#I'm romanian if you couldn't tell...

[0zeeraa0bloodmoon0]

every time some amercan pronounces Lady Dimitrescu's name as "Lady Dimitresc' ", a vampire loses it's fangs...

[dianaburnwood]

THE SPLITTER

SPOILERS AHEAD -

Is this the best elusive target we've ever had???? The LORE on this one? Also very interested in the timeline as 47 and Diana are still working for the ICA in this contract, they're not freelance.

I feel like I have been awakened from Hitman hibernation to freak out over the implications of Valiant and Hei's work on the Romanian programme.

First of all, we have Max Valiant - Jean-Claude Van Damme helloooo - who is a disgruntled ex-ICA agent. The best they had, before 47. Assassinated by his own agency for playing both sides, but Valiant lived, and now has a major bone to pick with the ICA. His master plan is pretty brilliant - giving him the opportunity to take over from his old employer or become their greatest competition - all by creating his own version of Ort-Meyer's work.

This is where my jaw DROPPED.

Valiant has created his own clones. However, they aren't clones like 47, who was born as a baby and raised to adulthood. Valiant, like Ort-Meyer, wanted a way to accelerate the process and have clones who were completely obedient. His clones are grown in tanks to accelerated adulthood - just like Ort-Meyer's 48 series. But in them we see the same flaws. While these clones are excellent, they are inexperienced. Everything they do is mechanically perfect, but it lacks the critical thought that an actual adult has.

Due to this, Valiant's clones are like children. They ask if they've done well, they seek his praise. It's kind of heart-breaking. He pushes them to their physical limits and they do it without question. They are "perfect" and yet lack everything that makes 47 so calculating. They are, in all honesty, innocent.

And so 47 has to take them out. And oh. my. God.

Dressed as a guard he takes over from the one supervising the shooting range. The guard happily tells him he can have the freaks, to which 47 responds with venom: "Think you're the freak."

Because of course. Watching people create clones could not be closer to home for 47. He hates this in as much as he has the emotional capacity for hatred. This makes him as uncomfortable as he can get.

We also get a glimpse of when things go wrong on his project. We have one of the clones in a padded cell, dancing to himself. He is unaware of everything around him. He is childlike in his happiness. And 47 kills him.

The researchers thank 47 for taking him out, saying they couldn't bring themselves to do it. They ask him how he did it with such ease. And 47 responds: "You get numb after a while."

Oh my God????? We rarely get to explore how 47 feels about what he does, because even though there are so many hints throughout the series, he doesn't actually talk about it himself all that much. And numb is such an interesting word choice. Because numb is not indifferent. When you're numb to something, the feelings are still there, but you can't access them. You know they are there, but you are removed from it. Either through shock, or desensitisation, or your brain is protecting you or whatever - you are deprived from the feeling. We've heard from Diana before that 47 knows he is broken and tries to be whole. Here we are getting this from himself, he is numb to what he does. And "after a while" - ahhhhhh???? Now that he has his memory back after Grey, he remembers what it was like to feel and to care. He remembers how he was. He is numb now, but he knows he was not always this way. I'm crying????

Walking into the room with the tanks reminded me so much of Hitman: Contracts when we get that replay of the asylum. All these new clones, grown in tanks instead of raised. I felt sorry for them then, but Valiant's clones have given me an even greater perspective on how these men are essentially children. It's so sad.

Pritchard's open disgust for the whole thing - but also his admitted awe - is another interesting angle for the ICA. I didn't realise before that Pritchard is the ICA's CFO. The board was not aware of what Travis was doing with Victoria in Absolution, and it seems to still be the case that they wish to be "ethical" with their assassination business. But given the cost and the time, I can't imagine that someone on the ICA board wouldn't see the value in what Valiant was doing. And we never find out what the board's answer would have been to Pritchard as he sat on the phone with them during this mission.

Also interesting to me that Hei was not a target. Why did the board authorise the death of Valiant and his clones, and not take out the researcher who made it all possible? Imo, there's material for a whole new game here. I can't imagine that the ICA would not reach out to Hei and have her work for them instead going forward.

My real question is - does Hei know how to restart the program that made 47? Or does she only know about Ort-Meyer's later program that accelerated the growth of the 48 series? Because if she knows how to create new clones the way that 47 was made, and the ICA board sees the value in investing in that rather than in the 48 model, I could see a really interesting future where they start their own child soldier program with Hei. Especially now since Diana and 47 have left the ICA and are essentially their competitors.

[6lostgirl6]

Can you please do a Dracula fic for me where it is modern times and you are Dracula’s mate. He sees you and immediately knows what/who you are to him. He goes about trying to court you but he does it in the same way you would way back when. You find it cute and sweet, seeing as how most guys put minimal effort in and just wanna get in your pants. Basically you guys fall in love and he tells you what/who he is, you obviously accept it, and maybe ends with you asking him to turn you. Which he’s obviously gonna do.

Thank you. 🖤❤️🖤❤️🖤❤️🖤❤️

Chivalry Is Undead

Pairing: Modern!Vladislaus Dracula x Fem!Reader

TW: Dracula haunted by your death, blood mention, dead bodies mentioned, reincarnation, mentions of past life, Dracula hissing at you, turning.

There was only one moment in time in which Vladislaus Dracula was able to find a sense of true happiness in his life. This was the time he felt like he was truly a human being rather than a monster, a tyrant. The time in which he still had you, his long lost wife.

Now, centuries later, he was considering taking a trip across the world to ease the pain of losing the only thing he had ever truly loved and felt that he could never recover from. The trip from Romania to America was rough, staying in the cargo hold of a boat until they reached land. By the time he was able to step out, the entire crew was lifeless and drained of all blood.

A few days after he arrived in the city, he decided to explore the area and get to know the city a little better.

It was impossible not to notice how out of place the vampire Lord stood in the crowd. He was dressed in clothes that would remind people of the Victorian era. It didn’t help that he was the only one to carry an umbrella during the day without a sign of rain. However, he also caught the attention of multiple women, none of which interested him. His beloved wife held a special place in his heart, there was no room for any other.

After walking for a while, he was suddenly hit with a very peculiar scent in the air. Dracula paused in his steps, his eyes widening as he took in the sweet aroma. His undead heart would have skipped a beat if he were human.

He could smell the scent of his beloved.

He hastened his steps, effortlessly pushing through the crowd as he did so. He wasn't going to let any disgusting human get in the way of him finding his lost love. He paused again, standing in the spot where the sweet aroma was at its strongest.

Suddenly, he widened his eyes in shock as he looked across the busy street and a rare smile appeared on his face. His pupils began to dilate as he stared across the street. There you were, standing near the crosswalk with a device in your hand that he remembered was a cellphone.

He couldn't imagine anything more beautiful than you; the exact image of the beloved he lost so long ago. The sensation of moving towards you itched in his body. He was tempted to forget about the traffic in front of him and just appear before you. It was your touch, your presence, and your entire being that once soothed his tyrannical soul. He missed you and desperately wanted you back in his arms and that is exactly what he'll do.

You were watching something on your phone, waiting for the pedestrian signal to change so you and a small crowd of people could cross the road. Soon, the pedestrian signal turned green, allowing you and the small crowd to begin walking across safely. After crossing the road, you went to walk down the sidewalk when you suddenly bumped into what seemed like a brick wall, causing you to drop your phone. 

With the stranger's quick reflexes, he was able to grab your phone before it could land on the pavement.

“Apologies, Miss...” He said, his voice was deep with a Romanian accent, handing out the device towards you.

"Thank you so much." You said with a sheepish smile, taking your phone back from the handsome stranger. "I'm really sorry, I should have been paying better attention."

Damn, even her voice is the same...

He waved his hand towards you dismissing your apology with a friendly smile. "No, do not apologize, the fault is mine. Might I ask your name?" He asked with curiosity.

You found him awfully charming and you gave your name out instantly. "What's your name?" You asked, just as curious about the handsome stranger. In that moment, the stranger took your hand not holding your phone and pressed a kiss upon your knuckles. You felt your heart skip a beat. 

“What a gorgeous name…” He muttered, staring into your eyes. 

Dracula’s keen hearing was able to sense your nervousness and your immediate attraction to him. His mind was hazy and fangs aching to make their claim upon your delicate throat. To claim you as his mate so he would never lose you again. "You may call me Vlad, my dear, I have traveled all the way from Transylvania for sight-seeing." 

“You’ve come a long way…” You uttered, your gazes were still locked on one another, unable to break the connection between you both. 

“I have, but I believe the agonizing trip was well-worth it, to see true beauty such as yourself.” He commented, smirking a little when he noticed the warmth flooding your cheeks. “I was exploring the city, but it would be lovely to have someone like you accompanying me. Would you like that?” 

Your eyes softened, giving a smile from his charm, he was quite different from the other men you would see around the city. It warmed your heart to have a man show genuine interest in you and want to merely spend time with you. “I would love that.” 

Dracula felt relieved as his eyes softened from your acceptance. He held his arm out and you quickly wrapped your arm around his own, elbows linked together. It was very old-fashioned you can admit, but you couldn’t help but prefer it. However, you couldn’t place it, but the gesture was oddly familiar, as if he’s done this with you before. 

Your relationship with Vlad has been going well for a few months now and you are happier than you have ever been. Since becoming his unofficial tour guide, you have spent almost every day with him. You have even been on a few dates with him, unable to resist his sweet nature and silver tongue. Dates that consisted of fine restaurants and extravagant tours of the city that you had never had the opportunity to experience before. However, you noticed that Vlad was very vague when it came to specifics about himself. In particular, he was not interested in discussing his past, his finances, or his methods of obtaining them and his need for carrying an umbrella everywhere. When you asked him why, he mentioned it was because he had a rare skin condition that would become irritated if exposed to direct sunlight.

Despite his mysterious behavior, you still found him extremely charming and you noticed that you were starting to grow intense feelings for him. However, as your relationship developed and your feelings grew, you began having dreams, strange dreams. More like nightmares because you would always dream about ancient times where you and Vlad were once married where the dream would end with your impending doom, you were never given details of your ultimate demise.

You never bothered to tell Vlad, not wanting to push him away or make him think you were crazy because you dreamt that you were his wife in some past life, you never wanted to ruin your chances with him. For instance, you were going on another date with him tonight, deciding that you both would meet each other in an extravagant park that was quite a distance from the city.

After getting into your car and making the drive away from the city, you arrived in the parking lot near the entrance of the park. Glancing outside your window, you turned off the engine before stepping out onto the concrete. It was just after dusk and the skies were starting to become darker as the minutes moved on. After locking your car, you headed over to the entrance and looked around. 

Part of you disliked Vlad not having a cellphone, due to him hating technology, but you had no way of getting a hold of him should you ever needed him or his location. Checking the time on your phone, you sighed as you were about to put it away. You were becoming a little anxious that you might have been stood up.

“Looking for something?” A pleasant voice whispered in your ear, thick Romanian accent sending shivers down your spine. 

You jolted slightly, gasping as you turned towards the person. Standing behind you with an amused smirk was Vlad, seemingly entertained by your reaction. You rolled your eyes and playfully smacked his arm, knowing that it wouldn’t hurt him. “You scared me!” You exclaimed, a teasing smile plastered on your face. 

