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more-than-a-princess · 3 years

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@truethes asked: ∗ 87﹕ sender shows receiver evidence of a lie they told . - byakuya!!

100 Non-Verbal prompts - Still Accepting!

"I think, in this case, you may be creating more of a scene than is truly warranted, Togami-san," Sonia stood beside him, beaming. Unlike her usual cheerful smile, this one held a smidgen of satisfaction. Like she was a cat who had finally outsmarted, and then caught, the fattest mouse in the castle, or at least had played upon Byakuya Togami's particular values in order to entice him into a situation that, the Ultimate Princess was confident, would be good for him. Sonia knew many people just like Byakuya Togami: old or new money, it didn't matter. In the twenty-first century, they all possessed a similar air of superiority. That their breeding, their opportunities, their taste, and most importantly their money, put them in a class all their own and deemed them above the rest of the world. A pedestal they hadn't hesitated to clamor upon (or rather, or their families encouraged it) and glower at the world below them: everyone worked for them, was a pawn in the grand game that was their lives and that as long as they remained affluent and passed on their superior genes, they'd have lived as successfully as needed. Oh, and if they managed to invent or create something, all the better!

That sort of greed didn't make someone inherently bad, of course. Plenty of the wealthy and powerful did eagerly give back to society, particularly in ways that made the others in their social circles take notice. Charity was both a vehicle of helping the needy and establishing one's place in the upper echelons of society. The same could be said for business deals: helping those in need of a little startup money while being seen as charitable, and getting in on a profitable business from the ground up and therefore turning a profit when the company inevitably went public. The latter was what Sonia had massaged, metaphorically at least, into Byakuya's brain with her invitation: to mingle with those looking to make a significant impact on the world. The movers and bouncers...that was it, yes?

"It wasn't exactly a lie," She nodded over the empty plastic cup in her hand as he showed her the evidence: the text message he'd sent when she'd invited him to a networking event. "They will, of course, shape the course of the world one day. As will we! You are the one who presumed I was introducing you to young CEOs and royalty looking to collaborate on business deals. Instead, I, on behalf of classes 77 and 78, simply wished to include you in our school's social soiree!"

When the representatives from both classes had sought assistance from their respective homeroom teachers in order to make their Main Course student party a success, it had been Yukizome-sensei's idea for Sonia to be the one to connect with Byakuya. The Ultimate Affluent Progeny had very high standards and very little in the way of patience, something that was known to everyone but constantly reiterated to a few people in particular, namely Toko and Yasuhiro, who seemed to irritate him most. But the Ultimate Princess, with her blue blood, massive amount of personal wealth (though he was richer, something her mother did not let her forget when she visited home for various holidays and was subjected to yet another lecture of the right sort of Hope's Peak pupil Princess Sonia of Novoselic should be associating with), and unflappable sense of optimism and kindness was the perfect candidate. For all the values that Byakuya Togami seemed to hold, he could not outright dismiss Sonia Nevermind: she dined at the best restaurants, was outfitted from the finest shops, and attended all of the same parties and social events that conglomerate moguls deemed important. Simply put: she could weave her way in and out of Byakuya Togami's life with the most amount of ease if she wanted. If she was asked to.

This time, she'd been asked to pull him back into a normal high school setting, with normal high school activities with normal students, despite the fact that compared to pretty much any other school in Japan (much less the world), Hope's Peak was an oddity unlike any other. Something Sonia didn't mind as she watched Leon and Ibuki shout into a karaoke microphone and Akane challenge Sakura to a martial arts fight as Aoi looked on. Other members of both of their classes found their own ways to intermingle, even if it was watching Celestia Ludenberg verbally destroy Nagito Komaeda and the other looking terribly grateful for it.

"Come on, it shouldn't be terrible at all," She encouraged him, nodding towards the beverage refreshment table. "There's even coffee and patisserie imported from France, though that was at my request. Hanamura-san looked terribly distraught when I insisted we order them instead, but I miss the nuanced flavors of desserts from France, Italy, and Novoselic. Won't you join me in sampling them?"

#more-than-a-princess answered #truethes #Non-Despair AU: Hope's Peak Academy verse #(100 non-verbal prompts meme)#(When Sonia tells a white lie/half-truth for Byakuya's own good)#(He's gonna SOCIALIZE and have FUN. If she has anything to say about it.)#(She -is- a politician after all: she's got some skill where convincing and debating are concerned)

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kimberly-spirits13 · 4 years

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Body Guard

Pairing: Dick Grayson x reader

Synopsis: You were raised in a different kind of house hold. Every first- born woman in a new generation was gifted the ability of witch craft, and every 10th birthday, you were given a marking that stated what your job would be. You, for some odd reason got body guard. Well, after developing these powers and combat skills you popped up on the Young Justice team’s radar and now, 4 years later, as if the life wasn’t crazy enough, you were falling for a certain young, energetic protégé of the one and only Batman.

Note: Y/G/M/N= Your Grandmother’s Name Y/N= Your Name. Y/N/N= Your Nickname

Warnings: Language

Word Count: 1832

You opened up your laptop on your bed and was answering a few messages and emails from Robin and a few clients. You smiled at some of the things that he had to say concerning a certain Witch Boy that really didn’t like you at all. See, you were raised in a house of witches, and then your dad who really didn’t know what he was getting himself into marrying and falling in love with your mother. Then, they had you who was now a body guard. Weird right?

It was your day off from work, however, you were still needed or really just wanted at the cave. You decided based off of the fact that your last job working for a mega famous politician kicked your ass, you were going to have a nice free day and chill for the most part.

“Y/N!” Your father called from downstairs.

“Yeah?” You replied getting up and walking to the ledge of the opening of the hall that looked down towards the foyer.

“Burgers are ready.” He smiled seeing you.

“Gotcha, I’ll be down in a sec.” You went back into your bedroom and shut off your laptop and lights, grabbing your cell phone.

After you were out of the room, you walked down the stairs and through the living room into the kitchen to get your food. Your grandmother and mother were making sweet potato fries and salad when you got another notification on your phone. It was from Robin.

“You coming to the cave tonight?” He asked.

“Debating it.” You replied smiling some.

“We haven’t seen you in four days because of your last job and you’re debating coming to see us???” He responded quickly.

“I seemed to have ruin your aster.”

“Uhhh yeah, we miss you at the cave.” You blushed some at the text message before your grandmother spoke up.

“Your aura is indicating a romance Y/N.” Your cheeks flushed bright red as you looked at her wide eyed, “Who has piqued my granddaughter’s interest?”

