're grace," the young squire said bowing.

"Thank goodness," Verity said.

The squire backed away slowly.

"Witch!" Verity walked up to the blind woman and demanded. "You couldn't foresee this?"

"There are things that not even the wisest eye can foresee, Your Grace."

"Why does this keep on happening?"

"They are a blight on our people and must be eliminated," the blind Witch said. "They have a leader, but I cannot see them."

The Witch's voice hissed, and Verity's skin prickled with fear.

The witch said nothing. She stood facing the northeast, in the direction of the Midland Mountains. She sniffed the air as if trailing a scent. What is it that I sense? Who are you?" Her hands lifted and she whispered, "Equum et cinerem reuela qui redolet, da mihi potentiam suam mihi revelandi faciem!"

"Did you hear me?"

The witch stood still but then said, "Gah!"

"Care to explain what happened?"

"I cannot see who their leader is but they smell of horse and ash," the Witch said.

Verity arched an eyebrow, obviously, their leader was a warrior.

"You must find their leader and destroy him," the Witch said. "They are powerful."

Verity closed her eyes. She knew her control was tenuous at best. Her Lords and Knights were unloyal. She did not trust them and knew this leader was a threat to her throne. "How do I find them?"

"You must camp out on Denby at the foot of the mountains. There they will be revealed."

Verity thought about who was the closest to the Midland Mountains. Lord Undersea was a day-and-a-half ride to the foot of the mountains. The Cranes were the closest, but Lord Crane and his son Seneca were not strong enough. "I will send Undersee and his men to keep watch and engage in battle."

"That is a wise tactic, my Queen," the Witch said.

Ch 6 The Boon

That Night

Katniss had another exhausting day of training, followed by planning, then she and her riders had gone out to Crane, a village that was located southeast of the Midland Mountains. They left at twilight and rode for three hours to reach the village. They were able to take a few chickens, a good haul of vegetables, and most of all, hay. Another group was even able to bring back water from Denby Lake as well as fish.

They had wells in the caves that were connected to the above-ground river. However, because of the dams, Queen Verity had erected they needed to ration water. When they opened the dams the water within the wells rose and they were able to gather it and store it in specially constructed tanks. The extra barrels of water were always welcomed. Especially when they caught fish as well, an extra bonus of meat.

No one was maimed or killed in the raid, for which Katniss was very thankful.

They arrived shortly before daylight.

"The raid was successful?" Haymitch asked.

"They were not waiting for us," Katniss yawned.

"Good," Haymitch nodded, as he walked with her. "And you are sure no one saw you?"

"No, one saw me."

"You adhered to the plan?"

"Yes Haymitch, I adhered to the plan we devised."

"Katniss," Haymitch said in his authoritative voice. "What is the fifth rule?"

Katniss stopped walking; she couldn't believe Haymitch was going to make her recite the fifth rule.

"What is the fifth rule of the code?"

Biting her tongue she recited, "To obey authority."

"I understand you are my Queen," Haymitch said. "But I must insist you follow my rules. I only demand you follow them to keep you safe."

Katniss's ire dampened. Haymitch was the only parent she ever had and he loved her as if she were born from his loins. "I know."

They continued walking.

"Have we heard from the spy?"

"Not yet," Haymitch said. "But things cannot be rushed."

"I know, but I just wish I knew what that woman is planning. Haymitch, there are too many variables at play, and the more information we have…"

"Child, I taught you that."

Katniss shut up.

Haymitch gave her a look that showed he was as frustrated as she was.

When they arrived at her chambers, Haymitch spoke. "You should rest."

Katniss nodded before entering her chambers alone.

Rue, her chambermaid, was waiting.

"Milady," Rue said, bowing her head.

Katniss had told her not to bow, but Rue always bowed her head or curtsied, much to Katniss' frustration.

There was a hot bath, and she sighed with pure pleasure. "How was he?"

"The egg was restless, Milady," Rue said.

"Thank you for watching him."

"'Twas nothing, your Grace."

"You have returned," Peeta said. He sounded different to her ears, not childlike as if he were older.

"Good night, Rue."

"Yes Milady, you as well."

Katniss shut the door. Wearily, she faced the egg. The surface of the egg swirled with twinkling lights as if it contained the power of the universe.

"Are you upset with me?"

Katniss didn't answer back.

"I am sorry for vexing you. It is amusing; your temper is hotter than dragon flames."

Katniss could not help but smile.

"I see I amuse you as well."

"Sometimes when you are nice to me," Katniss said, hovering over the heat.

"You smell of horse, go bathe. I'd rather not die of noxious fumes." And there it was again, the familiar cheekiness.

"I will cede to your request but only because I cannot withstand my own stench," Katniss answered.

"Where did you go? I could not sense you."

"We went on another raid," Katniss muttered as she removed her clothes and folded them into a neat pile.

"I noticed Finnick did not go with you?"

"No, he did not." Katniss was too tired to take his bait. She stretched as she said, "Sejanus went with me and so did a few others."

"Sejanus, who is he?"

"He is a knight. Technically he is more of a boy than a man." Katniss yawned. "He is very polite and sweet. His mother is a wonderful cook. His father is ambitious and aspires for his boy to do great things."

"I see he does not excite you like Finnick does."

Katniss laughed as she sat in the water and sighed. Her sore muscles were relieved.

"No one excites me like Finnick does," Katniss recalled the way Finnick's muscular arms gleamed with sweat.

Peeta grumbled something.

"What did you say? I did not understand you."

"What is so appealing about that preening peacock?" Peeta asked.

"What is a peacock?"

"A bird whose male has a lot of pretty feathers and prances about like a fool."

"Finnick does not resemble a fool, Peeta. He is quite fit and tall," there was laughter in her voice as she described Finnick. Peeta's silence was golden. "Why are you so jealous of him?"

"We are bonded Katniss. I have been waiting for more than two millennia for you. I have dreamt of your coming. When your hands touched me, I knew your heart immediately. I will not willingly share that which I have been waiting for."

She did not expect this answer. She lifted her hand out of the water and felt the warm air in the room. Magic wove itself through her fingers. Her mind went to the impending war with Highland. "We do not have enough of an army. What if I die?"

"I will never allow such a thing, I swear it," he said fiercely.

"Peeta I am human, mortal. I have a date of inception and I have a date to expire. I have been fighting all of my life. And I know that this war may be my end."

"Not if I have anything to say about it," Peeta said.

"Peeta…"

"Katniss, your life and mine are irrevocably intertwined. If you are harmed, I am harmed. If you die, I shall die."

Katniss sat up, in the bathwater. "Can a dragon be killed?"

"If you should perish, I shall perish. My heart belongs to you, Katniss."

Katniss sunk low in the water. Forbidden tears came to her eyes; she could not imagine him dying.

"Do not sadden yourself, Katniss; our journey is just beginning." He said tenderly to her. "Go on and finish bathing."

"Peeta," she said, sounding a lot younger than her years. "Why did you choose me?"

"The logical answer would be you are the one true heir of the house of Ehrlich. But I chose you because your heart is as pure as the driven snow. You have no malice toward your fellow man. Now even as we speak you do not wish to harm your enemies. You still wish for peace."

"I."

"Katniss, there is evil in this land that must be purged."

Katniss could not dispute this fact. Queen Verity was becoming more tyrannical as the days passed.

"You are the only one who can save the land and its people. Together we shall bring peace to the land."

"But they have a bigger army."

"Have faith," Peeta said.

She opened her hand, summoning the sponge. It flew into her hand. She began to gently wash her skin until the stench of her horse had been removed. The conversation and the reality of their situation weigh heavily in her mind. Getting out of the tub, she dried herself and hummed.

"You are tired."

"I am," Katniss said, looking into the fire. "I am very tired, Peeta."

"Sing for me?" Peeta asked.

"How do you know I can sing?"

"Your humming is not lamentable."

Katniss chuckled as she climbed into bed.

"I may sound like a hog right before they butcher him for a feast."

Peeta chuckled. "Humor me. I was lonely without you."

Katniss sighed and pulled her legs to her chest. She understood what he meant. Tonight as she rode, she missed the sound of his voice.

"A boon."

"Fine."

She began to sing a song she heard Maude Ivory sing when she was little. "Filioli, audite vocem meam praeter vos. O virgo mulier! Rex noster puer, festina et vide; Terra tua, tibi vera. Sol et luna duce nos; Vsque ad horam gloriae nostrae."

Katniss stopped singing. "I told you I would sound atrocious." Peeta did not reply. Getting comfortable in bed she closed her eyes.

As she fell asleep she heard him say, "Your voice is as pure as your heart."

A smile bloomed on her face as she fell asleep.

Ch7 The Scrimmage

One Month Later

"Lord Undersee," his squire Owen called.

"Owen," Lord Undersee greeted. He was surveying the latest map of the area.

The Queen had ordered him to the fringes of the Mountain. There were rumors amongst the Lords that the deadliest raids were not the fault of the nomads that lived in the Midlands. It was said that they were carried out by the creatures that resided in the Verbotem Forest.

Lord Undersee didn't know what to believe. There was dissent amongst the Lords because of the higher taxes, and their lands were being raided from both the west and the east. Although the taxes hurt, Lord Undersee was devoted to his Queen.

Their Queen had conquered more lands granting her the most valiant Knights. Lord Undersee had benefited from those earlier victories. He was bequeathed land and one of the ruins to rebuild. He swore to uphold the Queen and her Code. The Code had been good to him.

The opportunity to serve the Queen was an honor. He came out of his tent and looked toward the mountains. They were steep and formidable. One could not march a large group of men without first sending scouts to mark a trail. The Queen was wise to ask him to take a small contingency. The Queen never descended into the fray of battle herself. She had a keen mind and was a fine strategist.

Lord Undersee and a small company of thirty Vassals and Knights had camped out near the village of Denby. They erected tents and made sure they were hidden in the woods so as to not be detected by those on the mountain. A full moon cycle had passed since they had been given the order to lay in wait for the enemy of his queen.

"Our scouts report that there is movement coming from the mountains."

"Show me." He followed his squire to an outcropping of trees.

"We spotted horses," his Vassal Brutus said.

"Here," Owen extended him a slim conical cylinder.

Lord Undersee took the looking glass that they used to spy from distances. He could see horses standing guard. One of the horses had a bridle. Also, wild horses were not prone to gather in the mountains. They preferred open fields of land. These horses had to belong to their enemy.

The problem Lord Undersee had was he did not know where the horses came from. The people of Midland had a myriad of entrances and tunnels in the mountains. His group once came upon an entrance, but easily became lost within the depths of the mountain. The horses were a favorable sign. It meant the enemy was going to attempt another raid.

It was still light outside, but they had less than an hour before the sunset. He counted three horses, not much of a fight. He could easily win this scrimmage. It would be a feather in his cap before all of the other Lords.

"No doubt they are getting ready for another raid," Owen said.

"Prepare the men," Lord Undersee commanded.

"Yes, My Lord," Brutus said.

Lord Undersee wanted very much to hand a trophy to his Queen. As he walked toward where his horse was kept he noted the Queen's carriage was approaching. He was surprised, it was a two-and-a-half-day ride from Highland Castle. The Queen must have stopped off at Briota Ius, Lord Cartwright's Castle for the night. The men dropped to their knees. Lord Undersee quickly bowed as the carriage came to a halt before him.

The Queen's personal guard opened the door.

"Your Grace."

"Lord Undersee," Verity answered, once she had safely exited the carriage. She wore a white gown that blended into a soft blush. She wore her breastplate, and her blonde hair was woven into her crown. At her hip, her sword. "I came to survey the situation."

"So magnanimous of you. My men will be inspired by your presence."

The Queen walked to the map on the table where he had been standing before Owen sought his attention. "Two fortnights have passed, and your last report was less than inspiring?"

"We have not seen any movement from the mountains. We have kept constant vigil, your Grace. And…"

"Is this map recent?"

The Queen cut off what he was about to say. "Yes, your Grace. It is the latest. I was studying it when I was called by my Squire."

"Oh?" Verity raised an eyebrow.

"Yes, we have new news."

"Please, do tell," Verity said.

"We were just getting ready to engage the enemy in battle."

Verity extended her hand and nodded toward the spying device he still held in his hand. He immediately handed it to her.

"I only see three horses grazing."

"Yes, we suspect they will be riding today. It is my hope to catch them unaware."

"You should not travel up the mountain," Verity said. "Your men shall be trapped."

"What do you suggest?"

The Queen examined the map. After a moment she pointed to a spot on the map. "You and fifteen of your men proceed to this point here and hide, this way when they leave the mountains, they will be surprised, and you can easily overwhelm them."

"An advantageous plan, my Queen." Lord Undersee nodded to Owen who bowed and walked away to gather the men he would be taking up the mountain.

"My five guards will be at the ready to assist you, if necessary."

"Thank you, your Grace," he bowed as he left the Queen's side.

Lord Undersee walked to his tent. "My horse," he called.

His Page Richard came with his horse. "My lord."

Lord Undersee mounted his steed and rode to meet his men. It was time to defeat the leader of the Midland.

A cool wind whipped around the Midland Mountain. On a wide ledge, there was a small patch of overgrown grass. The horses brayed as they grazed. They had a long night's voyage. Patiently waiting for their riders.

Within the Mountain, Katniss wore dark tights with padded leather trousers. She wore a gray chain mail underneath her matching breastplate. Katniss did not wear the armor the other riders wore because of her chosen weapon. She carried her bow and a sheath of arrows.

"Remember you must be careful," Haymitch said.

"I know, Haymitch." The plan was to travel to Denby. They dared not risk going further.

