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[chloeijuana]

Chloé’s Navigation :)

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★ 𝘈𝘨𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴: ★

18+ is good, minors will be blocked. 🚫

★𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘵:★

-My current fixation rn is Rafe Cameron, and OBX, however it changes quite often so this is why I’m a multifandom page 😭

-other shows may include PJO, TVD, Twilight Saga, FNAF, Bridgerton, TASM 1,2, and 3, Marvel etc etc

★𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘤𝘭𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯:★

-Anyways, if you even stayed on my blog long enough to read all of this I applaud you because I got distracted writing all of it, but I just wanted to say thanks for stopping by 💕 *kiss*

(This navigation is short as shi cuz im lazy but that’s neither here or there 🥰)

I would also like to say I don’t accept: RACISTS,TRANSPHOBES,HOMOPHOBES, SEXISTS, ANY OF THAT ON MY PAGE, THIS IS A SAFE SPACE FOR ALL.

[findinginga]

A Self-Inflicted Injury…

...that was completely avoidable!

As I was drawing my last entry to a close, I made reference to the multiple dating site profiles which were active for Inga.  Whether she had a direct hand in creating these or, as she claimed, they were created on her behalf, only Ingeborga would know for certain.  However, what cannot be in dispute were the many social media accounts used by Inga on multiple platforms.  Likewise, she maintained several SMS-like accounts as well as email profiles.  What became abundantly clear through our communication was that Inga would not hesitate to abandon any one of these when she believed that the medium may have been compromised/discovered.  

I often wondered why someone would be so intent on breaking into one of her accounts.  Perhaps she was concerned about the reaction of her husband?  Was there a jealously obsessed former lover that she was dodging?  There was always the possibility she was covering her tracks to avoid exposure.  Inga addressed my curiosity by explaining that there had been many attempts to compromise her Google mail and other communication platforms.  For her, she explained, it was a matter of security.  It was an explanation but, as was the case with many of the answers supplied by Inga, there was little to no substance behind her words.  There seemed to be an expectation that her version of the truth would be accepted without challenge.  However, one only needed to consider her liberal use of aliases to be puzzled. 

Among the names Ingeborga used were Jackie Bonny, Anastasia Summer, Anastasia Winter, as well as Ingeborga Sosedova.  No doubt there were more.  During the time that Inga and I were routinely in communication, her preferred email platform was through Gmail.  She has since discontinued this account, likely in favor of a new one but, I will return to this point in a subsequent post.  As I noted previously, it was obvious she needed to feel in control of what people knew and who had access to her.  Did this truly reflect a degree of paranoia suggesting emotional pathology or were these the actions of someone who needed to hide her actions from others?

No, I am not stalling...

Now, I do not wish to give the impression I am procrastinating.  I realize I should advance the story beyond minute details and musings.  While these little detours may help to fill in some of the gaps, I fear I am merely trying to spare myself the embarrassment of further revealing my gullibility.  So, let me get back to the timeline.

I previously offered ample evidence of the need to stand clear of the speeding locomotive headed toward me.  Well, not only did I choose to be willfully oblivious to the onrushing danger, I actually walked out onto proverbial tracks to hasten the catastrophe.  Yes, I stood still only to have the train flatten me, again!  In retrospect, it was a real Wile E. Coyote move.

Encountering the Inga Express

As I wrote in my last entry, I elected to give Ingeborga a pass for everything up to that point in time.  It did not matter to me that she was married.  I was able to rationalize her marital status as a reflection of an unhappy marriage and her desire to seek a better life.  My acceptance of this ignored the real possibility that Inga was involved in criminal activity.  Whether alone or in concert with members of her family, she deliberately misled and falsified information for her own gain.  Disregarding these consequential factors, I was offering Ingeborga immunity, which she readily accepted.

Becoming an enabler...

After enduring an awkward week, Inga and I settled back into our routine pattern of email exchanges.  The volume was slow at first but then built back to pre-confrontation levels.  Normal of our interactions were discussions of clothes, particularly dresses.  Our discussions included her soliciting my opinions about her fashion choices with Inga including email attachments of dresses, lingerie and the like.  Victoria Secret, Zara and Selkie were websites she favored.  Inga would gleefully browse and add to her electronic shopping cart while I would finish the transaction by entering my credit card and shipping information.

In an effort to avoid having me reship items to an address where I knew she did not reside, Inga discovered the option of using a reshipper.  Rather than enter my residence as the delivery address, the contact information of the reshipper was used as her mailing address.  Once I placed the order, purchased items were sent to the service which would then contact Ingeborga.  She would pay a fee and the reshipper would repackage the items and forward them on to her in Pskov.  Inga would argue that this process avoided the inconvenience of me taking time from my work day to package and seal a shipping container to be sent on by the US Postal Service.  Of course, it really had the effect of blinding me to the actual destination.

Why was I so eager to be complicit in this make believe? 

[jamesv-t]

Gig Survey 2023

As ever, previous years can be read at #gig-survey, and this year’s one can be found below the cut.

Top 5 shows of the year?

Boygenius w/ Muna and Ethel Cain, Gunnersbury Park, 20th August

The Warning w/Dead Pony, Islington Academy London, 26th June

Beyonce, Johann Cruijff Arena Amsterdam, 17th June

Madonna, O2 Arena London, 14th October

Zara Larsson, Brighton Pride, 5th August

Total number of shows?

Seventeen - more than the last three years combined.

First show of the year?

The Subways, at Chalk in Brighton, on February 3rd.

Last show of the year?

Against The Current, Kentish Town Forum in London, December 1st.

Most surprising show?

Honestly, Madonna. After her US leg was postponed our gig was unexpectedly the first night of the tour so we had no idea what to expect, but we got two and a half hours of a whirlwind tour through an extensive discography that wasn't phoned in at all!

Most disappointing?

The Who came on stage and immediately slagged off their support act, which meant that it got off to a great start.

Farthest travelled?

Johan Cruijff arena in Amsterdam, 296 miles/477km from my front door.

States attended shows in?

Cheerful, grateful, euphoric, terrified, bored, knackered and achy. 

Venue most visited?

Chalk and Resident Records in Brighton, both twice.

Worst injury?

Got pelted with confetti after the second Carly Rae Jepsen gig at the end of the tour - it was the dregs so rather than raining down gently upon a euphoric crowd, it rained down heavily and we're still finding bits ten months later.

Most expensive ticket?

Beyonce, hands down.

Band seen the most?

Carly Rae Jepsen, The Warning and Dead Pony, all twice.

Best new discovery?

Dead Pony supported The Warning at their second gig in London this summer and were great enough to make me immediately buy tickets to see them in Brighton a few months later. Also I hadn't really paid much attention to boygenius before their gig (I was mostly interested in Muna and Ethel Cain) but loved them.

Bands seen this year that also broke up this year?

None!

Friends made at shows?

None! There were nice interactions before The Warning in Islington, though. I tried my best in Amsterdam but the Dutch were having absolutely none of my charm.

Band members met?

Billy from The Subways and Carly Rae Jepsen at their (separate) Brighton gigs in February. Jay-Z passed behind me at his wife's gig, too, and Chrissy from Against The Current mocked my baseball team from a third floor window while I was queuing.

Best souvenir from a show?

I have worn the heck out of my Warning tour tee and my boygenius "always an angel never a god" tee.

Longest time in line?

Several hours baking in the hot sun before Beyonce.

Shows seen from the barricade [front row]?

I was fairly close for the Warning fan show in May, the Carly shows, and Zara at Pride. Right at the front - uncomfortably close - to Dead Pony at Green Door Store in Brighton.

Most shows in one month?

June had three, but should've had four...

Most shows in one week?

...however we didn't manage the Sabrina Carpenter gig two days after Beyonce, so only the two Carly Rae Jepsen gigs in a week in February (either side of a Gillingham game!)

Biggest crowd?

Probably boygenius at Gunnersbury Park.

Any drunk encounters?

Not really - I was drinking but never drunk.

Top 5 best 2023 concert moments:

1. The Warning. I got into this rock band formed of a trio of sisters from Mexico around the beginning of 2022. They announced a UK and Europe tour for this summer, mostly supporting bigger bands (Muse, Royal Blood) and playing festivals. Wrapping up the tour was a June date at Islington Academy, and I got tickets as soon as they went on sale. Perusing the tour dates on their social media I noticed a private show the day after their first UK date - I hopped on the discord and found out how to get tickets, managing to see their first ever headline show on this continent! They were as fantastic as expected and with the label support they've got are gonna be big in the next few years.

2. Zara Larsson - I saw her in Brixton in 2019, at a gig I was encouraged to go to by my lovely wife who thought that my ironic fandom would dissipate with a live gig (in her defence, this plan worked amazingly with Dua Lipa). I had a wonderful time and my ironic fandom quickly became an actual fandom. For some reason she didn't play many gigs over here since, only an unfortunately timed club show (August 2021, Dana was away so missed out) so when she was announced as the de facto Brighton Pride headliner - Black Eyed Peas closed the night but nobody cared about them - I spent the intervening months hyping her up...and she exceeded my expectations! A rip-roaring set cramming in everything she's released as a single over here (including the Euro 2016 anthem!) saw me at my most enthusiastic, least self-conscious giddy self watching her.

3. Carly Rae Jepsen was fantastic, as ever. At a pub in London before her Ally Pally gig I saw a flyer for a strong, tasty beer so I ordered it with our food. The woman behind the bar was very new at the role - possibly her first day - so was unaware of how to find it on the till, opening and pouring the beer so I could start drinking while she found out the price.

Two minutes later a very nervous bartender approached me with a card reader and a request for £25 for about half a litre of beer. Fortunately for her I was expecting it to be pricy, and had had the sort of news that week which justified a hedonistic outlay, so when I paid it the relief on this woman's face was palpable!

4. Boygenius, Muna and Ethel Cain was a great afternoon up in London to take the disappointment of England losing the World Cup Final away. I knew Muna would be great after last year's gig; I had high hopes for Ethel Cain, and was prepared to be wowed by the boys. All of them exceeded my expectations and I got to spend a great evening in the sun in south west London with my wife and my sister-in-law.

Top 3 worst 2023 concert moments:

1. With a purchase of her album and an extra £20, we got to see Mimi Webb's album launch gig that lasted less than an hour, had half a dozen songs and spent more time on a pre-selected Q&A session than her playing music. To make matters worse, she's from Whitstable, and sounds like it as well. Her accent is the Kentish accent that our parents deliberately trained out of my brother and I; hearing it in the flesh (and unexpectedly so as well) was such a jarring shock to my system I went from hyped up to hating an artist in an instant. Even listening to a brief interview clip to find the link above has set my teeth on edge and I need to go and have a bath to calm myself down.

2. Back near the beginning of the year we didn't have any big gigs lined up, so when The Who were announced to play at the local cricket ground we booked tickets, paying expensive prices to get to the front of block B - not right at the front but with a decent view as nobody would be in front of us (we thought). The gig got off to a bad start when I queued up for 45 minutes for a bar that had run out of all but the bland IPAs. During this queue the Who came on stage and immediately - before playing a chord - spoke dismissively about the support band. When I got back to our seats I found people standing in front of us on the barricade blocking our view, despite repeated requests to move, signs stating "no standing" and a stewarding team fresh out of school. After being verbally abused by a pensioner for asking her not to stand in front of the seats we'd paid £80 each for we decided we had better things to do than watch a Brexiter and his nonce bassist go through the motions and went home.

3. The total shows should've been even higher, but we missed several. In the spring we missed a pair of hometown Maisie Peters shows due to a family tragedy. In August I missed seeing be your own PET! for the first time in fifteen years due to a different family tragedy, and we missed seeing Sabrina Carpenter headlining at the Hammersmith Odeon due to being stranded in Amsterdam after easyjet cancelled our flight home. It's not been a great year, all things considered.

[olko71]

New Post has been published on All about business online

New Post has been published on https://yaroreviews.info/2023/08/why-a-zara-store-bet-big-on-the-maxi-dress-this-summer

Why a Zara Store Bet Big on the Maxi Dress This Summer

By

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Trefor Moss

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| Photographs by Caitlin Chescoe for The Wall Street Journal

[kcwi]

closed for // @cautiicn​

        ALTHOUGH her weeks are usually jam-packed with work – which is exactly how she likes it, being the workaholic she is –- her weekends are reserved for fun. it’s no secret she’s a people-person, even if she’s not the most agreeable person in the world, she gets bored without a little social interaction to keep her going. and naturally, aiden is the person she’s going to to spice up her weekend a little bit. it’s been a habit since the day they became friends because well, zara likes a little party and trouble when she’s not on the clock, and who better to go to for that? 

         they’re in the usual seats at the bar and zara’s already waving to the bartender to bring over another round of tequila for them. it’s always been her liquor of choice - pure proof that she has an affinity for chaos – and while she waits for them to be poured she pulls aiden’s hand towards her, swiping her tongue over the skin just above his thumb and dumping salt onto it. it’s a thoughtless action, really, no real intention behind it besides the eagerness to keep her drunken state nice and steady. “ i think the new bartender here is eyeing you. ” she laughs, helping herself to the small container of lemons just on the bar mat and keeping her voice low enough to not be overheard. “ what do you think? ”

[amphtaminedreams]

The Women of Euphoria and Personal Style: Lookbook no.8

Hi to anyone reading,

I hope you’re well considering everything going on! It feels weird to want to talk about fashion or TV shows or red carpets or whatever when 90% of my Google searches are COVID-19 related but there you go. It’s all about trying to power through as normal (minus the social interaction) and pretend the world isn’t ending, right? Queue nervous laughter.

And as if things aren't shitty enough, production of season 2 of Euphoria has been postponed until further notice. 

Okay, in the grand scheme of things, having to wait a bit longer for a TV show isn’t catastrophic but it does just about sum up the transition from 2019 to 2020 thus far that after HBO redeemed itself by broadcasting Euphoria in the summer following an ending to Game of Thrones that has made the whole series unrewatchable, the glimmer of hope in me reignited by the prospect of series 2 this year has been quickly dashed. 2021, I’m rooting for you, because it doesn’t seem like things are getting better any time soon, and in all seriousness, I think everyone needs a break from the collective suffering of the last few months.

For me (and undoubtedly for many others if the hundreds of makeup looks and styling videos are anything to go by), Euphoria’s effect on the world of fashion and beauty is unprecedented. I really can’t recall a TV show in living memory that has had as much of an impact on the way young people dress. I mean, this might partially be because the style of the characters already kind of caters to and draws from the target audience but also, aside from Blair Waldorf did anybody really give THAT much of a fuck about what anybody in Gossip Girl wore?

The draw of the styling on Euphoria is that it has something for everyone. The style of each of the main girls, Rue, Kat, Maddy, Jules and Cassie, all of whom I’ve attempted (emphasis on attempted!) to base (emphasis on base!) outfits around, is varied and distinctive but still so current and realistic at the same time. It’s also consistent; even if you don’t own the specific pieces worn by any of them, similar shapes and details reoccur enough in different looks throughout the series that it’s not hard to create an outfit which matches your favourite character’s overall vibe without buying anything new. That’s kinda what I have attempted to do here and without further ado, I’m gonna get on with it! First up:

Jules (Played by Hunter Schafer)

When it comes to whose style is the most experimental, Jules is the obvious answer. A lot of her outfits are what I imagine a cartoonist in the near-distant future will envision their cool girl protagonist wearing. Whilst her ensembles are generally whimsical and girly for the most part, there’s usually a few slightly punk-ish finishing touches thrown in there too be it through chunky shoes or bold makeup or that incredible mesh trench coat she wears in the series finale with the trans symbol on the back which, honestly, deserves a moment of silence. 

There are definitely nods to current fashion trends sprinkled throughout her wardrobe too. I'm not going to lie, despite someone at work seemingly thinking it was an insult to tell me I look like someone who does (I still don’t know but this person has a Rick and Morty keyring so I don’t give it too much weight), I’ve never watched any anime. BUT, that being said, given the abundance of anime screenshots posted by all these aesthetic oriented Instagram and Tumblr moodboard accounts, I have a vague idea of what some of the more iconic characters look like and a lot of Jules’ looks seem to be very much modelled after or at least inspired by them. In a way, I see a lot of her looks as a blend between modern “e-girl”, Y2K skater chick (yes, I’m thinking early Avril Lavigne), and 2013 Tumblr “hipster” a la 2014 Joanna Kutcha and Charlie Barker, and though on paper that sounds like a nightmare combination, it works. I know-if that sentence were a Depop description I would’ve just gained 30 followers.

When it comes to my own interpretation of Jules’ style, it’s definitely something I like to channel when I’m putting together a proper OUTFIT outfit. Meaning an outfit I actually put effort into and thus will most likely want to get a good photo in, lol. The way her character dresses is almost quite Christopher Kane in that it’s fresh and unusual but still understated enough that I wouldn’t walk into a room wearing any of these feeling like I’m doing a Rick Owens runway.

I’m not TOO far out of my comfort zone but still at the same time, I’d be trying something new and maybe a little bit more zany than I'm used to. As for noting where any of these pieces are from, only a few have been bought in the last 6 months, but from left to right clockwise I have marked out those that have in case they’re still available (though be wary of the fact that it seems a lot of online clothes stores are still forcing warehouse employees to work in close confines at the moment and so perhaps aren’t operating the most ethically):

LOOK 1

Corset-Jaded London

Shoes-TK Maxx

LOOK 2

Dress-Motel Rocks

Boots-Koi Vegan Footwear

LOOK 3

Dress-Jaded London

LOOK 4

Dress-Jaded London

Beret-Ebay

LOOK 5

Beret-Ebay

LOOK 6

Mesh Top-Depop

Hair Clips-Urban Outfitters

Kat (Played by Barbie Ferreira) 

Eurgh, Kat. 

I LOVE THIS BITCH.

If I had to choose my favourite character in the show, it would be a very close toss-up between her and Rue, and though I think Rue might just about nab the top spot for her relatability factor, Kat is the girl I want to be or wish that I had been when I was at school. I mean, there’s definitely an argument to be made in that a lot of what she’s doing with her cam work could be seen as a means of validation (Sam Levinson has basically said everyone on the show has some kind of an unhealthy coping mechanism and I would guess due to the circumstances in which her cam girl career was borne and the fact she’s underage, this would be hers) but I do think in other ways we really see Kat reclaim her power and recognise herself for the smart, capable, gorgeous woman that she is. Honestly, the definition of divine feminine energy, and I would completely let Barbie Ferreira/basically Kat if she was also actually 23 dominate me.