“No one Y/G/M/N.” You lied.

“Y/N don’t lie to your grand mom, I know, I can see it in your eyes. Ah, young love, how sweet.” She laughed some at the end seeing your reaction.

“Y/G/M/N! Stop!” You laughed some still blushing and putting your phone away before Artemis texted you.

“Robin told me that you’re debating coming to the cave. So help me Y/N/N I will come to your house and drag you to the cave if you don’t come on.” Your best friend threatened.

“Finneeee.” You sent, “I’ll come after supper. See you then Arty 😊.”

“Yessss! Finallyyy” She responded.

“I knew that that would convince you.” Robin texted suddenly.

“How’d you know? Are you stalking me? Lol” You sent.

“No, no, Artemis texted me.” He replied.

“You guys are killing me.” You rolled your eyes, “Anyways, see you later Birdy.”

“You promise?” Robin asked.

“Witch’s honor.” You answered, “And I have had my life threatened for the ninth time this week.”

“Wow, a record.” He sent, “See you later Y/N/N.”

“You too Boy Wonder.”

You put your phone up and ate supper with your family. It was getting kind of late after a while of sitting around the bon fire by the pool outside. Your young brother was called inside to take a bath and since your mother, grand mom, and brother were all quick to go to sleep at night, it left you a chance to change into your suit and leave.

“Y/N are you going to the HQ tonight?” Your father asked.

He was the only one in your family that knew of your hero life since you didn’t want your kid brother getting involved and the rest of them to worry about you, but your father eventually figured it out.

“I am, but I don’t plan on going on a mission unless it becomes necessary.” You answered heading up the stairs to change.

“Alright, just tell me when you get to the HQ.” He instructed before giving you a hug and kiss goodnight.

You ran upstairs to your bedroom and then typed a code on your mirror that no one knew was an actual door into your second closet. A hidden room was the best way that you figured you could hide your things from well, everyone. You stepped in, shutting the mirror door behind you and getting changed and suited up. Your suit was a black and grey catsuit with side holsters and a black leather cropped jacket. You put on your utility belt and put your mask that covered the bottom half of your face up and putting your swords into their proper place.

Stepping quickly onto the balcony of your room, you went invisible and then lifted off with a simple spell and headed towards the boom tubes located in Washington DC. You climbed in and then texted your father that you had made it as you stepped out into the cave. It was quite when you entered at first before hearing some commotion and then that little laugh that Robin does before he dropped in front of you.

“Finally, I thought you’d never show.” You guys embraced some before Artemis came running in and practically tackled you.

“Arty calm down!” You laughed some.

“You haven’t been here in 4 days! I can’t be calm.” Artemis said letting go.

You saw the rest of the team around and greeted them, M giving you a hug.

Artemis insisted on a movie night, so, that is what happened. Everyone gathered around the tv and you and started watching whatever movie was wanted the most. The movie had ended and eventually everyone started either going home or going to their rooms. You promised Artemis that you would be there tomorrow before she also left to head back to Gotham. After you had thought that everyone was gone, you decided to train by yourself some.

The last few days had taken their toll as you literally almost died like 6+ times after a few crude comments made by your client. It made you so furious at him, however, you had to finish your job. The fact that he would say that he was untouchable and no low life bastard could get to him and then he blamed you for being attacked made your blood boil. You eventually beat the level that you were on, so consumed by your thoughts that you did more damage than expected and then almost jumped out of your skin when you heard Robin behind you.

“I saw what happened on the news. Are you alright? You seem on edge?” He asked concerned.

You jumped and then clutched your chest dramatically, “I-I’m fine.” You chucked some, “Just a bit worked up.”

“Yeah, I can tell.” He smiled some, “I was furious when I saw what happened. He put your life in extreme danger after all.” “I could tell from the news reports that you were probably enraged as well.” “Yeah no kidding.” You replied, “I mean I did end up black listing him but seriously.”

“Well, now that you have all of this energy, wanna spar?” Robin asked.

“Sure.” You answered.

The two of you waited for the first strike which came from Robin’s side first. You dodged him and sent him flying backwards before he landed gracefully on his feet.

“Honestly it was the first job that I was ever really nervous about everything.” You admitted to him knowing that it was okay to talk to him about that kind of thing.

He gave what you saw, even through the mask as a look of understanding.

“I mean I’ve dealt with some serious business in my day, but having assassins and such coming from everywhere was not appealing in the slightest.”

“Yeah, doesn’t sound great.” You flipped him after his statement, onto the mat and smiled

“Gotcha.” You said crossing your arms.

“You did, didn’t you?” He asked before slamming you onto the mat backwards and then you getting out from under him before after a few minutes, he pinned you once more.

He flipped you onto the mat smiling as you let out an exasperated sigh.

“Gotcha.” He smirked leaning closely in.

“And what are you going to do now Birdy?” You asked quietly almost rolling your eyes as his comment.

“Well, to start off, I’m glad you’re not dead.” He said.

“Yeah, I am too, what’s your point?” You replied crossing your arms, still pinned on the mat.

“I’m glad you’re not dead because I never would have gotten to... to do this.”

Before you could ask what he meant or even react, he pulled of your mask and kissed you. You didn’t hesitate kissing him back and uncrossing your arms to run your hands through his think black hair. His hands found your waist and you didn’t pull apart until you both were out of breath.

“Now I’m really glad that I didn’t die.” You smirked, “Now, if you don’t mind...”

“Oh, yeah, sorry.” He blushed some letting you sit up.

You were both sat on the mat taking in what had just happened before he pulled you into a corner where the security cameras couldn’t see and pulled off his mask.

“I’m Dick Grayson.” He said as you gazed into his bright blue eyes.

“I know.” You said in a dreamy voice.

“Wait, how do you know?” He asked snapping you out of your trance.

“Magic.” You let some wisps of bright colorful light dance around on your fingers for a second, “remember?”

“Oh yeah.” He smirked before you pulled him into another kiss.

You looked down at the watch on your suit and sighed, “It’s almost 1:30.” You said.

“And?” He asked, “We could stay here the night.”

“That isn’t untrue.” You replied, “Let me tell my father that I’ll be spending the night so that he doesn’t freak out.” You smirked some sending the code word message in case he forgot to delete the message and someone came snooping through his phone.

“So, are you just going to stay in your suit all night?” Dick wondered aloud.