“I apologize, my sweet.” Vlad replied, staring intently into your eyes. He thought it was delectable how scared you became, even if it only lasted for a meer moment. He was dressed in black with a thick overcoat. “It’s rude to scare the lady that captured my heart.” He continued, reaching out to take your hand in his own. He couldn’t resist touching you.

You felt your cheeks grow a little warm, gripping his hand as you both entered the park, enjoying the scenery. However, you were still a little distracted from the dreams you’ve been having. Usually, you were able to ignore it until you went home where you could reflect after your dates with Vlad. Now though, your mind was constantly replaying the dreams in a loop. You didn't notice how distant you became the more the date went on, getting lost in your own head.

Dracula noticed you were more quiet than usual, opting to replying in short answers or needing him to repeat himself. Dracula may have been old, but he understood when someone is thinking about something, something very important.

He stopped you both when you appeared next to a fountain, turning towards you and taking both of your hands in his own. "What bothers you so, my sweet?" He asked, concern evident in his gaze.

"I'm sorry..." You muttered, a little embarrassed from your behavior. "I've just been thinking about some things."

"Like what? Does something trouble you?" He questioned, squeezing your hands. Everything was feeling very familiar again, and you were starting to feel a little weird.

"I've been having...strange dreams lately. Dreams that seem very real and like I've been there before. But it's impossible, right? Dreaming about something that's never happened?" You explained, but it only left you asking questions.

Dracula swore his heart jumped to his throat. Could this mean you were starting to remember your past life with him? Was his mere presence and time spent with you the answer to getting you back?

"What do you dream about?" He stepped closer, his gaze refusing to leave your own. "What is it, my sweet?" He was eager to hear your answer.

"It's really stupid, it's like we've met before? The dreams start with us being married during an ancient time and the dream ends with me dying in some way and leaving you behind...the dream never gives me answers though..." You explained, voice low. "But, we were really happy and I woke up crying sometimes."

"It's because it was real..." Dracula replied, his eyes soft and if he could, tears would have been gathering in his own eyes. "It was real, my sweet..."

"But that's impossible, Vlad." You stated, a little confused from his reaction. "Past lives don't exist and even if you were alive during that time, you would be dead right now."

Dracula sighed, before looking around. He didn't sense anyone else in the vicinity, meaning that the both of you were completely alone. For once in his immortal life; he felt nervous, nervous for your reaction.

"Come, my sweet," Leading you by the hand, you both walked over to the fountain, sitting down on the stone structure. "There is something we must discuss."

"Vlad...this isn't because of my dreams, right? It's okay if you think it's weird..." You started before Vlad politely cut you off, showing his hand.

"My darling, the dreams you've been experiencing are very much real. Centuries ago, you were the love of my life and we were once married. My pride, arrogance, and selfish desires caused me to lose you forever. However..." He gripped your hand tightly. "I have you once more, in this life. I've been given a second chance at happiness my darling, with you." He explained, he didn't want to beat around the bush.

You stared at him, slightly in shock from his explanation. Your mind was going a mile a minute, and crazy as you may seem, part of you believed him. However, the logical part of your mind screamed at you to wake up. If it were true, how is Vlad here?

"Then how are you even alive, Vlad?" You questioned, looking into his eyes.

"Because...I am a monster, my darling." He hesitated before continuing, "I am Count Vladislaus Dracula and I am a vampire."

"W-What?" You asked, standing up and backing away a little. Not allowing you to escape from him again, Dracula stood up and closed the distance between you both once more. He towered over you, his intense gaze staring into your own. "Vlad, that's not-"

"Search your feelings, you know it to be true." He stated, grabbing your hand.

"Vlad, this is such a stupid j-"

Suddenly, Vlad appeared in front of your face, hissing down at you with glowing eyes, fangs protruding from his gums and jaw slightly unhinged like a snake. His face was monstrous and for the first time, you were scared of him. You screamed in fear, struggling to remove yourself from his grip as he wrapped his arm around your waist, gripping your wrist with his other hand.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry." The monstrous face of Vlad returned to normal, pulling you close as tears gathered in your eyes, trying hard not to sob into his chest. He felt horrible that he had to show you this way, but he didn't know how else to convince you he was telling the truth. "You needed to see, darling, I'm sorry for scaring you." He caressed your hair.

You sniffled, your face pressed against his chest as Vlad continued caressing you, trying to calm you down. His monstrous face tormented your mind, however your heart was screaming that you needed to hear him out.

"M-My dreams..." You pulled away slightly, looking up at him as he moved a free hand to caress your cheek, wiping away stray tears from your skin. "W-We were really married...?"

He gave you a small smile, before nodding his head. "Yes, my sweet, but now we are given a second chance. This time, I will do everything in my power to protect you and keep you with me forever." He promised.

"But you can't..." You replied sadly. Vlad was a vampire, an immortal creature that would continue living for many more centuries, while you could die at any moment. You felt your heart breaking, knowing that even though you had a second chance, you would still lose him.

Unless...

"Unless you change me..." You mentioned, causing Vlad to look into your eyes with an unreadable expression. However, you didn't realize how much Dracula wanted to sink his teeth into your throat and change you right this second. However, he maintained himself as you continued speaking.

"Is that what you want, my darling?" He asked, pulling you close as his other hand moved to cup your other cheek. "Do you wish to become mine eternally?"

"Yes." You answered, wrapping your around his neck which made him want to purr from your affectionate touch. "Yes, I want to become your wife once more."

Without another word and breaking your gazes, he wrapped an arm around your waist before dipping you slightly. From this position, all you could see was the face of your former lover and the stars above.

"Your wish is my command." He uttered, before leaning down, which made you close your eyes instinctively.

You were bracing yourself, awaiting for the pain that would engulf you when Vlad would sink his fangs into your neck. The pain that would ultimately change your life forever. However, that never happened as you felt the man of your literal dreams pressing his lips against your own. You gasped slightly, the kiss between you two quickly becoming passionate.

Dracula couldn't hold back the pleased growl rumbling from his chest. The ability to finally have you in his arms again and tasting your sweetness through the kiss almost made him lose control. However, he wanted to make the change romantic and less painful.

Behind your closed eyes, more memories were revealed like a record player and you felt tears swell into your eyes once more. You remembered everything and your heart shattered, knowing how much pain your husband has been through since your departure.

Reluctantly, Dracula pulled away from the kiss, staring down at you with a pleased smile. Your heart was frantically beating against your chest and the way you were staring up at him made him feel an intense longing. "Are you ready, my darling?"

"Always for you, my king." You uttered in Romanian, your eyes full of devotion locking onto his own.

Dracula's instincts were going mayhem as his eyes widened, hearing those sweet Romanian words fall from your lips, uttering a name that you once called him centuries ago. He missed you so much, and he finally found you, he finally had his beloved wife once more.

"My queen..." He replied in Romanian, smirking down at you as his fangs extended.

Next thing you knew, was the excruciating pain in your neck as the love of your life sunk his fangs deep within your throat before you lost consciousness.

Spam Liking W/O Reblogging = Blocked

Taglist: Comment to be added!!

@prettywhenibleed @ghoulgeousimmaculate @britany1997 @scaramantica

[translucentshine]

The X-Files Season 2 Rankings!!! Hi I'm still a first-time watcher and I'm finally done with S2, here's my thoughts&ratings:

Episode 1 (Little Green Men) - 7/10: it's been a while but I remember I was hooked

Episode 2 (The Host) - wtf/10: 😭 I liked that we finally saw a ~creature~ on screen but we moved on from this too quickly I fear?? like this was insane???

Episode 3 (Blood) - 5/10: it was okay but in retrospect not very strong of an episode :(

Episode 4 (Sleepless) - 6/10: was scratching my head trying to remember what this episode was about... lmao. But we got introduced to Krycek & the Preacher guy's actor was really compelling.

Episode 5 (Duane Berry) - 10/10: brilliant, I was on the edge of my seattt. really enjoyed this episode. no notes it's too good

Episode 6 (Ascension) - 7/10: I was still hooked but the storyline kinda goes downhill here lmao😭

Episode 7 (3) - 3/10: man I did not care for this episode & did not get the vampire thing BUT the scene of local loserboy mulder hooking up with a rando was kind of a treat. the 3 pts are only for him being hot and pathetic missing scully ♡

Episode 8 (One Breath) - 8/10: I was just glad for Scully to reappear lmao. liked the storyline also and more skinnerrrr🤭

Episode 9 (Firewalker) - 😵‍💫/10: release me from my suffering bc we finally have Scully back... and this is the storyline......... if I watched this show back in the 90s and this was my weekly dosis of my fav show I would be mad. it was okay...... i guess........

Episode 10 (Red Museum) - 9/10: this was the shit fr I loved the vibessss everything

Episode 11 (Excelsis Dei) - 0/10: I was so mad at Mulder for not caring about the rape case & the storyline was ridiculous. Like I would not rewatch this episode. 😭 not even scully's girlbossing could save this.

Episode 12 (Aubrey) - 6/10: I was pretty hooked so I can forgive the fact that the resolution was. kind of ridiculous. work?

Episode 13 (Irresistible) - 7/10: total nightmare fuel. too nasty... but I loved the focus on Scully (even though my girl got traumatised AGAIN.) but omfg.

Episode 14 (Die Hand Die Verletzt) - 2/10: as a german girlie I wanna like this just bc the episode has a german title but um... uh... hm. the writing was really something. yeah.

Episode 15 (Fresh Bones) - ?/10: literally don't remember anything beyond the opening scene for this episode. Surely it can't have been that good?

Episode 16 (Colony) - 7/10: yeah it was pretty good?? I don't remember this one well but I remember liking it. mind u it's only been a few weeks since I watched it. (😐)

Episode 17 (End Game) - hm/10: don't like the fake Samantha stuff it honestly kind of got my nerves. Still enjoyed watching but would I rewatch? hm. HM. (no)

Episode 18 (Fearful Symmetry) - IS THIS FR?/10 this episode was INSANEEE lmao how do you come up with a plot like this 😭😭😭 iconic. probably like a 7/10 BUT WHO CAME UP WITH THIS

Episode 19 (Død Kalm) - 0/10: I'm sorryyy I think a lot of people like this episode? But it took me like 3 days to finish it was just so boring 😭 im sorry this is the only episode where I couldn't even sit through the last 10 Minutes I skipped to the next. I usually never do this. IM SORRY.

Episode 20 (Humbug) - 10/10 I wanted to be a hater because this episode is RIDICULOUS!!!! Ridiculous! But it was so entertaining I enjoyed it way too much lmao. nothing could've prepared me for 1) who the "killer" is 2) THE KILLER GETTING EATEN LMAO... I thought it couldn't get crazier after the zoo animals got kidnapped, impregnated, kidnapped again-

Episode 21 (The Calusari) - ?/10: I need someone who's Romanian to tell me what they thought of this episode. I fear the whole episode kind of depends on that. 🤨

Episode 22 (F. Emasculata) - I don't know how to rate this episode bc I was just really grossed out the whole time.

Episode 23 (Soft Light) - 7/10: I thought this plot idea was really interesting. The actor was great.

Episode 24 (Our Town) - WTFFFFFF😭 I watched this really absentmindedly as background noise so when Mulder opened that closet I WAS TERRIFIED. Rewound the episode and paid proper attention and yep... still terrified. This episode actually freaked me out. Was great. 9/10 easily. but I'm scared.

