#Portia Keen

[aratilightwood]

I thought Portia Featherington would mellow out towards Penelope this season, but it turns out she's a bigger bitch than I imagined.

[dragon-kazansky]

Bridgerton shade of blue

Benedict Bridgerton x Female Reader

Benedict bumps into you, quite literally, at a ball while trying to escape his mother's attempts to find him a partner. You decide to humour him with a dance, not realising just how entwined you would become with him. It seems the universe will find every excuse to push you and Benedict together, no matter how much you fight it.

{Masterlist}

{Previous Chapter} - {Next Chapter}

Season one

Chapter Fourteen - Scandals in abundance

♡♡♡

When you sat down for breakfast, you expected a peaceful morning between you and your mother. However, the knock at the door was urgent, and quickly did the butler come rushing in with the latest Whistledown column. He handed it to your mother instantly.

You sat there and watched many expressions cross her face, wondering what on earth had been written to have her react in such a frenzy.

Only when she was done reading, and only then were you given the paper to read. You took it from your butler and looked st the first column.

The gasp you let out was louder than you anticipated. Your eyes rose to meet your mother's.

"I must go."

She simply nods and calls for the carriage to be prepared for you. You head upstairs to get yourself ready immediately.

The Bridgertons must be beside themselves.

Marina Thompson is pregnant and has been since she arrived in Mayfair. Poor Colin had no idea. He couldn't possibly have. You were certain of it.

You had no idea that just the night before, he had devised a plan to run away with Marina to marry her in Scotland. Not that he could now, surely.

The carriage ride to the Bridgerton house felt like a long journey, though you were certain that had to be because you were anxious to get there. When the carriage finally did stop, you didn't even wait for the footman. You opened the door, startled the poor man, and hurried out. He watched you rush up to the front door and knock rather urgently.

The butler answered the door and called your name into the house. You entered and found your way into the drawing room. Violet was fanning herself on one of the sofas, Colin was nowhere to be seen. You made your way over to Lady Bridgerton and held up the glass of water that was sitting on the table to her. She took it and sipped it.

Benedict and Eloise were also present in the room, neither of them said a word.

"Did he know?" You had to ask.

Benedict and Eloise both shook their heads at you.

"Where is he?"

"In his room," Eloise answers rather solemnly.

Violet waved her fan a little more quickly. It would appear that one could not be a Bridgerton without coming close to a scandal. Lady Whistledown sees and hears all.

You feel for poor Colin. Apparently, he believed himself in love with the woman. Though Anthony took the blame for that. Colin was still young.

"Eloise, dear, we must get ready for the modiste." Violet closes her fan and stands from beside you.

Eloise groans.

"Now, dear."

You watch in silence as Eloise stands and goes with her mother. Before Violet exits the room, she turns to you. "It was nice of you to come by, my dear."

You smile at her and watch her go. Once she's out of the room, you turn to Benedict. "Tell me everything."

Benedict leans forward and tells you all he knows. From Marina's arrival to the pregnancy, she had kept secret. The man she was under love with and his absence. It had all been in Whistledown. You didn't learn anything particularly new other than that Marina had intended to keep her condition quiet and then tell Colin she was pregnant after they were married.

Portia Featherington knew, of course. It's why she was so keen to marry Marina off.

"Gosh."

"Yes, I know."

"How is Colin?" You ask. "Truly."

"Not great, I admit. He hasn't spoken a word to us since the paper arrived this morning. He has kept much to himself."

"Do you think he will speak to me?"

"I do not know." Benedict says softly. "Do you wish to try?"

You shrug lightly. "No harm in attempting."

Benedict leads the way to Colin's door, and you knock gently on the hard wood. You hear no response, but with one nod from Benedict, you talk.

"Colin? I'm sorry to hear of what happened. I hope you are well."

Nothing.

You sigh. "Know that you may call on me for anything."

You turn and face Benedict. You have no idea what else to say. What does one say in such a situation?

Benedict leads you back to the drawing room.

"I believe there is to be a family meeting. Daphne is coming down too."

"Daphne? Goodness. Word reached her door, too?" You sigh.

"She is family."

"I know. I envy that."

"Envy?" He looks at you curiously. "Envy what?"

"That bond you have with your family." You sit down again, not sure what else to do with yourself.

"You do not have that bond with your mother?" He asks, sitting opposite you.

"Having a bond with your mother is one thing, but you Bridgertons are a family. You have siblings. Anthony, who looks out for all of you, though admittedly, not always in the best of ways. Daphne, who adores you all so dearly she will make such a trip just to be here for her brother. I have no sibling. No father. Just mother. When something happens in my family, we only have each other."

Benedict fights the urge to reach out for your hand.

"I shouldn't complain. I am lucky to have what I do, and I am grateful. I just wish I had siblings to look after and rely on. I hope I have several children one day who can experience that."

Benedict listens to you talk about your hyperthetical future again. Every time you talk about it he feels a strange twinge begin to turn in his chest.

"I'm sure that will be a reality one day."

You smile wistfully.

"I shall be good to see Daphne again. I have missed her. Have you not?" You ask.

"Of course. She is my most sensible sister." He grins.

You laugh. "I have to say the most sensible of the lot."

Benedict laughs, too.

It feels good to laugh.

♡♡♡

Daphne doesn't arrive until the evening. You have long since left the Bridgerton house by then. Benedict had seen you out, and you spent the rest of the day at home.

A family meeting was just that, for family.

You don't see the Bridgerton family for a couple of days. As you understand it, Colin and Marina meet, chaperoned by Daphne, to talk. It wasn't the most cheerful conversations, you hear.

The queen's luncheon was the first time you saw the Bridgerton lot after a few days of absence. Daphne had been the one to reach out to you after securing an invite. You accepted, of course.

You stood in the gardens and awaited their arrival. All eyes were certainly on them upon their entering the garden.

Benedict caught your gaze and offered a small flicker of a smile. You smiled back. He looked relieved to see you. Perhaps all this drama surrounding his family was a bit much over the last few days.

You wanted to approach them, but your mother kept a firm hold on your arm. You sip your drink quietly, eyes drifting away from the family you so wished to greet.

As people approach the Bridgertons and the Bassetts to greet them, Benedict finds himself greeted by Granville.

"I have missed you in the studio of late. You must join me for another drawing lesson," Henry says to Benedict. "As I said, improvement is all a matter of practice."

Benedict glances over in the direction you're standing in. His mind briefly recalls the day he let you see into his sketchbook. Your words rang clear in his head.

"At least, that is the excuse he gives for coming home with paint in all kinds of peculiar places," Mrs Granville says with a chuckle.

Benedict giggles awkwardly and then spots someone just beyond the garden talking to Cressida Cowper of all people.

"Ah! Were you able to meet my friend Wetherby at my party? Come, I shall introduce you."

"No, thank you." Benedict says quickly. "I- I see my mother requires my presence. Good day!" Benedict leaves quickly.

Truth be told, he hadn't visited the studio since you asked him where he went off to on his evenings. He couldn't bring himself to go back.

That, and you complimented his art so wonderfully. He often heard your kind words in his mind as he sketched these days.

He was rather starting to like his work.

The Featheringtons arriving had all eyes on them. No one whispered a word about Colin. However, that did not mean they wouldn't talk about the family that had hosted the girl mentioned in the gossip column. If anything, people defend Colin.

Eloise rescues Penelope from the stares her family are retrieving.

Portia tried to talk to Violet. It was rather awkward to watch. You turned your eyes from them and tried to speak to your mother, but even she was watching with keen eyes.

The Featheringtons are asked to leave once Violet walks away without saying a word.

You watch Penelope follow her family out.

The next to walk off is Daphne, and you know not why. You hadn't even had the chance to talk to her.