“Nope.” You chanted some words before your outfit suddenly becoming a pair of shorts and tee shirt and then suddenly the sweat and such go away as you two were walking to his bedroom in the cave.

“Oh, I forgot to ask two things.” He said stopping, “Will you be my girlfriend?”

“Uh, I don’t think you needed to ask Grayson. Sure.” You answered, “And the other thing?”

“Wanna watch Y/F/M?”

“Hell yeah I do.”

The two of you got into his bed and you laid against his chest as he laced his fingers with yours. After a while, he looked down to see you peacefully asleep, finally getting the rest that you had deserved.

“I-I love you Y/N.” He whispered softly starting to fall asleep himself.

“Me too Birdy.” You replied when he was almost passed out, making him grin some.

I am getting to requests this weekend, but I had a suppppeerrrrr long week and haven’t gotten any sleep so I’m sorry that they are late, but they’re coming. I hope that you guys are doing well and liked this one. If you have any requests, send them in, they are greatly appreciated. I hope that you all are safe and healthy and keeping half, decently sane. Have a good day! 😊

#robin x y/n #robin x reader #dick grayson x reader #dick grayson #dick grayson imagine #dick grayson x y/n #young justice x reader #young justice #young justice robin #young justice robin x reader #dc comics #dc x reader #fan fic stuff #fan fic #batboys x reader #batfam x reader #batfam #robin imagine

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faveficarchive · 5 years

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Hints

By L.N. James

Pairing: Xena/Gabrielle

Rating: Mature

Synopsis: Trying to get Xena to leave boring negotiations and join her proves frustrating for Gabrielle as the bard exchanges a series of notes with her friend.

The room was full of hot, stale air and there were no windows to speak of. It may as well have been a prison cell because there was no escaping. On and on, they droned, the speeches becoming long and boring, the declarations more grandiose, and the political double talk more circular. It seemed as if everyone had some point they had to make or some contribution to the bureaucracy that was The Elder Council of The Regions of Argos. By the Gods, how had they been coaxed into participating in such insidiously boring and excruciatingly tedious negotiations?

This is what I wondered from the seat that had been my place above the proceedings for the past three candlemarks. I was hungry, hot, tired, and bored. I never thought it would be possible for a bard to be bored by anything (being that we generally like to learn from every experience) but sure as Hera’s curse, I was bored out of my mind. To make matters worse and insulting, I had been relegated to the box seats while Xena was down where all the action was on the floor below me (if you could call it ‘action’). They had some arcane ordinance about ‘interested parties, significant others, and sidekicks’ sitting upstairs apparently.

After hearing the same thing said in slightly different ways by different people, I was growing restless. I knew Xena couldn’t just up and leave the proceedings, they needed her to offer her insight into negotiating border treaties and alliances between friends and foes alike. I don’t know when, but my lover had somehow become the Warrior Politician in everyone’s eyes. So as much as Xena hated having to deal with these political battles, she knew that her word carried great weight and felt responsible for helping any way she could. On numerous occasions that day, I was convinced that she had briefly considered using her sword to cut short the proceedings, but she was bound by duty and honor. Sigh.

I, however, was bound by nothing more than waiting for my warrior’s work to be done and right now, that waiting was starting to feel like an eternity on Cecrops’ ship. I could have left, I suppose, but being in the presence of my love was much more interesting than sitting in the woods waiting alone. Besides, recent skirmishes between factions and less than hospitable taverns made the choice a bit easier. And since I was in for a dinar now, I might as well stay for the whole kingdom.

I had already listened to enough of the meeting to realize I couldn’t care less about the goings-on if I tried, I had written three stories out on parchment, and I had scanned the crowd for anyone interesting enough to make up stories about. Of course, that pretty much came down to one person as far as I was concerned. So, at the moment, I occupied myself by counting the number of times Xena raised her eyebrow. She’s really beautiful, you know. Strikingly so, actually. In fact, I know I’ve never seen anyone as magnificent as she is. She can look good anytime, whether she’s talking, walking, riding, fighting, eating, drinking, smirking, smiling, sleeping, kissing...mmm. Which reminds me, we were rudely interrupted this morning by a messenger from The Council requesting Xena’s presence. Hades hath no fury like an interrupted Amazon Bard when a certain Warrior Princess is about to become intimately acquainted with said bard’s body. I was livid.

Great. I just reminded myself that along with being hungry, hot, tired, and bored, I now had to add ‘frustrated’ to the list.

"As so, my fellow delegates, let us not forget that the beneficiaries of such defense policies would be..."

Gods, the end of this session was nowhere in sight. It was hard enough simply watching Xena sit and talk or occasionally stand. Ever since we became lovers (and before, really), the mere sight of her pretty much started any number of fantasies playing in my head and luckily, most of those we had thoroughly explored. I still had one or two (well, ok, more than that) that I hadn’t yet shared with her but in time, I was sure I would. Right now, the only thing on my mind was getting out of this hot meeting and having the Warrior Politician negotiate a new treaty with me.

Luckily, at that moment, Xena looked up at me as the last speaker finished and the next one was preparing to speak. Catching her eye, I raised my eyebrows in a question and silently asked if we could leave. We had worked out a couple of nonverbal signs over the years that we could covertly use when we were in situations neither one of us wanted to be in. You should see her sign for ‘If we don’t get away from this annoying person right now, I will accept no responsibility for the path my chakram will take. We devised this sign shortly after Joxer started showing up.

Sadly, Xena shook her head at me and held up a parchment and indicated with her hands that they were only half-way through the proceedings. Hades. So I sighed and nodded down at her. Stretching my legs, I sank down in my chair and waited.

I must have fallen asleep because the next thing I knew I was naked with Xena, laying on top of the table, parchments under us while the speakers kept droning on all around us. The reason I say I must have been dreaming is not that we wouldn’t have sex in public (we have), but that my hair was in that awful bun-do I was forced to wear when I almost got charbroiled. Startled, I sat up in my chair and blinked at the people sitting next to me. They gave me rather funny looks and I looked down at myself. Naked again. Shaking my head and rolling my eyes, I pinched myself in my dream and I woke up for real this time, my neighbors in the seats next to me seemingly enraptured by the politics going on below.

"And so, in accordance with Corollary Seven outlined in Policy Statement Three, there would be enough funding for defense if we..."

