#🕸️ ｡ — ❛ You'll always be my Highness. ( IC.)

[ensnaredearl]

A young bellhop accidentally found himself lost in a new world, rain pouring down as he ventured forth, eager to see all that was here.

As he walked, he took note of the various buildings as they looked to be old-fashioned by the looks of it, different from the buildings back in Penacony.

He gulped a little as he then noticed a very large structure just in the distance, maybe he could take refuge here as he wondered if anyone could see him, probably not.

He slowly made his way over before sneaking inside through what looked to be a cellar to escape the falling raindrops, keyhole shaped pupils taking in all the sights and sounds as he stayed curled up.

( from @bcllbcy )

@bcllbcy

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀❛ Claude!! Claude, where are you, you useless demon?! ❜

Alois lounged in his opulent bed, his frustration growing. He called out, his voice laced with irritation. The rain pounded against the windows of the Trancy manor, a rhythmic yet annoying backdrop to his rising ire.

Just as he was about to call out again, a faint noise reached his ears, something unusual amidst the storm's din. His eyes narrowed as he listened intently, distinguishing the sound of cautious footsteps echoing from the direction of the cellar.

A sly grin spread across his face, transforming his annoyance into curiosity tinged with malice.

❛ Well, well, what have we here? It seems that I have a little rat in my manor. ❜

Descending the grand staircase, Alois made his way to the cellar, his bare feet making no sound on the cold stone floor. As he approached, he could hear the intruder's nervous breathing, the sound of someone clearly out of their element.

❛ Well dear mouse? Don’t go all quiet on me now, show yourself. ❜

[ensnaredearl]

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Alois undeterred by Ciel's cold shoulder, flashes a charming smile.

❛ Oh phantomhive, ever so serious! Where's the fun in leaving when I haven't even properly entertained you yet? ❜

He sauntered closer, his gaze lingering on Ciel's focused expression as he neatly stacked the papers. Resting his cheek against his knuckles.

❛ I must say, your dedication to work is admirable, but surely even the great Earl Phantomhive can spare a moment for a bit of mischief and laughter? ❜

❛ Besides, who else would dare to interrupt your work in such a delightful manner as I do? ❜

@ensnaredearl continued from here.

Ciel's brow visibly twitches at the sound of Alois's laughter, his hand returning to his side as he readjusted his seat.

❛ If that is your reason to visit without prior notice, leave. I'm much too busy to entertain you. ❜

The earl doesn't even attempt to hide the ire in his voice, his fingers gathering the stack of papers into his hands only to tap them against the table to place away in a neat stack.

[ensnaredearl]

@pupacirci continued from here

⠀⠀ Alois squinted at Doll, looking her up and down with a mixture of curiosity and disdain. He folded his arms and puff up his right cheek.

❛ Kid, you say? Well, that's quite the assumption, innit? You don't look much older yourself, or maybe you're just a bit on the short side. ❜

❛ Besides, what fun is a circus if you can't get up close and personal with the main attractions? ❜

He took a step closer, his expression shifting to one of feigned innocence.

❛ And as for Jumbo, I'm not scared of a bunch of circus freaks. So, why don't you save us both the trouble and let me be, hmm? ❜

[ensnaredearl]

@ominasapphirus continued from here

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Alois’ eyes widened in surprise as he felt the shift in Ciel's tone and demeanor. He suddenly dropped the boy, crouching down to better scrutinize the differences in this twin. His own vibrant blue eyes narrowed as he took in the unfamiliar face.

❛ Who the hell are you?? ❜

He mutters more to himself than Ciel with a squint. He tilted his head as he studied the boy before him — no Faustian contract in sight and his tone was strangely gentle. Very odd–!

❛ Well, well, what do we have here? You look like him, but you're not quite the same, are you?❜

Ignoring Ciel's demand, Alois leaned in closer, his face inches away from Ciel's.

❛ You know, that gentle tone of yours is absolutely repulsive. It's almost laughable. Tell me, little mimic, who exactly are you? And what makes you think you can order respect? ❜

[ensnaredearl]

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀❛ My birthday! How splendid, Claude better have made my favorite dish! The ball was such a turnaround. Did someone get the clue I was the mystery guest? I forgot ❜

[ensnaredearl]

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Alois let out a chuckle, shaking his head at his own musings.

