#and briar is talking to arthur probably

[purgatory-is-life]

We interrupt today's spam reblogging to bring an out of context doodle I made abt an au I came up with at work yesterday

[teamfortresstwo]

OOOOOH YEAHHHHH alright I’ve decided it I’m cramming them all in there. I think they probably have a mechanisms like thing where some of them kinda come and go while others prefer to stick with the ship (the main trio), but they manage to find their way back easy enough.

Dr Pilchard definitely experiments on Hatter and Hare (he wants to study them under a microscope soooo bad) And also probably watches how the AI tortured Frankenstein out of a scientific curiosity. He does also talk to the doctor and kinda sorta almost manages to convince Frankenstein to just let go and tell the AI the code but Frankensteins kinda running on spite here so it doesn’t </3

I love Arthur so much. I bet he’d still be so fucked up by the time he gets in the ship. I think he’d definitely have some late night chats with Lyf where they can finally talk about their whole worlds getting killed. I think he’d be really uncomfortable around the AI and also it would kinda remind him of his own child if his own child was wayyyy more evil and mentally unstable (not that Morga-Mordred himself was necessarily stable but surely moreso than this…. Sadistic thing.) He does consider just outright killing one of them but figures that it would probably result in more sorrow than it’s worth, especially cause at this point it’s kinda like enrichment to let them hare eachother so much. Well that and he doesn’t really trust his own judgement ever since… y’know? So, he’s somewhat more passive when it comes to that, though he’s decidedly more off put by it than Pilchard or Briar Rose. (Briar hates Victoria simply because she’s lowkey projecting into the AI which puts her in the position to King Cole sooooo)

Can I talk to you about my Mechanism side characters RoadTrip au

abso-fucking-lutely. don’t even have to ask

[ofallthingsnasty]

God damn, your mind's just so precious 😱😍😍😍 it's really what struck me when i finished your fic, you picture him sooo well ! You're right, dark is really canon for him and (lets be honest) he's basically a piece of shit 😅 but it somehow nurish my masochistic kinks 😳 (I admit starting playing rdr2 this summer and I havnt finished the main storyline but I will as soon as I have the time 😭)

You can count me in for your next a/b/o fic 👋 i'm sure its gonna be awesome 🥺💗

I loooove all the ideas you decifered in this !! Like it's brutally honest that despite everything that will happen Micah will never truely love you (that's what I think of him too) but he's a crazyman and I just picture him being super jealous. Like real dangerously so. Not just about reader, but like you kind of portrayed it in Through the Briar, he's also super jealous of Arthur and that's what makes him super explosive.

Argh, why the objectifying possessivness of Micah over the reader carrying his child is so hot 🥵❤️‍🔥 ?? I havn't thought about it but you are so right about the fact that he would have no shame droping hint that he slept with the reader in front of all the crew, and she would probably never tell anyone that he forced himself onto her beacause she would be so ashamed...

Being pregnant with his child would doom the rest of the reader's life, like I don't think she could escape him for long... But what if she had a little girl ? How do you think Micah would react ? I'm not sure but I'd say that he'd be more distant with them, and reader would have a slightly easier life.

I kind of have the impression that if she trier to escape him though, bringing HIS child with her, he'd find her and make sure that she'd be trapped with another baby of him, making it even more difficult for her to run away...

But back to the camp, I feel like everyone would be concerned by the fact that Micah slept with the reader, but I think the only one that would have no doubt about the fact that it was non-consensual would be Arthur. Like, he saw how reader never talked back to him even though he's been roughing her up and he des not trust him. At all.

But without confirmation, he'd just be extra careful when he's around.

Seing how other would interact with reader after they found out about Micah would be vers interesting ! And also really sad for the reader...

You seem to have already so many ideas : I really hope you'll someday elaborate all of them in a sequel or something 🤩✨️

I laugh so hard at your alternative timeline with Arthur, the sunset and the credits 🤣🤣 I'll keep it dearly close to my heart for emotional support emergency 🧡

Oh please do ramble whenever you want I loved that 🤣💖 also thanks for your reply, it must have took you sooo long, but I enjoyed it so much 😘

I'm really happy it made you smile this early in the morning and I hope it made your day brighter ☀️🌈 Take care 💕

Ps : I'm sorry to ear that you were expecting hate on your lil diamond, I get that darker content can be targeted but these are fantaisies, and as long as they stay this way, I think we can all live a safer world 🌷 especially if everyone read the trigger warnings and age limits ! Stay safe everyone 💚

I am SO sorry for making you wait this long for an answer, this week has been eating me alive so far lol. And thank you again! To be 100% honest, out of the whole VDL gang he is the easiest to write for me because he is imo very predictable. Arthur and John are hard asf for me - or Javier. Oh my god, I can't read that guy at all!! For some reason my brain just vibes with Micah in that way lol. And I only played until Chapter 4 in February and finally completed the game this summer, so kinda same haha!! I'll try not to spoil you!! 💗💗 And @ the masochistic side of you! Totally get it! I love to write about hopeless and bleak scenarios, it's super cathartic to me. And from the main cast, Micah is just the one who comes to mind when thinking about rdr2 darkfic (because I don't quite think that even low honor Arthur would go as far as noncon of a fellow gang member? Idk just my impression. And the rest of the gang is at best emotionally manipulative, but I don't anyone would pull what Micah did in through the briar.)

I so agree with everything you said!! If you were to have a little girl instead of a boy, he'd definitely be more distant. But we saw in his letter to Amos that he does keep tabs on the people in his closer circle - and while he isn't going the be father of the year 1900-1910™, I do think that from that point onwards, you're 'his woman'. I think he'd have no issue with getting you pregnant again and again until you finally have that little boy. Mind you, I think he'd drop you off somewhere and stop by every weeks/months, like Arthur did with Isaac. He isn't gonna be around 24/7, he has his gang stuff to do and you'd only be a hindrance. Imagine how humiliating it has to be to make up lies about your 'husband' to the very few neighbors you do have and then it's... Micah. And regarding escaping him: yes, a hundred times yes. Wherever you're hiding out, he'll go in, guns blazing, and make a whole show of shooting every poor soul there. He'd be absolutely livid, to be honest, and he's gonna take it out on anyone standing in his way and THEN you. I genuinely think he'd even slap you for it. Definitely chokes you out for a little bit until your eyes are bloody and you're frantically kicking at the ground for release. And then noncons you. Just overall a super bad, gritty situation for you, so... don't even try it. (There are also a few things to consider regarding the epilogue but I'm not gonna spoil you haha!!)

The camp reactions are super interesting for me to think about as well; either a sequel that picks up where I left off or the 'escape in the epilogue' would be cool to write about but I don't think I'd get that fic done until next year summer (which sounds shocking, I know, but knowing my writing speed and what is in my immediate future, it's, unfortunately, the truth 😭). So let me elaborate on here before I leave you to starve (😭😭😭). I think, at first, the women would be put off immensely. As soon as they figure it out, I think they'd judge you, even if just a little. They've spent weeks, months shooting him and his disgusting advances down and while everyone knows Micah is a snake, they aren't safe from that little nagging voice in the back of their head that thinks about the 'what if you did this willingly...?' thing. The most level-headed ones of them are definitely Abigail and Tilly, I just see Abigail as the type to immediately see what's going on, much like Arthur (back to him and the men later, though). Mary-Beth seems to be somewhere in the middle and Karen the slowest to catch on. I think you could genuinely catch some of her ire at first, with her dropping some snide remarks. I think she'd be kinda mad? Until someone either tells her off or you tell her (which. Is hard. Speaking from experience.) Ms. Grimshaw? Hard to decipher. We've seen how she gets when one of the women is in danger, but the problem with the whole aftermath is that it involves TWO gang members... And one of them is regarded very highly by Dutch. So while I think there would be little fire from her side, she'd step in between you and Micah, here and there. Ultimately, she has very little say in it all, sadly. Sadie is just on the sidelines. It's not like she doesn't care but she doesn't really connect with the reader-character from through the briar and she has her own things going on. So, in short, I am still rather optimistic about your standing among the women. I think they can empathize, one way or another - no matter what they think, in the end. They might look at you funny for a bit if they think it was consensual (and they might never realize it wasn't) but time will heal those little bumps in the road, I'm sure. But still; there definitely will be a few drunken confrontations between Karen and you and they won't end pretty. But I do think Abigail cares a whole heap. We know about her past and I think she'd lend reader a shoulder to cry on, if you wanted to- which in my mind- you don't. (Like I said, I think reader would turn very quiet and reclusive after that night.)

