#Lily Blackwood

[twoseparatecoursesmeet]

Water Lilies, 1963

Jack Blackwood

[wodania]

king and queen of the seven kingdoms

[drawing-way-outside-the-lines]

Christmas Fair 💖 pt 2.

[ryuichifoxe]

Some Dragon Age sketches~

We're still stuck in the time loop, some of us are handling it better than others, scooby doo ran around a cabin to avoid dying to what we've affectionately named the Babadook (because we can't remember its actual name), were wrongly accused of murder, played a dangerous game of chicken with the guards after they set the apple barn on fire, were rightly accused of murder, traumatized ourselves and a group of teenagers, and may or may not be responsible for a potential zombie outbreak in Antiva...

[scissor-spider]

Ill just…..leave this here…. And hopefully find a fan intersection….. somewhere?

The Magnus archives but it’s marauders

Jon- regulus (posh fucker with so many fucking issues my god)

Martin- James (my god on his own he’s so lonely coded)

Tim- Sirius (goofy whore +him and reggie growing apart+ him dying heroically in battle + going insane cause of a mistaken identity = good soup)

Sasha- Marlene (the goofing off dynamic with Sirius + first one to die so yeaaaaah)

I wanna say notsasha is Peter cause that feels funky and right tbh

Melanie- I feel like it’s Mary? Especially cause of the anger shit and also because:

Georgie- lily (the regulus lily angle is pleasing and also the cat lady vibes and also lily would have a ghost podcast. Also convince me lily is afraid of literally anything. You can’t)

Elias- dumbledore (fucking evil whores and they can die)

Daisy- Remus. ( on the monster thing and trying to fight it. Buried could be related to the prank? He would go ham as a weerwolf if it would protect his friends. Disregard wolfstar even though that’s sad :( )

So, uh……yeah

[cowboycunt]

gay people in my podcasts i love you

[drawing-way-outside-the-lines]

In no particular order, and minus the McKinney clan cause lawd knows they have all gotten away with something!:

tag the oc that has gotten away with a crime

[fagbearentertainment]

Transgender Swag Competition 2023 Bracket is Complete!!!

The left side consists of…

Hunter (The Owl House) vs Anne Boonchuy (Amphibia)

Marco Diaz (Star vs The Forces of Evil) vs Marcy Wu (Amphibia)

Dr Doofenshmirtz (Phineas and Ferb) vs Stan Pines (Gravity Falls)

Shiver (Splatoon 3) vs Link (Legend of Zelda)

Spamton (Deltarune) vs Duck (Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared)

Raine Whispers (The Owl House) vs Lake (Infinity Train)

Danny Fenton (Danny Phantom) vs Dipper Pines (Gravity Falls)

Sonic the Hedgehog (Sonic Franchise) vs Barney Guttman (Dead End: Paranormal Park)

Luigi (Super Mario) vs Terry (The Dragon Prince)

Madeline (Celeste) vs Mad Mew Mew (Undertale)

Hermes the Elf (Rudolph) vs The Onceler (The Lorax)

Lightbulb (Inanimate Insanity) vs Vriska (Homestuck)

Liz (Butterfly Soup) vs Zoe (Monster Prom)

Damien (Dream Daddy) vs Oliver Swift (Dialtown)

Team Rocket (Pokemon) vs Perfuma (She-Ra and the Princess of Power)

Sylveon (Pokemon) vs Trans Pikachu (Pokemon)

The right side consists of…

Lily Hoshikawa (Zombieland Saga) vs Utena Tenjou (Revolutionary Girl Utena)

Narciso Ansui (Jojos Bizarre Adventure) vs Tiger (My Hero Academia)

Noelle Holiday (Deltarune) vs Tails the Fox (Sonic Franchise)

Bridget (Guilty Gear) vs Mizuki Akiyama (Project Sekai)

Jesse Pinkman (Breaking Bad) vs Viktor Hargreeves (Umbrella Academy)

Alex Fierro(Magnus Chase and The Gods of Asgard) vs Hatsune Miku (Vocaloid)

Reigen Arataka (Mob Psycho 100) vs Dave Strider (Homestuck)

