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ystrike1 · 1 year

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Remarried Empress - By Alphatart (9.5/10)

I've waited a long, long time for this. I'm not sure if this review will offend anyone, but here I go. I am not insinuating that Remarried Empress is a traditional yandere story. Obsession is not the focus. Especially not during the first season, but longtime readers know the drama eventually boils over. Delusion, denial, and love all clash during the fabulous finale. The line between villain and hero blurs in a beautiful way halfway through the story.

Spoilers for everything (I mean it) ahead!!!

Remarried Empress is well known for its seamless magic integration. Fantasy webtoons are infamous for clunky, wordy spellcasting systems and magic schools with zero charm.

That is not the case here.

Magic is a plot point that has little to no relevance during the first quarter of the story. We get hints. The issue grows. We get drama from the very beginning, from the perspective of a powerful woman trapped in a toxic marriage. The woman in question is the Empress, Navier, who has no magic whatsoever. Magic is an important political power tool. It doesn't magically make you more important. Lots of badly written stories love to give their protagonists fantastical magical powers, as if that power gives you the ability to rule.

This is not the case here.

Navier gains magical powers at the very end of the story. It is part of her happy ending. It is not the reason why she is successful in her political endeavors. Navier loves ruling. She was raised for it, and uprooting corruption gives her joy. Drama and sparkles are not her source of power. She is a borne and true politician who recognizes that the nobility cannot prosper without happy, healthy common people. She receives magic when her duplicitous and extremely loving husband decides she is worthy of it. It's sort of a wedding gift. Yes, it's a very morally dubious part of the story. The magic imbuing process starts without her permission.

(I won't spoil all the details. Don't be too mad at Heinrey.)

Navier is from the Trovi family. Her family line has produced multiple Eastern Empire ex-Empresses. Magic is on the decline. The Eastern Empire has less active wizards than ever before, and they can't figure out why. Luckily the nation has a steady Empress and Emperor to rely on. Naiver and Sovieshu have a good relationship. She loves him more than he loves her. They mostly live separate lives. They don't even eat together every day, because they are both so busy, but Navier trusts Sovieshu. They were raised together as children. The priest who married them thought they would be different. A rare, happy royal couple.

Souvieshu ruins that lifelong relationship when we brings in a runaway slave. The lovely young woman, Rashta, got caught in one of the Emperors animal traps! How awful! He takes responsibility for the terrible accident. He carries her to the doctor on horseback the way any decent man would.

He almost immediately makes her his Official Mistress. There is a formal title, as mistresses are common for Emperors. Naiver has to go through a humiliating process. She has to welcome, and give a spending allowance to, the woman her beloved husband is sleeping with. She even has to throw parties for the woman her husband is currently spoiling instead of her.

Ouch.

(Yes. You are correct. It is revealed later that the accident was no accident. Rashta jumped in harms way in a desperate attempt to escape her shackles as a slave. A slave who had a bastard child with her owners son. When said son decided he didn't want to lower himself and marry her Rashta dolled herself up. She ran into the royal woods looking gorgeous on purpose. She would have been a cool protagonist, in another life, but she's just not tough enough to survive royal intrigue. In her desperation she loses everything. It does sound tragic, until you get to know her. Rashta is a child abusing, bloodthirsty, narcissistic tattle-tale by the end of her story. I'm sure you can guess how it ends.)

Throughout season one we see how integral the Empress is to the East. At first it seems like everyone favors the Emperor, but things are not what they seem. Empress Navier runs a tight ship. She doesn't need to be babied like Souvieshu. A gap slowly begins to grow between them. His incompetence starts to shine bright when he lashes out at his Empress. He blames her for every little problem his Mistress encounters. Including the problems Rashta makes up to cause unnecessary drama. Rashta makes little mistakes that pile up over time. Her allies aren't very strong, and she is never honest with anyone. She talks like a cute idiot on purpose, but that backfires when she can't find a teacher willing to put up with her as a result. She can't catch up to Navier. A genius couldn't. Navier has been privy to national secrets since her youth. Trying to catch up on that much reading...just isn't possible for a regular, but gorgeous, slave. Also, Rashta is desperately hiding her slave status. Rashta starts to copy Navier in obvious ways, and Navier is refreshingly human about it. She hates it. She tells Rashta to learn on her own, and she isn't always diplomatic about it. Her complaints push her into an intimate but platonic friendship with the Prince of the Western Kingdom, Heinrey.

Heinrey has a special kind of magic. He can turn into a bird. He uses his bird form as an excuse to stick close to Navier, because he's carrying a MASSIVE torch for her. It is not just a crush. He's bitter about being younger than her. If they were the same age he would have gotten the chance to woo her, but Souvieshu was the most convenient and familiar choice for her family. Navier was a couple years out of his reach. He thought he would have to sulk about losing the chance to have her forever, but then Souvieshu stirs the pot. Sidenote Souvieshu is very insecure. He expects his Empress to love him over everything. He got upset when Navier...you know...did her job well. He wanted his wife to be drooling over him constantly or something. It's weird. He is also quite sexist. This becomes more obvious as the story goes on. He treats Rashta like an object, and he loses interest in her after less than a year. That's suspiciously fast. He is only using Rashta to satisfy his craving for cute attention. It's quite pathetic. They both are.

Anyway moving on.

Heinrey "visits on diplomatic business", but in reality he's planning to take over the East. Yeah. That's something. The writing is really on another level. I had no clue whatsoever until later on. He also stole the magic by the way. Yeah. Heinrey is the reason why their magicians just can't cast anymore. An adorable young student despairs before the Empress about her crushed dreams in tears. All while Heinrey is just standing there, in the background, completely aware of the fact that he is the cause of her suffering.

He's a pretty scary guy.

Navier eventually agrees to flee the country and marry him.

Rashta's lies leave no other choice for her. Rashta falls pregnant. Navier has never been pregnant. As the woman, she has always received the blame. Cough. Sexism. Cough. Souvieshu is actually infertile due to a childhood accident. He, of course, is completely convinced that Navier is the infertile one. Rashta is carrying another baby that belongs to her masters son. She is willing to put an illegitimate child on the throne to get power, because she doesn't know any better. There are certain things peasants just don't know. A magical paternity test exists. It involves droplets of blood and a mixture of special water. After Rashta gives birth to a child that looks nothing like Souvieshu he gets wise. Souvieshu makes Rashta Empress (temporarily) for the sake of "his" child. He always intended to remove Rashta from the Empress seat, as soon as "his" child was seen as legitimate by the court of law. His callous attitude is what convinces Navier to leave. She has always loved her husband. She loved him more than she thought she did. She put up with real pain to support him, but he decided to remove her from her Empress seat. She didn't know he graciously planned to take her back after the divorce, but it doesn't matter.

The incident proves he never respected her, so she leaves with Heinrey to become the Western Queen.

The West isn't really as powerful as an Empire yet, but oh! Wait! As soon as Navier is crowned and by his side Heinrey proclaims that the Kingdom is an Empire now.

How convenient!

Heinrey is pretty and morally grey, but he is a good husband. He worships the ground Navier walks on. When rumors about her infertility start spreading he does not give a crap. He has ways to fix the issue if it's true, and if she's actually not the infertile one he's ready to kill whoever started the story. His bird form is cute enough to be a marketable plushy. It's shitty that he lied about being a bird for the entire first season, but Navier needed comfort. He provided it how he could. As a pet. Yes I know it's weird. Navier wasn't willing to befriend him at first though. He had to use his adorable bird body to bring her guard down!

Wait.

That makes him sound worse...

He's a good husband though.

I swear...

This is Christa. The young dowager Queen of the newly formed Western Empire. Heinrey's sick brother kicked the bucket. Now Heinrey is Emperor and he's brought a foreign Empress home. Slight problem. Christa is in love with Heinrey. She uses a spiked love potion, and a man who is madly in love with Naiver, in an attempt to seduce him and destroy the couple. Christa is pathetic, like Rashta, but she's a little smarter. Her love for Heinrey is the weakness that brings her down. She kills herself after she boldly claims that Heinrey slept with her, in an attempt to become his Mistress. Heinrey produces proof that the affair doesn't exist...and Christa doesn't recover mentally.

Fair warning.

Remarried Empress gets darker and darker until the ending.

Heinrey throws a party, to celebrate Navier's pregnancy, right after her death.

Suddenly I don't think Heinrey is cute anymore...

This is Grand Duke Kaufman. He falls in love with Navier. He accidentally used a love potion he was experimenting with. It turns out that the potion effects are extra strong when you already have a crush. Kaufman never intended to act on his feelings, but the potion eventually turns him into a madman.

His story ends after he attacks the Empress.

I think you already know how that ending looks.

Rashta ties everything together really well as a villain. She looks like an idiot, but for a commoner who didn't even know how to write she does pretty well. Her idiotic copycat act is a distraction. It cleverly hides the mastermind behind the scenes. Heinrey. Navier had no clue Heinrey was in love with her when she accepted his proposal. She accepted it because she was desperate to rule. She didn’t want to watch Rashta take her place, and Heinrey took advantage of that.

He sweeps her off her feet. They live happily ever after, but the pile of bodies behind them is quite steep.

(Souvieshu realizes he made a mistake as soon as Navier marries Heinrey. He starts drinking heavily. He travels to the West again and again to beg her to take him back. He quietly goes insane and he eventually loses his memories. He lives on thinking Navier is still his fiance, and everything is the way it used to be. Navier will always love him. That's his drunken dream. When his memories return he begs yet again and he says he'll accept Heinrey's children as his own, because they have her blood. Her goes seriously insane in six different ways. He also basically forgets Rashta ever existed.)