Something seemed to be upsetting her too.

Your heart ached to see the people around you suffering. It seems it doesn't simply rain. It pours.

Managing to free yourself from your mother, you stroll along the outer hedges of the party. Benedict manages to intercept you there, smiling softly at you.

"Hello."

"Hello." You repeat softly.

"It's been a bus few days."

"Yes. I imagine."

Benedict stands there and stares at you for a moment. He's not sure what it is he wants to say. That is, if there is anything at all he wants to say. All he knew was that he wanted to see you.

"You look sad," he says.

"Sad? I'm not sad."

"No?"

"No."

Silence falls between you both. He scans your face quietly. You're avosiign his gaze, and he can see the way you lightly pluck at your gloves. Rather pretty gloves, he might add. Did you always wear such pretty gloves, or did you pick these out, especially for this occasion.

Benedict frowns. Why did he care so much about your gloves?

"What is the matter?" He asks softly.

"I can't help seeing the sadness in others around me. Colin. Daphne. Penelope. Your mother."

Benedict remains silent.

"Everyone seems to be hurting in one way or another, and I either do not know why, or do and cannot do a thing. Can I confide in you about something? Without judgement and disdain against me?"

Benedict gives you the slightest nod.

"I hate society."

You see the way his brows raise. Yet you see no judgement in his eyes.

"I hate the way it judges, discriminates, gossips, and picks and chooses. I hate the way it functions." You speak so passionately, from the heart. "Society turns its back on someone the moment they step out of line or even slightly bend the rules. One wrong move or word and its all over."

Benedict is intrigued by your views. So many thoughts must be occupying your mind, and he's only heard a fraction. It's in this moment he realises he doesn't know you. The real you, that is. He just knows a fraction of who you are.

There's a goofy crooked smile on his face.

"What?" You ask, looking at him.

"What?"

"You think I'm silly, don't you?"

"I never said that," he defends himself.

"Then why are you looking at me like that?"

"Like what?" He chuckles.

"That!" You say, trying not to raise your voice too much. You weren't fond of the idea of drawing attention to you both.

Benedict merely laughs, and you groan softly. Now you're getting agitated, and he would be lying if he said he wasn't somewhat enjoying that.

"I think you're fascinating."

You state at him blankly. "Huh?"

Benedict chuckles again, and you quickly jab him in the arm without anyone noticing.

"Ow!"

"Shut up," you hiss at him.

"What? What did I say?"

"Nothing! Forget it. You're infuriating me." You sigh.

Benedict tries to hold back his giggles.

At least someone can smile despite the rain clouds over everyone else's heads.

You crack a smile and then giggle. Benedict laughs, too. You both must look so silly giggling in the hedges.

"Oh, Benedict, you do make every miserable thing seem more positive." You smile at him.

"How so?"

"Just by being you."

Benedict swears he could fly from the amount of joy you have just bestowed in him. Never has anyone said anything more heartwarming to him than that.

As you travel home in the carriage with your mother after the luncheon, you cannot stop yourself from smiling. You have been cheerful from the moment you left.

"Whatever has you grinning, dearest?" Your mother asks you as you gaze out the window.

You keep your eyes trained on the passing scenery, your lips ever grinning.

"Nothing, mother. Nothing at all."

♡♡♡

@callmemana - @lilscast - @imgondeletedis - @benedictbridgertonss - @clownsdiehard - @wxnterwidow333

@sillynilly27 - @autumn-slaves - @ben-has-arrived - @ajdelilah - @aadu2173

@booknerdlife - @tamlinrose - @sarahskywalker-amidala - @cheryyluv - @louschan - @lou-la-lou - @cultish-corner

@hopshusushi - @katherinejess - @nannabug - @afunkyfreshblog - @f0x33 - @dd122004dd -

@jupitervenusearthmars - @orchiidflwer - @bespinnn - @captainlunaxmen - @winchestersimpalababy - @acupnoodle

@ms-fandomgirl - @fablesrose - @anyaisinyourcloset - @meowzerzstuff - @orchiidflwer - @bespinnn - @crazymar15

@cosmixstar - @bree3parchen - @berrnuu - @charmainemaclendon - @pinkpantheris - @krismdavis

@biancamde - @ifgslsofbsodbf - @kniselle

[soullessseraphim]

what does Liam think of the arcana m6? (and courtiers if you want)

HmmmMMMMMM !!!

What Liam thinks of the main 6 + courtiers !

🐦‍⬛Julian : Hell yeah. Really happy to have someone to be a lil funky with ; loves him very much. They both have theatrical personalities, Julian noticed that about Liam back during the Plague : the way he'd stroll around the clinic and hoping from one patient to another, waltzing over to Valdemar to ask them something... It had charmed him back then and even after. Liam is very keen on helping out Julian and spend time with him, doesn't exactly see his life without him.

🐐Lucio : Hell nah. Too prideful, too condescending... Will absolutely adore gossiping about him, talk shit behind his back, in good faith (unless Lucio does something that genuinely pisses him off, then Lucio get spooked a few times).

🐺Muriel : thinks he looks like a gentle giant (is absolutely right). He's pretty hurt at how avoidant he is. With his issues about belonging he takes the initial rejection and avoidance on Muriel’s part to heart a lot.

🐍Asra : Very mixed feelings. On one hand, he is aware that they had a story together before the Plague and everything, but... He doesn't have any feelings towards them anymore, and the way Asra still cares for him makes him uncomfortable. Doesn’t want to talk about it to others to not be labeled as selfish.

🦉Nadia : unironically calls her ma'am, miss, madam. Very impressed by her and her natural authority. Very quiet around her and almost timid. Considered becoming a courtier just so he could display he was working under her orders (totally not because he wants to be besties with the courtiers too nooooo haha).

🐱Portia : EEEEK PLANT FRIEND. Likes to spend time with her once in a while to stay in the cottage and tend to her garden, although she doesn't trust him with bringing in new flower specimens since he told her about that one variety which only grows over dead bodies...

🪱Vlastomil : Would hang around him more if he just... Didn't talk about worms so much. Sure, it’s interesting, but... Once you've gone around the whole of the subject well uh... The problem is Vlastomil won’t talk about anything else.

🐏Valerius : off-brand Lucio? No thank you. Nice hair though. Nice taste in wine. But he CANNOT handle his attitude. Has had to refrain from chaining him somewhere a few times.

🪲Vulgora : Initially scared of them at first, but over time, started quietly laughing at their antics, and would even join in with their banter, making them laugh loudly too. Decline all their offers of sparring ; once they were so insistent he had to show off one of his spells (necrotic touch - he made a couple of flowers wilt in his hands) to convince them not to. The added danger of potentially getting seriously hurt in a spar with Liam only fueled their desire to fight more, much to the necromancer’s despair.

🐦Volta : He finds her too clingy, but very sweet. Would hang around her more if she weren’t so touchy, but he loves talking with her, she's a great conversationalist.

🩻Valdemar : FRIEND. FRIEND. FRIIIIEEEENNNND 🗣🗣🗣💥💥💥💥‼️‼️‼️ (need I say more)

[swallowedbyfandom]

Portia is ashamed to admit she finds herself rattled by her discussion with Penelope. She had not considered how much debt remains on the estate. While the influx of inheritance money was used to settle the immediate debts. There are still many debts that are frozen until such time as a new Baron is named. What money they have remaining from the inheritance will likely not be enough to actually get all their affairs in order. Not to mention all the renovations and upkeep their lands and tenants will require.

Portia has never had to concern herself with business affairs. That is what husbands are for. It is clear she was too hasty in marrying her daughters off. For heaven's sake, she had to explain to Mr. Finch how one goes about consummating a marriage. Penelope is her only remaining child that can be married off advantageously.It is glaringly clear that Penelope has no intentions of looking out for anyone's interest but her own. How the hell did Penelope end up her most promising child?