"Perhaps you should stay tonight."

"Haymitch, our resources are low. We have not left the mountain in a moon cycle because we have been training. We need the hay for the animals; they cannot provide us the milk we need for our young. Without the hay, we cannot fatten the animals that we slaughter to feed our people."

"Finnick can go in your stead," Haymitch suggested.

"Milady," Rue said, handing her the sword and scabbard.

"Thank you," Katniss replied as Rue helped her strap the sword and scabbard on.

"Katniss," Haymitch began.

"I am their Queen and this is my responsibility."

Haymitch was about to speak when someone called his name. They were bringing in the horses. Katniss went to her horse Arrow and began to put his saddle on. He was a magnificent beast with a white mark on his forehead that looked like an arrow.

"Perhaps Haymitch is right and you should stay," Peeta said.

"You do not have to answer to hungry children," Katniss muttered as she worked on making sure her saddle was tightly buckled.

"Katniss, you shouldn't be taking risks." Peeta sounded alarmed. "You should be waiting for me to hatch."

"Peeta, you know that I was raised with the Code of Old."

"Do not recite the Code of Old to me," he said testily, sounding like Haymitch when she outsmarted him.

Cheekily she questioned, "Have I vexed you, Peeta?"

Peeta chuckled. "My kind was there when the Code was written."

"Well then if you know the Old ways, then you can understand that heavy is the head that wears the crown. I must protect my people, especially the weak and defenseless."

"Katniss, I cannot be there to save you if something goes awry," he said.

"I know, and I'm sorry, but I must do my duty." Katniss took a deep breath.

"The dragon thinks you should stay behind?" Haymitch came up behind her.

"How?"

"When you speak to him, you mutter under your breath, and there are times you get a look on your face of clear annoyance. Other times you look as if you are far away."

"Oh," Katniss didn't even realize how strange her behavior would have appeared to her people. Only a handful knew of Peeta's existence. Including Mags, a frail old woman who knew a great deal about dragons.

"I did not realize you could communicate through your mind with him."

Katniss finished her preparations and looked to Haymitch. "I thought I was speaking out loud."

"The bond is strong between you then."

"It is," Katniss sighed.

"What did he say?"

"He argued," Katniss rolled her eyes heavenward.

"And I am assuming your answer was the same."

"Yes, he doesn't want me to leave and put my life in danger. "

"I cannot stop you, but stay alive."

Katniss nodded and mounted her horse.

Haymitch watched her joining the other riders he personally chose to ride with her. Blight, Sabyn, Wovey, Sejanus, Otto, Ginny, Wolf, Marcus, Tanner, Mizzen, and Lyme. All except for Sejanus were experienced warriors.

Something, though, did not sit right with him.

"What is the matter, Haymitch?" Finnick asked, appearing by his side. He had an apple in his hands.

"I do not feel this trip to be advantageous," Haymitch said.

"Do you want me to round up a few warriors and follow from behind?"

"Yes, do that."

Finnick nodded and walked away.

Katniss looked back to Haymitch and nodded.

The party took off and left through the main entrance of their peaceful realm. The thunder of the hooves resonated in the shaft. Normally Katniss would have felt the resounding joy of being able to leave to the world outside.

She'd only been topside a handful of times in her life. The freedom of inhaling the crisp warm air that was heavy with the smell of the peat and flowers invigorated her. This time, however, her stomach was wound tight.

Haymitch was never wrong. She needed to be vigilant.

When they came to the tunnels where they would split up, Katniss put up her hand in the signal to stop.

The riders came to a stop and waited.

"Tonight, we must be careful."

The riders looked upon one another. These raids were always dangerous.

"How so, your Grace?" Marcus asked.

"Haymitch had one of his premonitions," Katniss replied.

"What do we do now?" Lyme asked. Lyme was a Knight who was the strongest and bravest of warriors.

"We need the hay," Ginny commented.

"We shall break up and make our way topside through different entrances." Katniss decided quickly. "If there is no danger, ride to the village as planned. Take as much as you can carry and return back to Midland through a different path. Agreed?"

"Agreed," they all replied.

Katniss paused to look at each of them in the face. She then reiterated what Haymitch had told her before they left, "Guard yourselves well."

The riders all nodded.

The riders broke up into smaller groups and went into side tunnels. Sejanus, Lyme, and Wolf remained with her. Katniss spurred Arrow forward into one of the side tunnels. If there was something waiting for them there wouldn't be too many casualties.

She reached out to Peeta, "Wish me well?"

"I can protect you with our connection but you must stay in the shadow of the mountains," Peeta said. "Remember that you must stay within the shadow, I cannot help you otherwise."

Katniss felt a surge of energy coursing through her veins as she rode swiftly through the tunnel. When they came to the exit, Katniss slowed down. They were on the eastern side of the mountain. The farming fields were located to their west, around three hundred or so yards.

Katniss leaned forward, her ears catching the sound of something faint.

"What is it, Milady?" Sejanus asked.

"Do you hear that?" Katniss attuned her ears.

"It is the sound of battle," Lyme said.

"Your Grace, we need to get you to safety," Wolf urged.

"I cannot."

"It's not safe," Wolf tried once again.

Katniss closed her eyes, wishing she could see them. Things around her morphed. She could suddenly see things that were happening hundreds of yards away. It was dark out yet everything was bright as day as if she were standing in the midst of the battle.

Otto, Blight, and Ginny were not on their horses. The horses were fleeing. Her people were fighting against the Queen's men who wore the traditional white smock with the Queen's silver crest. Sabyn was atop of her horse and had slain a man, two lay on the ground, and one was injured. In the end, there were too many and they dragged Sabyn from her horse. Sabyn slapped her horse's hindquarters and it flew back into the mountain with the others' horses. "Otto, Sabyn, Blight, and Ginny were outnumbered and captured." Katniss could see them being restrained before a bald man with no neck slung them each over the backs of the Queen men's horses. "They are taking them to their camp."

"What do we do?" Lyme asked her hand on the pommel of her sword.

"We rescue them," Katniss said.

They crept out of the entrance quietly. Katniss could see Queen Verity's men leading her own people to a campsite hidden in the trees. She was no longer within the shadow of the mountain. She could no longer feel Peeta with her. Katniss was alone and must survive by her own wits.

"What is the plan?" Lyme asked.

"We follow them. Find where they are keeping them and bring them home," Katniss said.

They moved just outside the enemy's campsite. There were lit torches scattered throughout the camp allowing them to see what was happening. They unmounted their horses and hid in the trees. They watched the guards take Otto, Sabyn, Blight, and Ginny down from the horses that carried them. They were taken to a centrally located tent and were forced to kneel.

Katniss's heartbeat increased as she watched the tent's flaps open up. A tall beautiful blonde woman with a crown woven into her hair walked out. All of the men in the camp bowed or kneeled. This woman was Queen Verity. This is the woman Katniss was fighting against.

"Your Grace," a man dressed in richly colored robes called. "These are the Midland rabble we caught at the foot of the mountains."

"Excellent," the Queen exclaimed.

"Do you know who I am?"

Silence greeted her.

"I am your lawful ruler, Queen Verity."

There was no answer.

"I will spare your lives if you tell me who is your leader?"

If they didn't speak there was no doubt the Queen would certainly torture them. Her cruel treatment of her own people was legendary. Katniss could only imagine what horrors awaited her people.

"How many are there?" Katniss asked quietly.

"I have counted ten and six, but there must be more because there are easily nearly thirty horses," Lyme whispered.

"I saw them bring one into that tent over yonder," Wolf said.

Katniss turned to Wolf, Sejanus, and Lyme. "We need to get them out. I will make my way to that tree there and attack from the air. Wolf, you set all of their horses free and spook them into their midst. Lyme, you retrieve our people. Sejanus, you stay with our horses."

With the plan in place, Katniss knew her rain of arrows from the trees would be the most effective. As she moved about she saw a shadow hiding behind a tree. Katniss recognized him by his honeyed saltwater scent. "Finnick?"

Finnick grabbed her.

"Your Grace, what are you doing? You are outnumbered? Queen Verity is yards away."

"Finnick, I have a plan."

"Of course you do," Finnick muttered.

"How many are with you?"

"Seven, including myself," Finnick said.

"Wolf is going to let loose their horses into their camp. I need three of your men to climb the trees and shoot into their camp to cause more confusion. Lyme is going to go in to get our people and I need someone to have her back. Sejanus is there," Katniss said, pointing behind her. "Waiting for us with our horses."

"Katniss…" Finnick's words died on his lips as they heard the horses stampede the camp. There was no time for Finnick to speak to the men who came with him.

"Just have them clear a path for Lyme, and once she has Ginny, Blight, Otto, and Sabyn free, get out," Katniss urged, pushing Finnick away.

"QUICK, SAVE THE QUEEN!" A man shouted.

"TAME THE HORSES!"

Katniss quickly ran to the tree and climbed up. Another wave of horses came in as well and had sent the entire camp into upheaval. She could see Lyme making her way toward Ginny. From her vantage point, Katniss could see two men had spotted Lyme. She fired two arrows in quick succession at the two men who were running toward Lyme, swords drawn. They fell to their knees. As soon as the men fell it sent the camp into a further tizzy.

"WE'RE BEING ATTACKED!" A man yelled.

Finnick and his men attacked the camp. The chaos they unleashed by releasing the horses was replaced by the sound of clanging metal.

From her vantage point, Katniss could see the Queen had a sword in her hands but she was not using it, instead the woman was hiding behind some barrels. Lyme freed their people and was leading them away. Katniss was making sure their paths were clear, satisfied when they had made it out. Katniss then noted below that Finnick was fighting a brute of a man when another approached behind him.

From the safety of the tree, she shot Finnick's would-be assailant in the throat. Finnick drove his sword into the belly of the man he was fighting.

There was a torch nearby. Katniss climbed down to the nearest branch, hung down, lit one of her arrows, and sent it into the center tent where the so-called Queen was hiding.

The Queen screamed for water.

Katniss scrambled down the tree and ran with Finnick by her side. The others saw them leaving and started to make their way out as well. Katniss stopped at a torch and lit another arrow and shot it at another tent; it went up in flames and one of the trees caught fire.

Katniss caught the Queen watching her, but neither woman acknowledged the other. Instead, she turned and ran back to where the horses were. Finnick was atop her horse Arrow and was headed her way. He leaned down, extending his hand to her. Katniss grabbed his hand and was hefted up on top of her steed in front of Finnick. Together they joined the others.

As soon as she was within the shadow of the Mountain she began to glow as her connection with Peeta was reconciled.

"ARE YOU WELL!" Peeta's voice was panicked.

"I'm alive and well. We are all safe," Katniss sent back.

"Behind you!" Peeta warned.

Katniss looked back around Finnick. Her eyesight was enhanced once more. She could see there were four of Queen Verity's men following them on horseback. "We're being followed!" She shouted.

"What do you want me to do?" Finnick shouted back.

The queen's men were determined to catch them and would follow them into the tunnels. She and Finnick could try to lose them, but Katniss did not want to take the chance. "Slow down!"

"What?!" Finnick shouted.

"Slow down!" She shouted again.

Finnick slowed down and Katniss lept from the horse. "GO AHEAD!" Katniss ordered. She wanted to make sure they were safe. They spurred their steeds to move quickly to safety.

Standing to her full height, she located the four riders. Katniss felt a burst of energy pooling in her middle.

"Blast them," Peeta suggested.

Katniss concentrated on channeling her magic to her fingers. She yelled, "Prohibere," and a burst of magic exploded from the amulet and she used her hands to direct it at the riders. The Queen's riders were blasted off their horses.

Katniss could feel her energy waning. "Peeta," she whispered.

"Mea Carum," Peeta replied. She felt warmth spread through her body, giving her strength.

Katniss turned around and ran to where Finnick was waiting for her. "Go!" she shouted as she grabbed Finnick's hand and was hoisted back up on the horse.

Arrow shot forward into the nearest entrance to the caves. They rode at breakneck speed through the tunnel. When they made it back, Katniss turned to Haymitch, "Did the other riders get through?"

"Yes, and some have already returned with hay."

Katniss smiled, but then everything faded to black.

CH8 Revelation

Same Night

Verity was livid.

The Witch had told her to come out here. She said it was imperative for her to be present. Verity had listened to the woman and set out to the camp.

Verity thought that it would be a quick visit. One with a victorious outcome. Instead, it was a total fiasco.

She was sitting on a stool that was provided for her.

Verity stewed.

She watched Lord Undersee and his men battle the flames. Her once pristine dress was dirty. Her crown was askew, and her hair was a hornet's nest. She had twigs, and leaves and Merlin knew what else, was within it.

Lord Undersee, after rescuing her from behind the barrels, had left her by the ridge with two of her guards. She watched four of his men take off after the two Midlandians who had just escaped from their camp.

Verity closed her eyes and recalled the gorgeous male specimen and the female archer. The man was tall, muscular, chiseled, no doubt a man who knew how to pleasure a woman. The archer still looked like a child. She was slight, not very tall or impressive, and she wasn't pretty. There was something about the protective way that the man held the archer. It was as if they were lovers.

Mirthlessly she pulled a twig out of her hair. The archer stuck in her mind. Her skill with a bow was impressive. She shot arrow after arrow with quick, precise efficiency. Her flaming arrow made its mark, causing the fire, setting a dead tree to burn.

It was proof that the Midlandian's troops were well trained. Something her own were not. It reinforced the idea that she needed a capable army.

"Your Grace."

Verity looked up to see a young boy, no doubt a Page, kneeling before her with a chalice of water.