#yandere #male yandere #yandere male #yandere boy #recommendations #recs #rec #recommended #webtoon #fantasy novel #light novel #Remarried Empress

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quasi-normalcy · 1 year

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Love it or hate it (and I guarantee you that my opinions are more positive than the average fan), you must admit that the "Picard" series has been an odd duck so far.

Like they announced in 2018 that Patrick Stewart was coming back to Star Trek, and naturally this conjured up a particular sort of story in the imagination--a sort of "last roundup" of the TNG crew, getting the band back together sort of thing. But they were very quick to say, "No, it's not that, it's a character study." And that, too, conjures up a particular sort of story: intimate stakes, maybe reconnecting with some of the people who have been most important to him (Beverley, Guinan, Q...), giving some closure to some open-ended character arcs from TNG, probably dying at the end. OK. "Logan" in space.

And then the first season comes out, and none of the characters who were closest to Picard are present. More than that, the plot centres around Picard atoning for a mistake he made *offscreen* in the decades after his last appearance, and one that the season maybe doesn't do enough work to show is in character for him. The stakes *start* intimate, but the plot is Hijacked by Cthulhu eight episodes in and the whole thing ends with an action climax with the FATE OF THE GALAXY ITSELF hanging in the balance. Picard dies but then gets better. It's secretly brilliant, but no one believes me.

What follows after that is one of the *weirdest* seasons of television that I've ever seen. Parts of it are brilliant (Q giving a last gift to Picard; Jurati becoming the Borg Queen; Seven learning self-acceptance); parts of are absolutely bone-dead stupid (Picard's "Jane Eyre" childhood; Rios staying in the past); but most of it is just plain *weird*. The whole thing is set back in time; plot points are prominently introduced and then completely ignored; Q is dying, but the show has no interest in telling us of what; Rios spends 3 episodes in ICE custody, then it's never mentioned again; Picard and Guinan spend a whole episode with an Agent Mulder expy who's never relevant to the plot; a bunch of characters in the past randomly look identical to characters in the present; the Borg are trying to save the galaxy from a vague new threat, but it feels like an afterthought. And I assume that some combination of churn in the writers' room, budgetary constraints, and pandemic-related disruptions are responsible, but as it is, it's just...bizarre.

And now the third season is coming out, to surprisingly good reviews from unlikely quarters. And it's a last roundup of the TNG crew.

#star trek picard

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easternmind · 8 months

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A compendium of references to Portugal in Japanese video games

The beginning of the historical relations between Portugal and Japan dates to the year 1541, when a Portuguese ship washed ashore at Jingujiura. Nearly sixty Japanese words are of Portuguese origin. A variety of Japanese traditions and culinary delights were introduced by Portuguese traders, sailors and missionaries. But in what way has this cultural exchange extended to the more recent phenomenon of Japanese digital games? As a portuguese devotee of Japanese culture, the topic seemed relevant enough to merit some additional exploration.

To my knowledge, the first significant reference to Portugal in Japanese video game is found in Koei's The Age of Discovery from 1990, a game published in the west under the title Uncharted Waters. The main character is a disgraced Portuguese nobleman named Leon Ferrero who resorts to maritime exploration, trade and naval warfare to restore his family's good name and prestige.

Its 1993 sequel, known in the west as New Horizons, diversifies the base game structure of the original by including multiple characters to select from, each with their own story and mission. Among them is the tale of João Franco, the son of the original episode's protagonist Leon, who sets out to discover the mysterious location of the fabled Atlantis, no less.

Another meaningful reference can be found a year later in ArtDink's 1991 strategy game The Atlas, in which the player takes on the role of a 15th century explorer with a five year contract with the King of Portugal to discover and chart lands around the Iberian Peninsula.

In 1998, ArtDink recreated the game for contemporary systems and published as Neo Atlas. The protagonist is a Portuguese trading company owner seeking business expansion opportunities in remote territories, as well as discover and chart hitherto unknown parts of the globe. A similar premise is found in a later sequel, Neo Atlas III.

Apart from nautical strategy games, a few other titles exist where mentions to the Portuguese territory, language and culture can be traced.

Atlus' futuristic vision of Earth in Maken X includes a most unexpected tour of Europe, with a mandatory stop in Lisbon. Inexplicably, the developers got its geographic location wrong and moved to all the way to the northern Spanish region of Léon. The level, itself, boasts a reasonably accurate depiction of one of the city's oldest quarters, Alfama, and the architectural styles found therein.

Although I could not discern any actual references in the game itself, the Grandia II soundtrack by the veteran composer Noriyuki Iwadare contains two themes whose lyrics are written in Portuguese: A Deus, a double-entendre that can be translated to both farewell and to God; and Canção do Povo, meaning People's Song. Also, the name of the official soundtrack is named Melodia, which translates to Melody as you'd expect. Both themes were performed by guest singer Kaori Kawasumi, who took on the composer's challenge to sing them despite her not knowing the language.

She was coached and assisted by José Álvarez and Motoi Sato from the Portuguese Arts and Culture Center in Japan, whom she thanks in the acknowledgement section. The Grandia II Special Package edition booklet contains a page with two photos of Portugal, one for the Jéronimos Monastery in Lisbon and the other, seemingly, for the Moorish Castle in the nearby town of Sintra.

The last Pomping World (a.ka. Buster Bros/Pang) that Mitchell Corporation ever produced before shutting down was the 2010 DS European exclusive Magical Michael. It includes two levels set in Portugal, one in Lisbon by the Belém tower, a nautical landmark, and the other in the Sintra National Palace. Their representation is at once pleasingly stylized and true to life.

This final reference is found in Spike Chunsoft's third installment of their successful visual novel series, Nyūdanganronpa V3 Minna No Koroshiai Shin Gakki. Among the dozens of MonoMono machine items that can be acquired, one is a weathercock styled after a traditional Portuguese folktale hero, the Galo de Barcelos, meaning the rooster of Barcelos, a town in Northern Portugal.

As per the description, this animal became famous through an age-old tale involving a man wrongly sentenced to death who seconds before his execution remarked he was as certain to be innocent as it was certain that a nearby rooster would sing. Because the bird did crow, much to everyone's amazement, he was exonerated. Thus, the black rooster became a symbol for truth.

I would like to thank @diogojira and @DanielOlimac for their assistance in making this article possible.

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moreespressoformydepresso · 2 months

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Guess who continues to make themself cry with their own ideas? This gal :)

This idea has been in the drafts for a long time and because @crazycriter was interested I’ve finally decided to finish this behemoth of a post and the sequel in my drafts I’m debating on posting as well. I hope this lives up to your expectations in ways my big fic likely will not when I (hopefully) post it somewhere next week 💜

A few months ago I made a biiigggg AU post starring Lamina and Treech, and in most of them they’re siblings because family angst and all that. But them being in a romantic relationship opens up whole new doors!! So lets talk about one of my 25th Hunger Games AU’s, and I’ll expand on another one like I said I would in that past post. This will not be random AU blurbs like the past post, this will be a pretty detailed plot synopsis because I may write this if there’s enough interest. Only after I’ve both posted the big one-shot and finished The Losing Battle We Won’t Stop Fighting, because I try to limit myself to actively working on 3 WIP’s and I’ve got one lined up to fill one of those two spots already. With that out of the way, let’s go! :)

Basic concept:

So I had two main ideas for an alternate first quarter quell. The one that’s relevant for today’s barrage of my madness is the AU where the tributes are picked from the families of the victors, to show that even the strongest cannot protect their loved ones from the Capitol’s might (and monstrousness). Well, how about we change that from being unable to protect their loved ones, to being unable to protect their lovers. The only exception is if said lover is also a previous victor, because the 75th games was the first time they broke the promise that victors wouldn’t have to go into the arena again. To truly hammer in the message, the victors won’t be mentoring this year. Instead, the gamemakers are going back to the original system where the top performing academy students mentor the tributes in the hopes of winning a monetary prize. Previous victors are not allowed to even see their lovers, let alone talk to them. As for what kind of tributes will fight in the games this year… Pretty much all the victors stay far away from love the first few years after their victory, because the deep sea of trauma that comes with watching 23 kids die in the span of days and knowing that you’re only alive because of their horrific fates isn’t very conducive to building a healthy relationship. Therefore, the people now eligible to be picked as tributes are all pretty far into adulthood, the wives and husbands of the victors of the first few games, mostly.

The part where LumberKids/LumberLove/Lameech/Treemina becomes relevant:

District seven has only had one female victor so far, which is Lamina, and she and Treech were in a relationship before she was reaped. If there are any gay victors, they don’t have a boyfriend anyone knows of. Her talking about him in her interview and her mentor sending people to district seven to interview Treech during the games are a big part as to why she won, since it gained her a whole bunch of sponsors. They’re both well-known and beloved in the capitol, and the fact that the people love their love story so much is the only reason Lamina wasn’t forced into the more… unsavory side effects that come with being a victor (side eyes Finnick Odair I think it’s pretty clear age isn’t a dealbreaker for them). Because of this, Treech is the only possible male tribute for the Quarter Quell, and due to the before mentioned usual mental health break from dating he’s also the only minor who becomes a tribute. The person closest to him in age is over 25, and due to him being from the poorer area (headcanon) of one of the poorer districts (canon), he’s also the least well-fed. He doesn’t live with Lamina, and despite her offering he refuses most of the benefits her victory gave her because he’d rather give it to his family. All the other tributes are living with their partners, and thus healthier than Treech is. Their brains and bodies are fully developed and they’ve got a lot more life experience than he does, so all the odds are against him here.