She may have to find an another husband, for her future security. Someone with children in need of a mother. She shudders at the thought. She needs a man that can help her train her son in laws. She will wait to see if she gets a grandson first. Perhaps the situation with the estate is not so dire.

She spends her time during calling hours torn between watching Penelope charm and navigate the many gentlemen calling and worry over what the future may bring. Decades of tolerating Archibald and she is back at square one. Good lord, will her poor girls end up her here in a few years? She tries to distract herself watching the gentlemen whom seem most interested in her youngest daughter.

The Marquis from Vienna seems throughly taken with Penelope. He arrived early with a beautiful floral arrangement and gifts her what appeared to be a solid silver dessert fork tied with a pretty bow. Her daughter gives him a mischievous smirk and vows to carry it always. She watches Penelope slip it into her reticule. They chuckle like children over it. Portia wonders if this is a bizarre Austrian custom. She has heard of welsh love spoon. However she has never before heard any tales tied to forks. She will have to look into it to ensure it is not improper.

Lord Samadani watches her daughter with keen interest in his eyes and laughter twitching at his lips. She would prefer her daughter not move so far away for marriage. Now that she can see what an untapped resource Penelope is, she does not want to let her go. However with his title, and wealth she would not be able to reasonably decline. He also holds the Queen's favor. She cannot question his character without offending the Queen's taste.

Watching Lord Fife attempting to charm Penelope is deeply disturbing. Her daughter sends subtle glares at him, while he all but pants at her feet. She swears she witnessed him shiver at the scathing tone Penny directed at him when she shot down his invitation to promenade that afternoon.

Her daughter had quickly spat out her denial.

"With the way you are currently panting Lord Fife, I cannot imagine taking you for a walk without a collar and a leash. I am unsure where we would find such accessories to fit you. So I will have to decline."

That scoundrel had released a whimper so obscene, it made her blush. Her youngest daughter seemed confused over the sound. She quickly signaled over a maid and had Penelope escorted to her room.

Unfortunately for Lord Fife, news of his behavior becomes the hottest gossip that evening at every Gentlemen's club. It is also responsible for the fist fight between him and Colin Bridgerton that happens outside the Featherington home. To the delight of all the gentlemen currently awaiting their turn to speak with Miss Penelope, Portia Featherington goes on a flustered, scandalized rant.

"Never in all my years have I felt so violated. How dare you come into my home and attempt to ...to...to bring yourself to climax using my daughter's voice. I run a proper household. I have raised proper ladies. Why the whole of society seems to hold Marina Thompson's sins against me and my girls, I shall never know. I did not ask for that girl and her illegitimate spawn to come into my home and hold our reputations hostage. My husband allowed that! I DID NOT RAISE THAT CHIT! I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR HER DISGUSTING LACK OF JUDGEMENT! STILL IT IS MY DAUGHTERS WHOM HAD THEIR MARRIAGE PROSPECTS SUFFER. STILL IT IS THE VIRTUE OF MY GIRLS THAT IS QUESTIONED! STILL IT IS I WHOM IS KNOW AS A SCHEMER."

Portia Featherington to the great horror of the gentlemen watching seems to collapse in on herself.

"JUST BECAUSE WE ARE WITHOUT A LORD DOES NOT MEAN YOU CAN ATTEMPT TO DISHONOR MY DAUGHTER. LORD FIFE, YOU ARE BANNED FROM MY HOME. I HEREBY, REJECT YOUR SUIT FOR MY DAUGHTER!"

They all watch Portia attempt to regain her composure.

"Mr Bridgerton, I scolded my daughter when she turned down your marriage proposal. I thought in light of all the scandal we have weathered due to the dishonorable men in our lives, she was being overreaching." She let out a scoff. "I understand now why your association with Lords Fife and Stanton made her question your integrity and honor as a gentleman. Frankly after what I just witnessed I too, have my doubts. Consider this your notice, Mr. Bridgerton. If I see a single hint that you harbor any perversions similar to your friend, I will have you thrown from my home instantly. If you attempt to take any liberties with my daughter I will see you ruined. My daughter may not have a Lord's protection but he has a mother's."

Still visibly trembling Portia turns to the rest of her captive audience. She gives them a shakily tight smile.

"I apologize for the inconvenience gentlemen. I am suddenly feeling quite overwrought. I am afraid I must cancel today's calling hours. I shall allow for callers tomorrow. I also apologize for shouting. I admit that witnessing such a vulgar act committed in front of my unsuspecting daughter was too great a shock for me. I must go tend to my daughter now. I need to find a way to explain what has taken place without compromising Penelope's innocence. My staff will see you out. Good day, Sirs."

She sweeps out of the room, leaving silence in her wake. Men are the lowest of all the life forms, she cannot help thinking. She hopes her performance is enough to head off talks about Penelope's virtue being compromised, by the vile display Fife made. She doesn't have her youngest's talent for feigned vulnerability.

Colin Bridgerton better make use of this opportunity she has just handed him. If he doesn't act to uphold Penelope's honor, she will deny him as a suitor on general principle. Penelope is right. Portia is tired of weak men. An entire room full of gentlemen and not one stepped in to stop Fife's disgusting behavior. Not one stepped in when Penelope's discomfort was obvious. She is done, with the spineless stupidity of man. Her new sons are going to get some damn training.

She trusts that Penelope will marry someone sensible with more than a drop of common sense. That girl is too cunning and manipulative, not to land herself a proper man. Hell, maybe she is better off as a spinster, if this is the quality of men available. Time will tell.

Now she needs to get to a window to see if Colin Bridgerton will do god's work and punch Lord Fife in his damn mouth.

[monstercampus]

are any of the werewolves planning on going pro?

Priam does! for him it's his dream (even though he can be a little lazy about it sometimes) while Julian, Portia, Elliott, and Athos aren't concerned with a pro career. Nick wanted to go pro with football and is still encouraged to by coach since he's already been scouted by some agents for big league teams, but it's not something he's still 100% keen on doing nowadays. he's a little more into the idea of settling down and having some pups rn-

however, Kirk is one of the only ones who pretends not to care but seriously, genuinely wishes he could go pro. it's a crushing reality for him that despite his skill, he's not good enough to make a pro career out of football plus his size in comparison to other wolves would make him a benchwarmer if he even got scouted anyways. part of him is really jealous of Priam and Nick for their skill and irritated with the others for having the potential but not caring/wanting to go into the big leagues when he doesn't really have a choice. but he's gotten over it for the most part and has come to terms with it at least--it just means he makes the most out of practices with his pack while he still can, and he's got an excuse to kick Priam's ass when he's late or doesn't show up for practice.