Taking the chalice, she drank deeply.

The young boy slowly backed away; his head bowed.

Verity breathed heavily as her mind began to replay what happened. She could not believe how quickly things had deteriorated. One moment she was about to interrogate a woman from the ragtag Midland raiding party, the next she was being pulled away as horses ran amok. It was all a carefully orchestrated rescue plan.

"Your Grace." Lord Undersee bowed deeply.

Verity nodded at the man.

"The fire is finally out."

Verity looked over his shoulder. The camp was burned. Thankfully this region did not have a dry summer. If the brush was dry, the entire region could have burned down.

"I want to know how this happened?" Verity demanded.

"They used the cover of darkness to their advantage." Lord Undersee did not look up, his head was still bowed. "Their leader must be cunning to outwit…"

"Outwit…" Verity growled. "Outwit whom?"

"I…I…I.." Lord Undersee stammered. "Whoever leads them, they had been…able to,"

"Tread careful, Lord Undersee."

Verity had gotten a look at whom she believed to be the new leader of Midland. It was a horrific beast appearing from the darkness. At first, Verity thought the woman was a man. She was over six-foot tall with a thick neck, cropped hair, and a muscular build. It was her face that betrayed her true sex. Given the time of night, a man would have had hair on his face. In the firelight her face looked soft and clean; it also revealed the leader to be an older woman.

"Outwit my men." Lord Undersee quickly said.

Verity raised an eyebrow.

"His men snuck up behind my Vassal guarding the horses and knocked him out. Spooked the horses before letting them lose in our camp. I myself removed you from danger."

"Was there only one man guarding over thirty horses?" Verity asked. It was irresponsible to have just one man in charge of so many horses. Lord Undersee needed at least three to four men.

"One Vassal, your Grace."

Verity stood, wanting to kick him. Lord Undersee winced as she neared him, but Verity walked away. She looked into the face of the men that were left. There had been thirty men, not including her five personal guards, or Lord Undersee and his Page. Lord Undersee only had only ten and four men left, and the boy. Four riders were out there following that riffraff. One of her guards was injured and another was dead.

Her hands balled out of pure anger.

The leader of Midland was an experienced warrior. She exploited the weaknesses in security. She then marched into camp easily and released the prisoners with fewer soldiers, half of whom were women. The Midland leader battled alongside her people. Whilst Verity hid herself behind some barrels. She noted how the Midlandians protected their leader and did not leave her side until she was out of their camp. None of Verity's subjects came to find her and stow her away to safety.

"No one paid heed to my person. I was left vulnerable, nearly burned when their archer set your tent on fire," Verity said facing the darkened night sky. There was something in the air that made the hair on the back of her neck stand up. As if some door had been torn open tonight.

"For that, I should be put to death," Lord Undersee said.

Verity turned her eyes to him. He was right, his inept leadership was at the heart of this fracas. But he had found her in the end and brought her to safety, and set two guards with her.

He also did, on her order, send out four men after the last two Midlandians who had left the camp. Verity believed she could have broken the young girl she was going to interrogate. Someone needed to pay.

"Bring me the Vassal that was guarding the horses."

"Yes, your Grace," Lord Undersee said, turning to a man with his hand in a sling.

The others stepped away from the man. The man paled.

"Step forward," Verity said.

The man fell to his knees.

"If not for you, we would not have been attacked and lost many valuable Vassals and Knights."

"Your Grace," the man said terrified.

She took out her sword and ran it through him. His eyes went wide as his life drained from his face. Blood splattered on her dress and the man fell to the side.

"If you fail me, this will be your payment," Verity screamed at the gathered men before stomping away.

She stood at the ridge peering into the darkness. Suddenly a flash of bright light blinded her. It was followed by a rush of wind that knocked her over. Verity tried to grab onto something, but there was nothing in front of her.

"Your Grace!" Lord Undersee quickly caught her and helped her stand upright.

It took a few minutes for her eyesight to come back. As soon as it did she looked to Lord Undersee. "What was that!?"

"I do not know," Lord Undersee said.

"Do you think they are dead?" Verity whispered.

"I do not know."

"Lord Undersee, take two of my men and go up there. I want to know what happened."

Lord Undersee nodded, bowed, and left.

Verity was left waiting. "The rest of you salvage what you can. Make sure that we have shelter for the night. Set up a night watch. And someone, bury the dead."

The others began to do as she ordered. When Lord Undersee returned, she was comfortably sitting in her own tent. She had been using Lord Undersee's tent when the attacking Midlandians set it on fire. She had bathed and was wearing a blush-colored gown with white embroidered flowers and a white fur cape.

"Your Grace," Lord Undersee bowed.

"Well?"

"We found their bodies." Lord Undersee stopped speaking.

Her heartbeat furiously in her chest as terror filled her bones. "What happened to them?"

"They were burned. Unrecognizable. The Midlandians have some sort of weapon we've never seen before."

Verity stood and grasped the edge of the table. She turned around and faced Lord Undersee. "What are you not telling me?"

"Their flesh was burned, but their clothing was not singed. It did not even smell of smoke. Their horses were not even harmed."

Her skin was pin pickled. She expected them to be dead, but she didn't expect this. What sort of weapon did Midland have that could burn someone's flesh off but left their clothing untouched?

Verity wanted to go home, but it was dangerous traveling at night. Her mind grasped at straws until she came to one conclusion. The Witch would know what to do. She would have the answers.

"Tomorrow we leave for Highland Castle at first light." Verity sat down and wanted nothing more than to be hidden within the walls of her gilded cage.

PART 3:

Ch9 The Birth

Forty-Eight hours after the Scrimmage

Forty-eight hours slipped by quickly. Peeta was silent in that time. She had not heard from him since the battle at the foot of the mountains. It was true, she had not woken up until yesterday afternoon, but he would have said something by now, especially since Finnick had brought her a meal while she was in bed. The egg had become red hot. Katniss wondered if the fire was getting too hot. "Peeta, can you hear me?"

The egg moved and she felt the compulsion to pick him up. Her hands glowed as they neared the fire. She was not burned when she touched the egg. Gently, she lifted it from the stone cradle.

"Please be alive."

At that moment Finnick and Haymitch entered her room.

"Milady, is that advisable?" Finnick looked as if he was going to kick the egg from her hand.

The egg began to crack and Katniss wanted to scream as she felt the pain Peeta was feeling. Katniss gritted her teeth because she didn't want to show Haymitch or Finnick weakness.

She doubled over in pain.

"Haymitch!" Finnick panicked as he caught Katniss. "What is happening?"

"It must be the bonding," Haymitch said.

Katniss began to shiver.

"Milady, let go," Finnick ordered.

"No she cannot let go of the egg," Haymitch said. "It will kill them both."

"I have been waiting a long time for you," Peeta said, his voice was deep like that of a man's. "You have the heart of your father, Aldrich of Everdeen, the Just, and the fortitude of your mother, Astra of Ehrlich, the wise."

"Peeta?" her mind called out.

"I will answer all of your questions.

Katniss saw herself flying through the air. She sat atop a giant beast with wings. His leathery skin was smooth to the touch, but it was hard. No doubt an arrow would not penetrate the scales.

Looking down, she saw how small the trees looked. Frightened, she closed her eyes.

"Do not be afraid," Peeta said. "I will always protect you with my life. I swear it."

Katniss held on for dear life, squeezing his neck.

They flew higher until only clouds were beneath them. They reached a castle set high upon a mountain peak and landed. There were two women standing at the entrance, both fair with hair spun of gold. One had the same amulet Katniss wore.

The woman smiled at her, and her eyes were filled with awe. "Mother?"

"Daughter?"

The woman by her side gave her mother an annoyed look. Katniss frowned and it came to her that the other woman could not see her.

"You are correct, only your mother can see you."

"She's so beautiful," Katniss whispered.

"You are of the people of the Sky," her mother said. "You ride a golden dragon with blue eyes and blue underbelly."

Katniss turned around but could not see Peeta.

"Nobel Draco cor suum solum dabit cordi nobili," her mother said.

Katniss tried to translate her mother's ancient words. "A noble dragon give me…"

"Close." Her mother grabbed her hand, "Tell me how old you are?"

Katniss wanted to tell her but she wanted something more than just pleasant and worthless prattle. Squeezing her mother's hand she said, "I need the truth. I need to know what happened to you and to my father Aldrich. I want to know why I was raised by Haymitch."

Her mother's eyes widened then she looked over her shoulder. Then she nodded and said, "I cannot tell you about your past, Katniss, for my future has not happened."

Katniss felt crushed.

"Patience child, your dragon is very special. You are bonded in the ancient way…your dragon would give his life for you." Her eyes suddenly became bright blue and glowed. Her voice sounded like the voice of thunder, "When the time is right, you and your dragon will become one and you shall reign over the land peacefully."

"Mother, I love you. I have loved you from my first breath. Never doubt that."

"And I, you, my daughter." She then gave her a sad smile.

A tear slipped down Katniss' face.

"Peeta," she called and she felt her heart rate increase. Felt her skin become heated. Suddenly, she was pulled and brought back.

Upon opening her eyes she felt weak. Her knees buckled and the world before her spun.

"YOUR HIGHNESS!" Finnick yelled as he caught her.

The egg fell by her side and was pulsating an intensely bright light.

"My lord, she burns with fever!" Finnick could not hide the panic from his voice.

"It has begun," Haymitch calmly said. He took off his cloak and wrapped it around the egg, then put it on Katniss' lap.

"How can you be so calm at a time like this?"

"Lay her on the bed, make sure you do not touch the egg, place it by her."

Finnick nodded, lifted Katniss up, and ran to his Queen's chambers. Haymitch followed close behind.

Haymitch closed his fist. He found Rue waiting anxiously by the door, "Go find Mags."

"Aye, My Lord," Rue said, running.

He entered the room, feeling helpless. Katniss lay sweaty and pale. Her fingers were curled on top of the egg. Haymitch laid his hands on Katniss' forehead. And his hand burned. "She's burning."

"Look Haymitch, the egg has cracked, do you think it was from the fall?"

"No, he is hatching."

Mags walked in smiling gently. Her long silvery hair trailed behind her. Her weathered face had seen the full breadth of the human experience. She settled her hand on Finnick's hand.

"She will be fine. Her spirit has to go on a journey. She cannot finish the bonding without learning about her past. If she is not complete…she and her dragon cannot be joined in the way of the Sky Denizens."

"What do we do?" Haymitch asked.

"We make her comfortable, the room has to be warm," Mags said.

She held her hands over Katniss and the egg. "I have not seen a connection between a dragon and its rider in such a long time. He protects her even in this spiritual journey. He cares for her deeply." Mags chuckled.

"What?" Finnick asked.

Mags laughed as she sat down. "She needs an extra blanket."

Finnick moved to get one.

"No, not you, Finnick," Mags said. "Haymitch, get her the blanket."

CH10 Highland

A Day and a Half Later

Two Falcon's had arrived at Highland Castle today, one for Madge and the other for the Witch. Adeline was keeping an eye on the Witch. The woman seemed agitated after receiving the message via Falcon.

Adeline spotted the Witch. She followed behind discreetly listening for the clicking sound of the woman's cane as she moved quickly through the corridors of the castle. Adeline slipped through the empty corridor following her. Her hands were clammy. She needed to discover if the Witch had sought out an army for the Queen. It was fortunate that the Queen was gone. She had left to check on the progress of Lord Undersee.

"Delly," Madge called. She stood with Lady Crane, a woman as venomous as a spider.

Adeline winced when she heard Madge call for her. She loathed when people called her that.

"Madge," Adeline greeted.

"How dare you address me by my given name as if we were familiar and of the same rank."

Madge wasn't a bad sort, but when she was with Lady Crane, she acted just like her.

Lady Crane smirked at her, raising her nose at Adeline. She circled her. "With all the land and property your father has, you would think he would dress you in riches."

"We've had to make sacrifices to be able to pay the taxes the queen has levied upon us. I would rather pay the queen than spend money on a gown," Adeline replied.

Madge became incensed. Recently she had a gown made for her with white and silver embroidery. It cost more than the purchase of a horse.

"Delly, we've had word that the Queen returns," Madge bit out.

"I can prepare her quarters and make sure she and the rest of the group have a meal and warm baths waiting for them," Adeline replied.

The Queen used her noble ladies as if they were servants. Adeline did not mind the work; it gave her access to the Queen's innermost circle where she could retrieve information.

"Yes, you always were good at the domestic things," Lady Crane laughed. "Come along Lady Undersee."

As the two women left, Adeline once more oriented herself to find the old Witch. She quickly looked out the window. She spotted her in the inner ward. Quickening her steps, she made her way to the inner ward, then slowed down to act as if she was mindlessly ambling in the courtyard.

It was imperative that she keep an inconspicuous profile. From what Adeline had gathered, Lord Undersee had been sent on a secret mission to camp near the village of Denby. Adeline knew instantly they were trying to spy on the Midlandians. Taking a deep breath, she crossed to the inner ward making careful to appear preoccupied.

Her father had been a follower of the old ways. He upheld the old Code that held people to a higher standard. A Code where chivalry and honor meant something to people. Kings and Queens of old ruled the land with fairness based on the code.

They understood the old ways. Magic was no secret; it was not something to be feared, but rather something to be revered and trusted.

These days, the avarice of gluttony, vanity, and deceit had become the vanguard of their society. The people of Midland still upheld the old ways. There were many Lords who followed Queen Verity for fear of retribution. Their ranks were growing.

