#⸻ 𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒑𝒉𝒊𝒎-𝒊𝒔𝒎𝒔 ; THREADS.

[axdently]

@cagliostrostart​ // ONE WARRIOR EACH FROM BELTRAN, FRASER, AND VANITAS.                                                                                                [ 𝒄𝒂𝒑 𝒙 𝒐𝒇 ? ]

mentally she’s here, and emotionally she’s here, but thankfully she stands tall. an elongated neck and squared shoulders are read to answer questions. thankfully her team of advisors have advised her against an emotional response. she’s practiced political euphemisms all day– she’s got them at her disposal ready to say nothing at all. she’s a bit enervated. if one were to look closely, they’d notice the slight twitch in her eye. she’s been told by a couple that despite the outbursts and tantrums she’s made against her own staff, that she looks calm, cool and collected. and yet she snaps at the person before her, a venom inherited from her mother dripping from her tongue. “That’s enough questions, do you hear me? I have no further comments. Leave me alone.”

​

[axdently]

in the corner of her room, she lounges in her favorite wicker chair. she has memories of her mother, lady silk, standing over her, brushing her hair, and whispering affirmations and manifestations of the beautiful strong woman she’d become. in her lap, sits the harp she clumsily strums. she searches for soothing melodies, but she can’t seem to find them lately. until Ulysses, her brother–– it felt weird to say, announces himself, and she greets him with a soft smile. “No. Stay.” she sets her harp to the side, and shifts in her cushioned chair. “These are my quarters. I like to separate work my work from my personal life.” she watches as he examines her belongings, feeling bare in front of him. “I need the distraction.” and yet she still feels awkward in getting to know the formalities of having a brother. does she offer him the opposing seat? do they both stand? should she offer a tour of the gardens? “Is finding your way around House Fraser getting any better for you? The Fraser Roses must be taking a liking to you, they hardly ever allow strange men into my room without my consent.” given his reputation, she finds it important to ask, “Are you behaving yourself with my guardswomen, Uly?”

ulysses lebeau && lady seraphim

“So…this is where it all goes down…huh?”

Of course, Ulysses has been inside of House Fraiser before, but back as a young student. “It feels like I’m getting to see the behind-the-scenes of it all. Is…this your office…I guess?” What he’s really asking is if this was the room that belonged to her…although he can’t quite bring himself to say the words. Or to hear them back from Sif. Instead, he finds himself eyeing the contents of every shelf, every heavy book, and even the plants sitting in the windowsill. “Sorry, is now a bad time?” He turns to look back at Sif. With news of any sacrifice that must be chosen by each head of house, he realizes she might be under too much pressure and not open for any visitors. “I can come back. If you need me to.”

@axdently​

[axdently]

@chocalafolie​ // ONE WARRIOR EACH FROM BELTRAN, FRASER, AND VANITAS. 

a thunderous slamming of doors announces the angry Head of House Fraser. she storms into the agreed upon meeting room with distaste and fury upon her features. of course, he’s late. rage gripped her every movement, and quickened her blood. her vessels feel as if they could burst. she continues to seethe in silence, until the entry of the House of Beltran interrupts her racing thoughts. the shatter dagger in its ankle holster is still laying in wait against her sandal strap. her daydreams allow her to finally plunge the object into that fickle heart of the Pendragon and eat it raw, but she knows she must keep a semblance of manners. she knows this isn’t a possible reality just yet. even so, hands fly up to the collar of his shirt– the jolting chaos intending to shove the man into a corner. “This is all your fault.” she could feel her sharpened teeth tearing into her mouth as her words lashed out, “I can’t believe I ever trusted you with correspondence. I always knew you were a worthless leader and you show it even now. Do you realize how weak this makes us look? Do you even CARE?” she can taste a hint of blood in her mouth as she retaliates in even more acrimony. “I should have spoken my mind and volunteered you to the Princess when I had the chance.” 