Now onto the men: Most of them do not give a shit, in my honest opinion. The reader-character isn't necessarily regarded as pretty nor is she very sociable beyond the other women. There... isn't much to care about, as harsh as it sounds. She isn't hated or disliked, she's just an afterthought, you know? Dutch likes you well enough and Arthur is a genuine friend, and the rest... Very ambivalent. I think Charles immediately knows there is something wrong, he can read you like a book. Does he offer support? Hard to say, leaning towards no. He and reader don't really have a relationship and it isn't his place. Hosea might figure it out, too. And I think he'd call you over for a little talk but, again, reader just... can't speak about it. And honestly, I think the rest sees you in a more negative light afterwards. They probably don't put much thought into it being consensual or not, as harsh as it sounds. John might care a teeny tiny bit but someone like Bill? Jeez, no. Get ready to be mocked openly, when the chance arises. And Lenny? Oof, I think he just kinda knows something is off but much like Charles, he isn't gonna broach that topic anytime soon (again, not his place in his opinion). Dutch straight-up goes with whatever Micah feeds him, no doubt. That you both were drunk and fooling around, if he's ever questioned about it. That you're just having some buyer's remorse, basically. And quite frankly, Dutch wants to gloss over this, he needs everyone together and not divided. So don't expect much sympathy there. Now, Arthur... Arthur immediately notices how quiet you are and how you don't come to sit by his side anymore. And of course, as the absolute oaf he is, he'll probably think he did something wrong, at first. Until Micah drops his first comment and everything just clicks. I can actually see a big confrontation there and Arthur absolutely losing it - but like I said, Dutch believes Micah and needs the camp to be a united front. The fact that you were drunk is perfect for Micah's side - and Arthur will have to submit, ultimately. And I genuinely think your and Arthur's relationship would break over this; with him lording over you like some man-sized guard dog and you needing space - I can see reader snapping one day and Arthur taking it the wrong way, only for both of them to gradually grow apart. I am of course pulling from personal experiences and I leave the explanation at that so as to not trigger anyone on here.

Also, the way Micah would drop his little hints in the first place- he'll definitely get closer than ever before, not touching you, but caging you in with his body so you can't quite leave (like leaning next to you, not that anime move lmao, but definitely invading your personal space), trying to spook you, excessive pet names and overall way, way more attention... Super loud comments to the other men (ew ew ew) and a dozen new little jokes about you. Just thinking about it makes me pull a face, ew. And you touch on something I haven't thought about yet: another man approaching reader/flirting with you. I don't think he'll step in and be like 'be gone, that's my woman' (lmao never) but he'd make the worst, lewd comments about how he got you into bed and how you enjoyed it, about how 'easy' you are. Basically both humiliating you and trying to shoo that feller away. Yes, he did say that he's more likely to despise the women he has been with afterwards - and I totally think that manifests itself in more verbal abuse and shame. And if you're pregnant, back to the above haha.

Thank you so much for letting me ramble again and adding your own thoughts!! I am so happy to talk about this, you don't even know. If only I had more time 😭💕 But better late than never, right? I hope you have a lovely day wherever you are!!

[themuseumwithoutwalls]

MWW Artwork of the Day (1/1/22) John Melhuish Strudwick (British, 1849–1937) In the Golden Days (1907) Oil on canvas, 65 x 45 cm. Private Collection

The subject shows three beautiful female figures in a medieval chamber at the bottom of a staircase. On the left sits a damsel clad in rose-coloured robes playing a type of archaic lute, whilst beside her, dressed in green is a second girl holding a song-book. A third girl, dressed in a darker red robe, lifts a veil from her ear and stoops forward to listen to the music played by the other two figures. At the side of the girl dressed in green are pale wild roses growing over a knight's shield, reminiscent of Burne-Jones' Briar Rose series of pictures painted in the 1880s (Buscot Park, Oxfordshire). The title is taken from Tennyson's "Idylls of the King" from the part of the poem where Guinevere talks of her regret of her sins and desire to return to the idyllic time of her youth. The central figure dressed in green may therefore depict the young Guinevere, attended by two of her companions before she had met Arthur or Lancelot. The crown depicted on the bronze salver behind her and the lions rampant and Fleur-de-Lis on the heraldry probably relate to King Arthur whilst the knight carrying a golden sword and being crowned by angels, depicted in the panel above the window, is clearly the king her future husband holding Excalibur. The wild roses possibly relate to the illicit love of Lancelot.

[ai-katsuu]

Happy Valentine’s Day!

So @cookieek​ posted on the discord sever a cute set of prompts that I answered there so I’d like to do this as well! credits to @lamiahypnosia​ for making these <3

 1. I actually wrote them to say I love you at the end of their story where Jack's curse is broken, but I changed it to some months after since I felt that was too soon. But I do have this clip where it's implied but they don't outright say it! - 

Jack rolled his eyes as she laughed. He took her hand and looked her directly in the eye, “Audrey, I love how different you are from me. I love how...we’re from two completely different backgrounds, how we first met and I sort of didn’t like you at first.” Audrey was about to say something before he held his free hand up and smiled in assurance, “I love how witty you are, how you never miss a chance to say something funny under your breath, even though no one hears it. How you care for Snow White and the rest of the F7 like family even though you just met them. How you understood me even though...you’ve never been in my shoes. This was more than enough to make me hopelessly attracted to you.” he said “I am so, so” he put emphasis on his words, “happy you’re still in my life. If I had to go through those woods again to save you, go through my curse again to meet you....I would happily do it all over again. 

 “You’re a true partner and…” he looked sideways and gave a sheepish smile, “I’m hoping we could become much, much, more than that.” 

 Audrey looked at him and instinctively laced her fingers with his, Jack was quick to reciprocate the action as their eyes locked with the other. “I would want that as well…” she mumbled. Jack mumbled something under his breath that Audrey didn’t quite hear, but it didn’t matter as he smiled soon after and leaned in forward.

2. First date, hmm probably somewhere on the outskirts of Fairy tale Island. Since they went on an adventure I'm sure just to diffuse any lingering awkwardness Audrey would want to go exploring since that's when they were most comfortable with each other. 

 3. Yup! They live in the White Palace with the other partners and while there are maids and staff, I'd say it's Jack who does most of the cleaning in their room since Audrey never,,,,really had a room to begin with 

 4. Jack oh god, he can't stand Audrey's lack of self-care and room maintenance. She never really understood why one needs to brush their hair everyday?? Or other hygiene stuff? Like if you're clothes are clean then why do you need to wash them? Jack is annoyed a lot by that. For Audrey it isn't really a pet peeve but it's the opposite, she doesn't understand why Jack is so consistent with several face masks and perfumes

5. Audrey probably? They're both mature in their own sense and immature at separate times, but Audrey seems like the one to pull them out of any trouble if there is anything suspicious going on (she has been on her toes since she was younger after all!) 

 6. Audrey too! She's been outside of Fairy Tale Island and had been to many countries. Since she wasn't a prince or princess, she's had tons of time of explore and do fun activities. Jack of course has his own idea of fun which she appreciates^^ 

 7. HERE WE GO      

Merlin and Snow - "They pretty tight." "I love how Jack was finally able to find love from another person!" 

 Pino and Gretel - "Judging from all the stories she told me before I met you guys, they look like they've been through a lot in just 8 months?" "You have no idea haha. Audrey's pretty fun to see outside of the workshop." 

 Noki and Goldie - "They're fine. Jack has stopped bothering me about making exquisite stuff for him so I appreciate that." "I find them pretty cute! I love exchanging Valentine's gift ideas with Jack! He's pretty good at them you know?" 

Kio and Peter Pan - "I love Audrey. She's pretty fun to play pranks on or work on them together. We both have had time to spend on the outside world so we make a lot of pop-culture references others don't get." "Jack and Audrey are probably the most photogenic couple I've had taken pictures of, but nothing compared Arthur and Gwen. Now those two look like they'd step out of a portrait" 

Hans and Briar - "Not gonna lie. I had a bit of trouble with Audrey when I first came to the White Palace, I always felt like she was judging me,,,well I was too but still. But we're all good now! I love it when we go on missions together!" "Jack was my best friend first but it's nice to talk her about him. Whenever she needs advice she comes to me so that's something I have pride on!"

Arthur and Gwen - "THE AMOUNT OF TIMES JACK HAS TAUNTED ME THAT I WAS THE LAST ONE TO BREAK MY CUR-" "I love them! They're very nice and sweet!"(edited)

 8. When Jack proposed to Audrey? It was through a big surpise and she had no idea it was coming bc SO many people were involved and he played it like a heist.

 9. ARTHUR WANTS TO VOMIT. Jack kept on taunting him that he was the second to break his curse and not Arthur and he made sure Arthur saw it. But discreetly of course and nothing too much. Mostly just light hand holding, hugs in the hallway, leaning on her shoulder. Overall they're moderate. 

10. Audrey hates getting jealous but she does. It's an internal thing and something she wants to get rid of. She trusts Jack with all her heart but she knows he could've gotten someone else as the richest prince in FT Island so that makes her a bit insecure. Jack on the other hand? No not really. The only time you see him jealous is when Frosts visits because Audrey told him prior that she didn't have a lot of people she was close to so Jack sort of felt special. So you can imagine he felt a little hurt when he found out he wasn't the only one who knew most of her feelings, secrets etc.

[marlcasters]

Ugh honestly the ending was so beautiful. I literally will never shut and i know you've heard me talk about it like a loooot but like listen,

You've got Briar X Arthur with their dreamlike love, dedicating gardens to each other, co-workers to husband and wife, with their hidden glances and Briar just randomly grabbing his hand and walking out of a room with him.

And...

