#(well it was planned my mother would do that this week but she's got corona so that's obviously not possible)

[tardis--dreams]

I should probably ask* my professor if i can send him my proposal until sunday evening but i'm so ashamed i can't even think of what to say

*inform him that i fucked up once again

[bad-at-names-and-faces]

Concealed

ao3

ffn

chapter index

"You weren't too bad, Meibel!" Frederick said as she finished playing.

"Thank you, Frederick!" Meibel said as she got up from the piano. "I'm going to have to hurry to get to school on time.”

“Oh!” exclaimed Frederick. “I hope this won’t make you late!”

“Well, I'm not sorry," Meibel laughed. 

“Uh, that’s good… Have a good day!" Frederick mumbled, watching her rush out the door. 

Sofia sat down on the bench. “My turn!”

"All right, Sofia, let's hear what you can do."

Sofia began to play confidently, but in a completely different key from what was written. 

"No, look at the music again, Sofia," Frederick groaned, "that's middle C. You were playing B. And everything else was off, too. Didn't it sound weird to you?"

"No," Sofia huffed, "all the music you play sounds weird."

"We'll have to work on that," Frederick sighed.

"Frederick?" Inga called from the door. "Sofia? Oh! Someone mentioned you were going to have lessons with Frederick, I’m glad you’re doing that."

Sofia swung around on the bench. "Well, I’m trying. He says I sound weird."

Frederick sighed and looked over at Inga. “I just told her she played it in the wrong key.”

"Oh, I won't interrupt, then," Inga giggled. “Be careful, Sofia, that’s a good way to get on Frederick’s nerves!”

"It won't bother me," Sofia said, turning back around. She started hunting for middle C, then began playing correctly.  

Frederick quietly got up and walked over to Inga, but she had been joined by Henry. Frederick suddenly felt uncomfortable.  He remembered how awkward Henry and Inga had seemed when he found them in the stables the day Henry had arrived for Inga’s birthday party. He wanted to say something to Inga, but not with Sofia in earshot, even if she wasn't paying attention.

"So you're giving piano lessons now?" Henry asked.

"Not really," Frederick mumbled, "but Sofia pointed out that nobody would be playing when I leave for Corona, and one thing led to another, and I promised to teach her. And I guess I'm teaching Meibel, too. It's nice they'll have something to do together this winter, I guess."

“I didn’t know Meibel was going to be in on it too, but that is nice,” Inga smiled, watching Sofia play the music stiffly but accurately.  

Frederick stood awkwardly for a moment, focusing on his younger sister at the piano. He didn’t want to risk making eye contact with Henry, because he wasn’t sure if he could control his expression.

“Meibel seems to know what she’s doing,” he said. “Sofia probably does, too, but she gets a bit defensive.”

Sofia finished playing the song for the third time through.  “Frederick!” she called.  Frederick quickly ran back to her, not wanting to deal with his urge to say something to his older sister and Henry.

"That was good, Sofia, now let's try this one."

“We’ll leave you to that, then,” Inga said, and she and Henry quietly slipped out the door.

***

“I wasn’t expecting to see you,” Inga said as they walked down the hall.

“I heard the music and wanted to see what was going on,” Henry explained.

“That’s why I was there, too,” Inga smiled, putting her arm into his. “Do you have any other plans today?”

“Nothing in particular. I really don’t have anything more that I can do until my family arrives.”

 “How long is your family staying here?” Inga asked.

“I’m not sure. My mother wasn’t very clear about that in their letter. I’m sure that a lot of it will depend on how official talks go. I think my parents and grandparents are going home in a few weeks, but I don’t know about Hilde.”

“It’s just…  I hope that I won’t be expected to leave right away.  I want to stay here through Christmas.”

Henry pulled her close.  They were in a quiet corner of the hallway. “If it’s up to me, I won’t make you leave here until you’re ready. I don’t know how much will be up to me, though.”

After a moment they continued into the castle courtyard. It was a crisp fall day, not too cold and not too wet.  People were coming and going from the town, a few smiling and waving at Inga, who politely returned the gesture, and a few stopping to look at Henry, clearly trying to decide who they were looking at.

Siggy was standing guard at the gate, finally back to work after having taken some time to care for his wife. 

“Hello, Siggy,” Inga said. “Do you remember Henry?”

“Of course I do!” Siggy smiled. “And we can officially congratulate you now?”

“I think you can,” Inga said. Henry shook hands with Siggy and nodded.

“Excuse me, sir?” a young man asked at the guard house.

The other guard on duty was busy with another person, so Siggy gave Inga and Henry a look of apology and turned his attention away. 

“Yes?” Siggy replied, at attention.

“I’m looking for Ambassador Meyer, do you know where I would find him?” 

“I couldn’t tell you his schedule today, if that is what you’re asking,” Siggy replied. “But I can send someone with a note to Mr. Pincar, his private secretary, who would be the person to see for appointments.”

“Well, I suppose that will have to do,” the young man sighed. “Here’s my card.”

“I see… Mr. Holst? Oh, you’re with that paper from Corona, are you?”  

Siggy gave a quick glance over to Inga and Henry, who did their best to hurry into town.

“What was that?” Inga asked when they were out of earshot.

“I think he might be the gossip columnist that Hilde complains about. I’m not sure what he’s doing in Arendelle right now.  Hardly anyone knew I was coming.”

“It looks like a ship just arrived, though,” Inga said, pointing to the harbor.

***

Henry looked across the bridge toward the town, and recognized the flag of Corona on top of the steamship that was just beginning to unload.

“It couldn’t be, could it?” he muttered.

“Do you think they’ve arrived already?” Inga asked. 

“I’ve lost track of how many days it’s been,” Henry admitted. “But this seems about right.”

They hurried across the bridge and down toward the harbor. 

The ship was tied up to the pylons along the dock. As Inga and Henry approached the docks, a few eager passengers were getting off in between porters bringing down luggage and various servants overseeing it. A man on the dock and a man on the ship shouted some commands at each other.

Henry hadn’t yet seen anyone from his family, but soon he saw the ship’s captain step out. As the captain walked down the plank and stopped at the bottom, behind him came Henry’s grandfather, followed closely by his grandmother, then his mother and father, and finally his sister.

His grandmother and grandfather smiled and spoke to the captain as the rest of the family stood politely waiting.  They hadn’t looked in their direction yet, but they were also still in the middle of a growing crowd of onlookers. Arendelle got its share of foreign dignitaries, but people seemed to understand that this was a larger and more important contingent than they would usually get.

Henry stepped forward from the crowd of onlookers, and Inga quickly followed, still holding his arm, but trying to keep a respectable distance. Henry’s family saw him, and there were greetings and congratulations as they all came down from the ship.

His parents immediately rushed to hug him and Inga both. 

“I was worried that we hadn’t told you which ship we would be arriving on, but here you are,” his mother said.  

“I’m happy you could make it on such short notice,” Henry said, hoping at least for Inga’s sake that there would be no questions while they were out in public. 

“Well, we wouldn’t miss it,” his father replied.

Henry glanced over at his sister, who seemed to be studying Inga. He caught Hilde’s eye.

“Will they be ready for us?” Hilde asked, looking up at the castle.

“Of course!” Henry said, glancing at Inga.

“We’re always ready for guests,” Inga said.

They began walking back to the castle. His parents, he knew, had been there more than twenty years before, and they were studying the town intently.

“This place has grown!” his father exclaimed, looking around the market square.

“I suppose so, though it’s still nice,” his mother smiled, taking his father’s arm. 

They strolled through the crowd of onlookers who were trying and failing at looking like they didn’t care. 

“I have to admit, we were surprised by your sudden letter,” his grandfather told him. “You certainly didn’t have a date set when we were discussing this last month, and I had understood that the plan was going to be for next summer, but the next thing we know, we get a message that the wedding will be happening this month?”

“The council decided that with your approval we could move on,” Henry said quickly.

“It’s an interesting turn of events, for sure,” Hilde said quietly a few inches from his ear, looking at him, and, he guessed, judging him already, “but I know that you two were eager, so I think I understand.”

Henry looked away uncomfortably, grateful that his father had made some comment about the wedding decorations before anyone else had noticed his exchange with his sister.

“Those are left over from the harvest festival,” Inga said. “I’m not sure if there are plans to decorate the town for the wedding.”

“I can’t imagine they wouldn’t do something,” Henry’s mother commented.

“They’ll have a few more days to work out the details, along with the rest of the wedding planning,” his grandmother said, smiling at Inga.

They approached the castle courtyard, and Frederick came out, followed by his sister Sofia.

“I didn’t realize the ship was arriving this morning!” Frederick exclaimed. “I would have come out to see it.”

“Well, we’re here now,” Henry’s father said.

“Frederick is going to be at our Naval Academy starting this winter,” Henry explained. “I don’t think he was coming to see you.”  

“I’m happy to see all of you again, too,” Frederick laughed. “Is that why Ambassador Meyer’s secretary was heading into town?”

“Was he?” Henry asked.

“Is that newspaper reporter still here?” Inga asked.

“What newspaper?” Frederick asked in return.

“Never mind, then,” she said, looking at Henry. “I suppose I should go change now.”

“No need to rush,” Henry whispered. 

“What’s this?” Henry’s grandfather asked. 

“I believe,” his grandmother said, “that she might like to freshen up with guests here. It’s understandable. I think we would like to, ourselves.”

“Kai, our steward, should have all the rooms ready for you,” Inga offered.

“It was a pleasure to see you again,” his grandmother said.

Inga left, and Henry found himself alone with his family.

***

“How was your talk with Frederick?” Anna asked as Kristoff walked into the study.

“He was giving lessons, so it’ll have to wait until another time,” Kristoff sighed, sitting down across from her.

“Kai told me the ship from Corona should be arriving soon,” Anna said.  “Did you see anything?”

Kristoff looked behind her out the window. “If it’s a steamship, I think I see it out there on the harbor.”

Anna turned around. “You may be right!” 

“Do you think we should go meet them?” Kristoff asked.

“Kai has everything ready for them, so I don’t think we need to rush.  Henry might want a chance to see them without us there, I imagine.”

Kristoff walked closer to the window and looked down at the courtyard.  “Is that Meyer’s new secretary?” 

“Pincar has been here for a year now, that’s hardly new,” Anna laughed, stepping over next to Kristoff to take a closer look. “But, yes, I believe it is.”

“Maybe you should greet them before Meyer catches up?” Kristoff asked.

“That sounds like an excellent idea.”

“I’ll go up and change,” Kristoff said. “You go ahead.”

***

Inga found Oline on her way back to her room, so she would be able to change into nicer clothes and get her hair arranged fairly quickly despite being distracted in thought from having just seen Henry’s parents and grandparents for the first time in over a year.

“Oh, dear, Your Highness, I’m sorry,” Oline said, letting go of the back of her dress.

Inga’s thoughts had wandered off so much that she hadn’t even noticed how long Oline had been trying to fasten the back of her dress.  She looked in the mirror.  “Perhaps you can lace me up a little more?”

Oline looked at her through the mirror. “Perhaps it would be better to get this dress adjusted. I can do it myself if you’d prefer.”

Inga realized that Oline must suspect something. “Yes, if you could. How long do you think it would take?”

“I suppose I can have it done in a week or two. Is it true you’re going to move to Corona when you get married?”

“That seems to be the plan,” Inga sighed. “I meant to ask you, Oline, would you be willing to come with me? I can understand if you want to stay closer to your family, of course.”

Oline smiled, beginning to take off Inga’s dress. “I would love the adventure, and if I may be so bold, you are nice enough when I get to know you.”

Inga couldn’t help but laugh a bit at what could have been an insult from anyone else. “Thank you, it would be nice to have a familiar face to help me.”

Oline hung the first dress back in the wardrobe, and brought over another.

“This is one of those newer styles with a higher waist,” Oline said, holding up a dress Inga vaguely remembered getting a month or two prior. “So I think it will work better.”

Inga swallowed. “That sounds like a good idea.”

The dress fastened easily enough this time, and Oline made quick work of Inga’s hair.

“I’ll get started on adjusting your dress, and with your permission, I’ll see if any of the others need work.”

“Thank you, that would be very nice,” Inga said as she left the room.

She walked slowly down the hall, looking at the walls, wondering if she was really willing to give this up.  It was hard to say. There were so many things that she and Henry would need to discuss if they got a chance.  She hoped that at least some of the things they could discuss alone, just the two of them, but now she wasn’t even sure of that. His family was here, and they would hold the official negotiations as soon as they could.  She had always known, on some level, that everything would be so very public whenever she got married. She realized with no small sense of irony that it was her fear of all this public spectacle that had led her to spend that night with Henry that summer. 

She passed by a mirror. She didn’t look different, not really, but some of her dresses were already not fitting, and Oline suspected enough that she was not going to ask anyone else to do the work. Her maid didn’t need to state the obvious, that having all of her dresses altered at once would be a source of gossip.  Henry had suspected that his sister would have guessed already, but his grandparents seemed unaware.  Did Frederick have any suspicions? He had seemed a little off earlier in the morning. 

She got to the stairs, still lost in thought, and began her way downstairs. A door opened loudly on the ground floor, startling her, and she missed the next step. Before she could even let out a scream, her father was holding her.

"Don't do that!" he hissed as he set her down carefully on the floor, groaning a bit. She was not a small child, and he had just caught her in the middle of a fall.

"Sorry," she said meekly. “How did you-”

“We saw the ship from Corona arrive,” he said, still a little out of breath. “I had to stay back to clean up and be presentable, so it’s lucky I was here.” 

"Why?" Inga asked without thinking.

Her father grabbed her shoulders. 

“Because you would have-” he sighed. “Look, I know I said some things that maybe I shouldn’t have said, but please be careful with yourself?”

Inga looked away, trying not to think about what had almost happened. Her father was worried, and he knew his words had, perhaps, hurt, even if she had forgiven him. She started thinking about some of the stories she had read, where a girl in her own situation might try something so rash. She had never really thought about such a thing, though she wondered what she might have thought if Henry hadn’t arrived when he had. 

Inga took a deep breath and put her hand on her father’s. "I'll be careful, I promise," she told him. She meant it.

She could feel him relaxing.  “Good, now, should we find everyone?”

“I think they’re still in the courtyard,” she replied, and held his arm as they continued down the stairs.

***

Anna went down to the courtyard to find Frederick speaking with the Corona royal family.

“Your Majesty, it is such an honor to have you visit us,” Anna said as she approached the King, giving a slight nod. 

“We’ve been speaking with your son here. He’s grown quite a bit since we saw him last year,” the King told her.

“I believe he has, yes,” Anna acknowledged. 

“He was just telling us how much he’s looking forward to attending the Naval Academy,” the Queen said kindly.  Anna forced herself to smile in agreement.

“You’re looking well,” Rapunzel said. “It’s been so long since we’ve had the chance to see you.”

Anna smiled again. “Yes, so much has happened since then. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to make it to Corona last year.”

"I assume your sister Elsa will be coming soon?" Rapunzel asked Anna as they all began to walk toward the castle.

“She arrived earlier this week,” Anna replied. “She’s been a great help, and of course, she and Inga are especially close.”

"I definitely could see that last year when they visited.” Rapunzel glanced over at Frederick “And Frederick, my goodness, he's practically grown up, too. He really resembles his father, doesn’t he?"

"I suppose you’re right," Anna laughed. “But I know he's very excited that he's been invited to attend the Naval Academy, so you’ll get to see quite a lot of him now."

"I have to admit,” Rapunzel said, “I was surprised when I learned that we hadn't had anyone from Arendelle before, but your Admiral seems quite enthusiastic about your son."

Anna smiled, not wanting to think too much about the topic of Frederick going into the Navy, but happy enough that they weren't discussing the wedding plans just for the moment.  

As they approached the main door to the castle, she saw Kristoff standing there with Inga holding onto his arm. She wondered if they had spoken; she hadn’t thought to ask, but she knew there had been something of an uncomfortable tension between them ever since they had learned that she was pregnant. 

The proper introductions and greetings were repeated as everyone got to the door.  Queen Arianna complimented Inga on being changed so quickly, and Kristoff was as polite as could be expected while Eugene was sharing a story of some adventures they had shared twenty-one years earlier.

Inga had made her way over to Henry and Hilde. One look at Hilde told Anna that certain things were not going to be a secret for very long at all, if they ever would be for anyone remotely paying attention.  Henry’s sister seemed to have a knowing look, and seemed a bit too quick to compliment the choice of a high-waisted dress. 

Kai came over to tell her that they could have a luncheon ready in as early as half an hour. Upon learning that their rooms were ready, the King and Queen excused themselves and went to freshen up, leaving everyone else to talk amongst themselves some more. Anna noticed Ambassador Meyer’s private secretary returning from town, and hoped they would not have to worry about the Ambassador himself quite so soon. 

“If no one else is planning to change before the luncheon, perhaps we could make our way to the library?” Anna suggested. 

Everyone agreed to the plan, and she led them inside and to the library, which would be somewhat more private than being in the open courtyard.

***

Inga followed everyone to the library, pausing to decide where she should sit, partly to let her parents and Henry’s parents decide where they would sit first. They were on sofas facing each other, leaving herself and Henry standing awkwardly while Hilde and Frederick grabbed separate chairs for themselves.

“I think I’ll sit by the fireplace,” she whispered to Henry before walking over.  The carpet was particularly thick, so it wasn’t as uncomfortable as other parts of the floor would have been.  Henry sat just far enough from her to maintain decency, but they could still occasionally have their own conversations, however limited.

Henry’s father continued the story he had begun to tell in the courtyard, of being taken to meet the trolls some years before.  Inga realized that it must have been the time that her mother was traveling to Corona with the official story of a royal tour, but secretly there to give birth.  Hopefully, even with the timing being suspicious, she would not need quite so much secrecy. 

She noticed her mother looking out the window during the story, and she had obviously realized when it must have happened. Her father was holding her hand tightly, looking oddly polite and attentive to the story.

“Father, why didn’t you ever tell us about this?” Frederick asked. 

“I guess I forgot,” he replied.

“Now that hurts,” Henry’s father laughed. “Did you really forget?”

Henry’s mother gave her husband a look.

“Mother,” Hilde said, “you were traveling with Inga’s mother and aunt then, weren’t you?”

“Yes, I was,” she replied. “That was a very productive tour, I think.”

Inga listened as Henry’s mother told several anecdotes with no hint as to the real reason they had been on that trip.  She was thankful that no one had asked her any awkward questions, because there were so many of them right now that would be awkward to answer. She felt Henry quietly take her hand. She squeezed it and held on, remembering that Henry now knew the story behind the trip, as well. It would work out, and they would figure out the details.

[nerdasaurus1200]

For the ask game, #3 and #8 for Cass and Eugene? (not romantic tho ahah)

I am so so so sorry this took so long, anon. I started this and life got in the ay and then the holidays came around. But I finally got around to finishing this! Consider it a late valentines day gift ^_^

3 and 8, "snuggle weather" and "warm soup"

To say Cassandra was exhausted was an understatement. Her ankle was still tender, but the royal medic insisted the cast had to come off today. She didn't see why it mattered, she would still be wheelchair bound for weeks to come. And even worse, there was a terrible storm brewing so she couldn't even spend the evening mapping like she had originally planned. Normally she liked storms; autumn storms were the best. The storms in Corona were freezing thanks to the coastal winds, which made it perfect to snuggle up in a blanket. And she always enjoyed watching the lightning split the sky. Something about it was soothing.

Unfortunately this storm was different. Both Rapunzel and her father were stuck out in it. According to the briefing she was coming back from, Rapunzel had decided evading her security was a good idea and her father had gone after her to make sure she came home safe. Thank goodness she'd put on a pot of lamb stew to simmer before the briefing; she was now far too tired to start cooking. As Cassandra entered her room, she heard Owl ruffle his feathers and give her a soft sleepy hoot in greeting.

"Hey. Go back to sleep for now." She whispered, giving him a boop, "But wake me when the stew's done." Her wheelchair rolled right beside her bed, Cassandra stood up and let herself fall onto the...body??

"Heyyyyy get oooff..." a man's voice whined and Cass jumped back. Instantly, Owl hissed at the intruder as he sat up.

"Fitzherbert." Cassandra snarled, "What the fiddlestick are you doing in my bed???"

"Calm down, Cass, I just woke up, gimme a second." Eugene mumbled tiredly, rubbing his face to wake himself up. After a stretch that was far too long to be real, Eugene finally spoke, "The girls are cleaning my room, and yours is comfier."

"Well they're probably done by now." Cassandra rolled her eyes, "So go nap in your own bed."

"I'd love to, but I'm too tired to walk all that way." Eugene shrugged. Owl snapped his beak at Eugene and puffed his feathers so he looked nearly twice as big. Even though the sight was clearly a display of aggression, Cassandra always found it so adorable.

"Easy, Owl." Cassandra carefully limped over to Owl and stroked his head, "Rapunzel's boyfriend needs his eyes for preening. He preens way more than you do, after all."

Eugene opened his mouth to make a retort back, but then he finally got a good whiff of what was on the fire.

"Ohhh no, Cass!" He scolded, "You know what happens when you cook!" He made a move to "save" the pot, but Cass yanked him back.

"It's lamb stew, Fitzherjerk. For your information it's the one thing I can actually cook. And it's almost done, so don't touch it." She snarked at him.

"Wait, something you can cook? This I gotta taste!" Before Cassandra could stop him, Eugene made a beeline for the pot again and eagerly tasted it.

"Holy moly, this is delicious!" Eugene marveled, "How'd you learn to make this? This is even better than when Mis Claire made it at the orphanage!"

Cassandra blinked in surprise and smiled at him. No one had ever asked about her stew before.

"It's an old family recipe...I think. The secret ingredient is Saporian black pepper." She answered. She leaned over the pot a bit and gave the stew a stir, carefully checking if it was ready.

"You think? What, are you and Cap a little fuzzy on family recipes?" He asked, quirking an eyebrow.

"I've been making this since before my Dad found me." She explained, "Mother...my mum...I think she taught me. I remember standing over the pot, with my hands on her wrists as she was stirring."

"That...that sounds nice..." Eugene mumbled.

"It was." Even though Cassandra wasn't looking at Eugene, he could tell that she was smiling sadly. Shoot, his plan was failing! Gotta think of something to avoid missing parents....

"What are you doing?" Cassandra asked when she noticed him rummaging through her shelves.

"Looking for a good book, but all I can find is maps and history stuff." He griped, "Oh my god, of course you're a Seven Dragons fan."

"Hey! That's the best book of all time!" Cassandra defended, giving him a playful glare.

"Oh come on, it's the worst book in the Flynn Rider series! He's barely in it!" He protested, "That's why I only read it once."

"That's because it's Ramona's story, not-" Cassandra began, but then cut herself off, "Wait....you only read it one time?! How long ago?!"

Eugene bit his lip to hide his smirk. He had her right where he wanted her.

"I dunno, like ten years ago, why?" He asked, maintaining the perfect air of nonchalance.

"Oh that's nonsense, we're reading it now. Get in the blanket. But don't get any stew on my bed." Cass instructed. Eugene finally let himself smirk once Cassandra turned her back towards him. She fell for it, hook line and sinker. Hopefully this would be enough to keep her from worrying about Rapunzel and the Captain until they came back.

[roseworth]

Aligned

word count: 2001

description: Rapunzel is pregnant, and Nigel thinks that she needs to give her child an arranged marriage. She and Eugene strongly disagree.

Nigel had been droning on about customs regarding the newest addition to the Royal Family for almost an hour now, and Eugene felt like he was about to fall asleep. Their baby still had at least 6 months until she was even born, yet apparently, they still had so much to figure out.

“Captain, are you even listening?” Nigel asked, narrowing his eyes.

“Yeah, yeah, royal customs, baby things,” he said, bored out of his mind.

“What he means to say,” Rapunzel cut in before Nigel could answer, “is that we have months before the baby is due, couldn’t we spread this planning over time?”

“We are spreading it over time, Your Majesty. This child will be the heir to the throne, there are lots of preparations to make before she’s born.”

Eugene held back a groan as Nigel pulled out a long scroll. “We can finish for today once you make a decision on who to promise the child to.”

“‘Promise?’” Rapunzel repeated. “What does that mean?”

“It means to give her an arranged marriage.”

“That’s dumb as hell,” Eugene said.

“Eugene!” Rapunzel scolded, though she didn’t disagree with him.

“Sorry. Respectfully, that’s dumb as hell, Sir.”

“It’s tradition! Future Kings and Queens should be promised to other royalty,” Nigel said tritely.

“I don’t want to do that to our child! What if I had been promised to someone, then where would we be now?” Rapunzel argued.

Nigel frowned. “Your Majesty, you were promised to someone.”

“What?” Eugene and Rapunzel said at the same time.

Nigel nodded. “As I said, it is all future rulers. Your marriage just fell through when you were… ahem, taken.”

“So what happened to who she was promised to?” Eugene asked.

“I assume he was given a new Princess,” Nigel shrugged.

Eugene frowned at the idea that Princesses were something you could just give away. It made them sound like some kind of cattle rather than human people. That didn’t sit right with him, especially concerning his wife and future daughter.

“Well, I appreciate the concern, Nigel, but we won’t be ‘promising’ our daughter to anyone,” Eugene declared, crossing his arms.

“But you have to! It’s tradition.”

“There’s no law stating it,” Rapunzel pointed out. “If it’s just ‘tradition,’ I think we’re gonna pass.”

Nigel tightened his grip on the scroll. “Your Majesty, I would strongly urge you to comply with the traditions of the Kingdom. There’s no use changing it if it’s worked well enough so far.”

“But it hasn’t! We wouldn’t even have this baby if I had been forced to marry someone else,” she said.

Nigel sighed. “We’ll come back to this issue at another time,” he said as he exited the room. Rapunzel turned to her husband.

“I’m not promising this child to anyone.”

“I agree with you, Sunshine. And I’m sure we can get Nigel on our side eventually, or at least wear him down ‘til he gives up.”

“Ugh, imagine if that marriage didn’t fall through. What if I had come home just to be told I had to marry someone else?”

“Honestly, sweetheart, I don’t think that could’ve happened, only because you would have raised hell the second they told you.”

“Hey, I just know what I want!” she defended.

“Well, I guess I’m just lucky enough to be what you want,” he said, kissing her cheek. “So who do you think you were promised to?”

She shrugged. “I guess it could be any of the princes or kings.”

“Like King Trevor!”

Her jaw dropped. “Trevor?”

Eugene had a cheeky grin on his face as he responded, “You never know! Maybe that’s why he never leaves us alone!”

“Or maybe it’s because you’ve broken into his castle twice,” she said. “Plus, we did technically crash Trevor Jr.’s wedding.”

“Blondie, that was a seal wedding. If anything, we made it more interesting.”

“Well, I doubt it’s Trevor. He was in love with my mom, remember?”

“All the more reason to try to marry you!”

Rapunzel smiled and rolled her eyes. “I guess it doesn’t matter who it is, since I’m clearly not going to marry them.”

“Come on, aren’t you at least a little curious?”

She sighed. “Yeah, I kind of am now,” she admitted. “I bet my parents would know, we should ask!”

So, at dinner later that day, they brought up the subject of the arranged marriage again. “Nigel thinks that we should promise our child to some random Prince, which I think is a little crazy,” Rapunzel recounted. “But he told me I was also promised to some random Prince.”

“The tradition of promising the future rulers is long-standing, but if you think breaking it is what is best for your family, by all means, break it,” Frederic said.

Arianna smiled. “I was pretty reluctant about arranging a marriage when I had you, I’m glad you’re standing up against it.”

“Do you know who my marriage was arranged with?” Rapunzel asked. Her mom thought for a moment, then shook her head.

“I believe we made the agreement long before you were born. After everything we went through with my pregnancy, I hardly remembered by the time I had you.”

“Was it Trevor?” Eugene asked jokingly. Arianna choked on the food in her mouth before laughing.

“Oh, dear, I hope not!”

Rapunzel giggled, placing a hand on her stomach. Looking at the way her family so easily cared for each other, she couldn’t help but feel excited about their new edition. Their daughter would be loved and cared for, no matter what happened. Rapunzel was ready to do everything she could to give her daughter a happy life, starting with making sure she wasn’t married off without a say in the matter. It was the least she could do.

Over the next few weeks, Nigel would occasionally bring up the matter of arranging a marriage, only to be immediately shot down every time. No one was surprised by his insistence in the matter, though. He was always concerned with upholding the traditions of the kingdom, even if the traditions were outdated and, as Eugene so gracefully put it, dumb as hell.

They finally got a break from all the preparations when they went to visit the Dark Kingdom. Ever since Edmund had left to restore the kingdom, Rapunzel and Eugene did their best to visit at least once every other month to stay connected with him.

Edmund was elated to see them as always. He walked over to them with a grin on his face and wrapped his arm around Rapunzel’s shoulder. “It’s great to see you two! Or should I say, you three?”

She laughed, placing a hand on her stomach. This was the first visit to the Dark Kingdom since they found out about the pregnancy, but Eugene had told his dad everything in a letter. Needless to say, Edmund was beyond excited to be a grandfather.

“Yep, one more Der Sonne on the way!” she beamed.

The three of them exchanged pleasantries, with Eugene and Rapunzel talking about the pregnancy, and Edmund talking about all the progress he had made in restoring the kingdom.

Edmund gave them a quick tour of all the changes he had made, but in all honesty, they couldn’t tell the difference. They had only been to the Dark Kingdom once before the restoration, so they didn’t notice things like new carpeting in a random room on the edge of the castle. Nonetheless, they nodded along as they listened to his descriptions.

“Oh, you two must be tired from your travels! Come with me, we’ll sit for dinner!” he said, leading them to the dining room. “Plus she’s pregnant, she must be tired enough as it is!” he added to himself. He had gotten better at keeping his thoughts to himself, but he still slipped up sometimes. Rapunzel just giggled lightly, shooting Eugene an amused glance.

“So, have you two been swamped with planning for a royal baby?” Edmund asked.