[axdently]

@babygirlhq // The French are glad to die for love ( 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐢 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝟎𝟎𝟐 )

arriving on the arms of one of her trusted male advisors, she’s been ridiculed and incessantly prodded by the idea of courtship. the head of house Fraser has kept those smiles etched in marble and hidden those disappointing eye rolls behind that flowery mask for far too long. and finally after losing the man she was rumored to be dating, she finds herself in the corner of the ballroom, looking for something to eat. there weren’t any of her favorites- pickled plums, nor rice wine, but she’d made do with her selection. a tea cake and a flute of champagne fill her up until she thinks she's seeing double.

two dominique de sades materialize in front of her, and she has to do a double take. blinking lashes flutter under her mask as her throat collapses around the last bit of her libation. the sight alone should intensify the hatred for the french--regular Lady Seraphim would have done horrible things in the face of the De Sade, ( like emptying her leftovers upon her dress, or dumping champagne over her hair ) instead a set of crescent eyes and a wide grin greet her, "You'll do." she nods. "Dance with me or I'll die." it must have been the affects of the cake. "Just do no speaking. I can't stand to hear your voice."

[axdently]

@chocalafolie​ // ONE WARRIOR EACH FROM BELTRAN, FRASER, AND VANITAS.

“Wally...?” her forehead creased. “Wally where are you?” she calls out once more as bare feet pitter patter against the hardwood floors of House Fraser. she’s searched throughout all of the corridors of the ever changing hallways. she’s helpless. he’s nowhere to be found. she drags the skirt of her nightdress as she searches. she’s pale, weakened and for once, fragile. she hates showing these parts of herself, but if anyone had the privilege of seeing it, it would beWallace Gothel. her dearest and oldest friend was someone she thought she could rely on. she trusts him with ever poisoned secret she carries in her heart. the media had turned on her. the once graceful Lady Seraphim was now reduced to the same reputation as her mother. she fears that finally Lady Silk would be proud of her. since the news outbreak, she hasn’t slept a wink of sleep, nor had she been able to enjoy a proper meal. her eyes grow warm in exhaustion and sadness in realizing that all she wanted was the comfort best friend. “Wallace, I need you.” 

[axdently]

fracttvred​:

what a charged promise that was - to vanquish loneliness for a girl who’d been alone & unobtainable her entire life. at the little palace, the walls were high and easily decorated with the warmest colors , but that’s as far as any warmth went. not knowing when it would be a good day , a delicate mind had fractured under the weight of her own fears - a pinch so hard to draw blood , or words so cruel to pierce through skin that was only learning to be thick. unfamiliar with the world & oh so afraid , she’d prefered solitude . but it SURE takes its toll . naksu learned to hate her reflection , setting rooms on fire and leaving head held up high even in self loathing , every time they would not have her . all to not be the crying girl anymore. 

but just how far had she made it on her own ? and if given the choice, which now seemed close enough to yearn for , would she remain alone ? could she allow this perfect girl to love her , when she did not love herself ?  perhaps not . still , the assassin would like to try. “ you’ll always have me. or at least , for as long you want to hold me close. i want you to know,  ” pulling back slightly to look into sif’s eyes , freeing a hand to put a lock of stray hair behind her ear, she concluded : “ you’ll always be free with me. to want or not want this. it will always be your choice. ” once again she grinned , foreign the motion , but so adequate to this quaint corner of heaven they’ve created.  “ i am , “ could she truly share this truth ? ” i think , “ stumbling a bit into the words , she finally realized - here in the circle of this princess arms , there was nothing to fear. ” i’ve probably loved you in all of my lifetimes. and i will , until we ran out of mornings , then i’ll love you in the dark. “ nine had been her soulmate , given her the strength to do what was necessary to be free - however it might have ended , beneath the ressentiment , some part of her was most likely grateful. he was also proof that there would be more than one great love - each one a lesson - and this one ? would last forever , she hoped.

Naksu's words touched the deepest corners of Sif's heart, stirring a whirlwind of emotions within her. the promise of being vanquished from the suffocating grip of loneliness ignited a flicker of hope, and she could feel the butterflies dancing in her stomach–– their wings fluttering with anticipation every moment she watched Naksu’s lips curve upwards. looking into her eyes with such tenderness, Sif found solace in the reassurance that she would always have the freedom to choose. it was a comfort to her soul–– a gentle reminder that her heart would never be caged or forced into something it did not desire. the chains of previous betrothals, and suitors picked out by her mother disappear into the back of her mind, and she rests knowing they could stay locked in that void forever. a soft smile graced Sif's lips, her gaze locked with Naksu's, and in that moment, the walls she had painstakingly constructed began to crumble. the strength of her love for Naksu overwhelmed her, and without hesitation, she spoke from the depths of her heart.