You, reading this post vs Me, the poll runner

Lup (The Adventure Zone) vs Martin Blackwood (The Magnus Archive)

Jenny (My Life as a Teenage Robot) vs Meta Knight (Kirby Franchise)

Mettaton (Undertale) vs p03 (Inscryption)

Kris Dreemur (Deltarune) vs Apollo Justice (Ace Attorney)

Aoi Kureha (Paradox Live) vs Vivian (Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door)

Wegg (Be Kind My Neighbor) vs Sunny (Omori)

Scout (Team Fortress 2) vs Micheal Afton (Five Nights at Freddy’s)

Mangle (Five Nights at Freddy’s) vs William Afton (Five Nights at Freddy’s)

[pocharimochi]

Revisiting Liam Blackwood

Yes, because it’s easier to make one boy happy when he’s just the male! Version of your dearest Lily :p

On another note, he’s such a cutie and it’s apparent (in this AU) he takes more after his dad but still possesses the gentle charm of his mom.

While he is athletic, people get surprised when he does feats out of the ordinary or displays great reflexes due to his appearance. Although he is still from a wealthy family, he has a part time job as a delivery boy for the Blackwood pharmacy business, and a delivery boy for an in-town bakery.

When he is not busy running errands across the kingdom, he continues his vigilante cover as Crow. He continues to stand against the power-hungry royal military, and their corrupted sense of justice and pride to doing whatever they want with citizens of the kingdom of Atolis, and nearby villages.

[ratinf3stedwallz]

I FINALLY GOT ROUND TO MAKING AN INTRO

SORRY THIS IS SO LONG

Hey! My names lily, but idm you just using my user :) I'm a minor so don't be weird 🔥 any pronouns I hate gender. INFP I sometimes post art.

My hobbies are listening to music, drawing, writing and theatre.

Fandoms I'm in!

Tma, chnt, wtnv, sh&co, BBC Sherlock, just Sherlock in general, doctor who, good omens, our flag means death, skulduggery pleasant, dead boy detectives, hannibal, heathers, ride the cyclone, Hamilton, taking over the asylum, Scott Pilgrim, isttg, radiosilence, ihnmaims, marauders, mouthwashing, Gravity falls, Stardew valley, the deca and so many more that I can't remember rn...

My music:

Radiohead, Will wood, MCR, PTV, Mitski, Adrienne lenker, big thief, Pigeon pit, car seat headrest, Alex g, bears in trees, Tommy ragen, the cure, Gorillaz, Chappell roan, Conan gray, Phoebe bridgers, Cavetown, Kate Bush, Gigi Perez, David Bowie, Noah finnce, mother mother, spark bird, Madiylin mei, Hozier... There's so many

Kins bc why not 🔥

Martin Blackwood, Sydney O Sargent, Frances janvier.

Im also really interested in Greek mythology, DINOSAURS and random obscure parts of history!

Dni if you're homophobic, racist, sexist, transphobic, a terf...

[drawing-way-outside-the-lines]

In order of most influence/most changed my life:

Tag the OC who has influenced you the most as their creator or changed your life in some way.

.

[twoseparatecoursesmeet]

Water Lilies, 1963

Jack Blackwood

[spaceagebachelormann]

𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐞𝐬

!!REQUEST REQUIREMENTS!!

-> state the character, romantic or platonic, the format of the request, and a plot

-> do you have any specifics for the reader? blonde, poc, male, neurodivergent, etc? (please keep in mind i will write poc readers but i’m white so they may be a little difficult for me)

-> requests are preferred to be sent through inbox, but i can make dms work if needed

-> PLEASE ACTUALLY SPECIFY WHAT YOU WANT WITH YOUR REQUEST!! ITS VERY HARD FOR ME TO WRITE “____ x reader fluff” GIVE ME A PLOT LINE

!!WHAT I WILL WRITE!!

-> platonic

-> romantic

-> familial

-> any gender x any gender

-> headcanons

-> long fics

-> multi character

-> blurbs

-> poly relationships

-> x reader

-> i will only write cheating if it’s a character comforting r after being cheated on, not a character cheating on r

!!WHAT I WONT WRITE!!