Episode 25 (Anasazi) - 10/10: Get why so many people love this one. Mulder is perfect. Loved the grandson getting pulled into all this on a random thursday. I also like how up until this point, CSM is written as a possibly multi-faceted character. I know through spoilers he's apparently like super evil later on??(impregnating scully? 😭) and it's just such a waste. oh well! also scully has so much patience mulder would've gotten on my last nerve in this

My ratings on S1 were a lot more consistently positive than on S2. I don't think I had one or more than one 10/10 episodes in S2 but I also didn't have this many I outright disliked. S2 definitely had a lot of ups and downs for me. 😅 I feel like a lot of S2 episodes have this thing where they're all over the place sadly and some story elements just get brought up and not mentioned again etc. (e.g. the girl in Episode 14 claiming she was SAd and impregnated as a child and it's this long upsetting scene and then later on they're like "oh she saw this on TV" and then it's never brought up again??)

but I'm having great fun regardless. 🤭🥰

Sorry for being forgetful about some episodes & not rating them properly, I genuinely have health-related memory issues 🥲

[thatonebritishheadmate]

do list them im curious

Apologies for the late response. Keep in mind once again, these are the languages I spoke back in source. Our body is only fluent in Portuguese and English.

Without further ado, here's every language I've learned, pretty much in chronological order as much as I could:

Every version of English that has ever existed since 1066. Naturally.

Several Celtic languages I picked up from my brothers.

French, which is likely the second language I use most on a daily basis after English. I might've also picked up some older versions simply due to how long I've known him.

Portuguese. I have more of an accent from Portugal when I speak it, since that's who I spent the most time with.

Latin. A lot of my magic has spells in this language, so eventually curiosity brought me to learn the whole thing. (Also because it's a cool sophisticated scholar language to know)

Spanish and Dutch, both from colonial years. Always a good investment to know what your rivals are saying.

Hindi, from when India was part of my territory.

German. I learned it before WWI, right after they'd started making a name for themselves and we became industrial rivals.

Japanese, I feel like it's pretty self-explanatory.

Italian. This one's on the weaker side, I basically just learned as much as needed during WWII, never bothered coming back to it.

Russian, you could say it was in high demand during the Cold War.

Most recently, Danish. The Scandinavian languages in general were always in high demand but low priority for me, and I kept putting it off. I finally came back as a way to sort of connect with my viking roots.

Bonus

Due to my interest in linguistics, I'm sure I must have made at least one conlang during my lifetime, though I couldn't tell you any specifics. Plus, there's several languages I only know a fraction of:

Romanian, I picked up some things from my time with him.

Norwegian and Swedish. Before committing to Danish, part of the reason it took so long was indeciveness; I couldn't pick between the three, so I absorbed only a bit from all of them at the time.

Greek, from my mythology phase. It was the first time I actively tried to learn a language rather than just passively absorbing it, I gave up soon after.

Some Arabic and Turkish from my interactions with the Middle East.

Mandarin and Cantonese, both around the time of the Opium Wars, as one might imagine.

Finally, bits of several languages from the many colonies in Africa and Asia.

[marilynthornhilllover]

When you call my name. Do you think i'll come running? {Chapter 5}

+ you never did the same. So good at giving me nothing.

+ now you know and now I'm free

+ never gonna let you back....

Warning: fluff, heartbreak, danger, healing, marriage.

Want to read part 4?: part 4 ,

A/n: I do apologize if there is any Romanian spelling mistake because all translations were done from Google, if they are wrong please let me know so i can do the necessary changes 👍enjoy my loves💞

You woke up from a sudden jolt of fear. You were breathing heavily and your body was drenched in sweat. Tears threatened to leave your eyes as you sat up against the head board. You looked down at your arm and it was wrapped in fresh cloth with pretty stickers and your wrist had a plaster on all the cuts that miranda left and each plaster had little notes. " your loved" " your special" " I love you" " your the light in my dark world". You smiled softly at your arm and wrist and sniffed. You looked around the room and noticed you were in alcinas bedroom.

" alcina?" You called out but there was no answer, the door to the bathroom was slightly ajared and the light was on. You could smell her perfume, maybe it's because your in her room but it was stronger than usual which meant she was nearby. You called out her name again but still there was no answer.

" alcina?" You tried one more time with the last bit of hope you had that she didn't leave you, this time you heard a soft but faint 'yes' from the bathroom. She emerged from the bathroom ducking as her eyes met your gaze. Her eyes were puffy and dull, they were red and looked like she had been crying. She had tissue in her hand and her mascara was ruined completely.

" Your awake" she spoke sniffing as she sat at her vanity. Her voice was softer than usual and quieter, it gaved in when she spoke causing it to crack. She looked down as she took out some makeup wipes from her drawer and wiped the smudge mascara off before re-appling it. She fixed her makeup and lit a cigarette. She took a long drag before exhaling it through her nose. She sighed before looking up at you through the mirror. You could see she was not only hurting but she was falling apart.

" Come here, my love" she spoke softly before taking another drag of her cigarette. You got up and walked over to her vanity and stood next to her looking at her in the mirror. You've never seen alcina like this.... you made her this vulnerable?.... she must really love you. No one would believe you if you said you saw ' lady dimitrescu' cry or depressed. They would laugh in your face or punish you for mocking the lady.

Alcina turned and looked at you. She silently chuckled and tucked a strand of hair behind your ear. She gently picked you up with both hands on your waist and placed you on her lap. You both stared at eachother for a while. Thinking about all the things that happened, all the things that was said, all the things that could had been avoided, all the worst case scenarios, and most of all, all the possibilities. What things could have been.

" tell me what you see...." She spoke breaking you from your indelvin trance. She sounded so tired, so lost, so broken so....hurt. You couldn't help but feel a ache in your heart for her. You looked at her for a moment trying to understand her question and how to answer it in the most suitable way possible, in a way she won't hurt more than she's already been hurting. Alcina felt like her heart was on fire, not the love kind, the pain and agony kind of fire. She awaited your response like it was the reading of her death sentence. Part of her wanted to hear your rage towards her. Hear how much you hate her and think she's a monster so she can feel worse about herself.

But the other half wanted to hear you say something nice.... so she can feel like a person. Like she wasn't a murder, wasn't a killer, wasn't a monster.......

" I see a mother..... who cares for her daughters, who'd do anything for their protection, who loves them unconditionally. I see a woman who had high hopes and dreams for the future but things didn't go as planned. I see a hardworking soul, someone with a heart..... I see my lover" you spoke looking up at her through the mirror. Alcina looked down slightly shaking her head.... you gaved her a answer she didn't even know was possible to the question asked.

All this time she had felt so hopeless.... she knew all the bad things people would say about her outside of the castle, and she didn't care at all, but you meant the world to her. So hearing the person she loved say " your a monster" broke a part of her she didn't even know could be broken. Alcina didn't even know she had a heart before she met you. Hearing you say an answer she wasn't sure about was hard for her to believe..... she found comfort in her pain... because at one point she believed it.....

Part of her believed she was a monster, part of her wanted you to believe that too.... to say it again. But to be honest even though alcina did bad stuff in her life that doesn't make her a monster. Everyone makes mistakes why don't we call them monsters?. But this woman who trys hard for her family, for herself, just because she has a bad temper or she's done some bad deeds or because shes not exactly human makes her a monster?..... now that's next leavel bullshit.

You turned around and squeezed her hands. She closed her eyes looking down trying to keep her tears at bay. You placed a finger under her chin and lifted it up so she can look at you but She kept her eyes closed.

" alcina look at me" you whispered, she shook her head, her tears black from the mascara. You quickly wiped it away before it messed up her make up again.

" I love you cina, i really really do" you whispered kissing her on the lips softly. Just a soft peck. It's when alcina opened her eyes you realized what you did. You and alcina just had your first kiss. You both stared at eachother for a minute trying to process what just happened. Alcina saw love and pattern in your eyes..... everyone other than alcinas daughters always looked at her with fear or confusion maybe even disgust but you didn't. Not even once. You always had love, sympathy and adoration in your eyes for her.

" I'm sorry if I overstepped my-" before you could finish your sentence alcinas lips were on yours in an instant. You threw your arms around her neck and melted into the kiss. She placed her palm on your cheek pulling you closer as her fingers in tangled in your hair. You swore the world froze. Her lips were soft as marshmallows,her lips were so plump and tender. She tasted like fine wine and honey mixed with her cigarette and the luscious steak she ate. Her lips were comforting, so hard to pull away from. Her smell and taste was intoxicating, if you could kiss her forever you would.

You felt her tongue press firm against your lips so you opened your mouth for her to enter her tongue. From there alcina lost it completely. She started kissing you passionately. Her tongue exploring every inch of your mouth, fighting against your tongue for space and dominance. You moaned softly as you pulled away and rested your head into her neck.

Alcina chuckled as she cradling your head and she rocked your softly like a baby.

" Te iubesc, mai mult decât stelele iubesc luna"

(i love you, more than the stars love the moon)

She whispered kissing your cheek. You looked up at her and smiled, you didn't need to know what she said, you knew she said something romantic and loving.

" can you sing me a song and help me take a bath?" You asked re-twirling her lose curl and tucking it behind her hair.

" of course draga mea" she picked you up and took you to the bathroom. She placed you down on the shower bench and turned on the water.

" hot or cold sweetheart?" You told her warm, not too hot but alittle bit cold.she turned on the water then she walked over to the cabinet and took out some essential oils and bath bombs. She placed them in the tub and turned off the water. She dipped her hand in the tub to test the water and decided it was perfect for you. Just as you asked. She walked back over to you.

She motioned for you to to rise your hands so she can take off your shirt. She tossed it into the wash basket and bent down to pull off your pants. She stopped mid way and looked at the scars that you got from being in Miranda's lab dungeon. Her eyes filled with regret and sadness.

She ran her cold finger tips across the redden scars that were starting to fade and heal. She leaned down and started to softly kiss every one she saw, slightly kissing any area of skin her lips came in contact with. You shivered slightly as her cold lips traced into your inner thighs.

"atât de frumos"

( so beautiful)

she whispered looking up at you, she tapped your thighs and picked you up. She placed you into the water and grabbed a pink loofah. She dipped it into the water and poured a bath oil that had lavender mixed with rosemary oil for your wounds. She took off the bandages and gently poured water on the wounds that were healing already. She gently washed your skin with the loofah. You sighed as you laid back against the tub and allowed her to take care of you.

Alcina placed little flowers into the tub as she kissed your forehead and grabbed and cup and filled it with water. She gently grabbed your hair and softly started washing your hair. The shampoo smelled like coconut and lavender and the conditioner smelled like orange. Her finger tips gently grazed across your scalp.

" my mom used to wash my hair like this. Matter of fact everything I'm showering you with and washing your hair with my mom used them to do the same with me. When Cassandra was younger I use to do the same aswell..." She spoke.

" so it's a tradition?" You asked bloomly. Alcina chuckled. It sounded sad but she held her emotions back.

" no it's just.... I don't know. If you love someone you just make sure to take care of them. Making someone feel loved by showering them is a normal thing passed down from my moms mother, I guess. I love you" she whispered kissing the spot behind your ear.