You've got Briar X Edmund with their "true love", they went from having his mother against them to straight up not caring and getting married anyway in front of people who will probably be bad mouthing them for god knows how long. The effort that they've put in for each other is just... Everything. And the way she helped him get through everything. Just...

Ugh they're both great ships OK?!

[boneandfur]

Rosemary Lane [1]

Summary: // Words: 3858 // Rating: Mature (eventual N*FW) // Notes: I couldn't wait any longer to post it... I just couldn't. This is a canon-divergence. I can't say more without spoiling it, but it takes place in 1822 and is also a slight crossover. It has two special MCs from a giveaway I did ages ago, @debramcg1106's Ava and @breaumonts ‘s Lisette are in here as well. // Thanks to @indiacater @lizeboredom and everyone else who has read snippets and listened to me talk about this fic for ages!

••

CHAPTER ONE

1822.

— "I wish I had feathers, a fine sweeping gown,

And a delicate face, and could strut about Town!" —

"My dear — a raw country girl, such as you be,

Cannot quite expect that. You ain't Ruined," said she. ~ The Ruined Maid, Thomas Hardy.

"Welcome back to Edgewater, sir and madam. How was the journey from London?" As Arthur Woods takes Briar's fine, fur lined cloak, she gazes about the great hall in wonder. "It looks much changed above stairs, does it not?" he whispers in a tone so low she must strain to hear it. Briar shoots a glance at Marlcaster, but he gives no indication he has heard them.

It does look different above stairs, and Briar drinks her fill. Despite her position, this is one of the few great houses she has been allowed access to. Most ladies will not allow her past the gate. But, then, most ladies are not her former best friend, risen so high above everyone else now that it does not matter what people whisper about her, The Bastard Duchess, The Natural Daughter, Locusta...

From the high vaulted ceilings of the rotunda, to every candle in the chandelier that sways, laden with wax; everywhere Briar turns there is some new marvel to gape at. Outside the fine, thin glass of the windowpane, she can see the groom leading their carriage away, and the rolling lawns that stretch nearly all the way to the low hills. She traces a finger along the wallpaper, gold vine and green leaves, with iridescent parrots peeking through -- and if Briar closes her eyes, she can imagine herself a bird of paradise in some deep jungle, a proper Cyprian, and not just...

There is a whistle on the air, the snippet of a song, and she strains to hear the music of it. It reminds her of something, a ballad she heard sung, long ago --

(Now if it’s a boy, he’ll fight for the King/And if it’s a girl she’ll wear a gold ring/She’ll wear a gold ring and a dress all aflame/And remember my service in Rosemary Lane.)

-- but Woods closes the window with an abrupt step forward, cutting the song off mid-note.

"Miss Daly?" Mr Woods clears his throat, holding out an arm for her cloak, and Briar steps back, feeling wounded and not quite knowing why.

Meanwhile, the ermine tails drip snow steadily onto the floor, leaving a puddle that would have made the old Briar twitch. She looks down at her hands, soft now, no longer used to honest toil, and gives a start as she feels Marlcaster's fingertips rest for a moment on her lower back, anchoring her to the present.

"Very good, Woods, thank you." But his voice is far away, distracted. She wonders if he is thinking that all this might have been his, after all, it belonged once to his half-brother. But Edmund Marlcaster no longer shares bedroom confidences with Briar Daly, no, if he shares pillow talk with anyone it is certainly not she. He has not touched me since... But she pushes the thought away.

"Oh, Mr Woods, you do not have to bow and scrape to me!" Briar claps her hands together, startling Woods. A deep, rosy blush stains his fair cheek, and she wonders if he still thinks of the girl that kissed him in London, the girl who would have thrown over a noble lover for him if he had but said the word. If... She throws a saucy wink at Marlcaster, hand on one hip, his eyes everywhere but upon her. "What do you think, sir?"

Her former patron straightens his cravat. "Quite so." A ghost of a smile quirks the side of his mouth, but it passes, and Briar thinks, for a long, stricken moment, that perhaps she has imagined it. "Is the company in the library?" At Woods' sudden step forward, Marlcaster holds up a hand. "No, no, I shall show myself upstairs."

"Edmund--" Briar plucks at his sleeve as he turns to mount the stairs, and the look on his face makes her stomach swoop in a dreadful manner. "Mr Marlcaster." She drops her eyes. We must use second names when we are in polite company, Miss Daly, how often must I remind you... "I should like to rest before dinner, of course."

"That is probably for the best." He chucks her under the chin, as though there still remains some affection between them, but the fire that once burned so bright between them is like the ash from the May Day fires, already strewn across a fallow field. "After all, you cannot present yourself to the Duchess with the stink of travel still upon you." Marlcaster seems to have no such scruples. He smells of horseflesh and leather and sweat, and yet he bounds up the first few steps like a young buck, as if he had not complained for half the journey that his old injury was bothering him.

"Mr Marlcaster, sir." Briar digs her nails into her palms, swallowing hard, and he turns around only long enough for her to see the irritation on his face. She knows it is a kind gesture, bringing her to this house party after they are already quit of each other, and yet she cannot help but feel a pang of sadness. "Give the duchess my love."

"Well, you shall see her yourself at dinner, you can give it to her then." Marlcaster shrugs, and then continues up the steps.

Briar wants to run after him, but she holds herself very still, willing her face to remain calm. It would not to do show emotion like one of the lower orders, she must remain perfectly poised, and appear to be a lady.

"Miss Daly?" Mr Woods' gentle tone of concern nearly undoes her on the spot, and when Briar looks up at him, she is sure he can see the wetness on her cheeks. Yet he says nothing, discretely passing her a handkerchief and allowing her to compose herself before he speaks again. "If you wish to rest before dinner, Her Grace has put you in the red room, I believe."

The red room. This is a dig at her reputation, she is sure of it. The old Rosamund was never one for subterfuge -- But as soon as she found out she was the daughter of an Earl, everything began to change…

When she looks back at him, her dark eyes are sparkling, unnaturally bright. "I must ask for a girl to attend me and do my hair before dinner. I should not like to look countryfied in front of the esteemed company tonight."

"Esteemed?" A rosy blush tints his fair cheeks. It seems she is still able to make his voice falter, after all this time, but the knowledge brings her no joy. "Yes. Esteemed." A gentle smile touches his lips. "The duchess pays me to be discreet, as you know, Miss Daly. I'll say no more on the matter. Very well, I shall send a girl, inasmuch as it matters."

"Arthur, wait." At her use of his given name, Woods turns on his heel in enquiry. "Do not." Look at me as if, as if... She hates the plaintive tone that has entered her voice, like a child.

"Do not what?" he looks down at her fingers on his sleeve, as though he will shake her off. But he knows. He must.

"Look at me with such... Never mind." There it is again. That softening in his eyes. As though the past six years have been swept away, and they are standing beside the side of the road in Grovershire again, a boy and a girl, smiling at one another. Before she ever tasted his lips. Before Mr Marlcaster ever took her maidenhead. Before... "I shall go downstairs with you, and conduct the interview myself."

“No, Briar.” The firm refusal wounds her to the quick. “You are…” his mouth works, keeping the words unspoken. “A--”

Strumpet. Trollop. Whore.. Rosamund had screamed it when she found out about Briar and Edmund, and then she had wept inconsolably, as though she were the one whose heart was breaking, as if she had gone to the marriage bed pure as snow.

“I know what I am, Mr Woods,” Briar says, a little stiffly. “But that does not mean I still do not need help with my hair and -- my woman’s things, Mr Woods.”

Woods tugs on his collar. His color is up again, and she marvels that he can yet be a bachelor, that no girl has snapped him up. He is quite the catch for any serving maid. The thought makes her drop her eyes. But he is not for you, Briar Daly. “I know that I am Ruined…” Briar brushes past Woods, and his fingers trail along her arm, one catching just at the spray of lace at her wrist, as though he would stop her. “But you must know I would never corrupt the household.”

As she passes, she thinks she hears him whisper, “It is too late,” -- but perhaps that is only the sound of her heart, knocking against her ribs like a wild bird in a cage.

•••

Long ago, she thought this world a wondrous thing. It was a world within a world: upstairs, lived Rosamund with her long-lost father, grandmother and step-family, and below stairs... The smell of rosemary and roast quail hits her first, and she freezes upon the stair. And I suppose you'll be her lady’s maid, come up from Grovershire? The housekeeper had inspected Briar from head to toe with a sniff. If it were a test, Briar knew she had been found wanting. Yes, I'm Lady Rosamund’s best friend. Shocked, she took a step back as the woman rubbed the material of her sleeve between her fingers and gave a sniff. Uppity little thing, aren't you? Well, we'll have none of that here, Miss. if you think you're too good for the lot of us downstairs... You'd better come along, then. Look sharp. I'm Mrs Fox, she'd thrown over her shoulder. And you're of a size with the cook's helper, you can borrow one of her dresses until we can have one made for you. The kitchen smelled of rosemary and roast venison, and Briar's stomach had growled. There, at the long counter, a skinny black haired girl with a streak of flour on her cheek laughed at something a footman said, flicking flour at him as she rolled out the pastry dough. As Briar stepped through the doorway to the kitchen with Mrs Fox, the girl looked up, and a hush fell over the kitchen.