Plus! Her! Style! Is! The! Bomb! Definitely the easiest character to base looks around because if I’m totally honest Kat’s energy is pretty much just what I want to emulate in every day life. 

It’s either pieces that are typically feminine, cutesy, and even slightly preppy at times drenched in everything grunge OR vice versa where you have something semi-gothic and then add a colourful, more playful touch in there that harks back to the beginning of the series before Kat had began to explore her identity and sexuality and dressed slightly more Forever 21.

I’d say, not yet with my whole chest, that on a good day the outfits I put together when making an effort aren’t too far off something Kat would wear, minus the more overtly BDSM touches; if wearing a ring choker in London is enough to get me a creepy comment from a gross middle aged shopkeeper (because I apparently forfeited my right not to be perved on when I decided to buy a bottle of Oasis summer fruits), then you can only imagine the kind of looks wearing a full-on harness would get in my conservative OAP dominated hometown. Not the most doable right now, especially considering the only time I get out is to work and to go for a run. The chafing I could deal with but the horrified glares of pensioners whose M&S prawn mayo sandwiches I’ve ruined by simply being in their eyesight not so much.

LOOK 1-

Corset-Urban Outfitters

LOOK 2-

Bodysuit-Depop

Skirt-Zara

Harness-Ebay

LOOK 3-

Co-ord-Depop

Lace-up Corset-Missguided

LOOK 4-

Dress-Vintage

LOOK 5-

Belt-Ebay

LOOK 6-

Coat-Topshop

Dress-Jaded London

LOOK 7-

Fishnet Top-Ebay

Skirt-Urban Outfitters

Maddy (Played by Alexa Demie)

Not gonna lie, I was kind of scared to do Maddy. I’m scared to be posting this, lol! Alexa Demie has played this character for a single season and she’s already one of the most iconic women to grace our screens in years. This is a huge undertaking and I don’t have the bank balance or the body confidence (lmao) to raid IAmGia. 

And this is where I want to stress: THESE ARE NOT OUTFIT RECREATIONS. THESE ARE INSPIRED BY. I HAVE ADDED ELEMENTS OF MY OWN STYLE INTO THEM. PLEASE DON’T DRAG ME. I KNOW, I’M NOT ALEXA DEMIE. I WOULD NEVER ASSUME TO BE ALEXA DEMIE. I’M NOT ABOUT TO TAKE THE LORD’S NAME IN VAIN LIKE THAT. So now we’ve got that out the way (wipes bead of sweat off forehead), let’s continue. 

Everything about Maddy Perez is extra. She has very much been established as a centre of attention character, and her outfits are a key part of that. They’re daring, they’re hyper-feminine, and they are always glamorous. We’re told that she competed in beauty pageants when she was younger and it’s clear that level of excess and coordination and glitz and all-round-boujeeness wormed its way into her DNA during that time. Even the “depression” outfit she wears to school following Nate becoming violent at the fair is costume-like, a 2019 Bratz doll Off-White street style collaboration.

Do you know how HARD I had to try to be HOT!? For these photos. Alexa Demie is one of those blessed women who doesn’t have to try at all, and that translates into the character completely. At any given moment, Maddy could add or remove one item or clothing and be let straight into the VIP section of a club, and that, honestly, is inspiring to us all in these dark times. 

One thing I tried to keep in mind is that she always looks polished and coordinated, I.E the kind of look I would prepare for a night out is something Maddy would wear on an average day. Co-ords and delicate prints seem to be more subtle wardrobe staples along with mesh and PVC and glitter and feathers and fur and basically anything that toes the line between expensive looking and tacky. Yes, I am aware we may toe different sides of that line but please let me stay delusional and believe that’s not the case for 5 minutes. Much appreciated xoxo

LOOK 1-

Bodysuit-Jaded London

LOOK 2-

Bralette-Depop

LOOK 3-

Co-ord Suit-Boohoo

Bodysuit-Boohoo

LOOK 4-

Dress-Motel Rocks

Shoes-Schuh

LOOK 5-

Bodysuit-Zaful

Trousers-Depop

Coat-Topshop

LOOK 6-

Dress-Zaful

Belt-Zaful

LOOK 7-

Top-Jaded London

Hair Clips-H&M

Rue (Played by Zendaya Coleman)

I have a complicated relationship with Rue as a character. When I started season 1 of Euphoria, I was like “Oh my god, this girl is the worst. Jesus, she’s so negative and draining and willingly self-destructive and-”

Then, oh my god is this what it’s like to live with me!?

I will say, to my own credit, that I don’t think I've ever been quite as hard to deal with as Rue (a lot less smashing stuff up and a lot more moping), and to HER credit, by the end of the season we come to realise she’s been through a fucking lot and so it makes sense, but wow. I don’t think I have ever seen a teen show handle drug abuse and mental illness in such a brutal way. It’s quite a talent to be able to show a character cause so much pain to those closest to them and yet do so through a sympathetic lens. And issues aside, whether it’s her occasional social awkwardness or her relationship with her family or watching bloody Love Island (still quite surreal to see Zendaya Coleman witnessing the Amy/Curtis drama unfold), Rue is just my favourite character to follow. 

Her style, though. AH. The thing is, I can hardly drag it, because it’s pretty much what I wear when I’m moping about the house-or just any time I can get away with it to be honest-to a T. I want to stay true to character, but that being said, creating a “Seth Rogen”-esque outfit that’s worth posting on here is difficult. So, with the same kind of artistic license that had me wearing berets whilst cosplaying Maddy Perez, here is the best I could do:

I know, I know, it’s probably too much colour and jewellery for Rue but this is as toned down as I could do and I tried to stick with the key silhouettes we see from her throughout the season; I mean, I can’t see her wearing leopard print but the structure of the coat in outfit 1 is very similar to the one seen in Shook Ones pt.II. I think the bottom line when it comes to her character is keeping things effortless and not overly-feminine; you want to mix street style, athleisure and your dad’s wardrobe favourites like your life depends on it. Plus messy hair and smudged makeup, both of which I’ve already got down according to the completely inappropriate number of customers who’ve asked if I'm tired at work so thanks for that guys, and glitter tears. Lots and lots of glitter tears.

OUTFIT 1-

Dungarees-Vintage

OUTFIT 2-

Trousers-Depop

Cardigan-Urban Outfitters

OUTFIT 5-

Beanie-Depop

OUTFIT 6-

Shirt-Boohoo Man

Sports Bra-TK Maxx

Trousers-Urban Outfitters

OUTFIT 7-

Shirt-Jaded London

Cassie (Played by Sydney Sweeney)

Style-wise, Cassie is a hard one. When putting outfits for her character together, I found myself gravitating towards a direction that’s probably a bit too bohemian for her character, under the guidance of loose terms like “girl-next-door”, “floaty”, “delicate”, you get the idea. She definitely feels the least fully-realised in terms of all the main girls and I think it’s fair to say she’s probably got a bit of self-discovery to do. Most of her storylines in the season are dictated by her relationships to other people: McKay, Maddy, Lexie, her parents and so on. 

Nevertheless, I tried to stick to the airier, more traditionally “pretty” pieces whilst still channelling the confidence and ease with which Cassie pulls them off. Sydney Sweeney has the most incredible figure and I feel like whilst the clothes the on-set stylists put her in flatter that and don’t hide anything, they’re still the focus. It doesn’t feel like there’s anything more inherently sexual about her character than any of the other main female characters despite the way the men within the narrative view her, and I think it’s a testament to the the wardrobe department that to me she still gives off big modern Disney princess energy and a certain innocence even whilst we hear her being continuously sexualised by her male peers. 

If anything, Cassie probably dresses the most like an actual teenage girl, and her style, whilst less distinctive than the other girls, still does a good job of capturing the youth and romanticism of her character. 

The colour palette of her wardrobe tends to be quite neutral, with a couple of pastels thrown in there, and if there are any details, they’re usually quite dainty. Similarly, Cassie is probably the least experimental when it comes to her makeup; we don’t really see her wearing the bold eyeshadows or liners or gems like the other girls at any point.

OUTFIT 1-

Bodysuit-Motel Rocks

Hair Clips-Bershka

OUTFIT 2-

Dress-Jaded London

OUTFIT 3-

Trousers-Urban Outfitters

OUTFIT 4-

Top-Urban Outfitters

Hairband-H&M

`OUTFIT 5-

Top-Urban Outfitters

Jeans-Zaful

Headband-Primark

OUTFIT 6-

Top-Urban Outfitters

OUTFIT 7-

Dress-Urban Outfitters

Hair Clips-Boohoo

SO, I guess that’s it for my Euphoria lookbook! As always, let me know what you think (nicely pls, my ego is fragile lol) and I’d love to hear your opinions on the show too! I really haven’t got this excited over a new TV show in ages and I just think that it does everything so excellently-from the writing to the cinematography to the soundtrack, you can tell each element is so carefully and purposefully constructed. It immerses you into the dramatic highs and lows of being a teenager in a way I haven’t seen since UK Skins and I never thought I’d watch a show which held a candle to that. 

In terms of what I’m doing next, I’ve got a very delayed fashion week masterpost in the works as well as something to fill the Met Gala shaped hole in our lives, which I hope to get up over the next couple of weeks. In the meantime, if you read to the end, THANK YOU! And I hope you’re staying safe and AT HOME where possible. I know this self-isolation feels never-ending and if I’m honest, it is having a hugely negative effect on my mental health, but NHS staff are doing their very best with the shitty recourses they have and whilst it seems that our government have thrown workers under the bus once again, we can all do our bit to combat that by slowing the spread of the virus. Also thank you to anybody who’s out working now in such a scary and uncertain time! I work at a grocery store and can say from experience that the best way to show this thanks is just through kindness and following employee’s instructions without giving them grief for it. Everyone’s scared right now and the best we can do is pull together and look out for each other, as difficult as that might seem at times.

Anyway, sorry for the ramble, and like I said, stay safe! Thanks once again if you read til the end or even if you’re just here for the photos. Appreciate it more than you know either way!

Lauren x

[musings-sans-muse]

Second Hand Meet Cute pt. 4

Summary: Months after leaving England and recovered from the things that happened there, you enjoy your vacations in Eastern Europe and end up meeting someone from your past unexpectedly.

Warnings: Language / minor (barely there) suggestiveness / alcohol consumption

Word count: 6k+

A/N: I’m really grateful for all of the feedback I got, not only for this story, but for the others as well. I’m so grateful, I can’t even put it in words. I specially want to thank @shellbilee for being there to hear my nonsense and to stop me from deleting this story so many times. You, madam, are incredible. I also want to thank some very special followers, who have always shown so much love and support, via comments, reblogs and dms. I won’t tag anyone, cause I’d forget someone and that would drive me mad. I love you all! And to all of you who liked, reblogged, and/or commented, who followed and just checked in every once in a while, or who followed for Henry’s pics but never interacted, my deepest gratitude.

Happy birthday @the-freak-cassie-131! You’re the reason for this whole fic, I’m super grateful for your idea, and I wish you plenty more years of happiness, health and success! 💜

🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔

"Why can't we get in?" you asked, frustrated.

"Because they're shooting some movie in there. Fucking Hollywood. Couldn't they stay in America?" Zara said, her tone letting you know that it was a good thing that they'd only be spending the weekend with you.

"We can come back some other time, besides, just like we had planned at first, we could do this for the whole summer when the children are a bit bigger." Nubia surmised.

She was always looking on the bright side. Opening a smile, you put your arms around the shoulders she was trying to protect against the harsh winds with a thin cashmere shawl, and give her a tight hug.

"Have I mentioned how thankful I am for you lot? And for the fact that you'd drop everything to spend some time with me?" You said, and the other two turned their heads toward you while Nubia touched her forehead to yours.

"You did mention it a couple hundred times." Arie said with a smile. "Have we mentioned that you are worth every second?" She said, her face turning serious.

"Okay, we're not here for sobbing like our babies, so, yes, we love each other very much. Can I go back to bitchin'?" Zara complained, drawing laughter from the three of you.

Dismayed by the lost trip but not disheartened due to the company, you made your way down the castle hill and into a pub to enjoy the local food and beverages.

The late September air was starting to lose its heat and brought cold winds from the Julian Alps, so venturing into as many castles and churches as possible was the idea.

The girls had allowed you the time and space to become one with yourself again, but you knew they wouldn’t allow you to spend too long without any communication. They started slowly, emailing you about the little things going on with their children, in their lives. You started opening up more and more, and the emails became phone calls, and the phone calls became video calls.

By late August you let them in on your plans of traveling around Europe. Slovenia had been on your bucket list for years now and, with vacation time to take, you decided you'd cross that one out. You started the trip alone, spending a week in Poland, taking trains to travel around and truly take in the scenery. After that, you took your time exploring Slovakia, moving on to Hungary, then Croatia. Then, after spending a week in Slovenia, you’d be heading into southern Austria and then into Italy, where you’d be flying back home.

The girls arranged their lives so that they could spend the whole day Friday and Saturday, and Sunday afternoon with you, for which you were deeply grateful. If not for their insistence and persistence, your recovery would have been much more slow going, and they never allowed you to stew.

In the little pub, you ate one of the many hearty dishes you had discovered to be new favorites and planned the following day that was meant to be your last with the girls. 

Though you hid it well, the sadness at losing their proximity again hurt quite a lot.

***

Work had been grueling ever since it began back in February. Henry was looking forward to when they’d be wrapping the whole thing, just a day away.

Reshoots would be done in Britain, and he couldn’t wait to go back home. What was the point of shooting in amazing locations if he couldn’t see them at all? He had heard of lakes, mountains, and caves, but could visit none of them, because he had no free time at all. He didn’t even have time to do the things he needed, let alone things he wanted to do.

These days were all about managing and prioritizing what had to be done, and what 

could be done in measly twenty four hours. He was exhausted and it took a lot just trying not to snap at people. He was grateful for having the best people in his team, who were there on the grind with him, and who were trying just as hard not to let the circumstances take the best of them. But thinking that it was the last night for that to be happening helped him push ahead. 

The last bit of work he’d be doing in the country was some function at the Opera House he had agreed to attend on Sunday night, and he was sure he’d end up nodding off during the presentation. In these moments, he hated being famous.

He had barely started chewing his last forkful of dinner, when somebody was already calling him back to set. 

Work was fun, despite being taxing, and time flies when you’re having fun. So, he hadn’t even noticed it was night time, having spent the whole day shooting on location, when they called ‘cut’ and it was time for the wrap photos and ‘see you at the party next Saturday’ called out to the several crew members.

On the way to the house he had rented, he stopped at a local food truck that made the best bacon cheeseburgers he had eaten in a while. Getting his fingers dirty with meat juices and trying to avoid Kal’s advances, he drove on for his first long night of sleep in more than six months.

He woke up to Kal’s tongue on his cheek.

“Okay, I’m up! Got it Bear! Thank you.” he groaned, sitting up and stretching his arms.

The numbers displayed on his watch surprised him, not only because Kal had been so patient, but also because it had been years since he last woke up after ten am.

The terrible thing about having a day off after going non-stop for so long was that Henry didn’t really know what to do with himself until five pm, when his team would be arriving to help him get ready for the gala later. 

TV was his first choice of distraction, after taking Kal on his needed walk, but he got bored and switched to his favorite author’s latest novel for an hour or so. He couldn’t concentrate like he really wanted, so after a nice bowl of pasta carbonara, he spent a while on his personal social media. 

When he had gone through all the notifications on his phone, he decided to get half an hour of cardio done, and playing with Kal in the garden was fun and got the job done. Noticing that the weather was still pleasant, and the sky would probably be starry that night, he remembered his initial thought upon renting the house and its top selling point: lying down on one of the comfortable outdoor lounging chairs on his deck looking up at the stars. 

Seven o’clock came too soon, and there he was, in another magnificent structure he wouldn’t have the time or the privacy to see. The Opera House was beautiful, and he truly regretted having to pose for photographers with the mayor and whoever else’s hands he had to shake, instead of admiring it. There were so many people that at a point it felt more like a convention meet and greet than a fundraising. 

As entertaining as La Traviata was, he had been good enough to watch the first two acts with real interest but the open boxes on the balcony, where he was sitting, and the not-so-furtive glances people kept stealing at him from time to time kept distracting him from the show. He had a drink during the second intermission and it reminded him how much his body would love to be lounging on those chairs, listening to the opera on Spotify.

He got up, trying to be the least disruptive possible, thanking God most people were too absorbed to notice at that moment, and reaching to the corridor outside the box without a fuss, he sighed deeply. He saw the stern look the usher gave him, and responded with a smile. It was nice not to be recognized sometimes, even if he was met with some hostility.

In the men’s room, where he could still appreciate the music from the speakers above the sinks, he splashed some water on his face. He had to wait for the show to be over to leave with his team, but was really itching to just leave the theater and walk home.

Looking at his tired reflection in the gilded mirror he thought about the way his life was heading. Maybe he should follow Alfredo’s example and the next time he fell for a woman, he’d just say fuck all to the status and other people’s remarks and simply welcome love while it lasted. 

And hope she didn’t die of tuberculosis like Violetta. 

Laughing at his own crazy thoughts as he exited the restroom, aloof from his surroundings, he was still smiling when someone clashed against his arm.

“Damned shoe.” A feminine voice in a velvety burgundy dress exclaimed, her hair covering the view of her face as she looked at said shoe, that had escaped her foot. 

“Allow me to assist.” He said, not really waiting for a reply, and dropping to his knees. 

“Thank you, you truly didn’t have to.” she voiced, apologetically.

“It’s no problem at all.” he replied, fastening the clasp. “It was my pleas…”

His words got stuck in his throat as he looked up upon finishing his good deed of the day, and couldn’t believe his eyes.

***

You looked into the steel blue you thought you’d never see again.

“Henry, hi!” you whispered, breathless.

At a loss for words, he slowly, shakenly, got up.

He whispered your name, as if he didn’t believe you were truly there, and examined you from head to toe.

“Oh, good, you remember.” you joked, trying to loosen your own nerves.

That seemed to snap him out of his surprised trance, and bring his eyes back to yours.

“What are you…? How have you…?” he didn’t seem to decide what exactly he wanted to know first, but asked you these with a radiant smile that warmed your heart a little.

“I’m fine, if that’s what you were going to ask, and I’m on vacation. Traveling around Eastern Europe. I needed a change of scenery, a drastic one.” you said, but your smile couldn’t hide the darker tone your voice took at the very end of your sentence.

“Uh, this doesn’t seem like the place for this conversation.” Henry said, serious, and you nodded. His face denoted knowledge of what you talked about, and you frowned, wishing you could question him further, but he was right. “I’ve seen this opera a few times, have you?”