" mom!" You flinched as bela showed up randomly. Alcinas emotions immediately changed. You couldn't see her face but you could feel the tension starting to fall back on her.

" is this the way i raised you bela!" She shouted loudly growl pursing through her chest. Bela looked down, avoiding her mother's eyes. Alcinas daughters loved her but they feared her anger.

" n-no m-mother I'm sorry...... Mother miranda is on the phone..... and she's not happy mother.... she angry and she's loud." Alcinas face dropped. Fear took its rightful place in her chest again. Alcina heard your heartbeat pick up.

" i'll be there bela, um, tell a Elizabeth to fix y/n a meal" bela nodded and disappeared into flys. Alcina got up and was starting to walk out of the room but she stopped in her tracks and turned around.

" I'll be back draga" she spoke a slight frustration to her tone of voice and facial expression. You nodded and smiled softly at her, she didn't return it. She walked out and slammed the door loudly.

You turned around and started playing with the flowers in the water.

Now though you didn't know exactly what mother miranda was going to tell alcina you had an idea and you were scared. Even though alcina was powerful and one of the highest among the lords. Mother miranda has rules alcina has to follow or there will be consequences. 'No bad deed goes unpunished by miranda'. Mother Miranda's powers cannot be contained, even alcina knew that and alcina too feared her power.

Alcina walked angrily towards her study. Anger and rage overflowing from her but also fear and dread. She knocked the door open and walked over to the phone. She stopped and tried to calm herself and collect her anger.

Her walked over to the phone and picked it up.

" mother miranda" alcina spoke plainly.

" QUITE THE LONG WAIT, DIMITRESCU" She shouted over the phone. Alcina growled as she tried to stay calm and collective. She sighed as she sat down on her chair, lighting a cigarette.

" I do apologies mother miranda, I was preoccupied by a maiden who made an-" mother miranda cut her off immediately.

" CUT THE BULLSHIT!!! UGH.... the girl alcina! You freed the girl!"

" with all due respect mother miranda the girl is mine! And plus I thought we had an agreement on her freedom!" Alcina spoke, managing to keep her tone of voice on a respectable leavel but her frustration and anger was still heard by the black god.

" alcina do not test my patience! Do not try me! You know the power I hold and yet you play foolish! Iwill not hold back to discard you off this earth!..... bring me the girl tomorrow! Or get her out of Romania tonight!...... may i remind you dimitrescu.... failure to bring me the girl I will hunt her down and i will find her! with the muten lycans I WILL find her! and when I do either that be dead or alive I WILL MAKE YOU PAY AND MAKE YOU AN EXAMPLE TO THE OTHER LORDS!" She screamed.

"Miranda!"

" BRING ME THE GIRL!" She screamed again before hanging up the phone. Alcina got up and threw her desk screaming. She sat on the chair before pinching her nose Bridge trying to calm herself. Alcina closed her eyes and calmed herself. Her mind ran directly on you. Over her dead body was the only way miranda could take you away from her. She was not going to allow it. Her heart broke the last time when miranda abducted you and hurted you, she will not let it happen again.

When she saw all the scars you have because of her she felt heartbroken. You felt so much pain because of her. Alcina sighed as a tear rolled down her cheek before she quickly wiped it away.

She returned to the bathroom and you immediately noticed her sad face mixed with a scared one. Right then an there you knew this wasn't an normal argument.

" tough cookie?" You asked in hopes to lighten her mood but it didn't work one bit. It's like she didn't even hear you.

" ready to get out draga mea?" She asked avoiding eye contact with you. You replied 'yes' and she grabbed a cute fluffy towel and wrapped it around you.

She guided you to the bedroom as she gaved you an weird looking outfit. It was mountain pants, a black hoodie, construction shoes, a beanie hat, a very sharp cold steel knife, black gloves and a bag with food, water and basically survival stuff.

" we're going hauting?" You asked smiling at everything before looking up at her. You noticed she had a very distinct look in her eyes and a cold sad facial expression on her face.

You walked closer towards her and grabbed her hand but she pulled it away. You felt your heart crack at her actions, you thought the both if you was getting better. Your eyes filled with tears quickly even though you didn't quite understand the situation yet.

" you need to leave Romania" she spoke, still not looking at you.

" w-what? But- alcina I can't do that! Hell i still don't even know where my mom is..." you spoke tears falling like hot flashes as you walked closer to her but she backed away.

" mother miranda wants me to bring you to her tomorrow morning I don't know why..... if I don't do that, you'll have to leave Romania and if you don't she'll get her biggest most infected lycans to hunt you down..... and when they find you it won't end good for us..... we mostly me..... mostly you" she spoke finally looking up at you, tears in her eyes. Her lips were shaking as she tried not to break down in tears.

Alcina looked so scared and broken. She didn't know what to do. And even if she did she wouldn't trust herself with the idea enough to make the decision.

" well, we don't know exactly what she wants from me so I can go-" alcinas eyes flashed a bright gold. The thought alone made her heart clench.

" no! The only reason is to kill you and feed you to her birds or use you in her lab" Alcinas facial expression alone told you everything. She couldn't protect you against miranda. No matter how much she fought she'd still lose...... but she loved you... so she was going to do everything in her will power to try.

" Well, where will I go alcina? I have no where to go. I can't go back home because that's the first place the miranda will have blown down, and you know that" you spoke, alcinas eyes were filled with terror and agony even though nothing had happened to you yet. She couldn't belive you were now a prey for miranda. All of this was her fault. She sat down sighing before looking back up at you.

" far up east, its the only village were miranda has history. They hate her there, if she returns they'll kill her....you'll be safe there." She whispered. She knew what she said would irritate you so she stood immediately after she said it.

" are you out of your fucking mind alcina?!, no unwelcome person enters that village and survives!" You shouted, slightly stomping your feet. Alcina rushed over to you and placed her hand over your mouth.

" keep your voice down! We can't let anyone know our plans. Miranda can manipulate someone so they can tip her off about information. I know it's not a good choice but it's not such a bad one either especially if you take the route in the forest" alcina saw your eyes lit up and she squeezed her hand over your mouth again to stop you from arguing loudly again.

" I know draga, she's going to have the forest packed with lyacns but you'll make it. Their half blind so just try not to make any noise they have super sonic hearing like me" alcina looked into your eyes and all she can see was fear and anger. She felt her world fall down like a Lego castle. She was scared for you. You couldn't be in her castle nor can you be outside. Miranda will stop at nothing the get to you.

Alcina slowly removed her hand from your mouth and took a step back. You saw a look of defeat on her face. Hopeless, powerless. Her eyes were bright yellow but her pupils were half blown out. You sighed and looked down. When you looked back up you gaved her a look of confirmation. She gaved you a small but not genuinely happy smile before she got you ready.

You wore the clothes and made sure you looked camouflage. She gaved you a map and guided you through all the routes and roads, giving you hints and ideas of where to go and where not to go. She said lyacns usually snarl every 2 minutes, their very smart obviously because they were once human. She told you the basics and gaved you a bag with bandages, water and small snacks.

" you'll be ok" she reassured you before she held your hand in hers and kissed it. She guided you out of the room and down alley way you've never seen before. This part of the castle had many pictures of alcina when she was alittle kid and some with her parents. Some pictures had bela, Daniela and Cassandra as babies and kids aswell.

" what is this place?" You asked looking around. Alcina held your arm closer as she carefully made you walked through a hold in the wall and down a dark hallway.

" I use to walk here when I wanted to sneak out to go play music with my band. Not even my parents knew about this part of the castle. Only I know about it now" she spoke letting you walk infront of her as you both walked through another hallway filled with windows on one wall and pictures on the other. You looked outside to see snow falling and the remaining castle walls.

" so why can't I stay here if there's hidden places in the castle" you asked reholding alcinas hands and looking up at her.

" because draga, miranda has this power with her eyes, when she's hunting a prey everyone else is green and you'll be red. If I don't bring you to her tomorrow on the given time she'll storm this castle and without a doubt she will find you. There's no holding back you can't be here. As I said it won't end good for us. And plus when my parents died miranda used to live here. So no doubt she doesn't know about the hidden places too." She spoke opening a door and carefully leading you down a old beaten up staircase.

" are you scared of miranda alcina? You asked and she sighed.

" no, obviously not draga I'm scared of the power she holds..... there's a different. Of course if she was powerless I would let you stay here and not give a fuck about what she says" she said rolling her eyes you chuckled softly.

" you mentioned it not ending good for us right?" You asked and she hummed in response.

" you also said she loves your daughters do you think she'll hurt you knowing you have kids?" You asked and she sighed.

" Yes she most definitely will. no bad deed goes unpunished by miranda..... Miranda is heartless y/n remember that. No matter how good she seems her heart is colder than Antarctica. She told me she won't hesitate to discard me of the earth. And plus I'm basically going against Miranda's wishes by not taking you to her. God knows I love you too much to let her hurt you again. The first time wasn't intentional this time will be on my command. It's not happening. I can't let you break like that again....." She spoke holding you close.

" I love you alcina....." You spoke hugging into her tightly, she sniffed and caressed your hair hugging you more as if it was her last. Just incase it was the last time she hugged you alive......

She bent down and held your hands. She pressed her forehead against yours looking deeply into your eyes. Alcina truly loved you. She'll do anything for you. Even if it means she has to die..... but hopeful it won't get to that point....

"acesta nu este sfarsitul"

( this is not the end)

She whispered as she blinked her tears away. You held her face with both hands and kissed her nose, trying not to cry.

" I'll pray for your safety and I'll always be your protector or knight with shinning black claws" she said rolling her eyes and you giggled. The sound touched a soft spot in her heart. A heart she didn't even know she had or was capable of having. Before alcina met you she was just as heartless as miranda. Her world was dark. But you came down like a angel and changed everything for her.

You looked into her eyes and realized you have to go and this might be the last time you will ever see alcina again. Part of you just wanna wake up from whatever dream this is. And the other half wants to sleep forever..... but not get hurt....

You started crying as you held onto alcina tightly. Alcina sob softly as she held onto you too. She didn't want to lose you. If she did she wouldn't live with herself for the rest of eternity. Her heart wouldn't take it. She'd fall apart. She'd crumble. She'd probably die of grief and regret.

" niciodată pierdut mereu găsit"

( never lost, always found)

She whispered leaving kisses all over your face.

" before I go I'd like to give you this" you whispered handing her a sliver ring with a half heart shaped dimond. You took out yours and connected it with hers and she let out a gasp of surprise.

" I'll see you again soon?" You asked more tears threatening to fall before you unconnected the ring. Alcina caressed your cheek and nodded.

" I need to hear you say it alcina please...." You spoke you voice cracking. Alcina wasn't sure..... she didn't want to lie to you but she had to make you feel safe.

" you'll see me again dragul meu"

( my love)

She whispered before kissing your lips softly and wiping your dried tears from your face. You looked at her ring and at yours then up at her beautiful eyes. Your gonna miss her eyes, her warmth, her kisses, your gonna miss her.....

" think of me always" you both whispered at the same time before you both slightly laughed and smiled before it all faded. Alcina opened the door and you walked out. The cold air slightly pushing you back. You sighed as you walked out. You looked back once and smiled at alcina. She returned it and waved. You blowed her a kiss and waved your ring before heading off.