"Briar Daly?"

Ava goes rigid, staring at Briar from across the room. Her hands are braced on the board, frozen in the act of rolling out pastry dough. All talk in the kitchen ceases as the servants turn to stare at Briar, who is frozen to the spot, suddenly feeling out of place in her fashionable gown.

Ava blows a wisp of dark hair from her face, and hands the roller to the girl next to her, a skinny little pullet of a thing with pale curls like winter sunlight. An eerie hush has fallen over the company, and their faces, once dear and familiar, are passing strange with the weight of the years. Briar cannot move.

This is Briar. She's come from Grovershire with Lady Rosamund, to be her lady’s maid. She’ll borrow your dress and apron. Show her where she’ll sleep, and you may have the afternoon, if Cook doesn't need you.

I'll need her in an hour, Mrs Fox. The cook had shaken her head with a smile, passing Briar a bread heel with drippings. When you come back, you can tell us all about Lady Rosamund!

Yes, ma’m. Ava looked Briar up and down, head cocked to one side like a cat. Come on, then.

After a long moment, Ava dusts her floury hands on her apron and nods to the kitchen maid, and conversation starts up again, but hushed, as the servants try to catch every snippet of her words.

"You shouldn't be here, Briar -- Miss Daly." Ava crosses her arms. Though never a big woman, the skin and bones orphan from the poorhouse has grown into a woman with green, snapping eyes, dark hair framing her face from under a starched mobcap. "And it's Mrs Walker, now."

Briar swallows. She had feared disdain, but her former friend's pity is worse. "So you married him, then? Your blacksmith?"

Ava's expression softens. "Drake? Aye, and we've a snug cottage, and a wee bairn, haven't we now, Mr Woods?"

Briar has not seen Woods come up behind her, and she jumps a little in surprise.

"Aye, Cook, and a right little terror she is, too! Miss ’Melia is the spitting image of her mama," Arthur turns to Briar with a smile, "and never fails to get her way in the kitchens."

"Oh... You have a child, Ava -- Cook?" The words are like broken glass in her mouth, and Briar can feel her heart twist painfully over. If the baby had lived... If I, if he... But she cannot think of the dank shadows of Red Moon Lane without her guts in a tangle.

Ava and Woods share a look. "Briar, what are you doing down here?" Ava's tone says quite plainly what she thinks, and she pulls on Briar's arm, yanking her into the larder, hung with a brace of pheasants and a haunch of venison that gives off a wild, gamy smell. "What is this really about?"

As Briar looks at her former friend, she feels the gulf open and yawn between them, as though they are standing on either side of the fens, calling out to one another in the shifting mists. She does not belong here, that is plain. This is no longer my world. "I would like to hire one of the girls to be my maid for the next few days." Briar twists her plait in her hands. The truth is, she needs to look the part, if she wants to catch the eye.

A new patron.

The thought makes it hard to breathe for a moment, and she wonders what happened to that bold, saucy girl, back in Grovershire, all those years ago.

She grew up.

•••

"Lady Rosamund." Edmund Marlcaster sweeps a bow before her, and the lady sets down her book. She is all rose and gold and lace, the very picture of an English lady (though no well bred English miss ever had such bold eyes, or such an impudent manner). Marlcaster cannot hide the smile that breaks out upon his face when he sees the gold leaf title on the little red spine. Moll Flanders. "By God, I hope you never change."

Rosamund sticks out her tongue, laying a ribbon between the pages and setting her tiny feet on the floor with a great yawn. "Hello to you too, Ned. How was the road?" Rosamund stands to press her lips against his cheek, she smells of violet water and snow, and he wonders, if he tasted her, if she would melt into him like a snowflake, leaving the pattern of her heart stamped upon his, where no one else can see.

"Rosamund." Marlcaster picks up her hand, his lips ghosting across her inner wrist, his eyes never leaving hers. "You have never looked so fine."

"Flatterer." Rosamund taps him on the chest with her fan. "But I agree, to speak of the weather is so dratted dull. I do hope all of the guests make it." She takes a step back, turning her face to the window as she stares out at the swirling flakes.

I do not. The thought gives him pause. "I saw the Prince in Town, he was looking quite well."

Rosamund smirks. "Oh? I suppose he may very well be. I had a letter from him just last week, delivered by Mr Konevi. He speaks of nothing but the pretty little birds he has seen on his travels, and the way the light looks in the high mountains, beyond the citadel." She sighs, resting her chin for a moment on her fist, and then turns back to him, an impish smile playing on her full lips. "Come and warm your feet by the fire, then, and tell me the news of Town."

Rosamund lays a hand on his arm, and he can feel her touch burning him as though they are flesh to flesh, through all the layers of cotton and twill. She gives him a little tug and he feels his boots moving as he trails after her, his body going where she wants it to go, just as his body did her bidding all those years ago, before she ever wed the Duke, before he ever knew she could undo him with just one look, the embers smoldering in those dark, fine eyes.

"I hope you did not start the party without me." Hamid sweeps into the room without so much as a by-your-leave, and Marlcaster feels a spurt of irrational anger, Rosamund's attention already diverted from him.

"Your Highness!" With a cry of delight, Rosamund allows herself to be pulled into the prince's embrace, and the two make air kisses at one another's cheeks, causing a burning chain to wrap around Marlcaster's innards. "Well met!"

"How was the journey? Did you see any more beautiful birds on your travels?" Rosamund gasps in delight as the prince pulls two shimmering feathers from his cloak, and drops to one knee, presenting them with a theatrical flourish. "My word! Oh, Ned, have you ever seen aught so lovely?"

Marlcaster is prevented from answering by the Prince's deep rumble of amusement, and the rope tightens around his neck, threatening to choke him. He can feel heat racing through his veins, and he busies himself with pouring the wine for the assembled company, Mr Woods appearing with a tray and a look of sympathy.

"None so lovely as you, your grace. Is she not the loveliest songbird you have ever seen, Mr Marlcaster?"

Hamid's booming laugh causes Marlcaster's hand to tighten on the wine glass stem for a moment, and he breathes deeply through his nose, sweet woodruff and wild strawberries. The scent of summer. Unbidden, an image springs to his mind, of chasing a forest lass through a dappled greenwood (far before she was ever called Lady), flowers in her hair, drunk on honey mead and moonlight.

"The loveliest," Edmund manages, turning with a careful smile, trying hard not to focus on the rise of her breasts or the gold flecks in her eyes; especially not when she brushes against him, golden hair falling in her face as she holds the feathers up to the pale light, turning them this way and that.

"I shall wear them tonight, at dinner." Rosamund is still absorbed in the iridescent play of colors, and completely misses the look the men share over her head. "Mrs Sinclaire will be beside herself over these. What bird did you say they came from?"

Hamid steps in smoothly, his hand touching Rosamund's shoulder, lingering as he bends his head to hers. "The ibis, Lady Rosamund. It is a sacred bird. The Ancient Egyptians believed that the ibis represented the god of wisdom, Djehuty, who composed every branch of... knowledge." Hamid's hand moves down, to rest just at the curve of her waist.

Rosamund lets out a little breath, eyes widening as she stares up at Hamid. "Oh!" Her cheeks go quite pink, and Marlcaster's composure slips. The glass breaks in his hand, spilling wine all over his riding jacket. "Ned! Oh dear!" A beat, and then Rosamund is at his side. "I shall ring for a servant, wait --"

"No, I am quite all right." Despite himself, Marlcaster feels a rich sense of satisfaction as all her attention is on him, blotting ineffectually at the wine stain spreading over his shirt. "Lady Rosamund, it is nothing to concern yourself with." He lays a finger under her chin, raising it up, and the flash in her dark eyes makes his head swim. "I will bear it until the time comes to dress for dinner."

"Oh, but your poor hand!" She wraps the handkerchief around his hand, pressing her lips together disapprovingly, and knots it. "There. It will suffice, you damnably stubborn man."

Not without a kiss. But he does not say it. After all, they are not alone, and he would not go so far without a sign from her. Yet, she is still staring up at him, waiting for something.

Hamid claps a hand on his shoulder. "Just a scratch, eh, Marlcaster? We men are hardier creatures than fragile womenfolk, Lady Rosamund. But if you feel faint, Mr Marlcaster, perhaps you should have a lie down, and no one here would fault you."

Marlcaster presses his lips together. "It is nothing." Yet it stings, the same way his heart stung that morning in the church, when she wed the Duke and he watched his mother lead her to the bridal chamber, a veil covering her face, pale and resolute as Death.

"...In fact," Hamid continues, a smile on his face that does not quite reach his eyes, "I shall be having a lie-down before dinner as well. Lady Rosamund?"

The lady in question bites her bottom lip, worrying it between her teeth. "Yes, full dinner dress tonight, at nine on the gong."

"I shall await your pleasure, your grace." Hamid bends over her hand, turning it over and pressing a kiss upon her palm, and she looks at Marlcaster from under her lashes, as though in challenge.

When Hamid has gone, Marlcaster nods, turning to leave. "Your grace."