Sighing, I sat back up and realized that I had slept through at least one speaker (Thank the Gods) and a new one had begun. I could see that if something wasn’t done, we could be here all night. And as much as I wanted these policies to be hammered out, I knew that surely Xena didn’t have to be here for every darn speaker. Opening up my satchel, I dug through and pulled out a scrap of parchment and my quill. Seeing a biscuit left over from breakfast, I grabbed that too. While I ate, I scribbled out a note to send down to Xena. The various pages and runners would deliver such things to the Council members and negotiators down below.

Xena,

Hi. It’s me. Do you think we could slip out of here for a bite to eat? I’m really hungry if you know what I mean.

Love you,

Gabrielle

Signaling for a page, I folded the note carefully and tied it with a bit of string. After I instructed the page on who to deliver it to, I leaned over the railing and watched Xena leaning back in her chair with her arms folded and a scowl on her face. They were discussing defense appropriations and I could see that she didn’t agree that they should commission more archers than swordsmen.

The page made his way over to Xena and quietly handed her the note before moving off. I watched as Xena looked up at me and then untied and read my note. I smiled as she turned it over and took her quill and scratched out a note, nodding for the page to come back and retrieve it. Once he made his way back upstairs and over to me, I sat back in my chair and opened up the note, my smile fading as I read the words.

There’s a biscuit from breakfast in your satchel. I’ll be fine. A few more candlemarks. Can you believe they think archers are more important than swordsmen?

Obviously Xena hadn’t known what I meant and obviously she was taking these proceedings far too seriously. Taking out another piece of parchment, I had the page remain while I wrote out another note.

Xena,

Dear, you missed my point. I’d like to continue our ‘conversation’ from this morning and I don’t think I can wait a few candlemarks.

Love,

Gabrielle

***

Folding it up, I tied it and gave it to him and sent him back downstairs. Leaning over the rail again, I watched as Xena untied it, read it, and looked up at me with a curious look on her face. I smiled down at her and she smiled back and shrugged her shoulders. Turning back to the note, Xena scribbled and sent it back up to me. A new speaker was starting to talk as the page made his way up to me.

"While Delegate Cristos makes an interesting point concerning defense appropriations, should not our time be spent more on debating how we might feed our people? You see, if we simply...."

I glanced at the speaker and smiled. She was an impassioned young woman who clearly had her priorities straight in my book. Feeling the page’s tap on my shoulder, I turned and took the note. Closing my eyes, I simply shook my head and sighed after I read it.

Gabrielle, yes I think Argo still likes you after what happened the other night; no, I don’t think your story about Cecrops was overdone and melodramatic; and I really don’t have the slightest idea whether the Fates can know their own future.

P.S. Swordsmen have always been more versatile than archers.

Drastic times called for drastic measures. Nodding at the page, I wrote again and sent it down with him.

Xena,

My love, as much as I’d like to discuss defense with you, what I have in mind is much more exciting, if you catch my drift. Maybe we could see how versatile a certain swordswoman really is.

Love,

Gabrielle

Surely, she would get the point of this note but sadly when the page returned with her note, I became convinced that despite Xena’s many skills, catching on to innuendo was simply not one of them.

We can spar with your staff after this meeting is over if you want. That new speaker might have the right idea. Bread before swords just might work. We can talk later.

***

Determined and a bit perturbed, I scribbled out a note and handed it to the page. As he made his way down, I gathered my staff and satchel and followed after him.

Xena,

Please meet me at the side door ASAP.

Love you,

Gabrielle

***

I waited over by the side door of the council hall, twirling my staff, stretching my body as it had become quite sore from sitting in that Hades of a chair for so long. Before long, the page opened the door and came over to me. Narrowing my eyes at the note he handed me, he almost slipped back into the room. I grabbed his shoulder and told him to wait a moment. As I read the note Xena had sent, I cursed Hera and the chariot she rode in on at what I read.

Gabrielle, I can’t leave right now; we’re working on a plan to employ the archers and swordsmen as part-time farmers. Can’t this wait until we are through?

P.S. And if I remember correctly, it was your idea for us to come through Argos. I wanted to go to Melapania after we left Gralius.

Angry and immensely frustrated, I pulled out one more piece of parchment and devised a plan to get Xena and I the Hades out of here and into a bed, or bedroll, or hayloft, or field of grass, or lake, or any Tartarus of a place where we could be alone and naked. By this point, I had worked myself up into a bit of a dander and I was not about to let it go. Funny thing is, the angrier I get, the more worked up I get in other more.. intimate ways. Don’t ask. I don’t know why. I sent the page off with one final note. I was not above an ultimatum, peace treaty for Argos or not.

Xena, honey, if you don’t meet me now, I may be forced to find the nearest Inn and make friends with the barmaid. You know how ‘friendly’ I get when I’m frustrated and angry and at the moment I am very much of all three things.

Signed your lover of almost two years and the person with whom you share your bedroll,

Gabrielle

Folding the note and handing it over to the now-scared pageboy, I turned my back to the door and looked out the window in the hall. I swore under my breath that if my Warrior Princess was not the next person through that door, I would quite possibly go into that room and make a scene in front of everyone and their mother. I had tried subtlety. I had tried what I thought was pretty direct innuendo. And I had tried an all out request. Now I was sending out angry demands. This is what five candlemarks of sitting through politics will do to a bard.

Hearing the door open and steps coming behind me, I knew it was not the pageboy. Not yet willing to turn around, I waited. Feeling familiar hands on my shoulders, I let out the breath I was holding and tried not to let my tongue voice the frustrations I felt. Xena’s words were in my ear where they felt accustomed to falling.

"Gabrielle, there was no need for you to send me an ultimatum. You could have just asked."

Her voice held a hint of reproach and I turned around, my eyes flashing.

"Xena, I did ask, repeatedly! Whatever happened to the signs and secret words we worked out?! How many times have I used the phrase ‘let’s continue our conversation’ to mean let’s, you know...’continue our conversation’?? For the love of Zeus, this morning we left right in the middle of our ‘conversation’ and I didn’t even have a chance to get the last ‘word’ in. You know how I get!"

I continued talking all the while a surprised Xena was backing up as I pushed her forward. Her eyebrows were raised at me while I went on. I knew I was being unfair and unreasonable but my frustration of the day simply fueled me on.

"And while it was my idea that we go through Argos, you were the one who agreed to help the Council even after we got here and they said that it wasn’t really all that necessary. And another thing..."

I pushed her against the hallway wall as one hand went to her leathered waist. My voice lowered as my other hand realized it was resting on her breastplate.

"And another thing.."

When I felt my leg come in contact with hers as I leaned up against her, I almost forgot what that other things was. Her blue eyes danced down at me as a slight smile crossed her lips. She had placed her hands on my bare midriff.

