#{When the dark night delivers the day};Nel | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

monstersandmaw · 1 year ago

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Laces for a Lady - 18th century, poly, shifters x human romance - Chapter Six (sfw)

Disclaimer which I’m including in all my works after plagiarism and theft has taken place: I do not give my consent for my works to be used, copied, published, or posted anywhere. They are copyrighted and belong to me.

Thanks for answering the poll about length of chapters - much appreciated!

Really hope you enjoy this one. It's a bit of a quieter tone, but things get a touch more 'intimate' next time... It's my favourite scene so far anyway. *shrug*. I've fettled with this chapter so much now that I can't see the wood for the trees, so here it is anyway.

Content: a chance encounter with Edmund leads to some clarification, and an invitation is delivered to Heath Top House that sends a chill of dread through Winnie but opens up an opportunity for Nel... Wordcount: 2995

Catch up here: Part One (sfw), Part Two (sfw), Part Three (sfw), Part Four (sfw), Part Five (sfw)

By the time she reached the front door of the manor house, Nel could hardly see for the tears that made her vision swim and shift, but she made it upstairs to her room before bursting into a shuddering flood of emotion that threatened to drown her completely.

She ached more than ever for the easy, familiar companionship of her best friend, but she missed something else besides Will’s steady presence; something that had been teased before her that very night, but which she would probably never know in earnest: the true affection of a lover’s touch.

Plus, she’d made a complete fool of herself in nearly kissing Locryn Trevethan like that — Lammas Dance liberties be damned — and guilt and shame at what Edmund Nancarrow must think of her now flooded through her like one of the breakers which had nearly drowned her on the beach. With a shuddering huff of despair, she sank onto her bed and wept bleakly until her head ached and her throat was raw.

Outside her window, the music and dancing continued late into the night, and the laughter got more raucous and rowdy as the night wore on. She hoped Locryn and Ned were among those laughing, and Winnie too. Perhaps Locryn would dance with the young woman with whom she’d seen Edmund talking and laughing earlier. She had had the same large, brown eyes and pale skin as Edmund, and Nel wondered if she too was one of the numerous Nancarrows whom Aggie had mentioned living in the area; perhaps a cousin or a younger sister.

At some point hours later, when the music had faded and folks seemed to have drifted home in dribs and drabs, her bedroom door opened and she heard Winnie’s soft voice whisper her name. She feigned sleep from the depths of her chilly bed, her dress abandoned on the floorboards nearby, and the sliver of light on the ceiling retreated, plunging the room into midnight shadow once again.

That night she dreamed once more of thundering surf and dark kelp, and of the silvery flash of something swimming between the seaweed that wasn’t the eel’s tail she’d seen in her dreams before. She got the odd impression that she was being searched for as she lurked down among the shadows at the bottom of a deep, submerged cove, and in the dream she tried to conceal herself further in the fronds of kelp that brushed against her sides like a lover’s hands.

For three days after the dance, Nel could barely muster the energy to leave her bed, let alone go out of the house.

She pretended to have caught a chill, sitting in the library by a small and rather unnecessary fire that Davis had insisted on lighting for her, and reading the novels that Winnie regularly sent for from a bookseller in Bath.

Eventually though, she got past her dark mood, and took Blackthorn out again on more wild gallops along the coastal path, sometimes almost as far to the west from Polgarrack as Lantic Bay.

“Will you come into town with me?” Winnie asked one morning as they sat finishing a late breakfast beside the fire.

Nel shot a glance at the raindrops tracking down the windows, and pulled a face. “Today?”

“Yes,” Winnie sighed. “I want to post a letter to James’ sister in London, and I’ve already put it off for two days.”

“Can’t you ask Liddy to post it for you when she goes in anyway this afternoon?”

“I suppose I could,” Winnie said. “But I had hoped to catch the second post. We’ll take the carriage, obviously.”

Poor driver and horses, Nel thought, but said nothing.

After picking at the remainder of her eggs, she went to change into her usual, sturdy redingote, and by the time Nel was done, Winnie was already waiting for her, and the small carriage was just drawing up outside with the driver huddled under a wide-brimmed hat and an enormous, oiled cloak. He looked more like a pilchard fisherman than a coachman.

They posted Winnie’s letter and decided to sit at a table in The Lantern with a warming drink to drive the chill from their fingers and toes. “Before we go back, and now that the rain has eased off a little, I want to look for some more ribbon,” Winnie said as she finished her small cup of spiced wine. “Do you mind?”

Nel shook her head. For all that she was confident in calling herself Winnie’s friend by that point, she was also still a paid companion, and she wasn’t paid to object to Winnie’s whims, so the two of them settled the bill for their drinks and scuttled out into the rain. It had backed off to a miserable, sheeting drizzle, but the narrow lanes of Polgarrack’s twisting streets sheltered them from the worst of it. They still bustled headlong into the shop in their eagerness to get out of the weather though, and almost ploughed straight into Edmund Nancarrow on his way out.

He barely stepped back in time as Winnie flew in out of the rain, and Nel made it across the threshold with hardly any more grace, but they both drew up short when they realised that they’d almost knocked the man flat. “Oh, I apologise!” Winnie gasped, clapping her hand to her chest. “Please, I’m so sorry.”

“No harm done, m’lady,” he said and then let his gaze slide to Nel. “Miss Bywater.”

“I apologise too. We should have been looking where we were going,” she mumbled. After making such a fool of herself in front of Edmund’s lover, she found she couldn’t meet his gaze, and to her shame, she allowed herself to slink away around the ribbon display without another word.

From the corner of her eye though, she could see the way he lingered in the doorway with his own parcel tucked under one arm. He must have been on an errand for Mr. Fordyce at that time of day, and seemed to be considering whether to confront her about her behaviour with Locryn. She tried to will him away with her thoughts, but she wasn’t hopeful. While Winnie was distracted in a discussion with Mrs. Gwinnel about the best width of a ribbon for a bonnet these days, Edmund made his decision.

He eased himself back around, limping more markedly in the damp weather as he approached, and he looked at her with his head slightly cocked to one side. “Miss Bywater, might I speak with you for a moment?” he enquired in a hushed voice that scarcely carried across the scant distance between them, let alone to the other occupants of the shop.

With a tight, private sigh for herself, she nodded and turned to look at him at last.

He didn’t seem angry or hurt, which she took as a good sign.

Edmund swallowed thickly and offered her a twitchy smile. “Locryn was worried he’d upset you…” he began without preamble. “At the dance.”

“Locryn was worried?” she said, a fraction louder than she’d intended and she immediately lowered her voice to a terse hiss. “I thought… I thought perhaps I might have — ” she bit her lip and blinked rapidly. “I didn’t want to make any trouble for you,” she whispered. “I just wanted — I just wanted to dance with someone for a bit, that’s all. And then when he was kind enough to offer, I… Look, I didn’t mean anything… afterwards…” She had though. She had very much wanted him to kiss her. Frankly, she wanted either of them to kiss her, and she hated herself for the selfishness of it. Let them be happy with each other, she growled at herself.

However, comprehension and a small degree of relief too washed across Edmund’s expression, and the tension melted from him with a little, low laugh.

He shook his head, his mousy hair falling into his dark brown eyes. “Miss Bywater, the last thing that either of us thought of you was that you wanted to make trouble between us. I should thank you though for your… uh… for your discretion regarding our… relationship in front of the Penrose family,” he added. “Not everyone would be as understanding as you after all.”

She shrugged. “My best friend is not so different from you,” she said carefully. “Your situation is not… unknown to me.”

His smile grew from shy to almost awestruck for a moment, and then he glanced over his shoulder out at the rain, and ducked his head in a farewell bob. “Well, that’s all I wanted to tell you,” he said. “That Locryn was worried he’d caused offence and had asked me to apologise if I saw you.” Given that Locryn Trevethan was a bit of a loner and hardly interacted with the folk of the village, it seemed natural that he would have asked Edmund to mass the message along on the off-chance of a meeting.

“Not at all. If anything, I’m the one who should be apologising to him. I shouldn’t have left like that. Will you tell him? Next time you see him.”

Edmund nodded.

Nel heard the soft clunk of heels on the wooden floor behind her, and turned to find Winnie looking from one to the other of them. A fierce blush swept up Edmund’s pale skin from his collarbones to his ears, and he bowed stiffly from the waist, fiddling with his dark, tricorn hat in his hands. “A good day to you both,” he blurted, and bolted out of the door into the soft rain, where he jammed the hat on his head and disappeared out of sight around a corner.

Winnie raised her eyebrows at Nel, and said, “I seem to remember you talking to him at the Lammas Dance, no?”

“I’m surprised you remember anything, given how much cider you’d had,” she quipped reflexively, her sharp tone uttered mostly in defence. Mercifully, Winnie took it with a laugh before Nel could regret the barbed comment towards the person who was her employer, no matter how similar their sense of humour.

“Not enough to have forgotten the tailor’s handsome, soft-spoken assistant,” Winnie said dryly. “Shall we go back, or do you have any business in the village?”

It did not escape Nel’s notice that after that encounter, Winnie took almost every opportunity she had to take Nel into Polgarrack with her.

Most of the time, they never saw Edmund Nancarrow up close, and on only one occasion did she see Locryn Trevethan. He was mooring his little fishing boat at the far end of the harbour wall, and Nel ducked away into the apothecary’s before he could look up. If Winnie was being insufferably insistent about Nel ‘conveniently’ running into Edmund again, she certainly didn’t need Winnie noticing something strange with the village’s semi-wildman, Locryn, as well.

One morning over breakfast, Lord Penrose waved a heavy-looking piece of card stock around like it was a little flag, and chortled merrily into his boiled egg. “Winnifred, my dear, we have been invited to the Merrywells’ Christmas ball in Plymouth.” Beside him, his wife beamed at her, but Winnifred looked suddenly a little ill.

“Nel, you’ll come with me, won’t you?” she said immediately, staring wide-eyed at her companion and reaching for her forearm with a thin, birdlike hand. Nel had never seen such open panic in her eyes, even during the lightning storm earlier that summer.

“Certainly, if it wouldn’t be considered presumptuous for me to attend as well…?”

“Of course it wouldn’t!” Winnifred’s father-in-law scoffed, oblivious to — or uncaring of — Winnie’s visible discomfort at the whole idea. “You both must go. Winnifred must have someone her own age attending with her, and the high society of all Wessex will be there! One or two officers of the Navy too, I’d wager,” he added with an over-the-top wink in Nel’s direction.

Nel caught Winnie’s eye again and they came to a silent understanding, even as Nel ignored Lord Penrose’s so casually adding five years to her own age. Winnie was legally secure in her fortunes, and had absolutely no intention of remarrying, but her parents-in-law were clearly only too happy to try and set her up again. Nel would keep her company all evening if necessary. Hell, she’d bark like a guard dog if Winnie asked it of her.