Eugene snorted. “Definitely, I’m getting sick of all this work that comes with it.”

“It was the same way when your mother was pregnant with you. There was so much paperwork for just one child. And none of the paperwork even mattered after the kingdom fell!” he added exasperatedly.

Rapunzel’s eyes widened excitedly. “You had to do the paperwork for Eugene? Did you promise him to someone?” she asked. Edmund nodded, and a smile grew on Rapunzel’s face. “Who was it?”

“Seriously?” Eugene groaned.

“Hey, we don’t know mine, so I at least want to know yours!”

“Sorry, Rapunzel, I don’t know off the top of my head. I might still have the documents in storage, though,” Edmund answered.

After some convincing, Rapunzel dragged her husband to a storage room so they could sift through old Dark Kingdom documents to find his birth records. There were cabinets and boxes full of various documents, each one starting to rip or fade.

Eugene was quickly scanning papers for information, but Rapunzel was reading as in-depth as she could into each document. “It’s so cool! There’s so much to learn about the history and the culture of the Dark Kingdom in these documents!” she said.

“Wow,” he replied. “I can’t believe I married a nerd.”

Rapunzel giggled and nudged him lightly, going back to her dive through all the documents. About 20 minutes later, she was halfway through a record of the trades between the Dark Kingdom and Neserdnia when Eugene spoke up.

“Hey, I think I found them!” he announced.

“Oo, what does it say?”

His eyes flitted over the page, then a huge smile grew on his face as he looked back up at her. “Wow, Blondie, it looks like you have some competition.”

“What?”

“I mean, the girl I was promised to is a real catch, you might have to look out,” he said teasingly, handing her the documents. She raised an eyebrow as she took them, reading through the page. She couldn’t help but smile as well when she saw what was written on the page.

Prince Horace of the Dark Kingdom is to be married to the first born Princess of Corona.

“Look at that! I guess we were destined to be together after all!” she beamed.

“Or just a really lucky coincidence,” he responded.

“Come on, there was some kind of fate working on our side!”

“Let’s not give Max that much credit.”

“Fate or not, we still found each other after all,” she said, grabbing his hand. He smiled and kissed her forehead.

“And I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

The two of them spent the rest of the night trying to come up with ways that their lives could have gone differently, but still finding each other every single time. They knew there were so many small coincidences that led to them meeting and falling in love, but even if all the moving parts weren’t there, they would still fall in love. That’s the thing about soulmates- they’ll always find their way to each other.

“The ruggedly handsome Flynn Rider would easily woo the beautiful and mysterious Princess Rapunzel!” Eugene laughed. Rapunzel scoffed.

“Maybe Princess Rapunzel would think Rider was an arrogant thief,” she teased lightly.

“Maybe, but then she would realize deep down, he’s just a rogue with a heart of gold,” he said.

She smiled and rested her head on his shoulder. “Yeah, she would. And they would fall in love despite everything.”

“And live happily ever after.”

Maybe it wasn’t “fate” or “destiny” or “soulmates,” but no matter what, the universe was on their side. Or maybe it was all just luck. They’ll never really know for sure if any magical forces were at work to bring the two of them together.

In the end, it didn’t matter how they met. What mattered was that they loved each other more than anything, and they would make sure their child would feel that same love. That’s all the “destiny” they needed.

[ahopelessromantic]

Love in the Time of Corona ➳ S. Reid

Pairing: Spencer x Reader

Warnings: Some mentions of anxiety, Spencer is in love and forgets how to act like a person

Word count: 2,5k 

Prompts: 23, ‘You love me?’

Getting locked in a hotel with your colleague hadn’t exactly been in your plans. But maybe spending quarantine with Spencer wasn’t even that bad of a thing.

“Are you sure?” Chewing on the insides of your cheeks, you watched Spencer talk to Hotch on the phone. “Alright, call us if anything changes.” With a sigh, he hung up and turned to look at you. “Hotch is trying to pull some strings to get us back home, but for now we’re stuck here.” You nodded, your gaze darting around the hotel lobby. “I need to call Garcia, she needs to know where my spare key is so she can get in and feed Goblin, and shit, I probably don’t have enough food for him for two weeks at home, someone needs to-�� Spencer calmed you down with a hand on your shoulder. “Hotch said Garcia already went to your apartment and fed him, she knew where the key was from when she watered your plants last time you visited your parents. Goblin is well taken care of.” You exhaled and looked into his eyes, scanning them for any form of anxiousness. But there was only kindness in them, and you relaxed. If Spencer wasn’t freaking out, then why should you?

“Come on.” He said, a light smile on his lips. “Let’s go check out how badly assorted the hotel library is.”

Goblin was your cat back home in Quantico, a spoiled diva you loved unconditionally and worried about endlessly. You hadn’t exactly expected the state you were in to go into corona lockdown so suddenly and the whole ordeal made your whole body buzz with anxiety. Of course you wanted to protect as many people as possible from getting sick, and under normal circumstances you would have gone into quarantine without a word of complaint, but you just really wanted to go home. You normally didn’t have a problem with the middle-class hotels your employer booked for you when you were away on cases, but then again you also normally didn’t have to spend long amounts of time in them. Spencer and you had been sent ahead to go check out a possible serial killer case, and the rest of the team would have followed once you had confirmed there were lives at stake. But now, instead of investigating, all you could do was aimlessly roam the hotel’s dull hallways, wishing for a change of scenery or at least, your own four walls. The only distraction and good thing in all of this was Spencer, who was doing an amazing job at keeping you sane. Being alone with your thoughts so much wasn’t exactly the best for your mental health, and if anyone in the world could understand that it was Spencer. He knew what it was like when your own thoughts became a weapon sharp enough to destroy you.

“Look at this idiot.” You chuckled and turned your phone so Spencer could see the picture Penelope had sent you. “He knows exactly that he’s not allowed on the kitchen counter.” Spencer smiled, zooming on the picture of your cat passed out in the sink. “Looks like you raised him well.” He teased, causing you to throw your napkin at him. “Hey! I’ll have you know that I am a very devoted cat mother.” You both laughed, only to be interrupted by the maid that was on breakfast duty. She sighed and sent you both a dreamy look before pulling out her notepad. “Such a sweet couple you two are, makes me miss my younger days. Can I bring you anything else?” Instead of telling her about the second tea you had been meaning to order you just blinked at her in shock. Spencer across from you seemed just as frozen, the two of you probably looking utterly stupid to the hotel’s staff member. She just rolled her eyes and started loading your plates onto her tray. “Not there yet? Okay, I’ll leave you to it.” Once she was gone you both erupted into baffled laughter. It had been eight days in the hotel already, and you were slowly starting to make friends with the staff, but so far you hadn’t really been that close with them. Each day was a mere repetition of the one before, and you were barely clinging to the last shreds of normalcy and sanity anymore. Spencer and you met up for breakfast in the mornings, tried to work on the case for a bit just for the sake of feeling like you still had something meaningful to do, went to lunch, sought shelter in the tiny library that was mostly there for show, had dinner and then, sometimes, you went for a drink in the hotel lobby bar. The two of you were growing closer by the day. It was slowly beginning to feel like Spencer was just an extension of your own limbs instead of a whole different person. You had learned long ago that once Spencer felt comfortable around someone he latched onto them, but now it felt like your souls were truly melting together.

“There you are.” He spoke softly, sitting down across from you. You just acknowledged him with a smile, playing with the coaster of your drink. “I went ahead and ordered your favourite.” You mumbled and watched him nod. Spencer could tell something was off, feeling slightly helpless over how to help you. “You look awfully lost in thought today.” Surprised at his words you looked him in the eyes, not yet used to him being so tuned into your emotions. “I just-“ You stopped yourself to sigh heavily. “I feel like I’m slowly losing my mind. I can’t sleep properly and when I do, I have these really vivid, weird dreams, I miss my apartment and my cat… this just isn’t exactly how I expected this case to go.” Spencer nodded in understanding. “According to a research centre in France, there has been a 35% increase in dream recall, and participants of the study are reporting 15% more negative dreams than usual. Dream experts believe that the withdrawal from our usual environments and daily stimuli forces our subconscious minds to transform the invisible virus into a lot of different things in our dreams. Actually, it’s perfectly normal to be having weird dreams right now. I have them too.” You felt a warm feeling bloom in your chest. Whenever your mind got the best of you these days Spencer was there to bring you back to reality again. He was the ratio to your emotio. “Thank you.”, you mumbled shyly. He smiled. “Come on, let’s get you to bed. You need to get your mind off things.” Conveniently, your hotel rooms were right next to each other, so even after you parted ways for the night you didn’t feel too far from him. For some reason though, that specific night was the worst one for you since being quarantined in the hotel. Even after two hours of shifting you couldn’t find into the realms of sleep, despite feeling exhausted and drained from doing nothing all day. You finally decided to get up and make yourself a cup of tea, loudly stumbling over one of your shoes on the way to the electric kettle. You groaned when your behind met with the floor, not even the carpet properly cushioning your fall. Great. You had quite literally arrived at the bottom of things. A knock at the door ripped you out of your thoughts and, limping slightly, you made your way to your room’s entrance. When you opened the door your face was met with none other’s than Spencer’s, a worried look on his face. “Are you okay? I’ve been hearing you shift around for ages and then I heard a loud thump.” You smiled sheepishly. “I’m good. I just couldn’t sleep again and tripped on my way to make myself some tea.” He looked at you, something like worry in his eyes. And then, suddenly, he hugged you tightly. “Spence, what are you doing?” You asked with wide eyes, face smushed against his chest. “Did you know that hugging releases oxytocin? It’s a powerful hormone that works as an antidote for depressive feelings and anxiety. It also underlies individual and social trust. Hugs even affect our physical well being, for example by lowering our blood pressure. Scientifically-“ “Spencer, I love you, but for the love of god please shut up now.” You murmured, long having closed your eyes and leaned into his warm embrace. It was only then you realised what exactly you had just said. You felt him tense up. “You…” His hand on your back suddenly felt like it was going to burn through your skin. “You love me?” You leaned slightly away from him to look him in the face, surprised about your own words. “I think I do.” You spoke in wonder. Apparently, your subconscious had already known about your feelings for Spencer for way longer than your conscious self. But instead of answering, Spencer stepped away from you, a frazzled look on his face. “I… excuse me.” Helplessly, you watched him disappear back into his room, fear speeding up your heartbeat. What had just happened? Had the lockdown madness finally gotten to you? With trembling fingers, you closed your door behind you. That night you didn’t catch a minute of sleep.

The whole next day you couldn’t find Spencer anywhere. It seemed like he was actively hiding from you, and it made your chest hurt from rejection. He was smart and most of all he was your friend, you had really expected him to at least talk it out with you. But no, rather than that it seemed like he had never stepped foot into that damned hotel. It wasn’t until the late evening hours, when you had already gotten ready for bed, that you saw him again. He had knocked on your door, standing in front of you with an apologetic look on his face and three flowers clutched in one hand. They seemed oddly familiar to you, and at second glance you realised that he had stolen them from the hotel lobby. Before you could even begin to ask, he sent you a pleading look “Please, please don’t say anything right now. I want you to know exactly how I feel, and I practised it in the mirror but quite frankly I have never been this nervous in my life and I might forget something if you start speaking.” His voice was shaky, he was stumbling over his words like you had never seen him do before. “I’m sorry. For running off yesterday. I’ve been trying to figure out a way to tell you this for the longest time and then you just said it so casually and for a moment all my fuses burnt through. I’m so in love with you and I am so terrified because I’ve never felt like this, and I know that once I tell you this it will be real, and my life will change forever. I didn’t think there was a person out there like you, a person for me. There is no scientific proof for soulmates but you just… fit with me. I love you too, (Y/N). I love you.” His words had rendered you speechless. You felt tears run down your cheeks, and it was only when you felt Spencer’s hand wipe them away that you returned to reality. You placed your hand on his, further leaning into his touch, and sobbed. “I didn’t mean to make you cry, I’m sorry. This isn’t really my strong suit.” You laughed and pressed a kiss to his hand. “It’s not mine either. And don’t worry Spence, you were perfect. Thank you for having the courage to tell me. Just please, never run off on me like that again.” He leaned his forehead against yours and closed his eyes, a serene smile on his lips. “I promise.”

From there on, the rest of quarantine passed by incredibly quick. Now, you were actually glad you were locked in with Spencer. It gave the two of you the perfect time and opportunity to explore the very nature of your relationship. You started sleeping over in each other’s rooms, wearing each other’s clothes, at night Spencer lulled you to sleep by reading to you. When Hotch called once the two weeks were over to tell you that you would be able to return home with the jet you were almost disappointed. But at least this you could board the jet holding each other’s hands without worrying about anyone seeing. And it wasn’t too bad either that you had had your first time with each other and joined the mile-high club at the same time. You were never going to be able to look at those leather couches the same way again. Touched down back home in Quantico you had the orders to return straight home and quarantine for another fourteen days. Stood in front of your car you could tell that the two of you were trying to prolong your time together, rambling on about the most random things just to avoid having to say goodbye for two weeks. But watching him walk away after one last, long kiss filled your heart with such aching that you called out for him to stop. “Wait, Spence!” He turned around, an almost relieved look on his face. “Yeah?” He walked back to you, gripping the strap of his bag. “I know this is crazy, and maybe it’s too much considering we haven’t even officially talked about whether or not we’re dating now but… I just… hate the thought of suddenly not seeing you for two weeks straight after seeing your cute face every day for what feels like so long. So… do you want to quarantine at my apartment? We can get some of your clothes on the way there, and I promise I’ll cook whatever you want. I just don’t want to miss your morning cuddles anymore.” A wide smile had spread across his features while you had talked, and before you had even fully finished he had already nodded enthusiastically. “Thank god you asked, I didn’t know how to.” Both laughing, you got into your car.

“Oh, you gotta be kidding me.” Morgan groaned when he saw you and Spencer enter the BAU together once quarantine was over. You didn’t even have to hold hands for everyone to see that you were a couple now. “When did they start dating??” Emily looked at you with a grin, crossing her arms. “Technically, it doesn’t look like they started dating. They were just locked in together for so long that they fell in love.” Hotch joined your little group, the usual frown on his face. “Enough about the lovebirds, we have a case to get to. But-“ He turned to look at you and suddenly there was a teasing grin on his face as well. “Looks like quarantine treated you well, right?” You just rolled your eyes, burying your face in your hands. “Not you too, Hotch, not you too!”

Spencer actually didn’t even end up leaving your apartment once quarantine was over. In fact, he had gotten so comfortable that after two months, he terminated the contract for his own flat. Now, every Sunday morning, it wasn’t just you spread out on your couch with your cat anymore. It was the two of you.

[owlswing]

SO I’M A TERRIBLE PERSON...

Hahaha! Guess who dropped off the face of the earth AGAIN? This guy! Well, anyways: Here is my contribution to the 2020 ROTBTD gift exchange! I swore I wouldn’t get on tumblr again until it was finished, but then life went insane.

@siodymph I am so sorry that it’s taken so long, and that this is so short, but I really hope you like it! Your very, VERY late Secret Santa!

Seashells

Rapunzel bit her bottom lip, squinting at her latest painting. It wasn't that she hated it or anything, but it just seemed off. No matter how hard she tried there was just that little nagging thought in the back of her mind slowly driving her insane the longer she looked at it.

"What do you think?" She asked without looking at the others who were standing there with her, staring at the painting with tilted heads.

"Rapunzel... It's white." Jack said.

"But it's not the Right white!" Rapunzel threw her arms up in the air, turning away from the painting so she could pace across her room. "I promised Eugene's dad that I would make the perfect flag for the Moon Kingdom in honor of their reconstruction and the treaty with Corona, but it won't be perfect if I can't even use the right colors!"

"What's the difference? It's white!" Merida questioned, looking between Rapunzel and the painted canvas.

"No! This is cotton white! I need pearl white! The flowers just don't look right without it!" Rapunzel huffed, looking through all of her paints and art supplies to see if by some miracle she still had some hidden somewhere. "Moon Flowers are the designated symbol of the Moon Kingdom, and if this flag is going to fly above their castle for the next few centuries, the least I can do is make it the right shade of white! But of course I don't have anymore and I've already been to three different shops in the city; No one has it!"

"Well, you know how to make all your paints, don't you? Why don't we just get the ingredients and you can make it yourself." Hiccup suggested, and Rapunzel sighed.

"It's not that simple! This paint is made from special seashells found on a specific beach three days away from here. Gothel only ever got them for me once! Okay, well, twice! But the second time is when I asked her to go get them so I could leave the tower and I never actually got the shells so I never got to make the paint! Not to mention to boil it down and make the paint would take at least a full day . Already that's a whole week and we have to leave for the Moon Kingdom in five days!" Rapunzel stressed, part of her brain told her that if she kept biting her lip like that she was going to split it.

"That's an easy fix! With Toothless it should only take a day to get there. We'll spend the night and be back with plenty of time for you to make the paints." Hiccup said, looked over at Toothless who looked up from where he was napping at the foot of Rapunzel's bed upon hearing his name.

"Sweet! Flying Trip!" Jack pumped his fist into the air.

"It has been a while since we went adventuring." Merida grinned.

"I don't know," Rapunzel hesitated. "Normally when we try to do something like this, something happens and then we end up in some kind of trouble. Remember last time? When Hiccup had a cold?"

"It was not my fault!" Merida snapped to attention, crossing her arms over her chest.

"Never again." Jack muttered, shivering.

"I don't remember much from that one, but even if it does take a little longer than it's supposed to, Toothless and I can fly you to the Moon Kingdom to make up for time. Just tell your dad it's super important, I'm sure he'll understand." Hiccup shrugged.

"Or, don't tell him anything and if he comes looking, we stall for as long as we need." Jack offered, leaning against his staff with a playful smirk.

They all looked at each other for a few minutes, considering their options...

~*~*~

"WHOOHOO!" Rapunzel shouted, her hands up in the air as Toothless and Hiccup angled along an air-current, gliding across the sky in a smooth swoop.

Jack popped up next to them, floating along on his staff with his arms behind his head as her reclined backwards. Merida rode on the back of Toothless's saddle, reading the map as best she could while it flapped in the wind.

"We're almost there now!" Merida announced, glancing down below at landmarks and pathways. "There's a town just a few miles from the beach coming up. If we're lucky, they might already have the paint made there."

"We should take a rest. Toothless isn't used to carrying so many people, and it's usually better to go in on foot then to land a dragon in the middle of town." Hiccup reminded them with a wry smile, peering over the Night Fury's shoulder to look for a good landing place.

"Oh, so we're not going to strike fear into the hearts of innocent villagers today. Good to know." Jack chuckled, flipping around and grabbing his staff in one hand to look down at the earth.

"We've never tried to scare people, Jack!" Rapunzel argued.

"Speak for yourself!" He quipped and Hiccup snorted, trying to hold in a laugh. Toothless didn't bother hiding his dragon-chuckle.

"Anyways," Merida cut in, sticking her tongue out at Jack, who was rolling his eyes at her. "There's a forest down there. Plenty of space for Toothless while we go into town!"

"Sounds like a plan. Let's go, bud!" Hiccup grinned patting Toothless's shoulder.

The two moved in sync as they tilted to one side and began their descent towards the earth. Air rushed up around them, and Rapunzel's heart fluttered in her chest at the exhilaration from it all.

Within the hour, Toothless was settled by a nice rock formation that offered him a decent enough hiding place and a small clearing to stretch his limbs while the Four made their way towards the town. The town had a port, so there was more activity than in most with ships sailing in and out, goods coming and going, people traveling. Though it was small and less visited than the larger ports like Corona itself, the town was still thriving and teeming with excitement.

The crossroads before the town had a tall picket with road signs nailed into it. One way led into the town, another path led to the beach, and a third path led out to the pasture land where sheep and cattle with grazing. Right below the picket was a fairly new-looking sign in red paint: Unauthorized Collecting of Seashells is strictly Prohibited! Violators will be Arrested!

"Now what's that about?" Merida demanded, her fists on her hips.

"Looks like we need to come back tonight with Hiccup in a wig." Jack said.

"I am not going to be the distraction! You like being the center of attention so much, you go and do it!" Hiccup grumbled.

"Okay, fine! How about plan B?" Jack asked, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Plan B only works if we get caught! The whole point of this is to not get caught!" Hiccup exclaimed.

"We are not breaking the law!" Rapunzel told them. "I'm sure it's just regulation to keep people from over-harvesting the seashells. Let's go into town and see if we can find a vendor who knows more."

"Okay, but remember we can always just tell Bunny that some guy in town said the Easter Bunny's a total wuss, and that'll be plenty of distraction!" Jack grinned.

"This is why the Yeti's don't let you go anywhere in the Pole unsupervised." Merida told him as they walked towards the town.

The fast-paced bustle of the town was even more intense when one was right in the middle of it, but Rapunzel had gotten used to crowded environments from living in Corona and exploring the city, and also with her traveling with her friends. Haggling though, was a skill that she just couldn't seem to get the hang of, so when they reached the market and began looking at the different vendors and shops, Rapunzel and Jack took a step back and followed after Merida and Hiccup.

Merida had the attitude of a pauper and, much to her mother's chagrin, had spent a good portion of her childhood haggling with townspeople and sailors whether on her own or alongside her father. Hiccup, by comparison, was simply a Viking. Trading and Haggling was one of many occupational necessities and also something he was especially trained in as future Chief.

Ambling up to the different booths and extracting goods for reasonable prices, or even just information with little trouble, was something the pair had down pat. So it wasn't surprising when fifteen minutes after entering the market district, Merida returned to the group with information on where to find the Seashell vendor.

"Guy was pretty tight-lipped about it, and he said the old hag's a bit crazy, but I told him we've dealt with worse. Anyways, he said she'll be down the road, 'round the corner from the tavern." Merida explained.

"Great! Let's go see her, then!" Jack jumped up from the fountain ledge he and Rapunzel had been seated on, pulling Rapunzel to her feet beside him.

Again the Four were off to their next destination, finding themselves walking deeper into the town. The closer they got to the large storehouses by the docks, the more dreary things became. No one was about on the street, and those who were looked on with watchful, skittish eyes. Rats ran about underfoot and the seagulls perched on lamp posts looked slightly deranged.

"Are we sure this is the place?" Hiccup asked, his eyes moving over to the tavern as a man stumbled out and barfed into the gutter.

"That's what the shop handler said, but it wouldn't be a surprise if he'd lied. He was a bit seedy looking." Merida shrugged.

"Merida! I'm sure he was a very nice man! We haven't even seen the inside yet! I'm sure as soon as we cross through that door, we'll see the Seashell vendor!" Rapunzel smiled confidently, turning towards the door and tapping out a cheery tune with her fist.

The door swung open very slowly with a low creak and they all tilted their heads to see inside the crack the door caused. It was dark inside.

"Well, that's creepy." Hiccup muttered.

"Come on, guys! It's not that bad..." Rapunzel tried, tiptoing closer as she gently poked the door open with her index finger. The door gave a louder creak as it swung open further, and Rapunzel's voice wavered a bit at the sight of more dark shadows. She gave a nervous chuckle. "Okay... Well, I'm sure it'll look better from the inside."

"I'd rather not get jumped in a dark room in the back of an alley today, thank you." Hiccup said, holding his hands up in a defensive gesture.

"I might have to agree with Hicc on this one." Jack glanced between Rapunzel and Merida, looking rather hesitant.

"Oh, honestly!" Merida huffed, stomping passed them and up to the door. "Here, I've got a flare in my bag."

"Why do you have a flare?" Jack wanted to know.

"In case I have to see inside creepy dark rooms, or get lost in the woods, or want to have a party with explosives." Merida said with a smile. "But also my brothers bought some off of a foreign trader last week. I promised not to tell mom as long as they gave me a couple."

"I love your brothers!" Jack grinned.

Merida pulled out the flare and struck it against the stone wall of the building. A bright flame sparked to life and Merida held it up as she and Rapunzel stepped further into the room together. The boys quickly followed in behind, and the Four shuffled forward quietly and slowly. The flare threw strange, flickering shadows across the room, and the four friends pressed closer together as they stared at all of the figures of fanged and clawed creatures.

"Are these... Bears?!" Merida exclaimed.

"What are they made of?" Hiccup asked, squinting at the closest figurine.

There were sculptures, cutouts, carved plank art, toys, moving trinkets, clocks, plant holders, and so much more. Everything had Bears. Small bears, big bears, slim bears, big round bears. There were so many bears made out of little white...

"These are shells." Jack said.

"And this whole thing seems very famil- AHH!" Merida screamed jumping back and slamming into the other three. They all stumbled, and Rapunzel fell against a shelf, rattling everything on it, but the tall sculpture on the very top tipped over and fell to the floor, shattering with a loud clattering of a hundred different shells.

"What is going on in here?!" A new voice shouted. There were two claps, and suddenly the blinds were thrown on the curtains and several candles were lit, filling the whole room into light.

The Four looked up from where they were piled on the ground, finding themselves in the middle of a shop filled to the brim with bear-themed shell-crafts. At the very center of it all, stood a woman that had Merida's jaw dropping open.

"You!" Merida shouted, throwing a finger towards the old woman standing before her.

"Oh! Hello there, dearie! So good to see you again! I hear that spell worked out pretty well for you, hmmm?" The old Bear Witch beamed at her, with her wide eyes that blinked slightly out of sync, the same ragged-looking crow looming on her shoulder.

"YOU?!" All four of the young adventurers shouted, recognizing the old witch almost immediately from their first major calamity of a quest in Scotland.

"What are You doing here?!" Merida demanded, stomping to her feet with her arms stuck straight by her sides and her hands clenched into fists.

"Oh, oh, oh! Well, Dearie, after you bought all of my carvings, I had to set up shop elsewhere! Getting wood out in these parts isn't so easy, though. But they've got plenty of these nifty little shells laying around!" She cackled, gesturing to all her art pieces. "Course I had a bit of trouble getting around those pesky bandits who decided they owned the beach! A few cakes seemed to do the trick just fine!"

She snapped her fingers and several larger pieces flew to the sides, revealing a cage with two bears inside wearing scrappy-looking vests and hats. One of them had a gold tooth. Merida stared at them before looking back at her friends, but they seemed as speechless as her.

"Well, anyways, what can I do you for? A paper weight? A planter box? Oh! How about this lovely little wall piece I finished just the other day!" She beamed, holding up a rather tacky sea-shell image of two bears reaching for one another.

"Oh, hehehe, we, um," Rapunzel coughed a little to clear her throat and then twirled her fingers around each other as she continued. "We just came here to collect some loose shells to make some paint. We thought maybe we would have to speak with the beach owners, but I guess that's not too much of an issue now."

"Oh, not at all dearie! There's a pile in the back! Help yourself! I need to get this cage ready! I've got a circus leader coming to pick these boys up in just a few hours!" The old witch grinned and then let out a shrieking cackle.

She turned and hobbled towards the back of the shop as Merida took a large, decisive step backwards to rejoin her friends.

"Should we do something?" She whispered to them.

"I really don't want to get turned into bears." Hiccup replied.

"But it can't be right to just leave those guys as bears... Is it?" Merida nodded at the two bears that... well, they didn't look unhappy with their forms. One was napping, and the other was licking himself.

"I mean, they're bandits. Let's be honest. If we'd gotten here first, we would've argued over how it's not right for them to claim ownership of the beach, they would've disagreed, then we would've fought them, eventually win and turn them over to the police. They'd spent the better part of the rest of their lives in jail. At least like this they can spend their time in the circus. That sounds pretty fun, right?" Jack offered, his tone wavering back and forth as he tried to make it sound less terrible.

"Jack, that's terrible!" Rapunzel said.

"What? I'm just saying; she gets to enjoy her creepy witch powers, they don't go to jail, we don't get tied up in something that will lead to Another lecture from your parents and North and Eugene. This seems like a win-win situation all around." Jack tried to be reasonable.

"He does have a point! I mean, we generally do good things, but that doesn't mean our moral codes have to be perfect." Hiccup remarked, and Jack nudged Hiccup's arm with a grin.

"That's not funny!" Rapunzel retorted.

"It's a little funny. But you two have definitely spent way too much time with Snotlout and the twins." Merida amended. Rapunzel snorted and turned towards the witch, much to her friends' horror.

"Um, excuse me? Miss... Miss Witch-Carver?" Rapunzel said as politely as possible.

"Yes, dearie? Find something you like?" The witch turned, grinning enthusiastically at the thought a possible sale.

"Ahem, not exactly... I was just wondering; those two aren't going to be like that Forever... Are they?" Rapunzel cringed at the way her voice squeaked even in her own ears, and the witch raised one large eyebrow at her before cackling and waving her off.

"Oh, no! Of course not! This spell is only temporary! The circus leader owes me a pretty penny for a marvelous piece I gave to him two weeks ago. He promised to send the payment, but never did. I'm going to change these two back into blundering buffoons right before show time! That'll show that slimy circus man!" The witch grinned, and Rapunzel's arms hung at her sides. She had no idea how to respond to the old woman.

"So, what I'm hearing is, you already caught the bad guys trying to own the beach and we can go collect our own shells without the risk of becoming bears or being subject to strange witchy-revenge later down the line." Jack stated, looking back at Hiccup and Merida, who both nodded frantically.

"Aren't you a bit worried about what all of them will do after you cause such a big fiasco?" Rapunzel wondered.

"I'm a witch, dearie, not one of them is going to come around here again if they know what's good for them!" She said, whacking the cage bars with a broom to emphasize her point.

Rapunzel opened her mouth to continue, but Merida grabbed her arm and started pulling her out of the small shop as the bears growled and roared while the Witch shouted back at them angrily. Jack held the door open, and Hiccup gave a small wave.

"We'll just be going now. Thanks for all your help." He forced out a grin, but there was a grimace in his tone, and then the four quickly filed out of the shop onto the front porch, letting the door slam shut behind them.

They stood side by side there for a few moments, processing, until Jack finally broke the silence.