"And another thing..."

I swallowed as the scent of leather filled my senses, I could feel her breathing under my hands. In my lover’s arms, I forgot.

"Yes?"

She asked me in that low voice of hers. Remembering my misplaced anger, my eyes softened in regret and apology.

"Oh Xena...I’m sorry. I have no right to be angry with you and I had no right to give you an ultimatum. It’s just that.."

My eyes dropped to my boots. She smiled as one of her hands came to my face and drew it back up to look at her. I looked at her and only saw the love she had for me. Gods, how did I get so lucky?

"It’s just what, Gabrielle?"

"It’s just that...I am so in love with you, Xena and sometimes I want so much of you and I need so much of you that I just...I just don’t think, I guess."

Leaning down, she placed a soft kiss against my lips, reminding me of how gentle she really could be.

"I’m very much in love with you too, Gabrielle, and it’s ok if you want me."

Her lips found my ear and I shivered just a bit in her embrace.

"And it’s ok if you need me..."

My neck was warm where she left a trail of wetness from her lips along my jawline. I closed my eyes.

"Because the feelings are very, very mutual."

I smiled as I leaned in and buried my face against the skin of her neck and breasts. Her arms pulled me in close and strong. I’d spend all of eternity in a room full of politicians for a moment here in her arms.

Pulling back slightly, Xena’s eyes sparkled as she smiled down at me.

"Well, Gabrielle, I’d better go back inside and hammer out those defense plans.."

Narrowing my eyes, I realized she was teasing me because I can read those eyes of hers like no one else can. That’s one of my many skills, believe me.

"Oh, is that so?"

I looked up at her and let one of my hands trail down the side of her leather, feelings it’s smoothness and then feeling the strips of leather and the heat of her thigh. Taking my hand away from her leg, I leaned up and placed my lips against hers, my tongue telling a tale or two against her lips. When I pulled back, I smiled at the slight flush on her face. Her voice was a little unsteady and hardly convincing.

"Mmm...yes. I have to go back in.."

It was clear to me that I needed to remind my warrior princess of exactly what the situation was here. She would be returning to that room in Tartarus over my dead body. Smiling, I brought my finger to her lips and lightly ran it across both.

"Are you sure I can’t convince you to leave with me?"

Her eyes closed and I smiled as I felt her breathing increase and her hands tighten around my waist. Her tongue brushed against my finger and I knew she was mine. Xena’s eyes opened and burned a sea of blue as she tasted the liquid of my wetness placed upon her lips. Growling, she looked down at me as she licked her lips, my taste finally sending the right message. Her words were clear and to the point.

"Let’s go. Now."

With that, she pulled me down the hallway and out the door, all thoughts of defense appropriations and policy negotiations left to those who could debate for moons. I, for one, never knew politics could be so exciting.

***

Colophon: The writing of this story was greatly aided by some major life avoidance, a few glasses of good, old Midwestern tap water on an especially hot day, and the challenge of writing something without any graphic sex in it. ;)

#xena #xena warrior princess #xena/gabrielle #xena/gabrielle fanfiction #author: ln james #mature #fanfiction #femslash

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persuadedproject-blog · 7 years

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Chapter 8

Wentworth was coming to see Virginia as a home. The Admiral’s research in Norfolk expanded as he discovered a system riddled with problems, so the Crofts rented a small house in the heart of Uppercross (just across from the gazebo). The Admiral, brotherly and welcoming as always, insisted that Wentworth should stay with them, as long as he liked or maybe longer. Although the initial plan had been for Wentworth to spend a couple of days with the Crofts and then head up north to visit with Eduard and his new wife, the charms of Uppercross held him in place. Besides the butter-slathered southern cuisine, the whole town practically embraced him. The old were hospitable, the young were enjoyable, and Wentworth had found in the town a worthy enough reason to put of his trip north to Eduard’s.

As important as getting to know a new sister-in-law is, when a person is being flattered by an entire town, new priorities sidle into place. He was at the Musgrove’s Great House almost every day. It was impossible to tell who was more enthusiastic about the arrangement - the Musgroves to invite him, or Wentworth to be invited. Mrs. Musgrove was convinced that he as a single man must be incapable of fixing himself a decent meal when the Crofts were out and about, so with every visit she stuffed him full and sent him home with a plate of leftovers. Ever since she had earned her eternal seal of approval by playing with Oscar (he even got a happy yap from the rotund canine), the plate was joined by some form of baked goods.

All of the Musgrove’s thoughts towards Wentworth were total and unwavering admiration; a fact made abundantly clear to Cap and to everyone looking on. This had just been established when Chuck Hayter, Hazel’s insignificant other, came to town to interview for a position as an associate veterinarian. He was confused to find out that distance had made the heart grow apathetic, even to the point of eyeing greener pastures. The poor guy had reason to regret leaving his relationship undefined and nebulous, particularly once he saw Hazel’s altered state of mind and - even worse - the handsome, job-having Frederick Wentworth. The loose state of affairs that had appeared to offer him freedom one minute was exactly what threatened his happiness the next (ah, commitment, you sneaky thing). The Musgrove parents liked CHuck well enough. He wasn’t brilliant in any way - he was medium height, medium build, medium talent, had a bit of ambition, and an alright but far from dazzling sense of humor. But he was a decent person, with a work ethic that put him through veterinary school on a combination of scholarships and gas station jobs. If Hazel liked him, that was enough for all of them. And she had genuinely thought she liked him - until Wentworth turned up. From that time on, Chuck was like a somewhat bland distant memory she texted once in a while, until said memory reappeared in her hometown.

Which of the two Musgrove girls Cap prefered was still a mystery, despite Anne’s observational skills. Hazel was probably prettier (in a curly hair, effortless cut off jeans kind of way), but Louise had more nerve and a bigger personality. She did not know what he would find more attractive now, a more easygoing or proactive girl. Mr. and Mrs. Musgrove had taken a hands-off approach when it came to their girl’s romantic life (either because they trusted their daughter’s judgement or had a misplaced trust in the young men they befriended), so the topic was not discussed in the Great House. It was of great interest at the junior Musgrove’s house, far more than the real headlines that it was Anne’s business to read. Cap had been in town for all of a week and a half, and Chuck for a day, when Anne began to be subjected to a nightly debate. After the boys went to bed, and before the older people scattered to their own interests, they would gather around the island in the kitchen to keep asking the same questions and making the same points. Every move Wentworth made was scrutinized, every blink, laugh, and look was somehow a sure sign he was going to ask out one girl or the other These debates were accompanied by ice cream (chocolate for Anne, banana pudding for Charles, and mango sorbet for Mary, who was trying to avoid dairy), but Anne found it difficult to swallow with the lump in her throat. Charles’ money was on Louise, but Mary was convinced he was after Hazel. Both agreed that he would be a great husband to either one. To the readers who are surprised that marriage was coming up this early in the non-relationship I would say that, unless they are part of an impossibly progressive society, a couple is immediately assessed for long-term endurance. Charles claimed he had,

“Never met a more good-natured man in my life, and from what I have heard him say the government is paying him well for his work. I’m sure he’s only on the way to more recognition and higher positions. He’d be a catch for either one of them.”