Almost imperceptibly, Nel nodded her head, and Winnie relaxed with a sigh.

“Of course, you’ll both need new dresses,” Mary Penrose cooed. “But we shall have to arrange for Mr. Fordyce to come to the house, since Mrs. Dewell relocated to London.” She added that last as if it were a personal slight to her that their former mantua maker had married and moved to the capital where, no doubt, she could charge better prices.

There were certainly no female mantua makers in the tiny village of Polgarrack, and it was a cost that Lord Penrose was apparently not prepared to pay this time to send for one from Plymouth or Truro, even for the Merrywell’s Christmas Ball. Since it was also too much of a strain on Winnifred to travel herself simply for a fitting, Mr. Fordyce’s skills would have to suffice this time, as they had for the last dress he’d made for Winnie’s birthday in August.

Nel wondered fleetingly if Mr. Fordyce’s presence would mean that Edmund would come too when the master tailor came to discuss colours and details, but she deliberately didn’t spend too long on the thought. The very idea of Edmund’s graceful, pale hands that near her body threatened to recall all those dreams of exposed throats and soft, gasping moans which had long since faded since the nights after his rescue from the waves. She still dreamed of the sea almost every night though, but in a more abstract way.

Two weeks later, as October announced itself in a series of squalling storms, Mr. Fordyce was shown into the drawing room where Winnie and Nel were taking tea while they waited for the tailor to arrive. As Nel looked up, she heard the soft clunk of a cane tip on the wooden floorboards of the hallway outside, and her eyes rose to meet Edmund’s as he entered the room behind his master. Her heart gave a small flutter when she saw him. The shoulders of his simple but perfectly-fitted, dark coat were dusted with water from the short distance between carriage and front door and he had his dark hat tucked under his right arm.

He smiled briefly and bowed in greeting to the two ladies as they rose, and while Winnie spoke with Mr. Fordyce first, Nel found herself moving tactfully away towards the bay window. Winnie hardly needed her opinion on dresses — in fact it was the other way around — so Nel simply waited out of the way.

Outside, rain still hurled itself at the windows in a series of splattering gusts, and the distant sea was a cold, iron grey, and frothed with great white caps. She stared at it until she heard footsteps approaching from behind with the off-beat addition of a cane, and Mr. Nancarrow halted at a polite distance and followed her gaze out to sea.

“The weather is brutal today,” Nel murmured, her breath fogging against the windowpane while runnels of water tracked their way down the glass outside. “It’s a wonder you and Mr. Fordyce ventured out in such conditions.”

Edmund smiled softly when she glanced sidelong at him, and she tried not to notice the way his smooth, clean-shaven cheek dimpled slightly. He had freckles, she realised for the first time. They were very faint — barely a whisper of gold on his pale skin — but they were there all the same, and now that she’d seen them she couldn’t stop noticing them, so she tore her eyes away and looked out at the blurred grounds as the rain continued to race in off the sea.

“Is…” She paused and phrased her question carefully in the hopes he would understand her true meaning, “Is anyone out at sea today, do you think?”

Immediately, his smile lost a bit of its lustre and he sighed and nodded. “Yes,” he said. “Though in truth, to those who have spent more time at sea than on land, she holds little danger.”

“How can you say that?” she asked as she turned sharply to face him, her eyes darting to the pink, new scar just visible on his forehead where his hairline began. “You yourself were nearly drowned not so long ago.”

“True,” he conceded, adjusting his grip on the cane and his weight onto his left leg a little more, with the flicker of a grimace just touching his eyes.

He was clearly in some degree of pain, and trying to keep it to himself. She wondered if the cold and damp made it worse, and hoped that the warmth of the room would ease it a little while he was there. She also wondered how he had come to be hurt in the first place, but wouldn’t presume to ask.

“But… I’m a creature as much of the land as I am the sea,” he went on in his delicately-articulated way. “There are those, like Locryn,” he said with gentle emphasis on his lover’s name, “Who are quite as happy at sea in this weather as they are on a sultry summer day.”

“I find that incredible,” she breathed. “But then again, I grew up in the countryside a good day’s ride from the coast.”

“This must seem a wild and savage place indeed to you then,” he said gently, and not without a little sadness as he gazed at her.

He was not much taller than her, but she still had to raise her chin a little to meet his eyes.

She shrugged. “It’s not without its beauty too, Mr. Nancarrow.”

Next time, Nel gets measured for her new dress...

Next chapter ->

I hope you’re still enjoying it, and I hope you’ll consider reblogging as well as leaving a like if you enjoyed it. Take care of yourselves, and I hope you have a lovely day/night wherever you are, and whenever you read this.

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#laces for a lady #18th century romance #18th century #poly shifter romance #shifter romance #polyamory #historical fantasy #selkie x human #selkie #selkie x bucca x human #bucca #cornish folklore #exophilia #monster boyfriends

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scripts4dreamers · 4 years ago

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I literally JUST sat down, pt.2

Part One, Part Three, Part Four, Part Five, Part Six, Part Seven

AN: The case stalls, but no one’s willing to give up on you just yet. Characters: Spencer Reid, Penelope Garcia, Derek Morgan, Aaron Hotchner, Jennifer Jareau, David Rossi.

Pairings: Spencer Reid x reader

Spoilers: None

Warnings: Mentions of crime and violence, alcohol

(Again! Massive shoutout to @pirateismywayofspeaking for the constant support and ideas! And lemme know if you want to be added to the taglist!)

—————————-

It’s a well known fact that there are three certainties in life; death, taxes and the willpower of one Penelope Garcia. In less than an hour she had somehow organized to get all your clothes and personal possessions delivered right to the BAU, packed in your favorite suitcases and all. A couple of things had to be kept in evidence because the UnSub might have come into contact with them, but all the important stuff was there. It was comforting, having your stuff safe with you and, as you sat through the long and rigorous process of being interviewed, you felt better.

“And you’re 100% sure that none of your employees could have possibly done this?” Rossi asked, “Maybe someone you recently fired? Or someone who has a history of violence?”

You gave him an incredulous look, “Rossi, come on. Do you really think I’d be stupid enough to hire someone with a violent past?”

“You checked everyone out?”

“Full background checks on all three employees,” you agreed, “the harshest thing on any of their records was a parking ticket and a decade old charge for underage drinking.”

Hotch sighed, rubbing his temples right where you knew he got headaches.

“We know the poem is significant to the UnSub. It’s an old love poem, so it’s got to be someone who has some sort of connection to you,” he repeated, “it's personal.”

You shook your head, “Hotch, I don’t know what to tell you. I haven’t had a romantic relationship in years. There’s not a lot of time when you work 14 hour days.”

“Don’t we know it,” Rossi agreed, “so, a stalker, maybe?”

“That’s a hell of a way to make first contact,” you scoffed, “a phone call would be less risky.”

“And less effective.”

You conceded the point with a head tilt, and then looked back at Hotch, “Hotch, can we take a break? We’ve been at this for hours.”

“Of course,” he agreed, “get some rest, Y/L/N.”

“No, it’s okay, there’s work to be done here. I can stay,” you assured, stretching your stiff limbs.

Hotch shot you a look, but said nothing, obviously sensing that you weren’t going to give in without some sort of fight. Instead, he just gave you a terse nod, and walked out, leaving you with Rossi.

“You’re impossible, you know that, right?” He said.

You smiled, shrugging, “What can I say, Ros? I learned from the best.”

He chuckled, shaking his head and ruffling your hair as he walked past you, “Good to have you back, kid.”

The bullpen was busy when you walked back in, suitcases in hand, striding your way over to your old desk. It’s scary how little had really changed in the year since you’d been gone. Aside from Spencer’s semi-annual hair evolution, everything was the same; the smells, the sights, even the comforting clack of Garcia’s heels against the floor. It was comforting, almost painfully so but, as you reached your old desk, you noticed something was wrong.

“Whose stuff is this?” You asked, gesturing to the stacks of files and piles of paper scattered all over the surface.

“Mine,” Emily said, not even looking up from her work.

“But...you have a desk,” you pointed out.

“And now I have two,” she replied simply, “you can sit somewhere else.”

She was being stubborn and you felt a lick of irritation flare up inside your chest. Emily Prentiss had been one of your closest friends for years and, when you’d left the BAU, she’d taken it the hardest. Any other time, you would have understood her resentment but, given the circumstances, you weren’t feeling particularly generous.

You crossed your arms over your chest, “And where do you suggest I sit?”

Emily shrugged and gave you a sickly sweet smile, “You can share with Reid.”

You felt yourself flush with heat. Emily had known about your feelings for Spencer, she’d even encouraged you to act on them. You knew she’d never actually betray your trust, but even that subtle dig was enough to make you want to argue. You opened your mouth but, before you could say anything, Spencer interrupted.

“Here, Y/N,” he smiled, patting a spot beside him, “I’ve got space.”

You pressed your lips together, but relented when he took the time to pull an empty chair over for you to sit in.

“Thanks, Reid,” you said, taking the offered seat.

“So, did you and Hotch figure anything out?” Spencer asked.

You shook your head, “Nothing we didn’t already know. Rossi thinks it might be some kind of stalker?” You offered.

Spencer frowned, “A stalker? That doesn’t make any sense, what kind of stalker starts off their pursuit with a murder?”

“A very, very desperate one.” Emily offered.

You wanted to snap something like; ‘oh, so now you’re talking to me?’ but you bit your tongue. You knew you were on edge, and now wasn’t the time to lash out at the only people who could really help you.

“Or very deranged.” Spencer suggested

You shuddered, picturing a faceless man in all black running his blood soaked hands across your walls, drawing a jagged smiley face above your bed, memorizing the faces in your pictures. You exhaled and pushed the thought away.

“Does this even count as an escalation?” You asked, “I’m not sure there’s really anywhere to go from here.”

You were met with stony silence as Emily and Spencer inspected their respective files. You knew what they were thinking, what everyone was thinking; whatever this was, it was bad news.

“Do we know who our victim is, yet?” Spencer asked.

“Nope,” you sighed, “the UnSub burned off his fingerprints and removed several of his molars before he dumped the body, the ME is doing her best to get a DNA match, but it’ll take time.”

“The mutilation is odd, considering there wasn’t any evidence of torture on the victim before they died,” Spencer said.

“It’s gotta be a forensic countermeasure,” Emily agreed, “but it’s extremely sophisticated. Our UnSub must have experience with law enforcement.”

“But as a perp or a cop?”

You sighed and buried your head in your hands, letting the familiar back and forth wash over you like white noise. You’d had this conversation before, many many times, and it never got any easier. Usually you lived for the puzzle but, now that you were the one under scrutiny, it felt like your brain was rebelling against you.