You were confused at the change of direction, but merely answered.

“I saw it once before. Why?” 

“Shall we go for a walk?” he asked, extending you the crook of his arm.

“Sure.” you replied, putting your gloved hand on his arm and feeling that warmth spread through your whole body. 

After collecting your belongings, you left through the side entrance of the theater, and crossing the street you found yourselves at a park.

“This feels a bit like déjà vu.” you said with a smile.

Neither of you had really said anything that mattered so far, and that made you quite anxious.

“Why do you say that?” he said with his brow furrowed.

“To our right, on that block, there’s a museum with prehistoric, iron age, Roman and Egyptian artifacts, along with a lot of things pertaining to Slovenian heritage. I visited it on Thursday, it was truly nice.” you told him.

“Oh, and you immediately thought of me?” he asked, a mischievous smirk he couldn’t hide, playing on his lips.

“What? No! Well, that’s not…” you spluttered.

“I’m sorry, I’m teasing. Couldn’t help it.” he said, with a grin that brought about your own. “I missed you...r smile.”

Your heart beat a little faster at his slip.

“Last time we met, it felt…” he continued.

“Empty?” you suggested.

You heard him swallow and he squeezed your hand, still on the crook of his arm.

“Clara told me about you.” he said, and silently waited for you to respond.

You had been shocked - and that was an understatement - when she confessed to you, but you didn’t think she would intervene on your behalf after what she did.

“What exactly did she tell you?” you spoke, your voice quite small.

“Everything, I believe.” he declared.

“Oh.” you both remained silent for a few paces, and you stared at your feet as you walked. “Well, it was unexpected and painful seeing him that day.” you stated, quietly.

He kept silent, his hand still on top of yours, lending much needed warmth. No doubt he remembered that awful day as clearly as you.

Every time you thought of Matt, was a time too many. You had a faint sliver of hope that one day, that memory would be just a memory, and it wouldn’t bring the shivers, dry mouth, cold hands and sweats involuntarily with it.

“Things are… better. Now.” you continued. “I’m healing, thanks to my other friends. They actually came and spent some time with me here. They left this afternoon.” your sadness at their departure couldn’t be hidden, and Henry stopped, causing you to stop too and turn to fully face him.

“And now we meet, once again.” he said quietly, his eyes boring into yours. 

In the little light that reached the spot where you were, they were cobalt blue.

“I can’t help but think that, maybe, it is a sign? You know? That we could, perhaps, try again?” he asked, gently squeezing both your hands, and the uncertainty in his tone conveyed the care that he didn’t openly express.

You were grateful.

It wasn’t a demand. Not like it had been with Matt. It was actually a choice, and a choice that he apparently really wanted you to make.

“We could start by having a decent second date. What do you think?” he quickly added with that dazzling smile of his, as your eyes widened slightly in apprehension.

You let out the breath you didn’t realize you were holding, and smiled back.

“I’d love that.” you replied.

***

You two walked back to the theater discussing the details of your proper date. After helping you into a cab, Henry went back into the theater as the presentation ended and people started to leave.

He was undeniably elated and couldn’t sleep when he got home. He decided to go for a run with a reluctant Kal in the woods nearby his house, taking a hot shower after that. 

He got into bed repeating to himself that he had to sleep and be well rested to meet you that following morning, trying to relax by counting eight seconds to breathe in and eight seconds to breathe out, but soon got lost in thoughts of how beautiful you looked in that dress. The white gloves contrasted well with the burgundy, and the dress was just right to highlight how beautiful you were. Your hair was shining again, there was only a hint of tiredness under your eyes, and your cheeks looked healthy. 

More than anything, the light had returned to your eyes, the eyes that had brought him to his knees, incapable of seeing any other woman. 

When Kal licked his face and he startled awake, noticing how high the sun was in the sky again, your lips were the last memory of the dream he was having and what he fiercely held on to as he made his way to the bathroom and took another shower. 

His bodyguard and driver waited in the SUV, while he went all the way to the door of your airbnb to meet you.

“Good morning, sweetheart.” he said with a huge smile.

“What’s gotten you so chirpy this early?” you asked, faking a frown.

“It’s almost ten thirty. Will you please accompany me to the car? We have a long road ahead of us.” he replied, still smiling like the Cheshire cat.

“Oh, do we? I thought we’d be having brunch.” you questioned, squinting at him suspiciously.

“Haven’t you had breakfast?” he asked, his tone concerned, though a smirk was playing around the corners of his smile.

“I had an apple.” you answered earnestly, not as amused.

“I brought croissants. Freshly made. Does it help?” he asked, putting on an innocent look that melted even his mother’s meanest mood.

“You’re so…” you started, shaking your head.

“Tall? Funny?” he offered, coming closer to you and putting both hands on your waist. “Incredibly attracted to you?”

He said that looking deep into your eyes and, not waiting for a reply, kissed your forehead. It was a good area to kiss, away from your gaze, because he had the feeling he went too far, and giving you a minute away from his eyes to gather your thoughts was the least he could do.

“More like devilishly handsome and annoying.” you said, leaning your head on his chest.

He wrapped his arms around your waist and hugged you closely as he chuckled, leaning his chin on your head.

He felt like his heart could burst. The fact that you had leaned into his embrace, and returned it, meant a level of acceptance he wasn't sure you were ready to give. 

There was nowhere else in the world he’d rather be at that moment, and he felt he could hold you like that forever. Alas, there was a forty-five-minute drive to your destination and he wanted to make the most of the afternoon with you there.

You two talked about anything and everything that hadn’t been covered before during that trip. Henry was happy to see that you had a healthy appetite for buttery baked goods, and that your tastes were more or less in line with his. Not only you two liked similar cuisines, and had come to appreciate the same dishes of the Slovenian cooking, but you liked a lot of the same classic rock bands, shared a taste for some pop artists, but diverged slightly when it came to country music. You disagreed completely about rap and hip hop, and indie and alternative, but he was surprised to know that musicals were also a guilty pleasure of yours.

The more he got to know about you, the more certainty he had that you were quite special.

“How much longer are you planning on staying in Slovenia?” he asked you when you were almost getting there.

“The plan was to leave today actually, and head to Austria. I’d be spending the next two days exploring the delicious compotes and cheeses they make in those tiny farms along the roads, and slowly make my way to Italy, where I’ll be taking my flight home.” you answered.

"Oh." he replied simply.

He thought he'd have as long as he wanted to be with you and it turned out he was on borrowed time already.

"I can always skip Austria. I've been there. It was a matter of revisiting great places with great food. But Slovenia has been providing me with that too." you said calmly, putting him at ease.

"Tell me about your travels. What have you seen?" he asked, leaning closer in his interest to know more about you.

You two talked about places you had seen and places you would like to see; places left unexplored and places you could have experienced better. 

"Oh, is that Bled?" you asked, interrupting something he was saying.

"Yes, it seems to be the highlight of places to see here. I was afraid you had already visited, but apparently…" he said, delighted by your reaction, while you drank in the view of the castle on the cliff from afar and the little island, in the middle of the lake, with the famous pilgrimage church.

"I wanted to come, but I decided to leave it to do with the girls. The girls weren't keen on a forty-five-minute trip, though. They said it would waste too much of the little time we'd have together, and it'd be a hassle." you replied, pensive.

"Great for me, then!" Henry laughed, trying to lighten the mood.

You whipped your head at him with a smile.

Mission accomplished.

***

After a lovely lunch at the castle restaurant, you two explored. You first followed a guide telling you about the history of the castle, since the sixth century, its ever evolving architecture, and the legend of the lake bell. You also toured the winery, trying wines and choosing your favorite, at his request. You filled two bottles, corked it with his help and wax-sealed them.

“One for you, and one for me.” he said, as you exited the area.

You gasped. It hadn’t been cheap.

“I thought… I thought you were buying it for your family or, um, I don’t know…” you babbled.

“This is a memory I’m sharing with you. So, the souvenirs will be just for you and me.” he replied, seriously, his eyebrows raised.

“Souvenirs? Will there be more?” you asked, excitement and apprehension fighting for a prominence in your tone.

“Just one more. It's the one I’m most looking forward to, actually.” he said, with a smile, as his left hand brushed the skin of your forearm and pulse, then into your hand, until his fingers lined with yours for a second, and then entwined.

You let go a ragged breath, very aware of the goosebumps and the fiery trail that his fingers left on the skin of your arm.

It was done so casually, as if he had done that a thousand times before. You stole a glance at him and he was looking at you, his lips softly curled upwards.

What wouldn’t you give to know what he was thinking.

You kept walking for a couple more minutes until you reached the castle forge. The heat and noise of hot iron being hammered on anvil hit you before you actually saw anyone working.

The forged items displayed were so beautiful, you felt like buying them all.

“Uh uh,” Henry said, turning you around by the waist to face him. “They’re all very beautiful, yes, but right now I need you to concentrate. Is there a short quote, or a proverb, a saying or something, that speaks to you?” he asked you with a frown.

“Oh, uh…” you started, but he interrupted you.

“There’s a queue, so you have time to think.” he hurriedly said. “I thought we could give each other words we find beautiful, or motivate us.” he explained.

“Oh, I know the perfect words.” you stated simply after a while, opening a smile and leaving him in a clear state of pure curiosity.

“And you’re not telling me?” he half stated, half asked.

“Nope.” you said with a grin.

“Alright, alright. Keep your secrets. I can wait a few more minutes.” he said and chuckled.

“How can they make it so fast for these people, if everyone gets their own version?” you asked, and it was your turn to frown.

“Actually, these people get to make their coins, but the only thing on them is the symbol of the castle and the date they visited. Ours will be a little more special.” he said and winked at you.

“Special how?” you whispered.

“Well, I asked someone on my team to call ahead. They were quite happy to hear me out. I have a coin making tradition for every production I work on, and we arranged a little something. But don’t tell anyone, okay?” he confided, in a hushed tone.

You nodded.

“So this morning, when I called personally, very early,” he continued, shaking his head, “they were kind enough to allow this little exception, and on such short notice.”

It was your turn then, and you noticed that the doors had been closed and no other visitors were around. The blacksmiths explained all the process to the both of you, and despite being quite hard work and taking quite a while, you managed to make a coin for Henry. 

Dark green velvet pouches were provided and you were very happy with the result.

You offered him the coin you had made for him, but he said that the date was not over yet. That he would rain in his curiosity, and that you’d definitely have your gift before he said goodnight to you.

The thought of him saying goodnight to you brought the butterflies back. That morning when he had kissed your forehead, your stomach had flipped in a way you hadn’t felt in a long, long time.

A short car ride led you to the lake where you took the traditional wooden boat to the church. The man on the boat told you you were right to come in October, for the tourists crowded the area until September. Indeed there were very few people who had been brave enough to face the glacial lake and the cold coming from the Alps.

From the distance you could see the long and steep stairs leading up to the church. As you set foot on the steps, Henry insisted you two take a few more photos. 

You had lost count of how many he had already taken of the castle, of you against the beautiful view, of you, just because, of the both of you. His eye for photography was amazing and you made him promise to send some of those to you.

After the long walk up the stairs to the church - you both kept stopping every few meters and admiring the view -, you two followed a guide once more, but your attention was elsewhere. You couldn’t help but gape at the beauty inside. The magnificent golden altar, the details all around, the icons, the chandeliers, the organ.

“It’s so beautiful!” you wondered in a whisper.

His hand was again holding yours and you found him looking at you, when your head finally turned to look at him.

“Yes, it’s quite the sight.” he said, and sighed, looking straight into your eyes. “Shall we make a wish?” he asked, looking back to the altar, where a few people had just left in tears.

“What do you mean 'make a wish’?” you asked, frowning in puzzlement.

“Well, didn’t you hear the guide? If we stand on the ruins, there, see?” he pointed to the floor where glass panels allowed you to see the ruins of the previous churches and pagan temples. “You see the rope?” You nodded. “Well, we have to remember the widow who prayed here everyday, remember, the one from the castle, with a dodgy character?” he laughed, and you nodded, smiling.

“So we pull the rope to make a wish? I’m sorry, I wasn't paying attention, there’s just so much to take in!”

“I understand.” he said, with a chuckle. “We have to pull the rope three times. Shall we do it together?” he asked, raising his eyebrows.

“But then, will both our wishes come true?” you asked, quirking one of yours.

“Good question.” he said, and looked down in thought.

“Well, we can always risk it.” his eyes snapped back to yours when you spoke.

You were face to face with the rope in between you, and his smile was radiant. He was having the time of his life.

“Who knows, maybe we end up wishing for the same thing.” you said, quietly, but he heard you.

“Make your wish.” he said.

His eyes never left yours. He put his hands on top of yours where you held the rope.

“Ready.” you said.

“Me too.” he replied.

And you pulled the rope.

It was a good thing that he was there to help you, because it was very heavy to pull. Once you got the hang of it, the second and the third were easier.

The chimes echoed through the church and the few people left in it looked back to the both of you.

You made your way out of the church but before you left, the guide pulled you aside while Henry watched, already almost by the steps.

“In case you need a future reference.” he said with a smile, in a thick accent.

When you looked at the pamphlet in your hands, it showed weddings in the island church, and how to book them.

It was a miracle that Henry did not ask anything about the embarrassment you knew couldn’t have hidden well in the short amount of time it took to reach him. He actually did not say much during the entire trip back to the city. You were tired, and there was just so much to think about.

“We’re here.” he said quietly. Probably trying not to startle you.

“Where’s here exactly?” you asked in the same hushed tone.

The resounding barks answered your question.

You walked the path to his door, hand in hand, and he stopped in front of you before opening it.

“Yeah, that’s Kal. He’ll jump. Do you have a problem with that?” he said with a wince.

“I’ve been tackled by him before. I guess I can take it.” you said with a smile and a wink.

“True. I’ll go first though, then he won’t be as excited when he tries to tackle you again.”

You both chuckled at that and, after waving at the men waiting by the gate, he took all of the bags of souvenirs from your hands, adding to the ones he had in his, and opened the door.

Just as promised, Kal almost tackled him to the floor, but soon realized there was novelty in the house, and came straight for you. You were smarter this time, already kneeling and petting him pretty much everywhere as he wouldn’t stand still.

***

Dinner was nice once Kal allowed you two to do anything. The restaurant was timely as usual, and the food was amazing.

You made him swear not to open the bottle you had bought at the castle because it should be opened only for a special occasion.

“Love, to me this is a very special occasion.” he said, looking into your eyes.

You were speechless at that, and he wondered if it all had been too much. 

Whisking you away like that, the lingering stares, holding your hand. All day long he had been so nervous about how you’d take the whole idea, and holding your hand grounded and calmed him.

You never protested it, but he didn’t really read a warm welcome from you. It was as if you wanted it, but didn’t at the same time.

After you both put away the dishes, despite his insistence that you didn’t have to do any of that, he took you to the deck overlooking the garden, where he was finally able to sit back, relax and look at the stars. Having you by his side was a bonus he was delighted to have earned.

He brought the coins for you to exchange and put them next to your wine glasses.

“So, Mr. Cavill let’s see what memorable words you’ve gifted me.” you said to him, with a mischievous grin.

He let you see your coin first.

“Life before Death. Strength before Weakness. Journey before Destination.” you read aloud, and looked at him with wide eyes.

“It’s from a book I love, and these are words I live by. I wanted to share them with you.” he said, gauging your reaction. 

He was showing his most nerdy side, and in hindsight, that wasn’t the best way to impress a woman.

“They’re very wise words to live by. I loved it. What’s the symbol?” you asked, intrigued by the intricate crest.

“Well, I figured, since you get my motto, you might as well get my crest. That’s my family crest.” blushing, he smiled at your quick intake of breath. “See, like my ring.”

“I’m…” you paused and swallowed, looking from him to the coin and back at him again, apparently trying to find the right word. “I’m honored Henry. Truly.”

He nodded, and averted his eyes from your scrutiny, taking a sip from his wine.

“Now it’s my turn!” he said, putting his glass down and lightening the mood.

“Well, I hope you like it.” you said, and it was your turn to be shy.

“Oh, that’s unfair, mine was in English!” he exclaimed as he examined his coin, laughing.

You laughed along, shaking your head.

“It means ‘In darkness, light.’” you said, your laughter turning into a small smile. “It is my motto.”

He nodded.

“Thank you.” he said solemnly, watching you lounge back on the chair admiring your coin.

He reclined as well, running his thumb over the engraved words.

“Stay.” he said quietly, after you both had remained in silence for a while.

“What was that?” you asked, turning your head to look at him.

“Stay. In Slovenia, I mean.” He repeated. “If your flight is non-refundable, I’ll pay for your flight back, but stay. Please.”

He wondered if this was the last straw, if he had finally pushed you too far and it would end before it had the chance to begin. Again.

“Henry, I…” you started, but stopped mid-sentence.

“Please. I want to give us a try.” he said, as he sat up, leaning closer to you, but trying not to invade your space.

You sat up too, and sighed deeply.

“You, uh… are you sure?” you asked and bit your lip; the fear in your voice was something he never thought he’d hear directed at him.

“I am. I am sure that I want to be with you. I am sure that I’ve already fallen for you.” you gasped at his confession, but in for a penny, in for a pound.

He couldn’t really read you, you hid your feelings a little too well when it came to your heart.

“Say something, please.” he pleaded, with a small smile.

You scooted forward until you were very close to him.

Your hands, warmer than his because of the blanket he had wrapped you in, closed around his and squeezed lightly.

He looked at your joined hands, thinking of the silky skin he had had the privilege to touch throughout the day. Were you going to let him down gently?

One of your hands untangled from his to place a featherlight touch to his cheek, brushing slowly down to his chin, and lift his head and his gaze toward yours.

“I want to give us a try, too.” you whispered. “I trust you.”

Your whispered words gave his heart a start, but you didn’t give him much time to recover sealing your lips over his.

It was everything and nothing like he had dreamed about.

The softness and power contrasted starkly, vying for his attention while those lips molded around his own, caressing and dragging, making him forget to breathe.

He could taste the wine on your lips, and the touch of your tongue on his sent shivers up and down his spine. 

It had been so long since anyone had made him feel anything remotely close to this.

Your tongues danced in synchronized movements and, at some point, teeth were invited to play as well.  

He didn’t know how long you two kissed for, time did not seem to matter anymore.

When you finally came up for air, he continued kissing the corners of your mouth. He couldn’t stop, you were like a balm for his sore soul that he didn’t know he needed.

He chuckled and you frowned.

“What?” you said, apprehensive.

“No, nothing. Just…” he didn’t finish, and he could tell this was not going well.