“He might could even run for Senate, plenty of ambassadors have done that. It would be a nice thing for Hazel, although she would enjoy lording it over me. Senator and Mrs. Wentworth! It doesn’t sound too shabby. Of course, he has no real Washington or political background, and I never know what to do with those farmer-turned-politician types.”

“Like George Washington?” Anne asked dryly. She normally would have let Mary go on, but having to discuss the marriage of your soulmate can make you say and feel and do things that are out of the ordinary.

It fit Mary’s state of mind to see Wentworth pursue Hazel, because that put an end to Chuck’s pretentious aspirations of being with her. She had decidedly looked down on him from the first time he came home with Hazel in his beat up sneakers, West Virginia accent, and wait staff job. He had taken two extra years to finish vet school due to a lack of funding, and even then he only managed to finish thanks to a loan from a kind friend.

“After growing up in that house on the hill, with her father’s business and everything, I just don’t think they would be right for each other. She would be throwing herself away for a life of budgeting and part time jobs and...and I just don’t think a girl should make a life choice that will be a disappointment or inconvenience to the majority of her family. It would be giving the needy a connection to people who aren’t used to them.” Her husband could not agree with her - besides generally liking Chuck, he had had a helping hand himself to get the job he was in.

“What are you talking about?” he demanded. “Needy is not the word I would choose, try hard working maybe. He has a good shot at taking over the vet office here, a job his is perfect for by the way, and in a couple of years he can pay off that loan if he’s smart. He has more experience with farm animals too, which would be an asset to the whole county. Hazel could do much worse than Chuck, and if she ends up with him, and Louise gets Wentworth, I would be totally satisfied.” He then scooped up his bowl and went to eat his ice cream in peace, in front of a baseball game. As soon as he was safely out of earshot, Mary turned to Anne and said,

“He can say what he wants to, but I think it would be awful if Hazel married Chuck Hayter. Bad for her, and worse for me - so we can only hope that Wentworth puts any thought of him right out of her head. I think he has already, she hardly noticed Chuck last night at the pool. I wish you had been there to see it, she trailed Wentworth around the pool, splashing and trying not to get her hair wet. As for Wentworth liking Louise, I think it is complete and utter guesswork. He definitely likes Hazel.” After a brief pause for reflection, she fumed, “But Charles is so sure! I wish you had been there, because you could’ve decided it finally. I am sure you would have taken my side, unless you were just determined to contradict me.”

A cookout at the Musgrove’s was the next opportunity when Anne was supposed to observe the romantic rectangle, but the combined excuse of a raging headache and CJ’s shoulder feeling a bit sore was mercifully enough for her to stay home. The overall motivation was to avoid Cap and the maelstrom of emotions that surrounded him, but dodging the job of referee was an added bonus to her quiet, documentary-watching evening. Her conjectures on his feelings were without definite results, she thought the more important issue was that he make up his mind quickly, before either one of the girls got their hearts attached enough to be broken. Both of them were good-natured and had kind streaks, and she had to admit either of them would be an affectionate, warm partner. Where Chuck Hayter was concerned, she was by nature embarrassed by association when she saw girls flitting from guy to guy, or treating a relationship (undefined or not) frivolously. As if Anne did not have enough embarrassment or awkwardness on her plate, her sympathetic heart took on the cringing the whole situation warranted and she understood the bruising that flirtatious thrashing about could bring to both people. If Hazel was confused about her feelings for either man, Anne thought it would be best for her to get them sorted out in short order.

Chuck had seen enough to be uncomfortable about his relationship status. Hazel had liked him for long enough, and he had been gone for a short enough time that he was sure it could not be totally over. He was perturbed at the rapid change that had probably been inspired by a mysterious but friendly stranger. The last time they had parted ways, it seemed like the thing she wanted most was to see him brought on by the local vet, Doc Shirley, who had been caring for the community’s pets for forty years now, but who was looking to train a replacement. It would be a good deal for both of them, and Hazel and her whole family had been awaiting his interview with suspense. At least, Hazel had seemed to be elated at the thought of Chuck having a local practice, but after just two weeks the wind had gone out of her sails. Even Louise could not listen to him long enough to hear how the interview had gone, because she kept flitting back and forth to the window to keep a lookout for Wentworth. Hazel could only at her least distracted give him divided attention. She seemed to have forgotten there were any other qualified candidates, or real interview.

“Well, of course I’m glad - but I always knew you would get it. Dr. Shirley needs someone to take over, and he practically told you you had the job - is that him coming up the driveway, Louise?”

The next morning, after her observational skills had been desired, Anne found herself in the company of the unavoidable. He appeared out of thin air in the living room, where Anne was trying to work and keep an eye on CJ (the miniature Charles had decided to use his aching shoulder to transform once again into a saddened invalid). Wentworth was just as surprised as she was. She was so surprised she started to stand up, then squat back down, then stand up again, all while mentally cursing the fact that they lived in the South, where no one locked the front door. Startled out of his normal suave, he said a little too loudly,

“I thought Hazel and Louise would be here - Mrs. Musgrove told me they were with Mary.”

“They are all upstairs, the girls are helping Mary pick out paint colors for the office, I’m sure they’ll be down in a minute,” Anne responded in one uncomfortable run-on rush. If she had not been in the middle of trying to diagnose CJ’s possible fever, she would have left the room to spare both him and herself. He graciously pretended to be fascinated with the view of Mary’s back yard at the window. Pine trees have never before merited the kind of attention he gave them.