❛ You really do have a flair for the dramatics, don't you? Here you are, waxing poetic about shadows and invisibility like you're auditioning for a Shakespearean tragedy. ❜

He paused, considering his words. Alois laughed again, a bit more bitterly this time.

❛ Oh, those noble fools, thinking they're so above it all. They can't see their own filth, and one day, they'll have to scrub it off with their own hands. But even in their ignorance, they hold a mirror to our own darkness. We wait for the day they face their horrors, but what of our own? Will we ever confront the shadows within, or will we remain content in our righteous anger, our destructive rage? ❜

He smirked, his mind drifting to the idea of someone looking at him kindly.

❛ If someone did see us, they'd probably want something, right? But maybe, just maybe, there’s a chance they wouldn’t. Trust is a fragile thing, easily shattered by the harshness of reality. Yet, deep down, isn't there a sliver of hope? A hope that maybe, just maybe, someone could see beyond the darkness, beyond the shadows, and find the light within us? ❜

He opens his eyes again and look over at the mirror imaged of himself with a twinkle of amusement.

❛ But then again, isn't that the fun of it all? The unpredictability, the games we play? A caterpillar turning into a butterfly, wings broken but still flying. It's a bit poetic, don't you think? Maybe our rage and darkness really are our friends, giving us the strength to keep going. ❜

The earl gently grabs his mirror’s hand with a satisfied grin across his face.

❛ Oh, Jim Macken let us laugh at the bittersweet irony of it all. We are but shadows in a world that fears the dark. And yet, it is in the darkness that we find our strength, our voice, our power. ❜

@ensnaredearl continue from here

⠀⠀⠀⠀Alois stood on the precipice of his own thoughts, his eyes reflecting a world that never truly saw him. He whispered to himself, a bittersweet smile tugging at his lips.

❛ Invisible most of the time, aren't I? Isn't it laughable? The grand Alois Trancy, reduced to a mere shadow, a whisper in the wind. Ironic, really. I clawed my way through darkness, only to find that the world prefers me unseen. ❜

He chuckles lightly before closing his eyes and mused to himself.

❛ No matter how loud you get, no matter how much you crave their eyes on you, they never see the real you. They never see the boy who just wanted to be loved, to be noticed. They look at you with disgust or craving nothing more and nothing less. ❜

❛ But maybe, just maybe, there’s a twisted sort of peace in that. No more masks, no more games. Just you, stripped bare of all pretense. Invisible, yes, but perhaps, in this invisibility, you can finally find yourself. ❜

Within another context, his previous sentence would have resonated nothing more like an statement. Wrapped within an universe of darkness, he was standing unseen. Taking another perspective of the communication he was offering, almost similarly, one delicate fragment of his persona would remain standing within that invisibility of the shadows. Nevertheless, as distressed confession it had sounded, when it concerned his reassuring and supporting approach in the asset of meaning within circumstances, living within the shadows was giving him an higher advantage no one can get otherwise. For once the control put into his words, into what he might project was going to have to be slightly more controlled.

❝ Didn't becoming a shadow and a mere whisper create a advantage ? ❞ He mused back. Because he was unseen, his margin of influence could be larger than people could think it was. Because he was unseen, regardless his efforts to be perceived beyond the world of appareance, he could afford to do whatever he wanted, to hell with limits, to hell with what moral decency might be. Though, becoming obscurity was turning it an resident of it. ❝ Our name can resonate with more greatness, differently. People may not really perceive us, but isn't that why we want to be perceived, even just once ? Nightmares caused by darkness can become the nightmare of others. A macabre resonance that will haunt them every instant. ❞ He allowing himself honestly he wouldn't exposing to someone else. Himself was different --- only the boy wearing the name of Alois Trancy.