Alcinas heart broke into million pieces. Seeing you walk out.... away from her..... she wouldn't be able to hear your hear beat now. As she listened to the last bits of it before you walked out further, it was so calm and steady but a rough pattern that showed you were scared. She just wanted to hold you close and tell you it's gonna to be ok. She hated herself for not being able to protect you more.... better. She knew her decision was bad, but it wasn't that bad.

When alcina saw you were out of sight she closed the door and walked back inside. She had a plan. There's no way she was going to let you be in a forest alone. Not only will lyacans be in there but so can mother miranda. Alcina was going to send someone to find you and bring you somewhere safe.

Alcina knew miranda wouldn't hurt her. Miranda had mad a promise to alcinas mother that she'd respect her and never lay a finger on her, not even one strand of her hair. Miranda took a vow to that promise and seeled it before alcinas mother took her last breath. Miranda was big on promises, she always kept them.... especially ones she took vows too. She wasn't going to hurt alcina.... but as for you.... she was going to absolutely destroy you..... if she can't hurt alcina... she'll hurt the one she loves most..... she wouldn't dare hurt her kids..... no..... Miranda had a plan but so did alcina.....

Somtimes the best way to get into a man's heart to be able to inflict pain is through his lover.....

Tag list: @willalovexx @ilovehugslikealotalot @heidsworld @milkiedimitrescu @willowshadenox @enchantressb @moistblobfish @nclgsticore @vampire-s61914 if your not apart of the tag list but would like to be comment below!💞👍

[wizzard890]

YOU'RE GOING TO ROMANIA NOW? can I ask which cities/regions you're visiting? (I'm Romanian, I'm always curious abt what westerners pick to do in my country șince we're never in their top 10 destinations ahahaha)

Sorry it took so long for me to answer this, I've been enjoying myself too much to stop and catch my breath! @pyrrhiccomedy and I initially spent two days in Bucharest, which we adored, and then took off into Transylvania.

Thua far we've visited Peles Castle and Bran Castle, and spent today walking all over Brasov, a city we've wanted to see for a long time. Later on we're taking in Viscri, Sighisoara, the salt mines at Salina Turda, Hunedoara Castle, and Sibiel. (If you couldn't tell, this trip was planned with an eye towards the medieval.)

We're having a wonderful time, and everyone has been so friendly and welcoming to a pair of Americans. Here are some of my favorite pictures I've taken so far.

Quite a country you've got here!

[rose-vybe]

@starsmadeinheaven for the second prompt. It sounded better in my head but okay :))))))

----

"All that research, all that 'scientific proof' we've been force-fed since kindergarten, did you test it yourself? How do you know it's not all bullshit?! The solar system, all those planets, the moon landings, how do you know it's not all bullshit? I'm asking you!"

If not for the large, emphatic subtitles, the all-but-muted TV above the bar would have been rendered useless by the loud music blaring though the bar's sound system at all hours. Lovino took another swig of the cheap whiskey he didn't like, reminding himself for the umpteenth time to be more calculated with his money next month. Fuck Francis and his stupid bet, but he couldn't lose the little he had left just because of a point made and being stubborn. He was fucking stubborn because he was right! "I'm telling you, we're all so set in our ways, so blindly trusting and obedient towards the system that no one dares challenge the status quo!" the man on the screen gestured animatedly, wild hair and abysmal tweed costume from the seventies and all, and yet Lovino couldn’t help thinking that there were times that Earthflatteners did actually make sense and that was one of those times.

Not about the Earth being flat, but-…. Yeah, this was about challenging the status quo.

He took one long glance at Valentin, who was wiping a glass near the fridge, the icy blue light coming from inside adding to his eerie air, and straightened in his seat, holding his hand up. Nah, this kid wasn’t a tough nut to crack. Not for him.

“One would think you’d go to a better bar after being here all week,” Valentin said as he refilled his glass. “Didn’t you say you hate it here?”

Lovino nodded. It was a shit job.

“Don’t have anyone to take me to a better bar at the moment,” he shrugged, sticking out his bottom lip. “Anyway, you hate it too. But you’d rather avoid confrontations, I guess.”

Valentin blinked and took a step forward. “I dislike confrontations, but that doesn’t mean I avoid-”

“Yeah, yeah,” the Italian nodded, “You’re not the type to challenge the status quo though.”

“Well, not that I’ve been in the position to. Like ever. What-”

“No, I mean work-wise there isn’t much anyone can do. Mr. Adnan reigns supreme and shit, after all,” Lovino rolled his eyes. “But in general… Look, take that guy, Borisov.”

Now Valentin scowled, but it was okay. A reaction was good. At least Lovino knew for sure he wasn’t going to be brushed off.

“Yeah? What about him?” he inquired bluntly.

“I mean, he’s a … safe bet. You know he thinks the world of you, he thinks you’re so much better than him, so he’s never going to leave you.” Lovino took a sip of whiskey, curiously tilting his head. “He’s a comfort zone you won’t step out of. Am I right?”

The Romanian looked away for a moment, then sighed profusely. “Oh, for fuck’s sake. Did Francis put you up to this? Is he the exciting new zone I’m supposed to step into for a change?” he deadpanned.

Lovino released the breath he’d been holding, thinking his game had been discovered. Only half was true though.

“No, no, no. But I’m just curious, since we’re coworkers and all,” he flashed a full grin, anything but innocent. “Would you cheat on him?”

“No. I’ve never cheated.”

Ah, there it was! The lie he was waiting for.

Okay, maybe this wasn’t the best approach to get what he wanted. He could have worked his charm instead. He could have made a real effort for Francis’s money. But Lovino had a gremlin reputation he happened to be proud of and would not see destroyed.  

[danieyells]

the name Nero kept bugging me because I knew I had heard it before and the I remembered that Nero was the name of a Roman emperor who was know for being unnecessarily cruel so maybe he’s not as nice as what Lyca tells us

I mean it's also important to remember that his name is Neros, with an S at the end, not Nero, like the emperor lmao. . . . And 'nero' is just a word in like Italian that means 'black' and such.

But it wouldn't be the first time they made a reference to Roman mythology(or in this case, history) so it could be taken from the emperor, true! Although I imagine Lyca would've been. . .different? Like his reactions and feelings would be different? If he were being abused and all. He wouldn't be so eager to go back to Neros if Neros treated him poorly. The Romanian branch of the institute didn't have him locked up after all, he'd probably wanna go back to them instead of Neros.

We also know that Lyca, when Rui explained 'neglect play' as "When you leave someone alone but like, with love," said that's what Neros did to him. So we know he probably wasn't exactly a perfect caretaker--he's what Lyca had and what Lyca knew though, so of course he wants to go back to his only father figure. But it sounds to me like Neros was just like. A poor old man that Lyca was left in the care of by his mother. And the Romanian branch of the institute(?) separated them(although he wasn't imprisoned with them), then he was sent to Darkwick for whatever reason(where they imprisoned him because they claimed he killed someone.)

I dunno. It could be taken from the emperor, but even then that doesn't mean he was a bad guy, y'know? It's just a name and it's also just a word lol based on the "Neros would wipe my face every morning that way but the cloth he used was dirtier" I think Neros was just a poor old man who was given a half-werewolf pup to look after.

But that is worth considering, that it could be based on the emperor's name. I'm not sure they put that much thought into it tbh lol then again. . .he could have voluntarily given Lyca up to the Romanian branch of the Institute. But even then, that wouldn't be a cruel thing to do if he was getting old and couldn't take care of a growing werewolf, especially since the Romanian branch wasn't treating him like Darkwick did. . . .

Honestly we're probably not gonna hear enough about Neros to draw any real conclusions haha. I really don't think Neros is even alive anymore by now

[panlight]

Have you ever noticed the similarities between the vampires in Twilight and The Vampire Chronicles? I mean, aside from how they transform (which I think would suit Twilight better than just the "venom" burning through their systems), there is the allure, immense beauty, how they can have a diet of humans or animals, the way they quickly excel, they are incapable of change (hair grows back immediately if it has been cut), as well as the laws & how immortal children are taboo...

I do find it funny that if an AR vamp gets injured or exhausts their special powers it's naptime for them lol. Also, I did notice a parallel between Twivamps having their diamond skin and AR vamps who all have those "glassy nails" for some reason.

What are your thoughts though?

I've always felt that SM had to be, on some level, aware of the Anne Rice vampires. Maybe she didn't actually read them, maybe she only heard about them, but the whole like "beautiful vampire" thing in the modern consciousness, and the tortured by his nature vampire thing, was really popularized by Anne Rice. Certainly SM's vampires have a lot more in common with them than, say, the Dracula prototype.

The thing she missed, obviously, was the sexual fluidity of the Rice vampires. I don't know how anyone reading the books or watching the original movie didn't get that Louis and Lestat were a couple, however dysfunctional that couple was. I mean they adopted a kid together! But that sort of thing goes against Mormon sensibilities so I'm not surprised she left that out (although again . . . easy to extrapolate from subtext. The Amazons for example always read as a polyamorous lesbian triad to me. And the Romanians finishing each other's sentences is a level of intimacy it's so easy to read as romantic).

When I did my marathon vampire book read several years ago, I read both by the Twilight series and Interview with the Vampire for the first time, and probably within days/weeks of each other. I couldn't tell you which one I read first. But I do remember seeing some similarities in the focus on the beauty, the perfect skin, the glassy nails. That Louis the sympathetic woe-is-me vampire trying to exist only drinking from animals has parallels in Edward (and Carlisle although he always seemed less 'woe is me' about it and more 'make the best of it').

So yeah, part of me suspects she had may have actually read that one. I want to say she mentioned somewhere she saw part of the movie at some point, but I couldn't find the quote and I think generally Mormons tend to avoid R-rated films, but obviously she has her own free will to do whatever.

[flora-of-the-moon]

Not to be too forward but, can you expand on the dream vegetable people living in your basement?

Oh god I think it started back in 2020? The first dream I had of them was the most vivid, and I remember it fairly well so I'll tell you about that one (it's long, but I'll do my best to condense it. I'll also add a tl;dr at the bottom)

I'm not proofreading this and I'm writing it in one go so if you see any errors no you don't

-

In my dream, my dad had the flu and couldn't get up. I went to get him some medicine from the cabinet, but when I opened it, nothing was there. This confused me, so I went back to his room and told him our cabinet was empty. But then he remembered that he "moved the medicine to the -10th floor of our house" and apologized for not telling me.

I didn't question the fact that we apparently had ten mysterious floors below our house that I never knew about and started to make my way down the stairs into my basement. Once I reached the bottom, I started walking around. It was then that I saw it. A leaf pile that was definitely not there every other time I'd been down in the basement. Of course, what else do you do when you see a mysterious leaf pile in your basement? That's right. You jump into it.

I landed in a weird little shed. I looked around and noticed a ladder to the next floor. Only problem is that a huge spider was blocking it. And I'm talking huge. Now normally, I'm arachnophobic, and I try to avoid spiders, but something about this spider filled me with a sort of contempt and rage I had never felt before. With any second thought, I rushed towards it and punched it away from the ladder. I quickly climbed down to the next floor.

I don't remember the other floors, but I eventually made it to the -10th floor and what I saw left me astonished. There was a whole civilization of people made of vegetables. I'm talking carrot people, cabbage people, broccoli people, you name it. They noticed me and I quickly hid my shock and asked if they had the medicine. They reassured me in Romanian (or at least what my subconscious thought was Romanian) that they had the medicine and I was relieved and thanked them. They led me to a little marketplace where they had exactly what I was looking for.