"Pretend that never happened?" He suggested.

"Agreed." The others immediately nodded and they hurried back up the street they had come from.

Collecting the shells from the beach and returning to a napping Toothless was a quick and easy affair. They arrived back at the castle with plenty of time for Rapunzel to make her paint and finish the flag for the Moon Kingdom, and she even convinced Eugene to talk his father into extending her invitation to include Jack, Merida, Hiccup, and Toothless. Though, that was only under the agreement that they remain with the group at all times and agree to have Cass and Varian watching them the whole time.

Rapunzel knew it was a bit of a stretch to promise that nothing happen, so she simply agreed that they wouldn't try to cause, or go looking for, any kind of trouble. Jack, Merida, and Hiccup had all agreed with varying degrees of less-than-enthusiastic, but were happy to be attending.

Later that week, when the festivities were coming to an end and Rapunzel had finally found a quiet moment alone with Eugene, he asked about what they'd gotten up to while he was away helping his father.

"I mean, knowing the four of you, I probably shouldn't be asking, but also I'm concerned because I wasn't there and Cass and Varian haven't taken a single one of my warnings seriously because they haven't Seen the sort of stuff you four get into!" Eugene was rambling a bit, and Rapunzel chuckled nervously as she rubbed her arm.

"Well... No one got arrested this time." Rapunzel offered.

"What kind of a response is that?!" Eugene blurted out, fear washing over his face.

"I mean, we may have come across a gang war between a witch and some bandits who tried taking over a small beach town and a circus leader, but we all agreed to walk away before things got weirder!" Rapunzel explained. "I think it was mostly because Hiccup and Jack didn't want to get turned into bears, and you know Merida's had her fair share of bear stories."

"Most people don't have Bear Stories." Eugene informed her with a rather dry look.

"I like to think that we're special." Rapunzel smiled, and Eugene sighed rubbing a hand down his face.

"You most definitely are." Eugene chuckled, smiling back at her. "And I'm going to go with my first instinct of 'I don't want to know'."

"That's probably for the best," Rapunzel said. "It wasn't the most eventful trip we've had anyways."

"Oh, yeah, sounds like it." Eugene agreed easily, and Rapunzel made a face at him for the sarcasm. They both laughed, but were cut off by a loud crashing noise from another room.

"IT WASN'T ME!" Jack's shout came after a few seconds of silence and Eugene sighed heavily, trudging off to find the others with Rapunzel close on his heels.

[bernadineisreborn]

It’s You

Fred Weasley x Reader

A/N: Should I be writing Reality? Yes. Did I have a few dreams about Fred and George and decide to write them instead? Yes. Is the Yule Ball overdone in HP fanfic? Yes. But here you go anyway. Please, stay safe amid corona and if you are protesting!

Warnings: Alcohol is consumed. Sex is referenced. Kisses happen. 

Word count: 8.6k, my longest ever for one post I think!

My Masterlist

While you and George were easily best friends, you and Fred Weasley had a more complicated history.

It all started when you were younger.

Your father was a wizard, but the nature of his relationship with your mother was short-lived. Really short lived. They met at a small pub in London, where your mother worked. Your father must have had one-time business on the other side of the brick wall behind the Leaky Cauldron, because your mother spent the night with him and never saw him again.

She didn’t mind though. She was ecstatic when she found out she was pregnant, never mind her being single. Raising you as alone was, understandably, very difficult, but she was never one to give up. She was clueless to the secret world that your father had belonged to. Until, one day, you sneezed and broke every glass in the room.

You were six at the time, and your mother had no idea what to do. You had displayed small signs of magic before, but those could be written off as coincidence. This glass-shattering sneeze, however, could not.

It was a week later that you summoned a cupcake into your chubby fist while out shopping. Your mother was horrified. Luckily, there was another witch in the store.

“Well, wasn’t that lovely!” she exclaimed, her red-orange hair falling in front of her face as she bent down to your level, “But best not let the muggles see, hmm?” She looked to your mum, then, a small smile on her face. You mother’s face was still frozen, eyes wide and mouth hanging open. The red-headed woman was smart enough to notice that your mum was, in fact, one of those very muggles. She had absolutely no idea of the magical world, and no idea how to care for a daughter who was summoning cupcakes at will.

She smiled, and extended a hand, “Oh dear, I’ve forgotten to introduce myself. I’m Molly.”

Your mum smiled faintly, “I’m M/N.”

Molly hummed, her expression nothing but understanding as she looked to you, “And who’s this young dear?”

“I’m Y/N!” you said, taking a bite from the cupcake.

Molly laughed, “Your daughter seems quite special! Don’t worry, they usually start around this age, it’s perfectly normal. Come now, follow me.” The woman ushered you and your mother toward the door, leaving her groceries abandoned in the aisle. After all, Molly Weasley knows to help a wizard in need, and you and your mum were very clearly in need.

Once outside, she attempted to explain herself. “I am in town today dropping off some things for Arthur, my husband. He works at the Ministry, you see. I’ve left the children at home, but Bill’s old enough to watch the others now,” she glanced at you, “How old is she?”

Your mother’s voice was hoarse, though she wasn’t entirely untrusting of the strange, kind woman, “She’s six.”

“Ah, yes, what a darling age. I’ve got a pair of twins who are just that!” She glanced at you again, “Now, that wasn’t the first time Y/N’s made something like this happen, is it?”

----

An hour later, you and your mother were sitting in Molly’s home. Molly was explaining things to your mother, who had taken out a pen and paper and was writing diligent notes.

Molly had introduced you to her children before she had sat down with your mother. Much to your dismay, most of them were boys. There was Ginny, of course, but she was only three.

You were led outside by the adorable tot, to where the two oldest boys had picked up broomsticks and started flying around on them. You were amazed. Ginny, unfortunately, didn’t seem to know how the brooms were flying. Begrudgingly, you made your way to the other four children, who were sitting in the grass and cheering their brothers on. Well, three of them were. One of them, an older boy with horn-rimmed glasses, was reading a book.

You tapped on the nearest shoulder, “Excuse me.”

They turned to you. “Want to watch them play quidditch with us?” asked two of the boys in perfect unison. Their red hair was just as flame-like as their mother’s.

You giggled and sat, “Sure. What’s quidditch?”

Their eyes turned wide at this. Again, they responded together, “Only the greatest sport ever invented!”

----

Thus, your destiny was set. Every Sunday, you visited the Weasley household, where your mother learned everything there was to know about magic, Arthur Weasley learned everything he could about your mother’s “fascinating” muggle life, and you became fast friends with the twins.

Both twins, in fact.

Fred, George, and yourself were inseparable troublemakers, spending every second of time with each other to plan your next great escapade.

And so things continued until your fourth year of Hogwarts.

You expected the school year to start as the last three had, a bit of troublemaking and a lot of fun with your two favorite boys.

But things were different. Awkward.

Fred was, suddenly, funnier and taller and more handsome. George was, too. But it was Fred that filled your 14-year-old stomach with simultaneous dread and excitement whenever you spotted him walking your way.

It was fine, though. You were keeping yourself in check. Until one night, in the Gryffindor common room, you were playing a wizarding version of hide and seek.

George was appointed the “seeker,” so you, Fred, Angelina Johnson, Lee Jordan, and the other involved Gryffindors dispersed. You had been wandering the corridor for a few minutes when you heard something.

You froze, hoping on everything holy that it wasn’t Filch or Mrs. Norris or Peeves or the Bloody Baron.

A freckled hand wrapped over your mouth, muffling your startled scream, and spun you around. Fred was standing in front of you, smiling, “Don’t worry, Y/N. It’s only me.”

He removed his hand, and you smiled too, at ease. His smile was so damn contagious and handsome and—

“What do you say?”

You refocused your eyes, which had gone hazy on a freckle near the corner of Fred’s mouth, “Hmm?”

“Honestly, I said, do you want to hide together? Two heads are better than one, I reckon.”

You nodded, and he tugged you along. You walked carefully, peeking around corners and tiptoeing as you went.

Fred wasn’t being quite as quiet as you would have liked, and he was known to get caught, so you shoved at him, “Hey, you big git, do you think you could be any louder?”

He arranged a faux puzzled expression, “Louder? Hmm, yeah, I think I could.” He started stomping his feet and whistling; the sound echoed through the empty corridors. He spun to walk backwards and maintain eye contact with you as he did.

You rolled your eyes, “Ha-ha. Very mature, Fred. I’m sorry I don’t want to lose.”

“Mature? You’re playing hide-and-seek!” He poked at your face.

You swatted him away, “It’s not muggle hide and seek! There’s plenty of danger. We’re in a castle, and it’s dark, and there are ghosts, and there is Filch,” you frowned at him, “And anyway, so are you!”

He grinned, “You’re so competitive. You should try out for quidditch.”

“You know just as well as I do that I can barely fly.”

His ginger eyebrows furrowed in thought, “True.” Then, his smile returned, “Maybe we could let you ride on the back of my broom and kick at people who pass us.”

You laughed, too, at that ridiculous image.

Just then, Fred backed into a display case, making a rather thunderous sound.

“Well, that ought to alert Georgie. Follow me.” Fred dashed around a few corners, before clambering into a small closet. You entered after him, obviously out of breath from the run.

The closet was even more cramped than it looked from the outside, and Fred read your expression as you squished yourself against him. “Merlin, if we’re going to try you out for the team, you’re going to need to start going for a jog every now and again.”

You punched him as well as you could in the tight space.

“Yes! That’s the spirit, Y/N! Now, you just need to be able to balance.” He mimed you sitting on the back of a broomstick, punching at air.

You laughed in spite of yourself.

It was then that you realized your face was entirely too close to Fred’s. He seemed to notice in the same instant, because for all of his never-ending jokes and your unrelenting teasing, you were both silent.

Finally, he spoke up, his voice a whisper, “Do you think he’ll find us?” If you didn’t know better, you’d think Fred’s eyes were locked on your lips, but it was dark and you were probably mistaken.

“Probably,” you replied, just as quiet, “Eventually.” You shifted a little, uncomfortable, and ended up, somehow, even closer to Fred than you were before.

George burst in then, looking rather triumphant.

“Fred! Y/N! Found you…” he glanced between you, noting your position, “Were you two about to snog?”

Maybe you had been about to, maybe you hadn’t. But you pushed Fred roughly away and stepped out of your hiding place. “Ew, no. Fred’s a git. The cupboard was just small.”

You had no way of knowing how your words stung Fred, who brushed his hand through his carrot top hair and said, “Yeah? Well at least I can stay on a broomstick long enough to get five feet in the air!”

You scoffed and followed them down the hall, back through the portrait hole, “Terrible comeback, Weasley.” You turned up your nose at him, “And not even true.”

Fred laughed. “You’re right, it’s closer to ten.”

“Hey!”

----

Every time you thought about the incident after that, your cheeks grew hot of their own accord. You were sure your feelings for Fred were one sided. After all, you were clumsy and had known him since you were kids. He probably thought of you like a sister.

So, in a classic attempt to hide your feelings, you started taking every opportunity to get on Fred’s nerves. By your 6thyear, your actions had morphed your relationship so much, that what you and Fred had was only a shadow of your former friendship. It pained you, yes, but you couldn’t risk straining your relationship with both of the twins because of idiotic teenaged hormones.

“Miss L/N, if you could please direct your attention to the front of the classroom, it would be appreciated,” drawled Snape.

You flushed, your head snapping to Snape, who was explaining Golpalott’s Third Law at the front of the Potion’s classroom. You had been staring at Fred’s side profile across the lab table, daydreaming a bit. Now, both Fred and George, who were sitting next to each other and across from you and Angelina, were looking at you.

“Sorry, Professor,” you mumbled, and the twins snickered.

Angelina poked you, her features pulled into a loving, teasing smirk. She scribbled quickly onto a corner of her parchment, ripped it off, and passed it to you: “Thinking about pulling someone into an empty hallway and snogging them to death, dear Y/N?”

If it was possible, your cheeks burned even hotter. You glanced to Fred, but he was dutifully watching the lecture, if a bit bored looking. You grabbed the note, “ANGELINA!!! Please, spare me! L”

You slid it over to her. She laughed under her breath and began scribbling, “Maybe you ought to watch us practice today??? Might help visualize those fantasies???”

Before you could take it back and write to her just how absurd she was being, and that you had been thinking about nothing of the sort, the scrap of parchment was snatched by Fred.

His eyebrows raised as he read the note. You prepared for him to laugh, to say ‘Finally! I knew you were in love with me! Ha!’ But, he just frowned and turned away. George grabbed the paper next, and when he read it, he shot you a look. George definitely knew how you felt about Fred. He was your best friend, and he had caught you gazing dreamily Fred’s way quite a few times, though you had always denied anything he accused you of. You shrugged, trying to play it off like nothing.

“Miss L/N! What about Weasley is so interesting that you think yourself above my lecture?”

You shrunk into your seat, “Nothing. It won’t happen again, Professor.”

----

After Potions, you gathered your bags and slunk shamefully after Fred, George, and Angelina in the halls.  Technically, because of the Triwizard Tournament, there were no quidditch games or practices. But, some of the Gryffindor team was meeting up to practice when time allowed, to stay in shape for next season. Angelina, Fred, and George were on the team, so of course, you spent the practices with them, watching them fly, doing homework, etc.

When you had gathered at the Pitch, you began feeble attempts at writing a Charms essay. Mostly, though, you were distracted by your friends. Angelina really was a great flyer, she was dodging almost every bludger George sent her way, and Fred was… sigh.

“Oi! L/N! Want to come play for a bit? We need one more to make it even!” called George.

You shrugged, “Sure! As long as I can be on defense!”

Though you still struggled, your flying skills had made a significant improvement since your fourth year, due to flying lessons from your friends, which were motivated by Fred’s (unfortunately accurate) teasing.

A few minutes later, you were hovering uneasily around the three rings on your team’s side. George, your teammate, was darting around with Fred and Angelina on the other side of the pitch. You zoned out as you watched them. Fred’s shirt was flying up a bit in the wind, a hint of his abdomen on display, and you were trying very hard not to stare. Not that it mattered. From here, he wouldn’t notice if you admired him a bit, would he?

Fred swung his bat, the bludger aimed at George. At the last second, though, his gaze turned toward you, your eyes locked with his, and his bat swung a bit too far.

Suddenly, the bludger was coming your way, far too quickly for you to move.

When it hit your stomach full force, you grunted, but managed to keep your grip on the broom’s wooden handle. Then, you vomited your breakfast onto the field, dozens of yards below you.

----

“I said, I’m fine!” you exclaimed. Fred was the first to swoop onto the grass after you had. You were dry heaving and trying to hold Fred off. The last thing you needed was for him to watch you puke. “I’m not hurt, it just hit me in the stomach.”

“Yeah, I saw that part, didn’t I?” he scoffed, though you could tell he felt a little guilty from the way he was hovering over you.

“Fred!” you groaned, “Please, just give me a minute! I’m perfectly fine.” You groaned as you dry heaved again, your puke reflex fully triggered, “Why do you care anyway?” you asked, under your breath.

“What?”

You held up a finger to him, gesturing for him to wait as you dry heaved again, and then stood up. “I said, why do you care anyway?” You narrowed your eyes, “Were you trying to hit me?”

His guilty expression turned incredulous, “What? Are you barking mad? Of course not!”

You shrugged and crossed your arms, “Well, I saw you look at me while you were swinging and it seemed like you were.”

He blushed, “I was only looking at you because you were trying to distract me! Trying to help George win!”

“For Merlin’s sake, how was I distracting you? I wasn’t even moving!”

His blush deepened, “I don’t know!” he sputtered, his eyes darting over you, “Your shirt is too bright!”

You were furious, and he was getting in your personal space. Your shirt was, in fact, the standard Gryffindor burgundy, and definitely not bright. “My WHAT?” At this point, George and Angelina had landed their brooms as well, and were taking tentative steps your way as you pushed at Fred’s chest, “Fred Weasley, you are the absolute WORST—”

You were suddenly being restrained by two lanky arms—George’s—and dragged away.

“Alright, I think that’s enough of that lover’s quarrel for one day, don’t you, Angelina?” George quipped, guiding you back to the castle, “I’ll take Y/N back to the common room and make sure she’s okay, let’s say we meet in the Great Hall for dinner?”

Angelina nodded, and before you knew it you were being led through the halls of Hogwarts to 6th year Gryffindor boy’s dormitories.

“George, he hates me! I just know it!”

“Quit being so dramatic, woman, he doesn’t hate you. You just have a talent for getting on each other’s nerves.” He sat you on his bed, forcing you down by the shoulders, and went to his trunk.

“He aimed that bludger at me!”

“He definitely did not aim at you, he was probably just…” he trailed off, speaking under his breath.

“Probably just what?”

“I don’t know,” he was rummaging haphazardly through his and Fred’s trunks, “He was probably just distracted!”

You gasped, growing angry at your favorite twin, “You’re taking his side? I should have known—”

He stopped you, “I’m not taking his side,” he held up the purple end of a puking pastille, “Here, take this.”

You swallowed the gummy, and instantly, all of your queasiness vanished. “Thanks,” you muttered.

“I wish you two would just kiss and make up,” said George, who had sat next to you on the mattress, “It’d make things a whole lot easier for Angelina and me.”

Your cheeks flamed, “Like I want that to happen.”

George rolled his eyes, “Come on, Y/N. You can’t lie to me.” He nudged your shoulder and wiggled his eyebrows. “I know all.”

Your blush deepened, but you laughed, “For Merlin’s sake, I knew your ego was inflated beyond repair, but I hardly think three OWLs qualifies one as omniscient.”

George and you were near cackling a few minutes later, and you were feeling very glad to have him to cheer you up, when Fred entered.

He stopped in the doorway, staring at the two of you as your laughter faded, his expression stormy, “Sorry to interrupt.” He grabbed something from his trunk, and slammed the door on his way out.

George grimaced, “Doesn’t look like he’ll be too happy with me later,” he said, his eyes locked on the closed door.

Your eyebrows furrowed, confused, “Why do you say that?”

George turned back to you, an easy smile replacing the grimace, “No reason, love.” He stood up, “Come on, let’s go to dinner.”

----

In the Great Hall, you sat in between George and Angelina, as usual. Fred was sat on George’s other side. He had barely looked at you as you came in. Rude, you thought, He could have at least apologized.

The conversation between the Gryffindor girls was as it had been all of the other meals recently: gossip about the Yule Ball. Some Ravenclaw girl had been asked by a boy from Durmstrang, Alicia Spinnet informed you. Neither you nor Angelina had been asked yet, though you were hoping you would be soon.

Ideally, of course, you’d be asked by Fred, who would confess that he’d loved you this whole time, and that he wanted nothing more than to dance the night away at a romantic Christmas-themed ball. Of course, currently, you were mad at him. He’d need to apologize first.

You’d be alright with anyone, so long as you didn’t have to go alone. Not that it really mattered. Worst case scenario, you’d strut into the Ball with Angelina, both of you dateless, but looking good enough that all of the boys who’d brought dates abandoned them to dance with you.

You nudged George, “Hey. Are you planning on asking anyone to the Ball?”

He met your eyes and shrugged, barely chewing a hunk of roast before swallowing. “Depends. Are you going with anyone?” He nudged you back and winked.

You were laughing, well aware that he was kidding, when George was shoved into you by Fred, who looked at you very seriously, and then looked at George. There seemed to be some sort of twin telepathy because before you knew it, George was apologizing and Fred was turning away, his shoulders hunched.

You nudged George again, more subtle this time, and whispered, “What was that all about?”

He shrugged and whispered back, “Freddie here is in a sour mood. He hasn’t got a date yet.”

You shot him a look, “Neither do you, George.” Just then, Cho Chang and Cedric Diggory strolled into the Great Hall, arm in arm, looking very pleased with each other, rosy blushes dusting both of their cheeks. You sighed and put your chin in your hand as you watched them walk by, “And neither do I.”

You sat for a moment, thinking about George’s joking proposition to you. He and you had no feelings for each other, you were sure. In fact, you were relatively positive that he had a crush on Angelina. You were also pretty sure that these feelings, should they ever be expressed, would be returned. They would make a cute couple.

Anyway, it wouldn’t be so bad to go to the Ball with George. He was one of your best friends, he was funny, he was chivalrous. He would be a good date. Maybe I’ll ask him to go with me, as friends, you thought, if neither of us finds anyone else.

“Excuse me, Miss L/N?”

You turned, and behind you was a handsome Beauxbatons student, in his blue uniform. “Erm, hello. How can I help you?”

His smile grew, and you were vaguely aware that the entire Gryffindor table was watching the exchange. Your heartbeat sped up.

He eyed the table, apparently also noticing the attention on you two, “I was hoping you would like to chat privately for a minute? In the courtyard, maybe?”

Your cheeks grew hot, and Angelina shoved you out of your seat, speaking for you, “Yes, of course! She’d love to!”

You smiled at him, and turned back to your friends. George shot you a thumbs up, and Angelina was grinning. Fred’s mood, however, showed no improvement.

“All right, yeah, I’ll go.” He gestured for you to walk ahead of him, and together, you walked  out of the Great Hall.

“Miss L/N,” he addressed you again, holding out a polite hand, “My name is Louis, it is a pleasure to introduce myself formally.”

You took his hand, and instead of shaking it, he brought it to his lips and placed a delicate kiss on your knuckles. Your face was flaming, “Erm, yeah. I’ve seen you around. You can just call me Y/N.”

He laughed lightly, “Okay then, Y/N,” you were now in the courtyard, and there was a light snow falling. You shivered, and he handed you his cloak, “Please, stay warm. How are you?”

You took the cloak gratefully, “I’m okay, I—

Before you could get another word out, the courtyard was enveloped in a blinding blackness. You panicked a bit, reaching your arms out to feel for something solid to hold on to, and soon found a pair of outstretched arms. Assuming they were Louis’, you grabbed on for dear life, and allowed yourself to be dragged back into Hogwarts.

When you were out of the blackness, you scoffed, watching it disappear behind you, “I’m sorry, Louis. That must have been my friend, George. He probably thought it would be—” You turned, and were surprised to see Fred standing next to you, and not Louis. “—funny,” you finished. “Fred? What are you…” You looked back out to the courtyard, where Louis’ form was beginning to reappear. Then, Fred was tugging you toward the moving staircases.

“Fred!” You shoved his arm off of yours. “What are you doing?”

“Leading you back to the Common Room, obviously,” there was a small smirk on his face, as he grabbed your arm and once again tried to guide you.

You yanked your arm away, “I can find my way back perfectly well on my own, thanks!” He shrugged, and started walking. Despite yourself, you followed. “Why in Merlin’s name did you do that?”

His smirk returned, “Do what?”

“Throw that Peruvian Instant Darkness Powder! I was having a nice conversation!”

“Oh that,” he glanced back at you, his smile growing at your infuriated expression, “Louis seemed shady.”

“He seemed WHAT?” You were seething at this point, “Fred, I think he was going to ask me to the Ball,” much to your dismay, your tone came out more disappointed than angry.

At this, Fred’s expression shifted into one of mild annoyance, “Don’t worry, I’m sure someone else will ask you. Louis, though, was up to no good.” Fred looked back to you again, “He probably just wanted to sleep with you.”

You stopped in your tracks, “As if that is the only reason he’d be interested in taking me to the Ball? As if I have nothing else going for me?” Fred had gone too far this time.

He stopped too, and cringed, “That is not what I meant.”

You held your nose up, “Well, that’s what it sounded like.”

It was quiet for a moment. Fred sighed. “Look, I just have a bad feeling about him. He seems like a right wanker, alright?”

Fred’s expression was genuine, but you couldn’t help yourself, “Louis was being perfectly chivalrous.”

Fred held his hands up, accepting defeat, “Alright, fine. I was wrong, and I’m sorry.”

You sniffled.

He continued, “And I never apologized earlier, for hitting you with the bludger.” He ruffled the back of his hair with his hand, and the gesture was so very awkward, so sincere, that you found yourself forgiving him far faster than you should. “I didn’t mean to. I’m not sure how it happened.”

After a second of contemplation, you punched his muscled shoulder, your resolve thoroughly broken, “I suppose it’s fine. Not your fault you have terrible aim,” you cracked a smile.

He smiled too, laughing under his breath. For a second, it felt like the old days, when you and Fred could laugh freely and tease each other without starting a war. You felt oddly nostalgic, and before you could fully consider your words, you blurted, “What happened to us?”

His smile faded, and you instantly regretted saying something. His eyes filled with an intensity that you hadn’t seen in them in a while, and you were strangely reminded of the hide-and-seek closet from those years ago.

Before he could reply, Angelina and George rounded the corner, George’s arm slung over Angelina’s shoulders. “Oi!” he called, “We wondered where you’d gone off to Fred!” He smiled at you and ruffled your hair when he reached the two of you, “You’ve found our dear Y/N, I see. So, have you got yourself a date to the Yule Ball?”

You glanced to Fred, who looked suddenly guilty. “No, Louis probably just wanted to hook up with me. You know, because of my fantastically proportioned figure and extraordinary facial features.” You smirked Fred’s way, an action not unnoticed by George. Fred rolled his eyes.

Angelina gasped, “What makes you think that?”

You shrugged and smiled, “Intuition. Don’t worry, Ang, he isn’t worth it.”

----

A few days later, you were standing by the fire in the Common Room, talking to Angelina.

“I’m not sure what the team will look like next year without Oliver,” she was saying, “He was really the glue to the team, though he was a bit sexist, calling us ‘lads’ all the time. Do I look like a lad to you?”

You shook your head, agreeing with her. Just then, a pair of bright orange heads wandered through the portrait hole and sat with Harry, Ron, and Hermione. The twins appeared to be talking mostly to Ron.

“…And with the year off, too. It’s not going to be good, Y/N. I’ll be captain so I’ll be responsible…”

You tried to listen to your friend as she spoke about quidditch. Fred and George were still talking to Ron. Fred looked relaxed, sure of himself. Confidence, you thought, is a good look on a man. As if they had felt you watching them, all five people sat at the table turned your way. You and Fred made brief eye contact, and he seemed to be thinking something through. Your relationship with him had been improving a little since your interaction in the hall the other day. Though you still didn’t have a date to the Yule Ball, and were starting to wonder if you should seek Louis out for another ‘private chat.’ Maybe he’d ask again if prompted.

Fred seemed to decide something, and then he was shouting, “Oi! Angelina!”

Angelina pulled her gaze from you and her thoughts from quidditch, “What?”

“Want to come to the Ball with me?” called Fred, eyebrows wiggling mischievously. Your heart dropped. Of course he’d want to ask Angelina. She’s beautiful, she’s kind, she’s athletic, she’s smart. Why would he ask you when you’d only just started getting along again a few days ago?

George glanced to Fred then, looking a bit affronted. Angelina shot you an anxious look. You forced the jealous thoughts from your mind, and smiled lightly at her, shrugging. “All right, then,” she said, turning back to you.

“Oi! Y/N!” you turned back to the table, where George had just called your name. At this point, the entire Common Room was watching the exchange. Fred’s attention was on George.

“What is it, George?” you asked, not having to guess too hard at what he was about to say.

He smiled, “Want to come to the Ball with me?” his grin was growing by the second, “I’ll make it worth your while.”

You rolled your eyes at your friend, but couldn’t help a smile from sliding onto your face, “Sure thing.”

You turned back to Angelina, who looked nervous, probably thinking you’d be mad that she was going with Fred. You smiled at her, “That was weird.”

Her shoulders relaxed, “Sure was. Can’t expect anything different from that pair, though.”

Alicia Spinnet and Katie Bell rushed over to you and Angelina, immediately interested in your plans for the Ball.

And you couldn’t blame them. You could tell, this was going to be very interesting.

----

On the day of the Yule Ball, Hogwarts was buzzing.

The castle grounds were perfectly white and snowy and the students were excitable. Even most of the teachers could be seen with a spring in their step, humming a Christmas tune.

You and Angelina were darting around your dormitory, half dressed, hair half up, makeup partially done.

“Y/N, have you seen my shoes?” called Angelina from the other side of the room. You glanced at your reflection in the mirror, and then around the room, which looked as though a swarm of pixies had been through it.

“Yeah,” you replied, picking up your wand and flicking it so the elegant high-heels hovered in the air, “Here.”

“Thanks,” she responded, letting out a huff.

Your dress was beautiful: the exact length, texture, and color you had been imagining it would be since you heard Hogwarts was hosting a Yule Ball. And Angelina looked great, too. She was wearing a velvety plum colored dress that perfectly accentuated her athletic frame.

You pinned a few hairs out of your face as she slipped on her shoes.

“Erm, Y/N?”

“What’s wrong?” you asked. Angelina’s pretty face was twisted in an anxious expression.

“Well, nothing is wrong, exactly, but…” she trailed off, looking at you in the mirror you were using to get ready. “Well, I wanted to make sure you’re okay with me going to the Ball with Fred.” She looked nervous, and a bit guilty.

You laughed, a bobby pin stuck between your teeth, “As long as you’re okay that I’m going with George.”

Her expression stilled, her eyes grew wide, “But—I—”

“I know you like him, Ang.”

She crossed her arms in front of her chest, pouting, “I do not.”

“Could have fooled me,” you retorted.  

She frowned, “There’s no reason I would be mad! Why would I be mad? I’m not mad.”

You sent her a smile, “Nor am I mad that you’re going with Fred,” you eyed her through the mirror, “And even though you’re insisting that you don’t like him, I’m pretty sure George likes you.”

Her eyes grew wide, and thoughtful, with this information, “Really?”

You nodded.

There was silence for a few moments.

“They’ve really done a number on us, haven’t they?” she asked you, not completely serious, but there was a certain weight behind her words.

“Yeah, they have,” you agreed, “Maybe we should ditch them and just go together.”

She laughed, “Maybe we should.”

You finished with your hair and turned to face her. “I’m ready to head down, how about you?”

“Me too,” she looked you up and down appreciatively, “Damn, girl! I can’t wait to see Fred’s face when he sees you in that!”