“Y/N/N?” Spencer asked, touching your shoulder gently and snapping back to reality.

“Mm?” You replied.

His face softened as he took in the exhaustion radiating off your body.

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

You nodded, “Just a little drained, that’s all.”

The clicking of heels against the floor drew your attention and you looked up just in time to see Garcia swooping in with her purse.

“You ready to go, crime fighter?” She smiled.

“Go where?” You asked,

“Home!” She smiled, “I have the honor and privilege of hosting you tonight.”

“Garcia-“ you started.

“No! No arguing.” She insisted, “I’ve already found us a lovely little Thai place for dinner, and there’s a bunch of episodes of Buffy the Vampire Slayer lined up on my DVR.”

You groaned, rolling your eyes fondly, “I hate how well you know me.”

She smiled devilishly, “Sounds good, right?”

“It sounds incredible and you know that because you’re a super genius who knows literally everything.” You teased, pushing yourself onto your feet, “Okay, Wonder Woman, let’s go.”

As you made your way out of the office, you cast one last look over your shoulder, smiling when Spencer met your eye and gave you a small wave.

————————-

“Okay, Sugar Plum, spill,” Penelope pushed, handing you a full glass of wine, “how’re you really doing?”

“With what?”

Penelope shot you an incredulous look, “With, you know, all of it. The murder, the mystery, being back at work, the Spencer Reid of it all.”

You spluttered through a sip of wine, “The what? ‘Nel, you can’t be serious.”

“What? I’m just asking,” she insisted, “he followed you out earlier, you’re sharing a desk now...it wouldn’t be crazy if maybe your old crush came creeping back in.”

“Penelope” you started, “some creep dropped a dead body in my bookstore and broke into my apartment and you think I’m thinking about Spencer?” She didn’t answer, just raising her eyebrows and you sighed, sliding down the couch, “Okay so I’m pathetic.”

“No you’re not!” She insisted, “You guys were like two peas in a pod, back in the day. Plus, you’ve seen like a thousand dead bodies, you’re probably just desensitized.”

“Still,” you sulked, “I can’t believe I’m still thinking about Spence.”

“Naaaaaaaaw,” she swooned, squeezing your knee, “you called him ‘Spence’, you haven’t done that in ages.”

“Fuck off, Nel” you said without any real malice, burying your face in your hands and sighing again, “please tell me I’m being ridiculous.”

Garcia smiled, a knowing glint in her dark blue eyes as she sipped her wine and watched you squirm. She’d kept in touch with you when you left the BAU, insisting on weekly brunch meetups and girls nights and a million other things that you’re not sure you would’ve survived without. She’d been like a lifeline in those first few months and, because of that, she was the only one who really knew how hard leaving had been for you. She’d been the one who sat through the hours of crying and panicking and wondering who you were without your job, who’d held your hand when you went to get a small business loan, who’d sampled your cookie recipes and helped you design uniforms. Penelope Garcia had been there for all of it. You had a photo of the two of you together at the bookstore next to your bed. It was one of your most treasured possessions.

“Now, Sugar Plum, you know I’ve always had a soft spot for you and the Boy Wonder. He’s lovely, you’re lovely; he loves you, you love him, I love you both, it’s a match made in FBI heaven as far as I’m concerned-“

“But?” You prompted with a rueful smile.

“But,” Penelope agreed, “he took it really hard when you left, and I’m not sure how he’ll handle losing you a second time.”

You frowned, “He never lost me. None of you lost me, I just got a different job! It’s not my fault that basically no one bothered to keep in touch.”

Penelope’s face softened and she smiled at you sympathetically, “Pumpkin, you know it’s not like that. When you’re in the BAU, it’s like we’re living in our own little crime bubble, everything outside just kind of….fades, you know?”

“I know…”

“And with Spencer, well, you know he’s never been the best at dealing with abandonment, the poor thing’s been through so much already,” Penelope continued, “he tried to keep in touch. He really did, and he talked about you all the time.”

“Why are you telling me this?”

She sighed, “I don’t know. I guess I just-“ she shrugged and squeezed your knee again, “I don’t want you to think that he forgot about you, that’s all.”

You felt a small smile tug at the corners of your lips, and you gripped Garcia’s hand.

“Thanks, Nel.”

You knew she was right. Life in the BAU wasn’t like life on the outside; you lived by different rules, took different risks, valued different things. It was strange and intoxicating and you really couldn’t fault your teammates for continuing to play the game the way they always had. You’d chosen to leave and you had to live with the consequences of that.

“Can we talk about something besides boys now, please?” You asked, “I want this girl’s night to pass the bechdel test.”

She smiled and clapped her perfectly manicured hands, “Oh do not fret, ma Cherie because I’ve got so much to catch you up on-“

You listened with rapt attention as Garcia filled you in on the last twelve months of FBI gossip. You laughed together, ate Thai food and just relaxed together. With every Perfectly Penelope story, you felt a little more of your tension slip away and, by the time you made it to bed, you were feeling almost normal.

Penelope had made up the couch for you, complete with pillows and blankets and a homemade quilt. It was comfortable, too comfortable. So comfortable, that your brain had way too much time to mull over what Penelope had said earlier.

Spencer hadn’t just forgotten about you. What did that mean? He’d taken it hard when you left...the questions bounced around your mind like wasps, keeping you awake. Without meaning to, your mind started to drift, sifting through the years worth of memories you’d kept locked away in a box in the back of your mind.

————————

“You are the most insufferable person I’ve ever met,” you laughed, “I’m fine, Spence.”

“You’re not fine, Y/N, you got shot.” Spencer reminded you, his eyes still sparkling with the relief of seeing you alive and in good spirits.

You were sitting in the back of an ambulance, a throbbing pain resonating from the wound in your shoulder as the police searched through the nearby crime scene and Spencer inspected your face. It was cold and dark, but the sirens and flashing lights meant that it was anything but peaceful, and you knew it would still be many hours before either you or Spencer got any sleep.

“Yeah well, we’ve all been shot,” you pointed out, “and, statistically speaking, we have a 100% survival rate.”

Spencer rolled his eyes, but he was smiling so you knew he wasn’t too mad.

“You’re bastardizing my beautiful statistical analysis and using it for evil. Remind me why I’m bothering to check on you, again?” He teased.

“Because you loooooove me,” you teased back, jostling his shoulder with yours, “and because I just took a bullet to the shoulder for you.”

He chuckled but avoided your gaze, focusing on his shoes, “Yeah that would explain it.”

Something in the atmosphere changed and you looked over at Spencer, noticing the way he worried at the inside of his cheek with his hands in his pockets. His brow was furrowed too, like he was sad, and something in your chest pinched.

“You alright there, doc?” You asked.

“Don’t do it again,” he said, looking up and catching your eye.

You paused, “don’t do what?”

“Take a bullet to the shoulder for me,” he explained, “get hurt trying to protect me. Promise me you won’t do it again?”

You pressed your lips together, recognizing the same feeling of fear and guilt in Spencer that you, yourself, felt any time someone you cared about was in danger. You reached out, pulling one of his hands out of his pocket and giving it a gentle squeeze before letting go. Spencer held on for a second longer, his dark eyes filling with something as he took you in.

“You know I can’t promise that, Spence,” you said gently, “if we’re ever in a situation like this again….no way I’m just letting you die to avoid a couple of stitches.”

“No, you don’t-” he paused, getting himself worked up, “you don’t get it. I watched my girlfriend get shot right in front of me, I-I’ve lost so many people that I care about, Y/N, and I can’t lose anyone else. Not for something as stupid as my own life.”

“Your life isn’t some insignificant thing, Spence,” you insisted, “it’s important! To me, to the team, to everyone. We’re a family, Spencer, families have each other’s backs. Always.”

He took a deep breath and nodded, carding his fingers through his hair like he was agitated.

“Just-” he started again, “just promise me you won’t do it again.”

“I can’t.” you insisted, “I can’t make that promise.

He turned to face you, looking more tired than you’d seen him in weeks, “Then promise you’ll be careful. Promise me I won’t lose you too?”

Your heart ached, and you longed to reach out and wrap him up in your arms, but you restrained yourself.

“How about this; I’ll promise that you won’t lose me, if you promise that we’ll always be best friends, and that you’ll try to start valuing your own life as much as you value mine or Morgan’s, deal?” You offered, extending your hand for Spencer to shake.

Spencer frowned, opening his mouth to argue but, before he could, an agent interrupted.

“Agent Y/L/N? Dr. Reid? Agent Hotchner is looking for you.”

———————————-

You snapped back to reality with a jolt, and realised you were lonely. So much time had passed since that night, but you remembered it all perfectly, every detail. It wasn’t an especially meaningful night, there were a million moments just like it, but something about it had stuck. Maybe it was the potential, the wondering, that thing that he never got to say. You wish you’d gotten to hear it now.

You fumbled around in the dark for your cellphone, typing out a message and pressing send before you could think better of it. It was short, and to the point, and you would be shocked if he responded but, once it was done, you felt something in your chest loosen, like maybe you’d been wanting to send that message for a really long time.

To Spencer Reid: Hey, Reid? I’m sorry I left, I never meant to break my promise.

With the heavy weight of remembering suddenly lifted, you realised how tired you were, and you let sleep drag you under. If you’d stayed awake a little longer, you might not have missed the way Spencer kept typing, typing, typing away some message he never sent. Or the eventual response, which only came in three hours later:

You never broke your promise, Y/N. I broke mine.

----------------------

Taglist: @ourfavoritesergeantbarnes, @confused-and-really-hungry, @word-scribbless, @reidloversisforever, @ashookykooky, @l0ve-0f-my-life, @shilohpug, @tangerinenotions95, @petitchatonbleu

#jordsie #jordsie writes #cm #cm imagine #criminal minds #criminal minds headcanons #criminal minds imagine #criminal minds fanfiction #spencer reid #spencer reid imagine #spencer reid x reader #spencer reid x you #spencer reid headcanons #matthew gray gubler x reader #matthew gray gubler imagine #matthew gray gubler x you #matthew gray gubler #Penelope garcia #penelope garcia imagine

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nighttbound · 1 year ago

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"If you walk into my house with muddy shoes and do not leave your mess in the mudroom, I will send you to God myself."

#{When the dark night delivers the day};Nel

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gloves94 · 4 years ago

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To Be So Lonely [Draco Malfoy] 10

Rating: PG-13 Pairings: Draco Malfoy/OC Chapter warnings: Fluff! Angst!

