#Sinceritate

[citate]

Nu sunt perfecta și nu voi fi vreodată,

Dar cu tine voi fi mereu cea adevărată.

@citate

[tonicarul]

[skenpiel]

one of the saddest things in the world is that im like, obscenely pretty irl and most of you will never even get to know. im so pretty my little sister talks about it whenever she sees me and irl i get more compliments on my looks than like anything else i think and you guys will never know. and its really sad what youre missing out on

[giorgio52fan]

Președintele și Ministrul Educației și Spectacolul Citirii Mesajelor: O Inserție de Autenticitate Lipsită

Într-o perioadă în care sistemul de învățământ al României se confruntă cu provocări semnificative, de la subfinanțare până la discrepanțele mari de performanță între zonele urbane și cele rurale, așteptările erau ridicate pentru discursurile de deschidere ale anului școlar. Cu toate acestea, într-un moment în care publicul avea nevoie de sinceritate și de direcție clară, Președintele Klaus…

[herstoryheaven]

Descendants James Hook x Reader: The Kiss That Set Us Free

Request: Hiiii! Can I maybe request a James Hook X female reader where some princess gives James a love potion? Reader has to save the day with true loves kiss ofc (definitely not stealing the plot of descendants 2)

Reader: Female

Word count: 3168

Average reading time: 11 min 30 sec

Category: Hurt/Comfort

Warnings: None

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Disclaimer: All events portrayed in my stories are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual events is purely coincidental. Any actions or behaviours portrayed by the characters may differ from reality and cannot be connected to any actual person. This work is purely fictional and intended for entertainment purposes only.

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Merlin Academy was a place where the children of royals and villains alike attended, a melting point of clashing destinies and unbreakable friendships. Among its students was Y/N, a poor girl who had earned her place through a scholarship. Though she had no fancy title, she carried herself with a quiet strength that intrigued many, including James Hook.

James Hook was known for his mysterious charm and flirtatious nature. He had taken a particular interest in Y/N, often observing her and finding excuses to be near her. Despite her initial confusion as to why someone like James would pay her any attention, Y/N couldn't deny the flutter in her heart whenever he was around.

Just like today, Y/N took place under a large oak tree, absorbed in her studies. She was so focused on her book that she didn't notice James approaching until his shadow fell over her pages.

"Fancy finding you here, lass." James said, a playful hint in his voice.

Y/N looked up, her heart skipping a beat at the sight of his familiar smirk. "James! You startled me."

"Apologies." he said, though the twinkle in his eye suggested he wasn't entirely sincere. "What are you studying so intensely?"

"Just some history." Y/N replied, trying to keep her voice steady. "We have a test coming up."

James leaned against the tree, his gaze never leaving her face. "Always so dedicated. It's one of the things I admire about you."

Y/N felt her cheeks heat up. "I just... want to do well. Prove that I belong here."

James tilted his head, his expression softening. "You more than belong here, lass. You're one of the brightest students at Merlin Academy. Don't let anyone make you think otherwise."

She looked down, fiddling with the edge of her book. "It's just... sometimes it feels like I don't fit in. Everyone here has a legacy, a name. I'm just... Y/N."

James crouched down beside her, his fingers gently lifting her chin so she would meet his gaze. "You're not 'just' anything, darling. You're remarkable. Titles and legacies are overrated, anyway."

Y/N's breath hitched at the intensity in his eyes. "You really think so?"

"I know so." James said firmly. "And if anyone gives you trouble, they'll have to answer to me."

She couldn't help but smile at his protectiveness. "You don't have to do that, James. I can take care of myself."

He chuckled, a deep, rich sound that sent shivers down her spine. "I have no doubt about that. But I like taking care of you."

Y/N's blush deepened, and she looked away, trying to compose herself. "Why are you so nice to me?"

James's expression grew serious. "Because you deserve it. And because, Y/n, you intrigue me. You're not afraid of me, or my reputation. You see me beyond the hook."

"I don't understand why you'd pay attention to someone like me." Y/N admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

James moved closer, his fingers brushing against hers. "Maybe it's because I see something in you that you don't see in yourself. Maybe it's because you're different from anyone else here. Or maybe, lass, it's because I can't help but be drawn to you."

Her heart raced as she met his gaze again, the sincerity in his eyes making her feel both vulnerable and cherished. "James, I..."

Before she could finish, he leaned in, his lips brushing against her ear. "Just know, darling, that you have my attention. Always."

Y/N felt a shiver run down her spine at his words, her heart fluttering wildly. She had never felt this way before, and it both excited and terrified her. But as she looked into James's eyes, she realized that maybe, just maybe, she didn't need to understand why he paid attention to her. Maybe it was enough to know that he did.

-----

Over the next few weeks, James continued to find reasons to be near Y/N, their interactions filled with teasing banter and stolen glances. Despite her initial confusion and insecurities, Y/N found herself growing more comfortable around him, her feelings for him deepening with each passing day.

As Y/N was in the library, her nose buried in yet another book, this time about magical creatures. James sauntered in, his eyes immediately finding her at a corner table. With a mischievous grin, he approached her quietly, leaning over her shoulder.

"Finding anything interesting, lass?" he whispered, his breath warm against her ear.

Y/N jumped, her heart racing. "James! You promised to stop scaring me."

He chuckled, pulling out a chair and sitting beside her. "Stop scaring you, but darling that’s my specialty. And I simply can't resist seeing that cute little jump of yours."

She rolled her eyes, trying to hide her blush. "What do you want, James?"

"Just checking on my favorite student." he said, resting his chin on his hand as he gazed at her. "What are you reading?"

"It's about magical creatures." she replied, closing the book slightly to show him the cover. "I have an assignment on them."

He leaned in closer, his face inches from hers. "Fascinating. Which one's your favorite so far?"

She glanced at him, her pulse quickening at their proximity. "I like the phoenix. It's a symbol of rebirth and resilience."

"Like you." he said softly, his eyes locking onto hers.

Y/N felt her cheeks heat up. "Me?"

James nodded. "You're strong, Y/n. Stronger than you realize. And you're constantly rising above everything thrown your way."

She looked down, biting her lip to hide her smile. "Thank you, James. That means a lot coming from you."

He reached out, gently lifting her chin so she would meet his gaze again. "I mean every word."

-----

Another day, Y/N was walking to class when she felt a hand slip into hers. She turned to see James, his usual smirk playing on his lips.

"Thought I'd escort you to class." he said casually.

"You don't have to do that." she replied, though she didn't pull her hand away.

"I want to." he insisted, giving her hand a light squeeze. "Besides, I enjoy your company."

As they walked, James began to whistle a familiar tune. Y/N laughed softly. "Is that 'A Pirate's Life for Me'?"

He grinned. "A classic, don't you think?"

She shook her head, amused. "Only you, James."

"Well, I am a pirate's son, after all," he said with a wink. "It runs in the blood."

They reached her classroom, and he reluctantly let go of her hand. "I'll see you later, darling."

"See you, James." she replied, her heart fluttering as she watched him walk away.

-----

One evening, Y/N was sitting by the enchanted lake, enjoying the peace and quiet when she heard footsteps behind her. She turned to see James approaching, carrying a small picnic basket.

"Mind some company?" he asked, settling down beside her without waiting for an answer.

"What's in the basket?" she inquired, curious.

"Thought we'd have a little picnic." he said, opening it to reveal an assortment of fruits, cheese, and pastries. "I figured you'd like it."

Her heart warmed at the thoughtfulness. "This is really sweet, James."

He shrugged, though she could see the pleased look in his eyes. "I aim to please."

They sat together, sharing the food and talking about their classes and dreams. As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the lake, James turned to her, a serious look in his eyes.

"You know, lass, I enjoy these moments with you more than anything else at this academy."

Y/N felt her breath hitch. "Really?"

"Really." he said, his voice soft. "There's something about you, Y/N. You make everything... better."

She blushed, looking down at their entwined fingers. "You do the same for me, James."

He leaned in closer, his lips brushing her ear. "Good to know, darling. Because I'm not planning on letting you go anytime soon."

Her heart soared at his words, the fluttering in her chest intensifying. Though she still didn't understand why James Hook would be interested in a poor scholarship student like her, she couldn't deny the happiness it brought her. For the first time in a long time, Y/N felt like she belonged. And as long as James was by her side, she knew she could face anything that came her way.