-> smut (i’m 15)

-> yandere

-> most aus, ask about the specific au before requesting an au

-> incest

-> age gaps

-> canonical gay/lesbian character x a man (if lesbian) or a woman (if gay)

-> song fics

-> things about ocs

-> ships

-> sunshine x grumpy tropes, i’m horrible at this trope

character list

keeper of the lost cities

sophie foster, dex dizznee, fitz vacker, keefe sencen, biana vacker, marella redek, maruca chebota, tam song, linh song, wylie endal, jensi babblos, stina heks, elwin hesledge

harry potter

harry potter, ron weasley, hermione granger, neville longbottom, luna lovegood, ginny weasley, fred weasley, george weasley, sirius black, james potter, remus lupin, mary macdonald, marlene mckinnon, lily evans, dorcas meadows, regulus black, barty crouch jr, narcissa black, andromeda black, bellatrix lestrange

ride the cyclone

ocean o’connell rosenberg, noel gruber, mischa bachinski, ricky potts, jane doe/penny lamb, constance blackwood

the outsiders

ponyboy curtis, johnny cade, sodapop curtis, darry curtis, steve randall, twobit matthews, dallas winston, cherry valance

the school for good and evil

agatha, sophie, tedros, hort, hester, anadil, dot, nicola, rhian mistral, rafal mistral, clarissa dovey, leonora lesso

little women

jo march, amy march, beth march, meg march, laurie

dracula

dracula, lucy westenra, arthur holmwood, john seward, mina harker, abraham van helsing, renfield, quincey morris, jonathan harker, the brides

frankenstein

victor frankenstein, elizabeth lavenza, henry clerval, adam frankenstein, justine mortiz, ernest frankenstein, the bride

dr jekyll and mr hyde

henry jekyll, edward hyde, richard enfield, gabriel utterson, hastie lanyon, lucy harris

phantom of the opera

christine daaé, erik destler, raoul de chagney, meg giry, carlotta giudicelli

the mighty ducks

charlie conway, adam banks, lester averman, guy germaine, connie moreau, fulton reed, dean portman, julie gaffney, ken wu, luis mendoza, dwayne robertson

david bowie

david bowie, ziggy stardust, jareth, thomas jerome newton, celliers

daisy jones and the six

daisy jones, billy dunne, graham dunne, karen sirko, warren rhodes, pete loving/roundtree, eddie loving/roundtree, camila dunne, simone jackson

doctor who bbc

ninth doctor, tenth doctor, eleventh doctor, twelfth doctor, rose tyler, jack harkness, mickey smith, donna noble, martha jones, clara oswald, river song, amy pond, rory williams, simm! master, missy/gomez master

miss peregrines home for peculiar children

jacob portman, emma bloom, millard nulling, enoch o’connor, olive elephanta, alma peregrine

good omens

crowley, aziraphale, ineffable husbands (poly), beelzebub <3, gabriel, ineffable bureaucracy (poly), nina, maggie, nina and maggie (poly), anathema

what we do in the shadows

nandor the relentless, nadja of antipaxos, laszlo cravensworth, colin robinson, guillermo de la cruz, the guide, baron afanas

yellowjackets

shauna shipman, lottie matthews, misty quigley, taissa turner, van palmer, natalie scatoricco, jackie taylor, travis martinez

star trek (tos/aos)

jim kirk, spock, leonard mccoy, nyota uhura, hikaru sulu, pavel chekov, montgomery scott, janice rand, christine chapel, khan

miscellaneous characters

sarah williams, bernard the elf, rodrick heffley, varian, lisa frankenstein, the creature (lisa frankenstein)

UPCOMING FANDOMS : american horror story, torchwood, x-men, gossip girl, hannibal, sherlock, ghosts, house md, star trek tng, the x files, the big bang theory, dead poets society

[drawing-way-outside-the-lines]

Christmas Fair 💖 pt 3.