Raised as an orphan, Nel Saintday, endured years of torture from the Slytherin House. The Dark Lord only allowed her existence for her to serve a very specific vile purpose for him. Her birthright dictates for her to choose a side in the Wizarding War… But what would happen if she dares defy the Dark Lord and his wishes? And what happens when she falls for her tormentor? Will Nel fulfill her life’s purpose? And what side will her tormentor, Draco Malfoy, choose? The light that calls to him or the darkness…

CHAPTER MASTERLIST MY MASTERLIST

"Malfoy?" Tracey said loudly.

Nel nodded her head bitterly, arms crossed over her chest as the two made way to the dinning hall for dinner.

"Draco Malfoy?" She repeated in her obnoxiously loud voice. It seemed like his name was the only word she was capable of saying because of the shock.

"Shush!" She elbowed her friend. Throwing a suspicious glance around the corridor hoping nobody else had heard.

"And why- are you doing this again?"

"Because he knows something about my past and I'm pretty sure it's true. Trust me I'd much rather write to his father personally and ask or drug him with some veritaserum but even then the potion doesn't guarantee us any answers."

The two sat down on the table and put their bags aside when Theodore came running into the Great Hall and practically slid in the seat across from them.

"You're going to Hogsmeade with MALFOY?!" He exclaimed. He seemed to be out of breath.

Nel's eyes scanned the room. "Wow, news sure does travel fast 'round here," she shook her head.

"Are you okay?" He asked concerned. "Are you ill? Dying?" He reached over the table and placed a hand on her forehead.

"Just dandy," she grumbled irritated before sticking a potato into her mouth.

"How'd you know?" Tracey arched an eyebrow as she drank her pumpkin juice.

"Malfoy was bragging to the lads back at the dormitory."

Nel rolled her eyes. "Of course," She shook her head. "Those idiots are only fascinated by me because they think I'm related to Salazar Slytherin."

Nel's bored expression fixed across the dinning hall to a very awkward interaction between Lupin and Snape. Nott and Davis blinked at each other exchanging a look.

"But you are-" They said in unison.

"Nope, I'm not," she said more in denial before getting her mouth busy and taking a huge bite out of a bread roll. Being related to Slytherin himself meant being related to You-Know-Who and that… That was not possible. It wasn't something Nel wanted to even think about it.

"But you are-" Tracey insisted. "You're a Parselmouth."

"So?" She retorted irritated. "So's Potter and he's not related to Slytherin as far as we know."

"Yeah, but You-Know-Who gave it to him." "Well maybe he did something to me to!" She snapped at her two friends. The two inched away from her exchanging a worried look. "Sorry," She lowered her head and put her utensils down after her outburst. "This… This is why I'm entertaining Malfoy. Maybe the persons who left me at the abbey, maybe they were my parents. It's a big clue." She explained.

Theodore and Tracey had no choice but to agree.

It was then that mail was delivered and her owl, Barberry, came swooping down dropping two letters in front of her. The first was from Professor Lupin, it was written in his perfect loopy handwriting that slanted to the right.

"Ms. Saintday, Please meet me at my office after dinner. It is important. Thank you. - Professor R. Lupin."

Her friends commented on what could Lupin possibly want with her. She shrugged and regardless met the professor's eyes across the table and nodded.

The second letter was written in a familiar sharp handwriting.

"E, Front of the castle. Tomorrow. Noon. - D'

"Ooooh, how mysterious," Tracey joked reading over her shoulder. "I wonder who D could possibly be," she said sarcastically.

Who did he think he was kidding?

She turned to seek Draco's eyes in the Great Hall and when she met them she crumbled the note up with her hand. He simply raised his eyebrows in acknowledgement. The slightest of curves on his lips.

Whatever, she left the dinning hall ready to meet Professor Lupin in his office.

Arriving at Lupin's office she was surprised to find Harry Potter there instead.

"Let me guess," She began. "Lupin cited you as well?" She said closing the door behind her. Swaggering down the steps of the DaDa office and sitting on top of a nearby trunk.

"Is it true you're going to Hogsmeade with Malfoy?" He asked bluntly.

Nel sighed and raised her head back before letting out a loud frustrated groan. Now even the Gryffindor boys new. IT wouldn't be long before Pansy found out and came to murder Nel. Best to be prepared for that.

"It's a long story," She rubbed her tired eyes. "He's holding something over me," she admitted quickly changing the topic. "Why is everyone so intrigued by the fact that we're going to Hogsmeade? It's not even a big deal," she shrugged.

How could anyone not be intrigued by the two of them going to Hogsmeade? Draco was the unofficial Prince of Slytherin and Nel was the potential sole living descendant of Salazar Slytherin. She was a hostile blood traitor, who kept everyone at arms length and was infamously known for her ill temper and distaste for the Slytherin boys. Specially for Malfoy whom she was usually clashing with on the daily.

"Maybe because you two hate each other? Everybody knows that."

He wasn't wrong.

"Thank you," he added. "For what you did in class the other day, but I can fight my own battles."

She huffed slightly yet said nothing. He shouldn't flatter himself like that. She really hadn't done it for him. Maybe it was best to let him think that.

"Do you recon we're in trouble?" She asked changing the topic. After all Lupin had caught her passing notes in class just the other day.

"No Ms. Saintday, nobody's in trouble. Which considering your reputation, you might find quite surprising," he smiled at her as he opened the door. She turned away from him and made a disgruntled noise in the back of her throat.

"You're probably wondering why I've gathered you two here tonight. I know it's a Friday, so I won't hold you here long," Lupin began making his way across the office. "Do you remember the lesson we had on Boggarts?" He said to the two.

Both students nodded. How could they forget? It was an awesome class. It was the most fun they had ever had in any class.

"Boggarts are shape-shifters. They take the shape of whatever a particular person fears the most. That is what makes them so terrifying," he explained.

"Professor, we already know this," Saintday interrupted with an irate look on her face. Could he just get to the point already?

"Patience Ms. Saintday," Lupin paused at the interruption. "I'm afraid you didn't get a chance at the Boggart that day, perhaps you'd like to give it a shot now?"

Nel thought of her worst fears. She eyed a trunk across the room which was violently shaking. Whatever was being kept inside desperately trying to escape. "I think I'll pass," she mumbled.

"The two of you are here since you are particularly susceptible to Dementors all things being considered, Dementors force us to relieve the worst memories of our lives. Our pain becomes their power. Which is why the two of you fainted on the train," Harry turned to look at the teen in surprised. Nel almost looked wounded by Lupin's words. She looked away from both, lowering her eyes.

Her background wasn't something she particularly enjoyed talking about.

"This is very advanced magic. Well beyond Ordinary Wizarding Level," Lupin stated clearly eyeing both of the students carefully.

Why did Lupin want them both to learn how to fight Dementors? Certainly every student was in danger of Sirius Black and of the Dementors that were pursuing them, but why them two specifically? Nel understood his reasoning for brining Harry in, but her? Why would either Sirius Black or Dementors want anything to do with her? "Very well, the spell I am going to teach you is called the Patronus Charm. Ever heard of it?" He said to both.

Harry shook his head no. Nel nodded yes. Lupin extended his hand for her to elaborate. "The Patronus Charm is a spell which main but not only use id the primary protection again Dementors and other dark creatures for which there is no defense. There are two types of Patronuses. Corporal and Incorporeal." "Excellent Ms. Saintday, 10 points Slytherin. Any 6th years amongst your clients?" Lupin teased.

She shot him a look at him butting into her personal business and he chuckled a little at her hostility.

"But that's not quite it. A Patronus is a kind of positive force. For the witch or wizard who can conjure one, the Patronus works something like a shield. The Dementor feeds on it instead of him," Lupin paused as the trunk across the room rattled violently. "But in order for it to work, you must think of a memory. And not just any. This memory needs to be a very happy one. And powerful." His honey eyes darted between the two students before him.

"Think of your happiest memory and come back tomorrow after lunch. We'll begin then."

With that Lupin dismissed them.

"Know what your happiest memory is?" Harry asked as the two returned to their individual house dormitories.

"Yeah," She lied.

She had no idea.

Xxxxx

Nel didn't get much sleep last night. She had spent all night wondering just what her happiest memory was. She hated coming to the realization she didn't have one… At least not a strong one that would ward away a dementor.

All happy memories at Wool's were tainted with the memory of Lucy which in turn made them painful for her. And at Hogwarts… Sure maybe there was the memory of the day she visited Diagon Alley for the first time. Maybe even when she became friends with Tracey and Theodore, and just overall their general shenanigans.

There was one unique memory that was different from the others. It probably wouldn't be enough, but so far it was the best she had.

Xxxxx

It was Christmas even last year, 1992.

Nel had spent the evening celebrating with Harry, Hermione, Ron and his family. They had been nice enough to include her considering both her and Harry always stayed back during the winter break.

The group had been playing with sparklers and throwing snowballs at each other in the courtyard after an early. Overall it had been a fun evening. It was late when they decided to return to the Gryffindor common room, a place where she wasn't allowed. She suspected the party would go on there, but for now she was simply happy to not have been alone.

"Black Mamba," She spoke to the password which allowed her in. It was late, almost midnight by the time she got back. Walking into the emerald and black common room she was surprised to see Malfoy sitting by himself on one of the leather sofas.

It seemed like this holiday the only Slytherins that stayed behind were her, Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle.

She thought it was odd that he had stayed behind. Yet she didn't question it simply not caring enough but looking at him he looked absolutely miserable. She approached him partly to get a better look at him.

He was hunched over with his head buried in his hands. Hearing her footsteps, he looked up and glared at her.

"Lost something Slugbreath?" He insulted defensively.

She kept her curious eyes on his. His face was swollen and tinted with red. Had he been crying? It was probably the first time he was away from home and alone for Christmas. She wouldn't have been surprised if the brat had really been crying.

"Are you okay?" She ignored the insult.

He looked at her surprised, taken aback by the question. Part of him was expecting her to take it back and boldly mock him.

"What do you care anyways?" He snapped kicking the low table in front of him.

He was most definitely not okay.

"Come," She said to him.

She was so used to his harsh tone and language she simply hummed, shoving her hands in her pockets before walking away back to the entrance of the common room.

He paused not moving an inch. He wasn't certain if she had really been speaking to him or not, but who else could she have meant? His father had asked him to remain at Hogwarts stating home wasn't safe due to the raids the Ministry of Magic was performing. Lucius also had to keep a trustful eye at Hogwarts now that the Chamber of Secrets had been opened. "Are you coming or not?" She called over her shoulder.

Thinking himself crazy Draco decided to follow her out of the room. Nel lead her down the dungeon's corridor and took several turns in the darkness before stopping before a small door. The door was big enough for a small person to walk through.

"Where are you taking me?" Malfoy raised an eyebrow still wearing an air of superiority around her. "This is where I'm hiding your body…" She said mysteriously.

He gave a step back, certainly not doubting this. "Just kidding!" She laughed before opening it and walking through.