[singing-melliot-headcanons]

Portia made Beatrix a friendship bracelet and nervously gave it to them. Beatrix normally isn’t that keen on gifts but she made the bracelet tailored to their strings and after rationalizing it for a while, they didn’t see the harm in wearing it. They then became super attached to it and doesn’t understand why (it’s autism and lesbianism)

Then after Portia and Beatrix get together they realize why they actually wore her bracelet when they normally don’t care all that much for gifted jewelry / accessories

Portia then made beatrix just- so many bracelets

[jokersjr]

MY LITTLE PHAETHON!!!!! (my adamandi/taopp sideblog where i put most of the related posts: @soundbodys)

long explanation of their names and cutie marks under the cut!!!

eyewitness (vincent!!): eyewitness is an earth pony, not really something of note here but he does not have any magic. i kind of wanted to incorporate the "i don't know what i'm good at or want to do for the phaethon, but i do have skills" into their cutie mark. so! it is a pair of binoculars with the silhouette of a pony, symbolizing his skill for watching and observing people (stalking people lol). this cutie mark was probably earned through remembering little details about his other classmates and such, instead of like stalking people from the get-go. eyewitness was likely a chosen name, just like vincent is, BUT i bet that it was changed to fit in (just like vincent!). in mlp g4, most ponies have three-syllable names unless they are very special, like twilight sparkle or celestia. i imagine he must have had either a four or two syllable name and changed it to fit in better with the other ponies. possibly a dialect or even language barrier.

veracity (quincy): veracity comes from a very notable unicorn family, long and established. this does reflect in the length and sharpness of their horn. veracity likely changed their name from veritas, to make it sound a little more gender neutral. the book cutie mark is turned away from the viewer on purpose, and the ribbon bookmark is also very intentional. it's meant to look like a scripture book or bible, yet hidden from view. you can interpret that as you wish! the name kind of contrasts eyewitness', since it was changed from three syllables to four instead of four to three. it's supposed to have them parallel in a way. veracity is similar to veritas anyway, since they both mean truth!

paper trail (beatrix): this one is straightforward, paper trail is likely a "better spelled" version of something like papor trail (like beatriz/beatrix), intended to be spelled like vapor trail. her cutie mark is also kind of straightforward, although the string could be interpreted both as a string or a trail!

chisel chip (ambrose): i was actually between this name, chisel weight, and marbleweight for this one! i felt like both the names would be too on the nose and the ultimate choice of "chisel chip" sounded the most like a pony name. i don't actually have much more analysis on him. pegasus because they tend to be more athletic and his cutie mark is straighforward, although i did consider making the dumbbell be marble but it didn't really translate well to the image

cozy keen (portia): i did actually have trouble with this one, since portia doesn't know what she wants to do until later in life (that is, later than cutie-mark-receiving age). i decided to have her cutie mark be dedicated to her curiosity with the magnifying glass, plus it represents her investigatory skills later in life! the heart is for the amount of heart she has, since she cares so much about all the people around her! "cozy keen" comes from the idea of being keen, or clever! cozy is for both the alliteration and feeling that it has.

that should be it! although i am planning something similar for taopp (evil grin)

[number-0-iz]

Live thoughts of Bridgerton

Season 3, episode 1

Colin getting dressed in the carriage lmao

He is definitely better looking but I still don't think he's all that hot. Sorry not sorry. Maybe I'll change my mind.

Ah yes big ass feathers

SIGN LANGUAGE CHARACTER YES.

I love that. I don't speak ASL (also mainly cause English isn't my first language) but it is so cool.

The queen be bored lmao.

Charlotte as fierce as ever.

SINCE WHEN IS ELOISE INVOLVED WITH SEASONAL STYLES?

Me the whole time Fran was walking: don't fall don't fall don't fall

WHAT'S WRONG

Player Colin is...a little weird lma

ANOTHER ONE OF PEN'S SISTER FOUND A HUSBAND OH I'M SO HAPPY FOR HER.

NOW IT'S PEN'S TURN!

Oh shit the sister doesn't seem to like him 😭

Rip aunt Petunia, she seemed cool.

Oh u feel like the truth from last season will come out about the Featheringtons.

ELOISE SEEING PEN ELOISE SEEING PEN

Ugh friendship with Cressida? Eloise?

This is probably why she suddenly keeps up with seasonal styles?

God I hope they didn't change her too much or that she didn't lose herself.

I am not even 15 minutes in.

At least Violet seems to know something is up with Eloise.

"Tender young ladies." 😭

Damn all of the flirting jesus

CRESSIDA'S MOTHER IS SUCH A BITCH

Damn Portia has it all planned out huh

PEN AND COLIN MEET UP OOP

OOH HOW SHARP

I too would take a deep breath like that if I had to share a carriage with Portia

I AM A SUCKER FOR BOWS

"NO! Outside. Where our mother can't see." He says with a grin.

Lmao I love this man.

ELOISE IS READING EMMA

Please don't tell me Eloise has given up on being keen to learn and intellectual and a feminist

Because if she has, I will throw my phone at the wall.

"I lost the battle and I have no appetite for the war. I've joined the winning side."

So you mean to tell me that you have truly given up on your principles Eloise?

I wish Eloise would listen to Pen and they would be friends again.

"She was a very cold lady."

"She is colder now, I'm afraid."

AYE YO WHAT THE FUCK 😭

That was so savage.

Please let Mondrich and his family get a lot of cash as an inheritance.

A TITLE GOR MONDRICH'S SON?!

THIS IS EVEN BETTER 😭

They deserve it

NEWTON COCKBLOCKING KANTHONY LMAO

Aww their hands.

Ah another fantastic ball of Lady Danbury.

Oh Kate looks beautiful!!

PRETTY PEN IN A PRETTY DRESS

Aww Mr. Finch is so proud of his sister in law. Greenest flag.

UGH NOT A CONTESSA

I got distracted by Instagram reels when I went to look for the playlist of classical music covers used in the new season.

OH PEN US SO AWKWARD MY SWEETIE

Oh awkward Eloise

Ugh rude men

KANTHONY DANCE

PEN AND FRAN FRIENDSHIP

Oh Debling seems interesting.

NOT CRESSIDA STANDING ON PEN'S PRETTY DRESS! WHAT A BITCH.

And Eloise tried to apologise and Pen ran away 😭

OH THE SCENE FROM THE PREVIEW

"I overheard you." OOOOH

OH MIGHT THE FEATHERINGTONS LOSE EVERYTHING.

Cressida is a bitch. Eloise should not approve and be angry.

Oh sensitive Cressida? Damn.

How did I only now notice that Kate is left handed lol

COLIN VISITS

"BUT FRIENDS DON'T LOOK AT EACH ITHER THE WAY YOU DO."

Oh no not Penelope's scathing Whistledown letter

This'll be bad

GO MONDRICH FAM

Footman: Lord Kent. *proceeds to bow* welcome to your new home.

The kid: aye yo what the fuck

"I will never forgive her." Oh Colin if only you knew.

Well that was quite something! I really liked this episode if I am being honest! God I already wanna turn back to my season 2 Bridgerton AU with my OC that I made a few years ago but never posted. Am I going to watch episode 2 rn? Yes because I cannot wait. Will I leave yet another long reaction list like this one? Probably not cause I want to get a handle on my phone usage. But maybe another time! Until then!

[hauntaku2]

Games you should buy:

Ikenfell

My Time at Portia

Summer in Mara

Koa and the Five Pirates of Mara

Sakuna of Rice and Ruin

Mika and the Witch's Mountain

Mugen Souls

Celeste

A Hat in Time

The World Next Door

Ittledew

Story of Seasons Friends of Mineral Town

Night in the Woods

Jenny LeClue Detectivu

Oceanhorn

Potata Fairy Flower

Keen One Girl Army

Hollowknight

Cris Tales

Strawberry Vinegar

I could add even more games to this list, but I think this is more than enough for now.

[kahlanmars]

BAD FEELING part 26

OH HELLO. Ivy, yes, it's another Taylor song. Let me know with comments what you think about it!

MASTERLIST

taglist: @crimsonincursive

26. Chaos

Your mind works well when it’s under attack. As much as you want to know what happened to Mrs. Everdeen, if Snow really bombed Twelve and Thirteen kids, Capitol citizens are not welcome here anymore, and you immediately think about Effie.

«Stay here.» You storm into her room, grateful she didn’t go out to see what is happening. «You stay here until me or Haymitch comes, okay? Portia, everyone knows you are part of the revolution so maybe it’s safe for you but I wouldn’t risk it.» 