And then I woke up.

-

TL;DR - My dad needed some medicine, but it was on a floor that definitely wasn't supposed to exist in our house. I jumped into a suspicious leaf pile in my basement. I punched a huge fucking spider because it was blocking my way. Turns out there's a whole city of vegetable people living underneath our house and they speak Romanian.

[cry4mina]

Ok so I'm embarrassed to tell this but hey it's anonymous🥹

I met 2 girls. One had a Romanian accent and the other a Spanish accent (they were friends)

We talked for about an hour and while they were talking with each other,I was covering my mouth with my hand so they couldn't hear what I was doing 😭

Guess what? The girl with that Romanian accent suddenly said: Do you think I don't know what you're doing? And then the one with the Spanish accent chuckled

I was literally so reddd 😩

….what were you doing? (I’m afraid to ask)

[like-rain-or-confetti]

Thank you for explaining. It's a shame you had to go through all that. Your writing for Twilight is one of the best I've found, I love it. I hope you strongly consider coming back, I miss it so much. But it's understandable if you don't, and I know it's easy to say this from my side, but please don't let miserable people continue to meddle and control your life, thougths and art. I found your blog when I was in the worst state of my mental health and it helped me so much, so thank you 💕

The truth is that miserable, desperate people will always be willing to start wars and point fingers at others to prevent them from looking in the mirror and facing their rotten selves. That's why they get so angry at others, to try to fill their inferiority problems. Accusing others of what they themselves are.

And I'm sure if you start writing for Twilight again, you'll have many behind you, screaming with joy. Every now and then I reread the Dimitri, Caius and Romanians fics. It's a safe place for me. Know this. 🙏💘

Its sad to say I'm not the only one. This happens to lots of people every day. I worry that about the impact it could have.

I made this blog for fun, for the stories that would pop up in my head with nowhere to go. It's supposed to take us out of reality even if just for a moment. It stops being fun when it gets twisted by reality and put under a microscope to figure out what could and couldn't be in between the lines of the tiniest of details.

Whilst I'm fine with the drama and don't wish anyone ill will or anything. Its taught me a lot about boundaries that I need to have. I can't let people over the Internet make me doubt myself and my intentions. I hate that I've been accused of such horrendous things with pitiful evidence because I can now say three years later in other fandoms and in IRL. Those accusations never left the fandom. Only in the twilight fandom have I ever been accused of anything and surely that has to mean something.

I've always said it and will continue to say it. Anyone reading this, I am just a person on the Internet. Don't let anything I say impact you. Leave me here on this blog in the Internet. Don't carry my words with you unless they have a positive impact on you.

Remember, I'm here for a fun time. Not to hurt anyone. Not to antagonise or anything like that. Here for a giggle.

I didn't delete all my fics in the end because I had people telling me the very same thing. That they loved going back and some of their favourite fics were in there. As much as I was pissed off and absolutely done, in the end, I couldn't do it to those who I'm so lucky to have appreciate my work and even to this day go back for them. It warms my heart.

It feels good to be able to talk about what happened because it wasn't the goodbye I had ever wanted. I didn't know what to say but I knew I had to go for my own sake. To be able to talk about it and not panic, or feel upset about it is freeing.

So thank you for asking, and I'm glad I made a difference for someone by taking the edge off as they got through difficult times. I feel even more lucky enough to have people stick around even after. Finding such support is rarely guaranteed, and wow am I lucky to have gotten so much of it.

I'm glad my work could help you through healing and it's a blessing to think my silly little ideas in my head are kept so fondly to others. Its people like you who make this all worthwhile. ❤️

[minalblood]

Been a looong while but I'm back with a new episode commentary. 1x09 here we go!

The instant recall to finale of spn s 1 is just as delicious and jarring this time around. Find it very very interesting that it's the vampires that mimic the Winchesters here and do so in order to learn their fate and fulfil it. I'd definitely call this a dark mirror to begin with.

I also adore these vamps, they're sooo fun looking.

John and Mary really came out of that near death experience losing no time in getting together.

The appreciation of Dean being paralleled to the appreciation of Baby is just... sooo funny considering the sheer amount of connections there.

Soo Kyle is instantly suspish here. Not even hiding it, damn. You can tell the shift in personality just based off his demeanor. I also think the little hand gesture he does as he walk away is interesting, it's almost like he's saying "im washing my hands off this bullshit". It subble enough that you could think it's jealousy.

The little hints at Lata and John friendship! My beloved!. Also Lata is suuuch a gossip I love her!

I once more am asking John Winchester to stop trying to be subtle, it aint his strong suit. But alternatively, I sorta get it? Like I can understand why it would be confusing if u don't get where Mary is coming from, since she has no problem letting strangers (and exs) on the street see them together, but not their close friends? But I also completely get Mary as well, she's actually lived as a hunter her whole life which means bagage already, then the fact that their relationship is new and fragile. Plus both her parents and his haven't had the easiest time with relationships. Cautious makes sense.

Ah yes, "fate is what u make it". Dean hearing it from John who heard it from Millie. All of them have their very personal reasons for that saying to apply, but also... Dean saying he didn't expect where things got when he "pushed that first domino" reminds me of Cas and him talking after the 1st Apocalypse that wasn't and about how free will sometimes means things aren't really gonna go the way you like them.to or expect them to (peace or freedom?). It's sorta funny then (read:ironic) that in both John's life (SPN!John) and Dean and Cas after Swan Song the outcome was actually quite tragic over all, John's life literally going out in flames with the rest of it being a living nightmare and in Dean and Cas' case Sam is dead and Heaven is starting a Civil War. This episode then does something really nice in subverting that expectation by setting up the tragedy (John is to die, can't change that) and allowing him to survive and not just that but ending it with him getting exactly what he'd wanted here in the beginning of the episode, getting to freely be with Mary.

I adore how Carlos calms down the driver, showing once again the full range of their skill as hunter and empathy as person. Love them so so much!

Couldn't get a hold of John, says Mary, being more suspicious then if she and John had shown up together... I find that hilarious!

Also also, love that this clarified that fangs are still teeth aka u can identify people (vampires here) based on them. I love love love that!

Uuuù Betty is suspish about Mary.

God! Dean had to have loved the vampire robbers. Vobbers? Rompires? Vambbers?

Oh noooo John! Don't be ur children! Don't just pick up random amulets like a moron! (At least we know who they got it from?)

Carlos is almost just as bad, my God! You see ur friend drop it like it hot and you just bend to.pick it urself?! Ah, Carlos, the range you got babe.

John dying by vamps begins my headache of the night because it is 1000% a callback to Dean's death in 15x20. And I wish that wasnt the case.

Ok let's talk Ursitoare (Uhr- see-too-ah-reh) a sec. So this is Romanian myth. To give an overview of it, the myth largely relates to the Ursitoare (or Fates you could say) blessing or cursing a new born after they've been born. Usually the legend states that the mother or midwife would have to leave out gifts (generally food like bread or water or salt etc) to basically appease them and make sure the baby gets a good destiny foretold. It's also states that those who eavesdrop on them as they tell the childs destiny shall die. They are also said to be quick to anger if spurned. Another interesting think tho about the myth is that (while there can sometimes be 7 or 9) the 3 ursitoare are generally known as Ursitoarea, Soarta si Moartea (aka the One who Wishes your fortune, Fate and Death) again the Greak Fates work very well and there's def overlap between the myths here. But importantly, Ursitoarea is the oldest and Death the Youngest (or othewise simply stated as the 3rd).

Now based on this we have a few things to keep in mind, mainly our vampires. They esentially eavesdrop on John's fate here and get exactly what the legend states - killed. In other news, the Ursitoare are very much neutral beings generally. They can be plied with offerings sure, but overall they just spin the thread as it goes. Its only ever an active role when wishing the newborns destiny. Now John's our newborn here, new to hunting at least, reborn once already after the war and a second time after confrunting everything he has since hunting became his life. More importantly, in some versions of the myth, the ursitoare give either the mother or the midwife dreams the night after the baby is born that need to be carefully interpreted afterwards - exactly what the Gem does here.

To wrap this part up a bit, I am.endlessly happy about the way they tackled this myth. SPN had sadly a bad bad record with Romanian mythology and lore - 1st with the witches in s7 which I'd argue was ... 'inspired' by rromani mythology rather than Romanian which is its own culture and as such its own racist connotation to that whole mess. And 2nd with the Imaginary Friends in s 11 aka Zanna .... which has absolutely nothing to do with Romanian mythology beyond slapping a horrendous mispronunciation of Zână onto a piece of lore that doesnt exist in Romanian mythos - we don't have any imaginary friend stuff, its literally all imported from the US. So this lore here? This is fucking aces! It actually makes sense, is actually a Romanian myth that is still being invoked nowadays - especially in the countryside as tradition of baptising/birth and it works very well in the context of the episode. Now, it would've been perfect if they didnt add that shh sound in Ursitoare making ir Urshitoare... Like its funny a bit cuz I constantly think of bears (urşi - ursh is plural for bear in Romanian) but its ok since its just that. I can live with a minor mispronunciation. I will say the Gem itself is fully made up tho for TW.

To answer Carlos tho, the Ursitoare themselves tell u 2 things: the future and also a future they are willing to bless or curse you with. It's essentially both. They show u the future, ur life as it's meant to be exactly, no deviation, but only in pieces or really a piece as a dream and, importantly the sorta end result of ur life which they wish upon u as newborn. How u get to that wish is up to you. The Gem.appears to have merged these two.

I also love love love the show of community that hunters have, that a hunters network is important to getting the job done. It makes me strangle SPN!John worse because he actively isolated himself aaand his kids. Ffs!

Awwwweee I like Betty! I mean shes a cop soo... not great but shes nice and cares so much and is worried :((

Millie does a good job here I think. She's not dismissive of Bettys concerns, but shes also careful to dispel them if possible. She shows once more how good she is at manipulating people, tho admitedly this time it isnt anything malicious or even generally negative.

I also gotta say that Betty (and id say John by extension) is very naive to think that war could in any way shape or form help with the issues John had had. Like he had trauma from his fathers abandonment and his mothers general treatment afterwards, had trauma from the disfunctional relationship the two had before Henry died/left, which all was underscored by deep-seated guilt that he let out as rage. Like all war would do is make it far far worse. It shows just how young Betty is truly and how she really hasn't lived through too much yet. And i said John too because Im fairly sure he also thought going to war would help in a similar manner.

I also headcanon that Betty was very inspired by Millie... but thats just me.

Carlos continues to be a dumb dumb about Anton... unsurprising, but omg.

I forgot the stone was carved from the Ursitoare's ribs... is it just me who though of the birth of Eve here??? Also yes, Il Soarta is def Italian I realize now. Do i question why an Italian cult was obsessed with Romanian myth.. absolutely not.

Im think that the 'most times not'part of what destiny the Gem shows u is due to essentially the stone acting as ... well... an eavesdropper. Literally. It was given to specific people to use by the Ursitoare as recompense for their worship - so good fate; but then as time went on it became a useful artifact for the benefit of Il Soarta so it became a way to eavesdrop on destiny so said destiny changed in them because that worship became.in name only. As mentioned, the Ursitoare arent patient and dont take well to being spurned or used in this case.