The two entered the kitchen where long tables resembling the Great Hall stretched from one end to the other. Shelves and large pantries were stacked with food and other ingredients against the wall. And just around the door were dozens of small cots with tiny people sleeping on them. But wait- they weren't people, they were house elves.

"You've brought me to the servant's quarters?" Malfoy said wrinkling his nose in disgust. His eyes looked around the room pretentiously as if he had walked into a dumb instead of a kitchen. Nel doubted the boy had ever been inside of a kitchen.

"Shh!!!" She hissed him as a sleeping elf nearby stirred in his sleep. She tilted her head forward and the two advanced further into the kitchen.

She moved around the kitchen with expertise knowing were the bread and all other ingredients were located. Draco watched carefully as she prepared two sandwiches with the most peculiar ingredients turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, stuffing and- "Do you like cranberry sauce?" She stopped and whispered to him. He simply shrugged indifferent to it.

He wasn't watching out of intrigued. He was worried that she would attempt to poison him.

The two left the kitchen as quietly and as quickly as they got there. He now followed her upstairs. She held both of the large sandwiches which she had wrapped in paper in her hands.

"Why are you doing this?" He asked as they stood outside the Great Hall. By now he seemed to have forgotten about whatever had been bothering him earlier.

She shrugged carelessly, almost like he had when she had asked him if he liked cranberry sauce or not.

"Why not? It's Christmas Eve, good deeds count extra tonight. And let's be real, I've been pretty bad this year," She smiled a little. "I've got a lot of self-redemption to do." She was lying and he wasn't biting. She knew what it was like to be alone, specially during Christmas. She knew how painful it could be to be so lonely. "I don't need your pity," he narrowed his eyes in mistrust. "Fine," She shrugged again and handed him his sandwich with eyes filled with contempt. "Have it your way." She said before turning away and back in the direction of the Slytherin dormitories.

"No, wait-" He reached for her arm holding her back. The thought of being alone on Christmas was haunting to him. He felt lonely and Crabbe and Goyle weren't always the best company to keep around. Maybe she was being sincere. It was a risk he'd have to take.

Nel opened the door to the Great Hall and stepped in, he followed and marbled at the decorations. In the absolute darkness of the night the massive tree at the end seemed to be glowing with hundreds of golden lights. The night sky was still enchanted to make it seem as if snow was falling down. Yet the stars were still visible above. "Pretty. Isn't it?"

Without another word Nel took a seat on top of a dining table and unwrapped her sandwich. After a long day of throwing snowballs this was just what the doctor had ordered. He did the same neither saying much. He eyed his sandwich oddly, it actually looked disgusting.

"I'm a terrible cook," She said in between bites. "But I make the best sandwiches," she stated awfully proud of her monstrous creation.

He took a bite out of it hesitantly. He'd never had anything like it.

"This is actually not bad," he said thoughtfully.

"Thanks, it's a leftover sandwich. Leftovers of anything Crabbe and Goyle didn't finish anyways." Both shared a laugh.

Draco's mind still twisted over her reasons for doing this. Nel wasn't the type to believe in any redemptions. At least not from what he'd learned about her in the past two years. She was more stubborn than anyone he knew, wasn't the kind of person to change her mind about things just like that. She must've seen something in him that seemed personal to her.

"I'll never get tired of looking at this tree," She said interrupting his train of thought. "Back at Wool's we get a small one every year. Skinny pitiful thing, with almost no branches. It always tilts to the sides due to the tacky pink ornaments that Wool uses."

"Wool's?" He asked confused.

He noted that her ears turned red from over sharing and she took a large bite out of her sandwich stuffing her mouth so she wouldn't speak any more. He gathered that was probably the orphanage where she lived.

"Hey, you better not get any funny ideas Saintday," he spoke in that snappy bitter tone he was known for. She looked at him oddly yet thankful he hadn't further pressed about her slip. "This doesn't mean that we're friends got it?" His eyes were glued to the massive tree at the center of the Great Hall. She couldn't help but smile a little at this, "Wouldn't dream of it Malfoy."

The next morning Nel was surprised to actually find some gifts underneath her tree. It was nothing grand of fancy, regardless she was touched by the gestures. Theodore had gotten her some ink and parchment for the year, something that would be most useful to her in her business affairs. A Quidditch poster from Tracey which she suspected was a gift for her and not for Nel. Regardless she hung it up between their beds to make her friend happy.

She'd knitted some gloves for the two of them. They weren't perfect but she was hoping they'd do just the trick in keeping them warm for the rest of the winter.

She had agreed to meet the Gryffindors for breakfast. Exiting the common room, she was surprised to see Malfoy standing in the common room.

"There you are," he said with his arms crossed over his chest. There seemed to be an annoyed look on his face.

She flashed him a confused look. Had he been waiting for her? Were they actually friends now?

"Crabbe and Goyle left for breakfast already," He uttered as if explaining why he was there standing alone. "They found this outside in the corridor. It has your name on it," he signaled to a large box that had been placed on the low table. She eyed the box carefully. The gift-wrapping paper was wrapped with precision and bore a rich checkered emerald and black diamond pattern that was tied together by a thick black ribbon. There was a square tag at the top that had Nel Saintday scrawled on it in sharp handwriting.

She looked at the gift completely stunned.

"Thanks for holding it for me," She said awkwardly still being unable to remove her eyes from the gift. She didn't know what was inside, but she had certainly never seen maybe even touched a box that was wrapped so beautifully. "I'll take it back to my room-"

"No-," He said rather quickly. She arched an eyebrow at his odd behaviors. "Open it here," he pulled out his wand. "It could be cursed."

She let out a small laugh. Yeah right. As if somebody would try and curse her. She wasn't Harry Potter of anyone important. However, one could never be too safe. Maybe the Weasley twins had send it to her- or maybe it had been Harry, but she doubted that they would get her something this nice.

"I guess you're right," She said dropping her knees on the carpet and slowly undoing the ribbon and wrapping with care. She didn't want to ruin it. She also wasn't sure if she should keep the wrapping or not.

There was obviously a black box inside. Hesitantly she reached for it and removed it from the table. Curious to what was inside. Wincing and preparing for the worst she opened it. However, nothing happened. No harm was done. Inside was a piece of clothing wrapped in more paper. More layers? Again, she undid it carefully and pulled out a black jumper. It was probably the softest fabric she had ever touched. It almost felt unreal or like how'd she would imagine touching a cloud would feel like.

"This is..." She gasped feeling the texture in between her fingertips.

"It's made from Vicuña, the world's softest fabric. Way better than cashmere," Malfoy said smugly peering over her shoulder. "You can tell?" She marveled at his ability to be able to tell just with his sight.

"It doesn't say who it's from," She said looking under the many wrappings.

"Do you like it?" Malfoy asked in an uninterested tone.

"Do I like it?" She repeated her voice almost breaking. "I've never had anything half as decent as this in my life," she hugged it close to her chest. "I almost feel like it'll melt in my arms," she laughed weakly. "Look! Touch it!" She said moving the fabric close to him beaming. He raised his hand and denied it with a bored look on his features. "I'm almost afraid to wear it. What if I ruin it?" She rambled anxiously as her mind wondered to who would’ve taken the time to get her such a thoughtful gift. She was more than touched. She was elated. She could’ve cried at the gesture if the boy hadn’t been there. It was the first time that she had something that was hers and truly hers alone. It hadn’t been owned by anyone before, it didn’t have any signs of tear or wear. It was hers. It might as well have been made out of cotton or wool and she would’ve been just as moved by the gesture.

Draco had just in time snatched the card that had her name written on it. He hadn't noticed that the back of it read 'For Draco, Love Mum. Happy Xmas'

That had been a close one.

"Who do you think sent it?" She wondered out loud. "Do you think it was Professor Snape?"

He fought the urge to roll his eyes at her reasoning. Snape? Really?

"Does it matter?" He said irritated.

"I just want to thank them. Maybe give them something nice?" She said concerned before turning her attention back to the box. "It has to be someone that I know… Obviously!"

Malfoy wasn't going to be much help, but maybe Fred and George could help her figure it out. Draco glanced around the room nervously. What would she do if she knew it had been him?

He was so lost in his thoughts he didn't even realize she was on her way out of the Common Room sweater I hand.

"I best be off. See you around. Happy Christmas!" She called over her shoulder with a broad smile before exiting the room.

She didn't hear but the boy stood there alone.

"Happy Christmas…" he said more to himself.

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nighttbound · 1 year ago

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Oh he's blushing.

#WELL THAT TOOK NOTHING AT ALL #called him a snack and hes like. ahehhe. heh.#this is what i get for making him have a more repressed personality #{when the dark night delivers the day};Nel #;dash commentary

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nelvana · 6 years ago

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In which the ice bird is fought

First: In which the human is transformed Next: In which they gather around a campfire Previous: In which the fire bird is fought

Once they were finally able to get away from the broiling heat from the volcano, the trio sat down in the shade of the tree to rest up again. No one objected to the break, even Alex, who took the time to flop down onto the ground and almost go to sleep. Nelvana sat down against a tree, letting out a sigh as her head began to spin from the sudden halt of movement, and the overheating from before. They drank out of the water bottles again, only having a couple left after all the pauses to drink. With everyone present and not rushing around, Keahi also decided to explain to Alex what Moltres had said while he was underground.

“Moltres caught wind of the Ninetales Legend rumours? But how?” Alex asked, still laying stretched out on the ground, not bothering to get up yet for the conversation. “Didn’t everyone say that no one comes out here? How would they hear about this?”

Keahi shrugged, “no idea! No one even bothers to deliver mail out here!” he said.

“Which means that someone came out deliberately to tell Moltres the news so they would attack us,” Nelvana inputted, “whoever it was, they must have taken advantage of the time we spent at the Scorched Plains to get a jump on us,” she added.

“Team Meanies?” Alex suggested, lifting his head off the ground slightly.

“No, as much as they would have to most motivation for it, they just aren’t strong enough. And they aren’t fast either, and they don’t have a good sense of direction. We raced them to Sinister Woods, and they got a head start, but we still beat them there because they got lost,” Keahi explained, shaking his head.

“And then you guys beat them in battle, right…” Alex murmured, “is there anyone else that would be able to get the news out?”

“I can’t think of anyone. Anyone who believed Gengar in Pokemon Square isn’t strong enough to go out here,” Nelvana sighed.

“Me neither, it must be someone we haven’t met yet, which makes sense, because then they would be more likely to believe Team Meanies,” Keahi responded.

“Well, I guess we’ll have to look out for them then,” Alex replied.

“How much will you bet that Articuno is awake and will fight us too?” Nelvana chuckled.

“I don’t bet on fixed game,” Alex laughed.