The reaping is a sombre affair, because for a brief moment the district rejoiced at not having to send in their kids for once. It’s still horrible, but even the girlfriends/wives that are now gonna have to fight to the death are okay with it because at least they had a good run on earth and, for one year, their daughters are safe. But then they remember that there’s only one boy who qualifies for the reaping, and the mood sours instantly. All the other districts get to send in adults, but they’re still gonna lose a child. It’s not fair. There are still two bowls, and after the oldest woman (roughly in her forties) volunteers, the escort tries her damnest to be cheery as she swirls her hand in the bowl for the guys. It’s almost like she’s trying to prolong the inevitable, because there’s only one piece of paper lying innocently at the bottom and there’s only one person standing on the right side of the podium. It’s impossible for her to not feel any sympathy when the only sound filling the square is Lamina’s muffled sobs. After she finally reads out the name, Treech steps forward, far past the initial horror. Reality hasn’t quite crashed down on him yet, but the claws have been sunk into his soul for long enough that he’s dissociated.

He looks like he does during the reaping in the movie, but while the escort gives out her little speech tears do shimmer in his eyes. More due to Lamina’s obvious distress and his inability to console her than the fact that he’s probably going to die. He feels… numb, on that front. It doesn’t quite feel real. When the escort takes the hands of the tributes to raise them in the air, Treech stares blankly for a second before wiping the tears from his face and raising his chin high because he knows how the games work. Again, Lamina won partially due to the sponsors he helped her get. If there’s anything he learned from watching her games it’s that if you want to win, you have to be interesting. If you’re not, people will only bet on your odds of winning, and those are decidedly not in Treech’s favor. Especially since his age is going to be a stigma that’ll make people hesitant to bet on him. No matter how skilled he is, the simple fact that he’s so young will hang over his head. He’ll have to twist the odds he does have control over to balance it out. The one advantage he has is that he’s the only tribute that the capitol already knows and cares about, and they really like him. He’s a capitol favorite, despite seemingly having very low chances of surviving even the first day in the arena, let alone actually winning.

For the opening ceremony, the district 7 stylists lean into the nature aspect of their industry rather than their produce. The female tribute, who I’ll call Ascaia, wears a long dress made of colorful leaves and flowers. She gets a flower crown as well. Treech, on the other hand, has a less flashy outfit. Green pants and a green, sleeveless top that look like they’re made of leaves. His arms are covered with what looks like vines, and his outfit has subtle golden elements to give it a little pop. On his head is a golden laurel wreath, a symbol of triumph and victory. Two nature spirits, one bold and wild, the other calm and peaceful. They catch attention immediately, and after the ceremony they’re introduced to their mentors.

Treech’s mentor ends up being Pliny “Pup” Harrington, who somehow met and befriended Lamina during one of her visits to the capitol, though Treech had never met him before. Pup pulled some strings to switch assigned tributes with another mentor so he could give his friend’s boyfriend the best help he could possibly get. Not that the other student minded switching, given how disastrous everyone perceives Treech’s chances to be. Pup tries not to get too attached, but they end up becoming close friends by the time the week is up. Aside from Pup passing messages between the two lovebirds, they discuss strategy both in the game and out of it. Pup’s dad has clout because of his position in the navy, and Pup is fully using that to his advantage. People jump at the chance of getting in his good graces, so quite a few sponsors warm up to the idea of supporting him, although most are still on the fence. They may be swayed by the training scores, and that’s where it gets a little difficult. Treech has to decide how to approach these scores, and he has to decide carefully. On one hand, he can play fully into the “underdog destined to die soon” act that he cannot escape no matter what he does by getting a score around 2 to 4, but that risks putting off the sponsors who don’t want to invest in tributes that have no chance of making it. Or he could lean into getting sponsors by getting a high score and risk putting a massive target on his back, which is a horrible idea because his whole strategy is to play the long game. Stay hidden, away from fights, and sneak around. Prepare to use the deteriorated state of the last remaining tributes to his advantage at the end of the games. It’s a lot harder to stay out of danger when people are actively hunting you down. Especially because a lot of the other tributes could body Treech no problem when it comes to raw physical strength. So, he and Pup decide to go with the middle option and aim for a mid score. Not low enough to turn off sponsors but not high enough to really stand out. I’m not sure at what point training was implemented, but for the sake of the story I’m gonna say there was a massive technological development in the 15 years between the 10th and 25th hunger games so training is pretty much just like in the 74th and 75th games.

During training, Treech spends most of his time at the survival stations. He’s already good at climbing and fire-starting because he’s from district seven, but the rest is mostly new. Most tributes gravitate towards the weapons stations, but Treech ignores them in the interest of remaining as far under the radar as possible. The second and third day the weapons stations are empty enough for Treech to use them in short bursts, mostly the knives (at Pup’s suggestion, since they’re very common and versatile). He deliberately flubs the ax station, balancing it so that he’s good enough to be believable (since he is from the lumber district) but bad enough to not be considered a threat. The private session comes, and Treech needs to choose one skill to show the gamemakers. It’s a tough choice between the edibles, axes, and climbing, but since he doesn’t wanna risk straining his muscles too much he goes with edibles. They saw him climb plenty during the open training sessions, as it was his way of not losing his muscle strength without showing all his cards to the other tributes. It lands him a solid 6, showing sponsors he’s not hopeless without being outstanding enough that other tributes will pay more attention to him.

Lastly, it’s time for the interview. The only real advantage Treech has is that, again, the capitol already knows him. They loved Lamina, in part because they loved her relationship with him. He was central to her story and instrumental to her victory, and the Capitol adores him for it. And Treech milks it for all it’s worth. Most of his interview is spent talking about his life back in district seven after Lamina’s return, and his short stories about their hijinks with their friends leaves everyone aw’ing. He makes sure to also build up his own personality, sharing things about him that aren’t necessarily connected to Lamina so he comes off more genuine instead of making this sound like a shallow attempt at profiting from his girlfriend’s victory. So he’ll mention carving wooden figurines for her and shows everyone a small wooden box he made in the capitol as a gift to his stylist, to both reinforce his love for his girlfriend and showcase his individuality. It works, because Lamina won the 23d games (at 15. Treech is 16-17 during the 25th games) so he’s got a lot of room to work with. Their story happened recently enough that it’s still fresh in everyone’s mind, but long enough ago that it’s mostly smoldering coals for Treech to reignite without it feeling like a rehash of this sick reality show’s previous ‘plotlines’.

Treech manages to successfully recapture the hearts of the capitol citizens, and he becomes a favorite to win. Now he’s done all he can with his time in the capitol, and he’s a few hours away from going into the arena. Pup informs him that all the victors have to watch from back home, set on the stage so the entire district can see their reactions to their lovers fighting for their lives. In response, Treech carves Lamina one last figurine. A heart laid on a bed of dahlias and roses, symbolizing eternal love. From the top of one of the arches of the heart, a small bouquet of hyacints and poppies cascaded slightly over the edge. Hyacinths represent sorrow and regret, but also forgiveness, whereas poppies symbolize remembrance. The message was clear: “Our love is eternal. I’m sorry we didn’t have more time together, please forgive me for leaving you so soon. I love you.”

Just before Treech is taken to the arena, he gives the figurine to Pup and asks him to give it to his girlfriend for him. Pup agrees to give it to Lamina, but only if Treech promises he’ll do whatever it takes to be the one leaving that arena alive. Not just for Lamina, or for Treech’s family and friends back home, but for Pup as well. Treech promises to do what he can, and they both know he can’t do much more than that. They hug one last time, and then Treech is escorted to the arena.

Will he keep his promise? Will he live? Will he die in the first 30 seconds? Will he go insane? I know, but if you want me to write this as an actual story I’ll keep some details to myself :D

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amypihcs · 7 months

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Hello! Hello dear friends! Scandalously late, but here i am, let's see today's letter!

They've gone to see the remaining of the busts and Holmes is trying to make something out of them

But now he only gets that the thief AND murderer was somehow interested in something more than just vandalism and... property destruction, apparently? In fact... the place he broke the bust in is relevant

Well, why?

Watson's voice after he called for the help from the public: The lamp!

I SO love that scene <3<3 Yes, i love all of the episode, lol

Let's send a little message to the poor journalist... Are you perhaps planning something, Mr Holmes? Why do you think so, Lestrade? -angelic face-

Pass tonight for some danger hanging out, also, i'm keeping your evidence. Nothing to worry, i'll return them... maybe.

Now for the questioning round!

First one not found. grrr.

Now to the second o-

LOOOOOL funny conspiration theory ahahahah. Morse Hudson is just ... A CHARACTER. As i'd say in Molise, 'un soggetto' But HEY!

He saw the man and gave us a name! Beppo! Probably Giuseppe is the actual name.

DISCLAIMER! I'm Italian, SOUTH italian, more than that. I find this story funny and i WILL make jokes that to people of more delicate taste might sound unsavory on Italy and Italians. Deal with it.

Well, time to head for the bust factory

We need to check the common fact.

And in fact...

Won't comment on the 'blue teutonic eyes' but yep. Beppo's clearly aknown person in the quarter. We even have a rela- NOOOOO no, damnit!

Vaguely panicking Holmes. I do think he suspects Beppo might be hiding at his family's and like, it makes sense, eh!

Obtained some news on this guy and now finally lunch!

To Watson's joy....And to Holmes' satisfaction...