“Just what?” you asked, pulling away to look at him.

"Kissing you. It satisfied my curiosity." he said calmly with a smile.

You frowned.

"Didn't satisfy mine." you said seriously, still frowning.

An awkward silence descended over you two. The look on your face told him you probably misunderstood, the hurt evident in the downward curve of your lips. 

"Wait, what do you think I meant by that?" he was wrecking his brains trying to figure out how exactly you could have misinterpreted what he said.

"I don't know, what exactly did you mean?" you replied, and he was right about you being hurt.

"I meant that I’ve been dreaming of what kissing you felt like. Now I know. What did you mean?" he earnestly confessed, all humor gone.

Staring deeply into his eyes, you said nothing for a while. Then you let out a deep sigh. 

"I meant I could keep kissing you all night." you finally said, your tone slightly dreamy.

He opened a smile, as your words put him at ease.

“I’ll see what I can do about that.” he said, and grazed the skin of your neck with his hand until he was cradling your head on one side. You leaned into his touch, warming him inside.

“So, you’re staying?” he half asked, needing to be sure.

“Yes. I’m staying.” you replied, putting your hands on both sides of his face and kissing him again.

Henry thought about the way you said that.

Yes. 

He hoped it would be the first of many.

[talpup]

Light In the Darkness:69

Summary: Yami Sukehiro just wanted to join the Magic Knights and make his mentor proud.  He knew there would be trails.  He knew trouble would come his way.  Knew he would be faced with discrimination for being a foreigner and a peasant.  What he didn’t know.  Didn’t expect.  Was that literal Chaos would come his way.  That he and his mentor’s sister would be at the center of world ending trouble.  Or that he would fall in love with his mentor’s sister and face more than discrimination; but the jealously of Nozel Silva who loved the same woman he did.

Please remember this fic is rated mature and has warnings of violence, abuse, sexual tension, eventual sexual behavior, and other possible triggers.  For a full list of story tags please check the fics AO3 (link to that at the top of my tumblrs homepage).

NOTES: No one mentioned any need for markers to avoid the assault scene with the intention of sexual assault and rape.  So that made it easy to format to html for ao3.

***Also I'm seriously considering participating in No Content November.  While I have some super amazing regular and occasional commenters for this fic, it's really disheartening to see yet another fellow writer friend give up posting for lack of feedback.  Yes we write for ourselves.  And I'm sure that friend won't stop writing.  But we post to interact with readers and fellow manga/anime fans.  Just because the content the you read is free doesn't mean it didn't cost the author time and effort to write it.  We're not machines.  We have lives and feelings.

Readers pay for content with enthusiasm, feedback, questions, a simple thank you, or smash of the keyboard.  PLEASE interact with your content creators!  You have no idea what hearing from you means to us.

Anyway, I have a couple more weeks to decide though I'm leaning to yes.  Not just to support my fellow writer friends, but because the feedback on some of my BNHA fics is less than 1% hits to comments and I'm seriously considering a full stop on posting those.  Not only will this break give me a chance to decide if I want to continue or stop posting my BNHA stuff but it will also give me a chance to get further ahead on writing this fic as I really do like the large buffer I have between the chapter I'm posting and what I have finished.***

Chapter 69

Teris paused and looked in the direction that Jax, Gendry, and Quince had set off in at first light.  The three had continued to travel with them two days after Jamie and his team had splintered off.  They had entered the Diamond Kingdom a week ago. And by Zara’s reckoning they were three to four days out from Morris’ seat of power. Teris just hoped that the Wizard King was right.  That their getting there was really going to end this mess. Otherwise it was going to get ugly fast.

Though they had a hard go.  Setting a pace each day that left them exhausted and dreading the morning. Teris knew they were the lucky ones, with thus far the much easier task.  She worried about Yami, Julius, and her friends.  She worried about all the Magic Knights.  Nozel, she, and the rest were so close to achieving their goal.  If they failed now all the others efforts to the southeast and southwest would be for not.  No doubt there were horrible injuries, if not a few deaths by now.  Teris shook her head.  No.  She couldn’t allow herself to think on such things.  Not here and now.  She’d go mad with it all, wondering how Yami, Julius, and the others she held dear were doing.

At least Teris knew Yami was still alive.  She turned back to the southeast.  Even from such a great distance she could clearly sense his mana. It was as if in place of them being able to trust letting their mana feed off each others they had been left with the ability sense the others mana no matter the distance.  It was probably because their mana was so turbulent that she could sense his from so afar.

While Teris had mourned the lost of their ability to boost each others mana; preferring it over this ability to sense Yami’s mana no matter the distance. She now found herself grateful for it. She may not know exactly what state Yami was in.  But she knew he was alive. That she would see him again.  And be able to hold him and feel his arms around her.

Reaching the point Teris had descended to, Nozel came beside her.  Wordlessly, he held out a water skin.

Teris shook her head.

“Drink. You need to stay hydrated.”  Nozel told.

Teris wasn’t sure it was an order; but she pretended it was and took the skin.  She drank deeply, not having realized how thirsty she was. Cold as the nights were.  The days were baking and brutal.  It was late September.  How was it still so hot?

Satisfied by Teris’ drinking, Nozel nodded slightly and surveyed the landscape below.  “Zara’s map showed a creek on the other side of that hill.”

“If I never see another rocky hill again I’d be happy.”  Teris muttered.

Nozel smirked, dryly.  “You and me both.  This would be so much quicker and easier if we could use our magic.”

Teris looked at him hopefully.  “Can we?  Please!”

Nozel shook his head.

“You’re the Captain.”  She argued.

Nozel huffed.  That had been the first playful comment she had made toward him since the incident with Jamie on the cliff.

“Even Captain's have orders to obey.”  Nozel reminded.

“Fine.” Teris sighed, handing him back the water skin.

From the corner of her eye Teris watched Nozel take a drink without first cleaning the spigot as he did when forced to share with anyone else.  So he still liked her, she thought sadly.  She had hoped all that would have changed after the dreadful encounter with the kiss.  Or after he had seen how well Yami and she got on after having been together for nearly ten months.  Teris blinked at that, realizing just how long Yami and she had been together.

“You alright?”  Nozel asked, seeing her expression change.

Teris blinked again, shooing away her thoughts.  “Yeah.  Fine.”

“You sure?”  Nozel pressed.

The acting Captain glanced at her unbuttoned blouse, faint scarring still visible on the flat of her chest.  He didn’t doubt that Teris was at full strength.  They wouldn’t have allowed her be out here if she wasn’t.  Nevertheless, Nozel couldn’t help but worry about her.  Concerned over the quick pace he was having them travel.  He wondered about Teris’ thoughts and emotional state too.  Being back in the field after what she had been through on the Summer Solstice.

Teris tapped down her annoyance at his obvious concern and gave him an overly sweet smile. “Yes, Captain.  I’m sure.”

Nozel looked her over realizing he had once again pressed the boundaries of proper Captaincy and strayed into being a friend and Intended.  His lips twitched, angry at his failing.

His tempter bled into his words as he said, more harshly then intended. “Then get going.  We still have a long way to travel before we reach the proposed camp.”

Teris did as he said, wondering what would happen if it got too dark before they reached the predetermined locations.  Without Jax or Jamie it would completely be on Nozel to decide.  Knowing Nozel, he’d likely make them press on unless the way, weather, or lack of celestial light made progress too treacherous.

They reached the bottom of the hill, Fuegoleon and Zara waiting between the one they had just descended and the one yet to be climbed.

“What’s the hold up?”  Nozel asked, stepping beside his Vice Captain.

“I swore I saw something.”  Fuegoleon said, eyes searching the barren landscape.

Nozel knew better than to suggest an animal.  Fuegoleon could at times be overly cautious; but he wouldn’t delay their progress if he didn’t feel real concern.

“Where’s Randall?”  Teris asked, her eyes and Nozel’s joining Fuegoleon’s and Zara’s in looking for sign of movement.

“I sent him to scout on ahead.”  Fuegoleon answered.

“Using his air magic?”  Nozel questioned.

Fuegoleon nodded and apologized.  “Sorry Captain.  I know we were instructed not--”

“No.” Nozel cut off his Vice Captain’s words.  “If you saw something. It’s best we know quickly and without calling further attention to ourselves stumbling about.”

Fuegoleon relaxed a bit at Nozel understanding.

“Is it possible that these are some of the men you use to run ore with?”  Teris questioned Zara, eyes still searching for color or movement.

Zara shook his head.  “None that I worked with.  It’s the rainy season further north.  Soon after the ground will freeze over.  These are the few months we spent at home.  There were others though.  Those not working--”  He cleared his throat knowing better then to admit that the Clover Kingdom employed people to bring ore from the north through the Diamond Kingdom.  “During this time they switched from smuggling ore to other things.”

“Such as?”  Nozel question.

“Anything profitable really.”  Zara answered.  “Many did that sort of thing all year if they had a gang skilled enough and willing to take the risks it brought.”

“Name a few of these other so called profitable things.”  Nozel commanded, blue eyes narrowing as they surveyed the surrounding hills.  They were in the worst possible location.  Sandwiched between two hillsides with not even a boulder or scrub bush as cover.

Zara shrugged.  “Food.  Magical items.  Labor.”

“People?” Fuegoleon questioned, making sure he understood correctly.

Zara nodded.

Nozel sneered.  “Slave traders.”

Zara blinked thinking he had already warned his Captain and team of this. “Did I not mention--”

“Shut up.”  Nozel commanded Zara, readying his magic as he watched and waited.

Teris glanced from Nozel to Zara and back.  “This isn’t his--”

“Not now.”  Nozel softly barked.

They heard small rocks being disturbed.

“Where’s Randall?”  Fuegoleon asked, more to himself.  He silently cursed. Had he just sent his friend to his death?

Randall appeared at the top of the hill.  Fuegoleon released the breath he’d been holding.

Nozel knew better than to relax.  Something wasn’t right.  That’s when someone else appeared beside Randall.  Tendrils of mercury formed around Nozel, ready to fight.

Fire blossomed from Fuegoleon’s hands.

“I can get to him.”  Teris said, fairly certain she could control her light travel enough not to permanently blind Randall.

Nozel knew what she meant.  Even if light travel didn’t take so much out of her, they still didn’t know the situation well enough.  Even if it was anyone other than Teris, he still wouldn’t have allowed it.

“No.” Nozel told her.

Teris’ hand glowed as she aimed at Randall’s captor.

“Not unless he makes a move or I give the word.”  Nozel told his team.

“Magic Knights.”  Another voice called from behind them.

Nozel cursed.  He and Teris spun around while Fuegoleon and Zara kept watch on Randall and his captor.

“Stand down.  You’re surrounded.  And so heavily out numbered that I almost feel sorry for you.”  The voice said.

Fuegoleon glanced at Nozel.  He didn’t want to give up yet; but would follow his Captain's lead.

Nozel waited, calculating what to do.  He could rain down mercury; but if there were foes on both hills it wouldn’t be a dense shower.  If the man was telling the truth about his numbers, without knowing where they were hiding, Nozel could miss a large portion of them.  Even if the man was lying and Nozel was able to take most of them out; not knowing where they were and the wide dispersion of rain would likely leave many still able to move or attack. His mercury rain was dense and capable of poisoning.  But if injury was only a small open wound it would take time for the effects for poisoning to incapacitate.

“Watch Randall and the one that has him.”  Nozel ordered Fuegoleon. “Teris.  Zara.  Be ready for my word.”

Zara turned his focus back to the hill they had just come down.  Teris switched her aim to the man that had spoken to them.

The man wasn’t standing too far from where Nozel and Teris had stopped and talked.  Nozel remembered a gouge in the rocky hill face not far from that area, big enough to hide six or eight.  He wondered how many such chasms scarred the hill; no longer thinking them natural, but created by these people for this very reason.

“Your bravery will get you and your people killed.  Killing you will mean me and mine don’t get paid.  Those who serve the Beast must always be paid.”  The man said, referring to himself in the third person.

“Then let us continue on our way.  We’d rather die than surrender to the likes of you.”  Nozel said.

Beast gave a humored smile.  “The likes of me?  Now you’ve gone and hurt my feelings Magic Knight.  You don’t even know me.  Fine.”  He sighed.  “I’ll show you what you’re up against.  Just how futile fighting is.  Half of you stand.”

Nozel’s eyes widened at the force before him.  Even if the man was blustering and this was all of his force; it was still a good sixty to seventy people.

“Stand down.”  Nozel told the others.

Facing thirty plus on the hill Randall was on, Fuegoleon did as his Captain told.  Zara followed suit.

“We can take them.”  Teris said.

Fuegoleon glanced at her, angry that she was once again challenging their Captain.  That’s when he saw the numbers on the hill Nozel, she, and Zara were facing.

“Stand down, Teris.”  Fuegoleon told.

His voice made her turn.  Seeing the numbers on her cousins side, Teris lowered her hand, the glow of light fading.

“That’s so unfair it’s not even funny.”  Teris ground out in complaint about the near hundred scattered about on the two hills.

“We’ll get out of this.”  Nozel swore to them, softly.  “We just have to survive to be able to do so.”  He turned back to Beast and called. “Well?”

“All your people.” Beast said.

Nozel’s brow furrowed.  His eyes darted over to Teris, Fuegoleon, and Zara making sure they all had obeyed his command.  He glanced back at Randall who still stood captive at the top of the hill.

“This is all my people.”  Nozel said.

The Beast pointed.  “Don’t lie to me!  You think having them travel hidden and separate will keep them safe?”

“There is no one else.”  Nozel told, wondering what kind of game the man was playing at.  Maybe he had some kind of vendetta against Magic Knights and simply wanted a reason to kill them?  But why then give them the option of standing down?

Thirty meters away an Invisibility Mage muttered.  “This isn’t good.”

The Gravity Mage with her suggested.  “Make Teris invisible and I’ll make her float up out of harms way.  She’s the one that matters. We can just let the others die.”

“We’re tasked to protect her.  What you’re suggesting would put her in danger.”  The Invisibility Mage whispered back, harshly.

“In more danger than she’s already in?”  The Gravity Mage retorted.

“No one’s attacking right now.  If we do as you suggest they will be. Can you guarantee that she won’t get hit in the crossfire and killed?”  The Invisibility Mage questioned

“This is a mess.”  The Gravity Mage rumbled.

“I told you not to hover so close, Daryin.”

“So this is my fault?”  Daryin asked.

“In a way, yes.  If we hadn’t followed so close they might not know we were here.”

“But Teris would still be captured, Gwen.”

“But we’d still be free to watch over and protect her, unnoticed and unchallenged.  I’m making us visible.”

“What! Gwen!  No!”

All eyes turned to the two newly appeared mages.

���That’s better.”  Beast smiled.

Beast, along with several others, jumped; his Air Mage depositing them safely before the Magic Knights.  Others lept and landed around their other two prey.

Beast grabbed Nozel by the throat and lifted him up.  “You’ll pay for lying to me, Magic Knight.”

Teris made for him.  “Stop it!”

Fuegoleon reached to stop her; but was too slow.  Beast released Nozel, who crumpled to the ground coughing and sucking in lungfuls of air.  Beast grabbed Teris by the arm, pulling her to him.

Teris knew she wasn’t strong enough to pull away.  Instead she allowed her feet to follow the direction she was yanked, using the added momentum.  Her knee rose and smashed Beasts in the groin with all the power she could physically muster.  Only her knee hit something hard and solid that made her jerk and wince in pain.

Teris wobbled on her still good leg, held up by her arm by Beast.

With a huff, Beast smirked down at her.  “Think you’re the first wild one to try such a thing?  I learned long ago to protect my favorite weapon against women such as you.”  He leered over her, getting in her face.  “In fact I may just use that weapon on you later.  Take a sample to better know the worth of what I’m selling.”

“Leave her alone!”  Nozel pushed to his feet, only to be kicked back down by one of Beast��s men.

Fuegoleon and Zara stepped toward Beast, only to be halted when the man standing over Nozel kicked him for every step they took.

Teris spat at the Beast.  “I’d kill myself before I let you near me. You think you’re the worst I’ve faced?”

Beast hooted.  “You are a feisty one! Aren’t you!  I like that!” He got back in her face.  “I may just keep you and break you myself.”

With great effort Fuegoleon kept his temper.  Seeking to inform and divert the mans attention away from Teris, he said.  “They’re not with us.”

Beast looked over at him.  He pushed Teris roughly away and stepped toward Fuegoleon.

Nozel barely caught Teris before her head hit a gagged rock.

“What’s that?”  Beast asked.

Fuegoleon looked up at Beast refusing to be intimated.  The name, though not creative, suited the man.  Beast had to be nearly seven feet tall. He was built like a mountain, his muscles seeming to have muscles.  Though Fuegoleon had seen a number of men who were bigger than Tobin Giantsbane and Yami Sukehiro, he had never seen a person that made the two Black Bulls seem small.  Till now.

“I said, they are not with us.”  Fuegoleon repeated, wondering who the two were and how long they had been secretly following them.  His first thought upon seeing them was that they were Magic Warriors or some sort of spy's working for the Diamond Kingdom.  But that didn’t seem right.  “If you look, you’ll see they’re not wearing Magic Knights cloaks.  I know you think they were traveling hidden and separate to keep them safe.  But, we didn’t know they were there.”

Beast looked back between the two groups and laughed.  “And here I thought the Clover Kingdoms Magic Knights were suppose to be elite mages.  You got caught in our trap and were being followed by those two and didn’t see any of it coming!”

Beast roared with amusement, his people following suit.  Their mocking laughter echoed off the hills.  Teris looked spitefully up at them. If only she could control her magic well enough to incinerate them all without turning her comrades to ash.  She had done it at the Battle at the Border and on three other occasions; but that had been before the Summer Solstice.  Before her mana had been churned into a raging, never ending whirlwind that she had to keep tightly harnessed at all times.  It left her feeling angry and ashamed that she couldn’t protect her squad members and friends, and get them out of this.

“Don’t feel so down on yourself Magic Knights.  I can’t speak for your stalkers over there, but us...  No one, no matter how good, would’ve seen the trap we laid.”  Beast said.  “We’ve got this gig down. Still, we’ve never once caught us a group Magic Knights.  There’s going to be a bidding war for the lot of you.  Get ready for the best payday you’ve ever seen boys and girls!”

The surrounding gang of mages cheered.

Nozel gripped Teris’ arm as he surveyed the surrounding enemy.  He was Captain.  This was on him.  Anything that happened to them was his doing.

“You don’t do anything unless I say.”  He whispered to Teris.