Adeline checked each building to see if the witch was inside. It was the sound of horses braying uncontrollably that caused her to walk toward the stable. When she found the witch giving orders for a carriage and horses to be drawn for her, Adeline hid in the shadows listening.

"Quickly," the Witch ordered, tapping the cane she used to walk about on the cobbled floor.

"Aye, Mistress," the groom said as he and four other men prepared the horses.

"I must get to the Queen," the Witch murmured.

Adeline knew what she was about to do was dangerous. She walked into the stables. "Oh, what is amiss, Mistress?"

"What brings you to the stables?" the Witch asked.

Even though the old The Witch was blind, she was giving Adeline a curious look. It was a rumor that the old Witch could read minds. Adeline brought to her memory lists of things that needed to be done in preparation for the Queen's return.

"Lady Undersee and Lady Crane received word that the queen was on her way back. They tasked me with the responsibilities to make the castle resplendent for the Queen's return. I need to make sure the stables are ready to receive the horses and then, of course, make sure the Great Hall has fresh linens…" Adeline opened her mouth to say more but the witch waved her hand.

"Enough, child."

A Page ran in from the inner ward. He looked no older than Adeline's brother Daniel.

"Mistress," the Page said, kneeling on the floor and handing the Witch a parchment.

The Witch snatched the paper from the boy.

Adeline noticed it contained no noble seal. The wax seal resembled a skull. She turned to speak to one of the grooms. "The Queen will be arriving along with Lord Undersee's men. I need you and your men to have enough feed for all of the horses."

"There will be no time for that," the Witch said. "The Queen will need provisions delivered to Lord Undersee's castle."

"Yes, Mistress," Adeline said bowing.

"Call forth Lady Undersee and Lady Crane. No doubt Queen Verity will need her consorts with her. Make sure you are with them; she will need her servant as well."

"Yes Mistress," Adeline said. She peeked through her lashes at the folded parchment the woman held. She could read several lines.

"Good," the Witch said as she was helped inside of the carriage.

Adeline had to get the news to Haymitch. The Queen had hired mercenaries to invade the Midlandians.

CH11 Dragon

A day and a Half Later

"The people are worried, Haymitch," Finnick said. "She's been ill for nearly two days."

Haymitch knew this took time. Katniss was strong, her magic was strong, and her heart was strong. But this could take a moon cycle and they did not have the time.

"Rumors are rampant that Katniss is dying," Finnick said. His eyes traveled over her lovely face.

Their people were scared because they feared invasion. Having Lord Undersee capture four of their warriors was proof that Queen Verity was going to attack them. Without Katniss to lead them, they would not be able to survive. "Tell them she is recovering."

Finnick looked at him and nodded before leaving.

Haymitch felt a tear slip from his eye. She looked gray laying on the bed. "She will live, won't she?"

Haymitch looked to Mags, who was busily singing and humming.

"Do not fret, Queen Katniss is on the last leg of her journey. Her dragon is protecting her."

On the bed, Katniss's head tossed and turned as she was led into another journey. She came to a river surrounded by the forest, the wind playing with her dark tresses. As she walked on the stones in the river. There was a cave in front of her.

"I'm waiting for you," Peeta's voice faltered through her mind.

Katniss walked forward into the cave. It was hot within the cave. She stood dressed in white watching as molten earth gathered around her. A figure began to form out of the fire. He was muscular with blond hair and blue eyes. His shoulders were broad and well defined.

"Peeta?"

He walked up to her and held out a hand to her.

"Are you a man?" Katniss questioned as she put her hand in his.

"I wish I were, Mea Carum. Where a dragon's treasure lies is where his heart lies."

"And where is your treasure?"

"Right in front of me." Peeta placed a gentle kiss on her hand.

His lips were warm on her skin and it caused her eyes to grow wide as she realized just how much Peeta meant to her. Even though they did not kiss on the lips as she had seen others do, this was far more intimate. She felt her cheeks heat up.

"Come, there is much more to see."

Katniss was once more in the air. "Where to this time?"

"Your father awaits you," Peeta said.

They landed in a field. There was a great forest in the distance. There were tents with flags with the image of her mother's amulet flying in the air. Katniss saw a man sitting by his lonesome.

He was handsome and he had dark hair and gray eyes just like hers. He was tall and lean. His hand sat on top of the pommel of his sword. This man was a warrior, even when resting, he was ready for battle.

"Sire," a man with a beard approached.

"Castor?" The man greeted.

"We are ready," Castor said.

"My lord, if we succeed, then by morning you shall have your daughter back."

"My wife died giving birth to my only babe," he said.

"Her death will not go in vain," Castor said.

"Yes," he said. "Tell Haymitch I will be there momentarily."

"Yes, my King," Castor said bowing.

Katniss gasped. "Peeta…"

"Go to him," Peeta said.

Katniss moved through the field. "Father?"

He looked up and his eyes widened. "Katniss, you're all grown up. You're as beautiful as your mother."

Katniss smiled gently. "I'm afraid my mother was more beautiful than I."

"I disagree," he said, touching her cheek. His eyes traveled over her face. "My beloved child. You are free from the hands of Snow and Gaul."

"Who are they?"

"They are the villains who destroyed our happiness in their bid for power. Your mother, Katniss…"

"I know she's no longer with you."

"If you are from the future, then I am not with you?"

Katniss shook her head. "Haymitch reared me along with Finnick of Odair."

"My squire?"

"Yes, he is valiant and trustworthy. He found my dragon."

Her father's eyes widened. "Your mother said that you would be a rider just like her mother before her. She said you were powerful just like I am."

"How did Snow and Gaul steal what is rightfully ours, father?"

"Lies, my daughter, lies…"

"I need the truth, father."

"Your mother's sister wanted the throne for herself. Your aunt stole you and handed you over to Coriolanus Snow. She allowed for Snow and his army to invade the Castle in the Sky. Gaul didn't want you, but she wanted to have the heart of a dragon."

"I don't understand. I thought a dragon and their rider were bonded."

"A dragon will not share their heart if the person doesn't have a pure heart."

"My aunt did not have a pure heart?"

"No, she was envious. Her dragon never gave his heart in her service. Gaul knew this and killed your aunt and as your aunt's dragon lay dying she took its heart. A dragon's heart is steeped in magic and Gaul consumed the magic to become more powerful than I. The only thing she fears is a dragon's fire. That will kill her."

"Aldridge?" Haymitch called.

Her father looked over her shoulder. "Your dragon is strong." Her father then took a dagger and cut his hands and a wave of energy seeped out of the wound and enveloped a large form behind her. "Donum tibi concedo, si heredem meum serves. Concedo tibi unum velle." Her father fell to his knees.

"Father!" Katniss said, alarmed.

"No, my daughter, I am fine. Go with your dragon."

"I love you father," Katniss rushed out.

"I love you too, my precious child."

Katniss smiled sadly before she was pulled away once again. She moaned, feeling parched. "Water," she whispered.

"Quick, fetch me fresh water," Finnick said.

Suddenly Katniss cried in pain. Blinding energy shot out of her body and she was levitating over the bed, hovering over the egg.

"HAYMITCH!" Finnick cried.

Haymitch came running in.

"No need to be alarmed. This is the final stage. The dragon is being born," Mag's said from the chair.

The egg cracked and broke and a small dragon came out. It cried and it immediately sought out Katniss. She floated back down to the bed and the dragon curled up next to her side. It hissed at Finnick before laying its head on her shoulder.

Mags chuckled. "Hello little one, you have been waiting for a long time for a heart like hers."

The dragon mewled and flapped his wings.

Katniss opened her eyes and smiled tiredly before shutting them again.

"She will be fine, though we are going to need a bigger room for her and her dragon," Mags said.

"What do you mean?" Haymitch asked.

"That dragon will age quickly to mirror her in years. Within the next week, he will grow and become an adult. And he will demand to be by her side at all times."

Finnick turned to Mags. "Will we still be able to train?"

"Not with you, he doesn't like you," Mags said tenderly. "You, my dear boy, will have to find another girl to marry."

Rue came into the room with a parchment in her hand. "My Lord, this just arrived."

Haymitch took the scroll and broke the seal. He quickly read it. "The Queen has hired the mercenaries. Our spy is sure that they saw the seal."

"When do you think they will get these extra men?" Finnick asked.

"I don't know, but I am hoping that our spy will tell us soon," Haymitch replied.

CH12 Lord Undersee

That Evening

Verity had been waiting nearly three days at Lord Undersee's Castle. One of the wheels of her carriage had broken on the way to the castle. She had been tired of traveling and wanted a warm place to sleep. Then the storms came. Verity was convinced this territory was cursed. Driving rain and thunder prevented her from reaching Highland Castle. She loathed it here.

Today was the first day that it did not rain or thunder. Verity hated his small castle. It had thick musty walls, and it never was warm no matter how many fires were lit. She sat in the great hall in a raspberry-colored gown with silver embroidery and white crystals. She wore her crown, as her fingers tapped on the chair.

"Your Grace," Lord Undersee's Page came forward. "A carriage approaches."

Verity stood. Everyone in the hall stopped and bowed as she walked to the entrance.

Her questions about that night persisted as she waited for the Witch to arrive. As soon as the carriage stopped at the entrance to Lord Undersee's castle Verity finally breathed easy. Behind the Witch were more carriages. Lady Crane and Lady Undersee stepped out. Behind them was Lady Cartwright. Verity rolled her eyes at the fat heifer.

"Your Grace," the Witch said.

"Bring her to my chambers," Verity said, marching inside.

A Page went out to help the blind woman out of the carriage and into the castle. The Witch was led up the stairs and down a corridor to a private room. These were Lord Undersee's private chambers. He had given them to Queen Verity whilst she stayed there. The women were tightening up the strings of the bed.

"Get out," Verity ordered.

"Yes, your Grace," the women said as they left the room.

"What took you so long," Verity said.

"I came as soon as you called."

Verity paced and then she said. "I have not been able to sleep. I have not been able to eat."

"Your grace, what has you in such a state?" the Witch questioned.

"We lost so poorly against Midland."

The Witch did not speak, only leaned on her cane.

"I need an army."

"You have an army," the Witch said.

"This rabble does not an army make."

"My army is so poorly trained that they are incapable of stopping the weakest of Midland's warriors."

"I understand your need."

"I need an army, Witch."

"Fine, I will show you what you need. But I need to know what happened that night?"

"I will tell you all you need to know." Verity stood straighter, "As soon as you provide me with a capable army."

"Is there a window in this room?" the Witch asked.

Verity took the old blind Witch by the hand and guided her to the window. The old woman stood and smelled the air, before she waved her hand.

"Revelare," she chanted.

The sky opened around them and suddenly they were standing at the port. Verity could see the Iron Sea and the ships traveling to the Village of Ion.

"You will soon have a legion at your disposal. They will be arriving, weather permitting, in a fortnight. "

Verity laughed at the sight of the ships. Soon she was going to be able to bring down a mountain. Taking a deep breath, she smiled.

"Now what happened that night?" the Witch demanded.

"Lord Undersee followed my strict instructions. We were able to capture four raiders. They brought them back to camp so that I could question them."

"Then what happened?"

"One moment, I was speaking to Lord Undersee, then the next, we were attacked." Verity stood still and grasped one of the ornate bedposts. "None of the men who were with me were able to put up a fight. Out of thirty-five men, only eleven survived. Some succumbed to the injuries they received when putting out the flames. The Midlandians didn't have a great number, a handful from what I could tell."

"You are angry, and rightfully so."

"You should have seen their leader."

"You saw their leader?"

"Yes, I did." Verity looked off into the distance. "She was a tall woman, more beast than a woman. She had a square face and wielded a sword as if it were an extension of her hand. Their people are better trained, have more discipline, and are loyal to her. She marched into the camp and plucked her people like daisies and marched back out of the camp."

"Describe her to me once more?"

Verity stopped moving. She stood before the old blind bat. "I have already described her to you."

"Describe their leader to me once more," the Witch demanded.

Verity sighed. "The woman was tall, muscular, and with blond cropped hair. At first, I thought her to be a man."

The Witch looked disturbed.

"What are you not telling me?"

"That woman you fought was not their leader."

"How could it not be, she was strong, they protected her."

"No, that woman was not their leader," the Witch repeated.

"I am telling you, I saw that woman. She is the one they follow."

"SILENCE," the Witch said, pounding her cane on the floor.

Verity became quiet.

"Come here child," the Witch ordered.

Verity came to stand before the Witch. She watched as her leathery hand reached out right in front of her face. The woman's hands slowly mapped out her face with her fingers. When her fingers connected with her temples, Verity felt someone invade her mind.

She began reliving everything from that night, the screams of the men, the braying of the horses. The muscular man with the golden face. The Witch rewound her memories over and examined each one over and over until she felt something warm trickling out of her nose.

"Please." Verity could feel the Witch's power trapping her. She could not move, not until released.

"I have not found what I am looking for."

Suddenly the Witch stopped at the explosion. She slowly played the memory backward until she came to a stop at the insignificant archer.

Verity hadn't paid much attention to the child. She could feel the Witch concentrating on the face of the archer.

The Witch gasped and backed away.

"What is it?"

"She is your enemy, the real leader of Midland. She is cunning and she must be killed before she grows powerful."

Verity wrapped her arms around herself as her skin erupted in tiny cold prickles. "How do we stop her? She has the ability to burn men without touching their clothing.

"We need to get back to the castle. Today, we'll leave today."

Adeline stood outside in the corridor. Her suspicions were confirmed. She clutched in her hand several tics, a bag made out of linen with hay inside that was used as a pillow or if long enough, a bed. She hadn't been able to send the message to Haymitch. She had to get them the information as soon as possible.