"What, no courtly gesture?" she teases him gently. Her tongue darts out, wetting her lower lip, and he lifts her hand to his mouth, brushing his lips over her knuckles. Her eyes go wide, pupils expanding, and she steps forward. He leans in, lips a mere hairsbreadth away from hers. "Ned." Rosamund fists her hands in his shirt, closing the distance between their bodies. "I have missed you." She looks up at him from under her lashes, and he knows in an instant that he is going to take her on the floor, right here, right now.

He brushes his thumb over her bottom lip, leaning down. "My Rose-of-the-World." Their lips are nearly touching, and when he breathes in her breath, it makes him feel drunk with desire for the woman in front of him, who he once tumbled in the greenwood, before either of them ever knew the price they would pay for youth's passion.

"Marlcaster! A word?" Hamid pokes his head back through the door, and Marlcaster sees Briar standing there beside the prince, and feels the temperature in the room drop by at least twenty degrees, his ardor cooling.

What else can he do, but make a leg? "Adieu, Rosamund."

Rosamund lifts his hand, and presses a kiss upon the bandage, the white cotton dark with his blood, as though it is the damned spot that will never come out. "Until tonight, Ned."

Somehow, from Rosamund's lips, it sounds like a vow.

••• 

tag list: @breaumonts @hopefulmoonobject @choicesarehard @choiceswreckedme @lizeboredom @walkerismychoice @debramcg1106 @ritachacha @gardeningourmet @tmarie82 @enmchoices @darley1101 @blackcatkita @littlecrookedheart @mrswalkers-blog @drakewalkerfantasy @eileendannie @khakie4 @regina-and-happiness @wughhumans @mfackenthal @choiceslife @princess-geek @sawyeroakleyscowboyhat @cora-nova @aspensorcery @naughtydevils @bhavf @indiacater

[melodyofgraves]

Road Trip (Chambers  x Konevi modern AU) - part one

A/N: I know it took me a long time to finish this (for a few reasons) but it’s here. This was really fun to write but I don’t know if it will be as fun to read. So please let me know if I should post future parts of this mess when I’m done with them.

The whole idea is just a bunch of little stories with an introduction (this part) and an end. And a lot of tropes and cliches. Hope you'll still enjoy!

Words: 1776

Tagging: @hellospunkiebrewster @queerchoicesblog @brightpinkpeppercorn @pixieferry @akrenich @itsbrindleybinch @thehonorarybeaumont @robbiessutcliffe @the-writerly-night-owl @inkandfables @choicesbyvera

“Please tell me you have ice cream.” weren’t exactly the words Annabelle was expecting to hear when she opened her door on a Friday night.

So after almost thirty minutes of watching her friend trying to pretend he “just wanted to hang out” while emptying her freezer of anything that contained enough sugar, she began to lose patience.

“What’s going on, Bart?” she asked, loudly enough to get his attention over the tv.

“I already told you…”

“Bullshit.” she cut him off before taking a deep breath and smiling gently. “You know I don’t have anything against you hanging out at my place. But I know that’s not the reason you’re here. So talk.”

He bit his lip and looked into the ice cream bucket in his hand as if it was the perfect place to find his answer. Then he just sighed, muting the show they were just watching.

“I saw Yusuf today.”

“Oh.” Parsons tilted her head. “How is he?”

“I don’t know.”

“You don’t know? You didn’t talk?”

“No.” Chambers pointed towards rack in the hallway he could barely see from his spot. “I also kinda stole his jacket.”

“What are you talking about?”

“The green one. Well, technically I didn’t steal it. He gave it to me so I could chase my bus and yelled that I can give it back later.”

“So what’s the problem?”

“I think he changed his number last year and probably forgot I don’t have a new one. So if I don’t find him myself, this stolen jacket is staying with me.”

“It’s not stolen.”

“Yeah. And it’s a nice jacket.”

“It is. So why do you have it again?” Annabelle would be lying if she said she wasn’t a little confused.

“Long story. In short, it was pouring rain earlier today and I was hiding under this tunnel with a bunch of people when I saw my bus. And I had two options – I wait however long it takes for the weather to calm down or I run for it to the nearest bus stop. Which would be far enough if there wasn’t a flood coming from the sky.”

“Why do I feel like you're being a little dramatic?"

“Hey, I didn’t have an umbrella. Or even a coat. Only this t-shirt.”

“Coward.”

“Shush. So I’m trying to make the decision when I feel someone tap me on the shoulder.”

“And by someone you mean Yusuf?”

“Yes, I mean Yusuf. I’m trying to add a little suspense to the story but since you don’t appreciate it then I give up.” he glared at his friend getting a chuckle in return. “He gave me his jacket and told me to run because he can wait. And then I caught the bus and came here. The end.”

“What do you mean the end? Why didn’t you stay there and talk to him? Ask when did he come back?”

“Yeah, I thought about it myself. Already sitting in the bus.” he sighed. ”Everything was happening so fast.”

“Kinda sounds like a plot of a bad fanfiction.” she joked, earning another glare.

“Glad you find my life funny.”

“Wait. I mean, you know he’s in town. So finding him shouldn't be that much of a problem.”

“I don’t know if he’s back for good. And we’re leaving tomorrow so he might be gone before we go back.”

“And if he isn’t, I’ll help you find him. Come on, you can’t be moping around at Lucy’s wedding.”

“I have a whole week before the actual ceremony.” he smiled slightly, feeling a little better. The groom was grumpy enough for the whole group so maybe he should focus on balancing it out. “Luke’s driving, right?”

Annabelle furrowed her brows at him.

“Wait, you mean they didn’t tell you?”

“Tell me what?”

“Briar asked if we could add Edmund to our car and he was supposed to call you and ask if you two could switch…”

“Oh.”

“Shit. We can kick him out tomorrow, Briar can live without…”

“No, no, it’s fine. I don’t mind,” he assured. No need to make a fuss about something so petty. “So who’s in the other car?”

-

Sitting in the backseat and being squeezed in between Theresa and Felicity wasn’t his best Saturday morning but it certainly wasn’t the worst one either. After all, he could’ve ended up like Arthur, gripping the steering wheel while trying to answer to Mr Westonly’s attempted conversations as politely and loudly as possible.

“Why are we even going all the way to Grovershire for this? Like the couldn't have chosen anything closer to home.” the blonde muttered, tapping her nails against her purse.

“But Lucy always wanted to get married in the same church as her parents did,” the grin appeared on Theresa's face as she was almost jumping in her seat. “It’s just so romantic when you think about it.”

“And cliche. I’m surprised Ernest even agreed to that nonsense.” a hint of a smile tugged on the corners of Holloway's lips, indicating she was starting an argument more out of boredom than anything else.

“I’m sure he thought it was a great idea…”

The ladies continued their banter so Bart just sighed and focused on the road. They left early enough to avoid too much traffic and he was thankful for that. Everything seemed so calm outside. On the inside, however…

“Young man, would you stop at the gas station? I need to stretch out these old legs.” Mr Westonly asked suddenly. Bart was initially pretty surprised that the old man was going with them but he was one of the very few family members Ernest had left so he decided to not even question it. Whatever made his friend happy.

“I was hoping we could go a little more without stopping so we could…” Arthur began to explain but was cut off by Felicity.

“Oh, come on, they can wait. I will not spend another hour in this car.”

"But..."

"Now."

So they stopped. A ten-minute break on the gas station before hitting the road again. That’s what they agreed on.

So imagine Bartholomew’s surprise when after returning from the bathroom, the car was gone. Nowhere in sight. Its previous spot completely empty.

They left him.

But that’s okay. He can just call them and ask what the hell happened, right?

He grabbed his phone from his pocket so quickly it almost dropped. Good thing he at least kept it in his jacket because his backpack and all of his other things were still in Wood’s car. But that’s okay, he was just going to call them and…

… and his phone was dead. Fantastic.

He kicked a nearby pebble in frustration. How the hell did they not notice he was gone? And should he just stand there in the hope they’d come back or find another transport?

He decided to wait for a few moments. It’s not like he had anything better to do.

-

Chambers sat on the sidewalk, watching the passing cars and getting more annoyed with each second. That was getting ridiculous. He always wanted to believe in people’s best intentions but how do you just forget about a person like that?

The gas station was pretty much in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by the woods. Aside from the store and small parking with barely any cars, there wasn’t really much for him to do or go to.

Going for a walk, while tempting, was out of the question. Even if his friends didn’t come back for him, he would probably get lost in the unknown forest and that was the last thing he wanted that day.

He finally stood up. Moping around won’t get him anywhere. Asking around for directions to the nearest form of transportation was probably a better option.

Turning around towards the store, he suddenly heard his name.

“Bart?” a black car stopped right next to him and a familiar face peeked through the window. “What are you doing here?”

“Hi!” he waved, trying to look as casual as possible. Almost three years without him and now they’re running into each other every day. “I’m just looking around. How about you?”

“Just getting gas.” Yusuf smiled at him and his heart fluttered just like years ago when they first met. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Yeah. Not really.”

“Do you want to talk about this?”

“No, it’s fine. You’re driving somewhere and I don’t want to stop you.”

“I’ve got time. Just give me a minute to park.”