-----

Sadly, that wonderful feeling for Y/N didn’t last very long as her suspicions were confirmed that James was, in fact, not interested in her at all. As today, the atmosphere at Merlin Academy was disrupted when princess Aurora approached Bridget for one of her famous pink flamingo cupcakes. Bridget, ever the sweetheart, happily obliged, unaware of Aurora's true intentions. Aurora had a love potion, and she discreetly applied it to the cupcake before offering it to James.

James was lounging near the fountain, chatting with some of his fellow students when Aurora walked over, a charming smile on her lips. "James, my love." she cooed, holding out the cupcake. "I thought you might like a treat."

James raised an eyebrow, intrigued but cautious. "What's the occasion, Aurora?"

"No occasion." Aurora replied, batting her eyelashes. "Just thought you'd enjoy it."

He hesitated for a moment before taking the cupcake, his curiosity getting the better of him. "Well, I never say no to sweets." he said with a grin, taking a bite. As he chewed, a strange, dazed look came over his face.

Y/N, who had been sitting nearby, noticed the interaction and felt a feeling of unease wash over her. She watched as James's usual playful banter with her ceased abruptly. He turned to Aurora, his eyes filled with an intense, almost unnatural adoration.

"Aurora." he murmured, his voice filled with awe. "You look... stunning today."

Aurora giggled, pleased with the immediate effect of the potion. "Thank you, James. You're so sweet."

Y/N's heart sank as she witnessed James showering Aurora with compliments and attention. It was as if she no longer existed in his world. The playful glances, the teasing comments, the stolen moments, they all vanished in an instant.

James walked over to where Y/N sat, but instead of his usual greeting, he barely acknowledged her. "Hey, Y/N." he said curtly, his eyes never leaving Aurora.

"Hi, James." Y/N replied softly, her voice tinged with sadness. "Are you okay?"

"Never better." he said, smiling dreamily at Aurora. "I just realized how incredible Aurora is."

Y/N's heart broke at his words. She tried to keep her composure, but the pain was evident in her eyes. "I see."

Aurora, noticing Y/N's discomfort, smirked triumphantly. "James, why don't we go for a walk? I'd love to spend more time with you."

"Of course." he said eagerly, offering his arm. "Anything for you, princess."

As they walked away together, Y/N felt a tear slip down her cheek. Bridget and Ella, who had been watching from a distance, quickly came over to comfort her.

"Y/N, are you alright?" Ella asked, concern etched on her face.

"No, I'm not." Y/N admitted, wiping away her tears. "I thought... I thought James liked me. But I guess I was wrong."

Bridget hugged her tightly. "I'm so sorry, Y/N. We didn't know Aurora would do something like this."

"It's not your fault." Y/N said, her voice trembling. "I just have to accept that someone like James could never be interested in someone like me."

Ella shook her head fiercely. "That's not true, Y/N. You're amazing, and if James can't see that, then he's the one who's missing out."

"Yeah." Bridget agreed. "We'll figure this out. Maybe there's something more to this."

Y/N nodded, though her heart still ached. She couldn't deny the happiness James had brought her, but now, seeing him with Aurora, she felt like an outsider once more. Just like back then Y/n questioned her place at Merlin Academy. 

-----

Noticing Y/N's sudden withdrawal, Bridget and Ella grew increasingly concerned. They watched as she became quieter than ever, only showing up when absolutely necessary for classes. Her usual warmth and laughter were replaced with a haunting silence.

As Bridget and Ella found her sitting alone by the edge of the forest, staring blankly at the ground.

"Y/N, we need to talk." Bridget said softly, sitting down beside her.

Ella nodded, sitting on her other side. "You've been so distant lately. We're worried about you."

Y/N sighed, trying to hold back tears. "It's just... James. Seeing him with Aurora, it hurts more than I thought it would."

Bridget placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "We know, Y/N. But there's something strange about all this. James wasn't acting like himself."

Ella leaned in, her eyes filled with determination. "We think Aurora did something to him. We have to find out what."

Meanwhile, Uliana, Morgie, Hades, and Maleficent were observing James's strange behavior. They gathered in a secluded corner of the academy grounds to discuss their suspicions.

"Something's definitely off with James." Uliana said, her eyes narrowing. "He's not acting like himself at all."

Hades crossed his arms, his expression serious. "Aurora must have used a spell on him. It's the only explanation."

Morgie nodded in agreement. "We need to do something about this. James may be a flirt, but he wouldn't abandon us like this."

Maleficent, her eyes glinting with a hint of malice, spoke up. "There's one way to break a love spell. True love's kiss."

Uliana smirked, her gaze turning towards Y/N. "And I think we know just the person who can help."

The group of villains approached Y/N, Bridget, and Ella, their presence causing a tense silence to fall over the group.

"Y/N." Uliana began, her tone surprisingly gentle. "We believe James has been spelled by Aurora. We need your help to break it."

Y/N looked up, confusion and hope mingling in her eyes. "Me? How can I help?"

"True love's kiss." Morgie explained, a sly smile on his lips. "It’s the only way to break the spell."

Y/N's heart raced. "But... why me? Why would James love me?"

Maleficent stepped forward, her gaze piercing. "You’re underestimating yourself. James has always had a soft spot for you. If anyone can break this spell, it's you."

Y/N swallowed hard, her mind racing with doubt and fear. "But what if it doesn't work? What if he doesn't really love me?"

Hades sighed, his fiery hair flickering with frustration. "We won't know until you try. Do you want to save him or not?"

Bridget and Ella squeezed Y/N’s hands reassuringly. "You can do this, Y/N. We believe in you."

Taking a deep breath, Y/N nodded. "Alright. I’ll try it."

-----

As the night fell, Y/N approached James, with slight fear, her heart pounding in her chest. The intensity of his gaze, now directed only at Aurora, was disheartening. She braced herself, reaching up to cup his face, and pressed her lips to his in a gentle kiss.

To her shock, the spell broke instantly. James blinked, his eyes clearing as the enchantment faded. Bridget and Ella squealed in delight, while Uliana, Maleficent, Morgie, and Hades smirked knowingly.

James, now fully back to his senses, wasted no time. He pulled Y/N firmly against him, his strong arms wrapping around her waist. He kissed her again, deeper and more passionately, as if to make up for lost time. When he pulled back, his eyes held nothing but sincerity.

"Be mine, darling." he whispered, his voice raw with emotion.

Y/N's heart raced, her cheeks flushing at his intense gaze. "James... I..."

Before she could finish, Aurora's furious voice cut through the moment. "How could you choose her, a peasant, over me, a princess?" she spat, her eyes blazing with anger.

James didn't falter. Instead, he pulled Y/N even closer, his lips brushing against her ear as he whispered, "Stay still, love."

He then stood behind her, his arms securely around her waist, and pressed a kiss to her neck. Y/N shivered at the sensation, her body leaning back against him. James kept his eyes locked on Aurora, a challenging smirk playing on his lips.

"Tell me Aurora, why would I want a princess who spells me." he said, his voice low and dangerous, "when I have my own princess who would let the world burn for me?"

Aurora's face twisted with rage. "You fool! You don't know what you're throwing away!"

Before James could respond, Maleficent stepped forward, her aura radiating power and intimidation. "Watch your tongue, Aurora. Or I’ll put you to sleep for eternity." she threatened, her voice cold.

James's smirk widened as he felt Y/N relax slightly in his arms. "Aurora." he continued, his tone mocking, "A princess who uses spells to get what she wants is no match for a girl with a heart as pure and strong as Y/n's."

Aurora's eyes darted around, looking for support, but found none. The others stood firm, their expressions resolute. Even Hades, with his usual nonchalance, had a hint of protective fire in his eyes as he watched the scene unfold.

James turned his attention back to Y/N, his expression softening. "Lass, you're my princess, with or without a crown."

Y/N's heart swelled at his words, tears of happiness welling up in her eyes. She looked up at him, her voice barely above a whisper. "James, I... I don't have a title or riches. I'm just me."

James cupped her face in his hands, his eyes filled with adoration. "You don't need titles or riches to be special, Y/N. You're everything I want. And if it's a name you're worried about, how about becoming Y/N Hook? Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it? My pirate princess."

Y/N's breath caught in her throat, her eyes widening. "You mean that?"

"Every word." James replied, his voice unwavering. "I love you, Y/N. I want you by my side, always."

As they stood together, surrounded by their friends, Y/N realized that love and loyalty mattered far more than any crown ever could. She leaned into James, feeling safe and cherished in his arms.