You scoffed, “Yeah right! It’ll be nothing compared to George’s when he sees you!” You took her arm and descended the stairs together.

Fred and George did, indeed, do double takes when they saw you and Angelina.

They had been standing nonchalantly at the bottom of the staircases, dressed in robes that were clearly hand-me-downs, but far nicer than their usual attire nonetheless. George spotted you first, grinning your way before his gaze slid over to Angelina. His eyes widened and his jaw slackened as he watched her walking towards him. You felt smug, you knew they had a thing for each other.

Fred was watching Angelina, too, a small grin on his face. When he glanced at you, his grin fell away and his eyes turned intense again. You wondered if you’d done something to offend him.

In perfect unison, they spoke, “Hello, ladies!”

“Hey, George,” you smiled at your date.

He mock bowed your way, “Merlin’s beard, it’s going to be hard to behave myself tonight,” he joked, wiggling his eyebrows, “You look great, darling.” He slipped an elegant arrangement of flowers over your wrist: a corsage.

“Aw, thanks, George. You didn’t have to do this.”

He was grinning, “I promised I’d make tonight worth your while.” Above everything else, you were glad to be going to the Ball with George. He was easy: tonight would be fun and stress-free.

A throat cleared, “Y/N.”

You turned toward the voice, “Hi, Fred.” You observed his outfit—a yellow vest, a slim bowtie—he looked very handsome, “You clean up nicely.”

His expression was still solid. Stormy, almost. “You’re not so bad yourself, fantastically proportioned figure and extraordinary facial features and all.” he smirked, referencing your comment from the other night. His eyes trailed over your body shamelessly—almost as if he were checking you out.

You laughed, but your cheeks were burning, “Thanks.” Next to you, George and Angelina seemed to be having a similar exchange. You smiled at them.

George turned back to you, then, holding out his arm for you to take, “Alright. You ready, Freddie?”

“Ready as I’ll ever be, mate.”

The four of you made your way to the Yule Ball in pairs, Fred and Angelina were arm in arm just as you and George were.

The Great Hall was barely recognizable. The walls of the Hall had all been covered in frost, and were sparkling and silver. There were garlands of mistletoe and ivy hung from wall to wall and the trick ceiling displayed a perfectly starry night. There were dozens of small tables arranged neatly around the room, in place of the house tables, each one with a lantern for light. It was breathtaking.

You squeezed George’s arm in excitement, and moved to sit at a table with some other Gryffindors.

When the formal dinner was over, you danced. You danced a lot and without any thought to how other people were perceiving you. As you and George—and Fred and Angelina—made your way through the Hall, the crowds parted, giving you plenty of space as if they thought you might run them over. You were having a lot of fun. As you had predicted, George was an excellent date.

“Need more beverage?” he asked, and you nodded, him and Fred leaving to refill your drinks.

When they came back, George handed you your drink and winked, “This one’s got something special in it.” His eyes were full of their usual mischief, and he must have noted your unsure expression, because he rolled his eyes, “Oh relax, it’s not poisoned! It’s just got a bit of firewhisky in it.”

You grinned, “Alright then,” and downed it.

George whistled, “Careful there, Y/N. We’ve got all night.”

You laughed. Then, The Weird Sisters’ song slowed until it wasn’t something you could dance to in the way you and George had been dancing previously. You set your empty cup down, “Want to dance?”

He smiled at you, a friendly sort of smile, and downed his drink, too. “I’d love to dance. I have the most beautiful date in school.”

You snorted, “Oh please,” but you put your head on his shoulder, and settled your arms around his waist. His arms rested over yours at the small of your back, your torsos pushed together. You swayed with him for a minute without talking. You could feel the firewhisky making its way through your system.

A few feet away, Fred and Angelina were dancing, too. Angelina’s arms were tucked behind Fred’s neck and his were on her waist. They weren’t as cuddled up as you and George were; Fred was saying something to make Angelina laugh.

You were saddened by this sight. You found yourself wishing you were here tonight with Fred instead, and then felt immediately guilty because George had made such an effort to be a gentleman. You sighed.

“What is it, darling?” asked George, his voice concerned and close to your ear with how you were dancing.

“It’s nothing,” you lamented, feeling rather sorry for yourself. “Does Fred like Angelina?”

George was silent.

You let out a humorless chuckle. “I mean, he must. He asked her to be his date tonight.”

George pulled away from you, just enough to look at your face, his expression was, for once, serious, “Well, I asked you to be my date. And no offense, Y/N, but I don’t have feelings for you.”

“Oh.” You frowned, not having considered this information, “I mean, I know you don’t. I don’t have feelings for you, either,” you giggled.

George’s mouth twitched, “In fact, I have feelings for someone else,” he admitted.

Your eyes widened, and your mouth turned upwards, “Really? Well, it just so happens that I also have feelings for someone else.”

He rolled his eyes, “I never would have guessed. You’re so subtle.”

You scoffed, faking offense, “Well, it’s not like you’re slyest in the bunch either, George.”

He eyed something behind you, “What do you say… that we stir the pot a bit?”

“What do you mean?”

He looked back to you, clearly hatching some evil plan, “I mean, what do you say we make them a bit jealous?”

You narrowed your eyes, “I’m listening…”

He grinned, again glancing somewhere behind you, “You see, if I were to dip you,” he tugged you to the side, and let you fall a bit towards the floor, “and snog you, just for a second” he added, noting your distressed expression, “I bet it would get a reaction from anyone who has feelings for you.”

You were confused, “Who has feelings for me?”

His grin remained intact, “Just trust me, love.”

You nodded, trusting him without question as he leaned in and closed the gap between you. When his lips landed on yours, they were firm, and chaste. You felt no spark, no electricity. But, you felt the same feeling of safety that you always felt around George.

When he pulled away, he winked, and helped you back into a standing position.

“Well, that happened,” you remarked, not feeling much of anything.

“It sure did,” he agreed.

“Did your plan work?” you asked.

He looked again to a spot located just over your shoulder, “We’ll just have to wait to find out.”

Curiosity filled you, “What are you looking at?” You moved to turn your head, and follow his gaze, but he stopped you with a hand on your cheek.

“Trust me, Y/N.”

----

A few songs later, you and Angelina were sitting at an empty table. Fred and George had gone to talk to Ludo Bagman, for some reason, leaving you here.

As you sat, you looked around the room. Harry and Ron seemed rather lonely, sitting by themselves, Padma and Parvati nowhere to be found. Ron’s robes were very traditional, frilly, and a bit gross looking, and you felt a twinge of pity for him. Harry, on the other hand, looked quite nice in expensive-looking emerald robes.

You pointed them out to Angelina, “Don’t they look just miserable?”

She nodded, “Poor Harry. Ron’s in a horrible mood tonight.”

“Why is that?”

She looked back to you, “Did you see Hermione Granger?”

You shook your head.

“Well, Alicia was telling me that she overheard her and Ron talking the other night. Ron wondered who Hermione was taking to the Ball, but she wouldn’t tell him. Turns out she’s here with Krum. And she looks absolutely stunning. Almost rivals the Delacour girl.”

You frowned, “Well, why’s that got Ron in a bad mood?”

Angelina raised her eyebrows at you, “You really are clueless, aren’t you? Ron definitely likes her.”

“No way.”

“Yeah, I’ve seen them interacting, it’s pretty obvious most of the time. Too much sexual tension for there to be no feelings.”

You giggled, “Well, I can’t be completely clueless. I noticed George liking you.”

She frowned, “Speaking of George. Did I see you guys kissing?”

You blushed, “Oh. Right. Please don’t be mad!” you gave her a very apologetic expression, “He said it was to ‘stir the pot.’ Whatever that means. Apparently, there’s someone here that he thought would get jealous.”

“Why would I be mad?” Angelina’s perfectly sculpted brows were furrowed, and then raised in surprise as she processed your words, “Y/N! I think—”

Across the room, Fred and George were no longer talking to Bagman. Instead, they were talking to each other, and apparently arguing about something. Before you could point it out to Angelina, they were headed your way.

Fred stopped right in front of you, “Hello, Y/N. Care for a chat?”

You glanced to Angelina, who’s wide eyes were glancing frantically back and forth between you and Fred. “Too much sexual tension for there to be no feelings,” she muttered, apparently to herself.

You blushed, hoping Fred hadn’t heard that. He must not have, because he was still looking at you, “Uh, sure.”

Fred gestured for you to follow him as he made his way outside, to where rosebushes had been conjured and filled with tiny, living fairies, who glowed in the chilly nighttime air. A statue of Father Christmas and his reindeer were elegantly placed in the middle of the makeshift enclosure.

Fred stopped and faced you. “I saw you kiss George.”

You frowned, scrunching your nose, “Yeah. So?” You shivered once, not having a coat or a sweater of any kind, and Fred noticed. He took off his own and draped it over your shoulders.

“Thanks,” you muttered. This felt somehow similar to when Louis had tried to ask you to the Ball a few weeks ago.

“So, why did you kiss him?”

You met Fred’s eyes, very confused. “What do you mean? He’s my date, I’m allowed to kiss my date, aren’t I?”

“Well, I’d rather you not.”

Your expression shifted into one of incredulity, “Fred are you actually serious? Did you bring me out here for another lecture on which boys you think want to use me for sex? Because I’m pretty sure George has no interest in—”

He frowned, exasperated, “No! No. I just—Why George? Why is it… always George?” He was staring at you quite intently, and you were again reminded of a different time. Fourth year, broom cupboard, hide and seek.

You took a step back from him, clueless, “What do you mean ‘Why is it always George?’ Like I said, George is my date.” You felt like there was something you should be figuring out right about now. This was too weird.

“But, you didn’t want to kiss him…” he said slowly.

You rolled your eyes, “Well, it’s not like he forced me.”

Fred frowned, clearly this is not what he had wanted you to say, “No, I mean, you didn’t really want to kiss him.”

You paused, crossing your arms, “No. I guess I didn’t really want to kiss him.”

“But you did anyway… because he was your date.”

“Yes. Because he was my date.” You avoided mentioning the other, more embarrassing reasons for the kiss.

“But why?” he asked, still staring at you very intently, still dressed very nicely.

You were silent for a moment, wondering where he was headed with this, “Why what?”

Fred frowned, also in thought, “Why didn’t you want to kiss him?”

You rolled your eyes, “Because I don’t like him like that, you dolt. We’re just friends.”

“It always seemed as though you like George. I mean, what’s not to like? I know he’s not as good looking as I am, but still.” Fred seemed to think this comment was pretty funny, because he smirked to himself.

You pressed your face into your hands and groaned.

“So why?” he repeated. You shot him a scathing look. “Why don’t you like him like that, I mean,” he corrected.

Your eyes lingered on his brown ones. He seemed earnest, there was no hint that he was about to make fun of you. “I… I don’t see how that’s any of your business.”

He scoffed, “I think it’s entirely my business.”

You turned toward him again, cheeks hot, “And why would you think that, you entitled prick?”

His eyes met yours, and then he glanced up. The sky was inky and filled with scatterings of stars and a bright full moon, just like the trick ceiling inside the Great Hall. Combined with the elegant enclosure, it would have been dreadfully romantic—if you were with anyone else.  

When Fred’s gaze found yours again, there was something softer to it: he was vulnerable, “You know why, Y/N.”

Your stomach dropped and your eyes fell to the grass. There was no way he knew. You were careful, you were—

“Y/N,” he repeated.

“I—I’m afraid you’re going to have to explain yourself,” you settled in, ready to defend yourself.

“Because I’m in love with you,” your gaze shot up at this, eyes wide, “and I think I deserve to know who my competition is.” Fred’s eyebrows were furrowed and his expression was honest. He was steeled, prepared to take this blow, prepared to know, finally, that you didn’t love him back.

You turned from him, despite every cell in your body telling you to do the opposite. You were on fire. “But…” you sputtered, “you hate me!”

He laughed, “I will admit that I acted to intentionally make my feelings for you less obvious.” He paused, “But honestly, woman, you didn’t know?”

You spun towards him again, now several feet away, in utter disbelief at how idiotic the pair of you had been acting: being mean to each other to throw the other off your scent. “Of course I didn’t know!”

Fred took in your distressed expression and took a few strides towards you, grabbing your forearms in an attempt to calm you. His hands were warm, you could feel the body heat radiating off of him. It was cold outside, damnit. And he must have been wearing some sort of potion for cologne, because your head was light with this sudden close proximity.

You slammed your palms against his chest in a weak attempt to display your anger, failing when you noticed his muscles tense under your fingers. You let Fred pull you into a hug. You were enveloped in him for the first time in a long time, and you couldn’t help but notice how well you fit together.

After a few moments, you heard his voice, “So, who is it?” His voice was in your ear as George’s had been during your slow dance, but with Fred’s words, a shiver went down your spine.

You tilted your head, chin resting on his chest as he looked down at you. His dark eyes were still hardened in preparation of your confession. And though you felt bad for him in the moment, thinking that you were about to tell him about your feelings for someone else, you couldn’t help but smile and tuck your face back into his chest. Fred loved you back. You could hear his heart beating at a speed you were positive was much quicker than it should be.

“Who is it, love? I promise, you won’t hurt my feelings, if that’s what you’re worried about. We can stay friends, I won’t be upset.” You could tell he was trying to be gentle. He didn’t want to hurt you while you told him who you loved instead.

You groaned, and spoke into his shirt, “It’s you, you absolute tosser.”

There was a long pause. Then:

“What was that? Couldn’t quite hear you, darling.” You could hear the overjoyed smile in his voice, and you knew, he had most definitely heard you. He was being cheeky, already.

You pulled your face back from him again, and met his eyes. You opened your mouth to speak, but before you got any words out, he was leaning down and kissing you.

And it was a little awkward at first, with both of you being so excited, you fumbled for a bit. But after a moment or two, your noses stopped bumping and you wound your hands in his hair and kissed him back as passionately as you could. His arms pulled tighter around you, and one hand reached down to squeeze your butt.

You pulled away, swatting at him. “Hey!” But, both of you were breathless and smiling and you leaned in again. The night was cold but you might have been in a sauna for all you knew. Your blood was racing through your veins. You’d wanted this for years.

Kissing Fred was nothing like your kiss with George had been. Fred’s lips on yours made all of the disgustingly cheesy things you read about in romance novels happen: your heart was racing, your head was light, your stomach was filled with butterflies.

When you finally pulled away, both you and Fred were gasping for breath, the cold, winter air drawing into your lungs again and again.

You cleared your throat, “I said…” you gave Fred a pointed look, “It’s you, you absolute tosser.”

He laughed under his breath, “Yeah, I gathered, love.” He moved in to peck your lips again.

As you walked back to the Great Hall, his arm around your shoulders, you grinned at him, “So, me and my fantastically proportioned figure and extraordinary facial features, huh?”

Fred rolled his eyes.

----

A/N 2: I hope you liked it! Let me know what you think! I love reading your comments 🥺💕⚡️🧡 

[sailing-elitsha]

Carrebeean, Here we are!!!

As I said before: 5783 nautical miles we sailed towards this little paradise where we are still on quarantine anchorage. Waiting on the PCR result is always making me a bit nervous, especially this time. If we are tested negative, we have the chance here in Grenada to get the AstraZeneca vaccines and we will travel much freer than we do now.

But no boredom: a little leak in the hand wash basin, try to clean the mud off ELITSHA, friends and family to speak to, small other repairs, taking the lead in UBUNTU again since we have full and unlimited internet on board, planning and booking Zora’s and Su’s tickets towards us, baking bread again and of course swimming and snorkelling.

 But let me talk first a little bit about Suriname and our short sail to Grenada. Suriname was for a long time a Dutch colony. Since 1975, this country is the smallest independent state in South America. The previous president unfortunately abused his power and all the resources the beautiful country has, for example gold, aluminium, oil, bananas got exported unwisely and the profit went into the presidents and his friend’s pockets. That is what Surinamers were telling us. In the meantime, there is a new president, but there is Corona as well. The ECO tourism, Suriname was good and well known for, stands still and the country is in a bad state and shape. At the banks of the Suriname river, entering Suriname, you see big and then I mean really big villas. According to the locals they belong to friends of the former president and to drug lords. A very familiar story to us South Africans. The Netherlands is still involved and helps where they can, but a few days after we left Suriname they closed the country: total lockdown. Just above 500 000 people live in Suriname and most of them in and close to Paramaribo. People are currently getting infected and dying in huge numbers from Corona: not enough hospital beds, not enough vaccinations, not enough oxygen……… not enough doctors and nurses. Their rainy season is terrible this year due to the ELNino effect and its really tuff for the poor population. After a good week in the Marina and a road trip through the rural part of the country to a big dam where people are searching for gold, visiting banana plantations, visiting Paramaribo with a lot of rain we said goodbye to the populated part of Suriname together with Elitsha and we sailed into the Commewijne river. This was so romantic and special. The jaguars, caiman and anacondas were too scared of us, hahahahha. We did not see them, but we heard and enjoyed the voices of the jungle, saw and heard millions of birds, parrots and all kind of other noises. It was magical.  Three days we were totally one with nature, did not see any human being, together with Elitsha.

Coming back from Commewijne river was coming back to happy reggae life. Looking for a spot ashore to get our dingy on board for the trip to Grenada, a fisher of New Amsterdam waved us to come next to his fisher boat. Loud reggae music and a very friendly crew invited us for coffee, tea and biscuits……….and dagga and rum………..Unfortunately, we had to say thank you no (dagga and rum out of question, of course). The threat of getting infected just before we go back to sea again for a couple of days made us kindly refusing the offer. Even though we chatted a while with them and they helped us to get the dingy motor on board. And that’s how Surinamers are, chatty, always happy to assist and help, curious and interested about who you are. As I mentioned before people told us in advanced, that coming to South or Central America or the Caribbean with a South African flag would ask for problems. That was one of the reasons why we registered Elitsha in Germany. But we always say that we are from Cape Town, we don’t hide that and up to now we had no bad experiences. People are impressed that we come from that far to visit their small country and want to know if we like it. They loved the fact that we speak Dutch, because Dutch is still the first language in Suriname. Anyway, after chatting to the fishermen, we tied everything nicely, slept a short night and left New Amsterdam and Suriname at 6 am on the 25th of May.

Aware of the thread of Venezuelan pirates (Surinamers and NOON site (cruiser website) informed us about it), we sailed at a safe distance from the coast. Even though we choose to pass trough the Galleon’s passage between Trinidad and Tobago, but we choose to pass it close to the Tobago side,  away of the Venezuelan coast. On our way we saw a fair number of oil platforms, huge ones, with huge flames, we could see from far. This was also a bit spooky. We had 35 to 40 knots of wind and a good speed to leave the oil area and the Galleon’s passage behind us. I think, pirates do not like rain. We had tons of rain and no pirates though……..although: Dick told me later, that 40 miles out of both coasts, the Grenadian and the Tobagonian, a fast open boat with 3 men in it sped past us. We think they were checking us out, how rich we are. The stretch between Tobago and Grenada apparently is also declared as an unsafe area. That is what we heard later when we arrived in Grenada. Our neigor, Steve, always has a gun with him. Happily, with enough wind and a strong currant we passed Tobago at 4:30 in the morning and arrived safely in Grenada at 17:00 on the 28th of May.

Close to the harbour at the quarantine anchorage we spoke to our South African friends of the Aventura, a young couple with 2 dogs and his parents on their way to emigrate to Panama. We saw them in every harbour we visited up to now. They left Suriname a few days earlier then we did. They craved for blue water and thought jaguar, caiman and anaconda would perhaps love their dogs too much. In any way, nice to see them again. They explained the Grenadian procedures to us and on Saturday we went ashore to register with the health department. We inhaled the positive and relaxed Grenadian vibe immediately: steel drum music from the taverns, people on the streets, Corona is almost dealt with.

And in the meantime, 1 week in St George, we are declared negative and are allowed to explore the island. Paul, a registered tour guide grabbed his chance. Slandering around the harbour he almost forced us to have a tour with him.  The cruise ships are missed by restaurants, tour guides…not by us. Paul told us, that they on “good” days had 6000 tourists from cruise ships ashore. Dick and I were quite happy to escape these “good“ days. Pity for Paul, that’s why we went with him on a long trip through St. George at noon and let him earn some ECDs.  Hot and up and down, I was exhausted at the end. We didn’t walk much for the last 2 months at least..

Grenada is the spice island: nutmeg, gloves, cinnamon, and other spices grow here. They have a golden waterfall and many more attractions. We will explore them all and share with you. For now, we experienced the spicy side of the island by drinking shandies with nutmeg, eating ice cream with nutmeg and gloves and some other weird things you would think its really ugg, but in reality it’s absolutely amazing.

We are registered for Astra Zeneca vaccination and yes, we are in a marina with a nice club house and WIFI and not on anchorage or at a mooring buoy. For the first time in almost 3 months, I am able to go and stay where I want on my own. For somebody like me, who likes her independence, its heaven. Opposite of our little paradise, there is another marina, posh and expensive and not really our style. Elitsha, would feel a bit lonely between all the posh-million dollar-yachts. I don’t know, if I mentioned before, that a lot of other cruisers, have fancy and well-equipped boats with freezers, bread baking automates, washing machine, water cooker……. you name it. Our only luxury is a fridge, a BBQ and a good stove with oven, cosy and exactly what we need no more and no less. Anyway, Elitsha got a good clean-up. Sticky, a local guy, Dick and I made her looking pretty again. The water of the Suriname river was dirty through mud and chemicals, they use for the gold extraction industry, we learned. And this was very difficult to get off the hull-0987654Qasdfuiop[.

My home office is in the marina’s clubhouse, with more than brilliant views!          Unfortunately, UBUNTU for Africa’s operations manager, who took over financials and admin of the NGO from me, resigned a few days ago. That’s why I am back on the job and working every day for an hour or 3. Alene Edson Smith, local social worker, who was already involved in the family program and took over my job at Kronendal Primary, is doing the hands-on jobs, where you have to be involved personally onsite, like team meetings, meetings with principals etc. For now, we won’t have stretches which will take more than 3 days and we have internet and WIFI. No problem to work though. I love my work as much as I love cruising. To combine both is absolutely great.

For the rest the NGO is in good hands, with our after-care team, Barbara Heye, who is mentor to a single mother with 3 kids. And as I mentioned before Alene Edson Smith, well known in the valley through her involvement through her own NGO, Serenity, took over the reins at Kronendal Primary from me and is mentor to 5 families in our NGO. We share the lead of UBUNTU for Africa. What I can do, I will do, where personal presence is needed, Alene will be hands on. She will lead the sound and music studio, which will release their first CD soon. Lelo managed to get 2 new volunteers into this project, for marimba and music production. Ricardo will remain taking the lead on Silikamva side and Alene will have a firm look and hand on the project.

After care is just running. Andiswa and her team also get support from Alene. But this team of 5 is just doing what they can do best: love our children and supervise, support, teach them and make sure that they are safe.  

 Questions for the kids:

1.       How many kilometres did we sail from Cape Town to Grenada?

2.       Which language do the people speak in Suriname?

3.       What kind of currency do we used in Suriname and which one in         Grenada?

4.       Please explain, what the modern pirates of the Caribbean are up to.

5.       What is the name of the small entrance to the Caribbean between Trinidad and Tobago?

 Sponsor sail:

For the ones who want to take part in our sponsor sail: We have sailed 1812 nautical miles. You can donate a cent, a Rand, a Euro or whatever per nautical mile. We are sailing for these amazing schools: every nautical mile and each Rand counts. To UBUNTU for Africa,German  NGO.                                                                                                                                                                   

The money will go to the UBUNTU for Africa projects: after care at Hout Bay Primary School and the music project at Silikamva High School. This organisation I started 12 years ago (www.ubuntuforafrica.com) Of course, you will receive a tax certificate. 

Ubuntu for Africa-Kinder-, Jugend und Familienhilfe in Südafrika                         

Volksbank Boenen e G                                                                                           

IBAN: DE91 4106 2215 0054 5799 01                                                                  

For South Africans and others, who want to donate directly to South Africa (also with tax certificate): please donate to Kronendal Primary School (www.kronendalprimary.com). I worked for 10 years at Kronendal Primary as a school counsellor. This school struggles financially due to the consequences of the Covid Pandemic and deserves our support.                                                   

KRONENDAL PRIMARY SCHOOL trading as CUIM (“the account holder”) holds the following account with                                                                                       

First National Bank, a division of FirstRand Bank Limited (“FNB”): Account Type BUSINESS ACCOUNT

Account Number 53452884035                                           

Branch Code 204009                                                                                         

Branch Name HOUT BAY 345                                                                               

Swift Code FIRNZAJJ                                                                            

[whitecatindisguise]

He Will Pay

So, we’re finally there. It’s the final chapter of the story. You can treat it as a sort of epilogue. Thank you for bearing with me the whole time. And keep out, I might start posting something else soon (hopefully).

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Chapter 7

The double door to the throne room opened and people inside quietened. The prisoner was led down the aisle, towards the centre of the room. His hands and legs were in shackles, the chains rattling with every movement. He was flanked by two guards, each of them holding one of his shoulder.

The crowd whispered and murmured as he walked, their eyes showing anger, hate and a sense of justice. The prisoner didn’t look up but he was well aware of the stares. He smirked, not paying mind to the atmosphere in the room.

The group finally reached the centre of the room. Behind them, in the benches, sat the townspeople and nobles. In front of them, on three thrones, sat the royal family. The Captain of the Guard and the Royal Advisor both stood to their right and left respectively.

Nigel cleared his throat, before unrolling the scroll he held under his shoulder and stepping forward.

“Hubert of Saporia!” He started and the room felt silent.

“Andrew, if you don’t mind.” The prisoner interrupted. The Advisor glared at him but continued without losing a beat.

“Hubert of Saporia” He repeated, putting a stress on the name. “You stand today in front of the Royal Court, to answer for the crimes committed against the Kingdom of Corona and its citizens! Before I read out the charges, do you have anything to say?”

“Where’s the kid?” The male asked, looking around. “Figured he’d be here.”

Eugene took a few deep breaths to steady himself. He didn’t want to lash out on the man, it wouldn’t serve any good. From the corner of his eye he noticed Rapunzel tensing on her throne, her knuckles white from gripping the armrests. She, too, was fighting herself to just stand up and slap the male.

“The Royal Engineer already gave his testimony and his presence is no longer required.” Nigel replied with a steady voice.

“Shame. Wanted to see him again.” Andrew shrugged his shoulders and Eugene thought for a moment Rapunzel will blow up right there. Queen Ariana reached out her hand and gently put it on her daughter’s calming her down. The princess took a deep breath and smiled gratefully at her mother.

“If you have nothing else to say, I will proceed with stating the charges.” Nigel interrupted before the prisoner could say anything more. “Hubert of Saporia” He said, ignoring the male correcting his name again. “You are charged with threatening to overthrow the rulers of Corona, planning and staging coup d'état, planning to destroy the kingdom and its citizens, attacking and brainwashing the rulers of Corona, attacking the princess. Of most recent ones, you are charged with escaping the dungeons, kidnapping the Royal Engineer, holding against his will, threatening with death, torturing and causing multiple injuries.” The people started to whisper again, their voices agitated. “These are all the charges. How do you pledge?”

“Not guilty.” Andrew replied instantly, the ever-present smirk on his face. Townsfolk and nobles gathered in the room started shouting, calling him a liar and a threat to the kingdom.

Some people started throwing tomatoes and eggs at the male, their anger and hatred visible in their actions.

“Quiet!” Nigel’s voice echoed in the room, bouncing from the walls. People shut up at once, sitting back down. They were still angry, but no one was shouting or throwing anything anymore. “Hubert of Saporia, are you sure this is how you pledge?”

“You heard me, old man.” Came the reply and angry voices aroused again. Nigel shouted for them to quiet down, but it didn’t work the second time.

“Silence!” An authoritative voice boomed in the throne room, successfully shutting up the angered mob. King Frederic was standing up, his eyes glaring at the people before moving to the prisoner. “Hubert of Saporia, based on the testimony of witnesses and multiple proofs, including plans signed with your name, I thereby find you guilty of all the charges and sentence to the life-sentence in the Royal Mines.”

At hearing that, people started to argue again, but the King continued nevertheless.

“Tomorrow morning you will be placed on the Prison Barge and taken to the mines. Is that clear?” King Frederic looked down at the prisoner expectantly.

“Clear as a bell. Although it must have hurt your pride to not get rid of me on the spot, Your Highness.” The male smirked in response. “I always knew you didn’t have to guts.”

“Actually, your sentence was requested by the Royal Engineer, who you kidnapped, held against his will and tortured.” Nigel explained, a smirk on his face. “How does it feel to know, the one you wronged let you live?”

“He’s an idiot. That’s all to it.” Andrew hissed through clenched teeth. How dare they say it in front of everyone. He’d be a laughing stock if any other prisoner was to know he’d got away only because the kid he failed to kill decided against it.

“Or he wanted to show you he’s not like you.” A female voice said and he saw the princess standing up. “That whatever he’d done in the past, he never was and never will be like you.”

Andrew growled in response but didn’t say anything. How dare they?!

“Although the Royal Engineer didn’t want your death, let me add something, before we end.” The King said, his eyes stern. “If you in any way attempt or are found attempting to escape, you will receive a death sentence. Court dismissed.”