After a bit under an hour of resting back up, the group gathered themselves up again and continued on their way. The path through Mt. Blaze had taken them to mid-afternoon, and the rest of the day took them through a humid swamp, and then to a sparse forest, with pine trees dotting the area here and there, slowly growing denser as it also began to cool down significantly. Finally, they stopped their progress for the day as they could see where a blanket of snow lay over a thick forest in the distance, and even further still, a small mountain. Similarly to before, they didn’t want to sleep too closely to where the temperature was dramatic, and went to sleep at another tree for the night.

Deep down, Nelvana had been hoping for another dream visit from Gardevoir. The last time she had had one was many days ago, and at the time Gardevoir was mostly strengthened up again, so why hadn’t she tried again? Unfortunately, Nelvana did not get that visit, leaving her to come down with the hypothesis, so that she wouldn’t overstress herself, that Gardevoir was only able to contact her at the base.

The next day’s travels, as expected, brought them through the deeper parts of the woods, and only after a few hours did it begin to softly snow on them as they trekked. This weather only worsened as they continued, growing slowly colder as more snow fell down onto the land. Alex was shivering within the first hour with this temperature, and the group quickened their pace to make it to the storage statue sooner.

“How are you two hanging on back there?” Keahi asked.

“I’m still doing good, definitely cold, but better than Alex it seems,” Nelvana answered.

“I’ll be fine, some warmth soon would be nice though,” Alex added, blowing on his hands and rubbing them together to warm them up.

“Of course.” Keahi nodded, “hopefully it isn’t too far ahead now.”

By now, one couldn’t even see the pine trees properly since they were coated with snow, and the ground was covered in the frozen power, making the walk more challenging. Keahi’s light weight allowed him to walk on top of it, but Nelvana could only do it sometimes, ending up sinking in softer spots, and Alex’s chances to avoid being ankle-deep were even slimmer.

“Hey guys… I feel like we’re being watched,” Nelvana murmured, her breath visible in the chill air.

“Really? I… I don’t see anyone,” Keahi replied quietly, wildly looking around them.

“Up there,” Alex whispered.

Alex pointed up at a nearby hill, peaking just above the treetops. At a mere glance, there was just the usual snow shining off the sunlight, but when the group paused and looked at the spot properly, they could see a quadruped figure standing and watching them. This creature could mostly blend into the snow, with long white fur covering the majority of their body, but they had a dark blue face and short tail. Sticking out the right side of their head was a long crescent moon shaped blade.

“It’s Absol,” Keahi gasped, “what do we do?”

“Well,” Alex puffed, watching the cloud of air puff out as he spoke for a moment. “They sure match your dad’s description all right.”

“Of course it does!” Keahi hissed nervously, glancing from the figure to the grovyle and back. “But what do we do about it?”

Nelvana narrowed her eyes in thought for a moment before speaking, “they haven’t done anything yet. If they were going to attack us or cause a disaster on us like your dad warned, they wouldn’t have waited until now,” she said.

“Where are you going with this…?” Keahi asked.

“I think we should use diplomacy. I don’t think they’re as bad as your dad described, at least not this one. Maybe there’s another absol that is bad, who knows,” Nelvana explained briefly, shrugging.

“I agree. No use in starting a fight, it won’t benefit any of us, and I personally don’t want to just keep ignoring them while we know they’re watching us,” Alex replied, crossing his arms against his chest.

“But…” Keahi hesitated. “What are you even going to say?”

“Well, this is probably their territory, so I’ll just let them know why we’re here,” Nelvana answered, “and I guess since the Ninetales Legend news is out here, I can let them know that the news is false,” she added.

“…okay, but you should do it then,” Keahi sighed, shaking himself to hide his ruffled feathers and the snowflakes that were melting into them.

Nelvana waited nervously, but then took in a deep breath and called out, “HEY ABSOL!!!” She paused for a moment, watching at the figure took a step back out of surprise. “Uh… SORRY IF WE’RE TRESPASSING, WE’RE JUST TRYING TO GET TO SEE NINETALES! WE NEED TO SPEAK WITH HER ABOUT THE LEGEND!” She paused to take another breath of chill air. “I PROMISE THAT IF YOU’VE HEARD ANY RECENT NEWS ABOUT MY GROUP AND OUR RELATION TO THE LEGEND, THAT IT’S FALSE, AND THAT WE’RE JUST GOING TO SEE NINETALES FOR THE PROOF! SO, WE’LL DO OUR BEST TO GET THROUGH HERE QUICKLY AND NOT BOTHER YOU!” she yelled, and when receiving no other reaction, she glanced from the path back at Absol before adding one more yell. “JUST… uh, ARE WE ON THE RIGHT PATH TO GET THERE?”

Absol gave them an exaggerated nod, to make sure it could be seen from the distance, and then tossed their head in the direction they were headed before bounding out of sight, further away from the path and the team.

“Oh… that worked out better than I thought! I guess they weren’t so bad after all! Good call, Nel,” Keahi chirped, “we should keep going though.”

“Thanks,” Nelvana hummed.

Back on track, the trio continued on the path through the Frosty Forest. Luckily, there was only a few more minutes of walking before they arrived to the entrance of the dungeon, with the storage statue waiting beside it. Like at Mt. Blaze, the statue was worn down from age and enduring the elements, however the opposing climate had a different effect. This statue was coated in an icy sheen, filling in the cracks and ruining its integrity from the inside. Oddly enough however, it wasn’t covered in a mound of snow as expected. In fact, it appeared that someone had brushed off any flakes quite recently, and the chest itself looked fairly used, the edges clawed at to be opened.

“That’s odd… looks like this was used,” Alex commented, gingerly brushing off the thin layer of fresh snow from the top of the chest.

“But who would use it? No one can use it without starting with Kangaskhan’s shop,” Keahi questioned, nudging open the chest to pull out their stuff. “Oh Alex, someone added a hat, you should take that.”

“Maybe Absol uses it,” Nelvana suggested, passing Alex the mentioned hat and then pulling out a sweater for herself, struggling to pull it on for a moment, but she figured it out and found that it hugged her body comfortably, knitted even to fit over her back spikes.

“But how? They’re never met Kangaskhan,” Keahi replied.

Alex pulled the hat on his head, tugging with his head leaf for a few moments before settling with the results of the headgear, “well, they only need to meet Kangaskhan to be able to access the other chests and have their items move from one to another, right? It’s still a normal chest otherwise.”

“Oh, I guess that is right! So, anyone that isn’t applied with Kangaskhan’s services just have this normal chest,” Keahi agreed, pulling out the last of the new items, along with a note, which he handled all of it over to Nelvana.

“Does that mean since I’m not applied, I could open it and see if this has been being used?” Alex suggested mischievously.

“Well, I guess so, it would certainly prove the theory,” Keahi responded before looking back at Nelvana. “Those are arm warmers, or leg warmers… actually they’re a bit big, so neck and tail warmers then. That means you can put one on your tail and give the other to Alex,” he explained.

“Oh alright, good to know then.” Nelvana tossed one of the warmers over to the grovyle, and then tugged her’s over her tail. “Should I read the note now?”

“Just a sec, I want to try something,” Alex said through the warmer he was pulling over his head, finally getting through and then pulling his head leaf out so it could flow in the breeze freely. “Alright, let’s see if our theory is correct,” he continued before closing the chest and opening it again.

Now the wooden chest was no longer filled with Team Galaxy’s supplies, it was but an ordinary chest with some knickknacks and dust instead. Some berries, seeds, and coins littered the bottom of the container. Even without any true sign that this was the chest’s default, they all knew that’s what it’s contents now was. Alex closed the chest again softly after examining the contents for anything interesting.

“I guess that answers that. Go ahead and read the new note Nel,” Alex hummed, looking over at the mentioned cubone.

“Alrighty then. ‘Hello Team Galaxy, this is Kangaskhan. I hope you’re doing well. I’m terribly sorry for not helping much when that horrible Gengar was spreading those lies, and for not sending a message sooner. I’ve been incredibly busy as of late, but I’ve done my best to provide you sweeties with some extra supplies through my family’s chests. I’m sure you’ve found the clothes I knit, it’s made from flaaffy wool donated by a friend of mine, should keep you nice and warm during your travels! Kecleon has presumably set up shop somewhere in the Frosty Forest, so hopefully you’ll be able to see him at some point. Well, I shouldn’t write for too long and keep you waiting. Good luck dearies!’,” Nelvana read aloud.

“I think she wants to adopt you,” Keahi blurted out.

“What? What makes you think that?” Nelvana questioned, folding up the note and slipping it back into the chest.

Keahi shrugged, “just a feeling.”

Alex arched a brow at the torchic, “alright… Now, we should keep going before my feet freeze to the ground.”

“Well, if you want to stay warm, I happen to be like a hot water bottle,” Keahi hummed, bouncing over to the grovyle.

“…do you really want me to carry you?” Alex asked, holding back a chuckle at the tiny bird’s antics.

“Not because I’m lazy! Don’t get the wrong idea, I’m fine to keep walking. Just… carrying me would keep you warmer, and we should be able to travel faster,” Keahi told him.

“If it’s speed that you’re concerned about, I’d need to carry Nel too to really pick up the pace,” Alex replied, looking at the mentioned cubone again.

“Hey! I’m plenty fast!” Nelvana huffed, stiffening in place slightly.

“Of course, we all know that. It’s just that I’m the fastest,” Alex chuckled, “are you just feeling awkward that you’re small enough to be carried by me now, instead of you carrying me?”

“I…” Nelvana paused, “maybe… I don’t know… I guess if you both want to try this new travelling idea, then sure,” she mumbled.

“Great, I’m willing to pick up the pace if it means getting out of these woods sooner,” Alex said.

After saying that, Alex reached over and scooped up Nelvana bridal style, with her left side leaning into the grovyle so that her right side stayed free to use her bone club. She stiffened more, reflexively at the action, but relaxed again quickly. Once a stable balance had been achieved, Keahi hopped on top of Nelvana’s chest and leaned back against Alex.

“Ready to go?” Keahi asked.

With motions of approval, Alex took off into the dungeon. He practically seemed to fly over the icy terrain, his clawed feet simply skimming the ground to push them ahead faster. The frozen walls around them became a blur as he ran, only stopping when he would accidentally run into a dead end and have to turn around and zoom back. Floors were able to be passed through in mere minutes with them passing by most foes. There was the rare pause where Alex would lose his sense of direction after so many twists and turns, but Nelvana was always somehow able to point him in the right direction, and off they went again. Any enemies that got too close for comfort were either dealt with by a simple ember from Keahi, or a couple whacks with Nelvana’s bone club.