[cera-writes]

An Unconventional Debut: A Bridgerton AU story — Remy LeBeau x F!Reader ~Part 3

Tags: slightly nsfw, slow burn, jealousy, teasing, scandals, forbidden love, and debauchery, self gratification masturbation, reader has delicious thoughts about Remy

Two starkly different carriages rattled to a stop on the gravel driveway of Miss Everleigh's estate, a cloud of dust settling as Remy and Lord Blackwood stepped out of each one. The tension between them was thicker than the summer heat, a silent duel continuing from the dance floor.

Blackwood, ever the gentleman, presented you with a vibrant bouquet of lilies as you greeted them at the door to the drawing room. An all too practiced smile graced his lips, yet a flicker of insecurity flickered in his eyes as he watched Remy.

Remy, on the other hand, offered a lopsided grin and a slight bow. "Bonjour, Miss Everleigh. Pleasure to see you again in the light o' day, though these grand ol' houses do pale in comparison to your beauty, ma chere."

His Creole accent, thicker than usual, sent a pleasant shiver down your spine. Blackwood cleared his throat, the forced cheer in his voice a stark contrast to Remy's smooth charm.

"We weren't sure if calling unannounced would be an imposition," he interjected, "but we both felt compelled to check in after your debut."

Your eyes flitted between them, a hint of amusement playing on your lips. "The surprise is a welcome one, gentlemen. Please, do come in." You couldn't deny that the day had been taking it's toll on you. You'd had almost every gentleman in the ton calling on you today.

Inside the cool, airy drawing-room, Blackwood continued his display of honed gentlemanly graces. He engaged you in conversation about upcoming social events, his voice smooth and practiced. Remy, meanwhile, remained curiously silent, a hint of a smile playing on his lips as he observed quietly by the fireplace. He hadn't brought you flowers, but something else, something you'd enjoy more in your spare time.

As you excused yourself to see to some refreshments, Remy pulled a small romance novel from his coat pocket, his eyes skimming over it.

Blackwood, catching his eye, raised an eyebrow. "A rather… unconventional choice, LeBeau. Romance novels? Women shouldn't have access to such...vulgar displays of literature."

Remy chuckled with a hint of scorn, a low rumble that resonated in the room. "Perhaps to you, Blackwood," he drawled, his voice a mere whisper. "But then again, Miss Everleigh seems a woman who appreciates a lil'… adventure, wouldn't you agree?"

You hadn't heard the conversation, thankfully, as you were across the room at the refreshments table.

He handed the book to you upon your return, a playful glint in his eyes. It wasn't a bouquet of flowers, but a discreetly wrapped romance novel, its title hinting at forbidden love and passionate encounters. A blush crept up your cheeks as you glanced at the cover, then back at Remy, your lips pursed in a mix of curiosity and amusement.

Blackwood's jaw clenched subtly. The battle lines were drawn, not with cards or boasts, but with a subtle challenge – a whispered promise of a different kind of adventure, hidden within the pages of a book. The game had just begun, and Remy LeBeau, with his Creole charm and daring spirit, had just made his first move.

"Thought you had plenty o' flowers, ma cherie, so Remy figured you could use a lil' escape. One that won't wither away," he winked, causing your heart to flutter at the suggestion.

Blackwood, turning a nose up at the two of you, finally excused himself as he bid you adieu. You were almost relieved at his departure, leaving just you, your mother who had just joined the room, and a few handmaidens left standing in the room.

You quickly hid your book behind your back as soon as your mother waltzed in. You were glad your father was away on a business trip. Because the look on your mother's face was sheer shock and appall as her eyes landed on Remy.

She cleared her throat, casting a look of wariness towards him. "Monsieur LeBeau, we weren't expecting to see you. What brings you here?"

Remy smirked, "I thought I'd jus' call on Lady Everleigh. Figured she could use a lil' distraction from all the suitors."

Your mother hummed in vexation. "I think we shall be calling it day. Would you mind letting my daughter retire to her room, monsieur?"

"Oh, yes ma'am. I was jus' about to leave anyway," he responded politely, but not before leaving you with a few parting words, "Miss Everleigh," he drawled, leaning in close to you as his breath tickled your ear, "hope dat book gives you a few ideas."