With that words the guards grabbed Andrew and led him away, back to the dungeons, where he was to await the morning.

~~~~~~

The sun was barely up but the port was already busy. A group moved towards one of the docks.

“Are you sure you want to do this?” Quirin looked down at his son, worry in his eyes. “You haven’t recovered yet.”

“I know, dad. But I have to... no, I need to do this” Varian shook his head as they made their way towards the Prison Barge. “I need to see him. To... make sure...”

“That he’s truly leaving?” Adira asked. The boy nodded slowly.

“It would be better if you’d just let me-” Hector started but Adira struck the back of his head.

“We’ve already discussed it, brother. If our nephew doesn’t wish for it, we won’t do it.” She stated in a voice you don’t argue with.

“I appreciate the gesture, uncle. But I am not like him.” Varian looked up at him from where he was sitting on a wheelchair.

The Royal Medic, seeing they boy was unwavering in his decision to see the barge off, ordered him to at least use the wheelchair, since he was in no condition to walk all the way himself.

“Gah, you are too soft. It’s your fault, Quirin!” Hector argued but smiled fondly, ruffling his nephew’s hair.

“Varian!” A female voice called out and they saw Rapunzel waving her hand at them. She waited until they came closer, her short brown hair moving with the soft breeze. “What are you doing here? I thought the Royal Medic said you’re not to leave the bed for at least one more week.”

“Try and hold him in one place for a week.” Quirin laughed. “And I’m not counting the lab.”

Rapunzel chuckled in response and looked at Varian. Her smile wavered and turned into a troubled frown.

“We were really worried about you. Everyone was doing their best.” She said and the boy looked down at the words. He felt bad with how people worried about him, even though this time it wasn’t entirely his fault. “I can’t even begin to think, what would happen if Eugene didn’t get to you when he did. I couldn’t lose you, Varian.”

“Thank you, Pri-Rapunzel.” The alchemist mumbled, his head staring at Ruddiger sleeping comfortably on his laps. Since he was brought back, the raccoon didn’t leave his side even for a moment. He petted his back absent-mindedly, the animal letting out a quiet purr.

Suddenly, a prison wagon appeared on the horizon, Max and Eugene leading it, two other guards, who Varian recognised as Pete and Stan, riding behind. They stopped near the group and Eugene gave a surprised frown at the alchemist.

“Get out!” Stan ordered, opening the door to the wagon and letting the prisoner step outside. He was still wearing shackles on his arms and legs, but the smirk didn’t disappear.

“Hey, I’m coming. Gee, talk about patience.” Andrew strolled slowly from inside the wagon and looked around. His eyes stopped on the group and he seemed to stare straight at Varian.

The boy cringed and shivered under the gaze, turning his head downward. Ruddiger woke up at the slight movement and noticed the Saporian, hissing in his direction from his master’s laps. Hector and Adira stepped in front of him protectively, while Quirin laid a comforting hand on his son’s shoulder.

“Heeeey, kid. How’s your shoulder?” The male called out, not paying attention to the guards telling him to shut up. “Still a little bit too bony?”

Varian trembled at the comment, the memory of the acid eating his skin still fresh. Eugene moved to push Andrew towards the barge, but someone was faster.

Hector reached the male in few large steps, his blade opening and reaching for the throat. The guards shouted in alarm, but Eugene motioned for them to stay down, wondering, what the man was doing.

“Not another word, scum. If it wasn’t for my nephew, you’d be already dead and your ashes flying somewhere with even the smallest breeze.” Hector hissed, his blade pushing against the male’s throat.

The green eyes were wide open. Although he tried to hide it, he was terrified. He still remembered how the dark-haired man and his beasts attacked him back in the hideout. He attempted to fake his emotions, but he knew the man wasn’t kidding.

“Now listen closely, scum.” Hector’s blade pushed even more, but not enough to create a cut. “You will turn around and quietly step onto that boat. Then, you will obediently get yourself locked in the cell and sit still until you reach the mines. You will stay there until you die, because if ever hear you escaped, I will hunt you down and kill you myself. Do you understand?”

Andrew nodded fiercely, not daring to test the man’s patience. He still managed to steal a glance at Varian’s form, now looking directly at the two men. A growl and a sharp slap was the only warning he got, before the man retreated his blade and grabbed his shirt, lifting him up from the ground in one swift motion.

“And you will not look at nor speak to my nephew! EVER!” Hector growled before letting go of the Saporian’s shirt and letting him fall to the ground.

The guards quickly pushed him up and turned towards the barge, leading him on the board. He didn’t dare to look back, afraid of the man’s wrath. He grit his teeth in annoyance, that someone dared to make him feel terrified.

Hector huffed and rejoined the group, hiding his blade back. He met their surprised and unhappy gazes and shrugged.

“Someone had to teach him the lesson.” He stated, not in the slightest feeling guilty.

“Although I don’t approve the method, I appreciate the gesture.” Quirin nodded with a small smile. “You scared him half to death.”

“He almost wet himself.” Hector grinned in response and they heard Varian chuckle at that.

“Probably the first time someone scared him like that.” The boy added between the chuckles.

“First time for everything. And he deserved it.” Adira nodded in approval. “I am glad you’re feeling better.”

“Not yet...” Varian mumbled and everyone’s faces saddened. It was true, traumas like that didn’t disappear that easily. “But I will be.” He added, a small smile appearing on his face.

“In time.” His father agreed as he grabbed the handles of the wheelchair and turned back towards the castle. “Now, it’s high time we get back. You’ve still didn’t recover and we only got one-hour leave for you.”

Varian groaned at the thought and slumped in the chair. Ruddiger chirruped, as if trying to cheer up the boy. Rapunzel smiled, as she and Eugene watched the group walk back to the castle. The man put his arm around her and she leaned into the embrace.

“He will be fine.” She said and he hummed in agreement. 

“He’s a tough little brat. I tell you, he’d be up and running before we even know it.” The man added as he turned his head to look at the ship disappearing behind the horizon. “And thanks to that crazy feral uncle of his, we have one problem less to worry about.”

“Hey, his name is Hector!” Rapunzel nudged his side playfully and he laughed. Yes, everything’s going to be fine.

--------

Aaaaaand, that’s it, folks. We’ve reached the end of He Will Pay. I thank you all for sticking with me. Your comments and reacts really kept me going.

I also want to say, I’ve published the story on both fanfiction.net and Ao3. You can find it there, whenever you feel like coming back and not want to search the whole tumblr to find it xD.

[feralnumberfive]

I expect no one to read this at all. It’s more of a way to get some feelings off of my chest. This is a look into my personal life and what I went through in 2020. I cried quite a bit while writing this, haha.

My farewell letter to 2020:

To you 2020, the year that shook the world. You’re certainly one to go down in the record books. You changed my life as you did to everyone. To you, the month of March. I had hit the lowest part in my life since the shock of my parent's divorce 11 years ago. My beloved cat had died in October of 2019, a few days short of our one year anniversary of fostering him, which soon turned into us adopting him. It was sudden and unexpected. I still can remember clear as day that horrid call I got from my sister from the vet. “Hey, we need you to come up here. It’s kidney failure.” As she spoke through her tears, I instantly began to cry. I had felt sad for months after that. 

In December of 2019, the adoptive dad of one of my closest friends committed suicide. She was torn apart, having had three people she knew died earlier that year. I stood by her side and watched her cry. We colored together in the counseling room, making small talk and doing anything I could to comfort her. 

From late February into March, another one of my closest friends revealed to me a traumatic experience she went through. She had been raped by a classmate of mine, one who I considered to be good acquaintances. She was a grade younger than me, and was practically completely dependent on me and my friend, as she was too scared to tell her parents. She eventually completely relied on my friend as I became shoved out of the problem. Her story and the amount of support required from her, which she never gave back to me throughout our friendship, made me realize at that moment I had hit rock bottom. I was tired and so sick of it all. This sentence that I'm about to say is one I've never admitted to anyone: I didn't want to be around anymore, or at least alive. I needed somewhere to escape. I didn't want to commit suicide due to expectations I held upon myself. I was also too scared to commit suicide. 

I finally admitted I needed help, which was scary for me to do. In March of you, 2020, I was diagnosed with situational depression. I was soon put on an anti-depressant. It felt good to put a name on it, but little did I know I would pay the price for my relief. Preparing to go off to college, I needed to get a First Class Medical Certificate in order to apply to the flight program at the colloege I wanted to go to. I went and got my FAA Medical Certificate done, ticking off the boxes on my journey to fulfill my life long dream of becoming a pilot. 

Spring Break came and after watching schools around me close, it was announced that we wouldn't be returning until mid April, and then the end of April, then until May. I quickly realized it wasn't possible to return and that unbeknownst to me I had already spent the last days of my Senior year at school in March. A frantic question was suddenly formed amongst my classmates and soon the world: Will the class of 2020 graduate? I, being burnt out, didn't care what would happen to me or my class. We soon became a laughing stock and a sight to pity around the world. Class of 2020, Corona Class, The Class that would be telling this story to their kids. It didn't matter to me. As I held up the “Class of 2020″ shirt my uncle got me with the zeros as tp rolls, I sighed. I just wanted to graduate without getting laughed at. Spoiler Alert: That didn't happen. 

Around this time I ended my friendship with the girl who I cherished but didn't cherish me back. I still to this day can’t exactly understand why I did that. I blocked her and left without saying goodbye. That wasn’t the right thing to do at all. She had been raped and needed support, but here I was leaving her. She always needed and wanted my support but never gave it back. It was always “Aw you have a problem? Here, let’s try this minimal effort plan to help you. That didn’t work? Oh well, let’s get back to me.” This is no excuse at all for my actions of cutting her off. I really still don’t know why I did this. I had hung out with her everyday in the summer of 2019. Here I was, easily letting her go. Jackie, I’m so sorry. I hope you are doing well and get into ISU to follow your dreams of being an engineer. 

In May I received news that still hurts and effects me to this day. I had been denied my Medical Certificate. It wasn't due to me being on an antidepressant, is was due to the fact that I was depressed. This was soul crushing news, but there was still a chance I could reapply for the Medical Certificate if I jumped through multiple hoops. May also provided the announcement that my safe haven in Oshkosh, Wisconsin wouldn't be happening this year. It was definitely understandable due to the virus, but still very saddening to me. It’s really the only thing I look forward to each year, but I understood and agreed on why it was canceled for 2020.

In June I got the news that a beloved teacher of my family and I passed away due to a heart attack and complications of Addison’s Disease. She was the best math teacher I had ever had, and the best in my High School. Math is my worst subject, but she never made me feel stupid like the other math teachers. She always made sure I understood what I was doing. Sometimes when she didn’t feel like having class she would have a free day. She would gossip with my classmates and tell us stories of her youth. Sometimes though she would give us free days due to having intense migraines that sometimes hospitalized her due to her disease. It wasn’t fun to see her like that. 

In June she was hospitalized where even her husband and two kids weren’t allowed in to see her. The only person allowed into her before she died was her twin brother. The family decided to have a public funeral, with tons of people in the community and school district socially distancing and wearing masks to pay their respect. I began to cry as I listened to her husband tell everyone that he wasn't ready and was so scared to be a single parent. Their children were both under ten, and were now motherless. Mrs. Johnson it was so hard saying goodbye to you. I loved you so much, and I still do. You gave my friend who had lost her dad food and comfort. You did so much not only for my family and I, but for everyone in the community and school district. I miss you so much. 

Hot days came with hazy skies. Everyday I checked the wildfire smoke map as I watched the sun turn bright pink as the sun became a blazing red when the sun went down. For weeks our sky looked hazy. Some days looked cloudy, but it was actually smoke. As someone who lives the Midwest, this was quite surprising. 

In August I experienced something that will forever be remembered by me and everyone who lives in my state. A Derecho tore through and ravaged my hometown and the state that I dearly love. We watched through the window as trees snapped in half and branches and leaves whirled around everywhere. We watched through the window as water roared down the road, appearing as if a stream had started right next to us. We watched in fear as shingles were torn off and large items were blown through our yard. As the electricity flickered out, we wondered if we would be crushed by either tree that were on two sides of our house. Wet leaves were torn apart and slammed into our window, where they stayed there for a month afterwards. They looked like confetti, torn into thousands of tiny pieces. 

To the branches and trees I still see today in the neighboring towns and cities, broken reminders of the damage done. To you, the metal grain bins that still sit out in the flattened cornfields. Our once tall and proud cornfields that are a proud symbol of my state were now flattened to the ground, completely parallel to the rich farming soil that it stood in. Painting the countryside in flat waves of green with splotches of silver from grain bins and white from barns and houses damaged. Our proud stalks became damaged goods that costed us billions. To the buildings that still show their battle scars from months ago, the houses with the tarps on their roofs and the old wooden barns that couldn't handle the 140 mph. To you, Donald J, Trump, the President of the United States who was supposed to tour Cedar Rapids to exam the damage that still lies there today. You stayed in the airport and immediately left after getting your business done. You didn't care about us, you were there to do business and leave to start your campaigning.

My small town was able to clean up within a month or so, but even still TODAY the bigger cities are littered with damage. There are tree trunks and branches scattered along roads. Thousands of houses still have tarps on their houses and siding missing. 

In August my grandma was also diagnosed with Dementia. I've watched her deteriorate over the past few months. Every time we call she forgets that I’m not in school. Sometimes she forgets my name. When we tell her we’re on our way to visit outside her window, she forgets within 10 minutes. Grandma, I hope you never forget that I love you.

In September I finally met with a therapist. I am so thankful to be working with her. After months of my family getting angry and upset at me for being scared to go to the store, my therapist diagnosed me with Social Anxiety. I was so relieved to be diagnosed with it and to be working out the issues I have with my therapist. We work together weekly to help me become a better and more comfortable version of myself. 

Over the summer months the health of my already diseased cat took a steep decline. She was my cat, and I felt powerless as I slowly watched her die. She could no longer stay inside due to her having constant accidents. As we made our plan to take her to the vet to give her a peaceful death, I received a heartbreaking call from my mother on a cold September night. My little Jill had passed away in her sleep on our porch. I came over to say goodbye to my baby as I pet her cold fur one last time. I love you my little Jilly Bean and I miss you everyday. I miss and love you so so so much. 

September also brought the news that a precious B-25 had a crash landing. It always hurts to hear about a Warbird crashing or getting damaged. I was happy to hear though that they were going to fix it back to airworthiness.

In October I had to make a difficult decision with the FAA. Do I try to visit four different doctors for phycological examinations in order to complete my Medical Certificate or do I wait to get off my medicine and start feeling better on my own? I opted for the second part due to the decline of visiting all of those doctors coming up in November. We had been given that option early in the year, but Covid prevented us from traveling out of state to see those doctors. I sent a letter to the FAA to let them know what I was doing. I received a letter about a month ago that stated that I still needed to visit those doctors or something like that. I honestly didn’t look through it that well because it’s just such a pain in the butt.

Another thing about you 2020 is that you provided me with he opportunity to meet amazing people. I began to watch The Umbrella Academy in September, but I decided to make my account on October 1st. I’ve met tons of funny and talented people on here. The show itself had provided me tons of comfort. It has given me the courage to start writing fanfiction for it along with starting back up on drawing fanart

The end of 2020 has slowed down for me. One of my aviation heroes died this year, Mr. Chuck Yeager. It was heartbreaking for me to hear that. One of the worst days for me was ironically on my birthday in December. I felt really bitter and down and just wanted to sit in my room, but I didn’t. I don’t like celebrating my birthday anymore. As I get older it feels less and less special and in turn I feel sad about it. Another reason why is that I don’t like having a fuss made about it. I don’t like the attention from it haha. It’s okay though because even though this year I felt upset I eventually felt a bit happier as it turned to night. 

This year I witnessed history being made. Let me be clear that history is made every year, but this year was very eventful. I witnessed innocent black lives being slaughtered by the very people who are sworn to protect everyone. It’s so disappointing and soul crushing to see all of this. I don’t know if I’ve made it clear on here, but I strongly stand with the BLM movement. I may not understand what they haven been going through for decades, but I stand with them to make things right. Black Lives Matter, not All Lives. All Lives only matter when it’s actually true and Black Lives are included. If you saw a house on fire in an entire block of houses, you wouldn’t say “All Houses Matter!” No they don’t, that house on fire matters. Black Lives Fucking Matter, and All Cops Are Bastards.

To you, the Pledge of Allegiance. Everyday in elementary school I proudly held my right hand over my heart as I stared up at Old Glory and recited you. This year helped me realize that “With liberty and justice for all.” is total bullshit. The only thing I truly appreciate about my country now is the scenery and nature it provides. 

To you 2020, as I finish writing this letter on December 31st. You’ve made me cry a lot, including right now. You’ve deeply effected my life and brought me lots of sorrow. Despite all of this, I don't feel upset about you. Yes, you gave me some events that will always haunt me but that’s okay. 2020 even though you’ve hurt me, you’ve also shaped me. Yes, you also made my lose faith in my country and humanity, but I can only hope for the best. You’ve pushed me to become a better version of myself. 

So to you 2020, you’ve been a hell of a year. I’ve hated and loved you, but mostly hated you. I went through some shit, but others have gone through worse this year. To those of you who have had a very hard time this year, I love you. I sincerely hope things get better for you. Friend or stranger, you can always rely on me as someone to talk to, to rant or vent to, and to cry to. This year was excruciating, but don’t give up. It has ended and a new year has begun. Sure 2021 may also be bad and we’re all exhausted from 2020, but let’s fight till the end. 

[love-killed-the-superstar]

finally wrote day 3!! uknighted dreamers come get yall juice!! this one’s got some spoilers for frozen 2 because yaaay crossovers. its set after day 7 of cass week!

CASSUNZEL WEEK DAY 3 - NEW BEGINNINGS

Honeymoons are phenomenal.

The wonderful thing about them, Cass has discovered, is that for once in her life there is nothing expected of her but to have a good time. It's something that she frankly isn't used to – even while travelling by herself, there's always been some pressure to chase after some destiny she doesn't even know exists.

To begin with, the lack of responsibility caused some conflict between the newlyweds. As it happens, taking three people so very different and depositing them on a ship to sail around the world by themselves means opening up a whole new door to finding out just how different they are. But, what with still riding the euphoria of getting to marry Rapunzel in secret, it didn't take too long for Cass to admit that actually there was no harm in letting loose and embracing the spontaneity that Rapunzel and Eugene liked to live each day by.

They’ve been to islands and coves, swam in the bitingly cold water and sat around campfires. They’ve sat on beauty spots overlooking the Koto mountain range, held picnics in lush meadows, spent night after night stargazing as the ship drags through water as dark as velvet. There are the odd days where Cass will stay behind and read, or Eugene will stay behind and preen; days where one or the other has Rapunzel completely to themselves, and Cass can’t deny how wonderful it is to have a little time to sneak away from the ship and be all alone. Running through a forest hand in hand, kissing up against a tree, all alone in their little pocket of the world… it’s just a taste of the rest of their lives, and one that Cass will gladly sink into again and again.

That said, it’s been fun with Eugene around, cracking a dry joke or saying something so unbelievably mushy it makes Cass queasy. Now that there’s no animosity, no compulsive need to prove who has the upper hand in Rapunzel’s affections, however childish it may be, he makes for pretty good company. Her whole life she’d heard ‘three’s a crowd’ being tossed around and bought into it. But times like these, with her hand clasping Rapunzel’s, as Eugene jostles her shoulder with his and points to a potato-looking cloud, convinced it resembles her face somehow… Cass feels at peace. And it’s here to stay.

After all, at the end of each night when lights are out and the world is quiet, she gets to lie down next to her wife. It’s bliss.

…

The letter comes right as they are about to leave port for their next destination. The courier hands the envelope to the guard stationed at the docks right as the ship blows its final horn to leave, and it just barely gets pushed into Rapunzel’s outstretched hands in time. They’re lucky to have caught her; after the first three or four stops, Eugene lost the thrill of waving farewell at their departures, and Cass had never enjoyed sharing that spotlight, so Rapunzel is the only one still to cheerfully wave goodbye to the dock workers as they sail away.

The cold weather soon has her joining Eugene and Cassandra inside, and she opens the letter as they continue their heated game of chess.

“Oh, wow,” gasps Rapunzel.

“What?” Eugene asks, eyebrows raised in curiosity. Cass swipes out one of his bishops while he's distracted, earning her a sharp glare when he comes to realise. “Who’s it from, sunshine?”

“My mother. Apparently something happened in Arendelle that caused Elsa to step down from the throne. Anna’s coronation was last week!”

“Is Queen Elsa all right?” Cass asks, brow furrowed. “She's not sick or injured?”

“I don't think so. I'm sure Mom would have written sooner if that was the case. Huh, I wonder what the story is there.” Rapunzel hums. “We did hear that rumour about Arendelle's fjord almost being destroyed by the bridge collapse a while ago, but I thought it was just a close call... I wonder if the incidents are related somehow?”

“Well, we’re sailing that way anyway, right?” Eugene points out. “We can drop by for the coronation and see what the story is.”

“I hope you two packed some winter gear,” Cass drawls. “It's pretty cold in Arendelle.”

“Oh, like we wouldn’t already know that?” Eugene retorts. “Me and Rapunzel were there when Elsa froze the whole kingdom over.”

“She didn't mean to, okay, she was going through some stuff,” Rapunzel protests.

“Check,” Cass announces, switching her king and castle in a move Eugene is always convinced classes as cheating, leaving her castle directly facing his king.

“Damn it! You know I don’t believe in castling, Cass,” he grumbles.

“It’s a real move, Eugene, look it up.”

“I’ve been playing chess since my orphanage days and I have never seen it used except when you break it out to cheat your way to victory!”

“Can it and move.”

“...Oh, no.”

“All right, sunshine, what's the matter now?” Eugene gets up from his seat, eager to leave before Cass corners his king again, and goes to sit beside her. He plunges into silence for a minute or two while he reads, Rapunzel hanging worriedly over his shoulder the entire time. Finally he sits back and exhales. “Ah, geez. Okay.”

Cass eyes them both suspiciously. “Will you two stop being so vague and tell me what's going on?”

“Nothing's... going on, really,” Rapunzel says with a wince, “it's just-”

“Raps, don't try to sugarcoat anything. Fitzherbert, what's going on?”

“Well,” he begins, stroking his chin, “uh, the thing is. Rapunzel’s parents haven’t really, uhh, told anyone about what happened after the wedding reception. And we’ve been pretty good at keeping to ourselves this whole trip, so.”

Cass blinks. “Okay? I still don’t follow.”

“You’re not getting it. Y’see, the royal families of the surrounding kingdoms all know we're on our honeymoon,” Eugene points out awkwardly. “But Arendelle will only be expecting Rapunzel and me because-”

Oh.

“...Because they don't know I'm here.”

Of course the king and queen aren't about to shout from the rooftops that their sole heir has gleefully defied Corona law to take a second spouse out at sea. It's a delicate issue that not every allied kingdom will agree with, and clearly needs to be handled with care. It makes sense that it's being kept quiet, even with Arendelle, but it doesn't stop that hollow feeling from creeping back in: knowing deep down that she still doesn't belong.

It's been easy to kid herself, while Rapunzel and Eugene have been so overly-enthusiastic about sharing the honeymoon with her, but reality was bound to come in sooner or later to kick her like a mule.

“Well, it was a private ceremony,” Eugene muses. “It... makes sense that the other kingdoms don’t know about it.”

“But Arendelle isn't just any kingdom! Anna and Elsa are my relatives,” Rapunzel cries, smoothing her hair against her neck in frustration. “I... I thought my parents would have at least mentioned our arrangement to them.”

“Maybe they thought it would be better to hear it directly from you?” Eugene suggests, looking between the two helplessly. “I mean, you said it yourself: Anna and Elsa are your family. They'll want to meet Cass in person, right?”

“That’s true…” Rapunzel’s face brightened. “Yeah! They don’t even know how wonderful you are yet, Cass! But I’m sure they’ll love you. Oh, it’ll be great! As soon as we leave the boat, we’ll have them announce the both of you as my husband and wife. No room for misunderstandings!”

“No, no, no. Rapunzel, I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Cass interrupts. “Look, this trip isn’t about us, it’s about congratulating Anna for her new position as ruler. We don’t want to draw attention to ourselves. And people will be talking about it if we’re upfront, so maybe it’ll be easier to blend in if we just, you know… pretend I’m your assigned bodyguard, or something.”

“But that’s not true,” Rapunzel cries, indignant. “And I never want to put you in a position where you have to serve me, Cass, never again. We stand by each other as equals now, forever and always.”

“It would only be for a few days. It’s not a big deal! The king and queen are clearly waiting for the right time to announce our marriage to the rest of the kingdoms, and if we disrupt that it might cause some political conflict with Corona. We will be honest about it someday, but right now… it just doesn’t seem like the right time.”

“Cass, how long do we have to wait until the world knows?” Rapunzel asks, almost pleading, eyes wide and hurting. “Because it’s been years for us now.”

“It’s complicated!” Cass retorts, head spinning a little as she realises they’re headed straight for an argument. “Raps, you know how complicated this is! We bypassed Corona law – a very big deal for the future monarch to do, by the way! –  and got married on a technicality. While that might not be a problem for your relatives in Arendelle, if we make a public declaration everybody finds out. And that will be a problem for some of the kingdoms Corona is allied with. I love you for being so idealistic, but I’m asking you not to be, just this one time.”

“Well that’s something I just can’t do, Cass,” Rapunzel says, voice steely.

“Ladies,” Eugene cuts in, glancing between the two of them nervously, “can’t we just get along here? There’s nothing we can do about the situation until we arrive in Arendelle anyway, so… why not just let the matter rest for now, and let things unfold as they will when we get there?”

“You seriously want us to just forget the whole thing? We need a plan of action, Eugene, we can’t just be relying on blind luck-” Cass begins.

“How can you say that? I can’t just let this go, the three of us are married now and we should be allowed to be public about that-” Rapunzel cries simultaneously.

He holds his hands up, and the two of them fall silent.

“You both still love each other. A lot.”

“That’s not even a question,” Cass mutters.

“Of course we do,” Rapunzel agrees, glancing over at Cassandra with a brow marred with worry.

“Then cool off, both of you. You’re both right to be upset, this is a weird situation! But until we actually get to Arendelle, fighting about this won’t help.” He sits back down in front of the chessboard. “Now, Cassandra, beat my ass at this game of chess right now.”

Rapunzel reaches for her journal and curls into a corner, letting the argument rest for now, and Cassandra feels smaller than ever.

…

“I can see it!”

Rapunzel’s squeal carries through to the shelter of the deck below. Cass climbs up to join her, oil lamp in hand, while Eugene huddles in his thick winter coat and refuses to take a step outside into the cold and snow until he absolutely must.

Night falls faster here in the waters of Arendelle, especially in the colder months, so the sun has already disappeared below the horizon by the time land is in sight. Rapunzel has been on the lookout like an excited child all day, darting up every half hour or so to check that they aren’t off course. Eugene, in turn, has pointed out each time without fail that they have a more than capable crew on board.

The kingdom of Arendelle looks smaller than she remembers. Cassandra has only visited once before while on her travels, and only stopped over briefly out of curiosity. Even after all this time, part of her still dwells on the magic of the sundrop and moonstone. When she heard about the queen of Arendelle who could plunge an entire kingdom into its own ice age at the drop of a hat, it intrigued her. For all that she regrets becoming consumed by magic, she doesn’t hate magic in and of itself. The thrill, the potential it holds, draws her in like a moth to a flame.

She can’t say she’s as excited to be back here this time, however.

Despite the late hour of their arrival, the dock is twinkling with the light of dozens of lanterns – clearly the people of Arendelle are excited at the prospect of seeing the newly married heirs to Corona, after they’ve spent so much time dodging the general public since their honeymoon began.

“Look at all of those lights,” Rapunzel sighs happily. “You don’t suppose they’ve been waiting all day?”

Cass shrugs, unable to bring herself to speak. Now that the kingdom is in sight, and they are receiving some sort of celebrated arrival, her stomach is all twisted up with nerves.

A mittened hand reaches over to rest atop hers.

“How’s your hand doing?” Rapunzel asks. The hand beneath hers is the damaged one, Cass realises. While being brought back to life by the healing incantation certainly helped the state of decay it was in beforehand, her hand still isn’t perfect. The damage, after all, was rooted in magic, and thus much trickier for even the sundrop’s power to combat. It’ll always look a little worse for wear, and in colder climates such as these, her fingers and wrist grow stiff and sore.

“It’s a little achy,” Cass admits, flexing her fingers. “Not too bad, considering.”

“I’m glad,” Rapunzel says softly. “Hey, Cass? I love you. I love you both, so so much.”

“I… I love you too, Raps,” Cass chokes out dizzily.

“No matter what happens,” she continues, “you are my family now. I can handle losing the approval of monarchs who don’t understand us, but I can’t handle losing either of you. Not after all that we’ve been through to get here.”

Crap, she’d better not cry from this. “I just – I just don’t want you to do something you’ll regret. If we don’t play our cards right…”

“Cass, you forget who you’re talking to here,” Eugene interrupts from behind them. He shuffles out, hugging his torso for warmth, and stands beside them. “If anyone has a problem with us they’ll only be dealing with Rapunzel, master of winning people over with her unrelenting optimism.”

Cass rolls her eyes. “I suppose that means you’re also in favour of us striding off the boat flashing our wedding bands, then?”