His plan worked!! WAHOO! But Holmes, LET WATSON EAT! And eat calmly, please! You already rushed his breakfast!!

Last questions made and answered, back home where there's him!

LESTRAAAADE! Let's compare notes!

Oh, they're both satisfied, good. Here's the murdered man! Not the funniest person to know

Being from Naples, i DO think it more likely that Pietro and the Venucci fam were part of the Camorra, instead, but the concept is there. Now let's see how to get Beppo. Little outing in the italian quarter?

Nah, better a hop at Chiswick! If it doesn't work, tomorrow, some spaghetti all together by the italian quarter, how does that sound? Good, eh?

Plan for tonight's already done anyway. now sooorry

need to toss paper around! I DO wonder on how many rooms and trunks are filled with newspaper and scrapbooks in baker street. I'm not sure i want to know, i'm sure Mrs Hudson looks faint everytime she thinks of it.

Little analysis by Watson.

Conclusion, IT'S A DANGER DATE! WAHOO!

#letters from watson #victorian husbands #sherlock holmes #dr john watson #inspector lestrade #they made friends finally <3 #love them #love this story

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aohendo · 1 month

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Prince for Hire Deleted Scene: Part 12

Amount Deleted: 343 words

Reason for Deleting: was working on setting up the kidnapped sorcerers thing (relevant with Batar's story-line and then a bit later with a recurring inquisitor who would make a fantastic drinking buddy), but this is still first half. Focus needs to remain on Prince Thaav, rather than the chaos that Kiris is resolutely ignoring.

Ways to fix: continue emphasizing Kiris' blinding loyalty to Prince Thaav, and continue deleting or winnowing those bits which don't support that. Other plot points should be hinted at and set up, but not emphasized.

Excerpt length: 343

Context: It's Kiris' first night in the Turre's Tesendi fortress - his first night surrounded by legit enemies - and while working out his plan to save Prince Thaav, he gets distracted by torn-out confession journal pages, which contain the last remnants of their owners' souls.

I'll be getting around to updating the WIP intro in a short eventually, so keep an eye out.

As for taglist: since it has been a hot minute since I was last actively posting, please let me know if you'd like to be added or removed to/from the taglist. @whimsyqueen @on-noon @houndsofcorduff @stuffaboutwriting @shrunkupthejams

Kiris was sure that if he were within Prince Thaav’s quarters, he would find the old prince snoring loudly enough to shake Tesendi’s walls. As it was, he could only hear their snapping soul, see it in flickers of sunshine yellow through the haze of ryd, and imagine its warmth. He knew where they were. He didn't know about the journals’ owners. Kiris listened behind him for the guards and found them safely distributed between their chambers and the living quarters, and braced himself against his desk. The pages fluttered like slaughtered things beneath him.

Carefully, Mahehv as a fluttering, scarlet anchor, he lead the realms thinner. Beyond and before Prince Thaav: their fellow princes, servants, and guards. Walls. Turre dead—long dead. Servants like Verosa hustling about in oddly narrow halls.

Farther.

Prince Ysiik, awake. In her quarters, however, and not near Prince Thaav’s: no concern tonight. Those other Prince Thaav-irritated princes, asleep.

Farther.

Ta Ritasa in his quarters, with company. Kiris moved by swiftly.

‘L Tuola in hers, the same dead soul which covered her quiver in crystalline clarity next to her bedside. Within her bed, Kiris corrected, and then moved even faster from her. Downwards.

Aathriok’s parent, weeping on the unyielding floor of the dining hall. Weeping, pulling towards Empathy and singing of dolorous bells, tolling and crying and—

Mahehv twitched against his neck.

—farther.

The green sanctuary goddess, barely existing under the Currents’ skies. Somehow surviving. Her hunger was like cracking ice, her desperation like drums, her—

Farther.

Here.

Polarized fear.

Studies, and restraints.

His people.

When Kiris withdrew from ryd, it beat into his body and collapsed him under his desk, Prophecy pounding for release and promising relief. When he could feel Mahehv’s claws again over his own pain; when he could hear it chirping and its feathers rustling over the lives of countless people and innumerable things; when he could open his eyes and see solid outline; when he could think again, he realized by choosing not to be oblivious, he’d taken a bathtub to his ‘save Prince Thaav’ plan.

#fun fact! my stuff I deleted document for 2023 was 118943 words long and most of that was from Prince #my stuff I deleted document this year is currently a measly 6000 words. All of that is from Prince.#I'm hoping I can add at least 15000 more words to that from Prince alone (preferably 30k but hey I'd rather a goal I can dream of)#princeforhire #pfh deleted scenes #deleted scene #editing #fantasy #writblr #writeblr #writerblr

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fantasies-fairytales-n-fics · 4 months

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Thranduil and Josie Pt. 169- Gypsy Origins Part 2 of 3

Summary: Hypnotized under Haldir's mind manipulation, Josselyn continues her many truths of troublesome, but relevant past.

*Chapter Warnings* language, angst, sexual content, smoking, drinking

Chapter characters: Haldir, Josselyn(Delphine), Harker, Jemma, Bellamey, Toones, Carl, Narcisse, Catherine, Julian, Caroline, Cassandra, Legolas, Tauriel, Zeddicus

Chapter word count: 7,386

Stories Stories Stories Masterlist

Josselyn was becoming very agitated in her hypnotic state after she spoke of witnessing Harker's big bad wolf persona and Haldir knew he had to tread carefully on how hard he pushed her traumatic memories out under his spell of truth, for too much stress could cause her to forget everything, even who she was. Even so, it was more important to him to keep you and Leeanduil safe and that meant finding out everything she knew about Harker, Sarah and Caroline, so he held her hand to pass his calming effects through her as he asked her to slowly continue. Her pale lips quivered for a moment at his unexpected touch and as the elf's magic kicked in, she softly exhaled and began again.

"Harker...he's telling me we are packing up and leaving for the castle in Dorwinion to set up his carnival for a weekend summer solstice celebration. We should be at a base camp outside the borders come first light. I am happy I get to go but...I remember Thomas' words about this castle. About the reigning warlock lord being of both darkness and light. Was he dark like Harker? What will I do there? He does not mention Ravenna and he seems calm, considering what I did to him. The gash on his hand has healed. Is he still angry about that? I feel unsettled as I remember last year's solstice when he killed my father and took me and my mother as his property. I wish I would have stuck that silver dagger in his heart. He certainly does not like silver.

All but two small trailers are being loaded and locked up. Two guards and two servants remain to guard the children in the underground caverns. We are moving now. I am chained in his trailer and forced to listen to him defile my mother all night...but strangely, she sounds like she is enjoying it. I am covering my ears. I am helpless. I am scared he will take me too, but he does not.

It is a blue sky morning. We are arriving at a clearing. I can see the towers of a castle peaking over the trees through the blacked out windows that can only be seen out of.

Harker's men are heading out on the morning hunt for food while his carnies set up the camp. Three of them are summoned and are coming inside. They scare me. My mother once called them freaks. That word is not permitted by Harker. He says if you laugh at them, you laugh at him. She doesn't call them that anymore.

Harker is bringing me out to the living quarters and is holding me close against him with a smile. Something is different about him. He...he's nicer to me and is telling them of the day's plans. He is looking at them from left to right as he speaks their names.

Mr. Bellamey, Mr. Toones, Mr. Carl. I'm sure you remember young Josselyn here?

They are silent and staring at me. They're not smiling. They don't like me. I think they are all jealous of me. Especially Carl. I..I think he is really a woman. He has breasts.

She will be assisting with the evening's celebration and you all will show her the ropes.

Carl is speaking. He's pouty and not happy.

That makes me mad. She is not our family. She's a plain Jane little girl.

Harker sits down and smiles.

Oh but she is family now and she is far from ordinary. She is a magical being in the making like you all were and soon to be a witch like me and she will be welcomed by you just as I have welcomed her.

I...I am shaking. My knees buckle and I drop on them. I tell him I don't understand.

You will my child, all in due time. You have taken in Ravenna's power. It is your to keep.

M...M..Master...keep? I...I did not, do not want it. It was an accident. I didn't know what I was doing. I had no control over it. I am old enough to understand that nothing from Ravenna is given freely. She was so angry. She wanted me dead.

He is leaning forward and placing his hand on my shoulder.

Dear one. You are safe now. She is not going to hurt you. She and I have come to an understanding about what happened.

I am crying.

I..I don't want to be like her...like you. You killed my father. You kill children. You gave me to Ravenna. I would be dead right now if I were younger and why are you being so nice? I..I hurt you. I cut you with that dagger. This...this makes no sense.

It does not need to make sense. You will do as you are told. You are one of us now. It cannot be reversed. Now...the guards will be coming back with a big fat juicy elk to feast on. Oh how I do love the flesh of an elk. My boys here will show you how to prepare one and when we are all finished, we will head to the castle to set up the funfair that you will be a part of.

Y..y..y..you want...ME to..to...I...I can't! It's an animal....I feel sick.

He's leaning forward again. There is a brown leather string wrapped around his hand and it has a white crystal hanging from it. He's holding it up and speaking words I do not understand. I can't free my eyes. It is forcing me to do as he is commanding. I...I don't want to do it!!!"

Haldir had to momentarily stop her. He was disgusted. Somewhat at himself, for he was doing the same thing to her by forcing her to do what she did not want to do, but more so over the fact that he knew this verbosely needed story was only going to get worse and that Josselyn would be very resentful of him when it was over.