Effie hugs you, and you notice she’s shivering. You are frightening her, but you really don’t want people to take it to her because she was born in Capitol City. For most people she is still District Twelve’s escort and never part of the revolution. They are keen to forgive Portia and Cinna because they didn’t know their faces before, but Effie was the one who reaped their children every year. They don’t know she’s good hearted and she hated her job, a job she took when she was a twenty year old model who didn’t know anything about the Games aside from what society told her. 

You quickly explain what is happening, and Portia decides that she should stay with the blonde and locks the door, and you go to see where the Star Squad is. You are scared for Perla and Lora, for Katniss and Peeta. If they are bombing the Capitol, maybe… you don’t even want to think that.

«Try to find Cinna», Portia begs you. «I want to know where he is.»

Cinna, you bet, is looking for Perla. The only one you are mildly sure about is Finnick, who’s in the infirmary with a broken leg. All the other people you care about are out there. 

Your kids. Your heart sinks again. Your kids, used as a human shield. You really need to know what happened, so you kiss Effie on the cheek and you run away. 

The District is pure chaos. Mothers are looking for their children, people are desperate, someone shouts improper things about Snow or the revolution or even Thirteen. 

You spot Haymitch and you go to him, a scared look on your face. He doesn’t look so cheerful himself, and he kisses you just for the sake of it, just because he can, fast with urge because now it’s not the right moment for losing time. 

«Sweetheart, I was looking for you. Come, please.» 

He takes you by the hand and you run with him in a small room, maybe a lumber room or a nook.. 

Katniss is there, sitting on a bench.

With a baby on her lap. 

She has bruises on her face and a cut under her right eye, her leg is full of blood so maybe she was bleeding before, and she has dark circles around her eyes. She’s not being herself. Her stare is blank and she is not really here. Her hair falls into her face and she is not even bothered. 

The baby, a little girl who couldn’t be more than two, wrapped in a yellow coat and a matching hat that covers her blonde hair, is not crying. She just looks confused. She is adorable, she looks like a kid from a painted book, like a little fairy. So out of place.

«Who’s the kid?» You whisper, reaching for Haymitch’s hand again. A part of you only wants to be in his arms, because he can protect you, he can be the one who fights. It’s not right, though. You are not six and you protect and fight too. You can be his protector, if needed, and still your heart is a little lighter when he takes your hand and squeezes into his.

«I have no idea. It’s chaos out there, she sneaked in thanks to Boggs, and they came to find me. As I know what to do with a bloody kid.» Ok, so Boggs is a good guy enough not to report it to Coin, or someone is barging in right now.

«She is Capitol.» Katniss murmurs, without looking at you. «Her mother is dead. She was crying and shaking her body and I picked her up and then I saw Prim and…» 

You put a hand on her shoulder. «It is okay, Katniss, breathe.» She clearly is distressed, on the verge of a panic attack.

«It’s better for her if we don’t mention where she comes from. There was no dad, she didn't have anything on her.» She finally looks at you. «Your mother is a midwife, maybe you know something about kids.»  

«I suppose.» Better you than a sixteen year old. You pick the toddler up, a smile on your face, and you talk to her in a sweet swooning voice. «Hey, beautiful girl. Do you like my bracelet? Yes, it’s shiny!»

You don’t dare take it out from your wrist, but the little girl is content playing with that. 

«Katniss, you should go out.» Haymitch interrupts you. «Let them see you.» 

«I captured Snow. What else do you want from me?» She snaps. 

«I don’t want anything, but the game is not over, kid. You know that.»

«The game is over for Prim.» She retorts. What happened to the poor Primrose Everdeen? The kid you are schooling?

«No, it’s not. Even for her. And you want them to take care of her. I’ll come in a minute, just the time to deal with the baby.»

The girl goes out, leaving you with Haymitch and a toddler. You sit down. «I told Effie to lay low. She and Portia locked the door and stayed inside.» 

«Good. I should go with Plutarch now.» He caresses your face. You almost close your eyes at the touch.

«Haymitch?» You call him, you don’t want him to leave.  «Do you have any news on the kids?»

«Peeta is okay. Lora has a mild concussion, but it’s in the hospital right now, and Perla… I think Perla lost a leg. There was a lot of blood when they retrieved her.» Poor Perla, but… better a leg than her life. «Two soldiers died. The kids at your school, I don’t want to lie to you, it’s bad.»

«And Prim Everdeen?» Sweet Prim, the most adorable little girl you know. And you don’t even want to think about the kids. You knew most of these kids.

«She’s in a coma.» 

In a coma. You try to imagine a lively, happy Prim in a coma in a hospital bed and you just don’t understand. It’s not her place. It shouldn’t be anyone’s place.

«Mom?» You suddenly remember. Your mother was in the district, right? You are not sure. Maybe she volunteered. Maybe…

«You mom is fine, I checked.»  

You relax a little, stroking the little girl’s blonde hair. «Everything is falling.» You whisper after a moment.

«We are in the final row.» He takes you in his arms, and he even gives a caress to the baby’s cheek. «Go to my room with her and stay there. I’ll try to bring milk and a snack.» 

«I should go to the hospital to check on the girls.» You counter, but he shakes his head. 

«You wouldn’t be useful. You have to hide her. I’ll check on Effie too, ok?» 

«Come back to me.» You murmur before kissing him.

«Always, doll.» He smiles against your lips and leans for another kiss, and another, and another. You have the deep sensation that everything is slipping through your finger and those kisses may be the last ones. 

«I have a baby on my lap.» You remind him. «Go, go!» 

«So, what are we going to do, you and I?» You ask the baby that must be in a state of shock, because she doesn’t speak or blabber. «You must have a name.»

«Mama?» She asks, finally. You shake your head. 

«Soon.» You lie. «Soon.» 

She seems reassured by the promise and she closes her eyes. 

Haymitch’s room is no room for a baby and you have no idea how you are going to deal with her when she wakes up from the scare. 

You stroke her blonde hair and you toy for a moment, just for a moment, with the thought of a family with Haymitch and this baby. She is blonde like him, it’s almost too easy to imagine. He doesn’t want kids and quite frankly you don’t want them either now, but she is real, she is curled up on your stomach and you truly believe you will kill anyone that wants to harm her. 

No life as a tailor, no internship with Portia, no teaching… oh, well, you couldn’t teach now. 

It would be very wonderful to get up every morning and be in bed with the man you love, and then prepare breakfast for this perfect little lady. 

«I would teach you to recognise all the plants, so you would never starve.» You whisper in her ear. «And it will be fun to ski in the lake during winter, it’s useful, you know. We can play with dolls, I can make them dresses. I can make you dresses too!»

You were an orphan too. You never had so many questions about your parents because you didn’t want to hurt Holly, but you always wondered how they were and why they gave you away. It was totally possible they couldn’t feed you, or maybe your mother was a teenager without any family. You don’t know if Holly knew her. She never talked about that, and you never asked. She was your mother and it was enough most of the time, you never lost someone. You only knew her all your life. Still, some nights when you were little you cried because someone gave you away, or worse.

Holly saved your life, and now, maybe, deep down, you wanted to return the favour. 

Haymitch opens the door and there’s Marjorie with him. Marjorie and a lot of milk. 

«We brought snacks for the baby and for you, since I suppose you didn’t think about feeding yourself.» He declares, not commenting about why his ex girlfriend is with him. Does she need protection? It doesn’t make any sense, she is basically Thirteen, no matter where she was born. 

You shake your head, actually a snack is the last thing you were thinking about but now that they mention it, you are famished. You take an apple with a “thank you” and you hand the baby to Marjorie for a moment to eat it.

The toddler completely relaxes in her arms, and the nurse’s smile shines like a diamond. 

«Oh hello there. She is beautiful. Does she have a name?»