And with that, he was striding out of the room leaving you in a mess of feelings.

Your mother however, was furious. "I don't want you conversing with that gentleman anymore. He's up to no good and I wish you'd see reason. Nothing good can come out of chasing a scoundrel like Remy LeBeau. I've heard stories."

"Oh? And pray tell, mama, what stories could you have possibly heard whilst promenading about him? He has been nothing but a gentleman towards me thus far. I've had no reason to think otherwise."

Your mother sighed, pinching her brow in frustration. "Well, since I think it'll benefit you in making a wise decision to keep your distance from him, fine..." your mother had you take a seat while she sat down across from you. You tucked the book underneath you, hiding it from your mother's sight.

"I heard he's still married. I've also heard that he left his wife, who goes by the name Bella Donna Boudreaux, back in New Orleans to fend for herself. Her family and his are thieves, they run some no good thieves guild overseas. Not the kind of bunch I want my only daughter getting roped into. Especially with him being married of all things. I don't know if his wife is still alive or not, but it's the sheer fact that those are the rumours floating around about him. The fact he means to take a wife is scandalous in itself," she scoffed, eyes averting your gaze, sipping away at her tea.

You felt a stab at your heart at these rumors. "But perhaps that is all they are mama, rumours."

"It matters not, it's his reputation," your mother sighed, "they always say fire is beautiful until you get too close, darling. I only want what's best for you. Your father would want the same. He may have the attention of every debutante in London, but no one would be smart enough to marry him given his background. And besides, Lord Blackwood would make an extinguished husband for you. I saw the way you two were dancing. Even the Queen herself thinks it's a good match."

"But mama, I simply don't click with him. Not like with..." you wanted to say Remy but you bit your tongue. "Didn't you and papa marry for love? That is my wish," you pleaded with her, taking her hands in yours as she looked at you with distraught eyes.

"And if Monsieur LeBeau is who others say he is, then let me figure that out for myself. Because until I do, they are simply rumours."

Your mother shook her head. "If your father heard you he'd have already arranged the marriage to you and Lord Blackwood."

"Well, he's not here, so please just give me time and if Monsieur LeBeau is not who the ton says he is, then you have my word that I'll marry Lord Blackwood."

As if that was enough of a satisfactory answer for your mother, she bid you goodnight and left you to your graces.

You pulled the book from underneath you and eased up from your chair, tiptoeing back to your room upstairs. You needed a distraction.

You slipped into your nightgown with the help of one of your maids and after she left you alone, you silently unwrapped the book.

With a single flame of a candle to light your view, your eyes started scanning every word of every page, getting lost in its contents. You imagined yourself as the heroine of the story, and the ruffian as Remy.

You hadn't realized how late the night was drawing on, until you'd come across certain scenes in the book that had you suddenly blushing profusely.

You read the steamy bits of the scene quietly to yourself so that no one heard you, "there's another option, Miss Isabella," he murmured, his voice husky with unspoken intent. His hand brushed against hers, sending a jolt of heat through her."

You but your lip in anticipation, mind wandering to thoughts of Remy and how his hands captured yours in the ballroom.

You silently kept reading the next part to yourself, "Isabella knew she should pull away, maintain the expected decorum. But reason had fled, replaced by a primal urge she couldn't ignore. "And what might that be, my Lord?" she breathed, her voice barely audible above the storm's roar."

You felt a heat between your legs as you continued to read the next page, stirring something within you that you had never felt before.

"He leaned in closer, his breath warm against her ear. "We could explore the…alternative uses of this library," he suggested, his lips brushing against her sensitive skin.

Your hand started to drift downwards, sliding your fingers under the delicate undergarment of your shift as your heart threatened to beat out of its chest.

Isabella's body tingled with anticipation. The storm outside paled in comparison to the one brewing within her. With a trembling hand, she reached up and tugged at the knot of his cravat, a silent invitation.

You stopped just above the hem, feeling absolutely sinful for reading this book, but also delighting in the fantasies it presented to you, because all you could picture was Remy doing and saying these things to you.

You wondered if this was his intention.