At one point, Alex slipped on a rather bad patch of ice, and Nelvana assisted by propping up her club on the ground to balance them again. Unfortunately, three impatient dungeon pokemon took advantage of this and began swarming around. Keahi made short work of two of them with some rapid-fire embers, but the third one took on a different angle, and Nelvana reacted by leaning out of Alex’s grasp and kicking them. The pokemon stumbled back and disappeared in a flash of light.

“Nice job Nel! I think that might have been a brick break in action!” Keahi exclaimed.

“I think so too!” Nelvana agreed, smiling in surprise at her own move.

“Great job, that is certainly handy against these ice-types,” Alex said, shifting his weight to carry his two teammates better again.

“Team Galaxy, is that you I hear over there?” a familiar voice called out from the next room.

“Yeah! Is that you, Kecleon?” Keahi yelled back before hopping out from Alex’s arms and hurrying into the next room by himself.

Alex sighed and set Nelvana down before continuing after the torchic. Keahi’s guess was correct, as in the next room stood Green-Kecleon on a large colorful mat with various items set on it as well. Kecleon smiled broadly in welcome at the trio.

“Ah, Team Galaxy! I was hoping to see my favorite customers soon! It is a pleasure to see that you made it through Mt. Blaze safely,” Kecleon greeted, nodding to the group. “Go ahead, step onto my mat, it’s a lot nicer than this frozen rock we’re on in here.”

“Hello Kecleon! It’s great to see you too!” Keahi, who was already on the mat, chirped.

Alex looked at the mini store in awe, “how did you bring all this stuff out here?”

Kecleon chuckled, “I’m afraid that that’s a trade secret my friend, and do kindly not to touch anything you won’t be buying please,” he said, “now then explorers, how have you been? You don’t seem to be in too rough shape, which is nice… I see you have some very nice winter clothing there, another gift from Kangaskhan?”

“Yeah.” Nelvana nodded. “We’re doing alright, had a bad run-in with Moltres though.”

“Ah yes! I saw them on my way here too!” Kecleon exclaimed, “I haven’t seen them before, quite the ornery fellow if you ask me. Blasted over and asked what I was doing, I just said I was doing business and they let me on my way. What trouble did they cause with you group?”

“Apparently someone has gone all the way out here to spread the rumors,” Alex sighed.

“Oh! Have they?” Kecleon gasped, “how improper, to suffer travelling all the way out here just to get some legendries all riled up. Did… Did you have to fight Moltres?”

“Yup! And we won too!” Keahi proclaimed proudly.

“Good for you! I expected no less from the Team Galaxy. Y’know, you remind me of my brother and I when we were out doing rescues. I have great faith in your team here, yessiree,” Kecleon hummed and then clapped his hands together. “Now then! I expect that you didn’t just stop by for chatter, now did you? Would you be interested in any of my wares?”

“We’re mostly stocked on explorers supplies, at this point our goal is staying warm,” Keahi told Kecleon, “do you have… aspear berries or something?”

Kecleon shook his head, “I’m afraid not, those are quite the uncommon find, and I’m afraid I wasn’t able to bring any with me,” he sighed, “however, I can tell that you my friend might be interested in some gloves,” he added, looking over at Alex.

“As a matter of fact, that would be nice. You are very good at your trade,” Alex replied, grinning at the salesman. “Also, how are you staying warm anyway?”

“Why thank you! Don’t worry about my health, I just let myself get hit with an ice shard and let my ability handle the rest. Now, I’m afraid that these gloves I have here-“ Kecleon paused to show off the mentioned gloves. “-aren’t quite as nice as your flaaffy wool clothing, but it allows you to keep dexterity while staying warm, for just the low price of 400 poke!”

“Well that’s easy, there’s lots of money in these dungeons y’know,” Nelvana chuckled, handing over the money and tossing the new gloves over to Alex, who graciously put them on. “You could turn a real profit by just wandering around.”

“However, if I did that, I would be less likely to run into customers. Which is the point of coming out here in the first place,” Kecleon explained, putting away the coins he had received. “I do make sure to pick up what I can on the way though,” he added, winking. “Is there anything else you were hoping for before continuing on your way? I’m afraid that I am unable to join you in the event that Articuno does show up, if you were hoping to ask.”

“Aw, why not? I mean, we can handle it on our own, but the company would be nice,” Keahi replied.

“I must be heading back to Pokemon Square again soon. In these troubled times, many pokemon look up to my brother and me since we used to be a rescue team, and my presence will be needed again there. Plus, I’m sure many of them will like an update on how your journey has been,” Kecleon told them.

“How are things going back there, by the way? Do you know?” Nelvana asked.

“Well, nothing recent of course, since I’ve had to travel out here myself, but I can let you know about how it was before I left,” Kecleon responded, “my brother and I, and Kangaskhan of course, believe in you. So do those nice kids, and the folks at the Pelipper Post Office. If any of those employees do trust Gengar, they at least have the decency to keep their beaks shut about it. Unfortunately, many of the others have fallen to the lies. Lombre and Snubbull for certain. Bellsprout is still with us, but he pretends that he believes Gengar in front of his friends.” Kecleon paused in his recap to click his tongue with disappointment, thinking of the mentioned pokemon. “Anyway, I’m sorry to say that Felicity, or as you know her, Persian, has also fallen prey to the trick. Luckily, my brother managed to convince her to keep guarding your money as usual until some proper evidence arrives. Spinda and Gulpin… well, Spinda is on our side, but Gulpin isn’t. I haven’t heard it in personal, but apparently, they’ve been bickering about the issue. Whiscash was also on the fence about it, but those kids, bless their little hearts, managed to convince him of the truth.”

“What about Makuhita?” Nelvana asked.

“Him? No one has seen that fellow since this whole thing started. I’ll bet that he’s holed himself in that dojo of his until this whole thing has blown over,” Kecleon chuckled dryly.

“Oh… well thank you for all the help Kecleon! We’ll see you again hopefully tomorrow!” Keahi chirped.

“Good luck then Team Galaxy, not that you’ll need it. See you then!” Kecleon hummed.

Once everyone stepped off the mat, Kecleon grabbed one end and gave it a shake. All the items that were resting on it disappeared in an instant, and with another shake, the mat rolled up neatly in his hands. With one last wave of goodbye at the trio, who was watching this display in awe, Kecleon raised his own badge into the air and disappeared in a flash of light.

After some murmurs of appreciation and wonder between the team, they were on their way again through the dungeon. It was only a couple floors later that they arrived at the special safe floor, and as predicted, a large stone statue of Articuno stood in the center of the room, lightly coated in frost, and staring ahead at any enterers with a fierce stone-cold stare.

“Y’know what’s something that I thought about after the Moltres fight?” Nelvana began, looking at Keahi. “When we found the Zapdos statue, you said these were good luck. Now I’m not that superstitious, but think about everything that happened after that. Pretty ironic, huh? That’s where everything went downhill,” she murmured, “the only good thing was Alex finding me and joining us.”

“I… huh, I didn’t think about that. I guess you’re right,” Keahi agreed sadly, but brightened up again suddenly. “Let’s just hope that things get better from here then!” he exclaimed.

“Yeah… let’s hope so,” Alex replied softly.

Finishing off the last three floors was done swiftly, and yet slower than the other floors. At the third floor, Nelvana and Keahi started walking for themselves, partially since they knew that they would be meeting Articuno soon, and partially because sharing body warmth wasn’t going to cut it anymore, and Alex didn’t have the energy to carry anyone anymore anyway. Regardless, they kept close to one another.

Stepping out of the dungeon greeted them with a gust of icy wind, pushing the group closer to each other and they continued trudging through the snow. Nelvana sneezed and wiped her nose off on the back of her bandaged hands, which had turned numb much earlier in the day. She moved around her fingers reflexively, but to no avail. Keahi stood between Alex and Nelvana, trying to share his warmth with the both of them at the same time. Alex had stopped shivering, and no one knew if that was good or bad. Snow whirled around them, forcing their view to be blurry whiteness. And yet, they continued.

Whooshing of wings slicing through the air informed the team of Articuno’s arrival. Unlike Moltres, the ice-flying-type bird didn’t go straight to battle, instead landing softly in the snow in front of the trio.

“Hello Team Galaxy,” Articuno greeted coolly, “I wish we could have met under different circumstances. However, as much as I much commend you for making it through my forest dungeon, you will not leave here alive.”

“W-Wait! Please Articuno!” Keahi yelled, “I don’t know who told you about the Ninetales Legend rumors, but I promise that Nel isn’t that human!”

“Do you have proof?” Articuno asked.

“No, but that’s what we’re going to get! Please, let us pass through so we can speak to Ninetales!” Keahi pleaded, his voice carrying a hint of strain.

“And how am I to know that you don’t just plan to assassinate her!” Articuno boomed, spreading out their wings dramatically for a moment before closing them again. “Apologies, but even if you are being honest, it is my duty as guardian of this forest to eliminate any dangerous passers-by,” they sighed, “even if… I know that I will not win.”

Nelvana blinked, “what?”

“I know you have beaten my siblings, and even in this condition, you will beat me… won’t you? I can see the determination in your eyes… and fighting a human in the body of a pokemon, what a horrifyingly powerful matchup,” Articuno murmured, then shook their head and hardened their gaze. “But! We must fight! Prepare yourselves, or face a frozen death!” they screeched, taking off into the sky again, still close enough to be seen though.

“STOP!!!” an unfamiliar voice screamed.

Absol leapt in front of Team Galaxy, snow spraying from where they landed from their leap. They arched up their back, fur bristling, and glared up at Articuno with sharp red eyes.

“Absol, why do you interrupt this battle?” Articuno hissed.

“You don’t need to fight this battle! You have been misinformed,” Absol growled, “this cubone is not who you have been led to believe they are.”

“What are you talking about?” Articuno demanded, flapping their wings harshly.

“These three do no harbor disaster. You have been misinformed. If you do not believe their word, then believe mine,” Absol said, calmer than before. “I will escort them to Ninetales just to be sure, and don’t start with the ‘it’s my duty’ spiel, this is mine.”

“…and what if they are from that legend?” Articuno replied after a long pause of consideration.

“Then I will kill them myself,” Absol spat.

“You will lose that battle,” Articuno told them courtly.

“So will you,” Absol shot back, “just let us go. I will handle this.”

Articuno hesitated, but then finally relented, “very well Absol. I trust that this fate is in good paws,” they said before zooming away into the clouded sky and disappearing.

Absol sighed and turned to face the trio, offering them a friendly smile before turning away again and heading down the hill.

“T-Thank you for helping us!” Keahi thanked nervously.

“No problem, it was only right after all,” Absol replied, “now, come along then. This is the fastest and safest way down the hill, and we don’t want to linger here,” she continued, “oh, and by the way, my name is Tsuki. It’s nice to meet you, Team Galaxy.”