«Nope.» Haymitch must have explained the situation, because she seems like she already knows everything. To his credit, he immediately comes to your side and he puts a hand on your shoulder. You suppose he realises staying with her and a baby would have been too much the portrait of a happy family for you to bear.

«Did you choose a name?» She asks, looking at you two. Hurt flashes on her face just for a moment. 

And then you realise. To return the favour you shouldn’t take in the baby, you should find the perfect family for her. Let’s face it, you have too many problems to deal with a kid right now and you can practically hear your mother saying that it’s not right, it’s selfish, you are basically playing with dolls with her.

But I want a family, a voice yells, demanding the blonde kid like a toy. And you will have one if you want, but in time. Not with a two months relationship, a war and a murder charge. 

A kid doesn’t deserve to be treated like this. She needs a home, she needs a mom or a dad that are ready to have children. 

«You know “Who saw it first” never played well with us. You, you can take care of her better.» You resonate. It doesn’t matter if there's a lump on your throat and you want to cry for a moment. «If you want.»

Her eyes become watery. 

«Well, I like “Ivy”.» 

This is all the answer you need. Marjorie deserves a new start. She deserves something good and she has so much love to give after all these wasted years. Even if you don’t like her.

«Ivy.» You repeat. «Can I still be Auntie Daisy?»

Because now you chose her. It doesn’t matter if it’s not yours, this little blonde head it’s yours to protect.

«Of course you can be Auntie Daisy.» She scoffs. «You will teach her a lot of tricks to play to me when she is a teenager, I bet.»

«Of course, I can’t stand you.» You sincerely answer. She chuckles. «You will stay at Auntie Daisy’s house for sleepovers and you will have a lot of sweets!» You whisper to Ivy, who only watches you with sleepy eyes.

«Jor.» Haymitch calls her, much more serious than you two. «No mention she’s from the Capitol. You can tell the story you want, but she’s from a District. Kids from the Capitol are not safe these days.»

You shiver at his words and you have a very bad feeling about this.

«How is your headache?» You snuggle against him to feel him better. He is all clean after your shower (it’s better together to save the minutes of hot water, after all) and you can’t help but feel sore and sleepy. Good, if you are sleepy you are not worried and you’ll have two or three hours of sleep before your turn to stay with Perla.

«Better now.» An addiction is not easy to manage, and he is so good that sometimes you don’t even remember his problem, but he does. 

«Good. We have to sleep now. I’ll go to the girls and I bet someone will call you sooner than later.» 

«Are you sad?» Haymitch asks you. You decided that staying at his place was the best option, to keep Portia and Effie together. 

«Of course I’m sad, Primrose is in a coma. Effie is in constant danger and Perla is at the hospital.» Everything is shitty. And everybody keeps telling you that you should be happy because Snow will surrender soon, but I don’t like it. Nothing is stable. You don’t know if Snow will really surrender or he will prefer to bomb you, to take the districts down with him. You knew he was evil but bombing kids is another scale.

Yeah, you remember, because he always spared children from his evil plans…

«I meant about the baby. Ivy.» He clarifies and he nuzzles his nose against your neck for comfort. «I saw your face when Marjorie took her away, Sweetheart.»

«No, it was the best for her.» You indulge yourself in a sad smile. «But…»

«But you were already attached to the toddler in half a minute that I left you with her.» He was silent during the conversation because he wanted you to decide, you realise. Fool. Stupid man full of honour. 

You nod. «I’m well aware I’m being stupid.» 

He snuggles against you. «It’s not stupid, you wanted to protect her.»

«I know it’s better not to be associated with me right now, especially for a young thing, and it would have been trouble because I’m not the best person ever for an adoption, with all the killings and stuff… I can see the irony.»

He faces you and he takes your cheek into his hands to put you a kiss on the lips. «You would make a great mom. You are a lioness when it comes to protecting the people you love. Even me.»

You scuff. «You are the one who always protects me.»

«Are you kidding? You know how much comfort gives me that you can fight, that you will step on a fight when the situation requires it? You like the part, but you are not a damsel in distress. I’m not your mentor anymore, we are equals.»

You suppress a smile, turning around to be the little spoon. «I do like the part.» You confirm it. «And you are simply great as a knight in shining armour.»

He laughs, probably thinking that you are crazy. «Sometimes I think you have another partner and you confuse me with him.»

«Oh, I wish.» You mock him, «There’s a cute blonde girl that I always see at lunch and she’s just my type.»

Of course, because you know your man, he tightens the grip on your hips and you feel his teeth on your neck. «Oh yeah? What’s your type?»

«Scruffle manly men and manipulative cute feminine women.»

He burst into laughs. Not a chuckle or a scruff, a laugh. «So, just to clarify… we are your type.»

«I’m glad that mocking me gives you such pleasure. Yes, you happen to be my type. Why, how is yours?» You ask, curious.

He grins. «Blonde, tall, never in trouble, never talks back… oh and she has to be at least my age.»

«Maybe you should go for the lunch cutie after all!» You retort, searching for his hug. You know he is kidding, but still… to be sure. Marjorie is blonde. And tall. And his age. He notices you are closer and he chuckles.

«No need to be jealous. I don’t even remember my fucking type before you. » He kisses your shoulder. «You ruined me for the other women.»

«Good. No other women. Just you and me.»

«Mh, sounds good.» He is going down, tracing kisses on your spine and you really have to remind him you need to sleep. 

«Does it?» You suddenly whisper. «I mean, we never discussed “After the war”. I mean, I didn’t think there would have been one to begin with.»

«We still don’t know.» He returns being the big spoon, the kisses are forgotten now.

«Yeah, but just hypothetical thinking… What would you want to do?» 

«Daisy, are you nuts? What do you think? You are very much naked in my bed. If you are having second thoughts…»

But you didn’t say you love me.

«I’m not.» You reassure him immediately. «I’m with you. I’ll stay with you as long as you want me.»

«A long time then.» He states and he kisses your cheek. «Listen, I don’t know how to say it. About earlier, I never wanted kids. Kids die easily and I was a Snow target. But if you and me manage to stay the fuck out of the Capitol and Coin decides we are not a target, maybe…»

The first thought is a yell of joy, because you actually want a family with him someday. The second one is “If we manage to stay out of the Capitol”. That doesn’t add well to Portia’s offer.

«Haymitch I-»

There’s a knock on the door. You share a look, maybe it’s better if he goes, even if the room is so small that they’ll see you. He manages to dress up in his uniform.

«Open this damn door, Abernathy.» 

«I’m coming, I’m coming.»

On the other side of the door there is Plutarch Heavensbee, that lifts up an eyebrow at your sight.

«Plutarch.» You smile, just because you want him to know you are here to stay and you didn’t forget the little act he put on with Caius. 

«Miss Pinecone.» He politely returns the nod.

«What is it, Plutarch?» He asks, hiding your sight, partly because he doesn't want to portrait you like his mistress and, you suspect, partly because you are naked under his sheets.

«They captured President Snow.»

[gutsofgold]

Far from the tree.

Portia Otter

They say an apple doesn't fall far from the tree. But really, who's they? Which tree? What kind of apple?

People talk about apples and apple sauce, but what about other fruits? What about vegetables? Take onions for example. What about onion sauce? Why is it that people talk about apples? At what point does using any other fruit or vegetable as an example not make any sense?

Onions don't have the same layers as any other onions on the inside, but on the outside, they're hard to tell apart.

An Otter pup poked and prodded a small pile of onions she had found, just lying in a basket, dumped on the ground. Portia didn't like onions, not at all, but she looked at them anyway. She was bored, and there was no food to chase after. Her Mother would tell her to just go swimming, but she didn't want to, not right now.