"Naksu," she whispers, her voice flooded with a mix of vulnerability and determination, "I've felt a lifetime's worth of love and respect, and hope in the short time we've known each other. The way you look at me, the way you make me feel seen and cherished—it's like nothing I’ve ever known. I feel as if I’m finding a missing piece of my soul." fingers tremble slightly as they brush against Naksu's cheek, tracing the delicate curve of her jawline. "You've shown me that love can be a source of healing, and even in the darkest of nights, I want to hold you close and love you back so fiercely that you can hardly stand it." 

Sif's eyes shimmered with unshed tears, her voice barely above a whisper, "So, my warrior princess, I choose you. I choose us.“  with those words, Sif leaned in, her lips meeting Naksu’s a tender kiss and in that moment, all fears dissolved.

[axdently]

“Another advisor down...” sometimes Sif thinks the only person left in the world to truly understand her was Raveena. the soft melodic calm in her voice doesn’t curtail the shame she feels. disagreements come easily to a Fraser rose. her bark was mighty but it’d never speak for the spite and wrath she could inflict when scorned, challenged or undermined. many advisors in the past failed to remember that she was, in fact, the Head of House, and at the end of the day it was her choice to keep what was remaining of her house safe. an abysmal frown is worn on her lips as she combs through her mother’s hair. the ornate hand held brush glides through dark locks. she cares for her mother more delicately than she cares for herself. and yet she winces, as if she speaks betrayal, “Our views didn’t align. Not like I think she would have wanted. Not like we want should we make her proud.” speaking of Lady Silk pains her, but she feels most comfortable speaking to the one who’d loved her mother with an ardent devotion. “You’re not upset with me, are you?” @fracttvred​

[axdently]

@grxmincvdescxnce​​ // WHEREVER REI IS TBH

she misses her mother. that’s the only reason why she’s here. that’s what she tells herself as she waits patiently for Rei to show up. the silent mantra is poetry to the coursing veins of the monster as she stirs in her seat.

a part of her, a tiny part of her, could admit that she was happy to see, perhaps even missed the familiarity –– the face she’d grown up with and the one that looks so similar to her own. though her mother looks at her through the mirror everyday, Sif sees the matriarch more clearly when she looks at Rhelya. regrettably, the younger sister had always taken after their mother. something to paint the eldest daughter’s eyes with a fleck of green in those irises.

 Seraphim shifts in her seat – fidgeting with the ends of her hair and mumbling under her breath – how this was a waste of time and how she wished she’d have sent an advisor to sort out this business instead. she clears her throat as her sister finally enters the room. shoulders are still in their upright position and her nose is still in the air she comments, “I was half expecting you to be late.” there is no pull at the thin line where her mouth should be. there is no change of expression – her demeanor remains haughty, unmoved and, of course, stubborn as ever. she hopes she makes Lady Silk proud, wherever her ghost haunts.

“Thank you for meeting with me on such notice.”  ( truth be told she had this appointment in her schedule for two weeks already, she’s obviously compensating for something. ) she’s upset, though she would never admit this, that they couldn’t meet sooner. “I’ll cut to the chase, so that I don’t waste anymore of your time.” finally there is a break in her countenance – a sneer as her pride shatters, “Have you seen Raveena?”  

[axdently]

@yourantidcte​​ // FRASER COTTAGE 

a lightly honeyed, and creamy almond aroma hangs in the many changing hallways of the Fraser Cottage. its structure is dynamic in the most magical ways –– sprawling in winter flora ( winterberries, pieris, snowdrops and black tulips ), with rooms appearing and disappearing depending on necessity and the rhythms of the footsteps of it’s visitors. the tiny little cottage at first glance, looks as if it houses no more than a family of three –– six if some of the children double up on beds, sleeping toe to toe and possibly bundled up for warmth–– but the inside of the cottage takes shape of an elaborate home emerging in nothing but lavish hospitality. the decor this time of year heavily involves the Winter Solstice. 