That meant she had to deliver it herself. She could send a message to her father. He was helping to amass an army for Midland. They could help on the day of the siege.

She pushed away from the door and walked carefully to another door and found an abandoned room just in time. The door of the Queen's temporary lodgings opened. Adeline kneeled and bowed her head as she tried to calm her nerves.

After some time she began preparing the room.

"We found her," Lady Crane shouted when the room to the door burst open.

Adeline had just finished arranging the bedding for the night.

"What…" Lord Undersee said, stepping into the room. "You were fixing the accommodations for the evening?"

Adeline bowed her head. "Yes, Milord."

Lady Crane huffed in frustration and left the room.

"The room smells fresh," Lord Undersee said.

"It's the anise, Milord, it is an old wives tale; it supposedly aids in good sleep."

"My wife believed in such things," Lord Undersee said. His wife had passed a few months back.

"Your wife was a great lady, Milord." Adeline wished Madge was as kind as her mother. Their mothers were once great friends.

Lord Undersee nodded. He cleared his throat. "Is there anything I can do for you, Lady Cartwright?"

"Perhaps I can," Adeline began.

"Go on."

"If it is possible, I would like to send my father a message. He worries over me."

"I shall lend you my personal falcon."

"Thank you, Milord."

PART 4:

CH13 The Army's

The next morning Katniss stood in front of her mirror. Peeta was laying down, his eyes were attentively following her.

She pulled a loose strand of hair behind her ear. Katniss needed to make an appearance to let the people know she was well. She dressed carefully in a smoky colored gown with silver and pearl embellishments. Her hair was down, and she looked regal but not as beautiful as Queen Verity.

Squaring her shoulders, she put her crown atop her head. She needed to look strong and healthy to her people. They were scared and with good reason. It was now known that Queen Verity had a powerful Witch by her side.

"You look beautiful, my queen," Peeta said.

"I'm nervous."

"Don't be, besides, they'll be too busy looking at me."

"Oh really?"

He stood up and stretched. "Well look at me. I am a beautiful specimen. Gold with blue underbelly, blue eyes, impressive teeth."

"Teeth?"

"Well yes." He flashed her his teeth as if he was smiling.

Katniss laughed. "Are all dragons cocky?"

She felt Peeta's laughter before she heard it. He was a beautiful creature. And since waking up yesterday, they could not only read each other's thoughts but each other's emotions.

His head butted up against her hand.

"You are a sight to behold," Peeta said, sitting on his hind legs. His spiky tale cured around him.

"Thank you."

Mags was right; he was growing rapidly. Yesterday evening he was about the size of a cat. This morning he was the size of a large dog with wings. Peeta had not yet flown, but Mags counseled that tomorrow he would be about the size of a horse and would begin to fly and by the end of the day he would be strong enough to carry her. Then their training would begin.

"How old are you?"

"A tricky question. My soul is thousands of years old. Currently, my body is that of a ten-year-old dragon, but I am aging even as we speak. My heart, however, is the same age as yours."

Katniss understood. There was a knock. Katniss looked up to see Haymitch at her door.

"I received news," Haymitch said standing at her door.

"From the spy?"

"It's not good." Haymitch handed her the notice.

"A legion of mercenaries will be arriving in port in a fortnight."

"They're getting ready to attack," Haymitch said.

"Haymitch, that's nearly four to six thousand men, not including her own." Katniss' heart sunk. It meant they needed to attack within those two weeks so that they could have a better chance at winning, but Peeta still needed at least five more days to grow to his full size.

"Do not lose heart, Mea Carum," Peeta whispered.

"Ready?" Haymitch asked.

"Yes."

Finnick was waiting outside. He smiled at her. Peeta caught him and she could hear him growling. "Behave," Katniss said.

"Tell him to keep his eyes off of you," Peeta said.

Katniss put her hand over his head as they entered the large space where she'd been crowned. Her people began to make a path for her as she walked to the throne.

"It's the Queen." She could hear them say.

"A dragon." Her people whispered.

"See, I am irresistible," Peeta smugly said.

Katniss wanted to laugh.

Peeta extended his wings and flapped them, and the people ooohed and awed over him.

Katniss would have rolled her eyes, had she not been before the entire population of Midland. She sat down and looked at her people. There were a little over fourteen hundred people within the caves. Out of those, they had only eight hundred warriors. This war was a suicide mission. Everything had to be planned out, from the archers, cavalry, and infantry.

Peeta sat by her side, looking majestic.

"You can do this, Mea Carum," Peeta whispered, looking into her eyes.

"My people, you humbly chose me as your leader, and today I ask you to join in a risky venture. As many of you know, Queen Verity and her people of Highland are amassing an army to attack us. We have been preparing for this for years."

Katniss paused to look into the faces of the people who followed her. Even Rue stood there with a slingshot in her hand; she had volunteered to be her Page. Her eyes sought out Lyme who had fought valiantly to rescue her family from the clutches of Queen Verity. Next to her stood Ginny and Sabyn, both had a fierce determination on their faces. Even Sejanus had grown since that rescue.

"I have just received word that the Queen and her Witch have a legion arriving on the shore of Ion in less than three weeks."

A murmur spread through the group.

Peeta roared and people became silent.

"Which means we have but one week to get ready and to attack Castle Highland." Katniss stood. "Queen Verity has raided our cities, killed our loved ones, driven us from our lands. She has tried to starve us, but we have prevailed because she has not been able to dampen our spirit. We survived because we banded together and have formed a family."

"An unconventional family," someone shouted.

And everyone laughed.

Katniss smiled and walked down a step as she beheld all of their beloved faces.

"A family that defends what is ours. We have the opportunity to catch them unaware before their mercenaries arrive and I ask you today to join with me to do the impossible."

The crowd looked at one another and then one by one she saw them lift three fingers to their lips and then hold them up into the air. The people had spoken; they were going to war against Highland.

The following day, people were shocked when they saw how big Peeta had grown overnight. There was great excitement when the image on her amulet was used as their banner. Katniss knew then it wasn't two birds, but two dragons in midair, courting.

Peeta's wings flapped as he stood in the throne room.

"Easy," Mags said to Peeta. "Watch the way he springs up into the air. He will do the same when you are riding him, My Queen."

"Please do not call me that," Katniss begged.

Mags turned to face Katniss. "That is your birthright. You are our Queen. You are descended from the noble wizards of Everdeen and you are from the noble line of Ehrlich who have elfin blood in their veins. That pretender that sits on the throne will have her day of judgment and so will her so-called Witch."

Katniss opened her mouth but did not say anything. Instead, she walked to see Lyme and Otto running hand to hand in combat simulations. Finnick stood off at the side.

"Ready for your lesson?" Finnick asked, grabbing his sword.

"Ready," Katniss said.

As they practiced, Katniss felt a burst of energy. She looked up to see Peeta flying. He was now larger than a horse. He landed in between her and Finnick. Everyone around them gathered. They all marveled at his beauty.

"I am ready for you to mount me," Peeta said to her, although he was giving Finnick a slanted view.

Katniss neared him and gently placed her hand on his left flank. "Easy, Peeta."

Finnick rubbed the back of his neck.

"We're going to have to find you a wife, Finnick," Katniss joked.

"Are dragons really protective over their treasure?" A small little voice asked.

Katniss turned to see one of Rue's sisters looking up at Peeta curiously.

"Yes, and Peeta sees us as his treasure," Katniss said, sweeping her up into her arms.

Rue's sister giggled.

Peeta lay on the floor watching her, his blue eyes gleaming.

Later that night, Katniss brought him to a room that was twice as large as the room where they were training. Above, there was a large opening and they could see the night sky.

"You'll be able to enter the caves through here. Though I don't think you'll be able to be with me below."

She could hear Peeta's heavy tread as he walked behind her. He was already larger than an elk.

"I'm going to grow tonight to my adult size," Peeta said. Peeta lay on the floor and said. "Get on my back."

They had flown early in the evening but only around the mountain once within the sight of Haymitch.

Katniss slipped on his back. "I'm going to need a saddle when you're bigger."

"Haymitch is already at work on one," Peeta said. "I heard him and that Finnick fellow speaking about it."

"You know you have to let go of the entire I hate Finnick thing."

"Never."

"He's more like a brother to me now."

"Really?" Peeta asked, lifting up into the air. His wings flapped as they flew up into the night sky. It was littered with hundreds of twinkling stars. He was no doubt probing her for the truth.

"Peeta, you can feel that I am telling you the truth."

"I know you are telling the truth, but I can smell his excitement whenever he comes near you."

Katniss laughed, "Could we stop speaking about Finnick and really ride?"

"Yes."

Katniss clung to his neck as he went side to side. The wind rushed through her hair. Their minds and emotions were linked and she leaned left instinctively when he leaned left, and when he flew through a cloud she laughed. Her hair floated around her and she could feel the cool wind as it lifted the locks of her hair around her. Katniss laid her head on his neck. Letting him know just how much she cared for him.

When they finally landed, Katniss yawned.

"I guess you're leaving me now."

"Ah that is where you are wrong," Katniss said. Picking up the sack she had dragged all the way up to the room. "This is my sleeping tick."

Katniss found a perch and rolled out a tick thick with fresh hay and placed several blankets on top. She brought with her a pillow stuffed with feathers. "I'm going to bed here for the night."

She could feel his happiness.

"Good night, Mea Carum."

"Good night, Peeta."

The next day when she awoke the cave was empty. She reached out and found that he was flying.

"Good morning," he sounded happier and his voice was thicker like that of a man.

"Where are you?"

"Getting breakfast," Peeta answered.

Katniss knew Peeta was going to be big, but she hadn't pictured him being taller than the walls of Highland Castle. His wingspan took up the entire space. He was stocky and muscular. He could easily knock over the ten-foot thick walls of the castle.

"Peeta," she whispered.

"Hello, Mea Carum," Peeta greeted.

Katniss stood and she held out her hand to his face. His eyes were large and twinkled with delight at her awe.

"I brought you breakfast," he said.

Below, on the cave floor was an elk.

"Thank you, but how am I going to bring that down by myself?"

"You can call that manservant," Peeta said.

"You mean, Finnick," Katniss chuckled when she felt his revulsion.

"Is that what you call him?" Peeta asked, sounding innocent.

Katniss laughed.

"Ugh and here he comes," Peeta said.

"Merlin," Finnick muttered.

Haymitch looked up but didn't bat an eye. "Tell me, can you breathe fire?"

Peeta looked at Katniss. He grinned.

"He says, yes."

"Good," Haymitch looked around, then pointed to the elk. "Once you eat then you begin training. We leave tonight for Highland Castle."

Katniss nodded. For the rest of the day they trained. They ran drills against objects that Haymitch launched at them through catapults from the mountain. They dove and spun. And discovered his scales were fireproof. They took the scales that Peeta shed to make her armor.

By the time the evening fell, they were ready to make the march into the world above ground.

As they walked from the Mountain, a gray falcon flew into Haymitch's hands.

"It's from the spy," Haymitch said.

"Well?" Katniss asked.

"There are more than a thousand knights, vassals, and Lords who are willing to battle against Queen Verity. Adeline and her father are waiting for us. They will march and meet us at the castle."

"See Mea Carum, all will be alright," Peeta said.

In Highland Castle, the Witch stood on one of the towers near the drawbridge. Something disturbed her sleep. She dreamt of fire and brimstone. Her nose was filled with the scent of sulfur as if the gates of Gehenna were opened and were waiting for her.

After she had dreamt the same dream thrice she stood and went to the highest point in the Castle. It was a place where she could find solace. A wind blew and it carried with it the scents of the Midland. The Witch sniffed the air and her skin prickled as she recognized the scent.

"A dragon?" She whispered out loud in the emptiness.

She once more sniffed the cool air. "Impossible."

She waved her hand and uttered, "Revelare."

The world warped around her and she couldn't see the dragon but she could feel its magic. It was a powerful ancient beast. A dragon would not leave its den unless it had a reason to do so. It would either seek food, another dragon to mate with, or, the most deadliest reason: it had given its heart to a human. There were a handful of times when the dragon would not give their heart to the rider because the rider was not worthy.

That was not the case this time. The dragon had a rider and that rider was the leader of the Midlandians, the female archer. Once more the Witch tried to conjure up the face of the girl, but she was hidden.

Another wind blew and the scent was stronger.

The Witch left the tower. Fear coursed through her as she quickly made her way down into the tower to the inner ward. She quickly walked across to the castle.

The Witch marched into the Great Hall where most of the Lords, Knights, and Vassals were already bedded down for the evening. She headed up to the Queen's room.

The Queen lay with her latest paramour Lady Crane's cousin, Lord Seneca Crane. The Witch flipped her hand and the door violently swung open.

"Get up," the Witch ordered.

She could hear Crane shoot up from the bed, searching for his sword.

The Witch leaned on her cane, she sounded bored and was glad for once that she had lost her sight. "Leave."

Verity sat up and sighed.

"My Queen?"

"These are matters of the state," the Witch said.

"Leave," Verity confirmed.

"I shall be right outside," Lord Crane said, grabbing his clothing and his sword and left.

"What is it?" Verity asked testily.

"The Midlandians are on their way, you must call all of your Lords," the Witch said, leaving.

Verity stood up from her bed and quickly donned a robe. "Wait, when will they be here?"

The Witch stopped walking and turned to face Verity. "They will be here in two days."

"What of my army, you said a fortnight. Could there be a chance that they will arrive in time before the battle?"

"I shall send a falcon," the Witch said.