-

“How the hell could they forget about you?”

“I have no idea.” Chambers mumbled, sitting next to him on the sidewalk and munching on one of the ice cream sandwiches they've just bought. “And right now I’m left with nothing because all of my things are in the car."

“You don’t have anything?”

“I have some cash in my pocket but it’s not much. And my phone but it’s useless because the charger is in my backpack. Next to your jacket, actually.” he sighed. “Thank you for that, by the way. And sorry I can’t give it back to you yet.”

"Don't mention it. It's not your fault that you were abandoned." Yusuf nudged him lightly. "Why did you even brought it with you?"

Because it's yours and I wasn't going to just leave it at home for so long.

"I was thinking maybe you were going to the wedding too."

"Oh, I just found out about it from you." Konevi laughed and Bart could feel his cheeks get a little bit warmer. "I haven't really had a chance to talk to anyone yet so they probably don't even know I'm back."

"I'm sure they'd be happy to see you."

"I wouldn't want to show up uninvited." he stood up, dusting off his jeans and throwing the wrapper into the bin. "I could make sure you get there though."

“Really?”

“Of course. I wouldn't be able to sleep at night if I just left you here alone. And I'm going in the same direction anyway.” he grinned and extended his hand, helping Chambers stand up as well. "If you don't mind spending so much time with me, that is."

"That sounds... perfect."

Yusuf grinned again and got into the car, quickly joined by the other man.

"Are you sure you don't mind? The ride to the Grovershire is pretty long." Chambers asked, just to be sure, though he couldn't stop the hopeful smile from appearing on his face.

"I have time and good company. Everything I need." he chuckled, starting the car. “Besides, I really want that jacket back.”

[walkerismychoice]

For Law and Love - Chapter 3

Book: Desire and Decorum - Modern day AU

Paring: Ernest Sinclaire X MC

Raiting: PG-13

Summary: Anna attends Luke and Hamid’s Party, hoping a certain someone will be there.

Count: 2788

Law and Love Master List  - Catch up here

 Anna's first week at Harvard had flown by. She was starting to regret loading 5 difficult classes into one semester to get caught up and graduate on time. As bad as professor Richards was, she would probably be able to manage in his class, but business statistics threatened to be the death of her. She planned to spend a good part of the weekend studying to get a leg up, but she figured there was no harm in taking one night off to attend Luke and Hamid's party.

Anna ate some leftover takeout for dinner and perused her closet for an outfit to wear to the party. What did people even wear at Harvard parties? Should she dress up? Wear something casual? She decided on her favorite skinny jeans that fit like a glove and a dressy black tank with a plunging yet not too revealing neckline. She’d pass either way with that outfit. Just as she laid her clothes on the bed she heard an incoming FaceTime call. 

"Briar! I've missed you. How was your first week?"

"Just dreadful without you. Well, not really, but it still doesn't feel right without you here. Are you sure you don't want to come back?" Briar asked expectantly.

Anna rolled her eyes. "You know I'm not coming back to Columbia, but I can't wait for you to come visit me here."

Briar put on a mock pout. "So you haven't replaced me as your best friend yet?"

"Never, Briar! But I did meet a suitable stand-in in my business law class, and Oh! One of my teaching assistants for the class is Harry's friend Luke!”

“Lucky!” Briar exclaimed. “He is so hot.”

Anna scrunched her nose. “He’s like a big brother to me. I have trouble seeing him that way...but the other TAs aren’t too bad to look at either.”

“Oh, really? Do tell!” Briar encouraged.

“One is named Hamid. He gorgeous - dark hair, dark eyes, super flirty...”

“But?” Briar asked. 

“What do you mean but?”Anna pretended not to know why Briar would ask, but Briar knew her too well. Briar didn’t answer but cocked her head to the side and gave her ‘the look’. “Okay, but despite all that, I kind of have a thing for the other one, and I don’t know why. I mean he’s really cute. He has these deep blue eyes that seem to stare straight into your soul, and I can’t imagine he’d be anything but a great kisser with those full lips. Then his hair is kind of curly/wavy and just the right length for grabbing onto...not that I’ve thought much about it.”

“And you can’t understand how you like him why?”

Anna sighed. “He’s grumpy - I don’t think he knows how to smile. He only showed the slightest interest in me when he found out I was Harry’s sister, but that’s likely because Harry was his only friend. The other guys made it sound like Ernest sits home alone all the time. He’s probably a complete bore.”

“Ernest? Is that really his name?” Briar tried to hold back a giggle.

“I know, right? Add that to the list of odd things about him. It’s got to be a family name or something. The guys call him by his last name, Sinclaire.”

“Sinclaire has a nice ring to it.” Briar decided. “Anyway, with a name like Briar, should I really be talking anyway? Despite your objections, I can tell you like this guy.”

“And like I said, it makes no sense.” Anna shook her head. “He doesn’t seem to want to get to know me outside of grading my papers in class. He’s invited to a party Luke and Hamid are throwing tonight, but I doubt he’ll show. Why would I expect him to show up for me anyway? What is wrong with me? I don’t fall for guys this easily.”

“Ooh, you’re going to a party tonight?”

“Yes, Hamid is Luke’s roommate and they are hosting. My new friend Annabelle, the one I mentioned, is coming with me. We’ll see if these Harvard kids actually know how to have any fun. That’s enough ranting about me though. I’ve hardly asked what’s going on with you, Briar.”

“Nothing new. I’m still seeing Arthur...and Eddie.” Briar cringed, probably knowing Anna would have something to say about it.

Anna shot Briar a scolding look. “I know you haven’t promised to be exclusive with either of them, but I’m pretty certain Edmund Marlcaster is still very much exclusively engaged to Theresa Sutton. I just don’t want you to get hurt.”

“I know what we are to each other.” Briar tried to come off as indifferent, but her expression and tone of voice said otherwise. Anna knew she had fallen hard for Eddie but kept Arthur around as security blanket for whenever Eddie decided to end their affair and toss her aside. “Speaking of Eddie, I should get going. We are hanging out tonight.”