Seraphim hears a knock on the door to her study, and her words nearly leave her mouth before she even sees his face. “Micah?” she sets her pen down and closes her agenda shut. winter jasmine hanging from the ceiling reach to unlock the room in a magical incantation unspoken by Seraphim. “Please come in.” 

she hardly greets his escort, a lady guard, one of her Fraser Roses, before enveloping him in a tight hug. “It’s been too long. Where have your travels lead you to? Do you have any stories to speak of?” and finally the door closes behind the escort, “Tell me you’ve been working as diligently as I remember.” she’s hopeful, if anyone, Micah could help repel that cursed blood flowing in her veins. her lip trembles into a half smile, “You’ve hardly changed.”

[axdently]

heat wells in her cheeks, and a blush scatters upon those apples to color her face a scarlet color. she was angry, and tired, and embarrassed that her beloved had seen her like this. Seraphim doesn't open up as quickly as she had. appearances were easy to present but when it came to the real Lady Sif, she was an enigma, and she liked to be that way. she's realizing however, that love has enabled her to feel comfortable enough with Naksu, allowing her to see the monster she truly was. she bites her lip as she walks over to her guard. lungs heave with her pained expressions. she pleas, "Can you take me away from here?" it's a vague request that could mean miles or worlds away. "I just want to be alone with you." she needs time to think, to process, and to try to recover from everything that is happening around her. "I'm sorry you have to see this. It's not too much, is it?"

naksu watched from the back of the room , arms crossed over her chest while new waves of pink tinted her otherwise matte black hair , all hold up into a ponytail. the garments she wore more complicated today , cream & gold leather all over it , even in her arms , sword always strapped to her side in a show less of self defense & more danger. the assassin looked on quietly , gracefully , as the news outlets tore into HER . in small part , it was duty , but mostly genuine concern . she looked worse for wear , as if sleep had eluded her person for far too long. a small shiver ran through naksu’s spine as sif put an rather abrupt end to the merciless interrogation - she could only imagine how tiring it must be ; answering the same questions again & again. although the news had been truly desolating , she could hardly imagine it was the woman’s fault , although she did seem to be taking all the hits , it made the ember of rage boil close to the surface at the other house leaders. finally catching the other’s eyes , in a vague stare , she nodded her head to the side , an invite above all - if she needed her , naksu would be waiting.

[axdently]

@xf-celcstialflcme​ // HOUSE FRASER: DINNING HALL

she was escorted in by one of the Fraser Roses, hours ago, but the stifling dinner party, it seemed, would never end. the main course was finally served, yet many of the guests were still pushing chatter around their platters– entertaining gossip instead of chewing their food. she wonders just how much longer she has to placate the masses. perhaps after dinner they wouldn’t ask for the lovely couple to play a string melody together– Sif with her harp, and Shayne, her violin– if they were to exchange gifts. and despite living most of her life in the eyes of many, Sif wishes she was protected by the hundreds of eyes feasting with her. but no, Sif wore no armor as she sat at in the dining hall of Fraser Cottage save for the gilded breastplate strewn over her silken scarlet gown. it reflects against the candlelit dining table and sometimes when she moves, it’s reflective surface shines into the eyes of her fiancee ( for which Lady Sif had apologized on more than one occasion ) the corset-like piece further, makes it hard for her to enjoy her meal- the rainbow carrots and watercress have been picked upon but the roast pheasant in oyster sauce still has yet to be sliced with her dining utensils. Sif, instead, grips her rice wine as she tries to sneak eye-contact with her contractually obligated. “I have a gift for you.”

she leaves the words upon the table, waiting for a reaction. she knows how awkward their situation is. she knows that she isn’t the best of choices to be locked into a marriage with, and for that she’s trying to make the arrangement a bit more… believable to the audience at present. “Would you accept a token of my adoration?” though Seraphim understands that the never ending barrels of Scorpionweed Reserve were enough to keep her soon-to-be-wife happy. still, she slides the velvet box over to Lady Cinder, with a blush in her cheeks. “I know it’s one of the many arguments we’ll have in our presumably long marriage– your antipathy for florals– but this gift– is customized with you in mind. Perhaps like me, you’ll learn to love flowers as much as I do…” 

doe-like eyes peer up to Shayne, begging for an inch of validation. the woman makes her feel like a child again, asking if she’s done a good job with the black orchid ( expertly picked due to its minimal pollen ) and magical charm. she hopes its new fragrance, bewitched with honeyed whiskey will forever remind her fiancee that Seraphim is willing to be a home she’s more than welcome to stay with. 