Aurora, seeing that she had lost, turned on her heel and stormed away, her face a mask of fury. Maleficent watched her go, a satisfied smirk on her lips. "Well, I suppose the sleeping curse can wait. Pity I didn’t get to use it now." she muttered.

Bridget and Ella rushed forward, enveloping Y/N and James in a big hug. "We knew it!" Bridget exclaimed. "We knew you two were meant to be together!"

Uliana, Morgie, Maleficent and Hades exchanged smirks, their eyes gleaming with approval. "About time." Uliana said, her voice filled with satisfaction.

James pressed another kiss to Y/N's neck, his breath warm against her skin. "I love you, darling." he whispered, his voice filled with unwavering devotion.

Y/N turned in his arms, her eyes meeting his. "I love you too, James."

As they kissed again, a cheer went up from their friends, and for the first time, Y/N felt like she truly belonged. With James by her side she knew that this will be her once upon a time.

Copyright: All stories contained herein are the intellectual property of the author. Unauthorized copying, reproduction, or distribution of these stories, in whole or in part, without explicit written permission from the author, is strictly prohibited and may result in legal action. Respect the creator's rights and creativity. For permissions or inquiries, please contact: herstoryheaven@gmail.com.

Request Guidelines: When submitting a request, please ensure that your request does not contain any explicit sexual content or graphic depictions, and avoid any form of extreme violence or graphic descriptions of violent acts. I appreciate your understanding and cooperation in maintaining a respectful and inclusive environment for all readers. If you're unsure about your request or want to request about someone I haven't written about yet, feel free to ask me anytime.

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Requested by: Anonymous

[theshotsheardacrossworlds]

His Majesty

Royal Arranged Marriage AU? Hell yeah. Emmrich, King of Nevarra, is in need of a wife. Harding finds someone---Lady Agnes Aldwir. SFW.

@shadow-pancake9 you asked to be tagged so here you go! <3

“Your Majesty, if I may…”

Emmrich stopped writing and glanced at Myrna. “Yes?”

His chief advisor sighed. “I wish to bring up a topic of great importance.” When she saw him nod, she continued. “It is the opinion of the council that you marry within the year. You have ruled for over forty years with honor and devoted yourself to Nevarra and its people.”

He raised an eyebrow. “I’m aware, Lady Myrna.”

Her expression remained as always stoic. “Then you are also aware that if you die without an heir, there will be war amongst the noble houses. You need an heir. Marriage—”

Marriage.

My prospects have been discussed since before my birth.

I’ve long sought love---the kind my dear parents shared. A true and enduring love that inspires poetry and song.

But I haven’t found it.

Not for a lack of trying.

Oh, but how I long for love!

“Is necessary.” He paused and folded his hands in his lap. “I agree with your assessment. That to prevent a possible war of succession I must marry and produce an heir.” Ugh, to even say the words leaves an awful taste in my mouth. Sighing, he briefly closed his eyes and then met Myrna’s gaze. “Send word to the faction representatives that they are to find suitable candidates. We will meet in three weeks---myself, you, Vorgoth, and the faction representatives. No one from the Council of Lords, I beg of you.”

Once I came of age, I invited representatives from the various factions in Thedas to my court originally as liaisons. However, as time marched on, I’ve found lasting friendships among them and count them amongst my most trusted advisors.

Especially the current group: Bellara Lutare of the Veil Jumpers; Taash from the Lords of Fortune; Lucanis Dellamorte of the Antivan Crows; Davrin of the Grey Wardens; and Lace Harding of the Inquisition.

Dear friends, comrades, and colleagues.

I trust they will excel in this task.

Three weeks, Emmrich learned that while his friends did indeed return with candidates, he found he liked approximately zero.

That was until Harding stood and presented her only potential bride.

“Her name is Lady Agnes Aldwir. She was adopted by a dwarven couple in Ferelden---the late Lord Cormoran Aldwir, a knight who served the king and was given a title for his service, and Lady Luci Aldwir, who is something I’ll tell you! Oh, and she’s human. Lady Agnes, I mean. She’s thirty…”

Myrna raised an eyebrow.

Oh, don’t start.

“Brown eyes. Dark red hair like you see in the sunset. She was very polite and courteous, as was Lady Luci. She expressed interest in meeting you, Your Majesty, and going from there.” Harding smiled. “Any questions?”

Neve spoke first. “Interests? Hobbies?” She smirked. “Scandals?”

Hands on her hips, Harding scoffed. “No scandals of any kind, sorry to disappoint. Lady Agnes is a mage---fire and ice. When the occasional beast or bandits threaten Redcliffe, she helps out. As far as hobbies…” She pulled a crumpled piece of parchment from a pocket. “Cooking. Baking. Reading in her words ‘silly and sweet romance novels.’ She loves hearing about different places and cultures. She’s traveled to Rivain and Tevinter, and sorry, Neve---she likes Rivain better.”

Taash grunted. “Obviously.”

Neve chuckled. “It’s not for everyone.”

“I noticed you mentioned some aspects of her appearance but have neglected others. Can you provide further information, Scout Harding?” Myrna asked, her expression neutral.

Harding laughed nervously. “Well, uh, she’s a bit bigger than most ladies I’ve seen, but I don’t think that’s a problem. I hope it’s not a problem.” The dwarf then sighed. “Listen, I spoke to nearly everyone in Redcliffe. No one had a bad word to say about her. Not a single person. Not her. Not her family. Just meet her, and if you don’t like her, that’s fine! But give her a chance.”

The sincerity of Harding’s plea made his eyes water.

Ah, but dear Harding, I’ve already made my decision.

Emmrich smiled warmly. “You needn’t fear, Harding. Please let Lady Agnes know that I will meet her. If she and her mother prefer, I can make the journey to Redcliffe. However, I would prefer to have them come here. For convenience, of course.”

If she comes here and accepts my proposal, then we can draw up a marriage contract as soon as possible. If that is to her liking, of course.

For her part, Harding looked shocked. “O-oh! Oh wow! Thank you so much, Your Majesty. I’ll write to Lady Agnes as soon as—”

“As soon as we catch up, Lace.” Taash said, raising an eyebrow at their lover.

Ah, young love! How I adore it when my friends find happiness with each other.

Harding nodded. “Yes! After we catch up, I’ll write to Lady Agnes. I swear, you’re going to love her!”

He leaned back in his chair, hands folded in his lap.

I certainly hope so.

***

Harding was correct.

Standing in front of him in the throne room, wearing a dark green velvet dress with a deliciously low-cut neckline, was Lady Agnes Aldwir. Lady Luci was off to the side, standing with Harding and Taash while the others were scattered about the room.

An angel.

She is an angel sent by the Maker.

After she curtsied, her brown eyes stared into his hazel ones. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Your Majesty. Scout Harding spoke of you fondly.”

He nodded, unable to stop himself from grinning like a fool in love. Goodness me. “She did of you as well, my lady.” Emmrich rose from his throne and strode to her, offering his arm. “May I show you the palace gardens? The weather is perfect for a quiet walk.”

“Yes, that sounds lovely.” She said breathlessly, smiling widely. Taking his arm, they exited the throne room. Once out of earshot, Agnes giggled. “Perfect for a quiet walk and getting to talk privately. Smooth.”

He hummed, his mustache twitching slightly as he barely suppressed a smile. “My lady—’

She shook her head. “Agi. It’s what Mum and my friends call me.”

“And are we friends, Agi?”

Agi.

Sweet, beautiful Agi.

To his delight, she laughed. “Well, I better bloody hope so! How are we supposed to be married if we’re not friends?” The young woman winced. “I mean, that’s only…fuck. Shit! FUCK! I promised Mum I’d try not to swear so much. I’m sorry, Your—”

With the wave of a hand, he magically unlocked the private entrance to my personal garden. The same garden that was my mother’s favorite. “If I’m to call you Agi, then you should call me Emmrich, would you not agree?”

She stopped, released her hold onto him, and stared. “Emmrich. That’s such a beautiful name,” Agnes said breathlessly, a hand rising to her heaving chest.

“It sounds even sweeter from your lips, my dear.”