“Yeah, I should get ready too. Have fun tonight” Anna said, trying her hardest to sound convincing. Like she was one to judge anyway.

~~~~~

Annabelle met Anna outside her apartment at 9pm. Luke’s place was about a 10 minute stroll from Anna’s and it was a nice night, so they decided to walk. When they arrived, the roomy flat was already full of people, much to Anna’s relief. There was nothing worse than being the first ones to the party, awkwardly waiting for other guests to arrive.

“Anna, you made it!” Luke approached and greeted Anna with a hug. “And you are in our class too -  Annabelle, is it?”

“That’s me! Swanky pad you have here.” Annabelle motioned around the room.

“Thank you. I wish I could take credit, but I could never afford even close to half the rent for this place. Having a roommate descended from Turkish royalty has its perks.”

“Did I hear you talking about me, Harper?” Hamid appeared, seemingly out of nowhere, and clapped Luke on the shoulder. “Good evening ladies. You are both looking radiant.”

Luke narrowed his eyes and shot Hamid a sideways glance before turing back to the ladies. “You’ll have to excuse him. He doesn’t know how to turn off the prince charming act.”

“No need to waste it on me,” Annabelle asserted. “Princesses are more my style.”

Hamid pretended to be offended. “Can’t I just give a compliment to be nice? - Don’t answer that Luke. Can I get you ladies a drink? Tonight we have beer....or, beer.”

“I suppose I’ll take a beer.” Anna answered. It wasn’t her favorite but she could stomach it. “Annabelle?”

“Sure, I’ll take one too.” As Hamid disappeared into the kitchen, Annabelle spotted someone across the room. “Oh, I’ve seen her in a couple of my classes. I’m going to go say hi.”

A couple minutes later Hamid emerged with two red Solo cups. “I see even the elite Harvard Law students aren’t above cheap beer and plastic cups. Annabelle went to say hi to someone. I’ll take hers.” Anna took both beers from Hamid.

“I can assure you we have the good stuff too. We usually just save it for more...intimate gatherings, as I’m sure you’ll come to find out.” Hamid’s words carried an undertone and Anna wasn’t sure if he was truly interested in her or if Hamid just flirted with any living, breathing female. The attention felt nice in a way, but also made her a bit uneasy.

“I’m going to go give this to Annabelle.” Anna held up the cup in her right hand and turned towards the other corner of the room. She hardly took one step before having to swerve out of the way of a tall figure coming right at her. A strong arm reached out to steady her. She looked up and it was none other than.... “Ernest! Are you trying to make a habit of nearly trampling me?”

“Excuse me?” His tone was slightly annoyed. “You were the one not watching wear you were going. And what do you mean making a habit of it?”

“The first time we met,“ Anna motioned with air quotes. “You almost ran over me at the book store.” Obviously he didn’t find her as memorable as she found him.

A look of recognition flashed across Ernest’s face. “Oh, that was you! I was so preoccupied I didn’t even get a look at your face.” 

“Clearly.” Anna muttered. “What are you doing here anyway?” In her frustration it came out harsher than she intended.

Ernest scoffed. “I was invited. It’s polite to accept an invitation to social engagements when one is able to attend.”

“You sound like you are reading out of an etiquette book. I just thought...Luke and Hamid made it sound like you never really came to parties.”

“Well...” Ernest fumbled for a response, “Why were you concerned with the prospect of my attendance?” Dammit. He wasn’t supposed to turn this around on her, but did this attempt at deflection mean she caught him? Is it possible he showed up because of her?  If had been looking forward to seeing her, he was doing a poor job of showing it.

“I hadn’t thought about it until just now,” she lied. She’d been holding onto a shred of hope that he might show up all week. “I just remembered what they said when they told me about the party.”

Ernest shrugged. “It’s a new year. I’m trying to branch out more.”

“I see...” An awkward pause filled the space between them. Anna looked towards Annabelle who was thoroughly engrossed in conversation and had probably forgotten all about the drink. “Beer?” She held a cup out to Ernest.

“It isn’t typically wise to accept a drink from someone you hardly know. You never know what could be in it.” Anna would assume Ernest was teasing her, but there was no hint of humor in his voice.

“What makes you think I’d have any interest in taking advantage of you.” Anna instantly regretted it as soon as it came out.

Ernest’s cheeks reddened. “I wasn’t...I just meant in general.” His blush was adorable, and Anna relished being able to fluster him. Maybe he didn’t hate her after all. “I’ll take it.” He locked eyes with her as he took the drink from her hand. His fingers lightly grazed hers, his electric touch sending a shiver down her spine. Anna suddenly felt quite flushed herself. She had to avert her eyes before she burned up under the heat of his intense gaze. Ernest cleared his throat. “I’m going to go greet the hosts,” he announced and left Anna standing there without further conversation. He had to have felt it too, didn’t he?

Annabelle had disappeared by this time, so Anna mingled with the crowd. She met people she had seen around campus, both undergrads and law students alike. All of the law students had at least been acquainted with Harry, and while it was nice that they knew her story, everyone treated her like she was fragile or a bit broken. Maybe that was true, but she just wanted to not think about it for once and have a good time. She also didn’t want to worry about why it seemed like Ernest was avoiding her, always managing to be opposite of wherever she was for the rest of the evening. She drank a third and then moved to a fourth beer. Freshman year of college that might not have touched her, but she hadn’t been drinking at all lately and was a lightweight by nature. Two she could handle, three was usually the tipping point, and by four all bets were off. She was still feeling fine, at least she thought, and felt compelled to join some others dancing to some Marshmello collaboration in the living room. Even in her not so sober state her moves were quite impressive. Being a trained dancer had its advantages. It seemed as if all eyes were on her...except the ones she wanted.

Anna was dancing freely in her own world, when she felt a hand snake around her waist and spin her around. “Hamid! Hi! What are you doing.”

“I was just admiring you from across the room and thought I’d join you. Where’d you learn to move like that?” Hamid’s eyes wandered up and down her body.

“Former Dance major. Comes with the territory. Now did you come over here to talk or dance?” Hamid smirked and pulled her in closer. She hadn’t had much interest in him prior but her inhibitions were down, he was hot, and he was there. Ernest who?  Hamid grinded up against her, and she was fairly certain she could feel his excitement through his jeans which sent a small thrill through her. Hamid leaned down to whisper something in her ear, and then she saw him standing there watching them at the edge of the room with a disapproving look on his face. “What’s his deal?” Anna cut in and pointed at Ernest before Hamid could say whatever he had been about to say. “Why is he so stuck up and judgy?”

Hamid chuckled. “Sinclaire is certainly different. He does seem to have a stick up his ass most of the time. Bit of a loner and socially awkward, but he’s not a bad guy though if you can ever manage to break through his exterior.

Ernest started to approach them and Anna worried she might have been too obvious talking about him. “Thank you for having me, Hamid. I’m going to head home.”

Anna couldn’t help feeling disappointed that he was leaving despite having an eager and willing dance partner by her side. Before she though about what she was saying she called out, “Bye, Ernie!”, and if looks could kill she would have dropped dead right then and there.

Ernest was about to reply when Anna stumbled and fell right into Hamid’s arms. “Whoa there, maybe it’s time for you to head home too Anna. I can take you.”

“No, no, I’ll just go find Annabelle...Where has she been?”

“I haven’t seen her in quite awhile. I’m guessing she left with that girl she was talking to. Let me walk you home.”

Ernest rolled his eyes. “That won’t be necessary Hamid. I’m headed in that direction. I’ll take her. You don’t need to leave your own party.”

“Okay then. It was a pleasure getting to know you better Anna. I look forward to finishing our dance next time.” He leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. The scent of strong cologne mixed with beer was becoming quite nauseating. 

“Until next time. Say bye to Luke for me.” She should have gone and said goodbye herself, but she was starting to feel a bit dizzy and could not get home to her bed soon enough.

“There’s a problem,” Anna said, words slightly slurred as they stepped outside. “I’m not quite sure how to get home.”

Ernest shook his head at her. “I know the way. I’ve been there a few times with Harry”

The walk seemed to take hours. Maybe it had been hours - Anna had no sense of time anymore. She thought Ernest had insisted on taking her home because he wanted to, but he was probably just doing Hamid a favor. He barely spoke two words to her. He took her arm in his to keep her steady, but he kept as much distance as possible between them. He was so hard to read, ever more so when she was drunk.

Anna was about to key in her code at the front door when another wave of nausea came over her. “Are you okay there?” Ernest asked.

She turned back to him. “Yes, I’m fi--” and before she knew what happened, she vomited all over Ernest’s feet. “Oh my god, I’m so, so sorry. You can just go, I can let myself in.” If Anna wasn’t already mortified at her previous embarrassing display of behavior, this cemented it. She wasn’t going to be able to look him in the eyes ever again.

Maybe she imagined it, but he appeared more concerned than upset. “I better make sure you get in alright.” Anna didn’t have it in her to protest so she let Ernest lead her upstairs to her apartment door.

“Thank you Ernest. I think I can handle it from here. She got her key in the hole on the second try and quickly said bye, closing the door before she could embarrass herself further. She somehow mustered the energy to wash her face and hands and peel off her clothes before collapsing into bed and falling asleep almost instantly.

Tag List: @quacksonlover​​, @cocomaxley​​, @tmarie82​​, @simplyaiden-blog​, @lizeboredom​, @alexanderkeith​, @debramcg1106​, @llholloway​, @zackzilberg​, @confessionsofabrokegirl​, @writtenbycandy​, @butindeed​, @shelivesinthewoods​, @nicestrokepam​, @leelee10898​, @fluffy-marshmallow-heart​, @future-mrs-gremlin​, @hellospunkiebrewster​, @walkerduchess​, @pens-girl-87​, @sweetfluffyunicorn18​, @blackcatkita​, @jadedpixiescribbles​, @damienazariostan​, @yesterday4​, @snyggflicka​, @endless-vall​, @choicesatnight​, @hopefulmoonobject​, @enmchoices​, @theroyalweisme​, @the-everlasting-dream, @too-poor-to-buy-keys​ @zigthetwig, @hhiggs, @mfackenthal, @alesana45, @thatspicegirlssong, @quartzandarrow, @flyawayblue56, @choicesyouplayandmore, @catlady0911​ @boneandfur​, @lovethroughthemiles​, @flowerpowell​, @andy-loves-corgis​, @akrenich, @nekkidmolerat

[killinbills]

All odds for Briar + Fred

i’ve got clueless on the mind so this is sort of just clueless!friar (a lot of it applies to both clueless and briar though so)

1. Who offers their jacket when the other is cold?

Fred literally lives to impress Briar sometimes (like… she’s happy with just him he just wants her to have everything) so like, the second Briar shivers he gives her his jacket.

3. Who compliments the other in front of everyone?

Both of them do it. Like as a couple they’re pretty affectionate at all times and like they’ll compliment each other all the time. 

5. When one of them has a bad day, what does the other do to help cheer them up?

