#and just made talith confused

[elfgirl931]

[judediangelo75]

The Scent of Love to The Heart of a Loner Poet

I want to try to develop the whole Judith x Talbott (Talith) lore. I realized I’m a bit all over the place and mostly write one-shots. Some happened due to prompts, others (like how they first met, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day.

Eventually I do my own versions of their dates, maybe Talbott’s side of Judith’s incident with the “Without You/The Man Behind The Necklace series” and stuff of that nature. Give more depth to their relationship.

Inspired by @rosachaotic version which is here: https://rosachaotic.tumblr.com/post/647921746687688704

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Talbott wasn’t too sure how he felt about spending Valentine’s Day at Hogwarts. The teachers have taken it upon themselves to make today’s lessons related to the holiday. 

In the beginning, he was indifferent to the holiday. He wasn’t one to express his feelings to anyone. Until recently.

It’s been some time since he went on his first date ever.

The girl who asked him out was one of the last people he expected. Especially since he was so sure that she would be interested in his mate, Andre Egwu.

But Judith Harris proved him wrong as she shyly asked him if he would like to go out on a date with her.

He could never forget the picture she painted. Shoulders slightly hunched as she rubbed the back of her neck sheepishly. Her shuffling feet being the only noise in the pregnant pause that fell between them. Pale gold eyes that looked up at him through short curly lashes, uncertainty and hope glimmering his irises. An innocent blush that stained her soft cheeks, a rare sight to see from the silent Beater.

Gone was the tough, silent exterior she’s known for.

Gone was her trademark sarcasm and her slight smirk.

What stood before him in that library was a shy witch asking him to accompany her on a date.

When reality finally caught up with him, he quietly agreed to her offer. The smile she gifted him was something that never failed to set his heart aflutter.

She did tell him to dress nice but nothing too formally. Slightly unsure, he went to the self-proclaimed resident Style Wizard. When he gave the details of his date, he did notice the disappointment that flashed in those cheery brown eyes but Andre didn’t comment on him going out with his Celestial Ball date. Instead Andre devoted his energy into creating an outfit for him.

When Andre handed him his outfit, he held a sad happiness in his eyes and wished him luck on his date.

Seeing Judith waiting for him outside the castle made Talbott’s stomach twist in knots. He was used to seeing her in her class robes, dressed down uniforms, or one of her causal outfits.

Seeing her in a soft yellow off the shoulder sundress that reached her knees and white sandals that hugged her calves made his breath catch in his throat. Her hair, which was normally in twists after she took down her locs, was free. Curls and coils tumbled over one of her shoulders, a bang brushing over one of her eyes.

Talbott found himself gripping his feather necklace for reassurance as he approached the Hufflepuff.

The date itself was rather nice. 

Judith had led him to the forest line by Black Lake. What awaited them was a candle lit picnic. 

He was surprised at the location and the simplicity of it, but he found it lovely. Judith had even made the food that they ate, some of which was cuisine from her old homeland. Talbott was skeptical about eating foreign food, but found it surprisingly good.

The entire time Judith was buzzing from nervous energy, rambling majority of the time. Talbott thought that her excessive chatter would’ve annoy the hell out of him but he did come to find it rather endearing.

She was nervous because of him.

One of the famed Curse Breakers, the fierce Hufflepuff Beater known as “Tigress”... 

Was nervous because of him, a Ravenclaw loner. Virtually a nobody.

Plus, he believed he could hear a faint accent in her voice. He figured it had to be from her homeland she briefly talked about. 

Talbott found himself smiling more than he ever had a long time. When it was time to go, he offered to walk her back to her Common Room. While he didn’t need to, he wanted to.

When they reached their destination, the pair stood outside of the Hufflepuff Common Room for some time. Judith’s face was flushed as she stuttered softly how she had a great time with him. 

Before she could turn her back, Talbott reached out to grab her by her elbow and pull the girl into a hug. He wasn’t sure what possessed him to hug Judith, but it felt right to him.

The girl went stiff in his arms for a few moments before returning the hug.

The pair didn’t say a word during this embrace, only saying good night when they pulled away.

Talbott couldn’t rid himself of the small smile on his lips when he noticed the faint blush on Judith’s cheeks.

Something about the girl was bewitching, but he wasn’t sure how.

Talbott was finally pulled back into the present when Professor Snape’s familiar drawl, explaining today’s lesson.