That night Verity dispatched falcons requesting for the Lords who were not in the castle to arrive with their men. Her hands shook as she wrote.

Her Lords and their armies began arriving within a day and a half. This stopped Verity from feeling overwhelmed. Then that evening she received reports that a massive army was traveling toward the castle. Supposedly the serfs had joined the leader of Midland. That insignificant girl had inspired the riff-raff. They would be arriving at any time.

Verity was in her bedroom pacing. Not all of her Lords had arrived yet. She needed wine. "Adeline!"

There was no reply. Getting up, she opened up the door where Adeline slept. "Adeline?"

"Milady?" Lady Crane said getting up from the bed.

"Where is Adeline?" Verity walked into the room and pulled the bed sheets. "Where is that fat cow?"

"Your Grace, she left three nights ago, her father had an emergency," Lady Crane said.

"Get up and get me a goblet of wine," Verity demanded.

Her hands shook as she stood waiting. She wondered where the Witch was, why wasn't the old woman by her side. She headed for the tower where the Witch slept. Verity knew how to lay siege to a castle and she could, under normal circumstances, defend her home. As it was, she had a battle plan.

Nonetheless, Verity recalled the ease with which the archer had defeated them at the foot of the mountains. And the archer had a secret weapon that Verity did not know how to defend herself against. She thought furiously, recalling the scrimmage. There had to be something she could use against the girl.

Verity stopped moving. It wasn't something, it was someone. She needed to lay a trap. Her mind quickly composed a plan. She needed the Witch to help her.

Going to the tower she opened the door. "Witch."

The witch was reading a note from a falcon. She turned to face Verity.

"I need you to help me set up a trap," Verity said.

"Oh."

"Yes, I need you to use your magic to help me trap the archer's man."

"What do you mean?"

"The archer has a lover, a very good-looking man. If I can lure him, then he could be used to bargain with."

The Witch laughed gleefully. "Of course, my Queen."

CH14 The Final Battle

The next morning the sky was clear. Katniss opened her eyes to the sound of the Mockingjays singing. They had skirted the village of Highland Castle and set up camp looking up the hill at Highland Castle.

Katniss sat up in her cot, yawning.

"Good Morning, Mea Carum."

"Good Morning, my dragon," Katniss greeted.

"Why are you feeling guilty?"

"Do you think we should've allowed all of those people to join us?"

Many in the villages under Queen Verity's rule had joined them when they saw Peeta. Their numbers had increased. The serfs were armed with simple rustic tools: pitch forks, axes, and scythe.

The night before they were surprised when a woman named Johanna from the Petula Forest had traveled with about a hundred of her kinsmen to join their army. They all wielded an ax as if it was an extension of their arms. They were making armor for as many people as they could from the scales that fell from Peeta.

"It is their destiny to be here," Peeta said.

"Milady," Rue said, entering the tent.

"Good morn, Rue," Katniss said.

"Let us get you ready for the day."

Katniss chose her dress carefully. It was one that Mags had made for her. It was a white dress with gold and blue dragons embroidered on it. Rue was braiding her hair, and she left it half down as she put her crown on.

"You look lovely," Peeta said.

Katniss smiled, she could feel him next to her tent, no doubt peering in with his special vision.

"Oh, here he comes again," Peeta grumbled.

Katniss laughed.

"Is it the dragon?" Rue asked.

"Yes."

"Is it Finnick again?"

"How'd you know Rue?"

"He doesn't like Finnick," Rue shrugged as she finished.

"Your Grace," Finnick called.

"I will be right out," Katniss called. She turned to Rue and winked. "We really do need to find a wife for Finnick."

"Agreed," Rue said, her doe-eyes shining brightly.

Katniss left her tent and found Finnick waiting for her wearing a smock with the emblem of her amulet.

"Milady, Haymitch waits for you," Finnick greeted.

"Of course," Katniss said.

Katniss walked toward Peeta. He was waiting for her patiently. The moment she touched him she felt their magic intertwine once again.

"Haymitch is that way."

"I will be right there," Katniss said, climbing atop Peeta.

Peeta shot into the air. Without speaking he knew exactly what she wanted to do. They flew above the castle in stealth mode. Peeta, Katniss had discovered, could make himself invisible, and she was also invisible when she was riding him.

They flew along the sides of the walls looking for any imperfections in the castle structure. They also looked for magical protections. The castle walls were ten feet thick, and they were nearly thirty and nine feet tall. Katniss counted four towers. It had an inner ward with stables, a keep where the Great Hall was located, a separate structure for a kitchen, and a newer building that housed soldiers.

They could see the dark magic the Witch used to fortify the walls of the castle and the keep, but not the wood buildings within the castle walls.

"What do you think?" Katniss asked.

"It is formidable, but not impenetrable."

"Which way do you think is the best way to get into the castle?"

"I can blast down the door of the drawbridge." Peeta then added, "That is the spot where the least amount of magic exists."

"And how will our people get in if the drawbridge is gone?"

"Magic. You can create a portal to the wooden buildings."

"I didn't know I could do that."

"With a hole in the magic, you can transport them from one side to the other."

"I think we should go back."

"Yes, no doubt Finnick misses you," Peeta snickered.

Katniss sighed. "Peeta." Katniss struggled to speak. She knew Peeta could feel her emotions. But she needed to say the words. They were bound in a chivalrous love. One that was pure and innocent. "I am devoted to you Peeta, my heart belongs only to you."

Hearing her words, Peeta roared out of glee. She could feel the way his heart melted and beat for her the same way hers did for him. They landed and she lay her cheek against his neck.

"Your Highness," Haymitch called.

Peeta lowered himself to the ground. Around Haymitch, the men who wore armor.

"Go, they are already impressed by me," Peeta said cockily.

Katniss got off and shook her head.

"Your Grace," the men bowed when she approached.

"Please arise," Katniss said.

"These are the Lords that have pledged to help you fight against Queen Verity," Haymitch said.

"It is true you are descended from the house of Ehrlich," a heavyset man with a purple tunic said. He was looking at Peeta.

"We thought you were a myth, a legend long buried," A man with kind eyes said.

Katniss examined the group. She was surprised to see a few women amongst the gathered men.

"Which one of you is Adeline Cartwright?"

A blonde woman with a curvaceous figure stepped forward.

Katniss bowed to her.

There was a mummer between them at Katniss' action.

"I uphold the old ways set by Arthur Pendragon and Merlin. I pay homage to the woman who has this day helped in defending the weak and the defenseless. I have heard of the great daughter of the house of Birota Ius, and how she helped heal the sick and the lame. All the while putting yourself in danger by helping the people of Midland."

Adeline wept as she tried to get Katniss to stand. "Your Grace, I am nothing but your humble servant."

Then one by one the men began following Katniss' lead.

"I will be honored to have you fight amongst us, Adeline."

When Katniss stood. She looked at each of the men. The entire camp gathered around her. "This fight shall not be easy. There is nothing that I can promise you other than some of you will not see another dawn. We have been an oppressed people living in the shadow of fear. No longer! Today we take back our freedom. If they wish to burn us, then we will burn them."

A roar was lifted from the mouths of the men and women gathered.

"Nicely done," Peeta said.

"Thank you. Now, let me communicate our plan to Haymitch."

On the tower, Verity gripped the stone. Her red dress with black crystals flapped in the wind. She could not imagine how many men were gathered just behind the castle; they all wore a tunic with two large gold birds surrounded by a circle over their armor. Last night, she had the same dream. She dreamt it over and over again. She was afraid for the first time.

"Do not fret," the Witch said.

Then she heard a deafening roar. "What was that?"

"It is the hysteria of the rabble."

"Will our plan work?"

"Without a doubt," the Witch said.

An hour later the army was positioned. There were catapults ready to fire at the castle. There would be three waves of warriors entering the castle. On the field, Katniss stood in the gold armor made from Peeta's scales. Her sword was by her side and she carried her bow and sheath of arrows.

"Are you ready?" Haymitch asked.

"Yes."

"Katniss," Haymitch said.

Katniss turned to face Haymitch. "Your parents would have been proud of you. I am proud of you."

Katniss wanted to embrace him, but she stood straighter and said, "Thank you, I think of you as my father."

Haymitch's eyes filled with tears. He coughed and then said, "Stay alive."

"I intend to," Katniss said. She walked away to where Peeta waited for her.

She climbed on board.

"Come Mea Carum, let us finish this."

Together they took flight. They flew to the front of the castle. "Ready to show them, your magnificence?"

"Are you finally admitting that I am more beautiful than you are?"

Katniss laughed. "Well, let's see what they think."

Peeta materialized and Katniss could see the fear on the faces of the archers and Knights who stood on the ramparts between the towers.

"I am Queen Katniss of the House of Everdeen and I offer you the opportunity to surrender."

Queen Verity appeared on the wall; her face stony. "I would rather die than surrender."

"If that is what you wish," Katniss said.

"Fire," Queen Verity said, pointing her sword at Peeta.

The archers released their arrows. The arrows bounced off of him. Katniss could feel Peeta's magic swell as his fire gathered within him.

"Hold on," Peeta said right before he let loose his fire on the door. Katniss concentrated and together her magic and he blew the drawbridge apart. Splinters of wood and pieces of stone flew in the air.

"Are you alright?" Peeta asked.

"Yes," Katniss said. Her magic was still intact.

"ATTACK!" she heard Finnick yell. The catapults began assaulting the damaged walls. Katniss could see the magic surrounding the walls had weakened.

"Now," Peeta urged, as the walls began to crack.

Katniss closed her eyes and made concentric circles with her hands. Portals opened up into the different buildings as she and Peeta had planned.

On the wall, Verity could not believe what she was seeing. That archer was no archer. She was riding the dragon and she was using magic that Verity had never seen before. Golden rings opened and she saw the Midlandian warriors pass through them. She ran to the other side of the rampart but did not see them.

"Where are they going?" She demanded.

"I am not sure," Lord Undersee said.

"Fire at them, now!"

"Archers aim for the Midlandian warriors passing through those gold rings!" Lord Undersee ordered.

As Undersee gave the order and the archers fired down on the rings. The cry of battle could be heard coming from within the inner ward as the Midladian warriors poured out from the wooden structures.

"Lord Crane, do something," Verity demanded.

Seneca and his father ran down with a group of men. There was fighting within the castle; they were being plucked easily. The dragon flew above and it unleashed its fire at one of the towers that had cracked, no doubt the magic the Witch had used was not effective against the might and power of a dragon.

It was then she recalled her dream of being consumed by fire.

She staggered and held on to the wall as she sank to her knees. The Witch had known of the dragon.

Verity felt betrayed by the Witch; she had foreseen this and had done nothing to save her. Once again, she was alone. Getting up, she took her sword. She rushed to the tower where the Witch resided.

Around her metal clanged as the Midlandian warrior fought against her Knights and Vassals. She ducked and wound her way through the courtyard. She could see Lady Arachne was fighting too, but a woman with an ax sliced her throat.

Katniss saw the Queen as she made her way to one of the towers. "Look, there is the Queen."

"You are safer with me."

"I have to fight her," Katniss said. "Besides, you are always with me."

"Fine."

"If you want, find Haymitch and bring him to that tower," Katniss said as she watched Verity enter the tower. "Drop me off there."

"Stave alive, Mea Carum."

"I will, my dragon."

When the men saw the dragon approach, they quickly left the tower. Katniss jumped down and ran to the entrance; it was empty; she could hear footsteps followed by a woman screaming, "Witch!"

Katniss crept down the stairs until she saw the queen enter a room off to the side of the stairs.

Verity stood in the room staring at the Witch.

"You deceived me; you knew I was going to die today."

The Witch laughed.

"Why?"

"Do you know how easy it was to fool you?"

"My parents were not killed by the people of Midlands." Verity made the connection.

"The witch cackled, no I killed them."

Verity felt as if she was struck, her insides hurt as she crumpled to the floor.

"When I learned of your dream. The die was cast and you were going to the vessel that I would use to destroy my enemy, the daughter of the true King and Queen of these lands."

Verity looked up at the Witch. She held a knife in her hand.

"You are not even noble. You are a child that I stole and brought to the King and Queen, who were childless. You were born to farmers, I believe. They called you Juno Phipps. I have endured your groveling these thirty years, feeding the milk of hatred so that you could become my sacrifice."

"You mean the raids?"

"Hired thugs from the Verbotem Forest."

Katniss ran through the door. "Let her go Witch, or should I say, Volumina Gaul."

The Witch grabbed Verity and snatched her knife, putting it to her side. "Do you know how long I have been waiting to meet you? So long that I had forgotten my name."

"Let her go."

"I'm sorry," Verity said to Katniss, sobbing.

"It's okay," Katniss said. "I know it's not your fault. You didn't know you had a venomous snake with you."

The witch laughed and dug her knife into Verity's side.

"No!" Katniss said a burst of energy flew from her hands and hit Volumina in the heart.

The woman fell, releasing Verity, who scrambled away.

Katniss panted. Some of the magic she'd used broke the wall of the turret they were in.

Then the Witch laughed maniacally and stood. "I killed your aunt and consumed the heart of her dragon. It made me more powerful than Merlin himself. You cannot kill me, but I can kill you and in the process, kill your dragon."

Katniss didn't react.

"Your father told you," Voluminal laughed.

"Yes he did, and he also told me how to kill you."

Voluminal raised her hands and shot dark light that contained sparks of fire. Katniss cast a protective bubble around herself. They volleyed magic back and forth. Her magic was impressive, but it was no match for Gaul's. And soon she began to grow pale.