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nighttbound · 2 years ago

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nighttimetrinkets:

“Ah- ah’ve seen a lotta sorts, but nuh, didn’t t’ink ye were really a vampire. An..” Crow hesitated, not sure how to phrase this next part. “Suppose vampire stories don’t usually have ‘em savin’ people from buildin’s, nah.” He didn’t seem scary at all- not that Crow was the type to get scared by the unusual, at least. The unusual was quite normal to her.

Considering everything else she had seen, maybe it was a bit silly to be surprised vampires existed. And that they could be friendly.

“No, I would say they do not, eheh. I don’t blame you for having that view--it is all too common in the media and folklore. But I promise there are just as many friendly vampires walking about!”

His smile of perfect charity faltered--dropping to an uneasy tug of his lips into a grimace.

“Eh, sometimes though it is safer to be...wary of people. You seem bright, so I don’t think I need to be reminding you.”

#nighttimetrinkets #{When the dark night delivers the day};Nel

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masaru2042 · 8 years ago

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Scrambled Azeroth Eggs

So, we decided to attempt it again! LOL. This time we decided to think outside of the box on how these two moons would work for Azeroth. Now, the Azeroth in the game, as everyone knows, is originally the size of the Death Star, and this has to do with game mechanics. I don't think the game could handle a full Earth-sized or near Earth-sized, or even Super Earth-size Azeroth. And getting around on Azeroth, even when you use the flight paths, and trying to do that on a full sized, Earth-sized Azeroth, well...it would make the game boring to play. So, to make Azeroth more realistic, I kinda go off of the measurements from the Warcraft RPG game. Yes, that existed once. It's no longer canon, but I would say that at least the size of the world is canon. Azeroth, outside of the game, is much bigger than how it is portrayed in the game. And basically, my little description of Azeroth stems from how I observed the game when I played. Though I haven't played it in 3 years now since I'm broke. But I do recall certain features of the planet that pretty much gave me an estimate of just how big it was. It's relatively Earth-sized. It does have an Earth-like gravity. You do fall at the same rate as you do on Earth. However, there are certain elements that appear to be off.

Well, for one thing that. And also this...

Behold the two objects in the sky that could spell out Azeroth's doom if they weren't properly placed in stable orbits. Because even a planet that's slightly bigger than our Earth, and slightly denser, cannot hold up two satellites that large in stable orbits. One of them is bound to crash, and the other go skipping off to who knows where. So, the last journal, Math Nut put the White Lady in the back, and had it half the planet's mass, and the Blue Child in the front with only the relative mass of our own Moon. As in, the White Lady was in the farthest orbit, and the Blue Child is in the closest orbit. Well, that caused the White Lady to skip off to who knows where and the Blue Child to crash into Azeroth, killing all life on it except for the microbes. It also vaporized the oceans and left it a smoking fire ball. So, we've altered the parameters. White Lady up in front, Blue Child in back. And this time, the White Lady is actually smaller than the Blue Child. However, the White Lady's close proximity to the planet makes it look bigger. It's an illusion. It also explains Elune's influence, as well as since I subscribe to Elune is a fucking Old God and not a Titan Omelette ready to be cooked by Sargeras, I'm pretty sure the White Lady being put into a close orbit is so that well, the Titans could keep a better eye on her when they captured her and put her up there. And later on, to be dealt with eventually by Neltharion. Because the Squishy's gonna kick some Old God ass and he don't care if she's the patron god of the Night Elves or not. So, here's the updates. I had to go piddling around in this thing too.

Yeah. That outer orbit ring is the Blue Child.

The inner one is the White Lady.

So, for this thing to be even relatively stable enough for Neltharion not to have to adjust things too much, and he doesn't have to be so worried about one of them crashing, and another being lost...we had to put the Blue Child at a wide orbit, and the Blue Child is no fucking child. It's denser and larger than the White Lady.

The reality is that the Azerothians probably don't know this. Because at one time, we all thought the Sun went around the Earth. And both the Sun and the Moon were the same size...because well, they took up the same size in the sky, right? In reality...no. Just no. You know it, I know it, everyone knows it. Our fucking Moon is a speck against our Sun.

But Neltharion and Malygos, they would know the truth of the orbits of these two satellites. The Dragons are the most advanced civilization on the planet. Yes, they are. They fucking are. The things they know how this planet works, how the universe works is beyond the understanding of the ordinary Adventurer.

Okay?

They know. The Blue Child ain't no kid. And there's something wrong with the White Lady.

Here is what Math Nut has to say about it.

A model the produced stable orbits and seemed consistent with canon was to have the White Lady fairly low mass, but very close to Azeroth. The Blue Child then orbits much further out, but is much more massive than the White Lady. This produced orbits that seemed stable, at least for a few thousand simulated years. This arrangement makes the White Lady appear larger in Azeroth's sky due to it’s closeness, even though it’s much smaller than the Blue Child. It also means the White Lady orbits very quickly (~ 11 days), especially compared to the Blue Child.

So, yeah, it's still safe to say that Neltharion and Malygos and Nozdormu, every few thousand years, had to alter the orbits of these satellites just to keep them stable enough for a few more thousand years.

So, what I said in the last journal, can still happen even with Neltharion still alive. Nel 2.0 doesn't remember much of his job. Including the important bit of keeping the moons orbiting in their stable orbits. Right now, Nozdormu is currently doing that job. A job that was split between the three of them. Nozdormu, Neltharion, and Malygos both had the job of keeping those moons up. Now it's just Nozdormu because Kalecgos doesn't know what his job really entails. He has yet to figure out about the Mother and her overweight Child.

Nice little render of the Blue Child. I added a little bit of atmosphere to the Blue Child to help with the blueness of it. It's various shades of blue rocks, and then there's a thin atmosphere...it's not enough to breathe. But the Blue Child is actually rather warm for a moon. So, you can land on it, and you won't feel the temperature extremes, but you will be gasping for breath. So, take some oxygen tanks, guys.

Here's the Blue Child and "Azeroth" behind it. The planet isn't really Azeroth, because I can't make the Real Azeroth, as in the familiar four continents, the giant swirling vortex at the equator in Universe Sandbox 2. But I can input parameters that allows me to create this "Azeroth" to the mass and climate I want it to be. It's not going to look like the real Azeroth, but it's fine as a place holder to hang the moons on since they need a gravitational force that is specific to this scenario. So, it'll do. Just pretend it looks like the real Azeroth. But from that distance, you wouldn't be able to tell. And ask you can see, it's almost the distance to our own moon. Almost.

And here is the White Lady.

And here it is relative to the planet. See, I told you I couldn't make the real Azeroth in this thing. I wish I could. I plan on getting out my old computer and seeing if I can in fact create Azeroth in my old 3DS Max program. Hopefully my old computer where I used to do those awesome planets still works after all this time, or else I'll have to do it the old fashioned way with Photoshop.

If the White Lady is a cage for an Old God, it’d make sense for it to be closer to Azeroth. Would have made it easier for the Titans to move the Old God into it, since the Old God would have originated on Azeroth. This would also make it easier for Nel & Mal to keep the Old Gods’ caged maintained. But it also makes it easier for the Old God to influence Azeroth. This could help explain the Ysera cinematic. The close orbit means the Old God in the White Lady could influence the events leading up to her death, and attack her when she was weakest (ensuring her spirit merged to her attunement), as seen with the moon-tendrils. The close orbit would also make the moon move quickly, explaining why it produced a very rapid and short eclipse.

Yeah, remember when I got pissed off at Ysera's death. And had a good reason for it. And that no matter what people say, Elune wasn't blessing her...she was delivering the final blow because...Ysera = Enemy in the Pants and Pancakes World of Elune.

Well, some of you guys love to say that it looked like the Embrace. No...It was a solar eclipse! The White Lady was eclipsing the Sun, as a representation of the darkness that is housed inside that moon. Elune is no ally to anyone but Pancakes, how many times do I have to tell you this?

Solar...

E...

Clipse...

Look at that visible corona! That's an eclipse! Not the Embrace. Embrace happens when the Child and Lady transit each other. Not when the White Lady eclipses the Sun! Speaking of the giant burning ball of hydrogen. Azeroth's sun is very similar to our own. Except for one little difference...it's to god damned close!

Yeah, Azeroth's orbiting as the second sun in the planet, right at the very fucking edge of the habitable zone. Behold!

t is the second planet!. The first is much like Mercury, it's pretty much a baked ball. Second planet is Earth-like, but yeah, it's in the orange, folks. Not in the red, but it's in the orange. I did add some other planets too, including a lost moon as the very tiny fourth planet. Another Earth-sized planet as a 5th, and two smaller than Jupiter gas giants. One thing about Azeroth is that the system itself is never detailed as to how many planets it has, what their sizes are, if they have moons or not. Nope. Just Azeroth is the only concern. Understandable when it a game. You can't afford to have a bunch of planets out there slowing the game down. Hell, it's why they had to delete the Blue Child for a while, because it kept crashing the game. Well, it crashed the simulation on the first attempt too. So, yeah. Plausible.

That's a gif I made of the moons orbiting our "Azeroth."

I knew I had work to do to fiddle with the settings to get the planet to stay a constant temperature. It would fluctuate between ice ball and boiling the seas. I did get it to where it had seasons, however, the seasons were a bit extreme. Like winter had the oceans frozen, and summer brought a swift melting.

Yeah, um, Aspects are actually very much needed. I don't care how fucking powerful your lvl 100 Druid is, she or he isn't going to be able to contend with that.

I mean look at what we're doing to our own planet. We've already passed 400 parts per million on our CO2 levels! Shit! P-T Event, here we come!

And here is why I said solar eclipse!

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A video of Math Nut's second attempt at trying to make them stable. You can see how each of the moons actually pull and tug on each other a lot. So, yeah, Nel, Mal, and Noz have a lot of work to do to keep the planet habitable, especially being in the orange like that.

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Also, given their strange orbit, there's a reason why the Embrace happens once ever 430 years. It's the only time when the moons are at a good position to align perfectly without one or the other just completely missing each other. Given how fast the White Lady orbits. And no, this doesn't happen in the game at all. Why? Well, if the Blue Child crashed the game once, and they had to take it out, you think a swiftly orbiting White Lady would be easy to keep up with? So, it is safe to say that the parameters in the sim doesn't fit the parameters in the game. However, if Azeroth were to exist, this is what it would most likely be like...without the Dragon Aspects. A planet with swinging climate and moons that could potentially blast into it, or completely leave it. And a gas giant that looks like an eyeball. Because that was one of the giants I chose for the sim. It just looked so cool! And once again, we've figured out more reasons why you must snuggle the Squishy!

#Neltharion #Malygos #Nozdormu #Deathwing #Azeroth #moons #Universe Sandbox 2 #dragons #World of Warcraft #ramblings

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