Teris’ eyes turned to him.  “What if--”

“That’s an order.”  Nozel rasped, harshly.

After the attention Teris had already drawn to herself, Nozel wasn’t about to let her attempt something that would further these people’s attention and aggression toward her.  As much as the thought angered and disgusted him, Teris was in the most danger here.  Men like this didn’t respect a ladies honor.  Their Leader had already threatened as much.

Nozel would never allow such a thing to happen.  He was sure Fuegoleon, Randall, and Zara felt the same.  They’d fight to the death before they’d let something like that happen to Teris.  Just the thought that someone had dared to threaten her with such a thing filled him with such rage that his hands clenched.

“Nozel.” Teris winced.

He looked at her then followed her gaze.  His bruised throat throbbed even more as he struggled to swallow a swell of new emotions.  He quickly opened his hand, releasing her arm to find a red print marring her skin where he had held her.  “I’m--”

“Button up.”  Fuegoleon whispered, lips barely moving as Beast stepped over to survey the two that had been following them.

Fuegoleon trusted Randall and Zara enough to not look at his cousin in such a way.  But men like this, even if Teris was covered up completely, would still stare and desire.

With slightly trembling hands, Teris did has her cousin instructed.  The scars on her chest were still slightly visible under certain light but hiding them didn’t when faced with the heat of day.  She would've taken off the thin over blouse, leaving her in just a tank top, if it hadn’t provided some sort of protection from the sun.

“We won’t let anything happen to you.”  Zara promised her.

Staring at the two that had been following the Magic Knights, one of the gang members asked.  “Are you sure you believe they aren’t with them? Could be that they’re nobility and the Magic Knights are protecting them.”

“Look at them.”  Beast gestured to the two.  “Even if they weren’t dressed like that, they don’t have the right look about them.”

“The right look?”  The gang member questioned.

“Their hands.  Their eyes.”  Beast made his way back to the Magic Knights and pointed at Nozel and Fuegoleon.  “I reckon those two are nobility.  The girl has the right glare and attitude too.  If it wasn’t for her hands, I’d have guessed she was high class as well.  But there’s no way a fine noble lady would have hands like those.”

Teris scowled, fighting the urge to look at her hands.  What was wrong with them?  So it had been almost a year since Mistress had forced a manicure on her.  But were her nails really that bad and different from Fuegoleon and Nozel’s?

Beast looked her over.  He didn’t know what he had said to garner such a hate filled look from her,  likely just continuing to exist was enough.  The girl certainly had the hateful, haughty eyes and bearing of a noble.  Maybe she had been one once or her house was near its end.  Or maybe she had picked up the behaviors of the two noblemen she traveled with.  Maybe one, or both of them, were grooming her as their courtesan.  No.  That didn’t sound right.  If either of these two men had such designs on her, they’d make sure she was taken care of and looked the part.  No man, even a prissy noble, liked their hands to be prettier than their woman's.  Though there did seem to be a curious dynamic between the girl and two nobles.

No matter, Beast thought.  If he were interested in a persons life story he would be doing something different.  He looked up to where his man was holding the other Magic Knight.  “Do it!”

The Magic Knights in front of him turned in time to seen their comrade fall to the ground.  Before they could react Beast’s people knocked them out as was.  He looked over at the other two that had been following the Magic Knights.  “Anything more you want to say before we put you go to sleep too?”

“Our Master will not stand for this!”  Daryin yelled, unwilling to be hushed by his companion.  “You’ve made a grave mistake!”

Beast laughed, his people following suit.  “And who is your Master?  Tell me of his fearsome accomplishments.”

“He is Death himself.”  Daryin said, lifting his chin proudly

Beast stopped at that.  There was only one man he knew that was referred to in such a way.

“Pip.” Beast called to his second in command.

Pip stepped forward, her long hair tangling in the wind as she came beside him.  “Boss?”

Beast nodded to two of his people, silently ordering them to knock out the tag-alongs.

The two Agents of Chaos crumpled to the ground.

Beast lifted his hand, giving his gang the signal to wrap it up and move out.  A few others came down to help pick up and take away their haul.

“See that the Magic Knights and those two are put in different cell blocks.  Then put the word out with our contacts.  Let it be known we have a man and woman claiming to belong to the Agents of Chaos.  Say that they were following a team of Magic Knights.  And that we will wait three days before putting them on the market just in case the Master of Chaos has an interest or wishes to claim any of them.”

“Sure thing, Boss.”  Pip nodded.

Beast looked around at his people.  Raising his voice so the gang could hear, he ordered.  “No one harms the men or touches either of the women.  They may not be ours to toy with just yet.”  He heard some of his men grumble and complain, and told.  “Either way, you can be sure we’ll get paid a pretty sum for them.”

He wondered what two Agents of Chaos were doing following a squad of Magic Knights.  That was if they had been telling the truth.  But if they knew of the Master of Chaos, then they would know he was not someone to be mentioned so casually, even in the hope of freedom. There were far worse things than being sold into indentured servitude if caught misusing the Master of Chaos’ name.  And pretending to be in league with him when not would see those worse things come to pass.

69.2

It had been four days since Mereoleona let Yami back on the front lines of the battlefield.  Still, the Crimson Lions Captain had continued to watch him closely.  Yami could feel the Vermilion’s eyes on him as he fought, making sure that he stayed in line.

The fearsome Lioness could watch him all she liked, Yami thought.  He had learned his lesson and learned it well.  He was not someone who sat back and cared for returning fighters.  He didn’t have the temperament or emotional aptitude for it.  Because of that he had made a whole host of new enemies among his fellow Magic Knights; having thrown them water skins from afar which had smacked them in the face, or simply told them to get their own damned refreshment. His eyes had never left the battlefield the entire time he had been back there.  Those two long, seemingly endless days of not fighting alongside his fellows had killed him.

Returning from the front line, Yami collapsed under the shade of a tree, accepting the water skin that was handed to him.

Sitting a few paces away, Mereoleona commented.  “You’re doing well out there.  Never stepped out of line once.”

Yami said nothing.  Though still on the lookout for the Smoke Mage Lotus Whomalt, he had stopped actively searching for him.  He sighed, grateful that Teris’ cousin had let him back out to fight.  He wasn’t about to ruin it by speaking up.  Just give him a hour or two of rest and he’d be ready to go out there again.

The Crimson Lions Captain got to her feet.  She had to report to Commander Greywright.  “Rest up.  We go again in four hours.”

“War is stupid.”  Yami grumbled.

Mereoleona looked down at him.  “Don’t tell me you were one of those idiots that thought it glorious.” “No.”  Yami said.  He might not be the smartest person around; but only a fool would think war was glorious.  “Still, I didn’t think it was like this.”

“It’s not.”  Mereoleona confessed.  “Not really.  Remember.  We’re only fighting as a distraction.  If this were a real war without trying for peace, it’d be different.  Though no less stupid. Battles are fun and may have meaning.  Wars.”  She shook her head and sighed.  “They’re nothing but foolish endeavors no matter how noble the cause.”

Yami made a face of disgust.  The reason for this particular war was certainly foolish and far from noble.

“Get some rest.  That’s an order.”  Mereoleona told him, walking off.

Yami wasn’t the best at following orders; but currently that was a command he had no trouble obeying.  He laid back on the dusty, packed earth.  Stretching out, he closed his eyes.  As usual when he had a moment of peace to himself, his thoughts drifted to Teris.

His sense of her mana told him she was alive.  But that didn’t mean she was safe.  Then again she was traveling with two men who loved and adored her nearly as much as he did.  He trusted Nozel and Fuegoleon. Knew the two men were highly capable.  Between Teris herself, Nozel, and Fuegoleon; Yami was confidant that no harm would come to her.

Yami recalled his birthday before the Crimson Lion and Silver Eagle arrived.  He hadn’t meant to take things so far that morning.  But could anyone blame him?  He could still hardly believe Teris’ boldness.  Referring to herself as his gift.  Not that he hadn’t liked it.  He had liked it a bit too much as the resulting outcome had proved.  What he had liked even more was that Teris felt comfortable and free enough with him to show such a side of herself. Yami growled, his thoughts sending his blood south.

Eyes closed, hands laced behind his head, Yami drowsily told his growing erection.  “I’ll beat you later.  Just let me rest.  And, no. I’m not talking to you.”  He told, sensing Bronn’s presence.

“Didn’t think you were.”  Bronn said, sitting a couple meters away with a tired grunt.  “I think every man here is telling their spear pretty much the same.  Why do you think so many little ones are born nine or so months after peace is made?  Not that you’ll be doing any of that.  You got yourself a fine bred lady and will have to wait. Won’t you?  That’s if she’s good on her word and doesn’t end up wedding that royal brat like she’s told.”

Yami opened an eye and looked at the Vice Captain.

“I could introduce you to some clean lass’ who know how to keep quiet about their dealings.”  Bronn offered.  “Black Sheep need never know.  I’ll even pay for your first go.  Consider it thanks for saving my ass out there this morning.”

The offer was so ludicrous it didn’t even bare response.  Yami closed his eye.

“Come on, kid.”  Bronn urged, sitting forward.  “If it all works out with Black Sheep the way you’re hoping, you’re gonna need some sort of experience.  I’ve been in the baths when you’re there. That thing you’re packing will do more than scare the girl. It’ll--”

Yami’s eyes flashed open.  He sat up, hand on the hilt of his katana.

Bronn held up his hands.  “Got it!  Got it!  No talk of sex talk where Black Sheep’s involved.  Geesh, you really do got a temper.  Don’t you.”

Yami slowly released the blades hilt.  Laying back down, he grumbled.  ���I liked it better when you hated me.”

“Don’t get me wrong, Boy.  I still hate your troublesome, disrespectful ass. I certainly still think you’re making a big mistake pursuing that girl.  Whether she’s willing to give it all up or not.  Royals are nothing but trouble.  Black Sheep even more so.  Look at the mess you’re in with these zealots and the folk hired to kill you.”

Yami didn’t respond.  He didn’t care one lick what Bronn thought.  He only wished he hadn’t stepped in to help the Vice Captain, and instead left him to die.  Then Bronn wouldn’t be here bothering him, trying to figure out a way to repay him.  It didn’t matter that supporting and defending each other was what Magic Knights did. This was the two of them.  Yami had saved Bronn’s life; and Bronn couldn’t go on feeling he owed Yami his life.  The debt had to be paid.

Annoyed, Yami gritted his teeth.  “You want to thank me.  Go.  Away.”

Bronn looked at him out of the corner of his eye.  Was the young man that stupid?  That’s not how this sort of thing worked.  Yami had put himself at risk to help and save him.  In order to clear the debt, Bronn would either have to do the same or provide a service of great cost.  The woman he had in mind to service Yami was certainly that. Most of her clients were nobles, with a few wealthy merchants here and there.  Before Gilly, he had occasionally visited her.  The woman, looking for a good dirty romp without weak men or creepy kinks, use to call upon and take him without fee.  It had certainly been a boost to his ego.

“What’s with that face?”  Yami asked.

Bronn turned to the younger man, mind clearing of lewd memories.  “What’s that?”

“You look proud.  Almost—happy.  It’s creepy.  Stop it.”

Bronn picked up a small rock and threw it at him.  “Shut up!  I’m happy a lot.”

“When? I’ve never seen you happy.”  Yami quipped

“That’s because you’re around and you piss me off.”  Bronn said, throwing another rock.

The two started when rock passed through Yami.

“What are you doing.”  Bronn demanded.  He got to his feet knowing it wasn’t Yami.

Yami stood as well, hand instinctively gripping the hilt of his katana. “It’s not me.”

“Shut up and step through the portal.”  Bronn snapped, recognizing a different form of transportation magic.

Yami growled but did as he was told.  Bronn spun around, looking across the camp to where he had sent him.  He cursed seeing that it hadn’t work.  Yami was still fading.

Yami appearing in front of him, Bran blinked in surprise eyes clearing. The bees he was controlling to listen in on the enemies plans released from his hold.  “Yami!  What are you--”  His head pulled back, brows furrowing.  “You look weird.  What’s the matter?”

Yami looked down at his hands.  He could see through them now.  Despite that, he could still feel himself.  He was still able to grip his blade.  Bran stood, the both of them seeming to have the same idea. The two reached out trying to grasp the others arm.  Bran’s hand passed through Yami’s forearm.  Yami’s hand doing the same with Bran’s.

Yami continued to fade.  At this rate it wouldn’t be much longer before he completely disappeared.

“Captain Heath!”  Bran yelled, worry taking over his voice.

Bronn stepped through a portal with someone in tow.  He slapped Bran’s head.  “Quit screaming.  That singing fool can’t do anything about this.”  He said of the Purple Orcas Captain.

Yami stepped back when the woman that had arrived with Bronn stepped into his space.

“Let her do her thing!  She’s scenting you.”  Bronn snapped at Yami.

Yami frowned, but stayed put.  He looked down at the woman as she stuck her face into his chest taking long, deep breaths through her nose. Though he couldn’t physically feel her face passing through his chest; it was still a weird feeling.

“Hurry it up, lass.”  Bronn urged.

The transport was nearly complete.  Yami nothing more than a faint ghost.

“Done!” The woman declared.

Bronn felt a wave of relief wash over him.  As Yami disappeared, he swore. “We’ll find you.”

“Where is he!  What was that?”  Bran exclaimed.

Bronn frowned.  “Dimensional travel.  Only a few types of magic can even track it.  Lucky for us, such travel couldn’t have taken him far. We’ll have you look from the sky, and Etta here try to sniff him out.  But first, go inform Greywright and Mereoleona what’s happened.  Tell them we’ll need someone capable of busting their way in once we find him.”

Bran stepped to the Black Bulls Vice Captain.  “I want--”

Bronn grabbed Bran by the shirt collar.  “I don’t give a damn what you want, boy!  Now get!”  He shoved Bran in the direction of the Magic Knights Commanders tent.

Heath arrived, having hear Bran's call.  “I know you’re his Vice Captain but--”

“Not now, Bard!”  Bronn snapped.  “They got the Lord of Destruction. Again.”

Heath straightened at that.  “Who?  Surely not the Agents of Chaos again.”

“I don’t know who.  Muscle Head has all sorts after him.”  Bronn said, snidely.

The Captain noted Bronn’s weakened mana.  “At least let me help you out.  Restore you before you go.”

“Fine. Sing us one of your little shanty's and make us feel better.” Bronn allowed.

He might’ve made light of Heath’s magic; but the Purple Orcas Captain was a powerful mage.  And though he’d never say it, Bronn was exceedingly grateful for the mans efforts.  By the end of the short song, Bronn was refreshed, his mana levels back to full.

Looking to Etta, Bronn urged.  “Let’s go lass.  I got a debt to cross off.”

69.3

“Teris. Teris.  Wake up.”

Teris opened her eyes and found herself in an all too frightening familiar situation.  She really had to stop waking up in cells.  If she could just quit being captured all together that would be great.

She touched the base of her skull, wincing at the painful bump that was there.  Blinking, she looked up.  A small smile of relief crossed her face at the sight of Fuegoleon, Nozel, Zara, and Randall.

She looked around, taking in the iron bars.  “You guys okay?”

“That’s what I was about to ask you.”  Nozel said, watching her for sign of injury.

“Got the mana of all headaches.  But I’m good.”  Teris said, sitting up against the bars that adjoined with the boys cell.

She didn’t feel at all reassured that she was being kept in a separate cell from them; and she could see from their expressions and the way they kept on watching the door that they didn’t either.  Teris laid a hand over the belt buckle Yami had given her.  Grateful as she was for it, she hoped she wouldn’t need to use the blade hidden within.

“Has anyone been in?  Said anything?”  Teris asked.

“Zara woke first.  He says it’s been quiet.”  Fuegoleon told.

“Where are the other two?  The cloaked ones that were following us.” Teris wondered.

“That was strange.”  Randall commented.  Though he hadn’t heard much from his captured position at the top of hill, seeing those other two had surprised him.

After Randall woke, Fuegoleon had relayed everything that had been said while he let Nozel think.  Though Fuegoleon would never admit it, he knew Nozel had the better strategic mind.

Fuegoleon and Nozel looked at each other, both wondering the same thing.  The Vermillion turned back to his cousin, Teris’ expression telling him she thought the same.  That the Agents of Chaos or some other interested group had been following them.

Fuegoleon gritted his teeth.  He wondered how long the two tag-alongs had been with them.  If he had failed to notice danger stalking them, how could he hope to protect his cousin and fellows from harm?

The door opened and a man entered.

Fuegoleon fought the urge to make his way closer to Teris’ cell, knowing such an act would only draw further attention to her.

“Magic Knights.”  The man said, setting down a tray of food in front of the men's cell.  He eyed them.  “Not so magical in a mana blocked hold are you?  Beast is taking his time.  Waiting to give first bid of you all to a particularly scary customer.  I almost feel sorry for you if he’s the one who buys you lot.  He’s a real nasty fellow. Slice you all up for parts and throw away the rest he will.”

Teris felt the blood drain from her face.  Is this where Alowishus Spade got the mages for his sick corpse magic?  But what about the two that had been following them?  Were they not Agents of Chaos?  If not, then who were they?  And where were they now?

The man smiled.  “Sorry.  You boys will have to split the meal among the four of you.  I only have two hands.”  He moved and bent in front of Teris’ cell, setting a bowl of gruel on the floor.  “Maybe you’ll be nice enough to share your portion with them.  Are you a nice girl that likes to share?”  He looked her over, licking his lips.  “Want to share with me?  I’ll see you get all the best cuts if you treat me real nice like.”

Teris’ hand drifted back to her belt buckle.  Though she still had her grimoire, it would do her little good in a mana blocked cell.

The man looked back at the door he had come through.  The Magic Knights tensed, none of them liking the feel of this.  Almost as one, Nozel, Fuegoleon, Zara, and Randall reached through the bars when the jailer unlocked Teris’ cell.  They started yelling, both to threaten the man and attract attention of any other guard that could stop this.

Teris pressed back against the shared bars of the guys cell.  The man reached for her.  He managed to grab her leg and tried to pull her away from the adjoining cell.  Teris kicked out with her other leg, knocking him in the jaw.  She pulled her leg back and tucked it under her, squeezing as close to the bars as she could.  If they could make enough noise.  Get someone else to enter, see what was going on, and put a stop to it.

She held onto the bars with one hand, the other free and clasping the hidden weapon within her buckle.  She was tempted to pull the blade out now.  Wanted to threaten the man with it.  But such a thing wouldn’t work.  If anything he’d bring in the weapon he had left outside the cell with the keys.