[axdently]

@mellanchcly​// BEGIN QUEST 003: THE WARNING OF A GODDESS 

          ⸻ “ 𝑰𝒕 𝒎𝒂𝒅𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒐 𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒎𝒂𝒅𝒆 𝒎𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒚 ” from HERE

at first, Seraphim confused the picture frames for something else. she thought it odd to walk down the corridor of nothing but the same old mirror. she walks one foot in front of the other, as each tiny square frame presented the same face, until it didn’t. as her footsteps echo down the hallway, they meet the sounds of another voice– her dream, it appeared, was merging into that of another. the door she’d traveled through wasn’t an empty one. she hears the sounds of beautiful vows exchanged– ancient ones that belong to a couple she’s never met. she feels awful for intruding, but a part of her is curious to see if this new dream manifests new beginnings. she concentrates. do the voices match that of hers and another?

she doesn’t know how long this spell will last, but she is ready this time. she’s brought the scatter dagger gifted to her by Raveena– it’s hilt rests just above it’s proper place at her ankle, as footsteps lightly and softly approach. she’s prepared to spot the Boundary– perhaps she’s ready to converse with them one more time. how she wishes to see that silky smooth exterior reach out to her once more. but finally she speaks, a question at the lips for the one before her. “Some cause happiness wherever they go, others whenever they go.” she feels grief in the air envelop her. it poisons the softened face she once used to analyze the new one before her. “I hope to be the first type of person. I like to think it made mother happy...” and yet, a warning glance steals an opportunity to read Naksu, “Which type of person are you?”

[axdently]

@cagliostrostart​​ // THE WILDWOODS: Secrezo Lake [ 𝒄𝒂𝒑 𝒙 𝒐𝒇 𝟑  ]

the peach colored gown she wears brushes against the bottom stems of the lavender and fuchsia foxglove blossoms.  she seeks out a single reflection of Secrezo in particular. she wishes to see a pair of eyes that are a twinge darker than hers– a nose that is more defined than hers– and a set of cheeks that are far paler than hers in comparison with a couple of decades worth of wrinkles. but even in her older age, Seraphim’s mother was the most beautiful woman she had ever met– the most beautiful woman she craves to 𝒓𝒆-𝒎𝒆𝒆𝒕 in the pools of reflection. the toxins of the poisonous bell-flower dust against her sandals as she makes her way to the bank of the lake. 

kneeling at the edge of the water, her eyes remain closed– her hands clasp at her chest, and a final breath is exhaled before she’d takes the plunge to look. though eyes open to nameless faces. she scans eyes, lips, noses, and brows, but none of them are familiar to her. she broadens her search as she surveys beyond her means. palms dig in dirt and gravel as she peers into the pool, she grows frustrated, growling an insult under her breath, “ I would love to insult you but I’m afraid I won’t do it as well as nature did, you purposeless lake.” dirty palms then swat at the water, not once, not twice, but a three times. muddy hands throw their tantrum despite the something– someone pulling at her attention nearby. “What? What do you want? Can’t you see? I’m busy causing a scene and want to be left alone! Save your interruptions for someone else.” 

[axdently]

she is beside herself. lady seraphim's cheeks hadn't blushed this shade of pink in quite some time. she could blame it on the lack of breath in her lungs. this is, of course, due to the incessant giggles that continue to spill from her mouth. her dance partner is amusing. honesty, as if she'd taken a saline dripping potion of truth, comes fourth in a curt answer first, "I suppose..." as her voice trails off she begins to see tiny stars floating above her head. after the spin she comes face to face with Dominique, and unbridled sentences of candor resume. "I don't know." another hauntingly melodic slew of giggles float between them upon her baited breath. "We'll never know, since no one ever tells me no." it is very likely that Seraphim would have broken down in a tantrum, stomping her feet, cursing the other woman, and crying. the triple crown of meltdowns would be bet upon by those who know her, in fact.