A joyous cry escaped her as she grinned widely. “Holy fuck, you are smooth!” Agnes then gave him a playful, gentle nudge with her elbow. “But you don’t need to be, Emmrich.” The light in her brown eyes dimmed, her hands now clasped in front of her. “We both know why I’m here. You’re looking for a wife to give you an heir, and I’ve had no one call on me since my coming out a dozen years ago. Desperate times call for desperate measures, I suppose.” She closed her eyes briefly and took a slow, deep breath. When her eyes fluttered open, she smiled politely. “My mother and I agree that I should accept your proposal, if offered. I may not be the wife you want or the queen Nevarra deserves, but I promise I’ll do my best for you and your people.” Agnes blinked, biting her lower lip. “Perhaps, if things go well, we can be great friends.” Her shoulders sagged as she murmured, “If that is what you want, Emmrich. I’m sure you have other—”

He reached for one of her hands and held it in his. Smaller than I expected considering her height. Soft. Delicate. Nails painted a sparkling dark green that matches her dress. Dear lady, you are lovelier than you know. “There are no others. You’re the only candidate I’ve agreed to meet, and I must say Agi that I’m quite taken with you already.” Raising her hand to his lips, he placed a kiss on her knuckles. Ah, a gasp! You’ve no idea how smooth I am, darling. He smiled, lowering their hands but still holding hers. “However, instead of asking me what I want, I should be asking you what you want, Agi.”

She cocked her head to one side. “What I want? It doesn’t matter what I want. It’s either marry you or return to Ferelden and cement my status as an untouchable, unlovable spinster.”

Oh, I see. That’s the ‘desperate times’ she mentioned.

It’s such a shame she’s wrong.

Emmrich smiled. “My dear, allow me to assure you that you’re touchable,” he squeezed her hand, and that smile! That glorious smile! Yes, Agi. Good girl. “And loveable, as evidenced by not only your mother but, according to Harding, the people of Redcliffe. Have no fear---you will be a marvelous wife and queen…should you desire it.” With his free hand, he removed a small velvet box from his trouser pocket and got on one knee. Ouch. He glanced at her, his heart beating in his chest. Please say yes. I may not be husband you deserve, sweetheart, but you shall always be cherished and treated with respect. “Lady Agnes Aldwir, will you marry me and become my queen?”

Please.

“Yes, Emmrich. I would be honored.” She said with a warm smile and then chuckled. “Oh for Maker’s sake, get up! The ground’s too bloody hard.”

She’s not wrong.

He slipped the ring (my mother’s engagement ring---violet sapphire surrounded by diamond leaves with the highest quality gold band) on her left ring finger and then allowed her to assist me, because honestly, she was already dragged me to my feet. “If you’ll permit me a moment to explain the significance of—”

Laughing softly, she pressed a finger to his mouth.

Oh.

“Emmrich, we’re engaged. Aren’t you going to kiss me?”

Oh!

He leaned his head slightly towards her, whispering, “If that is what you want, darling.” Upon seeing her nod enthusiastically, he chuckled. “So eager.”

She wrinkled her nose and giggled. “If you’ve waited thirty years for your first kiss, then you’d be pretty eager too, Emmrich.”

Just as his lips touched hers, he murmured, “May this be the first of many kisses we share, dearest.”

Perhaps this “arrangement” can be beneficial to us both.

Though I sincerely hope…

I pray love blossoms.

Because I’m so sorry to tell you, sweet lady, I’m fallen for you already.

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

I think we should throw the two twst French men into a room and observe how they interact 😳 👉👈

I FULLY AGREE WITH THIS… Let them congregate 😤 for French-on-French violence science!!

P.S. I think Rollo should speak full-on French just let me have this 😳 (Shoutout to @pointedly-foolish, who generously translated my English dialogue to French for this post~)

Like Fire, Hellfire.

Another school day was drawing to a close.

Rollo had settled into a comfortable routine by now. Keep his head low, avoid eye contact, speak little, stick to his textbooks and hug the quiet corners. In this manner, he avoided incidents with the NRC students.

His peers had filed out of the classroom long ago, racing off for extracurriculars, their friends, their dorms. They had places to be, people to be with. He didn’t.

… Good riddance. Rollo released a sigh as he retrieved his staff. Already, his mind was making a pass through a checklist. He had to hurry back to his temporary housing, prepare his usual dinner, cleanse himself of grime—

Click.

The classroom door suddenly swung closed right in front of him. A gloved hand on it, keeping the exit sealed off.

Rollo froze when he sensed a warm body behind him—from where the gloved hand had extended. A terrible realization sunk in: he had been caged, trapped between the door and some stranger.

Just his luck.

He glared over his shoulder, glimpsing his captor. It was a man in a golden bob, his vest a deep violet and his armband bearing the sword-strikeb apple emblem of Pomefiore. A hat with a generous brim shadowed piercing green eyes and a smile sharper than knives.

“Roi du Mouchoir,” the blonde man greeted with the tip of his feathered headwear, “bonjour.”

“You are Rook Hunt, if I’m not mistaken. I remember you from the... masquerade.” Rollo’s voice was tight. “Do you care to explain why it is that you’ve cornered me like this?“

“Désolé!! Pardon the intrusion.” Rook’s cheery tone seemed to indicate that he was, in fact, not sorry at all. “I consider myself a huntsman—and as it just so happens, I’ve found quite the fascinating quarry. Can you guess who it is?”

“... I have no quarrel with you, but I am not a wild beast to be hunted down. You wicked NRC mages seem to rely on the basest forms of amusement." Rollo folded his arms. "Kindly remove yourself—you're impeding my schedule."

“It will only take but a moment of your time!”

“I haven’t a moment to spare. Find another subject to amuse yourself with.”

« Non, non! » Rook wagged a finger and winked, sending a chill down Rollo’s spine. « Mon vœu n'est que de mieux vous connaître. »

I want to get to know you better.

Rook's words were sweet and low and intimate, like a lover's croon. The familiarity with which he spoke made everything in Rollo shrivel up and die. Disgust rose up like bile.

« Et j'aimerai être loins, loin de cet endroit damné, » Rollo snapped, his tongue laced with venom, « mais lamentablement, on ne peut pas tout avoir, n'est-ce pas? »

And I want to be far, far away from this wretched place—but I suppose we can’t all have what we wish for, now can we?

Rook didn’t miss a single beat. He held up an index finger.

« Auriez-vous l'obligeance de me donner un sourire? C'est tout ce que je demande! »

Would you be so kind as to give me a smile? That’s all I ask!

« ... Pourquoi? »

... Why?

« Je ne vous ai pas encore vu dans toute votre sincerite. Ta beauté. »

I have yet to see your most genuine self. Your beauty.

The phrasing of it rubbed Rollo the wrong way. His patience at last caved, and his tongue switched back, unleashing irritation unfettered upon the huntsman.

"Enough of this charade. You know perfectly well what sort of man I am. There is no need for you to play ignorant. To you villains, I am nothing more than a monster. That is the end of the story.”

"Ah, you speak of the portrait of a city dyed in crimson." Rook's eyes held a playful twinkle. "And you, its artist, driven by despair to bring about the end of the world as we know it."

"If you are going to waste my time, at least be more succinct with your blabber."

"Bien sûr." Rook chuckled and held out both hands, palms facing up. "That is only but one side of you: your lowest point. What I seek is a full spectrum of oneself, its mirror. A Roi du Mouchoir at his most jubilant and most radiant, emotions unclouded. Smiling."

Rollo scowled.

"It is physically impossible for me to force even a fake one when I am surrounded by blithering oafs," he shot back. Like yourself, he silently added. "Not to mention these grounds are infested with sin. How is anyone meant to be smiling in this scenario?"

Rollo, of course, discounted the stupid grin currently on Rook's face. Idiots didn't deserve the consideration.

Frustration curled at his temples all the same.

He could not understand it. Pain, suffering, loss��were those not shared experiences of the human condition? Yet here was a fool who seemed to take it all in stride, laughing as he winded down the path of life and smelled the roses that peppered it.

Saw the fairness of the world when Rollo could not.

Embers sparked under his skin, as if summoned up by a struck match. Rollo clenched his jaw. He didn't like it—didn't like that this buffoon and his flowery prattle were getting to him.

Rollo took a sharp breath in, then released it.

"... Move. You've held me up for long enough."

With the butt of his staff, he prodded Rook back, releasing his hold on the door. Rollo yanked it open, not even bothering to toss one last withering look back at the huntsman before passing through.

"Roi du Mouchoir!!"

Rook was likely at the doorframe now, calling after him.

"Do NOT follow me under any circumstances," Rollo said without looking, "or I will report you to the proper authorities for violating my personal boundaries."

It’s a wonder why he hasn’t been already.

“Fufufu. A strong rebuttal… however, I won’t admit defeat!” Rook continued, undeterred by the vitriol. Rollo could hear the smile in him. “I promise you, I will capture your smile someday. Le Chasseur d’Amour down not give up on the hunt quite so easily!”