"You do not have to do it. I need you to move forward to the arrival at the castle. Continue from there."

"I am walking with Harker and my mother on the biggest lawn I have ever seen. It is on the bay of the black sea. I feel awkward and nervous. Harker gave me a beautiful red dress to wear. My mother is wearing her usual gypsy attire but she...is very different. She does not seem fearful anymore, but proud to be at Harker's side.

I see people, children, games and tents of many colors everywhere. There are boat rides on the inlet river. I smell such delicious food. I hear music, laughter and a....a tiger's roar I think?? I see it. There's an awful woman poking him with a stick through the bars of his cage. She's teaching a small child to do it!!! I cannot watch. A man reprimands her and scoops up the blonde boy. I cannot see the man's face. He carries a sword on his hip. I hear him. He's stern but calm to not scare the child. He tells her that is not something to teach a child, let alone her 3 year old son, for it is dangerous and idiotic, nor should she ever do it to an animal. He says she should know better and she is heartless and cruel. He hands the child to a woman servant and tells her to take Francis to see the horses. He leaves and is heading this way. She call his name, Stephane, and stops him. They argue. I can now see his face.

He's so beautiful. He dresses nothing like Harker except for the leather. He is kingly and ageless. The woman leaves and he's now coming to greet us. There's an aroma of peppermint. I...feel warm and giddy...my...my stomach feels strange when he speaks. Like butterflies are in it. I don't know why. His eyes. They are so blue.

Ahhh...Harker. You have arrived. And who are these two gorgeous creatures on your arm?

He is ogling my mother. All men do. She is beautiful and her attire is and always was very revealing of her breasts and stomach.

Lord Narcisse. What a glorious day yes? To have such eye candy at my side. This is Josselyn and Jemma. They will be assisting in tonight's festivities and Jemma, my newly acquired wife, will entertain us in the after dark jamboree. Jemma. Give Stephane a glimpse of your...talents.

Wife?? I feel sick. My heart is racing and I am speechless as she lifts her skirt and happily flaunts her body to Narcisse in front of everyone. What has Harker done to her?? I see a diamond ring on her finger. It is not the one my father gave her.

My my. Well now Harker. Eye candy indeed. I must say am very impressed with your choice of a bride and I am highly looking forward to some carousing this night in celebration of your union, although I can see I am going to receive an earful over this delightful display.

Narcisse is looking over at Catherine. She is glaring at him. She picks up a stick and storms off.

Harker is greatly amused.

Trouble in paradise with the ever so annoying Catherine?

Far from paradise and annoying to say the least. Wretched unbearable woman seems more fitting.

The two men are laughing.

Narcisse. I notice you have more security than you normally do at the funfairs. Has something happened for such a need that I need to be aware of for the safety of my own people?

I...well. I do not want to alarm anyone, but there have been reports relayed to me of children going missing in close proximity of here and with the many children I house here, one can never be too careful.

Ahhh, yes. I see. Such a shame. Who would do such a thing?

The warlock lord, he does not seem of darkness like Thomas had told me, just unhappy which does not make him evil, but it could be an act like Harker's is. I... I don't like this. I despise Harker. I want to scream out loud that it's Harker! I don't think Lord Narcisse knows what he does. He would certainly never have dealings with Harker if he knew because he seems to genuinely love children.

The tiger is roaring again. Lord Narcisse is suddenly angry.

If you all will excuse me for now. I must tend to Blaze. His bellows have Catherine's name in them. Oh...before I forget. Harker, your brother is here with his also annoying woman. Jemma...Josselyn.

He bows to us and leaves. My stomach drops. Did he mean Ravenna and the evil goblin King are here?

I cannot hold my panic in any longer. I ask Harker if Ravenna is here with Jareth. He is laughing. He says no. They would never come here. He and Narcisse are enemies. He tells me he has another brother who is Lord Narcisse's good friend. I'm secretly hoping he is nice like him. Surely he must be?"

Haldir's stance greatly stiffens with the mention of Julian and Caroline, for now he felt he was much closer to learning about Lola and Sarah.

"Tell me of the brother and woman. Did you meet them this night?"

"Yes...I..I smell something sweet like...honey and a hint of lilacs? It is overpowering the scent of grilled food. I hear a woman's voice behind us. She has an accent. Irish maybe? I turn to see a very stunning woman with porcelain skin. Her hair is long and fiery red with bangs. Her attire is Celtic much like my mother's and somewhat provocative. I sense darkness in her demeanor. Mostly in her eyes with the way she is looking upon me and my mother.

Well now. Harker, what do we have here? They're a bit old for your needs.

Now Caroline, what business would that be of yours? I am surprised to even see you here with my brother since Stephane is not your favorite person. Where is Julian?

Where do you think? I sometimes wonder if he should have married Stephane instead with the way he's always up his arse.

She's smiling and walks up to me, touching my cheek.

My my sweet child. You're quite young and....how interesting. I sense some magic in you. Are you a good witch or a bad witch Dorothy?

Oh...I...I...am no witch ma'am. I am just a...

She is laughing and places her finger over my lips to silence me.

Oh indeed you are and a good one apparently with all the politeness, but that can always change. Do call me Caroline and you..are?

J...Josselyn.

What a pretty name. You're going to be quite powerful someday. A gypsy witch like me. I have always wanted to have a daughter like that. Harker, what do you say you give this one to me? She would make a great travel companion. I tend to get lonely when Julian does not want to go with me on my funfairs.

Why would I ever give such a prize to you?? She is no use to you, for she is not of your blood and you have nothing to offer me, for I want I want, you will not give.

And what use is she to you? You have another new toy I see, so you have no need for her...OR for my body. Let me have the girl or I could always let it slip to Julian and Stephane about your dirty little secret. If they were to know, they will surely kill you. Do you think I do not know of your dealings with Ravenna? Nothing gets past my sixth sense. It is your way of making it up to Jareth for what you did to him. I'll never understand what Jareth sees in that wretched cheating witch. I mean, she slept with Jasper, who is his FATHER, your father and Julian's father and instead of ridding of her, he rids of him and all his men and at the approval of your own mother! One twisted little Brady Bunch indeed.

Harker is laughing and I am holding back my tears.

And YOU, Caroline, of all people are not twisted with your blackmail and your willingness to keep such a secret just to get what you want? And what would you do if Julian were to be unfaithful to you sweet Caroline? We both know you would not be so sweet then.

Jules would never be that stupid and he happens to love me, something you know nothing of.

Because it is forbidden by our mother after our father's infidelity which is why she is quite displeased with Julian's love of you and then there's the little fact that he stole Ashmole from her. Oh yes, and let us not forget that he is the good son, the 7th son that was supposed to be the darkest and most powerful of us all. And he is rather stupid yes, for trying to convert Jareth to the light and for resurrecting him using that book. Look where that got him. Jareth has become the most powerful and now more wicked than ever. Now, enough talk of things we have already known for some time. As far as the girl, she is what one might refer to as a plea bargain. Oh, and I believe I've already mentioned...she...is...mine.

Is that so? Hmmm. I thought I smelled Ravenna all over this child. Somehow she has taken some of her magic, which cannot be undone and now she wants something in return for it. Am I getting warm about this plea bargain?? Do tell. It would seem though, that you really should make one with me and do it quickly. Julian is just over there and he has seen us.

Caroline is waving to a man in the far distance who is perched upon a swing set, talking and laughing with children. Harker is nervous and clutches his crystal.

I will not give her to you. I can only allow her to go with you, BUT, when the time comes, I will reclaim her and what she owes. Will that suffice for your silence?

As frightened as I am, I am also relieved. Anything is better than remaining with Harker and this woman seems nice, even in her conniving ways and I was right about Julian. Harker confirmed he was of light...but...I..I do not want to leave my mother. I am trying not to cry as I tell them so, but I fail.

But I...I...my mother...Mama, I..I don't want to leave you alone or even at all.

She is laughing. She does not even seem to care. She is cruel like Harker.

Ew. Do not call me that! Children should be seen and not heard, remember? And I will not be alone. I have my new love Harker to keep me company in every way. You will only put a damper on our fun with your whining.

Caroline steps beside me and holds my hand. I..I smell chamomile, like sweet apples laced with red clover flowers. I hear a man's angelic voice behind us, a British accent.

Do not listen dear child. A mother does not always know best.

His hair is long, golden and tied back. His attire is all black and made of satin. His eyes are kind and match the blue of the sky and they are locked into my mothers. He is clearly displeased with her.

Hello Harker. I wish I could say it is a pleasure. This?... is my new sister-in-law that I knew nothing of? Howww promiscuous....and fitting of your lewd and lascivious taste.

Now Jules. Are you playing pot and kettle? Your choice in women seems quite indistinguishable from what I can see. How about we play a different game instead? Jemma, will you do the honors for my insolent brother? Heads, I take your wife and mine to bed this night as you watch. Tails, you do and I watch.

She is doing it again. Revealing herself. She pulls down her vest and pulls a silver coin out of her bra, then waves it around at him in a teasing manner.

Caroline is fuming. She swipes it from her hand, calls her a gypsy whore and throws it at her chest. My mother laughs and goes back to Harker's side. Julian picks up the coin and looks at it. He is amused.

A two headed coin. Never trust a warlock that owns a pair of magic money bosoms. Cheating will still never give you access to my wife, as if anything ever would. You wouldn't want to end up like Jareth did, would you? For the book is lost to bring you back. And Jemma darling, your gilet is rather small. Borrowing your daughter's attire?