Lord Ashton's eyes darkened, a predatory glint in their depths. He captured her lips in a searing kiss, the desperation in his touch mirroring her own. The kiss was a storm itself – urgent, demanding, filled with a raw hunger that neither of them could control.

Your breath hitched in your throat as you could deny yourself pleasure no more. Your fingers delicately traced circles over the warm, bare, sensitive skin between your thighs, a sensation that nearly had you slipping a moan from your lips. You read the next part with anticipation.

His hands moved with a purpose, exploring the soft skin of her back, sending shivers down her spine. The bookcases loomed around them, silent witnesses to a forbidden passion unfolding.

You began to move your fingers delicately over your sensitive pearl, sending pleasure through your body at an alarming rate.

The air crackled with electricity, the storm outside a mere backdrop to the tempestuous dance of their bodies. They stumbled towards a plush armchair, their movements fueled by a desperate need for more.

"Mm, Remy...please," you moaned softly, one hand holding the book and one pleasuring yourself.

As their clothes became tangled discards on the floor, Isabella surrendered to the whirlwind of sensation. Lord Ashton, his usual stoicism shattered, explored her with a reverence that ignited a fire within her.

You were a panting mess, letting the book fall against the bed sheets as you continued to touch yourself with feverish need. You pictured Remy's hands running all over you skin, taking you in ways you'd never imagined before. It was enough to send you climaxing, breathless, and satisfied for the time being.

You'd hoped you were quiet enough during your little excursion, slipping a bookmark inside the page before tucking it into your nightstand.

Your dreams that night were filled with Remy and you had no objections. But for now, you wanted answers. You wanted him. The next ball was on its way, and you planned on asking him about his life then. He was a mystery you wanted to unravel.

[moseslikellamas]

♱𖣂 Redfork Menace ♱𖣂 pt.18

Benjicot Blackwood x Bracken!OC

Summary - A dance is held.

Warnings - fem!reader, suspense, adult language, period typical misogyny, condescension, adult language, feelings of shame, feelings of guilt, manipulation, benjicot brainrot, Kieran Burton fancast.

Word count - 2k

Hiiiiiii. I decided to skip the other questioning scene mostly bc I just didn’t wanna write it. I might do a flashback to it later but 🤷🏻‍♀️. Anyway!! I hope we all have a homie like Martyn who will forgive our crimes no questions asked. Here’s some nice Harp music if u want the vibes. All the songs mentioned are in asoiaf.

Shanda was oddly excited given the circumstances, Benjicot had, as he promised, ripped her to shreds during questioning. It was embarrassing to even think about it. She had never been very good at hiding her emotions, displaying them on her face clear as day. He had known that and used it to a harrowing degree. It was lucky she had Martyn to back her up or it would’ve been even worse. Her brother was another can of worms she still had to deal with. But none of this was why she was spinning around her room, excited.

After the disaster of questioning, Lord Elmo had made an announcement.

“Alright you mangy cunts, before I break your hearts and shatter your dreams, I have a proposal. And no, it is not voluntary. You will show up.”

Grumbles went up at that but he had only shot a look that communicated death on protest into the crowd before continuing.

“We’re going to have a dance tonight. That’s right, a proper ball! Now, when was the last time we were all together like this? This is an opportunity for you all to start fresh and build some new relationships. You will behave or I promise a little dance with a pretty girl will be the least of your worries.”

The room was buzzing with whispers before he even finished and Shanda had missed whatever he said after that. As she had already made her way through the crowd to her brother.

“I believe we’ll have a chance to sneak out before it ends to truly talk. I swear, I’ll tell you everything.”

To his credit, Martyn hadn’t been upset at all. Just nodded before he melted into the crowd, losing her and any prying eyes. It was just as well he did as Alysanne found her right after.

“Come on, let’s find something for you to wear.”

Shanda had decided to forgive Alysanne as she hadn’t testified against her. Not that the testimony wouldn’t really contribute one way or the other in the end. It was the thought that mattered. So she let her lead the way.

“How do you know these halls so well?” She asked after the third winding corridor they had turned down.