God the drip on the vamps, love them so much!

I would also argue that fate ultimately doesn't care about anyone if the whole universe is in jeopardy and uve a bigger destiny like John Winchester does.

I agree with Mary calling Millie here. Especially since she actually.knows what it's like to just ... lose someone like that. John does too, but he's also the one in the middle of it.

Ironic that Mary says "even if i have to kill every vampire in the tri-state area " ... a version of her actually does do that... for her kids. And simultaneously, its ironic also that another version of John will tell their kids that vampires are extinct (which could get them killed fyi).

Millie and Dean would be horrible together... all theyd do is work in the garage and shittalk research... and I kind love that for them.

I also like that Millie does in fact tell John bout Betty and also basically tells him.to not bullshit a bullshitter. This convo between Millie and John might be the 1st truly empathetic one we've had for them. Like yes, John's defenses go up instantly and he immediately assumes that Millie agrees with Betty and is judging him, but Millie, this time, doesnt do that. She just wants to check-in on how he's doing. And does so softly. And believes him more importantly.

And of course, back to the tried and true Winchester feelings avoidance after we've just had a helluva emotionally vulnerable talk.

I live for Carlos being disappointed in the vamps housing choices. I too would judge that. (So would Dean tbh)

Aaaaand Carlos once more gives us the biggest puzzle piece to where the vamps are.

While Lata is once more absolutely delighted by the magic lockpick like the wonderful nerd she is.

Millie to John "Dont do what u always do, not today" --> leads him directly to the room hes gonna die in. Irony at its finest.

A lot of irony in this episode, i realize now...

God I adore Carlos v vampires fight scene, its soo good. And its followed by the equally as fantastic Mary v vampires. Ahhh, I love them all so much.

Ppl really shouldn't fuck with Mary Campbell when shes pissed and worried.

I will miss the vamps tho... i really liked them :(

Ah yes, Winchester ingenuity at its finest... 🙈

I like what this ep says about how dead mans blood works? It implies that vampires literally drain the life force through the blood because the dead mans blood only came into effect once John did actually die - a few moments after he got bit thus implying a certain supernatural link between the blood just ingested and John's lifeforce. I vibe with that.

Ah yes... the full context - still drives me.mad. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN ROBBIE?! Especially with all the parallels TW has to SPN.

I appreciate the CPR not stopping until only after they think he really did die for good. U DONT stop CRP for dramatic pause ( advice to othee shows/movies or in ro aviz amatorilor)

Antoooooonnnnnn!

Anton and Carlos!!! 💓💓💓 yay!

And they're using their words! They're communicating guys 😭 im so proud

Damn... Mary and John are being cute too 🥲

Dun dun dun!

Betty and Kyle and Kyle is Akrida! 😱

Sorry, i dont got anything revealing or deep to say about the ending here 🤣🤣🤣 its all plot and relationships.

Aand so we reach the end of another episode, 4 more to go!

I will say time and distance made this episode easier to watch for me. 15x20 had fucked me up before and made it very hard to watch without refering back to it. It has several parallels to Dean and dying specifically. The main one ofc being death adjacent to vampires. But it also has John killing himself for the sake of the hunt which sadly doesn't bode well either because it reminds me of a really bad couple of weeks back in 2017 when i had the realization that Dean has literally been shown as suicidal every single season (and i can name the ep, its so clear) and then Advanced Thanatology hit the Tv screens on nov 9th 2017... not a fun realization and def not a fun series of events afterwards. Sorry to bring this up here, but well... its relevant sadly.

Thankfully tho, this episode works well to deconstruct that and to subvert the spn finale by allowing John to live and to fully embrace his realtionship with Mary.

In other news, next ep will anger me a bit... for.multiple reason, some having already been discussed by people better equiped to talk about it then me. But rest assured, ive shit to say outside of that too, so see y'all for ep 10. Im aiming to have that up by the end of the week.

And thanks to @noybusiness and @shallowseeker for encouranging me to continue this.

[aurora-by-jacqui-natla]

14. CONFESSION

AS I ASCENDED THE STAIRS TO THE ROOFTOP, my body was filled with anticipation. I had no idea what I would find up there, but I knew it would be something special. And I was right. When I arrived, I saw Gabriel sitting there, as peaceful as a monk in meditation. He was gazing up at the night sky, his eyes fixed on the twinkling stars above.

I couldn't help but marvel at his stillness. He was like a statue, his back straight and strong, his legs crossed in a perfect lotus position. His arms rested on his knees, as if he were in the midst of a yoga practice. I approached him slowly, not wanting to disturb his reverie.

"Dad," I said softly, and he turned to look at me. His eyes were open, but they seemed to be focused on something far beyond me.

"Hello, Violet," he said, his voice calm and serene. He turned his gaze back to the sky, and I followed his lead, looking up at the stars.

I wanted to say something, to ask him what he was doing up here, but the words wouldn't come. Instead, I simply asked, "What are you doing?"

He smiled, a small, contented smile. "Just what I always do when I'm upset or angry," he said. "Looking up at the stars. They always make me feel calm. Such beautiful things, the stars are."

And as I sat there beside him, looking up at the glittering sky, I knew that he was right. The stars were beautiful, and they had a way of making everything else seem small and insignificant. For a moment, I forgot all my worries and fears, and I simply sat there, basking in the glow of the night sky. The stars twinkled like little fireflies, suspended in the vast expanse of the bluish-black sky. And there, in the distance, a crescent moon hung low, casting a gentle glow over us. I couldn't help but wonder if Ayla felt relieved that it wasn't a full moon. Then, I looked down at the Lunaris Mark in its resemblance to the moon above.

But my thoughts soon turned to Gabriel and the Romanian Coven. Their animosity towards each other had persisted for thousands of years, and yet, only one of them had moved on.

I took a seat beside Gabriel, hoping to find some solace in his presence. "Dad?" I whispered, and he hummed in response. "Are you sure about all of this? About it being a mistake?"

Gabriel shook his head, a deep sadness etched on his face. "Yes and no," he replied, his gaze fixed on his feet. "It's complicated, especially given the situation I'm in."

I turned away from him, lost in my own thoughts. The stars and the moon continued to shine above us, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is still beauty to be found.

"I assure you, Dad, we are not fighting," I calmly explained to him. "We are simply having a conversation."

"I am well aware of that, Violet," he replied, his eyes fixed on mine.

I couldn't help but feel a sense of frustration at his lack of understanding. "And?" I asked, my golden eyes piercing into his.

"Well, it was bad enough that I didn't join when it was voluntary," he replied, his voice laced with a hint of regret. I scoffed, getting up from the roof. "Violet, if it were to happen, it wouldn't just be a war. Do you understand? It's not like anything we've ever seen before."

I couldn't bear to hear him talk like that. "Stop talking like that!" I yelled at him. "If the Volturi want a fight, that's their problem, not ours!"

"It's not just fighting, Violet," Gabriel rose to his feet as well. "It's dying. Much like this conversation."

I couldn't help but feel a sense of anger at his words. "Tell that to the Romanians," I muttered quietly, and somehow, he heard me. He walked over to me, his eyes filled with concern.

"You're still too young, Violet," he said, his voice softening.

"So is everyone else," I barked at him. "I've heard from Bella and Jacob that seven boys are turning into wolves because of our presence."

I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease at the thought of what was to come. As I gazed downward, my mind began to wander. I couldn't fathom the turmoil those young boys were enduring. Seven innocent souls, barely out of childhood. Perhaps some of them hadn't even reached the tender age of sixteen. What would their mothers and fathers think? Would they be filled with pride or consumed by fear at the thought of their offspring being thrust into this mystical war of the supernatural?

My thoughts then drifted to a time when I too was turned. Victoria had used me as her weapon, a mere pawn in her twisted game of chess. The memory still stung, a constant reminder of my past servitude to her and Bella, the two queens of this dark realm.

I cast a fleeting glance over my shoulder at Gabriel, his golden eyes fixed on me with a knowing look. "They're all in on it," I muttered, my voice low and tense.

"I know," he replied, his voice steady and calm.

I took a deep breath, my mind racing back to the time when Victoria and her newborn army had been on the prowl. I had been on the brink of losing control, ready to pounce and fight until I caught a whiff of Bella's scent on the blouse Riley had given me. It was then that my motivation had shifted, and I had decided to escape from it.

"You wanted to fight, but you changed your mind when you found out the reason," Gabriel concluded, his voice filled with pride. "It's a testament to your character, and I'm proud of you for it."

I let out a heavy sigh, my mind still reeling from the events that had transpired. "But look what happened back there," I said, my voice laced with frustration. "You, Joseph, the Romanians, and me."

"Them saying that you might destroy the Volturi?" Gabriel asked, his hands resting gently on my shoulders.

"And that I should be animalised for having those gifts," I added, biting my lip in frustration.

Gabriel's eyes bore into mine, his voice soft and reassuring. "Reputation is what people think of you," he said. "Character is what you are."

His words hung in the air, a reminder that no matter what others may say or think, it is our actions and our true selves that define us. And with that, I felt a sense of calm wash over me, knowing that I had the strength and character to face whatever lay ahead.

As Gabriel's fingers delved into the depths of his waistcoat pocket, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. What was he about to reveal? My eyes widened as he pulled out a small pendant, glinting in the light. It was a silver masterpiece, with a shield emblazoned with eagles and trees, and rubies adorning the top. I couldn't deny that it was a sight to behold.

"Did the Volturi give you that?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

Gabriel nodded, his eyes distant. "When I was a newborn, I was eager to serve the Volturi. But as time went on, I began to question our actions. My actions. What right did we have to take the land, riches, and lives of those who were only defending their homeland and way of life? Every vampire I killed was like a piece of myself dying."

His voice trailed off, and I could sense the bitterness in his words. "Sometimes, I wonder if being truly dead would have been better," he muttered, returning the pendant to his pocket.

Suddenly, a memory flashed through my mind. Gabriel and I had been looking at a painting of him with the Volturi, and he had spoken of his past with a sense of regret. It was clear that his experiences had left a lasting impact on him, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness for what he had gone through.

I shook my head in disbelief. "Dad, the Romanians were feeding on humans." I tried reasoning with him.

Gabriel's eyes met mine, his expression grave. "Yes, but they also had the power to change them. If they were pleased enough, that is. And since the arrival of the twins, I... I was cast out of the Volturi."

My mind was reeling. "Wait, what? Why?"

"Because of their dark powers," he explained. "If it wasn't for them, maybe the Romanians would have won."

I couldn't wrap my head around it. "What makes their gifts so much darker than the others? I mean, I know about Jane's gift... Well, a little bit. But what about Alec's?"

Gabriel's gaze was intense, his fear tangible. "Are you sure you want to know?"

I nodded, my curiosity peaked. What could be so dark about Alec's gift that it would cause my father such distress?

"As you mention, Jane possesses a formidable gift, which has been shown to frighten even the strongest of vampires. Her gift is to create an illusion of burning pain. I have been used as a target frequently when Jane arrived, much to Felix's joy."

"What's that like?"

"It was like being burned alive at the stake but the fire hasn't killed you. Like the pain was going on forever and you wish it could stop. And when it does, you're too frightened to move."