A wicked smile crept up her lips, almost a moment too late at the sight of a bright pink bloom over those cheeks. It felt like Domi was being witness to something forbidden. Sinful, even, as the usual pale features that would only change color when they were the crimson hue of feral anger. The image of Lady Seraphim, grin wide, voice eager, begging to dance with her, or she'll die. Domi kept repeating the scene in her head, fearful that if she didn't, she wouldn't remember it for centuries on end after this. And it was imperative that she did. She hummed, amused, pressing her dance partner closer to her, their bodies precariously close in proximity, though not yet improperly so.

"You're clearly beside yourself. You wouldn't know the difference between begging and giving and ultimatum. Tell me. What would you have done if I said no? Pout? Scream? Would you have said please?" Her voice was low, just enough so that she would be the only one hearing her, a volume learned after decades of experience in ball rooms amongst the gossiping noble cattle of onlookers. "It's also rude to try and silence your dance partner." She obliged, however, stepping back to give Sif some space before gently holding her hand and pulling it above her head to spin her as requested.

[axdently]

@ichormouthed​​ // HOUSE VANITAS VISITS.

of the pair of the other head of houses, Seraphim was fond of only one, Elijah. she doesn’t know how they learned to mesh well. she could chalk it up to duty and responsibility, or perhaps the tribulations and burdens of wearing a title larger than oneself. so young were they to be plagued by such influence and leadership. she likes to think that they are kindred in the characteristics they can share. ––that because of who they are, who they were molded into by others and experiences, that they were both born to lead others. she has to believe it is so. and though that comes with it’s downfalls as well, she takes her place opposite him, wearing one of her signature long flowing gowns and fatigue from, well, she supposes she could call it war, now, since something tells her it’s not quite over. Seraphim thinks loyalty is by far one of the more important traits to carry, the second to follow– honesty, and she knows that these are two things she can ask of Elijah Bane when warranted.

as she visits with him, her hands are in her lap and her shoulders remain upright and straight. her expressions are calm, but the woes inside her are anything but. she speaks in riddles as she catches up, reflecting upon the Marionettist, the chimera that roamed the lands, and the battles and skirmishes she’d taken part of recently– the battles his own forces sacrificed their efforts for, “Given the previous intrusion upon the land, our spirit warriors will need time to recuperate.” she tries not to frown, “It feels like ages since they’ve had to shed blood and pain for such a length of time…” she doesn’t say it but it worries her– it drains her, having to make such decisions for the masses. “How have my friends in Vanitas been faring?” 

[axdently]

@calamitydealt​​ // SOMEWHERE IN THE WOODS.

“I have a question for you, bringer of death.” though her tone is hushed, she speaks candidly as she emerges from the brush. blue wood aster and dewberry flowers part as the Head of House Fraser emerges. from her hiding, she was but a couple of feet away, and though she is versed in the woods – she isn’t as quite skilled as a hunter as he is. it wasn’t her intention to spy on the spy, and she knows the consequences of sneaking up on someone with his caliber, but she is desperate. it’s almost clear as crystal upon features that have been otherwise forlorn these days. it had been quite some time since Seraphim had seen her mother – she’s asking, no, pleading. “Have you seen her?” patches of white shed from brunette locks– an indication that her other form had be triggered, yet denied a phasing. the lone wolf stands in her human form, though her eyes glow in a particular amber color, irises have a trace of yellow around that darkened rim. 

tucking her hair behind her ear, she marches forward. “I have to quests for you. And in the change you do accept, please know that House Fraser will accommodate any of your needs, and compensate you generously.” she has always, of course, kept that end of the bargain. “I am looking two people.” she crosses her arms over her chest, in comfort as sad news departs her lips. “I’m looking for my mother, Raveena.” she doesn’t expand on this, other than to provide context, “It’s unlikely that she is in the woods, a helpful eye, however, always helps… I just wish to know that she is safe.” she offers a weakened smile. 

“The second quest is a little more tricky. Have you any experience in finding someone you’ve never met before?”