"Yes, here comes your dragon to your rescue…"

"No, Peeta," Katniss whispered.

"How fitting, you love him deeply." Volumina cackled, "Love is for fools." She intensified her attack.

Blood began dripping from Katniss' nose.

"Your dragon is weakened. One more blast and you shall perish, and so shall your dragon, Peeta."

Verity stood up and looked through the turret. The broken walls were just like in her dream. She stood looking down at her kingdom. The fight below was waning and they were winning. She was not going to die as a puppet and she was not going to let the Witch win. This was her destiny. Verity took her sword and with the last of her strength, she stabbed the Witch through the heart.

She screamed in pain. "What have you done," the Witch screamed. She staggered.

"Katniss," Haymitch screamed as he came in through the door. He pulled her away.

"Justice," Verity said as she once again crumpled to the ground and stilled.

Then came the familiar sound of rushing waters. Gaul looked and saw the dragon before he opened his mouth and flames so hot they were white consumed her.

Outside of the turret, Peeta felt Katniss' heart beating weakly. She was near death and he roared in pain. Suddenly her heart stopped beating and Peeta closed his eyes. As he did, he recalled her father's words.

"Donum tibi concedo, si heredem meum serves. Concedo tibi unum velle."

"My life for hers and a love that will replace mine," Peeta whispered as he fell to the earth.

Katniss coughed as she came back to life. "Peeta."

"Girl," Haymitch held her, embracing her.

"Where's Peeta?"

"I don't know."

Katniss stood and looked around. "Haymitch, I can't feel him."

"Katniss, you should rest."

Haymitch's words fell on deaf ears as Katniss ran down the stairs and through the inner courtyard. "PEETA!"

"Your Grace, your dragon…" Finnick said, pointing to what was once a wall.

Katniss ran, "PEETA!"

She saw him lying still. Tears filled her eyes.

"No, no, no, no, no, no," she uttered as she ran to him. Katniss fell to her knees, her hands touched his beloved face. "Peeta," she said as the realization that he was dead. Her hands shook, and uncontrolled magic poured through her body. "NO!" She yelled and flames flew out of her hands and wrapped them.

Katniss wished herself dead. She could not live in a world without him. The flames consumed her, consumed the ground, and lapped up the water in the moat. In her grief, her body lifted from the ground, and magic pulsated from her body in a riot of colors.

Beneath her, the flames wrapped protectively around Peeta's inert form.

Her father's words floated around her "Donum tibi concedo, si heredem meum serves. Concedo tibi unum velle."

Men and women lay down their arms. Her love for this creature could be felt in their hearts. They stared and wept at this act of courtly love and suffering. A life for a life. A heart for a heart.

Her body floated down into the fire.

CH16 The Heavens

"They need to live," Adeline whispered.

Finnick put his hand over his heart and knelt. One by one they all sank to their knees. The Midlandians saluted their Queen, by raising three fingers in the air.

They had won the battle. The Witch was dead and so was Verity. But they had lost their champion and their Queen.

Adeline wiped her face. "Someone so noble cannot be dead."

Haymitch wept. "I failed her," he said.

"She knew the risks," Lord Cartwright said sadly, shaking his head.

"You cry over this," Madge, who had climbed out from the rubble, stared at them.

"Be quiet!" Adeline yelled. "You know nothing of love or of friendship. They died for one another. You betrayed the memory and legacy of your mother for what, Madge?"

Madge stood defiantly.

"You sold your beliefs for the sake of vanity. And yet they fought for you. They died for us so that we could be free. I just wish to have a love like theirs."

"We shall write songs to the dragon and his rider who this day gave us freedom. Who slayed the evil contained in this castle and died in the name of honor with a love so pure," Finnick said.

As they spoke the flames began to get hotter. The flames went from a dull red to bright orange. Then to a yellow, to a blue and finally it burst into white. It felt like the burials of the old kings where they set their bodies adrift in a sea of water and lit them on fire.

Lyme rose up and she began to sing in a broken voice. "Filioli, audite vocem meam praeter vos. O virgo mulier! Rex noster puer, festina et vide; Terra tua, tibi vera. Sol et luna duce nos; Vsque ad horam gloriae nostrae."

Rue's young voice joined hers. They were joined by other voices from Midland. Ginny, Blight, Wolf, Otto, Mags. Those who had survived the battle sang the song of old. Their voices lifted into the sky. The song of a maiden fair, who gave her heart to her people and to her land, and finally to the one she loved dearly.

As the sun set in the western sky, the inky stars appeared one by one as if called by the moon.

"Look," Rue stopped singing and pointed to the heavens.

In the heavens, the stars move their positions. Everyone stared in awe as the stars banded together forming a crown above the white flames. A light shone down from the heavens onto the white flames creating a cocoon around the dragon and their queen. The cocoon was lifted up into the sky and it became a gem on the crown in the heavens.

A gentle breeze wove itself amongst the people gathered. The wind lifted up in a column and the cocoon burst into hundreds of milky glittering stars and two bodies floated down from the heavens onto the earth.

They were beauteous to behold.

A blond man and their queen, in a gown of white, were embracing each other.

Their eyes opened. Katniss sat up, followed by the man.

"Peeta," Katniss whispered in awe as she beheld him. She touched his strong face. Saw the warmth in his blue eyes.

"Mea Carum," Peeta said gently cupping her face.

"You're a man."

"Yes, and quite a good-looking one."

Katniss laughed through her tears.

"May I kiss you?" Peeta asked with a trembling voice.

Katniss nodded.

Peeta placed his lips on hers. And her heart was filled with his love. Magic fluttered around them and peace descended upon the land.

The End

Puritas vincet / Purity will Prevail

Equum et cinerem reuela qui redolet, da mihi potentiam suam mihi revelandi faciem / Reveal the rider that smells of horse and ash, grant me the power to reveal their face to me

 Revelare  /Reveal

Filioli, audite vocem meam praeter vos. O virgo mulier! Rex noster puer, festina et vide; Terra tua, tibi vera. Sol et luna duce nos; Vsque ad horam gloriae nostrae.”  Little children, hear my voice, Me beside you, Oh virgin woman; Our young king, fast and see; Your land, true to yourself. The sun and the moon, guide us; Until the hour of our glory. (note this was translated from the Song from Brave: Noble Maiden Fair (A Mhaighdean Bhan Uasal)Emma Thompson, Peigi Barker)

Nobel Draco cor suum solum dabit cordi nobili.  / The Nobel Dragon will only give his heart to a noble heart.

Donum tibi concedo, si heredem meum serves. Concedo tibi unum velle. / I grant thee a boon, should you save mine heir. I grant thee one wish. 

Prohibere / Stop

Mea Carum / My dear : My Cherished One

Ore Silvae / Edge of the forest 

Birota Ius / Cart Right

#promptsinpanem #specialchallenges #fivetenfifteen #submission #mega-aulover

[cyberphuck]

ROYAL ASSASSIN ABRIDGED: PRELUDE

My friend Razz wants to understand my shitposting about the Farseer Trilogy, but doesn't want to actually have to read the books, so I'm summarizing them for them (and you)!

 Read previous entries

 LAST TIME, ON DRAGON BOOK Z: Fitz is a bastard who knows telepathy and talks to animals. He's taught to be an assassin, then goes up to the mountains on a mission and completely fails at it. His uncle tries to kill him. His OTHER uncle gets married.

 CAST OF CHARACTERS (holy shit there are so many characters in this book)

 THE FARSEERS

Six Duchies royal family, of which several members are now dead. This will include Farseers-by-Marriage (Dead or head-exploded characters will have their own category).

 FitzChivalry Farseer: The POV character, Prince Chivalry's bastard. Loyal as a K-Pop stan who still has a BTS McNugget meal preserved in their freezer. He possesses both the Skill (Professor X telepathy) and the Wit (Dr. Doolittle animal chats).

 Prince Verity: Currently King-in-Waiting, a lifelong second-in-command who was suddenly thrust into a leadership role when his older brother fucked off to be assassinated. Recently married, super strong in the Skill, does not ask for consent before mind-molesting Fitz.

 Queen Kettricken: Recently married to Verity, she came all the way from the Mountain Kingdom to clean up Buckkeep and be miserable because she's used to doing Crossfit in the snow and now she has to sit and pretend to laugh at other people's jokes.

 Prince Regal: The sneaky, moustache-twirling evil younger half brother of Verity. He killed like four people at Verity's wedding and tried to murder Fitz with a hot tub, and they just sort of let him get away with it.

 King Shrewd: The current king, currently pretty old and afflicted with some kind of wasting disease. Fitz is technically bound to him by a pact he made as a child, but they both kind of ignore that most of the time.

 Chade: King Shrewd’s older half-brother on the wrong side of the sheets. An assassin. Lives in the walls. Has a weasel. Came out of the wall into Fitz's room and taught him how to be an assassin. Sort of a father figure, but the kind that yells at you to hold the flashlight steady while he works on the car.

 Patience: Chivalry’s widow. Helicopter-parents Fitz whenever he comes within fifteen feet of her. The ADHD champion of the Six ooh is that a book on rare ferns?

 NOBLES

 Duke Brawndy: Duke of Ripplekeep, a pretty stand-up dude. Father to Celerity and member of the Fitz Fan Club.

 Lady Celerity: Has a big ol' fourteen-year-old crush on handsome, virile Fitz. She's pretty okay for someone who was named after a vegetable you put peanut butter on.

 Duke Kelvar: Remember him? He finally manned his fucking watchtowers at Neatbay. Fitz fanclub member. Husband to Lady Grace, his young hotness wife whose dog Fitz pulled a fish bone out of.

 CASTLE AND STABLE FOLK

 Burrich: Fitz's primary father figure, the kind that takes you to football games and Hooters to try to flush the Gay out of you. Stablemaster of Buckkeep, and also has the Wit. Used to be heterosexual life partners with Prince Chivalry. Took several blows to the head last book and seems to be okay.

 Hands: Fitz's stablehand friend. He's been relegated to background character.

 Lacy: Patience’s serving woman and bestie. Makes lace, nods indulgently and will stab you.

 The Fool: Albino freak-teenager with a special interest in cryptids and making up rhymes about farting. King Shrewd's jester.

 Justin: Part of the Skill Coterie. Hangs out with Serene most of the time, card-carrying member of the Fitz Sucks and Smells Bad club.

 Serene: The only female member of the Skill Coterie. Treasurer of the Fitz Sucks and Smells Bad club.

 Carrod: Local fop and member of the Skill Coterie. In this book he mostly sneers at Fitz and says cringe things while everyone else is trying to work.

 Burl: Part of the Skill Coterie... is Burl even in this book? I can't remember. Less dumb than you think he is.

 Will: Part of the Skill Coterie. Hangs out in shadows and stares fixedly at people.

 Molly Chandler: A candlemaker and servant who wants to go back to being a candlemaker. Girlboss. Fitz would buy her bathwater.

 Rosemary: Kettricken's page. She's just a little girl. So cute. What's she doing? Oh, she's coloring. Aww.

 Wallace: King Shrewd's servant and sometimes healer. One time the Fool calls him Wall's-ass.

 Bolt: A guardsman who shows up at the end of the book to punch Fitz repeatedly in the face. I only mention him here because he shows up in the next book as well.

 Blade: An older guardsman, Fitz fanclub member.

 ANIMALS:

 Cub/Nighteyes: A wolf soul-bonded to Fitz. Talks in italics. Possesses the single braincell out of everyone in the entire series.

 Sooty: Fitz’s horse. Best mare, perfect cinnamon roll and can do no wrong.

 Vixen: Burrich’s dog. Good dog.

 Slink: A weasel belonging to Chade.

 OTHER NOTABLES:

 The Red Ship Raiders: Mongolian Vikings who have been Viking their merry way up and down the coast, burninating villages and kidnapping people to be Forged.

 Forged people: Zombies. It's a tiny bit more complicated than that, but you don't find that out for another like, six books, so: they're zombies.

 Lady Thyme: A horrible old woman who is really Chade in disguise. The Elderlings: Who are they? What are they? No one knows. 

 DEAD PEOPLE:

 Chivalry: Dead from probably assassination.

 Queen Desire: Regal's mom, dead from drug use but Regal THINKS it was assassination.

 Rurisk: Dead from poisoning by Regal.

 Cobb: Dead from stab by Fitz.

 Galen: Dead from Skill-explosion by Verity.

 August: Okay he's not DEAD, but Verity Skill-megaphoned him and he went to live on a farm upstate.

 Smithy: Went back to his home planet after Cobb hugged him and told him he was a good boy.

 Nosy: Went back to his home planet after saving Fitz from dying in a hot tub.

 MAGICS (I know magic is not a character, but they do have to be explained somewhere)

 The Wit: The ability to “bond” with certain animals and speak with them, as well as sense life force and to do a kind of mental shove at people. You tend to act a little like the animal you’ve bonded to. Witted people are considered gross and animalistic and are run out of town or put to death.

 The Skill: Telepathy. Considered the “birthright” of the Farseers. Most people can sense it at least a little, but it takes inborn talent and a lot of careful training to do anything useful with it. Skilling apparently feels awesome but if you give in to the temptation to fully open yourself to it you can get sucked out of your own brain.

 NEXT TIME: Part one of Royal Assassin Abridged!

#rote #Fitzchivalry Farseer #robin hobb #ra abridged

[bigfatbreak]

I wonder what stings more for Sabine - the fact that her child was punished for something she didn’t do, the fact that Marinette clearly didn’t trust her to handle the situation, or the fact that the distrust isn’t completely unjustified.

all three feel terrible! (this is build up for the Queen Verity arc btw, its not benched, simply being remade and redrawn for a whole chapter later on! should be the next next akuma in line :D)

#replies

[draiochtoaksacademyrp]

As the Moonfall Arc slowly comes to an end, here’s some quick recaps of what happened.