No. Teris had wait and do exactly as Yami had taught her.  She had to leave the little knife hidden until the moment she had to use it.

The man laughed and tried to grab her leg again.  The reach of her comrades outstretched arms kept him at bay.

Nozel’s hand gripped over Teris’ in effort to secure her hold on the cells bar.  He could see the wild fear in her eyes, which only grew when the man once again managed to grab a hold of her ankle.

Though it had cost the man a good patch of hair and some scraps and bruises, he laughed, not feeling any of it.  Getting a better grip on Teris, he pulled.  Fuegoleon, Randall, and Zara now moved to assist Nozel in holding Teris fast.

The man was able to grip her around the waist now.  He gave one last rough jerk.  The others hold broke.  Teris was slammed against the bars on the opposite side of the cell.  If that hadn’t stunned her, the man adding his weight into the mix as he followed and rammed into her did.

The breath was knocked out of her.  One side of her face screamed, throbbing in pain along area it had met one of the bars.  Teris’ shoulder was grabbed.  Before she could catch her breath, she was spun around.  The other side of her face echoed in pain as she was back handed.  Spots blurred her vision.  It was a struggle to stay calm and remember what Yami had taught her.

The man thought he had won.  He thought that she was some Magic Knight unaccustomed to fighting with anything but magic.  But he was wrong. His arrogance was her strength.  Teris waited a second after he let his guard down.  His lecherous smile sickened as he looked her over.

Teris’ hand once again drifted to her belt buckle.

The mans smile grew.  “You’re one those, huh?  Likes to put up a fight but is all cooperative af--”

His words turned into a cry of alarm and pain as Teris charged him, driving the three inch blade into one of the key areas Yami had instructed her to.  Again and again she hit, the blade puncturing and slicing with every punch she gave to his groin.  Even when she had him against the opposite bars and Nozel was there to wrap an arm around the mans throat, Teris still didn’t stop.

As soon as the man had ripped Teris away, Nozel had taken a step back, frantically searching for weak points in the cells wall.  They couldn’t rely on anyone hearing them and coming it.  And what was to say that whoever came would put an end to this anyway?  The person could just as easily help Teris’ attacker.

Judging where the weakest point was, Nozel had instructed the others and they began pounding themselves against it.  He was pretty sure Fuegoleon had dislocated his shoulder as he had switched sides; but that didn’t matter now.  Together they had loosened the connection point and begun to bend a bar up.

When Nozel saw Teris charge, not stopping till the man was within his reach; he was there to wrap a forearm around the mans neck, gripping his wrist with his other hand.  Blind with rage, Nozel wasn’t going to stop squeezing till he choked the mans life out of him.

The others had managed to lift bend bar enough for the smallest of them to get through.

“Zara! The keys.”  Fuegoleon ordered as the Purple Orca crawled through into Teris’ cell.

But all seemed to stop when Teris fell back crying and bloody.

“Teris!” Zara rushed to her.

Teris pulled away when he neared.

Zara held up his hands.  He glanced at the man.  Seeing him dead, Zara soothed.  “Teris.  It’s okay.  It’s just me.  He’s gone. Dead.  It’s over.  Are—are you okay?”  He felt stupid for asking such a thing.  Of course she wasn’t okay.  “Are you injured?”

Teris touched her face, trying to take stock.

“This blood?”  Zara asked, gently.

At that she shook her head.  She looked down at the small knife she had instinctively slipped back into the belt buckle just the way Yami had taught her.  “It’s—it’s not mine.”

The four male Magic Knights relaxed at that.

“The keys.”  Fuegoleon commanded, again.

This time Zara listened.  As soon as the cell was open, Fuegoleon was through the door and in Teris’ cell.  He scooped her up to her feet with his good arm, the other still dislocated and pinned to his side.

“I got you.  I got you.”  Fuegoleon breathed, hugging her tight.  He looked over her shoulder to Nozel who still held the man in a choke hold.

It was then that Fuegoleon saw what Zara had somehow missed.  The torn fabric and bloodied mess all around the mans groin.  He held Teris tighter, wondering where she had gotten a weapon.  Off her attacker maybe?

Randall placed a hand on his Captain's shoulder.  “He’s dead, sir.  We should get out of here.”

Nozel gave a nod.  Still, he found it difficult to let go of the hold. Slowly, he forced his hand open, releasing his wrist.  The man slumped to the floor.  Pulling his arm back from between the bars, Nozel looked down at the man.

“Sir?” Randall pressed.

With a blink, Nozel forced his mind to focus.  He looked at Fuegoleon, silently inquiring about Teris.  Not that it really mattered.  They had to get out of here whether she was good to move of not.  He saw his friend whisper something to her.

Teris nodded.  She grabbed the Crimson Lions arm, and quickly and efficiently popped his shoulder back into place.

Fuegoleon gritted.  A guttural groan escaped from clenched teeth.

Nozel huffed, realizing what Fuegoleon had asked as a barometer to see if Teris was alright.

Stepping out of the cell, the acting Captain ordered.  “Let’s go.”

69.4

Before Yami managed to cloak his blade in darkness someone grabbed him from behind.  Big mistake, he thought.  Gripping the persons arm with his left hand, Yami threw them over his shoulder.  He twisted the arm till he felt it slide out of place.

The figure below grunted in pain.  Yami lowered his katana to the mans neck.  It was then that Yami saw his attackers face.

Yami halted, though didn’t lift his blade.  “Cin?”

“Yami!” Cin looked up.  He held up the hand of his good arm, staying the gang around them.  “What the hell, man!”

Yami blew a strand of hair out of his eye.  Teris was right.  He really did need a haircut.

Yami took in the surrounding gang.  “Was about to ask you the same.  We good?”

“Yeah. Yeah, we’re good.”  Cin winced, sitting up.  “Stand down everyone.”

Seeing the gangs magical attacks that had been ready strike disperse, Yami relaxed a bit.

Cin looked up at him.  “You mind?”

Yami sheathed his katana.  Holding his hand out to the mans good arm, Yami pulled him up.  As he did so he gripped and popped Cin’s shoulder back into place.

“Son of a--”  Cin shouted.  Some of his people laughed while others looked ready to attack again.  “Damn it!  Your touch is still as gentle as a hammer.”

“Thought I’d gotten better.”  Yami mumbled, mildly chagrined.  Though he hadn’t had as much practice putting joints back into place as he use to.

Cin huffed.  “What are you doing here?”

“What do you mean?  Wasn’t it one of yours that brought me.  I certainly didn’t come willingly.”

“Sorry about that.”  Cin apologized.

Yami looked about at the surrounding mages.  “So you’re running a gang?”

“You could say that, I guess.”  Cin admitted, carefully.  “What about you?  Never thought I’d see you on a battlefield fighting for the Clover Kingdom.”  He looked Yami over.  “A Magic Knight.  When did that happen?”

Yami shrugged.  “Few years back.”

“So, who is she?  Was she worth it?”  Cin asked.

The slight tension that have never left Yami, grew.  “What?”

“The girl who’s father hired us to kill you.”  Cin said, assuming their employer was some girls father.

“Who’s that?”  Yami asked, hoping for a name.  Though he had no doubt who had sent them.

Cin chuckled.  “What?  There’s more than one girl?”

“No. But her father’s dead.  So.”  Yami lifted a shoulder, staring at his old friend.

Cin shook his head.  “I remember when you didn’t have interest or time for girls.  Said they were nothing but trouble and a distraction.”

“Well, she certainly is that.”  Yami admitted.

“Hence why you’re keeping women to the one.”  Cin smirked.

Yami didn’t answer.  Let Cin fill in the blanks however he liked.  Good as it was to see him, Yami didn’t know him anymore.  It had been years since they had last seen each other.  Years since Yami had left the tunneled home that housed a pack of fellow boys who had followed him after he had kicked each of their asses.

A couple of those boys had even doubled up in fights against him.  Cin and Damon had been two of those.  It still hadn’t made a difference.  Yami had laid them out like the rest.  Before he knew it he had a gang answering to him.  Nice as it had been.  He hadn’t wanted it.  Hadn’t asked or demanded any of them follow him. Rather he had done his best to shoo them off.  But they had still followed.  Feeling lost and without purpose, Yami had gotten restless and wandered off one day, never to return.

He had met Julius soon after; and from there his life was changed.  Yami had occasionally wondered what had happened to his pack of friends, but never enough to go back and look for them.

“What happened to you?”  Cin asked.  “One day you were just—gone. You get pinched or something?”

“Or something.”  Yami answered.

Cin glowered.  This was the Yami he remember.  Quiet.  Distant.  Hard to read and difficult to work with.  Which was why he was so surprised to see Yami was a Magic Knight.  Following orders wasn’t Yami’s style.

Yami looked around, wondering if there were any other familiar faces. “The others?  Damon?”

“We all kind of went our own way after you disappeared.  Damon, Rigel, and I stuck together for a while.  Rigel left a couple months back. Got a girl pregnant and wanted to do right by her.”

“And Damon?”  Yami asked, remembering that he and Cin had been inseparable.

“Dead.” Cin answered.

Yami’s lip twitched.  “Damn.”

“Yeah.” Cin said.  He didn’t want to go into further detail.  Yami didn’t deserve it.

“So how much did Nathyn Silva pay you?”  Yami asked.

Cin looked up, knowing without a doubt he had never mentioned a name. Mainly because he didn’t know the name himself.

Working through a broker, Cin never met his clients.  It worked better for all involved that way.  A letter detailing the target, along with half the fee, came in.  He and his gang did the job, and the second half of the pay came in after.  It worked for him.  While he had his ways of figuring out who hired him; he had rarely had a mind to know or need to figure it out.  Nobody had ever tried to stiff him, so he never had reason to put in the effort of learning a clients name.

“I didn’t mention no Silva.”  Cin said.  “I wasn’t even sure I guessed right about it being about a girl.  I just figured it wasn’t a gambling debt.  You were too good at games to wrack up a sum someone was willing to kill you over.”

Yami massaged the tension out of his neck.  “So you’re really not going to tell me, even though I know.”

“Not that I’d tell you if I knew myself.  But I really don’t know.” Cin said.  He looked his long time friend over.  “Sounds like you do though.”

Yami sighed.  “Yeah.  Not that it’ll do me a lot of good.”  He watched Cin a moment.  “How do you want to handle this?”

Cin raised a questioning brow.  “What do you mean?”

Yami looked around at the others still surrounding him.  “Well, you were paid to take me out.”

Cin shook his head.  “Ain’t happening.”

“Come on.”  Yami bolstered.  “You got what?  Fifteen.  Twenty.  At your command.”

Cin shook his head again.  “I saw you on the battlefield from afar.  I had my concerns then.  But a job’s a job.  Now that I know it’s you.  No way.”

“A job’s a job.”  Yami echoed, tempting.

“I thought we left on good terms.  Despite your sudden disappearance.” Cin said.  His anger over Yami leaving without word creeping into his voice.

“We did.”  Yami agreed.

“Then why do you wanna kick my ass?”  Cin questioned.

Yami shrugged.  “For old times sake I guess.”

Cin smirked crookedly and shook his head.  Same old Yami, he thought. “I’ll have you know that I’ve gotten better.  Stronger.”

Yami mirrored the crooked smile.  “So have I.”

“That’s what I’m afraid of.”  Cin chuckled.

Yami finally, fully relaxed.  His sense of Cin’s Ki told him the man meant what he said.  His long ago friend had no interest in trying to collect his pay by finishing the job.

“So, what are you going to do?”  Yami asked.  “You may not know who hired you, but I’m near positive.  Nathyn Silva isn’t someone you want to cross.”

Ignoring the difficult question, Cin looked Yami over.  Despite all the past hurt and anger, it really was good to see him again.  “You should be asking yourself the same.  If it really is that royal bastard calling for your head, you’re in trouble, Yami.  Folk like that don’t like to be thwarted and have all the money in the world to hire more gangs.”

“I know.  This is his second attempt that I’m aware of.”  Yami told.

Cin blinked at that.  “What the hell did you do?”

Yami smirked and shook his head.  “You’d call me a fool if I told you.”

“I’ll call you a fool anyway.”  Cin remarked.  The two stared at each other a moment before Cin offered.  “Come with us.  With me.  Leave this war and the Magic Knights.”

“And run under you?”  Yami asked.

Cin shrugged.  “Could be worse.  You could die out there fighting a soon forgotten war for a prideful, child-like King who will never be grateful and doesn’t even know your name.  Or get caught unawares by the next hired gang sent to kill you.”

Or get pulled into a crazy zealots sick ceremony, Yami thought. “Tempting.  But I can’t.”

“That doesn’t sound like you.  The Yami Sukehiro I knew did whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted.  If he wanted to leave this mess and join me, he would do so without a backwards glance.”

“I would have at that.”  Yami agreed.  “But there’s things you don’t know and would never understand.  Things I barely understand.”

“It’s that girl.  Isn’t it?”  Cin guessed.

“Mostly.” Yami admitted.

“Then we’ll go get her.”

“Now that does sound tempting.”  Yami said.  He wondered if Teris could sense him while he was in this dimensional sphere.  If she couldn’t, he had little doubt that she was going as crazy as he had during the Battle at the Border.  He had to get out of here so she could sense his mana and know he was alright.  He gestured to the surrounding space.  “Can we--”

Understanding, Cin commanded.  “Oliva.”

They were returned to normal space.  Yami looked about.  They were on some barren hilltop overlooking the battlefield that was more than ten kilometers away.  Yami hoped that it was enough.  That Teris would sense him and be alright.

“You won’t come.  Will you?”  Cin said, watching him.

Yami shook his head.  Though it really was a tempting offer, he didn’t feel the least bit torn by saying no.  For the first time since waking up in this strange land, he had a life here in the Clover Kingdom.  And it consisted of more than just Teris.  It didn’t matter that Teris would never go for the life Cin was offering.  Yami didn’t want it either.  He was, dare he say, happy with the life he had made as a Black Bull in the Magic Knights.  And he would be even happier once Bronn was gone, and he and Teris were made co-Vice Captains.

Cin sighed.  “I knew you wouldn’t.  You wouldn’t be out there fighting if you didn’t want to be there.”

“Oh, I rather be almost anywhere than on that battlefield.”  Yami said.

“I meant as a Magic Knight.  In this life you’ve made yourself.”

Yami thought of Teris, Julius, and the Black Bulls.  “You’re right there.”

Cin shook his head and sighed.  “I suppose I’ll just have to let you pay the royal bastard back.  And also pay me and mine the second half we’re due.”

Yami had been afraid of that.  Still, he understood.  “Gotta keep them loyal.”

Cin nodded.

“Do me a favor.”

Cin huffed.  “You mean other then let you buy your life and live?”

“Oh, you’re letting me live now?”

“Shut up!  What do you want?”

Yami grinned, imagining the scene and sight of Lord Silva’s face.  “Let me return the funds.”

“You?” Cin questioned.  “You’re not even positive it’s him.”

“It’s him.”  Yami said.  The only way he could be more certain was if the Silva came forward and confessed.

Cin shook his head.  “Guess you haven’t changed as much as I was beginning to think.  Fine.  You agree to pay us the second half we would’ve received for the job.  And I’ll let you pay the Silva back the first half.  But if you’re wrong you’re paying whoever did hire us his portion back too.”

That sounded reasonable.  Yami held out his hand.

“Crazy bastard.”  Cin muttered, shaking on the deal.

“So how much do I owe you?”  Yami asked.

Cin shook his head.  “Now he asks.”  He muttered.  To Yami, he answered.  “Ten thousand yules.”

“Ten thousand!”  Yami repeated.  He didn’t know whether to be insulted, or upset that this would take all of his savings.

“Twenty thousand yules for your life.  Not a bad payday if it wasn’t you and so much work.”  Cin told.

“Maybe the next gang will demand more.”  Yami complained.

“You really think you’re worth that much?”  Cin questioned, humorously.

“I would've kill you and yours easy.”  Yami told.

“Really? And I suppose that’s what happened to the group before.”  Cin joked.

Yami nodded.  “Exactly.”

“What?” Cin questioned, in disbelief.

“Dead. All of them.”  Yami told, not saying that there had been other Magic Knights backing him up.

Cin blinked.  “All of them you say?”

“All twenty.”  Yami affirmed.

Cin gave a low whistle.  “I’ll spread word of that.  Maybe it’ll make other groups think twice before accepting the job if Silva or anyone else thinks to try again.”

“Don’t. They might demand more pay.  But they’ll still come.  Only they’ll have a better idea what their walking into.  With all that’s going on right now, I’d rather not have to try all that hard fending off gangs of assassins.”

“You mean there’s worse than people being hired to kill you?”  Cin asked, not all that surprised.

“It’s a long story that you don’t care about hearing and I’d rather not get into.”  Yami said.

“Fine.” Cin held out his hand.

Yami clasped his friends hand, firmly.

“Just get that money back to our hire as quick as you can.  Me and mine can wait a bit for our second half.  Let you finish up here before bugging you.”  Cin grinned at him.  “It’ll give us a chance to see each other again.  Maybe have a drink or two and talk about old times.”

“And if I’m wrong?”  Yami asked, not showing how much the thought of meeting Cin again disturbed him.  At least once his old friend got the second half of his pay, they would hopefully have no cause to ever see each other again.

Cin raised an eyebrow.  “Thought you said you were positive.”

“Just in case.  How do I get a hold of you to find and pay the correct person back?”

Cin eyed Yami’s Magic Knights cloak.  “We’ll just get a hold of you all the sooner.”

“That’s comforting.”  Yami muttered.

“Don’t worry.  Once we’re done, I won’t be paying you an friendly visits.”

“Those aren’t the type of visit I’m worried about.”  Yami said, even though he wanted nothing more to do with his old friend.

Cin chuckled.  “Then don’t be wrong.  And don’t go pissing anyone else off.”

Yami huffed.  “No promises there.  Seems all I gotta do is breathe for that to happen.”

“You’re the one who wants to stick around.”  Cin looked at his friend, smiling fondly at the memories seeing Yami brought.  “Hope she’s worth it.”

Yami fought a smile at the thought of Teris.  “She is.  She’s worth it all, and more.”

69.5

Beast entered the cell block where the Magic Knights had been held.

“Want us to pursue them?”  Pip asked, by his side.

Beast took in at the mangled cell and corpse, piecing together what had happened.  “No.  They’ve done what was ordered.”

Pip looked up at the towering man.  “Boss?”

“Word came quickly from Death.  We’ll get paid later.”

“But if he wants them...”