“I hope CJ is feeling better,” was all he said over his shoulder, and then he wisely stuck to the pine trees. She stayed, sitting cross-legged on the ground while CJ explained his symptoms. The screen door creaked, signaling the entrance of another person (what a relief! thank goodness the door was unlocked). Anne looked over, hoping to see Charles, but finding Chuck instead. Alas, she had looked for her reprieve too early. Chuck was about as pleased to see Wentworth as he had been to find Anne. This time, Anne did not try to get up, but she did offer Chuck a seat. His hands stuck in his pockets, Chuck said,

“No thanks, I actually came to check on the goldfish?” Goldilocks was the children’s only pet due to Mary’s concern for her allergies, and she was much-beloved. Swimming had become a droopy activity recently, so Anne was glad she was getting some attention, even if the timing was not the best. Cap was finally lured away from his window, and tried to strike up a conversation with Chuck, who promptly wet-blanketed all conversation starters, and set himself to intently watching the fish.

Another minute brought another (smaller) addition. Walter, a stout little guy with a fearless nature, whirled into the room. He made a beeline to the couch, to stake his claim on anything good or interesting there. He found nothing sweet or processed to eat, so he started to look for a playmate. Anne would not let him tease his sick brother, so he fastened himself to her, climbing on her back and hanging on for dear life. All her attention was on CJ, so she had a difficult time shaking him off. Once she tried, it became a game to him, and he hung on with all his might.

“Walter, get down!” she commanded to no avail. “You stinker! Get down!” Walter found this hilarious, giggling and imitating Anne.

“Stinker! Get down!” he shrieked gleefully.

“Let her go now, Walter,” Chuck joined her entreaties employing the same tone he used on stubborn cows. “Come on, you can help me fix Goldilocks.” The little parasite only tightened his grip, but in an instant, Anne found herself released from his sturdy hands. Walter had been resolutely taken away to examine the fish before Anne realized it was Cap that had done it. After figuring that out, she was speechless, at first out of surprise, then because it would have been awkward to say anything after the time had passed. All she could do was keep paying attention to CJ while her feelings ran wild and shrieking around her head. It was so nice of him to step in to help her, but his complete silence during the act and the racket he and Walter were now making together made her completely sure that he was avoiding her thanks. Talking to her was clearly the last thing on Wentworth’s list of things to do, right under ‘kiss a Wookie’ and ‘burn my record collection’. These contradictions made for a confusing, painful bout with her own thoughts, which she could not really address until Mary and company finally came down.

Anne transferred the care of her patient and slipped upstairs. She could not stay. It might have been an opportunity to watch the four in all their sparks and jealousy, but she couldn’t stay for one second of it. It was abundantly clear Chuck had no desire to be friendly to Wentworth. It was almost funny how determined he was not to be impressed with him. But poor Chuck’s feelings, or anyone else's for that matter, were uninteresting to her until she could get a grip on her own. She was ashamed of herself and felt ridiculous at once again letting something so miniscule get under her skin. But, humiliating as it may be, she had to spend the rest of the morning in a quiet place, carefully directing her own thoughts until she recovered a more peaceful frame of mind.

Chapter 9: http://bit.ly/2uDSGyb

#persuadedproject #jane austen #persuasion

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allofbeercom · 7 years

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Who is Leanne Wood? A profile of the Plaid Cymru leader – BBC News

Image copyright Getty Images

When Plaid Cymru started looking for a new leader in 2011, Leanne Wood faced rival candidates grounded in the party’s Welsh-speaking heartlands.

But it became apparent that Plaid members wanted change.

They found it offered by a left winger from a non-Welsh speaking background in the former industrial valleys of south Wales.

She won a decisive victory and took the Labour stronghold of Rhondda, her home patch, at last year’s assembly election.

But success with the wider electorate in the rest of Wales has not come so readily.

Born in 1971 to parents Jeff and Avril, she and her sister Joanna were raised in the village of Penygraig.

Image copyright PA

Image caption With parents Jeff and Avril in the former mining village of Penygraig where she lives on the street where her grandparents lived

She still lives there with her partner, Ian, and daughter, Cerys.

Their private life is just that – private.

Though she has spoken frequently about how her working-class upbringing shaped her politics, she keeps her family away from the media.

Understanding why she has stayed so close to home is crucial to understanding her politics, says Plaid AM Adam Price, a long-time friend and ally.

“She sees the role of a politician that you represent the people in whose community you live and you have a real sense of what matters to them because you live among them,” he says.

Witnessing the decline of those communities and the miners’ strikes of the 1980s was a political awakening.

Image caption Described as very clever by school friends, Leanne Wood became interested in political issues around the time of the miners’ strike in 1984-85

She has recalled how her father was laid off from the builders’ yard where he worked, and talked about the experience of joining a separate queue for free school dinners.

“I understand what struggling means,” she wrote on her website.

While at Tonypandy Community College – or “Pandy Comp” – she had no intention of going into politics, dreaming instead of becoming a TV newsreader. Moira Stuart was a role model.

She left school at 16 and got a job in a factory making artificial flowers.

Low pay and poor conditions convinced her to go back and study for A levels.

For many politicised young people from that background, there was a well-trodden path into the Labour Party.

But some thought getting rid of Margaret Thatcher was not enough.

They decided fundamental changes were needed to the way power operates in the UK.

Who is Leanne Wood?

Date of birth: 13 December 1971 (aged 45)

Job: Probation officer, university lecturer, Plaid Cymru leader since 2011

Education: Left Tonypandy Comprehensive at 16 – remembered as “clever” and “great fun” – to work in a factory. Returned to education and graduated from the University of South Wales

Family: Partner Ian and 12-year-old daughter Cerys Amelia

Hobbies: Allotments, where she grows her own vegetables. Beer enthusiast and member of the Campaign for Real Ale. Musical tastes include Catatonia (as seen in “van share” with Victoria Derbyshire), Massive Attack, Bob Marley and Bach. Favourite single… anti-monarchist anthem God Save The Queen by the Sex Pistols

A colleague who has worked closely with her says Leanne Wood saw poverty arrive in the valleys and concluded that “it would never be a priority for a Westminster government and the answers were to be found here in Wales – that we would have to plough our own furrow, shape our own future”.

Image copyright Leanne Wood

Image caption Wood and Jill Evans were arrested in 2007 for blocking a road into Faslane Naval Base, home to Britain’s Trident nuclear missile system

“We were abandoned, effectively, by the Labour Party, and seeking a new political home,” says Adam Price.

When they found that home, they discovered Plaid could claim its own tradition of radical left-wingers.

Among them was the economist DJ Davies, a founding father of the party who wrote about the economics of Welsh independence. Leanne Wood cites him as an influence.