Harker is smirking but I can see he is intimidated. Julian surely seems very powerful like Harker described. He is so confident and far from subtle. He is making my stomach flutter, even more so than Lord Narcisse does.

Judging by your silence, it would seem we have an understanding and the situation with the girl is now resolved. Welcome young Josselyn. You will be a great aid in our gallivanting travels. Caroline can use the extra hand with her trinket trades and sales and you will blend in well, as it seems you are already accustomed to the gypsy ways. She can teach you many things that you will need to learn with your newfound magic.

H..how did...you know my name?

I know many things young one, if they are not hidden from my... sight. Harker, just why is it that you are even in possession of these two ladies? They are highly out of your league of extraordinary gentlemen, if that is what one would even call them as they are far from gentle. Bellamey is a mime dressed as a clown and rips chickens heads off with his mouth to drink their blood. Toones is a back alley card shark that has been banned from all the gambling establishments, for under his attire, he conceals a sickly third arm and small hand protruding from his chest that he cheats with. Carl is not even a man but has tits and a cunt under the hat, suit, tie and 80's blue eyeshadow. The list of freaks is too long to continue. A world of wonders indeed or maybe a clockwork orange would be more suffice? It is understandable as to why Stephane saves your shows for the late night phobophile folk like yourself. It is certainly no place for a young girl to be shaped by.

Ahh Jules, that's quite the painted portrait. Always the frank farceur that loves to mock me and my family, which is the only F word they are to be called. If you truly must know, it is exactly as you have just said. I'm simply growing bored of repetition and would like to bring something extra to my funfairs. A horse of a different color per se. Some gypsy crafts, magic performances and readings would highly impress my regulars and even knew attendees. But, I suppose I can make do with just the one, beings she is more... experienced. I can see we are done here. Enjoy your time away Josselyn, for time is short.

Harker and my mother are walking away. I am sobbing and calling to her but she won't even look back at me. I try to run to her but Julian pulls me in his arms and cradles me.

Hush now child. It is for the best that you come with us. Caroline, dear, it is time to go. You have some explaining to do once we depart.

They are saying their goodbyes to Lord Narcisse. He is confused as to why they are leaving so soon and... with me. He apologizes for being so distracted by Catherine and tries to persuade them to stay longer. Julian is telling him the same he said to me, that it is for the best if they go now and to keep his eye on Harker. Narcisse assures him that he always does and he will see him soon.

Julian is helping his people pack up the wagons and trailers. Caroline quietly tells me that she and I are the only ones who know the truth and it must stay that way because of the deal she made with Harker or he will come and take me back if his dealings with Ravenna are exposed.

Night has fallen and I am not sure where we are but I know it is far away from Dorwinion. I have cried over my mother the entire ride in the small bedroom I was given. The trailer stops and the door opens and closes. I..I hear Julian and Caroline arguing outside, but their voices are too soft to make out what they are saying. I look out the window with one eye. I see Julian. His back is to me. He is relieving himself by a tree. Caroline is drinking and smoking something. She's pacing. I can hear them better now. He is angry and wants to know what she is hiding from him.

Tell me Carrie darling, why do I smell the wicked Ravenna on that child?? Did you think I would not notice such a stench? Did you also think I would buy Harker's farce of a story? He has clearly conditioned Jemma into a jezebel, for Josselyn would not be so upset to leave her if her mother was evil and had never cared about her. What are you all hiding from me? What say you woman??

Oh Julian darling. I am hiding nothing. I could smell her too so I asked. I know nothing more than you except that Harker and Ravenna have some arrangement that he would not disclose. I was worried for the girl so I simply asked him to let us take her since she is a child.

And my wicked brother simply just let you take her? What kind of fool do you take me for? Harker does not just give away what he believes to be his. Now tell me the truth woman!

Now Caroline is angry. She glares and swears at him.

This is bullshit. Why can you not ever let anything go Julian? We have the girl and she is safe!

She walks away from him but he grabs her arm and yanks her against him.

Because when Harker is involved, it is never good, which you already know that and now you have involved us in his dirty dealings. Now tell me!

If I tell you, can I have some of this?

She is grabbing between his legs. I...I cannot watch...I should not watch...but I cannot stop myself. I am too curious.

Tell me and I will fuck you till dawn.

He is placing his hand over hers and helping her massage him.

Mmmm. Well, all I know is that the child has somehow stolen some of Ravenna's magic and she wants something back for it. A child...a child of her own. Jareth refuses to give her one after what she did with Jasper. Soooo...whenever Josselyn has a child, Harker is to give it to her. He did not tell me this. My intuition just knows it.

My chest is tightening. I cannot breathe. Never. Never will I have a child! I will not let a part of me die for that witch's wrinkles!

My thoughts are distracted by more of their words. Julian is telling Caroline she would be happier if she had a child of her own and he does not understand why she has not become pregnant with all of their love making. She tells him they just need to keep trying and to take her now. She says the summer solstice holds magic in it's long night and it may help because she feels she is ...ovulating? I do not know what that means.

He spins her around and lifts her dress. He pulls his pants down. My eyes!! I..I have never seen that part of a man before! His hips jerk against her and she cries out in...."

Haldir swiftly reroutes her story, for it was making him extremely uncomfortable considering Josselyn's memories were that of a 14 year old girl, not to mention, it brought back horrible memories for himself of what Caroline did to him at Lestat's.

"I would like you to end this memory. Continue your future travels with Julian and Caroline."

"It has been 3 years and trouble free. I am 17 now, almost 18 and I am happy. Caroline and Julian are good to me. Caroline has taught me so much. I have learned about tarot cards like my mother used to do. We make lots of crafts and jewelry out of crystals and sell them at our funfairs. I must have been to every corner of middle earth but we stayed far away Ravenna's realm. We have not seen her, Harker or my mother since the day we left Dorwinion. I miss her.

It is the summer solstice again. I'm excited because Julian says there will be a solar eclipse. I walk out of my bedroom when I notice the trailer stopping. I see Julian go outside but Caroline is sitting in the dark at the table, meditating with a crystal in each hand. She looks sad and anxious. I sit with her and ask her where we are. She tells me we are near Lake Town and will be having a camp party and that I should go get ready. She says I am plenty old enough now. The same age she was when we met. I ask her what is wrong. She says it's nothing I would understand and that she just wants to get drunk and forget everything for the night. I leave her alone and do as she asked me.

The forest party goes on late into the night. There's music and many inebriated people, all dancing around, including Julian and Caroline.

I'm sitting by myself around the fire, sipping Dorwinion wine. It is sweet and very strong. My hearing is strangely sensitive and keen. Even with all the noise, I can still hear close by conversations. I'm watching Caroline and Julian dance together. Sometimes I wish I was her. I wish I could dance with him like I have in my dreams.

People are coming to sit by the fire. They are very intoxicated and telling stories. Something about a formidable King of the Woodland realm and Silvan elves. An Elvenking they call him that rules Mirkwood not far from here. He carries twin swords and rides a great elk. I remember Thomas telling me of him. The way they speak of him scares me. I feel the hair on my neck raise when they say his name. King Thranduil. They see I am afraid and laugh at me. Julian is not pleased with them and intervenes. He explains and assures me that this King will be of no threat to us as long as we do not cross his borders. I feel better. Now he...he is asking me to dance!! My stomach flutters intensely. I tell him I would be honored, then smile and take his hand.

I feel drunk against his body but it is not from the wine. I am shaking.

Child, why do you tremble?

It upsets me that he still calls me a child.

I...I am not a child anymore. I am a woman now and I have a name. You were married to Caroline when she was my age.

He is laughing and smiling. My mistake. Old habit I suppose. Forgive me. Of course you are a woman...Josselyn.

I apologize for being rude. I ask him where Caroline is. He says she is entertaining with her tarot cards. We finish the dance and he sits with me by the fire. We talk and laugh for a very long time. He tells me he has a surprise for me when we leave tomorrow. He laughs and says he must go now and make sure Caroline has not fallen down a hole somewhere. He says she does not handle the liquid spirits very well. He strokes my cheek and leaves. I am alone again and bored. I go to watch the eclipse. Caroline said we have the power to look at it.

Some time has passed and so has the eclipse. I need to pee. I'm walking through the forest. I hear moaning. I see Julian and Caroline kissing against a tree. I hide so they do not think I am spying on them. I can hear them. He asks her why she changed her dress. She says she spilled wine all over herself. They are quiet. I peek around the tree and...they are...they are having sex. I cannot watch. I sneak away. It starts to rain really hard. I am happy so no one will see my tears. I wish it was me with Julian. I...I love him.

I run into the trailer and...I cannot believe my eyes!! I see Caroline!! She's smoking, drunk and...and wearing the dress she wore earlier, the one she just told Julian only minutes ago that she spilled wine on??

Joss? What's wrong dear? You look like you've seen a ghost.

I...I don't under...how...how did you get here so fast and...your dress...you were just wearing a different one because you told Julian you spilled wine on this one.

What ever do you mean? I have been wearing this dress all night and I have not seen Julian in awhile, so I have been in here waiting for him since I knew it was going to rain. I can always sense it.

But I...I just saw you with him...in the forest. I..I swear I did not mean to see. I..I just needed to go to the bathroom and...

See...what??? How much wine have you had?

You..you and he were...well...you...you know...what men and women....do....in the bedroom.

She is silent and staring at me. The door opens. Julian walks in soaking wet. He is silent too and extremely stunned to see Caroline. Something is happening. They both seem to know, but I do not. Caroline is shaking and very angry. Her anger is making the trailer shake too. Julian tells her she is scaring me. It is true. I am scared. I have never seen her so enraged.