Tch. What a meddlesome man.

Rollo grimaced into his handkerchief as he hurried down the hallway. With each step, Rook’s voice grew fainter and fainter until it disappeared entirely.

Clearing the courtyard, a sense of filthiness set in, clinging to Rollo’s robes like patches of a broken web. Cleaning off the day would have to come second to expunging the memory of the huntsman. The proximity of him.

Rollo wanted to retch all over again.

Rook was of sight, perhaps, but not out of mind.

[sageyzumi]

250 bag pula in mata

Apreciez foarte mult aceasta intrebare. Voi incerca sa raspund scurt si la obiect, dar cu o sinceritate deosebita. Si eu

[gildoringlorionshair]

A Beautiful Nightmare

Roads Go Ever Ever On:

Roads go ever ever on, Over rock and under tree, By caves where never sun has shone, By streams that never find the sea; Over snow by winter sown, And through the merry flowers of June, Over grass and over stone, And under mountains in the moon.

Roads go ever ever on Under cloud and under star, Yet feet that wandering have gone Turn at last to home afar. Eyes that fire and sword have seen And horror in the halls of stone Look at last on meadows green And trees and hills they long have known.

Part One: The Little Folk

Prologue: Hand-Me-Down Fate

"Don't adventures ever have an end? I suppose not. Someone else always has to carry on the story."

—J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings.

>>>000<<< 

The warm summer air blew across Alan's careworn face, whipping his thin, grey hair over his balding head. Standing on his back porch, he watched the iron-colored clouds rolling into the township. The wind was becoming noticeably cooler each time it passed his face, heavy with the scent of summer rain. Thunder rumbled far in the distance, and he couldn't help the feeling of anxiety that bubbled into his chest from his gut. Lightning lit up the horizon, just above the houses in the west. 

Taking a sip from his cool glass of whiskey-soda, Alan flicked ash from his cigarette. He supposed gardening was fine and well in the spring, but caring for a summer vegetable patch was hot, thirsty work. And the coming storm would frighten his grandchildren, which he did not want to deal with after a long day in the heat. 

Clearing his throat, he took a drag from his cigarette. Lightning lit up the clouds again, and the anxiety worsened as the thunder followed louder this time. Finding himself hoping against hope that his grandchildren would be picked up soon, he let out a puff of blue smoke.

He was not afraid of storms as a rule; he hadn't been since he was a young boy living in the heart of Tornado Alley. But as he grew and raised his family, what storms nearly always brought was enough to make his stomach reel and his heart pound. 

Watching his cloud of haze drift in the cooling air, Alan heard a buzzing in his ears. Swatting at the air, he looked around for the source, hoping for a bee or a biting fly, agitated by the storm's tension. Upon seeing nothing, Alan felt the hair on the back of his neck stand on end and the buzzing cut off with a little zap followed by a pop of energy. The old man's shoulders visibly drooped, having become all too familiar with the sound and what it meant: what storms brought him. The anxiety hardened into a ball of fear, rising into his throat until he felt like he needed to be sick. 

He supposed he knew it was coming with all the tossing and turning he had done during the night. Anxiousness had plagued him all day; he had even shouted at his young grandchildren when they played in their small garden corner. A corner of nothing but dirt and a few scattered and beaten peonies his granddaughter had planted, claiming they would be lush cacti when they grew up. The corners of his mouth pricked into a smile but then fell as the wind rushed past him. The seven-year-old was about to be the topic of conversation once more. 

Taking another drag from his cigarette, Alan snubbed it out on the porch railing, leaving a blackened ash mark on the wood. Letting the smoke out, he flicked the butt into the grass, expecting the doorbell to sound at any second; he counted to five before he heard the dreaded ding-ding-ding-dong. Alan sighed, swilled the rest of his liquid courage, and stepped inside the back door. His head buzzed momentarily from the last drink as he set his glass on the kitchen counter. 

He could hear the muffled speaking of familiar voices in the next room. His wife stiffly offered seats; the duet of 'thank you' was amicable. Steeling himself for the coming conversation, Alan emerged from the kitchen, a fake smile plastered on his face. He knew his (and his wife's) lack of sincerity was already well-received. 

He noted that his wife, a short woman of dark-colored hair, had snatched a book from the table as she sent Alan an icy look. He stood rigidly as she passed him, going straight to the kitchen sink, the air she stirred threatening gooseflesh. 

Alan focused on the two visitors, wondering what arguments the two had come up with since April. The first his eyes settled on was an older man with a lengthy grey beard, just long enough to tuck into his belt, while the one to his right was clean-shaven, with a young face and age-old eyes. He looked like a young man, just approaching his mid-thirties, but Alan knew this pointed-eared fellow to be thousands of years past that age. And what made Alan all the more annoyed by the second man was that he could not help but find him beautiful—in an otherworldly sense. It was a beauty he knew that had come from the gift of the Elves' immortality, something he had come to envy. 

The two were clad in long boulder grey and royal blue robes, respectively, appearing lordly and making Alan feel small. He had always wished the two would at least try to appear as they belonged and not that they just came from River-Dale or wherever it was when they met. 

"Hello, Gandalf, Elrond," Alan said politely yet gruffly. The two men politely greeted him in return before taking the chairs Vicki had offered. He was pleased that the two men had no luggage; they would not be staying. This time. 

"I am sorry for Vicki." Alan took his seat. "She still feels guilty." Truth be told, he wasn't sure he had quite forgiven her yet. I warned her, my mother warned her, Gandalf and Elrond warned her. What had she been thinking? 

The two gave him curt nods as they adjusted in the wooden chairs. "How did your mother react to the news?" Gandalf asked, balancing his wooden staff against his shoulder. 

Alan wiped his hands on his jeans and cleared his throat, unused to the feeling of intimidation. He was a big, barrel-chested man and could intimidate a room full of young twenty-somethings just by walking in; however, sitting in a room with two magical beings thousands of years older than himself was entirely different. Both were skilled with weapons Alan had never considered using in his lifetime, which scared him to his core. Alan counted his blessings that he had always been on good terms with them if many of their past meetings had been rough. 

"I hate to say this," he answered, "but fortunately, she does not understand. Her Alzheimer's has gotten much worse; she didn't even know who Cheryl was at her own wedding." 

"Our condolences," Elrond offered, nodding respectfully. Alan sized the ethereal fellow up, unsure if he could understand this disease and if he genuinely meant it. His mother had never been on the best terms with either man, and he doubted Elves were affected by aging diseases. 

"Thank you." Alan shifted in his seat. Hearing his wife clanking glasses in the kitchen, he wished for another cigarette. 

"And how are your grandchildren?" Gandalf asked, nodding to the room across from them. 

Alan looked over his shoulder into the living room. Three forms were lying on the floor, covered with a thin, blue blanket they shared. His granddaughter, the one lying furthest away, was curled in on herself with little more than the corner of the blanket. "They're doing alright." 

"What about your granddaughter?" Elrond asked. "Has she had any nightmares since she was marked?" 

"Not that I've heard," Alan replied, looking hard at the table, his eyes catching the bundle of succulents he had placed in the center last evening. He forced himself to finish his thought, reluctant to slander his son. "But her father is very hard on her." 

Gandalf's wizened eyes looked into the living room again and then at Alan. "Your children do not take this threat seriously," he said. 

Alan cleared his throat. "They do not, no." 

"And almost all of them have children now, do they not?" the Wizard said, his voice hardening. Gandalf leaned across the table to glare at him, wizened eyes accusing him of the recklessness in which his children were living. 

Alan narrowed his eyes at the Wizard. "They have never encountered him," he said in a dark voice. "They have never read any of the books! And their spouses who have, think of this as nothing more than a bullshit story." 

The two men winced at the word, but Gandalf continued. "Sauron is not the only one your family will have to fear; if Tabitha is not under proper protection, she will be—" 

"Gandalf!" Elrond reproached. 

Gandalf leaned back in his chair and looked out the adjacent window, his eyes clouded with fury. Alan had read the books of Middle-earth several times before, though he had found them hard to get through. He knew Gandalf was a kind soul and meant well, but he still found it insulting to insinuate that he had allowed it to happen. 

Gandalf, having taken a few deep breaths, looked at Alan again. Both sized each other up with knotted eyebrows. "She would be better protected in Rivendell." 