“Go to enough of these trials and you get bored. Elmo’s like a grumpy uncle, doesn’t mind me poking around a few places. Given I do my part to sway the idiots at home when sentencing rolls around.”

“Are you ever successful?”

Alysanne laughed, grabbing her arm. “Sometimes. Mostly no, but I do try my best.”

Shanda nodded, that was as she figured. At last they came to a door that looked the same as any other but when Alysanne pulled it open, it appeared to be a clothes storage room.

“How strange. Why do they have this?” She asked, looking in at all the various pieces.

“Hand me downs. Elmo says they’ve got generations of Tully ancestors' clothes in here. Which is why he doesn’t mind that we borrow some. Now let’s look.”

Shanda had not looked long when she came across the dress she wanted. It was made so that two pieces joined together over one another. The sleeves were a part of the undergown and blue, so dark it was nearly black. The overgown of the dress was an intricate gold design with calla lilies stitched on in white. It took her breath away. She hadn’t even bothered to see what Alysanne was getting, just grabbed the dress and left.

That led her to where she was now, happily spinning around her room in the beautiful gown. It would be nice to have a single night where she didn’t have to worry about anything. She could just dance and eat, then sneak away to beg her brother's pardon for lacking the good sense the gods gave her. She thought it was ambitious of Lord Elmo to think they could pull this off without any quarreling. But perhaps everyone could behave for just one night.

A knock sounded at her door. She moved to answer it and was delighted to see Martyn standing outside.

“Seems we’ve finally convinced them I’m not going to abscond with you.”

She snorted, taking his offered arm. “Yeah right. Lord Elmo probably tripled the guards for tonight. Fat chance we’ll be sneaking anywhere.” She said loudly enough the guard at her door could hear. It was the first time she had seen him actually stand outside her door.

She dragged her feet so they would not arrive so soon.

“Martyn, I should’ve warned you. I knew he was going to be insane. I, well, suppose I was ashamed.” Her face was tinged pink with remembrance.

“I don’t care. I never did. That day Royce pushed you in the river, I nearly cut his head off.”

She stopped at that, putting a hand on his chest shocked. “You didn’t.”

He rolled his eyes at her before continuing to walk. “Obviously, he’s still here. But I strongly considered it, crazy thing is he would’ve let me. He just accepted that I would kill him and that he deserved it.”

Shanda frowned, her brother had a haunted look in his eyes telling her.

“It’s not right. All of us are fighting. Our mother would be livid to see it, Shan.”

That tugged a smile on her face. Their mother would be yelling at them all.

“‘Family’s all you’ve got!’” She mimicked and Martyn chuckled.

“Too bad she left us with this family and not some other one.” He sighed.

“Come on, let’s find Royce. See if we can’t get him drunk enough to forgive me.” She exclaimed as they entered the great hall once more.

All of the tables were removed, besides the few that held food and drinks. Beautiful streamers of blue and red covered the corners of the room, embroidered with the Tully sigil. Shanda was awe struck by the bead work on them, they flashed iridescent giving the impression of real life scales.

“Let me talk to him first.”

He was gone by the time she replied off handedly, “Yeah, sure.”

She had gotten up close to the banner, admiring the impressive needle work. The beads were pieces of broken clam shell, sewn into the fabric. It must be tedious work to break the shells and then make holes in them.

“A Tully specialty.”

She jumped at Lord Elmo’s booming voice. She’d been so focused she hadn’t noticed him approaching.

“It’s beautiful. Must be awfully tedious work though.” She smiled up at the lord.

“No more so than presiding over court.”

She blushed at that, feeling a bit ashamed.

“I suppose not.”

He clapped her on the back. “Ah don’t worry about it! It always works out in the end. Though, not so well. Or else you all wouldn’t keep coming back.”

On that rather contradictory note, the lord left. Flowers of spring was playing in the background as she looked around the room. It was evident that the riverlanders had taken Lord Elmo’s words to heart. As she saw many of them talking cordially and a few brave souls had even dared to dance.

“May I have this dance, m’lady?” It was Beck Grey who asked.

“Is that? No, it couldn’t possibly be Rebecken Grey. He’s only five two and has a gap tooth.”