Eugene shrugs. “At the end of the day, sunshine here is the one who will have to deal with repairing any alliances. We, being royal consorts, are simply the eye candy.”

“Eugene!” Rapunzel elbows him playfully. Cass glances between the two of them, chewing on her lip, before blurting out, “This wouldn’t be an issue if only I wasn’t here, though.”

They both turn to stare at her.

“I mean,” she rushes out, withdrawing her hand from Rapunzel’s and clutching it to her chest, “I’m the third party here. We’re all thinking it! My marriage to Rapunzel is the one that could be easily dismissed. Your wedding was such a public affair and you’ve been a couple for longer, and-”

“Hey. Stop. Stop right there, Calamity Cass.” Eugene jabs a finger dangerously close to Cass’s eye and she instinctively steps back. “First of all, how dare you call us a couple. We’re a throuple for life now, baby – and don’t start saying how much you despise that word, I don’t care, it’s what we are now.”

“Also, you’re not someone just – just tacked on to our relationship!” Rapunzel cuts in. Before she can blink, Cassandra finds herself swept up into a fierce hug, almost dropping her lantern in the process. “You’re my wife now, remember? And I’m yours! Cassandra, if we’ve made you feel like you’re a spare part, at any point-”

“You haven’t!” Cass protests, hugging Rapunzel back tighter. “You’ve – you’ve both been great. But once we get off the boat, the rest of the world is watching, and it makes me think about how they see us. How they see me just… following you two around.”

Rapunzel pulls away, hands resting firmly on Cassandra’s shoulders.

“If we never give the world a chance to know the real story, they’ll always have to assume the worst,” she points out. “Isn’t it time for us to set the record straight?”

“Or set the record not-so-straight?” Eugene chimes in, snorting at his own poor joke. “Oh, come on, that was funny!”

From behind them the ship’s appointed herald clears his throat. “Your Highness. We will be docking in Arendelle in exactly three minutes.”

“Thank you, Philippe,” Rapunzel says quickly, releasing her hold on Cass.

He glances between the three of them in an awkward silence, before clearing his throat again. “Permission to speak freely, Your Highness?”

“Philippe, come on, we’re all friends here! Of course you can, what’s up?”

More silence. His beady eyes dart between the three of them again, before he says hesitantly, “...How should I… introduce your company upon arrival?”

“Um…” Rapunzel bites her lip, turning back to Cassandra with uncertainty. “That is the question! Well, we, uh…”

“The – the thing is, Philippe,” Cass cuts in, moving to wrap an arm around Rapunzel as if on some spiritual autopilot, “Eugene and I are both her spouses. Princess Rapunzel would like for us to be recognised as such.”

“Finally!” Eugene mutters, pumping his fist in triumph. She reaches over to shove him and he snickers.

Beaming widely, Rapunzel nods. “That’s right! We’re doing this.”

“Understood, Your Highness.” With a bow of his head he quickly returns to his post. Cass exhales shakily and clings to the handrail.

“Well, this is really happening, then. Damn it, I feel sick.”

“I’m proud of you!” gushes Rapunzel, squeezing her shoulder as she comes to stand beside her. They’re much nearer now, and come to see the crowd isn’t as huge as they feared, but it’s definitely buzzing with anticipation of their arrival. “This is a big step we’re taking! A new beginning, if you will. Our big debut, as husband and wife and wife!”

“Well, I’m ready if you are,” Eugene chimes in. “Now, time to smile and wave.”

Rapunzel raises her arm to wave, prompting a surge of cheers from the small crowd. Eugene and Cassandra join in, albeit far more stiffly, as the ship draws into port. The walkway is extended down, and Philippe strides down with his head held high as the trio move into position.

“Her Royal Highness, Princess Rapunzel of the kingdom of Corona, has arrived in the kingdom of Arendelle,” He announces crisply, and the crowd on the dock break into applause. He clears his throat again and continues. “And accompanying Her Royal Highness this fine evening: Royal Consorts Eugene Fitzherbert and Cassandra Chevalier.”

The cheering of the crowd quickly dissolves into murmurs of surprise and confusion, but nonetheless the applause politely continues. Rapunzel glances between at her spouses, just for a moment, and mouths, “Ready?”

She descends down the walkway, back straight and head held high, as she’s gotten so good at doing over the years when making public appearances outside of Corona. Still, the elation that she feels following the announcement is infectious, and she can’t seem to stop smiling if she tries. Eugene and Cassandra walk alongside her, trying to match her energy as best they can.

“So. Fitzherbert got introduced before me, that’s interesting,” says Cassandra through gritted teeth. He smirks.

“Because I’m the best-looking between the two of us. No hard feelings?”

“Oh, of course not, but clearly they were just saving the best until last.”

“Whatever you need to tell yourself, Cass,” he says gravely, reaching over to pat her shoulder. Rapunzel shakes her head in exasperation, still too overjoyed to care.

At the bottom of the walkway, a few metres in front of the crowd, stands Queen Anna and her boyfriend, Kristoff. Anna is grinning from ear to ear, clearly bursting at the seams to run over and sweep Rapunzel up into a hug.

“Your Majesty,” Rapunzel greets, curtseying. Cass can hear the saccharine lilt to her voice, though; any minute now she’ll drop the formalities and go in for a bear hug.

“Welcome back to Arendelle!” Anna trills, practically skipping forward before catching herself. Putting on her best facade at poise and grace, she bows her head slightly in greeting. Rapunzel curtseys again, a twinkle in her eye, before darting forward and pulling Anna into a tight hug.

“It’s so good to see you! And congratulations on your coronation! I just wish we could have been there!”

“Well, we kept it a little quieter than Elsa’s,” Anna explains with a giggle. “I’ll explain the why and the how tomorrow, it’s so late! You must be tired. You and Eugene… and Cassandra?”

“Your Majesty,” they both say hurriedly, striding forward to join Rapunzel and bow before her. Anna and Rapunzel untangle themselves, and Anna steps towards them thoughtfully.

“You’re… both royal consorts?” she asks slowly. The two straighten up and nod. Rapunzel laughs nervously.

“We’ll, um, explain the why and the how tomorrow?”

Anna’s eyes crinkle in amusement and she nods. “All right, I’ll hold you to that. How does brunch sound?”

…

Cass awakens to the sight of frost on the window pane.

The room is barely light – it must be pretty early still – and extremely quiet, save for the steady ticking of the tall mahogany grandfather clock in the corner of the room. Rapunzel, who spent the night spooning her to sleep, is now splayed out like a starfish in the middle of the bed while Eugene lays on his stomach beside her, lightly snoring. Cass smiles to herself at the sight of them both so peaceful, before slipping out of bed as quietly as she can and dressing in the dark.

She isn’t really sure where to go; she doesn’t know her way around the palace at all, and even if she did, she isn’t sure how they would feel if she tried to use their training grounds without some sort of allotted time. This isn’t Corona, where she has always lorded the privilege of being the captain’s daughter over those who opposed to her training at unusual times; she’s a stranger in a strange land, and the last thing she needs is to end up making herself look bad in front of the Arendelle royal family.

Pushing the door open as quietly as she can, Cassandra slips out of the room and soon finds herself wandering the halls, just taking everything in. Paintings line each wall, beautifully papered with complex, colourful patterns. The corridors are smaller than Corona’s, and clearly more insulated, what with Arendelle experiencing much colder weather than Corona’s sunny climate. She passes by a large window, all frosted up, and there’s something oddly comforting about it. The gentle creeping of frost is such a stark contrast to the kind of snow they get in Corona – blustery, sudden snowfall that sweeps through the kingdom and is gone just as fast, with nothing but their memories to assure them it was ever really there.

As Cassandra turns the corner she comes face to face with two large paintings, parallel to one another: a portrait of the former royal family, showing King Agnarr and Queen Iduna with their very young children; and beside it, a more recent painting featuring the daughters now fully grown, along with Queen Anna’s boyfriend, who barely spoke a word to them last night, a reindeer, and some sort of… snowman?

She puzzles over it for longer than she realises; for when she’s finally snapped out of her own thoughts, it’s from a hand clamped over her shoulder. She almost jumps out of her skin, and turns to see Rapunzel stifling her laughter and holding a finger up to her lips.

“Shh, it’s still early.”

“Damn it, Raps, you shouldn’t sneak up on me like that,” Cass scolds, clutching her chest. “You’re lucky I left my sword in the room.”

“Oh, I know.” Rapunzel stretches up on her tiptoes to kiss Cassandra’s cheek. “I woke up just as you were leaving. Thought I would tag along too.”

She hastily dressed to catch up with Cass, and it shows; the buttons on her waistcoat are incorrectly fastened and her stockings are mismatched.

“You know, I wasn’t exactly going to get very far without a map of the place,” Cass remarks, leaning over to refasten Rapunzel’s buttons. “You could have taken the time to find matching stockings, at least.”

“Hey, it was dark in there,” Rapunzel defends.

“But surely there was a point where you wondered if maybe they were – no? All right, I’ll drop it.”

Rapunzel’s arms wind around Cass’s and she leans against her, staring up at the paintings in wonder. “They’re interesting, huh?”

“I suppose. It’s a shame about the former king and queen,” Cass offers. Rapunzel frowns.

“Yeah. I feel kind of sad I never got the chance to meet them. I like this other painting more, though.”

“It certainly is an unconventional palace portrait.”

“Maybe we should have one done,” Rapunzel muses. “After the honeymoon is over. I know normally I just paint them myself, but… I don’t know, it might be fun to have something official done, to really show off that we’re a family now.”

“Do you trust us to hold a pose for that long?” teases Cass.

“I don’t, but maybe if you were being yelled at by one of the royal painters, you would.”

“Maybe.” They stand there, watching the painting for a while. Cass can’t bring herself to look at Rapunzel as she murmurs, “I’m sorry about the things I said yesterday, Raps.”

“And I’m sorry you felt the way you did.” Rapunzel tilts her head towards her. “But now we’ve said it once we can say it again, and again, and we’ll be wives ‘til the end of time! And I will say it proudly, every time, if you’ll do the same.”

“Deal.” Cass leans down to kiss Rapunzel’s forehead, blowing a short raspberry against her skin to make her squeal with laughter.

“Do you heathens have any idea how early it is?” grumbles Eugene from behind them. He stands shivering in his robe, glaring at them both. “Rapunzel’s the only one generating any heat in that bed, god knows I won’t get it from an ice woman like Cass. How could you leave me alone to freeze?!”

Rolling her eyes, Rapunzel detaches herself from Cassandra and goes to give Eugene a hug.

“Good morning to you too, mister crankypants! You wanna go back to bed and spoon, is that it?”

“Yes, actually, I would love that!”

The two of them begin to wander back towards the bedroom and Rapunzel holds out her hand expectantly, a knowing look in her eyes. Sighing, Cass grins and slips her hand into hers.

…

A few hours later the trio join Queen Anna for brunch in the parlour room, and are pleasantly surprised to find that Princess Elsa has decided to join them. She’s dressed far more like an adventurer of sorts than a person of royalty, but it only sets Cass a little more at ease for appearing in her own signature travelling outfit. Kristoff is also in a simple tunic and leather vest, and even Anna is dressed far more relaxed than the stiff regal attire she wore to greet them last night.

“...So then the castle wasn’t destroyed. And Elsa came back and everything was fine!” Anna finishes explaining, taking a bite of her toast. “But after everything, Elsa wanted to live with our Northuldra family for a while. She trusts me to take care of Arendelle, and I think I’ve been doing well so far!”

“You’ve been doing great,” Kristoff reinforces with a smile.

“You have,” Elsa reiterates, reaching over to squeeze her shoulder. “Arendelle is in great hands.”

Cassandra stirs her tea for a while, as Rapunzel asks more questions about the Northuldra people, before she leans over and quietly asks Kristoff, “So… what is the snowman thing in the family portrait all about?”

Kristoff bursts out laughing while Anna and Elsa exchange amused glances. “Oh, man! You haven’t met Olaf yet, have you?”

“Your friend Olaf is the snowman?”

“Elsa brought him to life with her magic,” Anna shrugs cheerfully. “He couldn’t join us this morning though, he and Sven are actually leading a… I think he calls it an art therapy group, for the children of Arendelle? It’s sweet, really; they all get together once a week and draw and talk about their feelings and stuff.”

“He may not be licensed, but somehow it’s been going really well,” Kristoff agrees, reaching for the teapot to refill everyone’s cups.

“So Elsa, it’s really good to see you,” Rapunzel says warmly, as she munches on a strawberry danish. “I wasn’t sure if you’d be joining us, now that you’re living outside the kingdom.”

“Anna sent word of your arrival last night, and I wouldn’t miss this,” Elsa explains, gesturing at them. “After all, it’s been such a long time since you last visited, and you’re married now. How could I not visit to congratulate the three of you?”

“That’s right!” Anna claps her hands together and glances between the trio gleefully. “Congratulations on your marriage! Or marriages, plural? We heard all about the ceremony for Rapunzel and Eugene, of course, but we had no idea about the second wedding!”

“Believe me, you weren’t the only ones left in the dark,” Cass reassures, sending them both a pointed look.

“In our defence, we kept telling you it was your day too, Cassandra, but did you listen?” Eugene mutters. She reaches over to flick his ear in retaliation.

“Corona Law doesn’t allow for polygamous marriages,” Rapunzel explains. “Especially when it comes to royalty, it would have taken a long time to get the law passed. My parents said it could take years when I brought the idea up, so… me and Eugene worked out a way that we could all get what we wanted. We had to keep it outside of Corona waters, though, so Cassandra and I married at sea that night.”

“Wow! Well, I hope the three of you will lead a long and happy life,” Anna declares. “And I think it’s good to shake up the status quo sometimes. Look how much happier my sister is for doing just that!”

“Anna,” Elsa sighs, shaking her head fondly. “I agree, though. I think as long as you’re all happy, you’ll make excellent rulers some day, no matter what any other kingdoms might think.”

Cass drops her teaspoon against her saucer with a loud clatter.

“Are you all right, Cassandra?” Rapunzel asks, eyebrows raised.

Cass nods dumbly, staring down at her teacup with sinking dread. “Yeah, I just… god, I just realised I’m technically a royal now.”

Eugene bursts out laughing as the others look on, dumbfounded. “What?! You only just worked this out?! We’ve been on our honeymoon for six months already! We were literally announced as royal consorts last night!”

“Yeah, but…” Cass stares over at him, wide-eyed. “I don’t think I’d be very good at ruling. At all. I do not have the patience to listen to the townspeople squabbling over sheep pastures every day, I just don’t.”

“We’ll figure something out,” Rapunzel laughs, squeezing her arm. “Trust me, Cass, we have the rest of our lives to sort all this stuff out.”

She cranes her neck to press a kiss to Cass’s cheek, and Elsa raises her teacup with a smile.

“To new beginnings for the kingdom of Corona,” she toasts. “May all three of you find a system that works.”

“To new beginnings,” the group echoes happily, raising their cups in a mock cheer and taking a sip.

“Now,” Anna grins, leaning in a little closer, “How did you all get together? I want all the details.”

[bad-at-names-and-faces]

Epilogue

chapter 34

chapter index

December 1st, 1864

Dear Inga,

I’ll be mailing this letter when we arrive in Portsmouth tomorrow.  I can’t believe it’s December already. The weather is so mild this far south, though I never would have guessed we’d see any nice weather on this trip, as rough as the waters were in the North Sea.  To think, there was already snow on the ground when we left Arendelle last week! 

I would really like to stay in England long enough to see some of the country, but we’ll be booking passage on the first steamship out.  I suppose I should look on the bright side, that we’ll be settled by the new year.  A friend of Father’s has arranged for us to stay with his family for Christmas, so I don’t need to worry about doing anything for that.  I hope the holiday preparations are going well in Arendelle, though I am very sad to be missing it. 

 With love,

Elizabeth

P.S. I just want to thank you all again for the wonderful party before we left Arendelle.  I’m sure you’ll object again that it was mostly Halima’s work, but it was so nice to see everyone there.

Elizabeth sighed, looking out the porthole of their cabin at the distant lights on the coast of England as they sailed along. Normally, she didn’t mind sailing, but this trip felt so terribly bittersweet.  There were so many possibilities where they were going, and she would see so many things that she had only read about, but she had really started to feel at home during those few brief months she had been in Arendelle.

“We’ll have an early morning,” Lars reminded her as he finished changing, “please come to bed.”

“I haven’t written to your mother yet,” she smiled.  “I thought of some things I forgot to ask her to bring with her from Corona.”

“She’ll be in Arendelle for another month; you can write from the inn tomorrow.”

“I am feeling rather tired,” Elizabeth admitted, turning down the lamp as she walked to the bed.

***

Lars dressed and quietly left the bedroom. A cold sleet was coming down outside, but the kitchen was warm.  It had been fairly mild when they first arrived in Boston more than a month before, and Elizabeth had been convinced there wouldn't be a real winter, but they had a thick layer of snow for Christmas, and the temperature had been below freezing nearly every morning for several weeks.  

Susan, the girl they had hired to help around the house, had already arrived, and she had even prepared some coffee for Lars to drink before he left for the stable. It wasn’t that long of a ride to the office they had rented, but the sleet made every minute feel like an hour.  There was almost no work so far, but the assistant keeping up the office in Washington had started forwarding all of the mail, which mostly consisted of a handful of applications for Arendelle travel visas.  The previous evening’s mail had been brought in, and there were a few official notices, plus the bundle that had been forwarded, and finally he noticed a letter personally addressed to himself, and opened it.

January 7th, 1865

Dear Lars,

Inga told me that Elizabeth has been writing, and I realized that you’re only getting official correspondence from us right now, so I thought I’d fix that.  I can’t say I’m as good at writing personal letters as my sister, but I hope you don’t mind getting another letter.  I won’t bore you with official updates and announcements, since I know we send them to everyone.  

There was a lot of snow last night, and everyone was outside enjoying it all morning, then we all packed into Hudson’s to warm up, then back out.  Do you get snow there? I know it’s much further south where you are.  If you’re not too busy, write back, because I’m curious what they actually have you doing there.  

The week after Christmas was quiet, with no business and just the family at the castle.  Things are picking up again this week, but Father is going to be taking me, Anton, and Peder up to the mountains for the first ice harvest in another week.  We’ll only be staying a week or two up there, and then the rest of the winter I’ll have to spend most of my time with the tutors if I want to be allowed to do the naval training trip in the spring.

Stay well!

Frederick

Lars placed the letter in his bag. Elizabeth would like to read it, and Frederick hadn’t included anything that he would mind being shared, and he’d write back after dinner and send it out in the morning’s mail.

***

Elizabeth looked up.  “A valentine? Lars, you didn’t have to get me anything!”

“There was a shop full of them, I couldn’t help it,” he laughed, sitting down next to her on the sofa.

“But,” she sighed, “I have nothing for you.”

“Of course you do,” he replied, kissing her forehead.

“What do you mean?” she asked blankly, then looked up at him and got his meaning.  “Oh!” she giggled, lightly punching him.

***

Elizabeth looked up from the letter she was reading out loud, and sighed.  “This is dated two weeks ago, so Inga must already be up North.  She promises she’ll write to me when she gets back to Arendelle next month, but she didn’t say whether she’ll get any letters up there.”

Lars nodded. “It won’t hurt to write, if you want to. Is it any different from writing to your father while he’s at sea?”

“That’s true,” she smiled, looking out the bedroom window.  She set the letter on the nightstand and started fastening the front of her corset as Lars began to help with the back.  Today was the first day of spring.  It was still chilly, and the locals said it was likely to stay so through most of April, but at least the sun was up early. Elizabeth had again started waking up at the same time as he woke up, so he no longer had to leave the house while she was still asleep.

“I got a telegraph from Mother,” Lars said as he gingerly laced the back of her corset, “and she’s on a steamship arriving next week.”

“Oh, that’s wonderful news!” Elizabeth smiled, “she’ll be here for your birthday, too!”

“Yes,” Lars replied quietly, gently tying a bow at the bottom.

“Are you sure you can’t get it a little tighter?” she pouted.

“Absolutely not,” he chided her, holding her shoulders and kissing her cheek. “It’s not going to fall off, and…”

“I know, I know,” she sighed.

***

April 25th, 1865

Dear Inga, 

How are you doing? I feel very restless right now, and I hope you don’t mind that I don’t want to talk about anything serious, because around here they’re only talking about the President’s funeral and all that horrible business.  

On that note, Lars has carried the letters from your family on his trip to the capital.  He’s missing his own birthday, though of course it’s perfectly understandable.  It’s only me and his mother right now, though Susan still comes in during the day to help out.  Lars should be back in a day or two, and we’ll celebrate then, but I do feel bad, since he’s twenty-one now.   This evening I made his mother tell me stories about him as a child, and it sounded delightful. I tried to ask about the day he was born, but she said she was too tired and that I should be getting more sleep. Obviously, I didn’t mean about Lars in particular, just in general. I’ll need to know what it’s like eventually, right? She knows this, and I suppose she doesn’t want to scare me with details right now. I’m sorry I’m being so vague.  But, she’s certainly right that I should get some sleep while I can.  I hope everything is well with everyone there. 

With Love,

Elizabeth

***

“Elizabeth, have we met a Mr. Curtis?” Lars asked, looking at the envelope that had come in the mail.

“No, you haven’t met him,” Elizabeth said casually, looking up from the sofa.  “I haven’t met him, either, exactly, but I wrote to him while you were gone last month.  He’s a ship builder, and you were talking about contracting with ship builders here.”

“Oh,” Lars hesitated, “I did say I would do that, didn’t I?”

“Do you mind that I did? I’m sorry I forgot to tell you, but so much was going on.”

“Not at all,” he said as he opened the envelope, “and it looks like he wants to have us over.  You’ll need to come with me, of course, to keep me from looking like an idiot.”

Elizabeth smiled, looking out the window. “Oh, good, your mother is home from visiting Mrs. Wirth.”

0o0o0

“Are you sure you’re up for this?” Lars asked as they came to the large lawn of Mr. Curtis’s house.  “It’s rather hot today, and I really don’t want you-”

“Your mother is here, and there are plenty of seats in the shade.  It’s not like I’m going to be on a train for twenty hours like you’ve been doing lately.”

“True,” he replied, “and I promise I won’t be away from you this summer.  At any rate, please don’t feel the need to act as a hostess today. That’s for Mrs. Curtis to take care of.  We’ve given them a contract for a new ship, and they’re throwing a party in honor of the Queen’s birthday.”

“So that’s already been approved? The contract?” 

“It’s in transit.  The sooner Mr. Curtis gets started, the sooner Arendelle can have the ship.  We’ll worry about the details later.”

***

July 20th, 1865

Dear Inga,

We received the invitation to your birthday party next month. It sounds like a wonderful day you have planned.  Obviously, we can’t be there, but hopefully we’ll be able to send you good news before then.  As always, I look forward to your letters.

I wish I could travel back there for the summer. The weather last summer was so pleasant, but it has been so unbearably hot and humid here.  Our neighbors all seem to be traveling to the shore or the mountains, but Lars is worried about being too far away from a doctor right now, and he assures me it’s worse in the city at his office, so in the meantime I’ve spent most my time in recent weeks in the shade in our yard.

With Love,

Elizabeth

***

The baby was cooing softly in Elizabeth’s arms when Margit Nilsen quietly entered the bedroom.  The afternoon sunlight was peaking through the curtains, keeping the room from being completely dark.

“I have so many letters to write,” Elizabeth fretted from the bed, “as soon as the baby’s asleep, I want to get up.”

“You still need your rest,” her mother-in-law scolded her.  “Lars will write to everyone, don’t worry.  Nobody expects you to be writing letters yourself so soon.”

“It’s been three weeks,” Elizabeth sighed.  

Soon, the baby was asleep, and her mother-in-law gently picked him up and set him in the cradle in the corner.  “There, dear, now you should rest, too.”

“I’m going to get up in just a minute,” Elizabeth protested, closing her eyes for just a moment before falling into a deep sleep.

Margit quietly closed the door and sat down next to Lars at the table.

“You’re going to tell me I should sleep, too, aren’t you?” Lars sighed.

“If you’re tired, you should,” she told him, “but, no, that wasn’t what I was going to say.”

He looked up.  

“You still haven’t told her about Anna, have you?”

***

“We missed your birthday, but we can have a party on your anniversary!” Lars’s mother announced as he returned home from his office.  Elizabeth had dressed up and tried something new with her hair, which Lars thought looked rather nice on her, and the baby was asleep in the cradle. 

“I hope you didn’t think I’d forgotten when you left this morning,” Elizabeth smiled.

“I...  I’m going to pretend that I remembered what day it was today,” Lars laughed, coming over to sit next to her.

His mother went into the kitchen to check on how dinner was coming along, leaving the two of them alone.  

“I didn’t get you anything,” Lars confessed, “I really wasn’t kidding that I forgot what day it was. I’m sorry.”

“You have a lot going on now,” Elizabeth reassured him, touching his cheek. “Remember, you can tell me anything.”

***

October 2nd, 1865

Dear Lars,

Sorry I haven’t written in a while, but Inga has been telling me that you’re all doing well. I know you’re probably tired, Mother and Father always are with a new baby. Everything is fine here, basically.  We’re supposed to be getting another visit from a certain person from Corona in a few days, but I’m not sure if I’m supposed to tell you that.  It’s not an official visit.  

Anyhow, I said I wouldn’t bore you with official announcements, but you probably saw that they’ll be sending me to the naval academy in Corona at some point, but nobody can agree when.  Our Admiral says he would be perfectly happy to set up an academy here, but obviously that would take a while, and there are only a few of us right now.

I’ll stop here because I’m sure you’re quite busy.

Stay well!

Frederick

***

Elizabeth sat with the baby in the chair by the front window watching the first snow of the season, thinking about how it was almost December again, and they had left Arendelle a year before. The baby was fast asleep, but she was comfortable and he was warm, and she felt no need to move.

Her mother-in-law brought her a cup of tea, then poured one for Lars, sitting down next to him at the table. They could hear Susan in the kitchen preparing something for dinner.  Lars sat reading the evening paper, and finishing the front page, did his best not to make noise turning to the second page, since the baby would nearly always wake up if the paper rustled.  He started to take a sip from his cup while he was reading, but set it back down abruptly and stared at the page, whispering something to his mother, who looked surprised.

"What is it, Lars?" Elizabeth asked, briefly glancing over, then returning her attention to the snow and the sleeping baby. Lars handed the folded newspaper to his mother, who brought it over to her.

Elizabeth took the paper, and skimmed over a few headlines about nothing astounding, then gasped, stopping herself before the baby stirred.

“Inga said there might be news soon, but nothing about marriage- did you know anything?”

"I thought I might hear something about their officially courting, certainly, or maybe even an engagement,” he muttered. “I suppose I’ll see tomorrow if any messages arrived since I left this afternoon, but they completely ignored any suggestions about getting a telegraph set up.  I dropped the topic this summer since it just sounded like I wanted faster congratulations about the baby.” 

Elizabeth stood up, handing the baby to her mother-in-law.  “I need to write to her!”

***

Lars sat down at his desk, opening the diary to December 15th.  He realized that it had now been one year since they’d arrived here.  He was growing to like this office, but there was increasing pressure to move everything back to the capital now that things were settling down.  He would need to consider that carefully: he could always spend time on the train, traveling back and forth, or they could all move South, and spend less time apart.  But then he remembered the constant threat of malaria, and what if there was another outbreak of Yellow Fever? That wouldn’t do at all.  

He heard someone ring the bell at the front door, and he got up to answer it himself.  With all the uncertainty about whether this office would be permanent, he had never hired an assistant, but there were so few interruptions that it really didn’t matter.

Opening the door, he saw a young man in a heavy winter coat, thick hat, gloves and scarf, even though the weather had gotten mild again for the last week or two.  

“Hello, I’m looking for the Ambassador.” The young man spoke through his scarf, looking directly at Lars with dark brown eyes that almost matched the bridge of his nose.  

“I’m the Ambassador,” Lars informed him.

“Oh! I’m sorry…  am I supposed to call you Your Excellency? I think that's what I read.”

“Just call me Mr. Nilsen,” Lars laughed, remembering how fastidious he had been with titles not that long ago. “Come inside.  You’re not from around here, are you?”

“No,” he said, coming inside.  He rubbed his chapped hands after he’d stuffed his gloves in his coat pockets, “in fact, I only got off the train two days ago. First thing I bought was this coat.  I’m not used to cold weather.”

“Where are you from?”

“Louisiana,” he explained, finally taking his scarf off, “and now you’re probably going to laugh at me for wanting to visit Arendelle if I can’t handle the cold.” 

“It’s quite pleasant there in the summer,” Lars offered, “but you do have me curious.”

“Well, I’ve always heard stories about it, and I started saving up my money while New Orleans was occupied, doing any odd jobs that I could. And now, I’m ready for an adventure, just for myself.  A few of my cousins went out west this summer, but I wanted something different.”

“I hadn’t realized the stories of Arendelle were that widely known,” Lars admitted, “but I’d be happy to get you set up with a travel visa, and answer any questions you have.”  He motioned for the man to sit down next to his desk.

“Thank you, Mr. Nilsen,” he said, taking a seat, still wearing his coat and hat.  “I found a few books at the library yesterday, but I’m sure they don’t tell the whole story. The books certainly told a different story than the ones I heard from the master’s family.”

“Oh?” Lars said, retrieving the papers from his desk.  The man seemed amiable enough, and Lars was interested in hearing some more about his interest in Arendelle.  He hadn’t even mentioned the fjords.  The handful of people he’d seen so far coming in person for visas had talked about nothing else. Besides, Lars didn’t get much conversation when he was at work these days.  “Were they…were they from Arendelle?”  

“Oh, no,” he laughed, “in fact, I didn’t really hear any nice things about Arendelle from them, but that makes me all the more curious to see the place for myself.”

“It’s a beautiful place,” Lars said, half listening as he started to organize the paperwork for a travel visa.  He glanced at the first space on the form. “I’m sorry, I realize I never asked you your name.”

“Right, you’ll need that,” he smiled, “John Westergard.”

Lars felt his stomach drop.  It could be chance.  It could be anyone. He needed to keep calm.

“Westergard?” Lars tried not to be obvious as he looked the other man up and down.  There was no resemblance, not even some quirk of his nose or the shape of his earlobe, to any member of the royal family of the Southern Isles. But the name, still, the name must have an explanation. “That’s an unusual name…”

“I’ve been thinking about changing it. It’s not really my name, you know how it is.”

[therealniclion]

How I Found happiness this year?

Good Evning/Day/Morning Lion Familyyy, I hope everyone is safe and doing great..So Today I was thinking of sharing with you something so precious and special that I was looking for a long time, but never found until 2020! Even tho this year have been a lil bit of a rock to me, but trust me when I say “This year I had less downs than all the past years”.