“He wanted them released and unharmed.”  Beast said.  He looked down at the dead man in disgust, hoping the girl got away undamaged.  He didn’t know what the Master of Chaos wanted with the Magic Knights; but he didn’t want to experience the mans wrath if they had been injured.  Turning away Beast ordered.  “Have this mess cleaned up. Take that filth out to the pens for the Saber Cats.  They haven’t had a decent meal in a while.”

“Sure thing, Boss.”

“Oh, and put the word out.  We’ll be hosting a gaming battle tomorrow.”

“Boss?”

Beast turned back.  “The two Agents of Chaos.  I was instructed to make their demise as drawn out and painful as possible.  It never goes well when you’ve displeased Death.”

69.6

Once they were free of the compound, Nozel had created an eagle of mercury large enough to carry them all.  He flew at top speed, unconcerned about lasting the day or keeping up his energy for the next.  All he cared about was getting Teris and his team as far away as quickly as possible.  Even so, he had flown in the direction of the Diamond Kingdoms capital.  Despite all that had happened, they still had a mission.  Nozel had flown until he didn’t think his could take it anymore, and then flew some more.

“Captain. Can we stop by that stream and let her get cleaned up?”  Randall asked, from behind him.

Nozel looked back at his squad for the first time since they had taken flight.  His eyes lowered to Teris.  She was covered in dried blood. Though apparently none of it was hers.

Nozel swallowed, struggling to control his emotions.  He noted that though Fuegoleon didn’t hold her, the Crimson Lion hovered protectively over her.

With a nod, Nozel directed the shining silver eagle toward a more sheltered area of the stream.  They had left the dry, rocky landscape behind for a more green, though far from lush, area.  This growth may have afforded them a bit more cover; but it was still bare enough that he felt safe from possible lurking enemies.

The sun was already dipping below the horizon when Nozel had the eagle land.  He looked over his squad and declared.  “We’ll camp here for the night.  Zara, set your traps.  Make them capable of catching small mammals.  We lost our rations along with our packs.”  He gave Teris a small, tentative smile.  “Looks like you’ll get to cook after all if you want.”

When Teris didn’t even register hearing him, Nozel’s forced smile fell.  She had had a scare.  They all had.  Seeing her attacked like that…  Nozel had never felt so helpless and furious.  He would have killed himself trying to get to her.  It had taken everything he had to pull himself back and think clearly when his instinct had been to rage and go mad, frothing uselessly from his cell.

Fuegoleon gripped his Captain’s shoulder, trying to comfort him.  He hoped Nozel didn’t take Teris’ silence personally.  Teris hadn’t spoken since they had taken to the air.  At least she had slept a good portion of the flight.  Though she had woken up with a start, calling Yami’s name.  There had been a moment after her waking where it appeared as if her fright would bubble over; but she had quickly calmed, taking in a shuddering breath as if relieved.

“Randall.” Nozel called, taking a step rather than shake Fuegoleon’s hand off his shoulder.  He didn’t want to be comforted.  He didn’t deserve it.  He had failed his team.

Randall straightened.  “Captain?”

Nozel hated the mans use of the title.  He hadn’t earned it in the first place.  And with all that had happened, he had proved just how unworthy he currently was of holding the rank, even as an acting one.

“Gather some wood and build a pit to roast whatever’s caught.  Then see if you can find a stone sharp enough to skin and cut.”  Nozel looked back at Teris, wondering if she still had whatever blade she had taken off the man.  But he didn’t want to bring it up by asking her.

Nozel watched Zara and Randall moved away to do as they were ordered. Turning back, he looked at Teris, once again fighting a swell of raging emotions.

“Teris.” Nozel said, gently.  When she still appeared dazed and distant, he turned to Fuegoleon.  “Why don’t you two get washed up.  I’ll keep watch.”

Fuegoleon nodded.

The two men looked at Teris, waiting for her to move or show any signed she had heard.  When she just stood there Fuegoleon looked back at Nozel, the two sharing a look of concern.

“Stop it!”  Teris snapped, suddenly coming to life.  “Quit looking at each other worrying about me.  I’m fine.”  She spun around and marched to the stream.

“She’s not fine.”  Fuegoleon told his Captain, softly.

“At least she’s talking again.”  Nozel said, relieved at that.

He had never witnessed it, but Nozel had heard that occasionally people who went through traumatic events had left them changed.  Sometimes all but dead to the world.  Without any type of healer, they would have had a real problem if Teris had suffered something like that. As important as their mission was, Nozel didn’t think he would have been able to go on if Teris had stayed lost in herself.  The thought of returning to face his father’s and the Kings displeasure sent a shiver down his spine.  But none of that bore thinking.  Teris would be fine.  She was strong.  Teris had already been through and survived so much.  He was certain that she would survive this too.

Nozel watched Teris make her way to the stream, Fuegoleon in her wake. Sure she would likely have some underlying issues for a while.  He would too.  But a selfish part of him hoped that this would bring them closer together.  Not that he would take advantage of anything the horrible scare may bring about.  But if some good could come from it, at least there would be that.  Not that any good, no matter how great, that came from this would make it worth Teris experiencing the scare she had.

Teris dipped trembling hands into stream.  Collecting a fistful of course dirt, she scrubbed away the blood.  At first the motions were slow and gentle but then they sped, growing rough.

Tears began to fall.  She brought up her hands, covering her face.

Fuegoleon watched her from a short distance.  He usually knew what to do to best comfort people.  It was a gift he had.  But in this instance, when his cousin needed him most, he was at a loss.  He didn’t know what to do.  Likely because she didn’t know what she wanted.  He decided to go with his own need and hoped it helped without driving her further away.

Moving to her, Fuegoleon knelt on the hard, rocky bank.  Ignoring the muddy damp that instantly wet his pants, he pulled her into a hug.  Teris cried into her cousins chest.  Stroking her hair, Fuegoleon wondered distantly if that was her trembling or him.  Never in his life had he felt so helpless.  Never in his life had he wanted someone dead so badly that he would have bashed their skull in if given half a chance.

The thought frightened him.  The desire to commit such violence.  Even now Fuegoleon wanted to kill the man over and over again, his mind playing over the ways in which he would do so.

Fuegoleon sniffed back his own tears; his fear, anger, and gratitude that the worst of what could have happened hadn’t.  Overwhelmed, he burrowed his face in her head and let the tears fall.

After a time, Teris ceased crying.  “Leon?  Are you wiping your tears on my hair?”

Fuegoleon lifted his head, stroking her moistened locks.  “It’s good for hair.”

Teris laughed at that.  “So that’s how your hair is always prettier than mine.  You cry into it.”

“I usually use the tears of my enemies.”  Fuegoleon played, amazed at how resilient she was.

Looking up at him, Teris soothed.  “It’s alright.”

“That’s my line.  No taking my lines.”  Fuegoleon chastised, lightly.

Teris pulled from him, her small smile falling as she grew serious.  “Scary as that was, I’ve faced worst fears.”

“You shouldn’t have to.”  Fuegoleon told.  He tucked a lock of her hair behind an ear, wondering how her saying such a thing was suppose to make him feel better.

“It’s just--”  Teris swallowed.  Try as she might to push the memory away, she could still feel the slick warmth of the man’s blood. Could still smell the metallic scent that had invaded her nostrils. “I’ve never killed anyone.  Not like that.  Not so close and physical.  Not with my own hands.”  She blinked back tears, hating the sign of weakness.

Though Fuegoleon knew better, he said.  “I’m pretty sure it was Nozel that killed him.  Broke his neck.”  He hoped lie was believable. He doubted Nozel would like taking credit that wasn’t his.  But given the reasoning, he was sure the acting Captain would allow it.

Teris looked up at him.  “Really?”

She should be ashamed at how much better that made her feel.  It didn’t matter who had killed the man.  Even a no good, sick, fiendish person like that didn’t deserve to die without trial.  A life was a life. And as a Magic Knight it was her job to protect and uphold the Clover Kingdoms law; not meet out judgment.  At least that’s the way it was suppose to be.  Sadly they didn’t live in a perfect world where things were the way they were suppose to be.

In her short time as a Magic Knight, she had seen so much death. Delivered so much of it herself.  Teris had known that being a Magic Knight was a dangerous job and there would be death.  But she had never imagined it to be at this scale.  She tried to think of how much more Julius had seen during his many years of service.  How much more she would see over the years, and stopped.  Unwilling and unable to imagine.

“Really.” Fuegoleon told her.

“Am I horrible for being relieved at that?”  Teris asked.

“No. Not in the least.”  Fuegoleon assured.

Teris shook her head, lowering her gaze.  “Poor Nozel.”

Fuegoleon looked at her, amazed.  Even after all Teris had been through, she was thinking of and sympathizing with others.

“I’m pretty sure he’s not all that upset about it.”  Fuegoleon remarked, thinking Nozel wouldn’t have been if this fiction had been reality.  “I think he’s more upset about us getting captured in the first place.”

Teris lifted her head.  “This wasn’t his fault.  None of us realized what we were walking into.  Or that we were being followed.”  She stopped and thought about the other two.

Not only had they not been in the cell block with them; but they hadn’t been in any of the other cell blocks they had passed.  A part of her felt silly for wondering if they were Agents of Chaos.  What would they be doing all the way out here just following?

“Try telling him that.”  Fuegoleon said.  “If I were leading this team I’d be feeling the same.  And so would you.”

“I suppose.”  Teris said, wondering what they could do to make Nozel feel better about his role as Captain.

“Come on.  We can’t take forever.”  Fuegoleon took his cloak off.  “You should wash your clothes as best you can.”  He untied the sash around his waist and removed the blue over coat, holding them out to her.  “You can wear this while you wash and dry yours.”

Thank you to those who have left hearts.  And a special THANK YOU to those who have recently left comments or re-blogged. They really mean a lot.

Next chapter snippet:

Alowishus glared.  He could end King Morris’ life here and now but that would only cause further war and problems as the Diamond Kingdom would be thrown into chaos.  Funny how all his life he had been trying to wake Chaos so he could bring about death and destruction and yet here he was trying to prevent such things from happening.

[zarawhitc]

is that [CARLSON YOUNG]? no, that’s just [ZARA WHITE]. [SHE] is [THIRTY ONE] years old and is a [TOUR MANAGER/BOOKER AT THE GREEN ROOM]. rumor has it they’ve been in town for [ONE YEAR]. on a good day, they’re [DETERMINED & CONFIDENT]. but watch out! they can also be [STUBBORN & SHADY]. [THE MAN BY TAYLOR SWIFT] plays in my head whenever i think of them. can’t wait to see them around springhill!  @shstarters​

hello!!! admin c here finally with a second child!!! expanding my little Lost Boys’ universe (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧, pls give this a like so i slide into those IMs for plotting!! meet my daughter and walking meme Zara

BASICS

Name: Zara Alva White (née Eriksson)

Nicknames: Zee, Z

Age: 31

Birthdate: October 25th, 1988

Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois

Zodiac sign: Scorpio

Sexual orientation: Bisexual

Gender & pronouns: Cis female, she/her

Occupation: tour manager / booker at The Green Room

BIO

The youngest daughter of a first generation Swedish-American father and a Springhill native mother (parents met in college in Chicago ok)

Has two older brothers so she grew up being kind of a tomboy, one of the bois type of gal  

Both her parents are prominent college professors, so she grew up super education oriented

However she never thought of pursuing same path... her interest and passion was on music, specifically live music: as a teen in high school, she started helping her friends with bands to land local gigs in town, little by little she started to make herself a name in the local scene as a booker for local acts!!

Ofc her parents weren’t thrilled but she loves them too much so she still went to college... community college at least, to study business (this helped her on her career too)

But as soon as she graduated?? oof girl was unstoppable and started now shooting for the stars, pursuing a full time career as tour manager now

She started with small acts and little by little the names she worked for grew bigger, till her biggest opportunity to date came along: Lost Boys in 2012... this is also how she met the love of her life 😔✋🏻 (a post to know more about Lost Boys can be found HERE)

Jason White (he might be here soon but in the meantime npc ok) aka their guitarist was in luv from second one but she wasn’t interested bc 1. she had a bf at the time, 2. he was a bit younger so she didn’t rlly take him seriously, plus he was just another silly rockstar in her eyes :/

However her (back then) relationship was kinda rlly toxic so when she finally dumped this man’s ass... Jason found the way to her heart. How? by writing beautiful love songs for her ofc 😔✋🏻 and the two started a relationship in the summer of 2014

Sarah Zara Smiles by panic is literally abt her pls (as shown HERE on Lost Boys’ discography) 

She continued to be Lost Boys’ tour manager and working for other names too, then in December 2016 Jason proposed and they got married on May 3rd, 2019!!! A beautiful wedding reception in NYC!!

Their son, Rocket Wade White was born on March 25th, 2020.

Yes, they named their son after Rocket Raccoon and Wade Wilson aka Deadpool’s real name (Marvel nerds forever). She calls him Rocko tho!!! And that’s a plus bc her favorite cartoon growing up was Rocko’s Modern Life oop

25 is literally her lucky number: birth day number, age she started dating Jason, day her son was born!!! she has a “25″ tattoo ofc

So yeah!! The couple decided to relocate here to raise their son in a healthier environment, also to be close to her mother’s family side who help with the task (we <3 loving grandma plots). Jason’s hometown is NYC so it was a win win for both parts  

Currently works as a booker at The Green Room bc never forget ur roots!!!

She is a walking meme pls, great sense of humor, always joking, loves to party still every now and then but she’s also super determined and fierce: tell her she can’t do something and she’ll prove u wrong, she is that bitch tm

The biggest feminist out there... she has dealt with terrible sexism throughout her career so yeah she won’t take shit from u men !!!!

Would take a bullet for her loved ones

Full time mom and a milf ofc, her son is her entire life

Has a six year old cat named Gordo!!

idk what else but i love her so much ???????? and we can’t wait to debut her on the interactions!! we stan her so hard, zara white lovebot forever  

ps, this gif summarizes all her energy: 

[societieshq]

              I WAS DREAMING OF BIGGER THINGS  . 

another  day  ,  and  the  summer  sun  starts  to  set  behind  a  ring  of  clouds  .  that  doesn’t  stop  you  and  your  fellow  students  of  halloway  from  ignoring  their  responsibilities  ,  and  turning  the  night  into  a  party  .  it  seems  as  more  days  passed  ,  we’re  starting  to  lose  sight  of  finding  a  way  back  home  .  instead  ,  with  a  new  leader  appointed  ,  you’re  less  worried  about  surviving  ,  and  excited  about  living  instead  .  the  party  is  thrown  in  honor  of  a  new  beginning  ,  a  new  tide  ,  where  the  rich  stay  rich  ,  and  the  poor  get  what’s  left  behind  .  or  maybe  ,  it’s  just  a  reason  to  drink  and  ignore  the  fating  problems  you  see  on  the  horizon  .  maybe  ,  it’s  in  honor  of  a  new  leader  ,  who’s  footsteps  are  echoed  with  the  sound  of  righteousness  ,  knowing  that  they  will  do  anything  to  get  what  they  want  .  but  as  the  sun  sets  ,  the  heat  only  seems  to  unbearable  .  wait------       was  that  thunder  ?  

                 WANNA' LEAVE MY OLD LIFE BEHIND  . 

the students of halloway will be hosting a summer pool party to get away from the heat of the day  .  it’ll be held at the indoor university pool  ,  with music  and kegs stolen from the alleyway  bar  ,  and  liquor  .  food will be made during the day  ,  and served in large quantities  ,  most of it likely going to waste by the end of the party  .  the party has been advertised as optional  ,  but you know deep down that it’s not really a request  .  if you don’t party  ,  then you work   --  and leadership has made it as simple as that  .  

 thunder begins to roll in  ,  and maybe the students are thankful for the possibility of rain  .  however  ,  as the storm approaches  ,  you’ll notice a change in the atmosphere  .  it’s suddenly incredibly hot  ,  more so even now that the sun has set  .  no chance of rain has been gifted from the sky  ,  and instead--  a heat storm has brewed over what’s remaining of halloway  .  but wait---  this is no ordinary storm  ,  is that lightening green ?  thunder crackles  ,  and neon emerald strikes across the sky  ,  leaving you with more questions than you have answers  .  you’ve never seen anything like this before  .  

the midst of picked up winds  ,  the power flickers with uncertainty  ,  before everything has gone dark   ,  completely  .  somehow  ,  you’ve found yourself in a group the moment the lights turned off  ,  and it’s up to you to decide whether or not you stick it through with the people you’re stuck with----  or ignore mother nature’s warning signs entirely  .  

somehow  ,  even with the event derailed  ,  our party goers aren’t ready to give up the summer fun just yet  .  after all  ,  if it’s the end of the world- they sure knew how to party like it was  .  the pool still remains open  ,  and the janitor’s room has been raided for supplies to keep it going  .  all hands on deck  ,  and the indoor party keeps on keeping on  ,  with glow torches found in the supply room  ,  and an old radio stashed away from the 90′s  .  with it  ,  all the tracks you’ve had saved on your playlist before  ,  are switched out for burnt cd’s from the early 2000′s  ,  as the power still remains off  .  

disclaimer  :  groups are randomized throughout the university  ,  and your muses may interact with people from other groups  .  it’s simply where they were at  ,  when the lights when off  .  we’re giving you the creative freedom to write the timeline of the event by your own choice  ,  whether you choose to write before the storm hits  ,  at the pool party  ,  perhaps somewhere else entirely  ,  or during the storm  .  01.  please remember to run any injuries through the admins before writing them out, as we will have a separate count of three slots available  ,  if interested  .  these will be minor injuries  ,  in case your muse ventures out into the storm  .   02.  if venturing outside during the storm keep in mind of some negative and positive visuals and affects your muse may encounter  .   - extreme heat  ,  a feeling of exhaustion  ,  the summerside dock’s lake has started to boil  ,  hot pavements  ,  green lightening  ,  roaring thunder that seems too close  ,  a sense of feeling unbalanced  .   + aurora lights ,  disappeared critters that have suddenly reappeared and don’t seemed to be affected by the heat  ( they will disappear after the storm again  ) ,  soft waves of green glowing lightening bugs  .  

the event will start wednesday 2/19  ,  2PM EST  -  7PM GMT  .  it will last until monday 2/24 ,  until midnight EST  .   although you may have the option to continue your threads to a stopping point after the given time  ,  if you’d like  !

GROUPS ARE AS FOLLOWED  .  

GYMNASIUM  .  