They never see you the boy who just wanted to be loved, to be noticed. He wished he brought reassurance over that point but he touched painful nerve. As shadowing presence he remained, personally, when he was concerned, he never mean to belonging to world of lightnesss himself could touch … Nevertheless, desires had to been pulled to had been noticed once, but not all expectations had been fullfilled. Amusement flattered somewhere his features concerning that remembrance. ❝ Oh, they are just noble trash, unable to recognize my true worth, thinking themselves above everything, refusing to see their own monstrousness. ❞ He reassured. ❝ There is still time for them to face their own horror of themselves, to realize how soiled they themselves are, and that this filth will have to be removed with their bare hands, in their blood, in their tears. ❞ He spoke of it as a metaphor, but by the tone of his voice, he mean it literally. If someone loved him, he could hardly believe that every piece of his heart would search to know how far that love would go … ❝ If someone looked kindly at us, it would be hard to believe that they wouldn't be interested selfishly for something. ❞

However, when it was coming from his last sentences, on that, he couldn't agree. There was no peace, just brutal destructive anger. There was no calmness, there was just hurricanes. There was always marks, able to distort themselves further. There was endless games. Wrapping his pretence otherwise, made of crowns that had seized other powers --- ❝ Not in the way you think it. ❞ Current communication was a way to find himself, though inside another complete approach. ❝ A caterpillar that has remained in its chrysalis for so long will become a wonderful butterfly, whose wings someone tried to break, but it will be reborn, will fly even stronger … where trying to crush it would be to provoke a terrible curse. Games can have other natures, more obscure, where the rules can be quickly understood and become ours. Marks have other forms, and can change at any moment. Our rage are destructive … but isn't not an asset ? Isn't it reassuring to know that this darkness can be our friend ? ❞

[ensnaredearl]

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ❛ I forgot to get my own plus one amongst all the fun. Oh well, I can swept away a lone dancer~ ❜

[ensnaredearl]

“ master, “ thompson called, “ somebody is starting a fire in the guest room again. “

but where were canterbury and timber?

— @foultongued

⠀⠀⠀⠀ ❛ HUH?! I specifically ordered fog in the guest room for the clue, not bloody flames! Where’s Tweedledee and Tweedledum, why did they let this happened?! Claude! CLAUDE, get over here this instant! I expect this masquerade to be perfect, not a disaster of flames and folly! ❜

[ensnaredearl]

⠀⠀⠀ ❛ So many confused chatter! Let’s see this will clear the air then. The dance of truth is a delicate one. I am but a whisper in the grand performance, a shadow among the light. Seek the elusive thread that binds us, for the key lies hidden in the secrets you uncover. Who am I ❜

[ensnaredearl]

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀The Earl could just squeal in delight at this point. If this was a dream he hoped he didn't wake up at this point, the creature even had the same icy blue as his!

❛ I never fancied I'd come face to face with a dragon, let alone a princely one at that! Such a marvel! So, you see us humans as little scavengers, do you? ❜

He puffed up his right cheek while tapping his cheek thoughtfully, a mischievous glint in his eye. A multitude of questions vied for attention in his mind, each one eager to be the first to be asked.

❛ So you use ice instead of fire? That's comforting- I mean incredible! Now, Prince Solaris, how did you stumble upon my humble manor? And why the scavengers don't utter a word? ❜

@ensnaredearl cont.

Solaris paused, taking a sudden step back as the small creature moved forward. What in the three moons was this? The scavenger just spoke. But....but that was impossible!

And it was speaking at him with equal wonder!

The young prince was quick to recover, shaking his spiked head with a delighted sort of grin that spread across his golden and silver snout. "This is incredible! Scavengers--- I mean, where I come from, scavengers can't utter a word of Dragonspeak!" Solaris pressed a taloned foreleg against his golden breastplate, the sapphire embedded within gleaming between his ivory talons.

Then the questions came, one after another, but the young dragon met them with equal excitement. "It's quite wonderful, I must say! I adore the breeze slipping between my scales. "Oh! I can't breathe fire! My father can, but I inherited my mother's skill of breathing ice! These are real, yes, given to me by my mother! I can bite, but I promise I won't bite you! Of course I can talk, every dragon can talk!"

The Icewing and Sandwing offspring crouched down, making his blue eyes more level with Alois' own. "My name is So- Prince Solaris! It is a pleasure to meet you!"