My whole life I was looking for happiness in so many places and people, like for example... friendships and relationships. I tried to work so hard to fit in the wrong box with the wrong people, I never had the chance to reality check or reflect on myself I was so worried and stressed about my dreams, goals, and plans I used to overthink a lot about what my life would look like five years from now.

But the question is... how do we really find happiness? Friendships? Relationships? Money? Luxury? The society? Hmmm... That’s a very tricky question to ask for most individuals, specially for the old me who used to be so lost and insecure lol. I don’t have a boyfriend, I don’t own luxury but let me tell about all this happiness, now that’s some HAP lol!

It all started from March when I decided to X out anything and anyone that does not serves me both mentally and friendly! And tbh I don’t even know how the spiritual world approached me, but I believe that things happens for a reason. The Covid-19 pandemic have been both a blessing and a curse for us in general. Let’s start with the bad thing first then the best and positive can come after.

Why a curse?

So June was the month where I decided to make my comeback to the music industry with my first single in two years Vendetta, but one week before that I got a phone call from my mother telling me she got tested positive for corona, that was the hardest and the only worst downs I had in my life I thought it was over and that everything I was working on was pointless because I do it all for my mama, and the next generations to come!! I didn’t even wanted to release Vendetta because everything was dark for me and I was so hurt and heartbroken. I couldn’t stop the song release because it was already sent to the streaming platforms that time, so I told myself it’s already done so I’m just gonna release the song and keep on praying for my mom 3 weeks later... she called me, and told me that she got her health back and everything went okay that’s when I knew being positive and strong for her was the right thing for me to do, and I started to be happy again.

Why a blessing?

Ever since I started meditating i started to seek more knowledge, and wisdom thru documentaries and books. I don’t know how I became so wise and intelligent within a short period of time like... gurl how? I found out that meditation by itself will lead you to so many places and things in life for example. Why is there’s so much hate, war, and poverty in this world? How are we really connected to the nature, universe, other humans, and even animals? (As above so below, as within so without, as the soul so the universe), how can we find our happiness? The biggest thing I have learned was from my favorite spiritual documentary ever Inner Worlds, Outter Worlds. There’s some quotes that says “Everything that happens in this world is not social, political, or economical. It’s lack of consciousness, awareness, enlightenment, and self education” and “We create more problems by overthinking” sheet them quotes hit me hard like a motherfucker, like brooo why you gotta do home gurl like that? I also got inspired by one of the greatest people that have existed in this world... he is the one and only Lord Siddharata Gautama aka “The Buddha”. He was that prince that had it all from Diamonds, Golds, women, money absolutely everything the outer world could imagine having, but he left it all behind to experience Samsara “Suffering, Struggling, or being dead before dying” he starved himself, and did a lot of sad stuff to himself, he tried to educate himself from other gurus but nothing worked until... he meditated under a tree while eating a grain of rice for seven days that was when he finally experienced Nirvana “Enlightenment or heaven” it’s just so inspirational how he left everything and became something beyond his father’s status HE BECAME A GOD! That story by itself shows you that if you leave something so great you will achieve something greater.

After meditating and watching spiritual documentaries I realized that I’m not even a human being, none of us are humans if we only knew our true selves this world would’ve been a much better place. We are literally divinity taking a spiritual form everything we seek is already within us, so I stopped worrying about my future, past, what people think of me, and started to appreciate the little things I have in my life, from house, food in my table, knowing my family in Africa is eating and living good, to me still being alive. I started living in the moment and rather accepting what I can’t change but work on it instead of complain all the time and do nothing about it.

I made sure that every negative part of me is being cleared out, I focused on being optimistic and positive about my dreams and goals (Baby we talkin’ about the Law Of Attraction In here ya feel meee?) life is like a echo what you put out there comes right to you, think positive and positive will happen to you. So when I started letting go of my worries and achieving my goals fast, everything I wanted started chasing me instead of me chasing it let’s take my music for example I used to force the rap flow in me but now it comes to me naturally why? Because I let go of overthinking and forcing it nothing comes by force I had to learn that I gotta enjoy every moment about my music journey and that’s how it hits different.

When it comes to the haters... well this year was just filled with love and great feedbacks, but I programmed my mind very well if I see a hater I’ll just Ignore em because the same five minutes I debate to prove that I’m great on, are the same five minutes I could’ve been doing something productive on. I don’t prove anybody anything now I just let my music and influence speak by itself. Shock em like I’m Jefferson Pierce baby.

In the end happiness for me does not come from friendships, MEN, or fake flexing my happiness comes from me appreciating the smallest things in life I’m still alive, my loved ones “Including you Lion Family” are still alive too, we eating food, we drinking water, we sleeping good, we laughing about everything and nothing, I don’t stress or overthink our goals and dreams will be spoken into reality one day, but first we must suffer and struggle so when we’re having, doing, and being it all one day we already know how to be humble and be relatable to others and keep on that good, and positive energy with everything and everyone because everything and everyone is nothing but us we are connected. Happiness starts with you and not thru other things or people! Change, happiness, love, just everything start with nothing and nobody but you!

-Who looks outside dreams, who looks inside awakes!

-Until next time Family.

~With all love

~Your soul sister, Nic Lion

[theschizoidblog]

Getting diagnosed

Blog 1: 19/05/2020

I started therapy on the 23d of July 2019. I was 35 years old at the time, and I had decided to go into therapy for the following reasons:

I felt permanently exhausted

I felt like somewhere during my adult years I had slipped into a depression I’d never gotten out of and I wanted to feel happier in life than I did at that time

executive dysfunction - I still need regular help from my mom to keep my household in order

I lacked any and all ambition to do anything with my life

I had begun to suffer from anxiety and sometimes tiny anger outbursts which were occuring more often than before, which was a sign to me something was wrong and only getting worse as I aged. 

I had tried seeing a psychologist when I was 30. It was a man who I disliked so much that after 2 sessions, I ghosted him. I could go into more details, but let’s just say he was not a match for me.

It took me five years before I gathered enough energy and courage to try again. In a way, Tony Atwood helped. I’d stumbled across his videos on Aspergers in women and I’d begun to think that maybe it was Aspergers then. The above symptoms would not be misplaced in a women my age with Asperger - and it was until I got my diagnosis two weeks ago, on the 8th of May, that I was bracing myself for an Asperger diagnosis. 

When it turned out to be Schizoid Personality Disorder, I was like: “I’m a what now?”

But kudos to Tony Atwood’s videos for at least encouraging me to seek help and to approach a possible diagnosis with optimism. Even if it’s not Aspergers, I needed that little push in the back. 

Why did it take from July to May to get a diagnosis?

Something which may be atypical for someone with Aspergers or SPD, is that I am rather open when asked questions, and I can’t give short answers to complex questions. 

The first sessions were about painting a picture of the people in my life - my parents, my sister, her husband, their kid, other important figures in my life like my grandparents, the sort of household I’d grown up in - were my parents constantly fighting (quite the opposite) or did I suffer abuse (no), stuff like that. 

They also asked a lot about friends. Did I have a lot of friends as a kid, was I bullied, who were my friends now, had I kept my friends from when I was younger (definitely not).  

What about my job and hobbies, what jobs had I taken, what education had I had. She wanted to know when I moved out of my parents place (when I was 25), if I’d had many romantic relationships (none longer than about 8 months).  

It took months to get through all that personal information. In sessions of 1 hour (which are sooner sessions of 45 minutes than a full hour) it’s hard to paint the complete picture. Sometimes I went twice a month, sometimes I skipped a month due to the full agenda of my psychologist, but on average I went once a month. 

Then after that, this was already in 2020 I think, we started an autism questionnaire, to determine whether I was on the autism spectrum scale (which seemed likely due to the problems I’d mentioned). The psychologist also invited my mother for one session, where she asked questions about my childhood. 

“Did Jessie have a lot of friends?”  “Yes, she always had friends over.”  “Yes, mom, but that’s because you arranged the play dates with the other moms - I didn’t always have a lot to say about it.”  “I guess that’s true - you did always enjoy playing on your own. One party, a mom told me that all the kids were playing in the garden and you’d gone inside to play alone with some of the toys - not bothering with the other kids.”  My mom remembered that as being odd. I’m far from surprised by that. 

After the interview with my mother, I also answered a questionaire about other personality disorders. This is where questions were asked to determine if I had, for example, borderline or schizofrenia or bipolar disorder etc. It was to check if any of the disorders on the DSM-5 applied to me. 

And so after about 2-3 sessions of answering those questions, I finally got my diagnosis last session. It was during the last five minutes or so of the session, I was like “and, and, what is it? what have I got?”

I felt numb when she told me what it was - also because I did not understand. I had *never* heard of schizoid personality disorder. And in five minutes, she didn’t have the time to fully explain it to me either. And since I was a little numb from the news, I don’t think I retained the information she gave me as well as I otherwise would have.

She explained that while it’s called a disorder, she is not fond of the word ‘disorder’. She also told me it’s something hermits and loners often are, which made sense to me. She told me that schizoids don’t mind being alone and often prefer it, and once again that struck true. 

I also asked why it wasn’t autism then, to which she briefly replied that in my childhood, I did not seem to have difficulty with learning social behaviors. 

Next session, I will receive more information from her on the schizoid personality disorder, abbreviated as SPD, and possibly we’ll also check on differences with Aspergers, just cause I am terribly curious about that and will ask for it. 

It’s still a week or two until my next session - and in the meanwhile, I’ve looked for more info online. I’ve read the wiki, then continued on other articles online and found a few Facebook groups to join. The more I read about it, the more I’m seeing myself in stories of others. 

I’m no longer numb from the diagnosis - but it did take me a day where I was exhausted, cried a bit, lay in bed, before I was like “okay this ain’t bad at all!” 

I plan to continue this blog to describe things I learn about myself, to report on my “treatment”, to report on schizoids in modern-day society and to shine a light on what it is to be a schizoid woman. 

If you think: “Oh, could I be a schizoid?” - I honestly can’t tell you. Nor are there online internet tests that will give you a conclusive answer to that question. I do recommend seeing a psychologist for that - but it might be harder than ever to get on a waiting list. With the Corona crisis most psychologists have their hands full these days, due to all the mental problems the neurotypicals are going through as a result of the lockdowns. 

If you are a schizoid who lives alone and are now allowed to work fulltime from home for the first time in your life, you might feel like I do: that this lockdown is the best thing that ever happened to you. My anxieties are practically gone, while the anxieties of neurotypicals skyrocket. 

[cartoonfangirl1218]

Winner’s Curse Ch. 20

So here’s a brand new chapter. Some mentions of Tangled the series characters. And of course, some double crossing. Enjoy.  "Why are we here?" CJ squinted suspiciously at the ;avish room they were in. It was stone like the rest of the castle, decorated with lavish tapestries and filled with multi-colored orbs and chests of fake golds that looked filched from Jafar's Junk Shop they were so rusted. She knew each member of the Coven had their own private room, decorated to their theme but since this didn't have a sea theme or a Bayou theme, she was out of luck of guessing who this one was. What's more she didn't care. 

It had been almost two weeks and though CJ had studied the waterways, scoured the uncleaned, and trash-filled sewers for secret passages, and secretly inspected the ships she planned to plunder, Lady Caine hadn't listened to any of her plans. More specifically, Lady Caine hadn't allowed her to even talk about her plans. Even though the self-proclaimed pirate queen had given her the mission to create a plan to pillage Auradon with her fleet, she decided to load CJ with a new job of spying on the Coven to find out their plans. 

Though CJ was all for a good backstabbing against the high and mighty sorcerers that liked throwing their weight around. BUt CJ bristled at being given another mission. Like Caine was handing off duties to her as if she was some second in command. And CJ was no one's second command. That was Harry. That was Smee. She had ambition, she had guts, and if Caine was trying to use her, she swore she'd... "Caine, darling!" A voice cried and in walked a violet eyed brunette with the longest legs CJ had ever seen. She wore a purple dress matched with a black trench coated, both looked quite new leading CJ to believe she was one of the new transfers like Circe and Morgain le Fey. "CJ, this is Staylan, daughter of the notorious kingpin, and a wonderful thief herself." Lady Caine explained, kissing her deeply, and CJ held back a laugh at the ridiculous name, "We have similar plans for old Queen Rapunzel and her prince when we take over Corona." 

"Oh no, not me. I'm over Ryder. It's Beast I have a problem with." Staylan growled, "How dare that mongrel send me and Brock here. Rapunzel vouched for us. She lectured me about being good years ago and I listened...mostly. A girl's gotta have some fun."

"So what's that gotta do with me? Why are we here?" CJ demanded to know, a bit of the impatience that she had been holding in the past days starting to spill over. Plans were all well and good but all this waiting was making CJ anxious. She spent 10 minutes pacing the floor just going over her plan obsessively. That Hook trait was starting to get hold of her and was driving her crazy if they didn't enact a plan.  "This is our hideout. Oh, CJ, we can't stay in Maleficent's castle forever. We need our own allies. You don't think we're going to act as enforcers for the Coven? We have our own insiders. we're going to cut the Coven off at the bridge and take over Auradon ourselves through infiltration." Caine said. 

CJ couldn't stop the way her mouth dropped from surprise even though she knew it made her seem unprofessional and out of her league. 

Caine had been keeping this secret from her! But what about her plan? 

She needed to rearrange all of her strategy if they weren't going to be relying on the Coven's magic. 

Also there was the darker thread running in her mind. If Caine was keeping this from her. 

What other surprises were waiting?

"Helllllooo Staylan?" A man's voice called and said horse-named girl rolled her eyes, "Coming my prince." "You're with that control freak?" Lady Caine raised her eyebrow sardonically.  

Staylan shrugged, "Sure, I'm married to Hans but that's only for the money. Brock is my true husband. We're all very open."

CJ's mouth dropped again. She heard the rumors that Prince Hans had married but since Lars had often talked about his father's sadomasochist nights with Drizella and other prostitutes, she had assumed they were just that, rumors. 

But he was married? And his wife was cheating on him? CJ knew he would not be a fan of that. Like Caine said, he was a control freak and into pretending he was still royal.    "I know. I was there Friday night." Lady Caine smirked. 

"Hey, he has his affairs, I have mine. At least I have the decency not to do it in the dungeon when he's in the castle. I can hear Drizella's screams all night long. It's impossible to sleep." Mmm that explained it. Unofficial open marriage. Very common.

"Anyway, just wanted to drop in to let you know that Hans is also willing to support your takeover of Auradon and block any of the Coven's efforts. Lars will even overpower Staqauit if need be." Staylan said. "Thanks, Stal. Please let Morgain in when she knocks." Lady Caine instructed. "Knocks? That freaking le Fey never knocks she pops in her like a-ahhrgh!" Lady Caine opened the door to reveal a Morgain le Fey and one huffy Staylan walking away.  "Can you explain what she is doing here if she's part of the Coven?" CJ reluctantly whispered as Morgain ignored her and began to use a portable cauldron to do some sort of spell. 

"CJ, you're smart. Why do you think she's here if she's part of the Coven we are double crossing?" Lady Caine turned the question back onto her. "She's double crossing them too." CJ answered, feeling a bit unsteady, a bit seasick which never happened to her. After all she was a pirate at heart and loved the sea. But all the double crosses, she was starting to feel uneasy that there was something else Caine was holding out on her and that was Caine was going to doublecross her next. Why else had she been so eager to extend the hand of mother-daughter relationship after all these years but to use her for something? 

The suspicion that her mother would be willing to betray her wasn't what upset her. It was the fear that she had no one to use now. 

Her dream of getting her birthright was starting to slip.

Sure, she'd have the satisfaction of defeating her brother's girlfriend's Coven would have been nice. But nothing like getting the Jolly Roger. Nothing like proving she was better than Dad. Better than her siblings. 

She would be the new legend. She had to. She needed two new plans now. Double cross Coven and double cross Mom. 

"So what did you learn from the meetings?" Caine asked. CJ had sneaked around the meeting room, doing the tried and true tactic of hiding behind the curtains. So obvious, no one noticed her and she found out the date of their attack.  “Good. See, Morgain calls the insiders from Auradon. Some of those goody goodys want the Beast to burn as much as we do. We tell them about the Coven. They go stop them and while they're on the Isle, we take over Auradon and kill the beast. Got it." CJ nodded. She understood and mentally, she was taking notes. She would need this. For now, she had to pretend she was still gleefully under her "mommy's" thumb.

"Ready to meet our inside contacts?" Lady Caine smirked as a blue flash enveloped them both. ———————————————————————————————————-

"I'll be ready in a minute dear." FG's voice called from the lobby that led to her Student Counselling room.

Alexandria shifted restlessly, rolling her eyes even though FG wasn't there to be shocked at her rudeness. She heard the way too happy godmother laugh, cooing something about "Oh Jane, that's very sweet." So sweet. That's one way to define FG. So sweet and peppy you could get a toothache from the sheer sacherinne bibbidi bobbidi boo-ness. 

She could still hear FG chuckling and decided to look at the notes written in her Counseling Folder because if Alexandria knew anything, sweet was not everything. Sweet was the facade FG used to hide her real thoughts about people. 

Alexandria shifted the open folder from her desk and eagerly read the contents to see what FG really thought of her attitude during their stupid counselling sessions that she hadn't even wanted in the first place. 

Lately she hadn't felt any interest in school. Everything was boring. 

What was the point of learning Potions, and Commotions if magic wasn't allowed in Auradon. Why should she learn Royal Politics if she wasn't technically going to rule as princess even though she was part of the Atlantica Royal Family. 

Everything was useless. 

Not that she slacked. She didn't allow herself to get anything less than a B. She was her mother's daughter and she would make her proud in a life so filled with disappointment. 

But FG had noticed her lack of enthusiasm and pulled her into these bogus counselling sessions that have lasted for two months. 

Admittedly, she hadn't thought it was going to suck when FG first suggested it. In fact Alexandria had felt relieved. Finally someone would listen to her about this hollow emptiness that seemed to permeate most of her days. Listen to her frustrations about her family and the rest of Auradon Prep students who barely knew her name. 

The complete opposite happened. FG was sweet as eve,  but her advice was asinine and from what she read of FG's notes, she didn't understand her at all.  Alexandria of Atlantica and Olympia Contrary to the happy display at events, Crown Princess Attina's and Crown Prince Thor's (which Alexandria insists on others referring her parents to their former titles as King and Queen of Atlantica) arranged marriage had not blossomed into love as the public was led to believe. They are married out of duty and professionalism in order to lead their citizens. Since the Great Uniting of Kingdoms and relinquishing king/queenship of Atlantica, the couple lost the only tie binding them together. 

Princess Attina has moved on to working on Atlantica's tourism and nonprofit businesses to protect the reefs and Atlantica's ecological system. Thor has no interests nor the skills since he had only been trained to rule and seems to be engaging in extramarital dealings.   Alexandria is absorbing this dysfunction to become morose, defensive and irrational, blaming her parent's estrangement on her Aunt Ariel whom the populace has elected to be the new queen. I will call Princess Attina and suggest family counseling to improve Alexandria's attitude in school. 

Alexandria threw the folder back on FG's desk, wishing she hadn't looked. She knew FG thought she was being defensive. She saw the plastered smile as FG encouraged her to "think positively" and see the issue from another angle and her life wasn't "so bad as she was making it out to be." But she wasn't irrational! She had a right to be "morose" about this. 

Aunt Ariel was to blame for her parents losing their kingdom! Aunt Ariel could have done so many things when people elected Aunt Ariel to be queen. She could have refused! She could have given it to her mom. She could have said she didn't want to be queen of Atlantica as well as Uncle Eric's kingdom.  Besides that election hadn’t even fair! For the sake of the new monarch-democracy, King Beast allowed all of Auradon to vote for the king and queens of the new united kingdoms. And all those strangers from Agrabah and Charmington and China and Camelot, peasants and fairies voted for the ruler of Atlantica to be Ariel, overwhelming the votes of the mermaids in Atlantica whose tiny population compared to the rest of Auradon brought an overwhelming 75% Ariel to 25% Attina. 

Of course they voted for Ariel. Ariel was the one they knew. The quirky and adventurous mermaid who sacrificed everything for love. Not her mother. The eldest, the responsible daughter who had trained and been brought up to be a ruler, who had already married her father so they could unite their two sea kingdoms, whom the people of Atlantica loved as queen. And now 10 years later, her parents were miserable, her beloved home was a tourist trap that was polluted, littered and filled with obnoxious foreigners taking pictures and scaring fish, and she was stuck in this boarding school to be told to look at things positively and be happy that she is a princess, she could be less off like a VK. 

FG walked into the room and Alexandria stood up. She couldn't bear to stay in front of her doughy cheeked, happy peppiness

“I have to go FG," Alexandria stared at the ground, sure if she looked at her face she would begin to scream all the obscenities running through her head, "I-I have a test tomorrow." 

"Alright honey. After knowledge and learning keep you happy through life. But I still feel we should continue meeting. My suggestion for this week is to try not to think about the past. Just focus on the happy now." FG said softly, a "comforting" hand patting her shoulder, the sincerity oozing out like oil rippling through ocean waves. Alexandria didn't answer. She just turned and stalked out the room, a million thoughts crashing in her head and pressing against her chest in a tight coil."Don't focus on the past." Easy for her to say when the past was still directly affecting her present.  She hated to read the Atlantica Courier everyday to see a new plea for tourists not to litter or will face severe consequences which never came to fruition because they could just bribe their way out. Read about the newest oil spill or kelp forests being harvested for spas. Read about her mom's hard work in various Atlantica nonprofits that took several years of board meetings and schmoozing and still didn't accomplish all the goals Attina wanted. 

Whenever she visited the palace for vacation, she'd see her grandfather avoid looking out the windows because of how changed the kingdom was. Dull, grey, the coral eroding. Her aunts visits, exhausted from hosting Atlantica tours and arranging kingdom-wide clean ups of the reef while trying to find time to carve out careers based on their own passions. Passions pushed aside when their kingdom turned into a tourist attraction. 

Her dad, when he was home and not off trying to find some new entertainment, would lead her around the royal treasury, telling her of their family history and all he had learned. His royal lessons that were useless to him now that he had no kingdom. 

Sometimes she'd hear her mother crying alone in her room at night, but by day she'd be back to her stoic grim determination. Act like a true queen and keep her feelings inside so she could lead those who needed help more than herself. 

So lost was she in her thoughts that she was jolted out of them when she was banged against the lockers. One particular bejeweled lock scraping her shoulder. When she rubbed, droplets of blood smeared.  "Heyy, oh sorry Arabella! Nice solo yesterday in Auratones." Herkie yelled as he rushed off. 

Arabella! Freaking Arabella. Somehow all of Auradon could remember the names and sometimes the order of the seven dwarfs, but remembering the name of Aunt Ariel's six sisters was beyond their capabilities. So for someone to confuse her with her cousins was a common event. 

Despite the fact that some of them were even blonde or redheads and thus very distinguishable from Alexandria’s own dark brown hair. Not that anyone would ever confuse her with Melody. Oh no, no one would ever forget Melody, being the daughter of oh-so amazing Ariel. Her story was just as memorable as her mother's. How cute it was that Ariel wanted to be a human while Melody wanted to be a mermaid. Adorable! Alexandria always had to resist the urge to roll her eyes at that. Everyone seemed to think that her aunt and cousin were so courageous chasing after what they wanted. No, they were stupidly impulsive and lucky. 

Ariel was lucky that Eric returned her love. If he hadn't, Atlantica would be in ruins, Aunt Ariel dead and Eric married to a witch. And sure, Ariel defeated Ursula but if Ariel hadn't tried to bargain with Ursula in the first place, then Ursula wouldn't have gotten close to Atlantica in the first place!  Ariel was one of the lucky few to get a happily ever after. Much like all of Auradon's beloved couples but if others tried to do the same and follow their hearts...

Her grandfather still sometimes laughed and cringed thinking of the great Land Migration where mermaids and mermen, inspired by Ariel, tried to find potions to walk on land. People transformed into fish, clams, even a few seagulls. Those who managed to find the right one only stayed for two hours on land, finding the surface world to be as messy and awful as Sabastian always warned. Aunt Ariel had been so lucky that way. She barreled into situations and she always came out on top. While her mom worked and strived to do her best and had everything taken away from her yet she didn't complain. She didn't tell Alexandria her problems nor would she confide in grandfather Triton, she heard the way her mom dismissed his concerns. She'd just say she was the queen, it was up to her to take care of things. Grandfather should just enjoy his retirement. Alexandria should be a teenager. 

But Alexandria wasn't blind. She could see her father sneaking other women into guest rooms. Could hear the fights between closed doors. Feel the silence during family dinners. Alexandria dug out her phone and called her mom to get voicemail. That's what always happened and she left her usual message, "Hey Mom, just checking in. I love you. I'm thinking about you."  It was a small thing but she always did it. Her mom had to know she had her by her side no matter how bad things got. 

Or if things stayed the same. And that's what Alexandria secretly feared. 

Every day being the same. Nothing changing for the better. She'd be stuck as Alexandria with a meaningless title. Princess Alexandria of Atlantica. Always confused with her cousins because nothing of her life was special. 

She'd work at her mother's nonprofits trying to fulfill familial duty to make Atlantica better but reach nothing because she wasn't special enough. If Ariel told people to pick up their trash and drink Atlantica's famous kelp smoothies, people would obey like mindless sheep. But if it was Alexandria urging people to think of the environment was like screaming into the void. It would have been worthwhile if she was going to be queen. She understood the duty but all work with no crown, no citizens to advocate for. It was useless. 

She was useless. 

This was what the rest of her life was going to be like. Her chest clutched tighter and her heart pounded. She could hear the pounding in her ears as it came faster and faster. Oh great Neptune, she felt like it was punching against her chest. 

BaBOOM BaBOOm BaBOMBaBOOMBABOOMBABOOMBABOOM.  She ran, she ran as if she could escape the drumming heartbeat in her body, her feet echoing its rhythm as she bounded up the steps. 

She struggled to open the door to her room, the lock feeling extremely slippery in her trembling grasp. She couldn't and knocked frantically on the door. Some part of her mind knew it was irrational yet she started to feel that if she wouldn't get into her room, her heart would explode. She was going to die in this hallway, if not from a heart attack but from lack of oxygen, she felt like she could breath. She couldn't breath, she tried to remember what Aunt Ariel had said when she first came to land. She had to breath in and out but she couldn't think how exactly she was supposed to do that, She needed water. She wanted water. 

"Woah woah what is all the bangin-" Victoria Porter opened the door to their room and Alexandria pushed past her to flop on her water bed. Not like the lumpy bed other students had that jiggled but her bed was a glass case of water that felt so like home. 

Her heart was still bursting out of her chest and she vaguely registered Victoria rubbing her back, asking if she needed water or something but Alexandria couldn't speak. It felt like hours passed but she knew from the times it had happened before, it had probably been only a few minutes. 

"Hey.. what happened?" Victoria asked as Alexandria wiped her eyes from the tears that had formed. 

"You know, life sucks." Alexandria managed beyond the lump in her throat, "I had another "counselling session" with Fairy Godmother and she wrote that I was irrational for blaming Ariel about my parents." 

“Ahhh," Victoria nodded understandingly, "You're not irrational. Don't listen to her, After all, she's the same woman who thought reviving the world's worst and most heinous villains to put them together on the Isle was a good idea. COme on, she's hardly the epitome of someone acting rational. She is in favor of the Magic Ban, she is going against her roots."  Alexandria sniffed, and smiled a little considering how Victoria used to be in favor of the Magic Ban. 

Victoria had felt magic was a short cut and couldn't solve everything. Not like science which always progressed forward. "True." 

"You know, I'm right." Victoria leaned on the glass, "I know something that will cheer you up. Kyro and Morrían are available to start talking to Caine."

Alexandria immediately sat up, spilling her water onto the floor, but she didn't care. "Now? In the middle of the day They're hardly awake during the day like weird vampire people." Alexandria cried. 

"I don't know why they're up now but they are. Come on, Caine said she has something very important to tell us." Victoria pulled out her phone as Morrian's serious and Kyro's bored faces popped up on Auradon-Face, "We're all ready. Bring on Caine." 

Morrían’s tangled black tresses had a way of framing her violet eyes that whenever she was annoyed or angry, it would like two flashing orbs sparkling out of a dark cave, just as they were now at Victoria's cheerful attitude. "Porter, you must remember to call her Lady Caine." "Ugh she's no lady. She's a pirate." Victoria scowled. “Well we are working with her and we better keep a good relationship with her until we can turn her over to the authorities." Morrían reminded. 

"But she's a thief. She's evil. Why shouldn't we remind her that she's a lowly little-" 

Morrían’s eyes flashed and Kyro chucked, the Never fairy seemingly to wake up from his usual unimpressed expression to enjoy the potential hexing. Morrían’s fingers steepled her fingers together, blue flames flickering menacingly. 