The class broke out into faint whispers and quiet laughter when the Potion Master revealed what potion they were studying today.

Amortentia. The love potion.

Snape interrupted the giddy class to study the potion and to not inhale too deeply. Talbott shrugged before standing around the massive cauldron. 

Not like he was looking to-

‘What’s that smell?’

There was something sweet in the air. His red eyes landed on the cauldron, which its heart-shaped fumes wafted towards his direction. Instead of covering his nose, the Ravenclaw found himself taking a discreet inhale, trying to figure out where he encountered this scent before.

He can make out a sea breeze, as if he was standing near the ocean and he could smell the salt from the sea. As well as...

His brow furrowed as he took another breath.

Chocolate almost... and something else he couldn’t name. 

There was underlying of fainter sweet scents that seem to alternate. But the consistent one was... honey.

“Talbott?” The wizard blinked as he looked towards the voice speaking to him. Andre was looking at him, concern reflecting in his eyes.

“You good there, mate? You seem to have spaced out.” Damn.

“I’m fine,” he said, writing and studying the potion. Though, his mind was reeling because he knew he smelled that scent from before but how and from where?

“Keep in mind: Amortentia would smell different to each of you, based on who or what appeals to you...” Professor Snape’s words caused Talbott to freeze.

‘Who or what appeals to you... but who would-’

“Class dismissed. It appeared all of you failed to heed my warning. Leave my classroom before you continue to experience... feelings,” Snape said abruptly.

‘Maybe it’s nothing... I have Transfiguration next. I need to focus,’ Talbott thought to himself... not before sparing one last glance to the giant cauldron in the middle of the room.

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Talbott was standing a bit in the back of the group of Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws. 

“Hey Talbott. Happy Valentine’s Day...” Talbott turned to find Judith giving him a shy smile. He returned it with one of his own.

“Hello, little bird...” A nickname he bestowed onto the Hufflepuff after she turned into an Animagus. Her Black Sparrowhawk was smaller than his Golden Eagle, hence the nickname. Judith blushed at the sound of it, ducking her head before the boy could see it.

Thankfully, the class turned their attention to Professor McGonagall as she explained today’s Valentine’s lesson. 

‘Lovely. First the love potion and now a love note... at least Professor McGonagall said they’ll be innocent. How much could a love note from my heart possibly say?’

A lot apparently.

“How my heart longs for you, mystical gold eyes. Please never leave, for I see forever in your pretty irises...” 

Talbott spluttered out of shock and embarrassment, almost casting Incendio on the Valentine Howler to get it to shut up.

Just how long has his feelings been buried for it to come out like this?!

“Hey Talbott, what did your Howler say?” Talbott sharply inhaled, that same sweet scent from Potions was stronger now. He whipped around to find pale gold eyes looking up at him.

“N-Nothing,” he stuttered as realization began to sink in. Judith cocked her head to the side, confused to the loner Ravenclaw’s behavior.

“Are you-”

“Class dismissed! And have a happy Valentine’s Day, students!” Talbott silently thanked McGonagall for her timing as he quickly grabbed his bag and left the Transfiguration classroom.

He needed to put space between him and the Hufflepuff witch.

The Hufflepuff witch he apparently had feelings for.

Bloody hell...

[undiscoveredsky]

Day Six- 100 Character Challenge: Diplomat

This was an odd stroke of luck I get this one right after finishing Arcanist.  I was clueless how to tackle this one at first until I sat down and did a major brain session on this world.  And then everything clicked.

The force of the explosion had him running, ignoring Lyraine’s shouts from behind him.  Percival had worried ever since the idea was first brought up, and even though he reluctantly agreed it was worth a shot, but knowing that Anika would be the one they would approach made him worry that much more. It was risky, but they truly had no choice.  The weather was growing harsher and was killing off more of their people.  If they tried to trek to find warmer lands, they’d lose most of them.  And those that survived would have to worry if an attack would be on the horizon.

He could feel it before he saw it.  The pulsing magic—far stronger than he’s ever seen or felt before.  The creature, while not fully present, was still incredibly daunting.  His knees would’ve buckled at the sight if not for the figure that the creature seemed to be holding.  “Anika!” He shouted.  Anika turned her head, but her eyes were glowing.  He did freeze at that, scared of what approaching further might do.