Image copyright Alamy

Image caption A borough councillor at 25, Leanne Wood became political researcher for Plaid MEP Jill Evans in 2000, a year before launching her campaign as Westminster candidate for Rhondda

Image caption The campaigner – Leanne Wood at the Cardiff Bay Republican Day in 2011 and at the city’s LGBT Mardi Gras (r)

After studying at what is now the University of South Wales in nearby Pontypridd, she became a probation officer.

She was a local councillor, worked for the Plaid MEP Jill Evans, and lectured in social policy at Cardiff University, before being elected to the Welsh Assembly in 2003.

The year before, in 2002, her boyfriend, David Ceri Evans, took his own life.

Years later, she spoke to ITV’s Good Morning Britain about coping with the tragedy, saying it was “something that is informative to politics because I think my experience having worked as a probation officer as well has meant that I’ve seen some real difficult experiences that people have had to live through”.

Anyone who had never met her before she became an AM could be in no doubt about Ms Wood’s politics when she arrived in Cardiff Bay.

A republican, she was once kicked out of the chamber for calling the Queen “Mrs Windsor”.

Image caption Leanne Wood “inclined her head” instead of curtseying when she met the Queen in Cardiff last year

She was arrested in 2007 at an anti-nuclear protest at the Faslane naval base.

And in the same year she was among four Plaid AMs opposed to a coalition with the Conservatives.

Eventually, the then Plaid leader, Ieuan Wyn Jones, took the party into a coalition with Labour.

In her own words

Setting things straight in a leaders’ TV debate when UKIP’s Paul Nuttall kept getting her name wrong: “I’m not Natalie, I’m Leanne”

Telling BBC Wales that Brexit was not the only thing on voters’ minds before May’s local elections: “Most people talk about dog poo”

Her verdict on the Queen’s speech in December 2004: “We are more at risk now than we have ever, ever been before and the measures outlined in Mrs Windsor’s speech will not address this risk”

Meal times at Tonypandy Comprehensive School: “We were stigmatised for having free school meals. We used to have to stand in a separate queue from the paying children”

At Plaid Cymru’s conference in Newport this year: “If you live here and you want to be Welsh then as far as we are concerned, you are Welsh and your rights will be defended by the Party of Wales”

There was no ministerial job for Leanne Wood, leaving her free to roam across subjects.

She delivered a lecture to Plaid activists in 2010 asking whether the party needed a new direction.

The following year she published a pamphlet about an environmentally conscious economic strategy to revive the former coalfields.

It combined two of her passions: co-operative politics and allotments.

When election defeat ushered Mr Jones out of office, Ms Wood started talking about how young Plaid members were encouraging her to stand – a hint that she would offer a break from the cautious, centrist Mr Jones.

Image copyright Rhys Llwyd

At the start of the leadership contest, she was an outside bet.

But enough Plaid members liked what they heard and read, choosing her as their first woman leader and the first leader not fluent in Welsh.

She took up the reins with a call to work towards “real independence”.

She has a much higher profile than all previous Plaid leaders, thanks to her inclusion in the leaders’ TV debates for the 2015 general election.

Lining up alongside David Cameron and Ed Miliband was, says an aide, a “huge deal”.

Her team poured their efforts into preparing for the debates, trying to make sure that she left an impression in voters’ minds that Leanne Wood was the voice of Wales.

Image copyright Keith Morris

Image caption Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has praised Leanne Wood’s performance as leader

Supporters say viewers liked her authenticity, pointing to good approval ratings as proof.

What they cannot do is point to seats won in parliament – Plaid still had only three MPs.

And although hopes were high in Plaid before last year’s assembly election, the leader’s victory in the Rhondda was its only advance. Plaid won 12 seats, the Tories 11 and Labour 29.

What others say

“I was proud of Leanne, I know you were proud of Leanne and I promise you I will always work with Leanne Wood in the best interests of our two countries,” Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said at Plaid Cymru’s conference in 2015.

Vice chair of British CND and friend John Cox: “She’s a campaigner who happens to have become a leader of Plaid Cymru. But it’s not like some people I’ve known who throughout their political lives have been climbing from one step to the next. She’s not that sort of person. She’s not a successful politician; she’s a successful campaigner.”

Former Pontypridd probation service colleague Rob Thomas described her as “a doughty fighter, who will not take no for an answer very easily”.

Soon after the election, Conservative and UKIP AMs lent her their support, causing a dramatic tie between Ms Wood and Labour’s Carwyn Jones in a vote to nominate the first minister.

It forced Labour to make concessions to Plaid, although there is no formal coalition between the two parties.

In reality, there was never any real prospect of Ms Wood becoming first minister last summer. She has ruled out ever working with the Conservatives, let alone UKIP.

Meanwhile, there’s a debate within Plaid about the party’s attitude towards Labour – something Ms Wood herself conceded when she said on the eve of a party conference last year that it was something Plaid was “actively considering all the time”.

Image caption Leanne Wood won praise for her dance skills during a Strictly Cymru Dancing 2016 fundraiser, pictured with actor Richard Elfyn (l) and Plaid Cymru councillor and actor Danny Grehan

The current arrangement – in opposition, but sometimes working with Labour – probably puts Ms Wood in the centre ground of opinion in the party.

She campaigned with Mr Jones for a Remain vote in the EU referendum and helped draw up a Welsh Government plan for Brexit.

But her “project” is to eventually replace Labour.

The Scottish nationalists provide the blueprint – first become the biggest party, then build the case for independence.

Both goals are some way off and Plaid members are annoyed by unfavourable comparisons to the Scottish nationalists’ success.

Defections mean Ms Wood no longer leads the largest opposition group in Cardiff Bay.

But positive results in local council elections have boosted Plaid’s hopes of inflicting wounds on Labour in the snap general election on 8 June.

Image copyright Plaid Cymru

Image caption Looking down on the village of Penygraig in the Rhondda Valley

Before the local elections, she said her five years at the helm had seen its “ups and downs”.

While campaigning, she has let rip with her anti-Tory convictions, asking voters to “defend Wales” from a Theresa May government.

And she pondered in public about whether she should stand as a Westminster candidate in the Rhondda, a move that would have required her to quit as party leader under current rules.

Eventually, she decided against.

Senior figures in Plaid privately told the BBC they were dismayed by her openly flirting with the idea.

Nevertheless, the Rhondda is one of two or three seats Plaid hopes to snatch from Labour on 8 June. If it does so, this election will be remembered as one of the bigger “ups” in Ms Wood’s political career.