Beck smiled at her, every tooth gleaming in the torch light as he led her onto the floor.

“Amazing what seven years will do for a man, is it not?”

They spun around the floor together effortlessly. Beck was a cousin of hers on her mother’s side and it had been a great deal of time since she had seen him.

“I have to agree, it will do wonders. My knees are not half so knobbly now and my aim is much improved.”

“So I hear. Is that how you managed to almost slay Benjicot?” He smiled coyly at her.

“Oh cousin, a dance is not enough for secrets I’m afraid. But if Aunty Harra really wants to know, tell her I’m sure we can work out a deal.”

He shook his head at her ruefully. “Some things never change, eh?”

Before she could answer him they were interrupted.

“Mind if I cut in?”

Shanda would’ve advised her cousin that yes they did mind but he had already stepped aside. He shot him a nasty look as he walked away but he just winked.

“How are you enjoying the dance?” Benjicot asked once they began to move together.

The song had switched to Fallen Leaves which was slower and much sadder.

“Fine before you butted in. Can’t find another pretty girl to bother in all of the riverlands?”

They swayed back and forth, barely turning about.

“Why should I? I’ve made my intentions clear.”

“How about common decen-“

He interrupted her, pulling her closer so he could whisper in her ear.

“Decency is me covering for you while you sneak out to try and rebuild your sibling bond.”

She pulled back aghast. How did he know? Rolling her eyes she blew out a frustrated breath.

“Stop spying on me!”

“Okay sweetheart, but you might want to make your move now. I think the little one is making a break for it.”

Shanda saw what he meant as she met Martyn’s eyes across the floor. He looked exasperated and was quickly going after a hurried Royce.

“Shit.” She muttered before rushing after them.

Benjicot pulled her up short though.

“Wait, half the room will see you follow if you go now. Dance one more with me.”

He was probably right but she really didn’t care at the moment.

“No, I’ll miss them if I wait!”

But he held on to her firmly as the song shifted into the familiar tones of Fall of Maidenpool. She wrinkled her brow as the harp picked up.

“Lord Elmo’s a bit on the nose with this one.” She laughed.

“What do you mean?”

She gave him an incredulous look. “You’re joking right?”

When he stared blankly at her she groaned and explained.

“It’s about the fall of Maidenpool, the defeat of a Riverlander by the Andals. Florian the brave, one of the last great kings. It’s a metaphor for all of us. Hatred, spite and violence are our Andals, and we let them in every day. Tearing ourselves apart from the inside and because of it our lands are weak, disorganized. Ready for a collapse, just like Maidenpool.” She sighed, gutted at the thought.

When she looked back at Benjicot, he was staring at her.

“I think you’ll be safe to go now.” He whispered.

She was out of his grasp and out the door in the next instant, the sound of Maidenpool drifting further away as she looked for her brothers. Walking along the halls it didn’t take her long to hear them.

“…sense of it!”

“Just wait! She’s coming to explain.”

Martyn’s expression was one of relief as she rounded the corner and layed eyes on him. Royce was standing upright looking tense, whereas Martyn sat calmly on the floor.

“See,” Martyn beamed. “Here she is.”

“Right well, explain then.”

“Royce, you hot headed fool.” She held up a hand to silence him when he tried to interrupt her. “Listen to me. However much I grieve that mother went away in hopes of procuring me a suitor, I do not hold myself responsible and do you know why?”

He silently raged in front of her.

“Because our mother could not be swayed nor bullied into doing anything less than what she set out to do. There was nothing you, me or even our father could’ve said to pull her back. Secondly, I have not given up hope on finding her killers and if you give me some time I just might.”

“Oh bullshit, Shanda. You can’t sneak your way into finding everything out.”

“No but you can fucking negotiate your way into just about anything. Pull your head out of your ass! The entire riverlands is here, Royce. Waiting in that room for three very interesting Brackens to chat them up. They are dying for us to talk to them, make a move. Do something useful and help me!”

She could see the struggle playing out in her brother's mind across his face. He made a frustrated noise before running his hands through his hair.

“What do I say?”

Shanda smirked at Martyn before the three of them set to scheming.