The gesture had its intended reaction as Victoria slumped a little and pursued her lips, no doubt remembering that Morrían le Fey was the daughter of one the most dangerous and morally flexible magic user in all of Camelot.  "Now then, I shall call her up." Since Lady Caine was a mortal on the Isle and obviously had no ability to use magic, Morrían and Morgaine would work in tandem to briefly teleport Lady Caine to Camelot so they could all see her from Auradon-Face. There was a flash of blue behind Morrían’s screen and Lady Caine and the pirate that Alexandria recognized to be as CJ Hook appeared. 

“Why is she here?" Victoria growled.  "Relax, she’s my kid. She's part of the deal." Lady Caine smirk, "She won't betray us. She wants Auradon to go down just as much as we all do."

Alexandria managed to school her face from the obvious shock she felt to know CJ Hook was not only Hook's daughter but Caine's as well, and side-eyed Victoria. They wanted to bring down Auradon. That's what they allowed Lady Caine to believe. 

What they wanted was a revolution to the past. 

It had all begun after Cotillion. It had been at one of the kingdom press conference/town hall that they had met and found they had similar issues with the kingdom they lived in. They wanted to go back to the way things were before the Uniting and the creation of the Isle. 

Alexandria had always known Victoria's fiery opinions about the latter. The formation of the Isle led to the creation of Vks when villains were better off dead. Now Vks were trying to get revenge on behalf of their parents.

Stellar future planning King Beast. 

Victoria’s view was that the Vks should stay on the Isle because it was a waste of time and energy to integrate 11 year old and older to Auradon. It led to some sibling friction between her and her older brother, Kerchak who was on King Ben’s side that some of the kids could be reformed. 

Alexandria was unsure of her stance on the VKs. Morally, she knew it was better to get them away from their parents but on the other hand, they seemed more trouble than they were worth. Truthfully, The whole Isle of the Lost was more of a distraction to what she considered bigger problems that existed within Auradon. Since the formation of the Isle was one obvious mistake, then other decisions King Beast had made that should be changed. The whole Great Uniting should be reversed. The first major problem was the Auradon-wide elections of people voting in things they weren't informed in like when they voted for Aunt Ariel, an inspiring story, but unprepared princess, to rule Atlantica.

Secondly was the arbitrary melding of kingdoms so the continents became one mega continent leading to turf wars like China vs Agrabah in the Great Olive Oil-Carpet Fights until King Ben had resolved it after his father left the issue unattended. 

There was the fact that the kingdoms were not equal now they were united. Atlantica was being used as a playground for royals to trapiese around in their underwater vacations. Arendelle's ice was being transported among all the kingdoms instead of being fairly distributed to its own people. Atlantis was besieged by pissed off scientists that wanted to explore and dig in its ruins instead of respecting the purity of the culture that came from being isolated.

Then there was the Magic Ban which Kyro and Morrían felt very strongly about for the obvious reason of their magical heritage. Kyro didn't like that in order to "fit in" with the other students that he had to take  Wonderlandia potion to grow human sized and hide his wings. Furthermore, he hated the compulsory education that he was expected to attend because he was the son of the semi-famous Never bad girl fairy, Vidia. He did not find any use in classes about politics and history. He wanted to go home and embrace his fast-flying roots as part of the rest of the Never fairy system. 

Another strike he hated was that because his father was Kyto, the greedy dragon of Neverland (a parentage that Alexandria wasn't sure how it worked and hated to imagine), he was also forced to attend the patronizing Remedial Goodness class with FG. Morrían had the more pressing problem that adults wanted her to be sent to the Isle of the Lost after they had already sent her mother away from her in the second purge of potential villains after Cotillion. Morrían despised what she saw as the hypocrisy that mortal royals could do whatever they wanted and reach after their dreams but immortals and magical creatures like her had to hide their gifts or hold back in order to make things "fair." Nevermind that hiding their magic felt unnatural and painful to some.  Alexandria understood that, she remembered the first time she had used her legs, living on land with its arid dryness and lack of fluidity. No one had believed her that she felt shooting pain every time she walked, she had been so unused to the jarring rub and grind of leg muscles and of course, having to actively remind herself to inhale and exhale air. 

She had gotten used to it.. after a month but she knew others like Morrían whose magic was part of their essence that it felt suffocating. Like wearing a corset all the damn time. So they had to go back. Back to when they were all isolated kingdoms. Allied but separate. Each kingdom dealt with their own criminals and the Vks that came from them, their trade and magical beings themselves. No one had to be uniformed with others or bend down to the will of richer kingdoms. 

Morrían had been the one to mention that she felt there was a hole in the Barrier of the Isle, that magic was spilling into the hands of the worst villains and that she would have to warn someone. But that she felt conflicted because her mother was trapped there and she felt maybe she should let the magic stay there. At least long enough for her mother to regain her strength and break out on her own. Alexandria was the one who had come up with the idea of allowing the villains to escape. With Morgain on the inside, they'd have inside information to what the Coven was doing. They'd be able to use their tactics against the villains, and save the day. Morgain befriended Caine and got them in contact with her since she was supposedly a master technician and infiltrator since she nearly killed King Fredric back when Rapunzel first returned.   Albeit their grand rescue would be a bit delayed. 

They could not act like they knew too much about the Coven's plan, that they had been conspiring with Lady Caine and so they had to allow her to cause some chaos and get vengeance.  Victoria had suggested that perhaps Auradonians needed a close call to see how weak the Auradonian Royal Guard was spread out among the kingdoms, they'd see that it would be tactically intelligent to split the kingdoms. 

Morrían and Morgain wanted to be able to save Camelot and usurp Merlin as top sorcerer as deserved since he was just as hypocritical as FG. And Alexandria... Alexandria was willing to let some parts of Atlantica get crushed. Specifically the royal beach homes that were built there, ruining the pristine ocean with their gaudy mansions. So yes, they were allowing Auradon to descend into chaos when knowing they could save it. 

Perhaps it was wrong. But sometimes one needed to strike fear and terror in order to make a point. 

Auradon as it stood was not working. Radical change had to happen. She wasn't going to end up like her mom and work in the system that is crushing her. "Tell us, Lady Caine," Kyro purred, "What is so important?" She had told them that it seemed King Ben had sent another covert group to try to defeat the Coven but thankfully they seemed subdued with Jay under Jafar's hypnosis and the rest imprisoned though Lady Caine still was suspicious of the motives of Circe's son. 

Although Alexandria was secretly glad there was another group ready to fight against the Coven, she worried that they'd succeed before Lady Caine could invade.

Then Jay and Prince Aziz would get all the fame. Sons of enemies teaming up and saving Auradon was just the fairy tale that people would eat up and nothing would change.   Lady Caine did not respond to Kyro's smile which was odd since the two seemed to enjoy volleying seductive voices and bedroom eyes. A trait that always unnerved Alexandria. 

Though she understood that Kyro was probably trying to get Lady Caine to believe they truly wanted to overthrow Auradon and let everyone they love die, it was creepy how easy being bad was for him. 

Then again, he was fey. If there was anything she learned from Magical Beings: Friends and Foes was that fae operated on a different level of morality than mortals and mermaids like her. "The Coven has a date of attack." Lady Caine informed them, "Summer solstice.”  The solstice was 7 days from now. "Thank you." Alexandria said, "We will contact you again tomorrow to discuss our plans." "Actually I have some ideas." CJ smiled, grandly gesturing in front of her mom but Morrian teleported them back before she could continue. 

7 days time. They can do this. She wasn’t like Aunt Ariel, jumping into danger. She had this all planned out, and that meant her rescue of Auradon would be better. Her fairy tale ending would fit. 

She studied and strived and looked at all the angles. She was responsible like that and though Auradon would never admit it but impulsively following your heart only lead to temporary happiness until reality set in.

But she was a realist, she was studious and that would make her happiness permanent in a new old world order. 

[gaamagirl565]

MotH S2 Finale

Matters of the heart Season 2 episode 15 Fanning the flames {OPENING CREDITS} {open to Isaiah and Benny being led into the hideout with their hands bound; behind them, Gaia is being pulled in with a muzzle around her snout; Isaiah looks tiredly around at the hideouts stone walls before coming to a large wooden door; once it’s opened a cult member kicks him from behind} Cult member 1: Get moving kid! {Isaiah glares at them but does as told and walks into the large tactical room; Larkspur turns around and faces them} Larkspur: What is this!? Vergus! Vergus: Forgive me mistress. we did obtain the supplies we set out to collect but we also found some other points of interest. {Larkspur walks up to them and bends over to meet Isaiah face to face} Larkspur:  I'm surprised you survived... and judging from your deteriorated state I'm guessing you still have the power, yes? {Isaiah spits at her} Larkspur: Insolent little-! {She smacks him to the side; Isaiah harshly hits the ground} Isaiah: AUGH! Benny: Isaiah!! Larkspur:  and who is this one? Vergus:  we don't know she appears to have been traveling with the child. but she's quite strong for a little girl.  she wasn't easy to capture. {Cult member 2 holds up his bitten hand} Cult member 2:  really not easy… Larkspur: whatever the cost it was worth it. good job you three. we finally have the upper hand. we tried to do this peacefully but you people of Corona love making things so very difficult.  you just had to ruin things, didn't you? Isaiah: you're the only one ruining things… Larkspur:  do you want another crack to the face?... I thought not.  I have spent the last few weeks trying to figure out how to best your kingdom once again.  and now I think I finally have an idea.  your father has always been a thorn in my side.  but now I have you. Isaiah: in case you haven't noticed…. I'm not exactly in the best state right now... how can I possibly be of any use? Larkspur:  see that's the best part you don't have to do anything.  you said so yourself you're too weak to do anything. meaning I can do whatever I want to you and you can't fight back for the life of you.  {Larkspur looks up at the Vergus} Larkspur:  so here's my plan. Vergus,  you stay here with a few members and keep an eye on the boy and the Vessel.  meanwhile I'm going to take a small group and go to Corona.  I think it's about high time I invited Varian to a little soiree!  but this isn't just going to be any little shindig.  for what he's done to us that Alchemist deserves to burn.  will let him see his precious Boy again and will even remove the power from him. Vergus: Mistress? Larkspur:   however once the main event is done how about we play a little party game. Benny: p-party game? Larkspur:  that's right sweetheart a fun little party game.  The Alchemist will have his son back free of any power. and we will have the moonstone shard.  However the ending to this game will turn in our favor.  once we have The Shard in our clutches why don't we play a little game of family Massacre? Isaiah: *gasp* Larkspur:  well I never said it'd be fun for you... take them to the cells. and make sure they’re locked good and tight. Vergus: Yes mistress. {They start dragging Isaiah to the cells; once there the throw Isaiah, Benny, and Gaia into different cells; Isaiah lands harshly in the cell next to Cassandra; Cassandra gasps and runs to the side of her cell} Cassandra: Isaiah!  how on Earth are you here!? {Isaiah lies still groaning slightly} Benny:  those bad guys captured us and took us here… Cassandra:  he doesn't look good... it's becoming too much for him. Benny: what is? Cassandra:  he doesn't have much left... look, little girl… Benny: Benny! Cassandra:  sorry... Benny... Isaiah is very sick and the fact that he's here means that the bad people that brought you here are planning something really bad. Benny:  can we stop them? {Cassandra looks down at Isaiah and back at benny} Cassandra:  I don't know.. I really don't. {Cut to Zapada resting in a chair in the parlor with baby Sterling in her arms and Rapunzel at her side} Rapunzel: Ohhhh! He’s so cute! Zapada: Yes he was born a bit sooner than I thought he'd be... but the village physician says that he's healthy so I suppose it's all right. Rapunzel:   you just have to remember to keep him warm especially with fall just getting here. early birds like this one are prone to getting sick. Yes, you are! Yes, you are! {Rapunzel boops Sterling’s nose; off to the side of the room Varian and Eugene watch them} Eugene:  I’ll hand it to you he's a cute little guy. Varian: I'm just happy that they're both okay.  speaking of that I know this is a tender moment but I think we should focus on what our plan is now that we have the hideouts location. Eugene:  you're right.  we need to make a plan. we shouldn't just be running headfirst into a battle. Varian:  yeah about that… Eugene: that's exactly what you were going to do isn't it? Varian:  originally yes... I'll admit I got a bit overzealous… Eugene:  look I know what they did to your family is terrible but we have to keep our heads if we run in there right now with absolutely no plan we’ll be walking right into their hands. Varian: That's actually what I wanted to talk to you about. I want to apologize if I've come off as... you know… {Eugene looks downtrodden and pulls him out into the hall} Varian: Eugene? Eugene: I should have said this before... I'm sorry too. Varian: for what? Eugene:  Rapunzel and I came up with a plan to meet the cult on the North Shore cliffs.  we came up with the plan to Ambush them.  I promised I'd always protect the kid.  I know that... no amount of apologies could ever replace what you and Zapada have lost but- {Varian pulls him into a hug} Varian: Eugene none of this was your fault. you were doing what you thought was right as king and captain of the Guard.  I am always going to miss my son. that is never going to change but I'm not going to let you sit here and blame yourself for something that wasn't your fault. I've been down that road. It’s not fun. {Eugene smiles at him before hearing the main door open; he looks up and his face contorts in horror; Varian whips around to see Larkspur entering} Larkspur: What a touching little moment that I just walked in on. sorry to spoil it. You two Go. {Two cult members shove past Varian and Eugene into the parlor: Zapada screams as she and Rapunzel have swords put against their throats} Varian: NO! {Eugene unsheathes his sword; Noremoth comes running down the stairs} Larkspur: Norie! Noremoth: Larkspur? Larkspur:  I'm so happy to see that you're okay! {She goes to hug him but he moves away from her} Larkspur: aww are we still sour about the Battle? Noremoth: you left me behind to die of course I'm still sour! I will never not be sour! Varian: What are you doing here and what do you want!? Larkspur:  so rude. I came all this way just to see you.  I have a little gift. {Noremoth narrows his eyes} Larkspur:  however you see this gift is quite tedious to carry around so if you wouldn't mind coming back to my place to receive it. it would be a huge help. Varian: We’ll never go anywhere with you!  for all we know we could be walking straight into a trap! Larkspur:  I thought you might say that. {Larkspur snaps her fingers and a cult member rips Sterling from Zapada’s arms} Zapada: NO! Rapunzel: PUT HIM DOWN! Varian: DON’T HURT HIM! Noremoth: Larkspur that is enough! Return the child to it’s mother immediately! Larkspur: Ah ah ah!  I think you forget who has the upper hand here.  with one word my men here could dispose of the two women and the little baby. I don't think you have a choice but to listen to my demands. {Varian looks at Eugene} Eugene: what do you want? Larkspur:  just as I said I want to take Varian and his family back to my place so that they can see the little gift I prepared for them. however you and the queen will stay here. and if I suspect anybody of following us just the slightest little hint and I will destroy all of them.  do I make myself clear your majesty? Varian: Trust me he understands.  we’ll do as you say. Eugene: Varian! Varian:  Eugene we do not have a choice. we'll be fine. Noremoth:  I request that I come along as well. Larkspur:  oh does little Norie what to re-join our ranks? Noremoth: don't put words in my mouth.I'm coming along to make sure that you don't get ahead of yourself. Larkspur:  excuse me? Noremoth:  these people have done more for me in 2 weeks then you have done for me my entire time in your little cult. Larkspur:  and you honestly think you could defeat all of us? Noremoth:  I'd go down trying at least. Larkspur:  find then you can come along but we're doing things my way… {She snaps her fingers and cult member cuffs him} Varian: noremoth! Noremoth:  you are just not a nice lady! what did I ever see in you!? Larkspur: come on let's get moving. Varian:  wait! Zapada just had a baby... she can't walk very far. she needs to rest. if you want all of us to arrive there alive you'll give her one of the horses {Larkspur glares him down but smirks} Larkspur: Alright...Prepare a horse. Noremoth:  no tying her to the horse, Larkspur! Larkspur:...killjoy...finneee... {The cult member returns Sterling to Zapada and she holds him tightly crying; Varian rushes over and picks her up bridal style and follows the cult outside} Zapada: Varian? Varian:  we're going to be okay... I promise. {Cut back to the cells at the hideout; Isaiah coughs and wheezes before rolling over} Cassandra:  he's getting worse… Benny: what was your first hint?  the coughing, the fever,  or the relentless groaning? Cassandra:  all right this isn't a time for sass little girl. Benny:  sorry but we have to do something!  at this rate he's going to die. {Isaiah opens his eyes to see Cassandra reaching through the bars to stroke his hair; he gasps before coughing and backing away} Isaiah: Miss...Cass? Cassandra:  Hey kid... nice to see you again. Isaiah: How long have I been out? Cassandra:  a few hours maybe? it's hard to tell time in here. Isaiah:  what's happening to me? Cassandra: Zhan tiri’s power... it's becoming too much for you to handle. your body is giving out on you. Isaiah:  I have to find... a way out of here… {He tries to get up and move toward the cell door} Cassandra: there is no way you are going anywhere in that state. Isaiah: that's what you think...  Benny are you okay to move? Benny: mmhmm! Isaiah:  okay good... I'm going to try and find something to pick the lock and then- augh! {He coughs up more black liquid and it runs down his chin; his new claw-like nails scratch at the stone floor leaving marks} Cassandra:  don't push yourself, kid! { Isaiah glares up at her with a blackened mouth} Isaiah:  I don't take orders from you… {The door to the room opens and Vergus walks in} Vergus:  are we having fun? getting along okay? Cassandra:  if you’ve just come to patronize us get out… Vergus: cranky today, sweet vessel? Cassandra:  call me that again and see what happens! Vergus: oooh!  we are feisty today!  anyway I'm not here for either of you. I'm here for this one. {Turns and looks at benny} Isaiah: Benny! {Benny gets in a defense position} Vergus: HA!  isn't that cute? This tiny tot actually thinks she can fight me. that's just adorable. but I'm not here for that either I'm actually here to offer you a proposition. Benny:  what's a..propo- Cassandra: a proposition... he's making you an offer of some sort. Benny: What do you want? Vergus:  well most of our group are older people.  adults who have nothing left to lose.  that's why they join us. Society has treated them wrongly for many years.  We’re just evening the playing field. Cassandra: get to the point, Vergus! Vergus:  my point is you've had it quite rough. I can tell. those Rags you're wearing,  your small frame. you haven't had a good meal in ages have you. probably haven't slept in a nice bed and quite a while.  we have all of those here. and we'd protect you. Benny:  what are you saying? {Vergus unlocks the cell door and holds it open} Vergus:  join us. we can teach you all the tricks.  make sure you grow up right. you'll be the first of a new generation in a new Society.  you'll have a family. {Benny looks up at him and he smirks. She looks over at Isaiah and walks over to the open door} Isaiah: No...benny.. {Benny places a hand on the cell door bars; she contemplates for a minute before glancing up at Vergus with rage; she slams the door closed on his fingers with her inside the cell} Vergus: AAAAUUUUGGHHHH!!! Benny: I'd rather be with Isaiah then be big old ugly meanie like you! {Vergus clutches his broken and bruised fingers} Vergus: URRGHH! ROT IN HERE FOR ALL I CARE! {He storms out; Benny’s legs give out} Isaiah: Benny... are you okay? Benny:...I-I’m okay… Cassandra:  kid... you just did what I wish I could have done a million times over. I like your spunk. {cut to Varian walking with the group; Noremoth walks up next to him} Noremoth: When we get there try not to be yourself. Varian: what? Noremoth:  you like to be snarky... especially when you're in battle. Varian: what do you want me to do? roll over like a dog? Noremoth:... just this once? Varian: …I can't believe this. Noremoth:  if not for me do it for your family. Larkspur isn't like me. she doesn't have a code or anything when it comes to fighting. she kills without Mercy. you should already know that. Varian:  trust me... that I already know. {They reach the hide out entrance; a large stone door is carved into the side of the mountain; Larkspur knocks in a rhythm and it opens} Larkspur:  hurry up. let's not diddle daddle. Opps! sorry did that bring back some, I know the word “dad” was in that word. Varian: son of a- {Noremoth holds him back; Larkspur walks in giggling} Varian:  you carved your hideout into the mountain? Larkspur:  actually know these tunnels were already here. this used to be a mine.  we just added some personality.  some blood here, a skull over there... you know to really breathe life into the place. {A skeleton with his skull off to the side slumps in the corner of the hall; Zapada winces and holds onto Sterling} Larkspur: What? oh him? yes obtaining this place was a bit tedious.  the original owner of the mine was still here. Luckily Norie took care of that as you can see. {Noremoth bites his lip; Larkspur throws open the doors to the main commons room; all of the cult looks over in shock; Larkspur steps up on a small stone stage} Larkspur:  gather around everyone!  there's a lot of fun to be had today! {Varian helps zapada off the horse} Larkspur:  right.  you there you can take the horse back to the Stables.  and where is Vergus? Cult member:  he was seriously injured earlier we were forced to amputate some of his fingers. Larkspur:  oh for the love of... you leave them alone for 5 minutes.  you know what I'm talking about Varian, haha! {Varian growls} Larkspur:  anyway could somebody please go to the cells and take everyone out. I want you to bring them here. Cult member: Yes, mistress! {They run out the door} Varian:  are you going to tell us what we're here for now? Larkspur:   Patience Varian!  you can't just jump right into the main event! you have the moonstone Shard yes? {Varian glares at her} Larkspur:  I'll take that as a yes.  how's about we make a deal? Zapada: a deal? Larkspur:  yes... an exchange of sorts!  I have something you want and you have something I want! Varian: knowing you whatever you have is certainly not something I want. Larkspur:  oh I beg to differ!  you can come in now! don't leave us waiting! {The cult member walks in with Cassandra and Benny whilst  practically dragging Isaiah;  Varian’s eyes widen and his pupils dilate} Isaiah: D-dad? Varian: IF THIS IS YOUR IDEA OF A JOKE- Larkspur:  not at all!  aren't you happy to see him? I assure you he's real. Isaiah: DADDY! {Varian tears up and sobs; he goes to run to him but is held back by various cult members} Varian: LET ME GO! Noremoth: Larkspur what is your game here!? Larkspur: you see I sent some people to regain some supplies from the damage you did to us those weeks ago.  and what do they find instead but your precious little boy.  being the Good Samaritan I am I brought him back here and treated him as an honored guest.  he got the nicest cell! Zapada: Copilul meu! Larkspur: well, I did find your son but he seems to be in Dire Straits. seems like the magic is finally working its power. his body can only hold out for so long. if you give me the moonstone Shard I'll be more than happy to remove his affliction and let you go on your way. what do you say? I'm being more than generous. { Varian looks around at everyone and then at his son; with a sigh, he removes the vial with the shard} Larkspur:  very good Alchemist!  and just to make sure things stay even. Noremoth!  I want you to bring me the shard and someone else can bring me the child.  no wrong moves here. don't take advantage of my good nature. {noremoth walks over to Varian} Noremoth:  give me The Shard... Varian she's not kidding she will slit Isaiah's throat in front of you if she suspects anything.you have one shot to actually get your son back here don't blow it. Varian: how can I be sure that's really Isaiah? Larkspur:  excuse me? {Isaiah looks tiredly over at his father} Varian:  I want to believe that is my son. I really do.  I won't deny that this is a dream come true for me right now. but I saw him die. Larkspur:  no. you saw him fall off a cliff. my only guess is that the power triggered itself like a defense mechanism. afraid that its host was going to perish. that's the only reason your boy survived.  but since you're so insistent. {She snaps her fingers; a cult member makes a small cut on Isaiah’s arm} Isaiah: AHH! Varian: STOP! PLEASE! OKAY! Larkspur:  see? he's real! he bleeds! Varian:.. I... I'm sorry buddy. {Varian hands over the vial to Noremoth; Isaiah is dragged up on stage; Noremoth brings over the shard and takes it out of the vial} Noremoth: you have the Blasted shard. now... do what you promised. {Larkspur takes out the vial of potion and roughly grips Isaiah’s mouth, forcing it open} Isaiah: ah! {she pours the liquid into his mouth and shoves him to the ground; Isaiah swallows the iron tasting concoction; his eyes glow bright green and pink and crackles of magic appear around him} Benny: ‘Saiah!! {He claws at his chest coughing and hacking; Varian pulls Zapada and Sterling close; Larkspur sits looking at her nails; Isaiah coughs up a black substance onto the ground and gasps for air} Larkspur: There! all better?  his Affliction has been removed. {Isaiah shakily gets up} Varian: Isaiah? Isaiah: Dad? DADDY! {Isaiah jumps off the stage and runs into his family’s arms: sobbing all the while} Isaiah: Dad! I mi-missed you so much! Varian: My boy...you’re really here…my little boy. {he cups his sons face and wipes his tears away} Zapada: oh Copilul meu! I thought you gone! Isaiah: I’m here Zapada... {Noremoth and Cassandra smile warmly} Larkspur: aw What a touching family reunion!  now what do you say? Varian:... thank you… Larkspur:  oh trust me Varian... you're going to wish you hadn't thanked to me. {Noremoth notices her pull a sword from the stand behind her; Noremoth gasps and shoves her over} Noremoth: IT’S A TRAP! {larkspur gets up} Larkspur: KILL THE- AH! {Larkspur turned around to see Benny holding rocks as she has just thrown one at her} Larkspur: Little brat! Noremoth: VARIAN! {He tosses a sword at him; Varian catches it; Cassandra looks up at the chandelier in the room and then back at Benny} Cassandra: how many of those rocks do you have? Benny: umm... like maybe six? Cassandra: good enough! { she grabs Benny and throws her up to the chandelier} Benny: WHOA! Hehe! Lets do that again! Cassandra: start throwing the rocks at everyone! {Cassandra Goes to run into battle but her own power starts taking her over} Cassandra: augh! Varian: Cassandra! {Isaiah grabs more rocks and helps benny by chuck stones at the cult members; he hits one in the head and watches them drop} Isaiah: bullseye! {Cut to Noremoth fighting Larkspur} Larkspur: So should I take this as your official resignation from our little group? Noremoth:  what do you think!? {She blocks and parries him} Larkspur: you want to know what I think!?  I think your roast duck was always dry! Noremoth:.... oh now that's just hurtful! {Varian protects Zapada the best he can by fending off multiple attacks} Zapada: Varian! Let me do something! Varian: like what!? Zapada; ummmm {she looks around and gets an idea} Zapada:  grab my waist! {Varian blushes} Zapada:  oh stop it and just do it! {He does so} Varian: Okay I have your waist and now what!? Zapada: spin. Varian: what? Zapada: spin! { he spins and Zapada kicks her legs out kicking the ones surrounding them in the face} Zapada:  I learned that one from the princess. and all with a newborn in my arms. {Sterling giggles; Cut to Benny on the Chandelier; she hears cracking and looks up to see the chandelier getting ready to fall} Benny: oh that's not good! {she jumps just as it starts falling} Benny: AHHH- OOF! {Isaiah catches her} Benny: ‘SAIAH! Isaiah: you know I've heard of taking the quick way down but that was ridiculous. Noremoth: AUGHHH! {Everyone turns to look just as Cassandra has run Noremoth through with a sword; Noremoth coughs and sputters before falling to his knees} Varian: NOREMOTH! Larkspur: well... this is what happens when you betray the people closest to you.  and without further ado! {she forces the Moonstone Shard into Cassandra's chest; A bright light shines it envelops her;  Cassandra screams in response;   what was once just a shard starts reforming into a corrupt Stone; Sandra's eyes flickering color as she starts losing her own conscience} Larkspur: HAHAHA! YES! FINALLY! { some of the cult members back away and even run} Isaiah: Dad! what do we do!? { Varian looks on in horror at what he's witnessing;  he rushes over and swings Noremoth’s arm over his shoulder} Varian: RUN! { the walls of The Hideout start cracking and rocks begin falling from the ceiling as Zhan tiri’s power takes over Cassandra’s mind; her eyes turn a bright purple; Isaiah grabs Benny and runs out with his family just as the entrance to the mine collapses; they all look back at the Fallen rocks that are now blocking what was the entrance to the mine} Zapada: is everyone all right? Isaiah:Yeah... I think I am. Benny are you okay? Benny: i’m okay… Isaiah: What about Noremoth? {Varian takes out an alchemy sphere and releases it over Noremoths wound  cauterizing it} Noremoth: NNGH! Varian:  it's all I can do for right now... it'll stop the bleeding at least. he's going to have to see the doctor in Corona. {Isaiah hugs them both} Isaiah: I missed you guys so much! Varian: we missed you too... more than you'll ever. I'm so happy to see that you're alive. how did you survive? Isaiah:  I don't know! I don't remember much. I remember falling into the water but then one of my attacks started happening. then I remember waking up on a ship and then. they took me to the dark Kingdom! I got to see the dark Kingdom dad!  oh by the way some really furry Hunter guy and the captain that saved me says hi. {Varian laughs} Varian: hi! Ahaha! Isaiah: By the way I was wanting to ask but we were in the middle of a battle so I didn't think it was the best time but.. who is this? {Isaiah looks at Sterling and both Varian and Zapada smile} Zapada: Copilul meu... meet your little brother, Sterling. Isaiah: sterling!? I have a little brother and you used my name!? {Sterling giggles and smiles} Isaiah: hi!  hi little guy! I promise I'm going to be the best big brother I could ever be! { Varian looks over at Benny who's standing in the background} Varian: Isaiah? who is that? Isaiah: oh! Benny c’mere!  Dad this is Verbena or benny!  she helped me when I was in the dark Kingdom!  I wouldn't have survived if it wasn't for her! Benny: hi… Zapada: Where are your parents? surely they're worried sick! Isaiah: Benny is an orphan… {Zapada gasps and looks over at Varian; Varians face sofens} Varian: How old are you Benny? Benny: seven… Varian:  7 years old and surviving on your own? you shouldn't be forced to do that.  tell you what. we have an extra room in the house. it seems like she is grown quite fond of you and you seemed quite fond of him. if you want you could always join our- {Benny tackles him} Varian: oof! haha! I'll take that as a yes! Benny: I finally have a mama and Daddy again!  and I gets siblings!? YES! {The all hug each other; fade to the  entrance of old Corona;  Rapunzel walks up to  Lily, Akina, and Nathaniel Rapunzel: Anything yet? Akina: Nothing ye- OH WAIT! {Everyone gets up; off in the distance Varian and family ride in on horseback} Akina:  they're here! it looks like they returned safely! and- wait… Adira:  what is it small one? Akina: it can't be… all: WHAT!? Akina: it's Isaiah... he's with them. Eugene: what!? {he grabs the eyeglass from her and looks through it; Eugene chokes up and laughs} Eugene:  she's not kidding. he's alive! he's there with them! {Lily stands up} Lily: ISAIAHHH! {Isaiah singles his horse to gallop and the rest of the family follows with everybody else running up to the horses as well;  once they reach each other Isaiah jumps off of the horse and tackles Lily to the ground with is two other friends joining in} Lily: You’re alive! You’re really here! {She sobs into him} Isaiah: yeah I'm really here.   and I have something that I've been wanting to do since I left! Lily: wha-!? {Isaiah kisses her} Eugene: He-what..H-he's kissing my daughter. he's kissing my girl! hold up- wait- no. he is kissing Lily! Lance: Eugene let them have this. {Isaiah pulls away} Lily:  okay I can officially say I am a happy princess… {Isaiah hugs all of his friends;  awesome the distance at the entrance of the mine the rocks blocking it shift} {END CREDITS}