Alan closed his eyes and shook his head. Having heard the argument at the last meeting, two weeks of the same circling discussions had brought storm upon storm. The unsettled weather had caused some destruction, including taking the roof off his eldest son's trailer and forcing the family to move to a small house, not to mention the intense flooding of his basement. 

Though, he supposed, he had never been to the Elven haven, it was a beautiful place of safety from the descriptions he had read. He assumed his granddaughter would be contented living among Elves. "I have brought it up to Joel like you have Gandalf. He will not hear of it. He still believes this all to be a cosmic joke or misunderstanding." 

The tension in the room grew as a rumble of thunder sounded, echoing around the house. The dark clouds had overtaken most of the township, darkening the natural light from the windows. Why is there always some sort of storm when these two show up? He thought vaguely, half wanting to voice his question, the fear of a flooded basement creeping into the back of his mind. 

"We will accept her father's decision," Elrond said, causing Gandalf to turn abruptly and glare at the Elf-lord, mouth agape. Alan himself found that his mouth had fallen open at the unexpected agreement. Elrond held up a hand to the Wizard. "Though, whether you or your son like it, protective measures will be implemented." 

"I-I... w-what kind of measures?" Alan stammered after a moment. 

"A spell will be put in place so that Tabitha will forget meeting us, and we will keep ourselves distant from your family after this day to keep Sauron at bay." 

"How effective would this...spell be?" 

Gandalf, having softened again, looked at Alan in seriousness. "There can be no way of knowing; to ask would break the spell." 

"What do you mean there can be no way of knowing?" 

"She could have a powerful will," Gandalf answered. "She could remember bits and pieces. And if she were to remember anything at all, let us hope she deems it a dream and forgets about it." 

"Would her father know?" 

"If she has any night terrors, she will suddenly stop having them. Leastways, she should stop." 

"And what do you mean by that?" 

"As long as there is no other meddling with her mind." 

"With her... mind?" 

"Yes, it will not matter who casts them; these spells will have to change things within her, which is very dangerous." At Gandalf's words, Alan felt his chest swell with fear again. "It would be much better than The Deceiver finding your family." 

Alan jerked his head in a nod of understanding before sighing and rubbing the nape of his neck. "You aren't giving me any choice in the matter," he muttered. 

"We will need to speak to Tabitha before that," Elrond said. "We have to know if she has had any dreams of Sauron. If she has, I am afraid we will have to take her." 

Alan pulled a face. He was not comfortable with their taking the child, especially without her parents' consent. It was illegal. He knew it, they knew it, but they all knew it would be for the best. He opened his mouth to say something, but, as if on cue, there came a little girl's voice.

"Grandpa?" the little girl came running up to her grandfather with bleary blue eyes and long brown hair. The men across from them recognized her from previous meetings, and the Wizard looked at her fondly. She held the same looks as Alan's mother, Lucile, just as all the women in the family did, a rounded face with freckles and long brown hair, tousled with sleep. Her little face was still smudged from playing in the garden. His wife had neglected to wash her up, though undoubtedly had washed her brother and cousin. "I had a dream about monsters." 

"Well, I guess that answers that," Alan said, patting her shoulder. The child leaned her chin on the table, looking at the strange men with groggy eyes. "Tabi, can you say 'hi' to Gandalf and Elrond?" 

The child yawned and waved at the two. She rubbed her eyes as the phone rang, startling the two visitors. Alan allowed himself a small victory. Though he could not understand the difference between an Orc and a Uruk, he knew many things that these hardened warriors didn't. 

"What happened in the dream, little one?" Elrond asked gently, after the phone had been answered. 

"Well, there were a lot of scary things with gross faces and icky green skin," she said, playing with the hem of her purple dress. "And a guy wearing pointy stuff...amor...armmur..." 

"Armor?" Gandalf supplied. 

"Armor," the little girl repeated, staring at the table with narrowed eyes. Alan smiled and patted the child's shoulder as she stored the word in her sharp memory. The child nodded, then looked up at the two men again. "Then there was—" 

Tabi was interrupted by her grandmother stepping into the dining room, looking perhaps more annoyed than before. "Alan, the school is on the phone. D.J. got in trouble again," she said. 

"How does he keep getting into trouble in summer school? It's only three hours," Alan sighed, looking at his wife. 

"I don't know, but Rhonda can't go talk to the school now, so they're asking for you." Alan grunted and got up from his chair. He looked at his young granddaughter, who was eyeing him innocently. "Behave yourself, Tabi." 

"I always do," she replied, giving her grandfather a gap-toothed grin. 

Alan looked at her in disbelief before shaking his head and taking the phone from his wife. 

"Is your cousin usually in trouble?" Gandalf asked as the little girl climbed into the chair and leaned against the table. 

"Yeah, but that's 'cause he's a dork," she replied, watching the clouds through the window. Her friendly face fell to a nervous look as thunder echoed outside. 

"You don't get in trouble at school, do you?" the Wizard asked, smiling fondly at the girl. 

Tabi giggled despite the thunder. "Well, not on purpose," she answered, the small cactus in the center of the table catching her eye. 

The two chuckled. "May we ask you some questions, Tabi?" Elrond asked. 

"Okay," she nodded, reaching out a small hand to gently poke the thorns with a finger. She looked thoughtful as her taps slowly traveled along the succulent. 

"These are very important, so can you be truthful?" 

The girl hesitated as if thinking of all the things she could be in trouble for. She looked over her shoulder to where her grandfather had gone and pulled her hand away from the plant. "If I won't get in trouble for anything I did," she replied, a serious look coming over her small face. 

Gandalf smiled, getting a distinct impression of a young Brandybuck he knew in the Shire. "You shan't, my dear; now, do you have these bad dreams at night?" he asked. 

The little girl's friendly demeanor fell again, and she looked nervous. She glanced towards the kitchen and pushed her hair out of her face. The child seemed to understand the importance of the questions. "Yeah, but sometimes they aren't bad dreams," she said in the loud whisper of a child trying to be sneaky. 

Gandalf and Elrond exchanged looks, but the Wizard gave her a reassuring smile. "Can you tell me about them?" 

"There are monsters in my closet, but no one believes me," she answered. "Dad says I'm too old to think about that, but I've seen them." Here, the little girl pointed to her arm. "One of them grabbed me." A yellow bruise was on her arm in the shape of a hand. "It disappeared after I woke up, though." 

"What do the monsters do?" Gandalf asked, trying his best not to look too concerned for fear of scaring the child. 

"They tell me that they're going to take me away from my family and that I'll never see them again," she said, lowering her voice again. "Anytime they grab at me, though, they are gone real quick." 

"Did you tell your parents?" he asked. 

She nodded and shrugged. "But my dad just says, 'shut up and go back to bed.'" Then, as an aside to herself, "I don't know why he is so mean to me." 

Gandalf and Elrond exchanged looks again, this time darker. Though the poor child was still hurt, she had grown accustomed to the treatment. This pulled at Gandalf's heart. "Come here, little one," Gandalf said, nodding to her. The child looked up at the strange old man and slowly got off the chair.  

She walked over to him shyly, standing no taller than a hobbit. Her blue eyes looked teary, and the Wizard felt his heart wrench. Gandalf put a hand in a pocket deep in his grey robes and withdrew a small parcel wrapped in paper. He opened the gift and held it out to the little girl.  

Her eyes grew wide with wonder. "Ooh, pretty," she said.  

In Gandalf's hand, hanging off a delicate silver chain, was a crystal of gentle purple. The stone had come from Erebor as a favor from Dáin Ironfoot. Inside was a rare purple poppy that the dwarf had cleverly worked into the crystal.  

Gandalf could feel Elrond's curious eyes watching. The crystal Gandalf had explicitly requested for the girl in front of him; the colors and the poppy having significant alchemist meanings. He placed the necklace over the girl's head and touched her brown hair. "This, Tabitha, is a little gift for you," he said, letting a finite amount of magic course from his wrinkled fingers into the girl's head. "This will help keep you safe from those monsters. Promise me you will always wear this." 

The little girl looked up at Gandalf, and he could see the deep understanding, the core memory taking hold. One that would not dissipate even if another user's magic should enter her life force.  

"I promise," she said.  

Gandalf smiled, and the little girl tucked the necklace into her dress. Gandalf met the Elf Lord's eye, but the doorbell rang again before they could say anything more. Tabitha peeked around the wall to the door, and her eyes widened. The child's grandmother came back into the dining room with a scowl as the girl hurried to Gandalf and grabbed a bunch of his robes, hiding her face in the grey fabric. Elrond's shoulders stiffened as he heard the muffled conversation, and the Wizard watched the doorway as the two newcomers entered the room, a hand on the child's shoulder. 