Hey everyone Steve here!

Today was crazy. First was a lock down while Skyward and Midnight Nightmare reunite ! Professor Theo losing control of listener set off a massive chain reaction.

We were introduced to new students! The Pink Bunny Azalea and a new gloomy face, Sienna!

Despite the new faces we were struck with tragedy. First Professor Theo was revealed to be the malicious entity and was beheaded on school grounds by the Queens Crown Prince. Nazacth the reaper. Shortly before he had a chance to return the storm hit. 5 Students were lead into the forest. Screams were heard and bonds shattered forever.....

Karenos collapsed immediately from the pain. Leone was taken to the hospital with him. Lei unfortunately witness something so horrible it rendered her in hysterics.

Seeing fellow students and close friends on the screen broke many hearts. Saoirse fainted due to the news of death and news of pregnancy. What a rollarcoaster of emotions. Kylona broke down losing her dearest friend Urgrad. Sara lost her trusted protector Theo but gained a new protector and lover, Lorelay.

Savken and barry are understandably in distress. Someone get those guys a drink. What will come of everyone in the coming days. Well as we lose one teacher we gained another. Music teacher Vienna!

In memorium:

Theodore Jefferys-Aldwin

Sylvana Kapiche

Urgrad Malefice Bargran

Dagormith Vaelion Praxis-Azalea

Cerana Morgaltha

Nar Hadia'AzraqIl'Abi (Damn no one noticed him)

Sleazius Sleaze

**coughs** It seems we miscalculated the amount dead.... Our apologies

Will we find the murderer? Next time in Draiocht Oak Academy!

Yo, Leone reporting in for recap.

Day after tragedy we were hit once again. Verity was put under an illusion of her mate being attacked by a creep. Little to her knowledge she wasn't attacking a grown creep but a 10 year old student. After the air got spicy with some electricity it seems the illusion was broken before the final blow could be dealt. Verity was understandably distraught and confused. Runa and i ran the kid to the hospital where his life was saved but despite the best doctors and a saintess, he would remain paralyzed. Cant wait for that lawsuit.

After a while Barry came to vouch for verity despite my nose already telling me she spoke the truth. Soon there was an earthquake that put our resident unicorn into a fit where her mother in law soon stole her, Lei and Ra off to Maex manor it the school gets its shit straight, (I dont blame them). Lorelay finally makes it to the hospital to calm verity down.

Meanwhile Runa and i left and reported to HeadMistress and S Class teacher Snow about our findings on the true culprit. While staff was searching for a stranger attacking students. Using clues we deduced the following.

-They're attending the school as a student.

-They have illusion based abilities

-The fact they used lorelay against verity means theyre an upper classman. Second year or above. They know them and their past.

While all this is going down Karenos and Otha share a tender moment in hugging eachother as they grieve. Shortly after Kar goes to get otha some nutrients a random black bunny named babs helps Otha find a revealing letter. Seems Sylvana knew one day it would come. After some tears this man is back on the living train and is set on revenge.

Sara goes off to comfort Lorelay and Cassie by doing what she can as a young queen. Sending out Skyward to find the perp. Who will find the culprit first?

In open realm, Rebellion brews as news hits the Gilded Scales. Fueled with grief and power, They take Hermione (Kar Mother) in custody and Aldora (kar lil sister) escapes using her ability to go through objects. Gilded Scales search for the girl and prepare to storm the school and force Serenity to kneel.

So much has happened in a day. Will the students ever know peace again? Who knows. Til next time! Cupid out!

Well fuck, what a day this has been. Sorry, I know you were expecting Leo or one of the teachers, but theyre all busy.... So you get me, Sienna. Sorry again.....

The wave of tragedy and angst hits us for a third day in a row. It seems like no matter where I go, I never catch a break. Apparently the gilded scales (an elite group of dragon warriors) are approaching the school, craving vengeance for Urgrad (RIP). This put the school in an uproar, destroying any semblence of normalcy. And to top it off, the daycare went up in flames while we were all going down into the bunker, with kids still inside!?!?!?!?

Luckily for the kids, staff were quick to attend to the blaze, with the help of some brave students. Although unfortunately, they were unable to save everyone. Those charged with taking care of the babies were found dead in the ashes, and two children disappeared

Hello sweetlings~ Mama Agatha here with todays recap!

Today was truly a whirlwind. After the evacuation to the bunker. Everyone above leapt into battle. Unfortunately she wasn’t the head of guard for show. Professor Morgan was decapitated. Worry not students. She will return in a few days. Staff, Students and Guards alike all encountered many injuries. And some laid dead.

Before more could die the Queen came through and exploded the traitors organs ~ . With clean up and everyone recuperating. Everyone can finally exit the bunker.

In other, less grave news. Ryo bonds with Damien. Lorelay gets busted by Azels big mouth~ everyone enjoys their slightly cannibalistic burgers and talks of eugenics? A new player joins the scene as well bringing Caffiene to the much needed Medical crew. Remember students. Thank the staff for everything. Til next time. Bai bai~ 🖐️💕

Dr Jason here for todays recap.

While the school staff attempts to regain some semblance of normalcy with Power tag and Power Dodgeball. They have some fun for once. Children actually enjoying using their powers after the latest battle.

Unfortunately though, during Dodgeball a young lady names Cassandra hatches a pitiful revenge. Much like Mrs Verity, she was under an illusion that the Prefect of our fox house, Fos Alepou, Leone Corinth , was the murderer of not only his own mate, but her older brother Sleazius.

After a tearjerking monologue about her brothers true role, She plunges a dagger coated in the waters of styx into the prefects chest. Mixing with the already deadly Visirium Dust causing his organs to fall into failure.

Thankfully we have two phoenixs on site, with both their tears and the kindness of Lorelay Polly in donating her organs, Mr Corinth will pull through. After much convincing Miss Cassandra finally realizes the gravity of her actions. Now cursed by the goddess Amie, she sits with the weight of almost murdering an innocent. Not only an innocent, but the only witness to the true murderer who is still on the loose.

While all this is going down, were still in the middle of the dodgeball match. Who will win? Team 1 or Team 2? Place bets now. Til next time. Jason out.

#draiochtoaksacademy #oc art #art #asteri ursa #fengari kouneli #fos alepou #gi elafi #artists on tumblr

[stoutduke]

Critical Role Theory: Ludinus Da'leth, his Agenda Against the Gods, and Predathos

I think he might really want to kill all the gods. I know he said that's what he wants, but he could've been lying. That's why I'm leaving room for doubt. I think he's diluted himself out of desperation and that he's convinced himself that releasing Predathos will free them of the gods. I think he's desperate because deep down, he's accepted that the gods are beyond his ability to kill, so he's willing to do something as crazy as release a god eater. No one in their right mind would release something that was so powerful the gods chose to seal them away instead of killing them. When Predathos appeared, it was before the gods were fighting with each other. If that many gods all fighting a common enemy decided to seal them away, it's because they're that dangerous. He's so desperate to get rid of the gods that he's willing to risk the world to do it and he's diluted enough to think he knows what he's doing. I don't see any possible way that he'd ever have the ability to hold Predathos to any kind of deal or any way for him to really know what Predathos truly wants. I doubt he knows how to do everything the gods do that keeps the material plane the way that it is. If the Raven Queen were killed who would take their souls to the realms of the dead? Exandria would likely be filled with all kinds of undead. The world would likely fall into centuries of chaos without the gods and all the wards and seals that use their power that contain and repel all kinds of extremely powerful beings would break setting them free.

I think Ludinus has overlooked two extremely important things. One is that I think the planet they live on is basically a massive ball of natural divinity, nature is a form of divinity that completely fills Exandria. The second is that the divine gate surrounds all of Exandria and it's probably the most powerful divine powered creation in existence. I've gotten the sense that a better descriptor for Predathos would be to call them a divinity eater rather than a god eater. They kind of come across as a powerful divine beast rather than a god to me. We've never heard them talk or have heard any reference to them talking other than when Ludinus said he talks to them. I wouldn't be surprised if he were lying. There's also how Predathos connected to Chetney because of his werewolf side wanting to mindlessly hunt and destroy. Another example is that the Grim Verity never recorded any of the ruidus born ever having some kind of mission or given purpose from Predathos, it was only interactions with beings with seemingly no unified purpose. I think Predathos might be instinctively unleashing arcane blessings as a way to pull others toward it to eventually free them, kind of like how predatory pack animals come to each others aid when in danger. Or maybe it could be more like some kind of magical hivemind, but without intelligence. They could be creating ruidus born that're instinctively drawn to them, like how so many ruidus born are going to the ruins without knowing why. There's also how Imogen realized she's faced a certain direction when she wakes up. They might all be drawn towards the most likely path to find their "queen bee".

#critical role theory #critical role #fearne #critical role spoilers #imogen #cr theory #matt mercer #spoilers #ruidus born #ruidus #cerberus assembly #ludinus da'leth #predathos #cr chetney #exandria

[faithfulmaiden]

me &. the devil, soap&skin / bound in time / discourses, niccolò machiavelli

WELCOME THE QUEEN : RABÉ assess &. memorizes all particular steps of a canvas, excited to use such noteworthy knowledge to adorn manifold garnements that the queen amidala shall wear. the beauty of her excellency will defy the majority of paintings, without neglecting how to add symbolic patterns &. to not minimize the divergent designs in costumes that fool, mesmerize &. intimidate the audience whilst embellishing the grandeur of the senator : a costume at banquets that heightens the importance of one’s status, that forces anybody to skip bizarre demeanors &. to embody the highness of grace, verity &. public order — decorate the neck with rich jewelry, a long rouge cape with royal embroideries to understand the majesty’s positions, thick brown curls delicately combed, wide gown flares hide feet since concealments &. elegancy remain an obligation. the colors would be somber in political meetings, not ashamed to pick up stygian &. purple canopy. then for meaningful reunions like a dinner with old friends or closest allies, the outfits will be more light, not covering a lot &. very silken, often equal to handmaidens’ chosen layers with an absent need to maintain a professional stance.

NO TIME FOR COMFORT : RABÉ as the wardrobe mistress &. author of decoys’ fashion totally rejects self–heeds if the queen demands aides, briskly getting up from a dusty couch &. forbidding her creative &. worn–out physique to rest until queen amidala embraces safety. the ancient quires on untidy chairs, wide–ranging historical documents smeared with inks &. political texts borrowed or scrounged on the floor after the maiden’s impromptu departure from the solitary room in the big apartment. WHAT DOES HER MAJESTY NEED ? large gowns worth flattering ? a private moment to confess that more political operations will necessitate the presence of friendly companions for diplomatic advices ? a mundane interaction with few jokes &. generous says ? no problem, RABÉ is the listening ear, the artistic guidance &. the shield against would–be menaces. GOD KNOWS SHE HUNGERS FOR KNOWLEDGE &. SAFETY, all her preferences in terms of breading a creative mind rely on this purpose : to serve, to protect, to embellish her highness. but unlike the other handmaidens, RABÉ will not accept eulogies because of the impostor syndrome.

TIME FOR POLITICS : political circus or democratic ballad, … how does the female protection view different challenges in politics ? the auditorium mustn’t let a single information fall into deaf ears, into sly calculators who hide behind genteel mannerisms &. educational strength, concealed in esteemed garnements &. mastering the language of persuasion.

the opposite party filled with disputable ethics represent the machiavellian code, avoiding compassionate traits to reinforce solidity in arguments with less mansuetude gestures &. without hesitation utilizes buoyancy to cut a defender of truth’s sentence in the midst of a verbal exchange, yelling objections &. reacting like a dramatic theatrical group who finds offense in statements &. hunger for a commission to assert a clear dominion even if the rules of a committee oblige all participants to not stumble upon such unruly actions &. here, RABÉ entitles the whole moment a ‘‘ double-edged performance ’’, careful to summarize diverse topics in ambitious hands &. prepared to seize the right opportunity to disturb the balance : just the epitome of antics, hunting down a voracity for bargains, maintaining the pawns with strategical threats, occupying naive individuals with a promising end, woven to frightening admonitions &. orchestrated sacrifices ( goodness of verity’s protectors, the ebb of honesty … ) then hail exploitative operations ( contradictory yearnings of humane soul ). just like chess, the board is the battlefield or the committee or any space that interests the plotters, ready to choose different paths for the greater cause — rationality is above emotions &. this leads to insufferable conceptions, precisely because of male leadership. RABÉ reluctantly stays behind, analyzing facial expressions like a hawk &. the quietness the maiden wears ain’t something her closet friends underestimate : observation from a distance, calculative &. meditative, then announces that many shouldn’t be easily trusted, especially when senators’ humble mannerisms can be mistaken for feebleness, like ‘‘ your majesty, never forget that appearances can deceive. ’’ or will ramble about philosophical quotes which explain the political arts. for every leader, it’s a mission to not delay important updates, a private lieu with trustworthy companions like an inevitable assembly, ready to introduce essential plots on the table &. offer methodical ideas for defiling potential schemes or worrisome tactics without forgetting the hidden agendas’ operation &. a rapid decision must be made, supported by everyone or the majority. anyway… it’s very difficult, &. unpredictability is dominating.

#RABENE TONSORT #( hc : ) #( … ) &. for everything i defend … never forget that i do my best to stay brave #trials reinforce this desire to explore inner possibilities &. heart’s different options