Once, she had gone near the Wild Wood, but before she could get too close, she had been grabbed by a strong arm and angrily lectured, as mother dragged her away. She had never been keen on the Wild Wood, not at all, but in the last year she didn't like Portia going too far. Not since Father had disappeared with no trace.

Portia knew her mum knew something, but she refused to tell her what. All Portia wanted was to know where Dad had gone.

Sometimes, an older animal would tell her, “You’re just like a smaller version of your mother, you are!”, and fondly pat her on the head.

It's not that Portia didn't like being given treats and patted on the head, but she didn't particularly think she was like her mum. Her mum was boring, and angry all the time, and stiff. But she was also warm, and kind, and bright, when she wanted to be.

But whatever the pup wanted to do for fun, mum always shot down with an, “Absolutely not!”, Or a, “There’s no way in the blimmin’ Gates’a Dawn I'm letting you do that!”

Portia had climbed an apple tree, creeping along a branch, towards a nice little worm, when she heard the voice calling to her. She groaned, and rolled her eyes.

“Portia, you get down from there right this instant, Missy! You know very well that Otters do not climb trees!”

“I’m fine!”

“You won't be when you fall out and break your neck!”

Spoilsport.

Portia clambered down carefully, landing on the grass with a small thud.

“There!” She put her hands on her hips. “I’m safe and I'm not hurt!”

Mrs Otter looked down at her daughter, with an expression she couldn't exactly decipher. Was it Pity? Or Worry? Or Disapproval?

It seemed as if she was remembering something from a long time ago, and was about to go into a ramble. Portia didn't want to stick around for that, and she scrambled off before her mother could speak.

“Bye Mum!”

“Wh— Portia!”

[swallowedbyfandom]

He wakes up a hollow shell. He cannot feel his Pen anymore. Her presence had been growing fainter for years since he first mentioned to her, that her emotions were a distraction to him while he was off at school. He remembers a sharp wash of dejected hurt followed by a more subtle wash of resignation. In the years that followed Pen had become so closed off that he really only felt her when he reached out deliberately. Looking back even then she was muted and faint. He really only felt her strongly when she was caught off guard or she reached out first.

Even muted as she usually was he always felt their bond. A warm glow humming in this soul. Even while in Greece he could reach out and feel traces of her grief and rage. She was likely not as guarded in her mourning as she was normally. He panics he cannot help it, he tries to reach out but there is nothing to reach for. There is no warmth, no tether, no echoes, he is devastatingly alone.

His screams alert Anthony and the Doctor that he is awake then they are pinning him to the bed. He vaguely hears Anthony over his keening cries for Penelope. Where is she? Surely she lives?

"Take a breath brother. You must calm down or the Doctor will have to sedate you to keep you from falling into severance shock."

Colin understands the words but not the context. How can he calm down if he does not feel Penelope? How will he keep track of her safety? What severance? Did his Pen die? He will not survive it. He will not live in a world that Penelope Featherington does not exist in. There is no Colin without Pen.

He pleads with his big brother, "Ant, please was there an accident? Where is my Pen? I cannot feel her brother. I cannot reach for her? Help me, help me."

He hears the Doctor call for sedation and fights harder he must find Pen.

It is Ben who stops his panicked struggles by telling him to look down at his mark. He wishes he did not listen to Benedict, their once perfect mark is completely blackened and he has three red vivid betrayal marks across his ribs. It is grotesque. A nightmare made flesh. It cannot be real. He would never betray his soul bond.

He renews his struggles against the hands holding him down, he needs to get to Pen. This is all a horrible mistake, he will apologize and hold her in his arms until the bond renews. She will fix this, she always makes him feel better. He needs to feel her soul or he is sure he shall lose is sanity. His brother's do not understand they have always been alone. He needs his Pen. He fights his way out of the room and down to the foyer before they manage to sedate him. He catches the horrified faces of the servants and his siblings before he fades out.

She watches him drift in and out of consciousness burning with fever for three days. She mourns Colin already. Her other children do not understand that the Colin they once knew is gone, burnt to ash in a fire of his own making. She has always known Colin and Penelope were a match. How could she not? They have always been drawn to each other like magnets. However she did not know they were partially bonded.

God, what was he thinking? How many times had she spoken of wanting to remove Penelope from Portia and Archibald? Had he just told them they were bonded they could have had Penelope living with them legally. She would have had the status and protection of their family. Yes, as adults they would have had to marry but bonded soulmates are never platonic. Once they accepted the bond it was always going to be marriage, or severance. There really was never any other outcome.

She does not know how she will react when he wakes a part of her is so disappointed in him, a darker part is resentful. There is nothing short of her children's lives she would not sacrifice to have her soul bond with Edmund restored. To think Colin had that bond and degraded it, until it broke. He rejected his mate whose only crime is being plump and undervalued by society. God the whispers that have circulated around the Ton since Penelope fled to privately recover are harsh. Portia in particular has created a ruckus about Colin.

She had wept for hours after she read Penelope's letter. Her poor soul daughter had suffered for eight years. Suffered enough to pray to become unmarked. She cannot fathom it. Penelope has always held soul bonds sacred. How much had Colin done for her to wish to forego their bond? While she grieves Penelope and the future grandchildren she will never know, she is happy that Penelope still has a chance. That Colin didn't ruin both their futures is a minor comfort that he destroyed his own future callously, less so.

He wakes up again his soul cold and so alone. He remembers the entire night in horrifying clarity now. The high from his thrilling victory, the glee of fitting in amongst his peers, the agonizing fall from grace. The last thing his Pen felt before her soul was torn out of him was pained relief. What did it say about him as a soulmate that she was relieved to be torn apart from him? She wasn't surprised to hear him decry her, she was hurt and angry but not surprised. Pen had simply braced herself and felt almost expectant. Anthony and Eloise are arguing not so silently on the other side of his room. He listen listlessly hoping to gather information on Penelope's whereabouts.

"You should be packing we are leaving as soon as your brother wakes up for good."

Eloise scoffed, "Does it really matter? Society has never viewed Penelope favorably. Who really cares if Colin broke their bond? Penelope is not even in Mayfair anymore. Why are we fleeing like criminals."

Tersely Anthony answered, "I have always wondered what god I offended to be responsible for so many selfish, oblivious siblings. We are the villains or we are the negligent morons in this case. Which do you think is worse? Your brother brought Miss Featherington into our family eight years ago and opted not to tell anyone. I am the head of our family and I allowed a partially bonded soulmate to escape my notice. Miss Featherington has endured harsh living conditions and financial difficulties that I was legally responsible to rectify. A duty I neglected. A failure the whole of society now knows about. What father will entrust their daughters into our family now? Col bears three betrayal marks what does that say about the way the children of our house are being raised? "

"Miss Featherington is blameless in this situation. She could not bring herself into our family. She had not a single betrayal mark. She suffered no ill effects from the bond breaking which means she remained faithful and loyal to their bond. She never in eight years betrayed our disgusting brother no matter the disrespect he paid her. Your anger with her does not change the facts. We failed Miss Featherington and now fate has gifted her a new mate. "

"We have fallen out of favor with the Queen who believes soul bonds are sacred. She finds the lack or regard Colin displayed toward his soul bond abhor and a clear reflection on our entire family. Did you think of your sisters for a moment? Who will marry ladies from a family the Queen speaks against?"

"Perhaps this would not have been so bad had it just been one betrayal, but three of them is not a mistake, it is a damn habit. I almost married my soulmates sister the only thing that saved us was neither of us knew. It paints a terrible picture about what Bridgerton's are as mates does it not."

Eloise stays silent for the longest time before softly asking,"How do we fix it, then?"

He hears Anthony's tired response. "We do not. Penelope Featherington asked that the Bridgerton family as a whole leave her alone. She wants no part of us, we have to respect that."