That BITCH!! Where is Cassie Julian??!!! I smell her all over you!!! How could you not know it was not me?????!!!!!! I smell of honey. She smells of cherries!!!

Julian seems disoriented and stumbles to the chaise longue.

But she did smell of honey.

You bewitched fool!!

Caroline storms out the door. I tend to Julian. I ask him what has happened. Who is Cassie? He whispers to me before he falls asleep.

One of Caroline's many sisters. Her twin.

I did not know she had any sisters, let alone a twin. She never spoke of them.

Julian is fast asleep. I caress his soft cheek. I...I kiss his supple lips and confess my love for him, then I go to look for Caroline. I am worried.

It is pouring and foggy. It is so dark, but my eyes can strangely see very well. I hear voices. Angry voices that sound like the same person. I...I see them in a clearing, but I stay hidden behind a tree. I have to blink many times, for if it were not for their clothes, I would not know which one is Caroline. They are identical.

You will pay for this Cassandra! He is MY husband!

I have already unfairly suffered by you because of your unjustified jealousy. But no more! It is your turn to suffer sister! You took from me and now I have taken from you.

Unjustified?? I am the 7th born daughter. I am the one who is supposed to have children, not you!

Oh but you are so wrong. I am the 7th born. Father told me the truth of how our places were mixed up right after mother gave birth. He figured it out recently because of my powers. I am a weaver like mother. The most powerful of witches. It is not my fault that I can conceive and you cannot! You terminated all of my pregnancies with your black magic! SIX of them! All girls! Goran left me because of you! He said an unbearing wife was useless to him! But a 7th daughter I will have and it will be by a 7th son! There is no magic that will undo it! It has been written in the eclipse of the solstice. You should know the consequences of using black magic Carrie. By the power of 3 times 3, so mote it be you baby stealing bitch!

Viktor is a liar!! YOU'RE a liar!! I should have just killed you. I will kill you now. You cannot have a child, especially Julian's child if you are dead!!!

Caroline sends a bolt of electricity at her sister. Cassandra is quick and smacks it away. She is hysterically laughing at Caroline.

Oh sister. Your power is no match for mine. You know nothing of my capabilities and quite frankly, neither did I until recently...and guess what Carrie darling? I've been practicing!

Cassandra raises her hands to the sky and she screams. It's deafening. Caroline and I both cover our ears and drop to our knees. The rain pierces down like nails. I have to now cover my head. There's lightning bolts. The wind rages and howls. It is hard to see but I can definitely see what's forming in the sky. It's a tornado!!!

I'm now clutching the tree to stay grounded as my legs are trying to be sucked into the air. Cassandra's hair and dress whips about, but she stands firm against the wind. Caroline has nothing but the earth to cling to. Lightning bolts pummel the ground around her. She's screaming. She gets up to run but the wind lifts her. She is thrown against a tree, face first. The same tree she threw Cassandra against. Cassandra begins to chant. I recognize the words. It is a nursery rhyme. The itsy bitsy spider. Any power I have is useless to fend her sister off but I must do something. I pull myself to the front of the tree where Cassandra can see me. I scream as loud as I can for her to leave Caroline alone. She hears me.

The very moment she whips her head in my direction, the storm stops. All is still and silent. Cassandra gasps and runs away when our eyes connect. I run to Caroline. She is dirty and bloody. I help her to her feet and we embrace.

She says I cannot tell Julian or anyone what I heard. She says I must help her with a future plan to take care of Cassie. Although I don't like what she did to Cassandra, I tell her I will help because I feel responsible for what happened because I told what I saw. She tells me only Cassie and Julian are to blame and that we have to leave now. The spiders will soon come from the dark forest of Mirkwood. There will be too many to fight off, even with magic.

Everyone is packed up. It is the twilight hours before sunrise. Julian is still in a deep sleep. We cannot wake him. Caroline says he'll be fine. He is high on Belladonna. She jokes he should have been given a lethal dose. I am worried for him. Caroline blames him just as she does Cassandra. I am conflicted. I love them both but I don't want her to hurt him. After her comment and with what she has done to her own sister, I believe now that she would.

Caroline and I are heading to the trailer. I hear something and stop. A rustling sound in the forest. In the distance, I hear a woman singing. Caroline hears it too. It's that nursery rhyme again.

The itsy bitsy spider crawled up the water spout. Down came the rain and washed the spider out. Out came the sun and dried up all the rain and the itsy bitsy spider went up the spout again.

Caroline shouts for everyone to go now!!

We don't make it inside. At least a dozen spiders as big as our trailers emerge from the trees. They barricade the path and surround us. I hide with Caroline under the trailer. The armed drivers protect the horses while the rest of our men fight to protect us and their own. Some of them are warlocks with powers. They have set some on fire.

The spiders become distracted. Someone...or something is here. What is that in the trees???!! They are attacking the spiders with bows and swords. I soon realize they are elves. 4 of them, but two stand out to me. A male with long light hair, a female with red. I have never seen one before. They are not much different from us, just their attire and ears. They move with such grace and agility. The light haired one is swinging down a spider's own line of silk. He lands on the spider and slides down a hill on top of it as if it were a sled. He pulls a knife from behind his back and kills it, then he has his bow ready to kill another before they even stop sliding.

In merely minutes, all the remaining spiders are dead. Two of the elves are speaking with our men. It does not appear any are injured. The other two of light and red hair are speaking to one another. I cannot understand their language.

Caroline crawls out to speak with them. I am still too scared and stay beneath the trailer. She seems to know who they are. She calls the redhead Tauriel and the blonde one Prince Legolas. Caroline thanks them and asks why they have come. She swears to them that we had not crossed their borders. Legolas speaks to her in English. His voice is deep. He tells her they were alerted by the unnatural storm. They had also heard the summoning of the spiders. It is too close to their borders and the spiders are already a nuisance to their realm. Caroline thanks them again for their help and mentions how his notorious father would not have. Legolas clarifies that he is not his father but that we must go now, for his father will not be so kind to our kind. He believes us perpetually nefarious without exception and will hold us responsible for the too near invasion. He informs that more spiders will come to claim their dead. He says they will stay and rid of them.

Legolas turns to walk away. He sees me!! He raises a curious brow at me. I'm shaking like a leaf. He smells of leaves. Minty ones. His eyes are like no other color. They remind me of moonstones. I nervously smile at him. He does not smile and walks away.

We are now on our way. I ask where we are going now. Caroline says we are going to a friend's cabin. It is far North of the Grey mountains on remote land and it will be a very long journey. Weeks, maybe longer with resting nights and frequent stops for the horses to eat, drink and rest. I have never been past the Northern mountains.

I have forgotten what day it is. All I can focus on is the tension and silence between Julian and Caroline. They have not slept in the same room. Caroline...she's changing. She's bitter and cold...even to me sometimes. She drinks and smokes a lot more. I used to hear her cry herself to sleep, but not anymore. It is like she has went numb. The way she looks at Julian now makes my skin crawl. I try to remain helpful but at the same time, stay out of her way. I do not want her as an enemy.

We have arrived at. It is dark and late. it is very remote like Caroline said. All I see is open land and miles of forestry. The cabin is glowing with candlelight from every window. The other travelers head near the forest to set up their camps and we go inside the cabin. The table is full of food and drink. The fireplace is lit for something that is cooking in a large black kettle. It smells like stew. That is not all I smell. I...I smell...old spice. It...it can't be. I spin around and look at Julian. He is smiling his big beautiful smile.

I found something for you. Surprise Josselyn.

I spin back around and see my grandfather magically standing at the table. He...he looks so different. His clothes are different. He wears a robe. He is so thin. He has cut his long hair to shoulder length. he reminds me of a wizard.

Grandfather?? How...wh...where have you been for the past 3 years?

He grins at me. Where else? Looking for you my child. Welcome home.

@redeemer46

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izzy-b-hands · 6 months

Text

This was meant to be an excerpt that might or might not go in the in-progress Ed's Midwifery Charge fic, but it maybe turned into a mini fic of its own?

Idk, but it's Izzy and Ed and the baby from the sort of au I've created with that fic and they're so tired. So so tired. (aka I got to relive helping my family stay up with my younger cousins when they were newborns while writing this lmao)

“How about a story about sleeping?” Ed says, voice pitched as high as it can go, strained. “I bet Izzy has a story about sleeping, and going to sleep, and staying asleep-”

Izzy nods as he racks his brain for a story both relevant and baby-appropriate. “There was the night we slept hiding in Jackie's attic.”

“Oh yeah,” Ed doesn't stop moving, still gently bouncing on his feet. “And she nearly caught us fucking midway through the night.”

“I don't think Basilica cares about that part of it.”

“Well, after that night we almost thought we'd be doing this with one of our own,” Ed raises a brow as he moves past Izzy. “So it's a cautionary tale, as well as a lovely story about how nice it is to fall asleep so other people can also sleep. Basilica, I really can’t recommend it enough, the sleeping thing.”

“I can take a turn,” Izzy holds out his arms. “Come on, I know your arms are going numb.”

“Only a little,” Ed turns back and gently deposits Basilica into his arms. “What else can we do here…most people find it soothing to be rocked by a ship; how is the double rocking of us and the ship not doing it for her?”

“We can ask the crew for help,” Izzy murmurs, settling into a gentle rock as he starts to pace the floorboards of Ed's quarters. “They've said they would help-”

“They need to be rested for the next raid,” Ed interrupts. “And on guard in case anyone fucks with us during the night.”