The first man was like Gandalf, though he had long white hair and a long beard of the same hue. He was dressed in white robes and held a black staff. He was someone they both knew and suddenly felt very suspicious of. He had tried to dissuade them from coming to warn Alan, yet here he was. The second man they did not know and was dressed in brown, tattered clothing. He had dark hair, a dark mustache, and mean little eyes. He was a man of Dunlending descent. 

Tabi tugged on Gandalf's robes. "He's a monster in my closet," she whispered, pointing to the man dressed in white. 

>>>000<<<

The afternoon sun could not pierce the winter sky's clouded fortress; the thick, heavy clouds threatened to dump more snow onto the bleak landscape. A maroon car went along the country road and passed the dark, bare trees lining the street. 

Alan drove his young granddaughter home from school, unnerved by the threatening storm. He had not felt anxiety like this in seven years. He adjusted the heat in his car, placing a hand on the vent as the old unit struggled to keep the cabin warm. The fresh snow on the country road made the drive treacherous, but his granddaughter was sick, and the high speeds of the bypass would have made her nauseous. He glanced over at his fourteen-year-old grandchild. 

Tabi had fallen asleep against the opposite door before leaving the high school parking lot. Her few scattered freckles were a stark difference on her pale face. Alan shook his head and fervently reminded himself that this year's flu was rough, and he tended to overreact. Shivering into his flannel coat, he shifted the air vents towards the girl to help keep her warm. 

His eyes had only been away briefly, but it was enough. 

As he looked back up, a man stood in the road directly in the car's path. Alan yelped and slammed on the brakes, skidding on black ice. The red Buick seemed to fly through the man as if caught in a gust of wind. Before Tabitha could become conscious enough to scream, the car slammed into a snowbank and flipped onto its side, rolling down a steep incline. The vehicle broke through a barbed-wire fence, windows cracked, and steel bent harshly. 

The car landed on its top in a field, just feet away from a small creek used to water cattle. Something struck Alan in the face, sending a rush of pain through his nose and knocking his glasses askew. He twitched his nose as the pain dulled into a sharp feeling of the need to sneeze. Looking by his head, he could barely make out his glasses case. 

As his world stopped spinning, Alan looked at his granddaughter; her school bag lay by her head, cocked at an alarming angle. Her eyes were closed, her face lax; he could not tell if she was breathing. A cut on her cheek ran into her hairline from her nose, and fresh blood dripped onto the upholstery of the ceiling. 

Desperate to get to his grandchild, Alan undid his seat belt, grunting as he fell against the roof. His glasses fell from his face and came to rest by the rear-view mirror with a loud clatter. Tabitha did not stir. 

Before he could work on shoving the car door open, his window shattered inward. Closing his eyes, he felt sharp, shallow cuts form across his face. He heard the familiar sound of fresh snow crunching underfoot, and he glanced at his granddaughter again, feeling that this was not help. 

Cuts had formed across her face from the flying shards, and many glass crystals stuck in her thick hair. The footsteps came nearer, and Alan looked back towards the sound, unable to bring himself to yell for help. A pale, bare foot came into his field of vision. He looked hard at the strange sight, unconsciously cocking his head to the side. The foot was perfect in every way; manicured, perfectly arched, and well-formed, leaving light but perfect imprints in the snow. 

A blonde head of hair appeared at the window. Before he had time to register who this person was, he was quickly dragged through the window. 

"Hello Alan," came a sneer. The old man's head swam momentarily from the rush of movement, his body aching from the wreck. Bruises would form over his weathered skin before sunset. 

As his vision cleared, Alan saw that he was face to face with a man who looked to be no more than twenty-five. He had a head full of gentle blonde curls that cascaded down his shoulders and back. Naked shoulders, Alan realized. The man held a robust, handsome jawline that curved harshly into his golden hair. He was well-built; lines of muscles bulged as he held the seventy-year-old aloft in one hand. 

Alan swallowed hard as a nasty burning sensation started at his throat beneath the clothes where the man held him, the man who stalked his nightmares just by mere mentions. And now he stood before him, gripping his flannel coat in one hand, wearing nothing more than a pair of black trousers in twenty-degree weather. The man's biceps bulged with the incredible strength he had to hold Alan aloft, but he never seemed to tire of the strain, if he felt any. 

"Y-You," he hissed through chattering teeth. 

"Me," the man replied in a silky voice dripping with malice. "Where are your precious Elf-Lord and Istar now?" 

Before Alan could answer, he was thrown through the air, landing hard against something on the ground. Letting out a strangled yelp, Alan momentarily blacked out. His head was swimming again. We must have broken through a fence, he thought vaguely. His back was arched painfully against something hard, but his rushing heart was pumping too much adrenaline through him to tell what it was. 

Then he remembered the man. As if lifting a great weight, Alan raised his head and looked toward the man again. "What do you want?" he asked weakly. 

"An end to your pathetic line," he replied. "That wretched girl, however, will make a pleasing sacrifice to my master. Surely her blood will be enough to bring him from the Void; the marring of this world will be glorious." 

Hate and a desire to protect his grandchild quickly filled his veins. "She has done nothing to you!" Alan snarled, but he was suddenly racked with hacking coughs from the harshness of his words. He spat blood onto the fresh snow. Doing a double-take, he stared at the crimson-colored snow, wondering what could have caused internal bleeding. 

There came an evil-sounding laugh from the man, drawing his eyes. "Not yet. However, I do not plan to let her try. I will kill her slowly, painfully." 

"Over my dead body," Alan snapped. 

Dark laughter filled the man's eyes. "I have already arranged that, Alan," he said, gesturing to his chest. 

Alan looked down to see a metal post jutting through his torso. His body was racked with excruciating pain as he saw the spike, dark with his blood. Whimpering as he placed a hand around his wound, shuddering at the warmth of his own blood. Alan's vision began to swim, the adrenaline dying off to fill him with shock. He swore he could see steam trails rising from the wound's warmth into the frigid air. 

"She yet lives," came the man's voice. Alan forced his eyes up, looking towards the sound. "Her breath is shallow, and her life pulse is weak. Ugh, and she reeks of disease. I need a pure sacrifice. Pity. My lord will have to wait." 

Alan blinked hard, trying to stay conscious, as a dark haze began to fill his vision. If only Tabi could wake up. He squinted his old eyes to see the man hauling his granddaughter from the wrecked car. He had her beneath her arms, quickly pulling her from the heap of wreckage. Her head lolled back towards the man's chest, who looked disgusted as he touched her. 

As the man came closer with his granddaughter, he saw her book bag caught around her foot, a pink blob dragging through the whiteness of the snow. 

The half-naked man held the girl aloft in one hand, a snarl coming across his face as if he was holding a rank, dead animal. He tossed the overstuffed book bag onto the frozen creek bed with ease. The bag landed hard, with a warning crack. 

"Stay away from her," Alan yelled. Or thought he yelled, even thinking it was taking too much effort. 

The man made no move to have heard him; he simply ripped off her coat, sending the large black buttons flying into the snow. He tossed it onto the frozen creek with her school bag and dropped her into the snow as if she were no more than a used piece of paper. 

"As you die, you can watch her slowly freeze to death," the man said, walking back up the snowy slope without a second glance. 

"If only that white-haired fellow had not opposed her going to Rivendell," Alan muttered as the spark of thought dimmed in his mind, then went out. 

[citate]

Mi-ai demonstrat că în viața încă există

Persoane care să mă facă nu doar să fiu tristă.

@citate

[un-suflet-anonim]

Dragă eu,

Anul acesta am învățat și-am descoperit multe despre mine, am învățat ce este răbdarea și liniștea, am învățat să mă prețuiesc mai mult, să mă iubesc așa cum sunt, chiar și atunci când greșesc.

Anul acesta m-a învățat să văd mai clar prin intențiile, acțiunile și vorbele celor din jur, m-am învățat că toți oamenii sunt trecători prin viața mea, și că fiecare persoană întâlnită, a intrat în viața mea cu un scop și cu o lecție.

Anul acesta m-a învățat să fiu mai sinceră cu mine însumi și cu ceea ce simt, m-a învățat că e mai bine să pierzi oameni din prea multă sinceritate și că acest lucru e în regulă.

Anul acesta mi-a pus piedici nenumărate și mi-a zdrobit toate visele,mi-a rupt aripile și mi-a deschis rănile pe care le-am crezut vindecate, ca apoi să învăț că toate astea-s în regulă. Toate sunt lecții, cu bune si cu rele!