“Come, child.”  The voice was Anika’s and it was Anika that spoke, but at the same time, there was something odd about it.  As if there were a sort of snarl to the edges of it.  Not in the malicious ways, but in a way that was distinctly not human.  It was gentle though.  While it made him falter, it didn’t make him want to run and hide or anything of the sort. Steeling himself, he moved closer.

“What is it you’re doing?” He commended himself for his unwavering tone.  The dragon’s tail flicked, a mild hint of annoyance.

“I should be asking you that.  We have not existed in your realm for some time, yet you summon me.”  The dragon had a point there.

“We were hoping you or another god could help us.  We—“ He was cut off by the sound of laughter.

“A god?  Child, I am no such thing.  If you had tried to summon a god, I’m sure this one wouldn’t exist.”  The dragon was of course referring to Anika and he let out a low breath.  But…They weren’t gods?  Lyraine had called them gods.  But if they weren’t…  “We have no desire to help you mortals.”  Again the dragon was cutting him off, but this time his thoughts rather than his words proper.  “You have tried to slay my race.  Capture us and make us pets.  We were finally given peace.  We do not need to be dragged into your world again.”  Percival was growing more confused by the second.  What had happened in the past?  Why has Lyraine never spoke of this?  Why would she willingly go with this plan if that had happened before?

“P-please,” he rasped, voice finally breaking slightly.  “My people…Our people…They’re dying.  The weather has grown too harsh for us to continue to thrive, but moving all of them will be impossible.”

“And what would we get from this?  As soon as we help, you’ll turn on us.”  The snarl was growing a bit more intense.

“We do not wish to harm you, you must believe that.  We seek your guidance and your help,” he tried.  The dragon fell silent, studying him.  Finally, it spoke again.

“You did not answer my question.  What do we get from this?”

“You can live with us,” he replied.  “You can live in both realms.  We will not let harm come to you.”

“And you speak for all your people?”  The question made Percival’s breath catch.  This wasn’t a discussion he ever could’ve imagined unfolding.

“…I will.”  He finally settled and the dragon seemed satisfied with the answer.

“Very well.  I need time to gather my energy and to discuss with the others.  If we decide to help, we will find a way into this world.  If your people choose to attack us though, we will kill every one of you.”  Percival gave a shuddered breath before he nodded.

“I understand.  I shall make sure that our people uphold our side and any that disobey will be handled with swiftly.”

“Very well, Diplomat. Give me your arm.”

“My arm…?”  There was that annoyed little flick of the dragon’s tail and Percival found himself complying so that he might not anger the dragon. Despite the cold, he rolled up the sleeve to his coat and sweater, revealing his bare arm to the dragon. The dragon’s tail flicked again before it moved toward him.  It wrapped around his arm and held tight, an awful burning sensation following it. Percival cried out and tried to jerk away, but to avail.  He wasn’t sure if he had blacked out for a moment there, but once the tail slipped away, there was just a dull ache of pain left, as well as a black mark that curled around his arm.

“You have our brand. This will allow us to find you, and allow you to find us.”  For lack of any words, Percival just gave a mute nod, still just staring at his arm.

“My time is short. You shall know of our answer soon. Until then, protect your people.” Anika was slowly lowered to the ground and Percival finally tore his eyes away from the mark and to her.  “And take care of this one.  This has been taxing on her body.”

“I will.”  As if there was any question about that.  He’d give anything to keep Anika safe—though, it was always her doing that for him and the others.  He moved closer once Anika was on the ground before he paused a moment. “May I ask your name?”  The dragon was genuinely surprised by the question and its head moved down towards him.

“You may call me Talith.”

“Talith,” Percival repeated. “I do hope to see you again soon. I wish you well.”  His words were every bit sincere.  Sure, perhaps there was a slightly selfish bit to them—but this was a lot he was asking for.  I wouldn’t be well received, if at all.  He could only imagine how difficult this discussion may be for the dragon.

“I believe I may have been right to put my faith in you.  Now do not prove me wrong.”

“I do not wish to.” There was a soft sound of what perhaps was a chuckle before the dragon’s visage disappeared.  The magic lingered for a few seconds before it too dissipated, leaving Percival to catch an unconscious Anika as she fell from her standing position.  He looked down to her and offered the smallest of smiles.

“Thank you.  But now it is my turn to take care of you.”