“We could take turns-” Izzy pauses. He can feel the tension rising. This isn't worth the argument. “We could…I don't know, rock more with the ship's motion? We already are, but-”

“Don't discredit any ideas that might win this for us,” Ed murmurs as he walks up behind Izzy and leans, rocking with him.

“She's an infant; it isn't a competit-”

“Shhh,” Ed shushes him and wraps his arms around Izzy's waist. “Just sleeping, and rocking, and the waves are so-”

Ed pauses.

“Is this making you feel a bit sick?” Izzy asks softly. “Because I might admit, for myself-”

“Yeah, no, we gotta stop or I'm gonna hurl,” Ed mutters, but he doesn't move from Izzy's back. “Kid, you need sleep. We need sleep. Please.”

The thing is, Basilica isn't crying. Simply staring up at them with her wide, unfocused eyes. In theory, she could be laid in her bassinet and would potentially fall asleep…

“Dare we try laying her down again?” Izzy asks, half to himself and half to Ed. “She cried the last time.”

“Maybe if we give her a few minutes, she'll relax and stop and try to sleep,” Ed yawns in his ear. “That could be a thing that happens. God, that would be so cool if that happened.”

“You have to let go of me for me to set her down.”

“In a minute,” Ed mumbles, breath warm on his neck, in his hair. “That was a good night, that night in the attic.”

“It was,” Izzy murmurs. He can't help but smile at the memory of it: cuddling with their clothes as a mattress and a rough blanket of Jackie's as their covers, that had turned into teasing and mumbling that they'd be careful, mindful of their lack of condoms (too expensive when they didn't have the scratch to pay for a room at Jackie's, or to at least rent the attic versus hiding in it.)

“Try laying her down,” Ed steps back from him. “I'm sure we can handle a few minutes of crying until she sleeps.”

For the first minute, it seems like they might. She's upset, but not crying too hard or loudly. Just a minute to adjust to not being held, maybe.

“What would you say if I said I kind of want to reenact that night?” Ed steps closer again.

“I…” Izzy sighs. “Would love to say yes. And I think you already know that, but-”

She’s still crying, little face screwed up and tiny fingers curled into fists.

He catches Ed’s gaze. “I don’t think we’re going to get a chance to do that tonight.”

“No, we’re not,” Ed sighs deeply and picks Basilica up again. “They’re gonna start talking about you as the cruel captain of this ship. Not letting people sleep, throwing up on them, being so demanding! But you’re cute enough I think you can get away with it.”

“Do you really want…” Izzy continues hesitantly. “Another night, you and I-”

“I wouldn’t have said it if I didn’t mean it,” Ed interrupts. “Do we have any more coffee?”

“No,” Izzy replies, wondering how much Ed really means it. He said he’d meant to have them kill Bonnet, and that hadn’t happened. He’d more than once told him he was done with Jack, wouldn’t let him back onboard to fuck up their and their crew’s lives. That had been false too.

“Then we’re raiding as much for that as we are anything else tomorrow,” Ed frowns. “How the fuck did we run out?”

“We’ve been busy,” Izzy shrugs. “Babies will do that to you, I think. We could stop at the nearest port, sell some of the loot-”

“And risk someone attempting to make good on the bounty on my head?” Ed scoffs as he bounces, Basilica still wailing in his arms. “You really are tired, or I know you wouldn’t have suggested that.”

“I am. I’m sorry.”

For a moment, Ed’s gaze softens. “Yeah. We’re both tired. We’ll take whatever we can from whoever we raid…I keep saying tomorrow, but it’s already tomorrow, isn’t it?”

Izzy nods as he lets himself lean against the nearest wall, to keep himself standing and awake. “It’s past midnight, I know that much.”

“Maybe rocking in the bassinet?” Ed asks, but seemingly more to himself than anyone else, setting Basilica back in it with a pained wince. “I know; I’m so sorry. But you have to sleep, eventually. So do we, and maybe this won’t be so bad, hm? Please stop crying.”

Izzy joins him at the other side of the bassinet, both of them gently tapping it to one side then the other, and he realises Ed is crying. “Ed. If you want to lay down yourself-”

“I just feel bad that she’s still crying,” Ed sniffles, and the tears really start to fall. “We’re doing everything we can and she’s still crying so hard but she’s so little. Have you seen her toes?”

“I have,” Izzy smiles softly. “We’ve been counting them, making sure they aren’t going anywhere.”

He doesn’t mean to allude to what Ed’s done to him, the comment is genuinely a joke. He can recall, as a young child helping his mother, watching excited new parents counting every toe and finger, eyes, tapping the tip of an impossibly tiny nose. He only means that, not what he’s sure Ed is thinking of as Ed looks at him.

“You were this little once.”

“Um,” Izzy nods. “I was. So were you. So were all of us, I presume. Except maybe Buttons, he might have started out as a gull…”

“Your toes were this tiny.” Ed’s gaze upon him feels almost like a burn now, with Ed silently sobbing as he stares.

“They were. I regret they didn’t stay that cute and small, though that probably would have been its own issue. They’re not that cute now, I know that much-”

Ed leans across the bassinet, pausing it in its rocking, and pulls him into a kiss.

As they part, Ed blinks hard. “I’m sorry.”

“What?”

“I,” Ed pauses. “I’m. I don’t want anyone doing that to Basilica. Where can we…who can we give her to, so that won’t ever happen?”

“I don’t know for sure,” Izzy says, and there’s surprise at hearing his own breath hitch, realising there are tears streaming down his own face. “But we’ll do our best. We’ll find someone.”

“I can’t keep doing this,” Ed mutters desperately. “To myself, or to you, or the crew-”

“Okay,” Izzy stands and moves back to Ed, helping him off the floor as Basilica cries. “You lay down.”

“But-”

“Just do it,” Izzy sniffles as he wipes away tears. “Give me a minute.”

It takes another few minutes to set it up, and Ed is beside him again by the second one. “We don’t have enough blankets for this.”

“No, but a traditional blanket fort wouldn’t be safe when she’s this little,” Izzy sighs. “This might work though.”

The floor is littered in the few remaining cushions (most stabbed a few times, but still soft enough), a smattering of their remaining blankets. The rest of the blankets he’s stabbed to the wall, using the multitude of small knives already in various walls around the room. Stretched out and pinned low as they are, it’s the closest he can get to making them a blanket fort that can safely fit the bassinet.

“Here we go,” Ed weeps softly as they lay down inside of it, both helping to rock the bassinet again. “See, you’re okay. We’re all okay. And now that you’re safe and cosy, you can sleep! Please try and sleep.”

“She will,” Izzy says as he adjusts, to get as comfortable as he can. “And so will we. Worse case scenario, Frenchie and Jim take turns leading the raids tomorrow.”

“That’s fine,” Ed mumbles. “Do you think Stede is safe, right now?”

It takes him a moment, to think of how to say it right. To say it how Ed probably needs to hear it, versus how he wants to say it. “I think Stede is okay. I’d bet he’s complaining, maybe a bit cold or somewhere damp, but if he’s back somewhere on the sea like I’m sure he is-”

“You really think that, don’t you?” Ed asks incredulously. “That he’s back out here, looking for us?”

“It wouldn’t surprise me,” Izzy shrugs, gently tapping the bassinet as it leans his way. Inside, Basilica has quieted to sniffles and hiccups, much like himself. Tears never last long for him, even when he wants to cry. It’s like there’s some shut off valve in his mind that keeps them from sticking around. “And he’s probably found his crew again, those that aren’t with us-”

“That we marooned,” Ed interjects. “She’ll never do anything to get herself marooned. And if anyone does maroon you, Basilica, I’ll kill them for you. I swear it.”

Izzy makes a mental note to do his best to keep in touch with whoever takes the baby from them. Even if the letters aren’t monthly or even bi-monthly, Ed will want some reminder that she’s still safe and being well looked after. “And they might not be doing as well as they were. We have his fancy, expensive ship, after all.”

“We do,” Ed nods. “You really don’t mind it?”

“It’s ostentatious. He made certain choices I wouldn’t, for the overall health of the ship but…she is very pretty.”

It’s right on the cusp of awkward, and he’s aware of how carelessly they’re dancing on it. But they haven’t been this open and honest with each other in years, and there’s an ache in his chest as he realises how much he’s been missing it.

“She is,” Ed nods again. “Oh, but this is even prettier. Someone’s sleeping.”

Basilica is, finally, lightly sleeping. Tiny chest moving up and down, the occasional sniffle still from all her crying.

“We can sleep now too,” Izzy smiles softly.

“We can,” Ed sighs. “But maybe a few more minutes up. Just want to make sure she’s still-”

“Breathing?” Izzy adds. “Yeah, I know. I mean, she’s fine. We can see that.”

“We can,” Ed says as he adjusts, cracking his back in the process. He winces at the sound. “Sorry. But if we sleep right away, and something happens to change that-”

“I’d never forgive myself,” Izzy interrupts.

“Me neither,” Ed breathes out, and Izzy realises they’ve both been holding their breaths in time with Basilica’s breathing. “A few more minutes awake then, to be safe.”

“Or an hour.”

“Or two.”

The time doesn’t really matter. As exhausted as he is, he doesn’t want the bubble of the moment to burst. They’re not exactly happy, they’re not exactly safe, but this is better than it’s been by a lot. Better than he feels he’d have any right to ask for.

#text post #long post #i wanna ship tag this but i admit I am nervous #i know this won't be everyone's cup of tea but. im proud of this and the whole idea and au silly as it is lmao

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