Anul acesta m-a învățat că, atunci când nu spui la timp ce simți și ce gândești, mai târziu va fi cu adevărat prea târziu să mai poți face ceva dacă nu ai făcut la momentul respectiv.

Anul acesta am învățat că a fi o persoană complet singură nu este o pedeapsă, ci o formă de libertate!

De la mine, pentru mine 🫰

#jurnal_de_suflet

@un-suflet-anonim

[pentrucaiubimm]

2024 a fost un an al creșterii, provocărilor și al unei profunde reflecții. Am învățat atât de multe despre mine, despre ceea ce prețuiesc cu adevărat, ce vreau să las în urmă și cât de capabilă sunt să fac față lucrurilor pe care viața mi le pune în cale. Au fost momente care m-au împins până la limitele mele, dar tot ele m-au ajutat să-mi construiesc reziliența și să descopăr mai profund cine sunt.

Am înfruntat temeri, am renunțat la obiceiuri vechi și am îmbrățișat noi perspective.

Și, oricât de greu a fost uneori, pot spune cu sinceritate că totul a fost necesar pentru femeia care devin.

Acum, privind spre 2025, sunt plină de speranță și intenție. Mă rog ca anul care vine să fie unul cu și mai multă creștere, în care să continui să îmi ating întregul potențial. Vreau să construiesc pe baza lecțiilor învățate, de data aceasta cu mai multă claritate și scop. Mă rog ca 2025 să aducă oportunități de a-mi extinde orizonturile, de a-mi aprofunda relațiile și de a urmări visele cele mai apropiate de inima mea. Îmi doresc să găsesc și mai mult echilibru, pace și împlinire în viața de zi cu zi.

2025, sunt pregătită pentru tine! Sunt gata să iau toate lecțiile din 2024 și să le aplic în moduri mai mari și mai curajoase. Vreau să profit de fiecare moment, să rămân concentrată pe creșterea mea și să creez viața la care am visat mereu. Am încredere că, indiferent de ceea ce îmi va ieși în cale, voi fi echipată să fac față. Acesta este doar începutul, și sunt entuziasmată să văd ce urmează.

[landofzero-archive]

Nagisa Ran - The Fruit of Knowledge

Writer: Akira

Season: Autumn

(Location: Adam’s Private Room)

Ibara: Pardon me!

Saegusa Ibara, here to relay a message! I apologize for the intrusion!

However, I’d like you to hear what I have to say for 5, no, just one minute only!

I would never allow for the loss of your precious time! Salute~!

Nagisa: …… Ibara.

…… What’s wrong?

…… I’m not sure, but wait.

…… I’ll finish reading this book in a little while.

Ibara: Understood! I will wait!

Although, His Excellency’s “a little while” could mean anywhere from 3 days to a week, so standing at attention until then makes me have some concerns!

If that is your order, then this lowly servant Saegusa Ibara will wait even if it rains water or spears!

Servility! Devotion! Service! Ahaha♪

Nagisa: …… I don’t need a servant.

…… What I want is an equal I can love.

Ibara: Of course! If that is what you wish then I shall behave accordingly!

Nagisa: …… You’re a hard worker, Ibara.

…… Yes. Sorry, I just finished reading my book. I’ll listen to what you have to say now– what is it?

Ibara: Oh, amazing! Fine weather comes to those who wait……☆

Nagisa: …… Hiyori-kun? What about him?

Ibara: Ahaha♪ As expected of His Excellency! Ah, my stomach is tying itself in knots! I’m dying, I’m dying~!

Nagisa: …… When you exaggerate like that it feels like you’re mocking me.

Ibara: Apologies! This is a habit of mine! In this country where weapons are banned, non-violence and disobedience are among the greatest survival strategies!

Kill with praise and shatter with looks! The customer is God! Ahaha♪

Nagisa: …… Do you want to kill me?

Ibara: Of course not! His Excellency must live a long time! For the sake of a future by my own design, and for the future of the idol industry!

At any rate! My sincerest apologies for speaking nonsense when you graciously finished your book so quickly!

I shall state my business!

As per usual, I have finished arranging Your Excellency’s lesson schedule to align with Eden’s own!

Please confirm the contents for yourself~☆ (He hands over a booklet)

Nagisa: …… Ah. Helpful as always, Ibara.

Ibara: No no! It’s my pleasure to be of service to Your Excellency! Rather, I was born for that very purpose!

In any case, I will explain it briefly but, as usual, I have tailored the contents of the training according to Your Excellency’s current status as well as the schedule I’ve devised for Eden.

Arrangements are in place and are all set!

There is a slight deviation in muscle mass, so let’s work on rectifying the balance!

See, look at the line on this chart! Your shoulders need to be slimmed down to accentuate your stomach!

Nagisa: …… Ahh, so I did gain more muscle in my shoulders and back in the end.

…… The other day, I unearthed something interesting from the nearby ruins.

…… As the person who discovered it, I was allowed to examine that one item on my own.

…… I thought I should avoid breaking it, so I carried it myself and that’s when I gained muscle.

…… I grow quickly after all.

Ibara: Amazing, His Excellency is still in his growing phase!

However, I still don’t understand that hobby of yours.

That’s the item you excavated, isn’t it? That thing in the corner of the room that looks like a stone pillar with a letter engraved on it?

It appears to have cultural and historical value, but lacks artistic and financial value.

Nagisa: …… Archaeology is romance. You can't assign value to dreams.

Ibara: We have a difference of opinion here then. Archaeology costs money and I’d rather build a bridge to the future than dig up the strata of the past with such resources!

Well, I’ll refrain from interfering with Your Excellency’s hobbies.

Nagisa: …… Yes. It’s work, and Ibara worked hard to assemble a schedule for me.

…… I will obey as much as possible, but I’d prefer to have more time allotted for my hobbies.

Ibara: “Obey” me, how amusing! I merely wish to aid His Excellency, the treasure of the entertainment industry, in reaching greater heights

Please don’t doubt my sincerity–my loyalty!

Nagisa: …… It’s fine. I don’t mind being used as you please.

Ibara: (Hmm. Dependent as always, he lacks the pride and dignity one tends to have with such talent.

Like a toddler he’ll obey me without much question.

However his work rate, output, and learning ability are far greater than the common person.

There are books piled up high in the corner that I don’t recall seeing when I checked on his this morning.

But he must have skimmed through them and memorized their content.

What takes the average person years to learn, he can do in a day.

And yet, he uses that ability to inspect artifacts of no value.

Ah, what a waste! I must use his qualities, his natural talent, much more beneficially!

That kind of gift must be given back to the world, it’s a disservice to ignore such a treasure trove!

Fortunately, this powerful “weapon” is within my grasp.

This Saegusa Ibara will utilize him to the fullest! With all my love and utmost caution……!)

Nagisa: ……. What’s wrong? You’re grinning– did something good happen?

Ibara: No no! I was just savoring the joy of having been so lucky as to have met His Excellency! Ah, I truly am blessed……☆

Nagisa: …… I see. Not many people would say such a thing, it makes me happy to hear that.

…… I hope we can continue to be friends from now on, Ibara.

…… Also, I don’t have enough documents here. Please procure the books listed on this memo.

…… While I wait for those to arrive, I shall train according to your wishes.

Ibara: Yes! Please do so!

For the sake of our bright future! Assault! Invade! Conquer! Ahaha♪

[night--whispers]

Ar fi atât de frumos în jurul nostru dacă ne-am putea bucura cu sinceritate de lucrurile care ne înconjoară...să ne bucurăm de oameni, chiar dacă sunt străini, fără a ne uita peste umăr cu groază. Atât de multe tipare și bule încât nu mai știm ce să credem și ce nu. Poluare socială....

[theblogdiana]

Când voi îmi dați falsitate, eu tot sinceritate vă ofer.

[28octombrie-toamnadinsufletulmeu]

Prinsa cu gânduri și neștiind cu ce să începi, începe întotdeauna cu propria familie. Deoarece banii sunt trecători, prietenii majoritatea sunt doar de moment și timpul atât de înșelător prin modul în care se scurge pe lângă noi, lăsând în urmă doar amintiri. Însă, construită pe o bază solidă, cu sinceritate și încredere, familia va fi mereu acolo pentru tine când totul în jurul tău va conlucra ca ție să ți se pară totul pierdut!

Preluat de la forever a gentleman