A haunting recollection of her passing flooded my mind. It was a memory that had been buried deep within my subconscious, but now it resurfaced with a vengeance. Bree's untimely death had been a screaming act, a gut-wrenching display of agony that had left an indelible mark on my soul. I couldn't help but feel a sense of pity for her, for the pain she must have endured in those final moments. With me not being there to save her or, at least, comfort her. And there was nothing they could have done to save her. The Cullens, with all their power and strength, were powerless against the merciless wrath of Jane. Even if they had tried to intervene, it would have been futile. Jane's ability to inflict pain was too great, too overwhelming for us to overcome.

"And her brother?" I resumed the topic.

"Alec's gift is to numb the senses of anyone he focuses on," Gabriel answered. "Sight, taste, smell, hearing, everything. It would all be gone, at least in their mind. In a way, he's the antidote to Jane. She makes you feel the worst pain imaginable. Alec, on the other hand, makes you feel nothing. Absolutely nothing. Sometimes, when the Volturi are feeling kind, they have Alec anaesthetise someone before they're executed."

"And you still possess that painting and the pendant?" I inquired, my curiosity piqued. "Why?"

"Because there's a part of me that still cares about them," he admitted, his eyes glistening with emotion. "Despite being cast out like a wounded dog, I still hold a deep love for them."

As he drew closer to me, his voice lowered to a whisper. "Violet, you may not understand what it's like to love a family only to realise they are the one thing that could destroy all that is good."

His golden eyes gazed up at the night sky, as if searching for answers. "I thought I would never feel this kind of love again until I met Mum and Joseph."

"And then your family grew," I remarked, sensing the joy in his voice.

"Indeed," he chuckled, a hint of pride in his tone.

"But... Why did they say you ran away?" I probed, my curiosity getting the better of me.

"The Volturi spread rumours that I left them because of my cowardice," he explained, his voice tinged with bitterness. "Who would believe that a vampire was cast out from the Volturi and spared?"

"How so?" I pressed, eager to know more.

"Let's just say that some vampires crave power more than anything else," he replied, his expression sad. "And they deemed me as not powerful enough."

I inhaled deeply, savouring the crisp night air as I gazed up at the celestial canvas above. The stars twinkled like a chorus of tiny paparazzi, capturing the moment with their fleeting flashes. Each one a miniature flame, flickering against the inky blackness of the sky. We sat in peaceful silence, listening to the haunting melody of the wolves' howls as they echoed through the night.

Gabriel went back into the Cullens' house, leaving me alone on the rooftop. As I sat there, the cool night air brushed against my skin, and the howls from the Quileute wolves echoed through the stillness. It was then that I realized how distinctly different their howls were from those of the true werewolves, the Children of the Moon. The shapeshifters' howls had a familiar, almost standard wolfish quality, a clear, echoing sound that carried over the forest. In contrast, the Children of the Moon emitted deep, grizzly howls that resonated with an ancient, primal energy, a sound that sent shivers down my spine.

I continued to gaze up at the night sky, the stars flickering like distant candles in the vast darkness. Each twinkle seemed to pulse with its own rhythm, creating a mesmerizing dance across the heavens. The serenity of the moment was suddenly interrupted by the sound of footsteps approaching from behind. At first, I thought it might be Gabriel returning to check on me after the tense encounter with the Romanian coven. I stood up, the wooden shingles of the roof creaking softly under my weight, and turned my head to see who was coming.

To my surprise, it was Ingram walking towards me, his silhouette outlined by the soft glow of the moon. His presence was both comforting and unsettling, a reminder of the complex web of alliances and enmities we were entangled in.

"Hello, flower," he greeted me, using the nickname he had given me long ago.

"Hello, Shadow Man," I replied, a small smile touching my lips as I used his own nickname in return.

He came closer, his steps measured and deliberate, until he was standing right next to me. The proximity of his tall, imposing figure made the air feel charged, as if every particle around us was vibrating with a quiet intensity.

"Is Da... Gabriel okay?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper, catching myself before I used the more personal nickname for Gabriel. There was a note of worry in my tone, a lingering concern for him who had just faced a potentially dangerous situation.

Ingram nodded. "He's alright. He's calmed. And now everyone knows about you, being a vampire maxima. Thanks to Vladimir and Stefan bragging about how 'Gabriel has the most vampire in his coven'." He attempted the Romanian accent and his attempt at lightening the mood succeeded, and my laughter echoed softly against the night. He smiled  and it brought a bit of warmth to the otherwise tense atmosphere.

"It's still strange, hearing it out loud," I admitted. "Being a vampire maxima. I don't feel any different."

Ingram looked at me thoughtfully. "Power isn't always about how you feel, flower. Sometimes it's just about what you are. And you are something special."

I glanced back at the stars, their light unwavering. "What else are they staying? The others?"

"Some are impressed, others are cautious," Ingram said, his voice measured. "But they all agree that you're a force to be reckoned with."

I nodded, taking in his words.

"And Amun did warn Gabriel about if the Volturi were to discover you—."

A mixture of fear and rage swirled in me. Fear because of the unknown, of how the Volturi would react and what they would do to me. Rage because they caused Bree's death and, perhaps, countless others.

Ingram noticed the change in my expression and wrapped his arms around my waist. "Hey, everything will be fine," he assured me softly.

I rested my hands on his shoulders, pondering on his actions. "Why are you like this to me? Calling me flower, keeping an eye on me? Protecting me, knowing I'm capable of protecting myself? Why?"

"Violet..." Ingram whispered. "I thought my words and actions were obvious enough, even for you."

"What's obvious? Why?"

He sighed, a hint of exasperation in his crimson eyes, but also something deeper, something softer. "Because I care about you, Violet. You mean more to me every single day."

His confession hung in the air between us, raw and vulnerable. I felt a surge of emotions—confusion, warmth, an odd sense of relief. Could it be that I had always known, somewhere deep down?

"Ingram, I..." I began, but words failed me. How could I articulate the tumultuous feelings churning inside me?

Ingram reached out, gently lifting my chin so our eyes met. His gaze was intense, filled with emotions that mirrored my own. "You don't have to say anything, flower. I just needed you to know."

"But... why me?" I finally managed to ask. "Of all people, why do you care so much about me?"

A small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. "Because you're not just anyone, Violet. You're brave, strong, and kind. You see things differently. You see me differently." His voice softened, becoming almost a whisper. "You've made me want to be better, to be someone worthy of standing by your side."

The world seemed to shrink until it was just the two of us on that rooftop, the stars above bearing silent witness to our exchange.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. "Ingram, you've always been there for me, even when I didn't realize I needed someone. You've seen me at my worst and still chose to stay. That means more to me than you know."

His eyes lit up with a mixture of hope and relief. "So, does that mean...?"

"It means," I said, stepping closer, "that maybe I've been blind to what's been right in front of me. Maybe it's time I stop running from my feelings."

Ingram's hands tightened around my waist, pulling me closer. Our breaths mingled, the air between us charged with unspoken promises. "Violet, I—"

I didn't let him finish. Instead, I closed the distance between us, pressing my lips to his. The kiss was gentle at first, a tentative exploration of the emotions we'd kept hidden for so long. But as the seconds passed, it deepened, fueled by the intensity of our connection.

When we finally pulled apart, both of us were breathless. Ingram rested his forehead against mine, a contented smile playing on his lips. "I've waited so long for this moment," he murmured.

"So have I," I admitted, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. "I just didn't realize it."

The howls of the wolves continued in the distance, but they seemed less menacing now, more a part of the natural rhythm of the night. The stars above flickered brightly, as if celebrating our newfound understanding.

Ingram held me close, his presence a comforting anchor. "No matter what happens with the Volturi or anyone else, we'll face it together," he promised.

I nodded, feeling a newfound sense of strength and resolve. "Together," I echoed.

For the first time in a long while, I felt a sense of peace. The future was uncertain, but with Ingram by my side, I knew we could face anything that came our way. And for now, that was enough.

[alsjeblieft-zeg]

158 of 2024

Created by chasingghosts

Are you better at science, maths or art?

Definitely science. This is why I have a degree in electrical engineering, after all.

Do you have any songs in your head at the moment?

Yeah, that mashup of Evanescence and Paradise Lost. Went out cool, honestly.

Do you ever get more than one song stuck in your head?

Almost all the time, and they rotate.

What is your favourite kind of cheese?

Gouda, but young.

Are you happy with your height? Would you change it if you could?

I wouldn't mind being a bit taller.

Did you ever call any teachers by their first name? Who?

Yeah, in my uni there's a habit of calling teachers by their first name.

How old were your parents when you were born?

Mum was 27, dad was 37.

Were you born in a hospital, or somewhere else?

In the hospital, but it took a few days, really. Eventually they had to perform C-section because my mum didn't have any birth cramps at all.

Do you often have doors held open for you?

No, I don't think so.

Have you ever shoplifted, even just once? What did you take?

Yeah, once. I stole a ring lol. Got caught, never again.

Have you ever witnessed someone else shoplifting? Did you say something?

No, I haven't.

Do you know anyone who volunteers a lot?

I don't think so.

Have you ever been cheated on? Tell me your story.

Yeah, by my first ex. He couldn't stand the fact I wasn't ready for sex at all. He was cheating on me with multiple people and he didn't even bother to hide it.

Which would you choose between choc chip cookies and oat & raisin cookies?

Raisins are disgusting, so can we please have some oat cookies without raisins?

Write the first person you think of whose name begins with T?

Timmy. I saw him at the security reception at work today.

When was the last time you got a haircut?

Long time ago. I'm trying to grow my hair longer again.

What did you have for dinner tonight, or last night if you haven't yet?

I haven't yet, last night it was Chinese takeaway.

Do you plan ahead for your dinners?

Not when we're alone. We only do it when our kid is with us.

Do you have a night of the week where you usually get takeout?

No, I do it whenever I fancy it.

Is your hair thick, thin, or somewhere in between?

Somewhere in between.

Are there many baby photos of you? Where are they kept?

No, I don't think there are any saved.

Are you the eldest child?

Yes, I am. I have a younger sister.

Have you ever worked with someone named Kelly?

No, but Kelly was one of my drivers when I was daily inpatient in rehabilitation ward in the hospital.

Have you ever been in the same class as someone named Emma?

No, I haven't.

Have you ever kissed someone named Luke?

No, never.

Do you have any neighbours with loud animals or children?

No, thankfully not anymore. I like kids and animals, but I can't stand loud crying or howling or barking.

How old were you when you had your first crush?

Like... 20? No kidding.

When was the last time you were so sick you couldn't get out of bed?

Last month. Stomach flu.

What colour is your bath towel at the moment?

White and blue stripes.

Do you blow-dry, towel-dry or air-dry your hair?

Towel dry in winter and air dry in summer.

Are your parents smokers, or have they ever been?

Yeah, both. My dad quit since he was diagnosed with cancer, though.

Can you count to ten in any other languages? Which one(s)?

A lot. Dutch, English, German, Finnish, Swedish, Polish, Romanian, French, Spanish.

What have you eaten today?

Leftover rice from yesterday's Chinese takeout.

When was the last time you stayed in a hotel? Where was it?

In Waterloo, April 2022.

Do you drink alcohol?

No, I don't. I had to quit completely, same with caffeine.