He wonders how his siblings think he will allow them to move him. No, he must stay here and wait for Pen. She must know he will be here waiting for her to come home. He will make amends and she will allow him into her life again and then fate will see how silly it is to take her from him.

She can have a husband and children if she wants he would never interfere in her happiness. He will make an excellent uncle for her children he promises, she just has to keep him too.

It is what he was going to do with Marina. He would have married her and been able to keep Penelope close as her family. He would not have left Pen behind, he would have had a lavish home built for her on their property. She would have her own servants, a library, and all the pretty dresses she wanted. He would have taken her away from the cruelty of the Ton. She would not have had to marry for status or safety. She would never have to tolerate some man's lust or risk herself in childbirth. They were one soul, any children he and Marina produced would have belonged to Pen also. He would have kept her safe and happy. It would have been perfect.

[ao3feed-kathony]

A Most Bountiful Season

read it on AO3 at https://archiveofourown.org/works/56989567 by MariachiMermaid England, 1815. A new year and a new social season. Young ladies from all over the ton will flock yet again for one purpose; finding a husband. Francesca Brigerton is freshly 18 and ready to settle for someone tolerable. Practical and even-keeled, she does not expect to meet a love-match like her siblings before her. Penelope Featherington is not keen on entering spinsterhood just to live at the whims of one of her sisters. Stretched between a still kicking crush on Colin, a broken friendship with Eloise, and her ever contentious secret identity as Lady Whistledown, her future happiness depends entirely on how well she can play the balancing game. Eloise Bridgerton is less than pleased to be entering her second social season. Left reeling from Penelope's scathing pamphlets as Lady Whistledown, she resigns herself to playing nice, if just for the season. Her new friendship with Cressida Cowper leads her to see her fellow ladies of the ton in a new light as Eloise tries find herself amidst the ballrooms she feel so out of place in. Let's face it, season 3 was a disappointment for pretty much everyone. So I'm rewriting it, and filling in the many gaps and plot-holes that left us questioning Words: 3879, Chapters: 1/?, Language: English Fandoms: Bridgerton (TV) Rating: General Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Categories: F/M, Gen Characters: Eloise Bridgerton, Penelope Featherington, Cressida Cowper, Colin Bridgerton, Theo Sharpe, Anthony Bridgerton, Kate Sheffield | Kate Sharma, Benedict Bridgerton, Gregory Bridgerton, Hyacinth Bridgerton, Violet Bridgerton, Prudence Featherington, Phillipa Featherington, Agatha Danbury, Portia Featherington, John Stirling I, Michaela Stirling, Alfred Debling, Charlotte zu Mecklenburg-Strelitz | Charlotte Queen of the United Kingdom Relationships: Eloise Bridgerton/Theo Sharpe, Colin Bridgerton/Penelope Featherington, Eloise Bridgerton & Cressida Cowper, Eloise Bridgerton & Penelope Featherington, Francesca Bridgerton/John Stirling I, Francesca Bridgerton/Michaela Stirling, Anthony Bridgerton/Kate Sheffield | Kate Sharma, Eloise Bridgerton & Kate Sheffield | Kate Sharma, Benedict Bridgerton & Eloise Bridgerton Additional Tags: Season 3 rewrite, because this season pissed me off, Canon Rewrite, Fix-It of Sorts, Friends to Lovers, Reconciliation, Canon Universe, Eloise Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington Reconciliation, Arranged Marriage, Cressida Cowper Redemption, Secret Crush, Eloise's love language is books, Secret Relationship, Forbidden Love, you know I'm bringing Theo back, Pining, Mutual Pining, Marriage of Convenience, Regency Romance, ngl Eloise is really playing matchmaker in this one, Cressida Cowper deserves better, my girls eloise and penelope deserved better writing, theres no pen bashing but I am critical of her actions read it on AO3 at https://archiveofourown.org/works/56989567

[hukkelberg]

i split this v long ramble up into 4 parts kind of by topic👍. the whistledown thing is so. ugh. i hated the groveling too my only consolation is telling myself that pen is smart enough to know that playing into the collective ego of the ton would help her skirt consequences. i just don't understand why they would sacrifice their brilliant framing device that has been the driving force behind like 80% of the drama in this show. not to mention the fact that it just wasn't that interesting or entertaining to watch. personally i think pen just going to the queen would have been better; i really would have liked if pen just did it on her own (or w help from lady danbury since ik their relationship is a major aspect of rmb) after the scene where portia, eloise, and colin (esp fucking colin w that "it's not up to you what we do" comment) all revert back to dismissing her. i think it would've driven home why pen became whistledown. it also could've helped the queen feel more like a person + in line w the spin-off. idk if you've watched queen charlotte but the arc charlotte goes through does involve growing to understand the extent and true weight of her sudden power and influence at 17 in a v similar way to how they portrayed that aspect of whistledown this season - even the loneliness and finding a desperately needed friend in someone of a different social status (gen and agatha respectively) is p similar. not to mention the fact that s3a set up a reconciliation w the queen anyway w that one interaction between agatha and the queen in the first or second ep where agatha tries to facilitate that. also i think seeing pen in whistledown mode when interacting w the queen could have been interesting considering part of colin's issue was the fact that he couldn't reconcile pen and whistledown as one entity.

see, i'm tempted to do that too but the other options you raise are so obvious, i'm just left... entirely dissatisfied. with a sour taste in the mouth. so humiliating having to watch her beg for forgiveness knowing she would not have half the power she has were they not so keen on tearing each other down. like they're innocent parties, not at all complicit! ugh. and then losing the whistledown framing device is so... literally what's the point of the show lmao?

i also thought going to the queen alone was the most sensible solution!!! that would've been a great opportunity for the queen to interact with someone other than agatha in a meaningful way, and to draw those comparisons with qcabs that you mention there. it'd humanize the queen, who also just felt particularly cartoonish this season to me. penelope's love for colin could be paralleled to charlotte's for george, her youth and her mistakes, etc etc. i think forging a future connection there could've also made us feel the death of the queen more poignantly, if they do actually kill her off down the line. i don't think this writer really understood the connection between the queen and whistledown entirely.

[oops-i-did-it-again-again]

Actually no. I have to say something about this.

Like this could apply to Worlds Beyond Number as well.

But in Calamity there’s just character plot twist after character plot twist and you would think it would get old and you would stop reacting. But it never does. In order it’s like nooo Laerrynn! No Loquatius! No Zerxes! No Laerryn again! No Portia and Evandrin!

But the character that really doesn’t seem to fit in this group of movers and shakers and shady fucks.

Senior Sightwarden Cerrit Agruppin. So what’s his character twist? He’s just the world’s greatest detective? The sole voice of conscious and reasonableness in his friends’ corruption?

But long before the Calamity, he had already failed what mattered most to him. His wife and then his family.

Brennan forever destroyed me with the line,

“In those moments. As you prepare to leave what was once your home. Your keen eyes now pick up on the details. The places where your son had hidden his evidence and toy tomahawks beneath his bed. The evidence your daughter left behind when sneaking out to go to a campus party that night.

And you solve the mystery of who your children were.”

God and the “Why is your ring glowing?” from his son too. It’s so understated and not a get up from the table moment, but just - he was not the father he could’ve been - but the Ring of Brass gave him a second chance. AHHH It’s so goooooooooooood.

lou wilson 🤝 aabria iyengar

getting up from the table when a crazy character backstory plot twist happens

[burned-lariat]

Wow… they are super keen on hiding Sprina spoilers. Guessing the Portia/Stella making a realization one is about the couple now. Though I hoped it would be about no one hearing from or checking in on Taggert.

Portia & Stella? Wouldn't that be about Curtis? Or did something else indicate it being about Sprina?