[ensnaredearl]

⠀⠀⠀⠀ ❛ Look at all this chatter! So eager to find this guest, I’ll give you a little clue then. I am the enigma behind the mask, a riddle wrapped in silk. Look closely, for the truth dances in the shadows. Who am I? ❜

[ensnaredearl]

❝ i just want you to know all i want is the very best for you. ❞ ( from oz vessalius )

Wednesday Starters

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Alois felt his left eye twitch before letting out a forced, hollow laugh, the sound sharp and bitter. What does this naive blond know about what's best for an earl? The very thought was ridiculous, and it gnawed at Alois like a persistent itch. How dare he presume—

His smile twisted into something sickly sweet, and without warning, he crossed the room in a few strides just closing the distance between them. His hands landed on Oz's shoulders with a touch that could almost be mistaken for tenderness, but the pressure of his nails digging into the fabric betrayed the image.

❛ Oh, Sir Vessalius, aren’t you just adorable? Trying so hard to protect me, like a little puppy trying to defend its master—it's honestly quite precious. Truly, you’ve touched my heart! ❜

❛ It's honestly sickening how much you want to weasel your way into something that's beyond you and it’s almost tragic how you think you know what’s best for me. Go on, enlighten me—what could you possibly have in mind? ❜

[ensnaredearl]

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ❛ Oh isn’t this exciting! Only one more week and I can start planning for the masquerade! Where’s Claude, we need better decor, I need to draft the invitations too. ❜

[ensnaredearl]

[ FINGER ] — sender flips receiver the bird

- @navyciel

Prompts for muses who are little shits

[ @navyciel ]

⠀⠀⠀⠀ Alois' eyes narrowed dangerously as he watched Ciel's insolent gesture. The smirk that played on his lips was anything but friendly.

❛ Oh, how quaint! The little earl trying to play the tough guy. Didn’t think you would do something so uncouth, thought I was the one who was vulgar~? ❜

With a flourish, Alois grabbed a glass of red wine from a passing servant’s tray. He swirls the glass letting the liquid hit against the glass. Without giving Ciel a chance to react, Alois tilted the glass, pouring the deep crimson liquid over Ciel's head, the wine cascading down and staining his pristine clothing.

Alois stepped back, a satisfied look on his face as he watched the rivulets of wine drip from Ciel's hair and clothes. He let the glass drop and shatter in-front of the other earl.

❛ Consider this a reminder of your place or at least try something less childish than a middle finger~❜

[ensnaredearl]

@ominasapphirus continued from here

⠀⠀ Alois chuckled mischievously, his eyes gleaming with excitement as he glanced back at Ciel, who struggled to keep up with his brisk pace.

❛ Oh, Phantomhive, don't be such a worrywart! A little adventure will do you good. Besides, you could use some fresh air and excitement. You're built like a sickly grandpa. ❜

Alois continued to lead Ciel through the bustling crowd, his steps light and confident as he guided them towards the unknown destination,

❛ I've heard some interesting gossip about this charity bazaar we're off to. Seems like it's not your typical stuffy event. Who knows what scandalous secrets we might uncover? It's much more fun than listening to those boring old ladies chatter on about their petticoats and tea, don't you think? ❜

[ensnaredearl]

⠀⠀⠀⠀ In the grand ballroom of the Trancy manor, chandeliers sparkled with a thousand tiny flames, casting a golden glow over the assembled nobility. The air was thick with the scent of roses and expensive perfumes, mingling with the soft strains of a classical quartet playing in the corner. Alois with a mischievous smile and a glint of cunning in his eyes, stood at the center of attention, his blond hair perfectly coiffed and his attire immaculate.

Alois had spent considerable time that afternoon ensuring his freckles were concealed beneath a layer of finely applied makeup. He knew well that in the unforgiving gaze of high society, even the smallest imperfection could become fodder for gossip.

As he chatted with Lady Bloodworth, he felt a slight itch on his cheek. Discreetly, he reached up to scratch it, only to realize with horror that his makeup was beginning to smudge. A quick glance in a nearby mirror confirmed his fears: a few rebellious freckles had managed to peek through.