‘TAAY’ CHUNTAKETTA

ZACHARIAH ABRAHAM

ARYA HAWKINS

NOLAN KANE

THEODORE ABRAHAM

LECTURE HALL

MAYA MACMILLAN

MARGOT “MAISIE” LIDELL

RYAN KANG

CHANDLER RHODES

MARNI VANROSS

CARMICHAEL LIBRARY 

KATHARINE “KITTY” WHITMOR

DAMIEN RILEY

HARRY ROMANO

SYLVIA NYUGEN

LUCIANA ROSSI

THE CAFETERIA 

TATUM WEST

WOLFGANG “WOLF” SIMON

BORA REE

JOSIE ‘JO’ LAWRENCE

MARY “MINNIE” MAE

THE UNIVERSITY POOL 

SUMMER JAKOBSEN

ANIKA MORALES

ZARA SUMMERS

DYLAN CARMICHAEL

KAROLINA GOULD

STUDY HALL A 

ROSIE ASKER

MAXINE “MAX” DUVAL

JULIETTE AGUILAR

VALERIE RIBEIRO

MERCEDES DUNAY

STUDY HALL B

ESME MACMILLAN

REESE DU PONT

“HERO” KELLY

SORAYA MIRANDA

JACK SINGH

please like once you’ve read  ,  and if you have any questions regarding the event   (  if we accidentally missed a muse  ,  please don’t hesitate to contact us to correct it  !  )

[smokehqs]

CHAPTER 03: TASTE OF HOPE

Litha has arrived and with it comes the heat of summer and short nights with swiftly approaching sunlight promises to fight away the darkness. After such gruesome and tragic attacks in the first half of the year, there’s a silent, but unanimous choice among the people of the wizarding world to rejoice in this light while it lasts.

Over what seems to be the course of a single night, a fair has been assembled in the same fields that would usually hold official quidditch league matches, flyers for the event tucked into copies of the Daily Prophet, the Quibbler, and Witch Weekly alike. It’s announced on the Wizarding Wireless Network and posters are plastered across boarded up shop windows, usually without people knowing how they got there.

At the funfair, the grass is lush and the air is warm, the music that permeates the grounds overlaid with shrill sounds of pleasure instead of screams of fear. There’s a risk in having so many people gather in one place, there’s always a risk, but everything looks distance from the top of a ferris wheel, even the dangers of war. 

The peace won’t last forever, just like the summer will slip away, but that is what fuels people into flocking from their homes to take part in the event. For a week, they will be able to rejoice in knowing that the days are long and the nights are short, but they still know the darkness will return.

This fair/carnival will run for the rest of the month and while you’re free to interact with whomever you please (and encouraged to respond to any open starters you see), you will also be assigned a partner for the end of this chapter. 

Please find your muse and your partner on the list below and reach out to start plotting! And for any open starters you choose to create that are related to this chapter, please tag them as smokechapter:03.

Adelaide Boot and Luka Petrov

Hestia Jones and Pippa Strout

Iliana Solace and Zephyr Bell

Alastor Moody and Yuki Yamashita

Mafalda Hopkirk and Oskar Almstedt

Daisy MacNair and Patrick Finnegan

Han Lee and Narcissa Malfoy

Odette Vogel and Tristan Rojas

Bailey Shaw and Mirek Yaxley

Edith Clearwater and Zahi Shafiq

Henry Fawley and Miriam Clearwater

Cassidy Runcorn and Sofiya Nott

Leona Podmore and Valentina Nott

Nicholas Chastain and Vanja Novak

Juliette Fortescue and Zara Ivanova

Hilda Dagna Finnegan and Nathan Chastain

Alexander Church and Marcus Bulstrode

Kirsi Salo and Valerija Novak

Aliya Shafiq and Liliana Zabini

Levi Bulstrode and Lucius Malfoy

Felicity Grant and Rowan Montague

[starburstsimsx]

Rose Generation

You had everything you desired as a child but you were always longing for more. As an adult you have a hard time committing to relationships as you’re so focused on your career. If we had a workaholic trait in The Sims 4 you would have it. You have absolutely no maternal instincts whatsoever but you still love your child with all your heart.

Traits: Hot Headed, Snob, Romantic Aspiration: Serial Romantic Career: Politician

Rules:

Have only one child

Master the politician career and complete Serial Romantic aspiration

Master charisma skill

Leave someone at the alter (an interaction available during a wedding)

Get married for the first time as an elder

With Mint generation coming to a close, it was time to move on with Zara. Having gotten everything she’d ever wanted, it was no surprise what a roller coaster this red-head turned out to be. Growing up she was quite close with another boy in her class, Aditya (Adi). In high school Zara was a bit of a flirt and chased a few different people, but she was infatuated with her best friend. The fact that her parents weren’t exactly keen on him made her want him more.

Adi was into Zara too, and they became inseparable at school. The two played hooky often to go make out in a closet somewhere.

Seriously though, these two had an obsession with closets.

 After being in a relationship for several months during her senior year, Zara started to feel funny. She always seems pretty nautious and noticed she was going up a size or two. An idea was slowly forming in her mind and she wasn’t so sure how to feel about it.

A pregnancy test confirmed Zara’s suspicions and the first person she turned to was her step-mom. Penny was shocked that she would become a grandmother so early, but tried to be supportive for her step-daughter. Her husband Peter was not too happy at the news and grounded Zara to the house after he found out, causing a little disturbance in their seemingly perfect family.

Even though it wasn’t exactly how she wanted her life to go, Zara chose to keep her baby. She wanted Adi to be on board with it too, but when she told him the news he immediately panicked and wanted nothing to do with either of them. Heartbroken Zara realized she would be alone in taking care of this child.

She began to take courses at home instead of going to school so that she could rest. Several months went by and Zara finally gave birth to a healthy baby girl whom she called Summer. Bringing her home to the rest of the family, the very first moment Peter ever held his granddaughter he was sold. He began to mend his relationship with Zara and helped watch Summer so that his daughter could finish school.

After reaching the top of his career and becoming an elder, Peter retired to become a stay-at-home granddad and to live out his final years with Penny. Meanwhile Zara graduated from school at the top of her class. Although distant with her child, she spoiled Summer with new toys and clothes everyday.

After graduation, Zara began dating Ida Houghs who worked in the same government building she did. Zara quickly went up the ranks and began to make money for the Berry Household, still living with her parents. 

Meanwhile Summer aged up to a toddler. With her mom away at work all the time, Summer was doted on by her grandparents and got everything she ever wanted. She was very shy at her age and was timid around strangers. Not long after her birthday, Adi got in contact with Zara asking about their daughter. Zara was shocked because she hadn’t heard from her ex since high school. While at first hesitant, she couldn’t bring herself to keep Summer away from her father when he asked to see her. Despite all the pain and rejection she had gone through after Adi left her, she wanted her daughter to know her family.

Adi’s first time meeting Summer went over pretty well. He gave his daughter lots of love and sat for several hours talking to her. While the toddler was taking a nap the adults talked things over. In the years since he had graduated Adi had grown up a lot and gotten married to Elsa Bjergsen. After the death of his own mother, Adi realized how important family was and wanted to be in his daughter’s life. He felt extremely guilty for walking out on Zara like he had and while their relationship may never be the same he begged Zara to give him a chance to be there for Summer. 

Zara was all for it and the two began to plan how custody would work. Around this time, Adi’s wife Elsa came home and she was none too pleased to find out he had a daughter he didn’t tell her about. The married couple began arguing right there in front of Zara and Elsa began to hit Adi repeatedly! Zara intervened before things got too far and got her daughter out of the house. She later called Adi to check on him; her reassured her that he still meant what he said, even if he didn’t have Elsa’s support. Since his wife was threatening to leave him anyway he decided a divorce was the best option for the sake of Summer.

Meanwhile, Zara’s girlfriend Ida was none too pleased with having Adi around again. She wasn’t playing a big part in Summer’s life because little kids caused her stress, but was jealous that Zara was letting him see her daughter. Ida and Zara bickered a lot because of this but Zara did her best to smooth things out to save their relationship. Later on, Summer aged up into a child.

With Peter’s youngest daughter Elsie having moved out, and Zara flourishing in her career, she convinced her father and step-mother to move with her to the city so that they could be close to her and Summer. Peter agreed not wanting to be alone in such a big house. They had made a lot of memories in this home and it was a little hard to move on, but it was time for his daughter to take the reigns.

After moving to the city, Summer began to pull away from the family. Zara was concerned, feeling guilty for moving her child into a new place without much warning. Summer was even distancing herself from her father and grandfather who was pretty much her best friend! Zara eventually set aside sometime to speak with Summer alone who finally came clean. For the past eleven years, although happy, Summer admitted to feeling uncomfortable with them self. She felt as if she was born into the wrong body  and announced that she would prefer it if she could be a boy instead of a girl. Surprised at this revelation, Zara accepted her new found son for who he was. She promised to love him no matter what and supported him a hundred percent. So Summer then became Seth and was reintroduced to the whole Berry family. Nana Penny even took Seth on a shopping spree.

Ida suddenly proposed to Zara and in the heat of the moment she accepted. They were still fighting a lot, but in public seemed like the perfect couple. They decided to hold off on the wedding since Zara was very focused on her career. Seth introduced himself again to his father, Adi who took things very well. They spent the weekend together so Zara could go on a vacation with her new fiance.

While away, Zara and Ida fought continuously. They came back to Zara’s apartment and fought in the hallway in view of their neighbors. Ida was so mad she left to go back to her own place and Zara got drunk. She wound up sleeping with her butler who she had been attracted to ever since she met him.

When Seth returned to the household, Peter celebrated by taking his wife and grandson on a hike. When they came back, Penny died right on the spot much to the horror of her family who was their to witness. Zara was away at work when it happened and was devastated to learn that the woman who helped raised her had died without her being at her side.

After a few weeks of planning, Ida talked Zara into a Winterfest wedding. The whole Berry family attended the quaint ceremony that took place in Zara’s luxurious apartment, but her fiance made it very clear that Adi was not invited. As she stood in front of her whole family, Zara stared into the eyes of her soon to be wife and felt empty of all emotion towards her.

Zara: Ida I’m so sorry, but I think you and I both know this isn’t a smart idea. We’ve been fighting so much and I don’t think we should get married right now....

Overcome with emotions, Ida let forth with a lot of words she’d been holding back for awhile. She announced to the family that she knew that Zara had been having an affair, with the butler of all people. After a few choice words she finally left the apartment leaving the party goers mute with shock.

Unfortunately, the drama was too much for Peter to handle and he dropped instantly. Surrounded by his loved ones, there was not much anyone could do. And so Generation One of the NSB challenge died on that night leaving his daughter sick with grief. Zara spent a few hours in her suite drinking herself silly, while her son Seth cried in his room.

Later that night, Zara visited Adi in his home and sunk into his arms. He comforted her in more ways then one and their relationship was rekindled once more...

She was not ready to fully commit herself to another relationship after the ones she had already suffered through. The two agreed to keep things open for now and just enjoy each others company. Zara did however offer Adi a room at her new place since he was struggling to pay bills by himself.

With her young adult days almost over, Zara was close to finishing her career. She said goodbye to the city and moved into the suburbs where Seth aged up into a teenager.

[katabasiss]

So 2019 is coming up and fast on the rise and I thought, what better way to celebrate the old and the new then by thanking those who have made my tumblr experience so far a rad one

I know I made an a-z version earlier in the year as a 900 follower celebration but this is for those mutuals who have helped me out or took me under their wing (or vice versa) so look away lads - it’s about to get corny

First and foremost, I have to say thanks to the utter weeb who is @sugavra - u funky little Dutch babe, u were my first tumblr friend ever since summer when I, like a twat, messaged you under the impression I had done it before but had in fact not. That being said I’m very thankful I did because who else could I scream about King Arthur to or have heavy bread discourse with? also if you guys like the raven cycle, go hit up her art blog @magnafrisia !! it kills me and I’m so ready to be murdered in an entire manor west wing gallery of her art and cause a massive scandal !!

next there’s the utter gift that is vall - @nerocael. Like have you SEEN HER CONTENT?! honestly takes my breath away and I constantly cry whilst staring at them for five hours. And vall, oof like not only are you hella talented but also hella kind and sweet !! whilst we don’t speak often, EVERYTIME we do is a gift and whenever you’re in my notes I’m like !!!! And physically have to stop myself from bursting into your dms or asks out of fear of annoying you akskdkfk also ! if you guys ever get the time, ask her about her archaeology stories akdkdkf fucking hilarious !

And how could I ever forget Zara ! @omgbrekkerkaz ! I remember the first time I ever really interacted with you was when I was new and was doing that ‘url moodboard’ thing and was stuck by the fact your blog was stunning ! Next thing I know you weaved both yourself and your positivity into my life and ultimately made my tumblr and writeblr experience an infinitely happier one ! I feel very privileged by the fact u thought I was worth interacting with and look forward to what you go on to do in the future ! (also i’d die for oliver and levi, those funky little boys so like catch me constantly pestering you for info about them!!)

Whilst we don’t really speak often @sancta-silje deserves a massive shoutout ! your content is always, always, always mind blowing and I’m shook by the fact you haven’t stormed the entire tumblr community by large with your stunning ideas and kindness. Everything about you gives off such renaissance bad ass vibe - like I could imagine a movie about you with Kira knightly being the star in a floating dress and sharp manicured nails with the blood of anyone who dares to cross you akskdkfk very awe inspiring - naturally I look up to you and your blog a lot hahahaha

@delphwrites - I call you oracle delph and honestly that’s true! People used to travel miles and miles to simply seek an audience with an oracle in the hopes they could give an inclination as to what the gods had planned for them and honestly? to quote the proclaimers, I would walk 500 miles for you cheers akskdkd like if we lived in Ancient Greece I’d 10/10 believe you were the host of a deity so !!! like with your level of skill and kindness, what else could you be if not ichor blooded or god whispered right ?!

@carumens !!! Honestly your constant love and support ?! cAtCh Me CryIng At The Back Of a PArKIng SPaCe OvER IT akskdkfk honestly you’re one of the sweetest people around and oh fuck your content is !!! I can’t even put it into words that’s how much I adore everything you make akskkdkd your aesthetic moreover is stunning and damn I’m so ready to hear about you on the news robbing the MET of all their Raphaels like sure yes I’ll harbour u kakdkd my dog loves people

and you know I’ve got to scream a massive shout out to @youngdumbxlit in all honestly we don’t talk much but everytime i see you in my notifications i become that scene with rosa diaz like ‘i’ve known @youngdumbxlit for a day but if anything were to happen to her, I’d kill everyone in this room and then myself’ ahklfjskjsd from the very beginning you’ve been a massive support and frankly one of the main reasons i didn’t delete this blog hahhah so thanks very much for everything :D

lastly, i’ve got to say I’m super hyped to get to know a number of people on this hellsite better such as @ikilledmyocs @androcalia @hazeywrites @kowlazovdi @novelistcore @hollenzwei @medusaswrites and so so many more! all your content is stunning and im so ready to dive deep into that pot of gold thanks

[kcwi]

 @smittenhearts​

     “ I DON’T know how you managed to do this. ” both of her eyebrows lift in surprise before her eyes narrow, staring at the other’s laptop. it’s only been a short moment and she’s sure she can figure it out what the problem is quick enough, but she doesn’t normally do house calls. “ since i’m here ‘till i solve this, you mind making us a drink? alcoholic, preferably. ”

[thefridgelovesfood]

Music Challenge

finally getting all the stuff i was supposed to do months ago done :) 

Tagged by: @thisgameissonintendo (thank u for everything, i love u)

You´re supposed to list songs you like or are in your playlistthat go with the letters in your username. Once you finish, tag people you like!

T: TALK ME DOWN - Troye Sivan

H: Hold Me While You Wait - Lewis Capaldi

E: Eraser - Ed Sheeran

F: Falling For Boys - Julia Michaels

R: Ruin My Life - Zara Larsson

I: I Don´t Care (Acoustic) - Ed Sheeran

D: Divide - Bastille

G: Guys My Age - Hey Violet

E: Eternal - Roadtrip

L: Little Love - James Smith

O: Outnumbered - Dermot Kennedy

V: Vienna - Declan J Donovan

E: Easier - 5 Seconds of Summer

S: Save Me - Noah Kahan

F: Family - Mother Mother

O: Outrunning Karma - Alec Benjamin

O: Only Love - Jordan Smith

D: Dreamin´ (with blackbear) - The Score

I´m not tagging anybody because i have like three to four people who actaully interact with my posts (thanks to you on that note) but feel free to do this if you see this.

[healerhearted-archive]

if/then verse ( zara )

zara beaumont (née young) was born in new york city to upper-class irish-english immigrants. she grew up in her family’s mansion alongside her brothers for eighteen years, but her overbearing parents made those years insufferable. even when she went away to college, they were always on her case.

they had a path in mind for her, & it wasn’t the one she wanted. they wanted her to marry rich, have children, & be the perfect housewife. there was nothing wrong with that except for the fact that it wasn’t what she wanted. she had discovered a passion for medicine. she wanted to be a doctor ---

but while she was in school, she fell in love. the teacher’s assistant for her biology class was everything she wanted & more. & even better? he checked all of her parents’ boxes.

they were engaged the summer after his graduation & married the summer after hers. the plan was for them both to go to medical school. the plan was for them both to become doctors. but somewhere along the way, the plans got muddled.

david didn’t get into medical school the first time around, so he found work for a year & tried again. this time was better, but still nothing. his sights were set too high. zara encouraged him to try again, but to try for a wider range of schools. this time, he got in somewhere --- but it wasn’t where he wanted. the problems began when zara got into his dream school  .  .  .  on her first try.

it was passive aggressive at first. little remarks whenever zara would vent to him about class. then, it escalated into fights. finally, the truth came out that he was JEALOUS of her. so she stopped talking to him about school.

then, things got worse. when they started their internships, they hardly saw one another. they were ships in the night, passing each other day after day. & the times their schedules coincided? they were far too exhausted to do anything but sleep.

they were irritable & tired which only made their interactions worse. & finally, they reached a boiling point. in the heat of a moment, things were said that could never be taken back. & that’s when they knew they were over.

after their divorce, zara needed a fresh start. so she left her residency at mass gen & transferred to seattle grace. at first, it felt like a mistake. she had picked up her whole life & moved across the COUNTRY in order to start over from scratch. 

even now, she’s still unsure. it’s still early in this transfer, & she has yet to make any friends. she’s trying her hardest to be on her own, but it’s a difficult adjustment. things she had never had to worry about like groceries & rent were suddenly everyday problems she had to handle. her parents are unsupportive of the divorce, so they aren’t there to help her. she’s all alone & floundering out here, but she’s working hard to get her life together.

currently, she is in her fourth year of residency to become an orthopedic surgeon.