It’s basically the same thing, like Briar will essentially sit in his lap and he’ll hold her, and they’ll just talk about whatever, but with Fred she’ll sort of hold him and play with his hair as well.

7. Who introduces their partner to their family first? How does it go?

They both know each other’s families from being friends for so long, but after they’ve told their families that they’re going out, Molly and Arthur are a little awkward around Briar at first, before they realise nothing has changed. The rest of the Weasleys don’t understand why Briar would willingly go out with Fred, but also they’ve been waiting for them to go out for literal years so they’re also a little relieved they don’t have to hear Fred pining anymore. 

Briar… can’t introduce him to her grandparents, but, she does introduce him properly to her dad and godfather and they’re both pretty happy about it. Obviously Remus likes the fact that Fred will literally do anything for Briar, but also, the fact that he doesn’t mind about the whole werewolf thing. Sirius tries to scare Fred but pretty quickly he likes Fred.

9. When they sit side by side, do they touch one another? For example, does one person has their arm around the other, do they sit holding hands, or linked arms, ECT.

Briar literally just sits in Fred’s lap most of the time. Like, picture Jackie and Hyde from That 70s Show.

11. What would they do to celebrate their one year anniversary?

They go somewhere sickly sweet like Madam Puddifoots (or an alternative in France) and both of them say it’s to take the piss but they both know that they’re not really going for that

13. Who likes to give the other hugs from behind followed by a kiss?

Both of them do!! Any opportunity to be affectionate they will take it lmao

15. Who would bring their partner on a romantic date under the stars?

A couple of times, when Briar’s still at Hogwarts bc of the tournament, they’ll sneak up into the Astronomy Tower. It would probably be Briar that suggests it, because Fred knows that Briar’s uneasy whenever she sees the moon, and a date under the stars probably wouldn’t sit right with her. But she doesn’t mind too much, so she’ll bring like chocolate or something and they’ll sit and talk and he’ll ask her what the stars mean in terms of the future.

send me otp questions!

[spell-cleaver]

Lord of Shadows Fan Theories

SPOILERS FOR ALL RELEASED CASSANDRA CLARE BOOKS AND FANTASTIC BEASTS AHEAD. These are mine and my friend's Lord of Shadows fan theories. Remember these are just our opinions and musings we came up with late at night when we really should've been asleep.

1: Julian is the Lord of Shadows. We know that the Lord of Shadows is actually a character, like Lady Midnight was actually a character, and we think that whilst he could be a character we haven't met yet, of the ones we know, Julian is the most likely. This is because The Dark Artifices are meant to be linked to The Last Hours the way TMI and TID were linked. And the material we've got about the characters from TLH is the short story Nothing But Shadows from Tales From The Shadowhunter Academy. In this, James Herondale (Will and Tessa's son) can turn into a shadow due to the demon blood from his mother's side.  However, Lucie Herondale, his younger sister, is described to have no supernatural powers, though we know she often wondered if she did. We know that eventually Lucie Herondale calls herself Lucie Blackthorn, so this could mean that the current Blackthorn family are descended from her  - and therefore, from Tessa. It's not impossible that Julian inherited this ability to change into a shadow from her. Furthermore, there's a saying that "Even demons run when a gentle man goes to war" - i.e. those who are usually gentle, become the most dangerous when pushed to breaking point. Julian has been holding himself together since he was forced to kill his father in the Dark War and lost his older siblings, and his lingering PTSD from this was never addressed as he was forced to keep himself alive to look after his younger siblings. The few comforts he had were his relationship (familial and comfortable) with Emma, and the dreams of what they could be. But now, Mark is back, and Julian doesn't need to be the only one responsible for his siblings now. A teaser Cassandra Clare released insinuates that Helen might come back as well - at the very least they see her. He doesn't need to be the strong one anymore. And now he's had a taste of what it could be like with Emma, and now she's begun to almost shun him, he'll grow increasingly unstable. This coupled with him possibly being shunned by the Shadowhunter community if he does have this power, could lead to him possibly being a dangerous character, or being susceptible to dangerous outbursts - similar to Credence Barebone in Fantastic Beasts, with this shadow power being like an obscurus. Therefore, a Lord of Shadows.

2: Eva Blackthorn (Kit's ancestor) and Lady Midnight are related. In The Lost Herondale, Catarina describes Eva Blackthorn, the pregnant woman who was sentenced to death in place of her husband, Tobias Herondale, to Simon as "a raven haired spitfire - much like your Isabelle" (Bonus point: I don't know how, but she could be somehow related to Isabelle as well).  The year was 1828, as we're told by Balogh in his version of the story - almost two hundred years before the events of LM. Malcolm says that Annabel was in her tomb for two hundred years. The timelines are similar, and they're from the same family - could Annabel and Eva have been sisters? Cousins? As Eva's last remaining descendant (as far as we know), will Annabel try to approach Kit?

3: Emma might have faerie blood. Mark says to Emma "The storm calls you as it calls me, does it not?" We know that it calls him on behalf of faerie, and the "storm" of the Wild Hunt. Could this foreshadow links between Emma and Faerie? On the other hand, "storm" could refer to the "storm" of battle, and as Emma is described as a warrior, this could possibly link to how Mark might develop over the next books. "Storm" could also be linked to the idea of music, and in her fevered dream after the whipping, Emma's father says "Music is in the blood of the Carstairs". There are legends about faerie music, and though in the context Emma's father is referencing Jem and his violin, this could link to the music of faerie, or the music of battle.

4: Cortana can cut through emotional bonds. In her fevered dream, Emma's mother says to her "A blade made by Wayland the Smith can cut anything". In the poem Annabel Lee, there's the stanza: "And neither the angels in heaven above/ Nor the demons down under the sea/ Can ever dissever my soul from the soul from the soul/ Of the beautiful Annabel Lee". "The angels in heaven above" is confirmed in LM to refer to the Clave, and the Shadowhunters, and "the demons down under the sea" could reference the warlocks such as Catarina and Magnus, or possibly Malcolm's demon father. Malcolm goes on about how nothing will separate him and Annabel, but possibly Cortana could? Also, we saw elsewhere the theory that Cortana could cut the parabatai bond between Emma and Julian. Usually, the parabatai bond can only be broken by death, and after the death of one parabatai, the living one cannot take another. However, if Cortana can cut through anything, it could sever the bond between them. We think this theory could be accurate, and is bolstered by Cristina saying to Emma "I have thought for a while that I would never want a parabatai. But I would feel differently, I think , if the parabatai had been you" which implies that they may become parabatai. In COHF Diana mentions to Clary and Jace that Cortana was the blade of Ogier. Ogier the Dane appeared as a knight of Charlemagne in Chanson de Roland, written in 1060 AD. He isn't a focus of the poem. Between 1200 and 1215 AD the poem La Chevalerie Ogier de Danemarche was written, which features him as a main character. His sword, Cortana, according to the story Tristan, was originally Tristan's (another knight's) sword, which had the end cut off, and was used at the coronation of King Henry III. Similar to the legend of King Arthur, Ogier is said to sleep in the castle of Kronborg, and will wake when the country of Denmark is in great peril. How this links to the plotline of TDA, we don't know, but we talk later about the significance of roses in TDA and fairytales, and this legend seems vaguely similar to that of Sleeping Beauty, and if it's Emma currently carrying the sword, that could be a suggestion for what will happen in upcoming books.

5: Annabel is a mermaid, or some other deep sea creature. In An Illustrated History of Notable Shadowhunters and Denizens of Downworld Annabel is described as "a phantom, not so much of a person as a folkloric idea". This could insinuate that when she was resurrected, she was forced to take another body, as her old one is "parched bones and dry sinew". Also, she references "the magic of the sea" and "the blood of the one who had loved her, a stranger magic still". If this magic is so "strange", there's a good chance she'll change into something other. In the Shadowhunters Codex, it referred to faeries as being found "in all shapes and forms" and there being countless varieties. It's likely that mermaids are one of these. Furthermore, the line "the demons down under the sea" could refer to some sort of deep sea creature that she either consorts with, or becomes.

6: Cristina is the one who gets them out of the Unseelie Court. Cassandra Clare released a teaser that Kieran would be condemned to be executed, and that Mark and Cristina and the likes would travel into the Unseelie Court to rescue him. In an extract released, Kieran goes to swear fealty to Mark for reasons unknown, and Julian objects, saying that Kieran loved Mark and that "an oath should be free of entanglements". Therefore, Kieran says to Cristina instead, "I swear fealty to you, Lady of Roses." Whilst "roses" probably refers simply to Cristina's last name being "Rosales", roses are a common theme in folklore and literature, such as in Beauty and the Beast where Belle's father picks a rose to give to her and therefore is captured by the Beast, and also in several versions of The Ice Queen, where a boy is taken prisoner, and his heart frozen and is told that to earn his freedom he must solve a puzzle given to him. It's only when the girl who loves him reaches him, cries, and thaws his heart that he solves the puzzle and constructs the ice shards he was given into a rose. We think that the most relevant fairy tale is The Ice Queen, as we know that they have to travel to free Kieran, and this could mean that Cristina has an important role to play in their escape, as the one who solves the puzzle. On a slightly unrelated but interesting note, in An Illustrated History of Notable Shadowhunters and Denizens of Downworld, Mark's flower is rose leaves, meaning "Please believe me". Roses seem to be a common theme in TDA, as they are in folklore. Continuing this theme of roses, another famous fairytale linked to roses is Sleeping Beauty, who can also be called Briar Rose, where we all know the castle in which the princess sleeps in is covered in thorns. In AIHONSADOD , Ty's flower is a Thorn Apple, which means "My heart concealed by thorns"...

7: Jaime Rosales will be on the side of, or manipulated by, the fey. A teaser was released saying that Jaime's favourite weapons included the crossbow and poison, primarily poison. We know that the faeries (or at least the Wild Hunt) use elfbolts as favoured weapons, described as "sly", which are shot at people and then inject deadly poison into them. In addition, we're told in AIHONSADOD  that "Jaime often disappears for long periods without saying where he's going"- he could be meeting with them then. We think that there may be a link between Jaime and the Fair Folk that may be uncovered in LOS.

That's all we got for now, but we'll probably think of more later. :)

[ai-katsuu]

Hans and Briar Rose (1/1)

story is made thanks to @oceanspray5​ and @hanadoesstuffbadly​ <3 i wanted to write a bit about them, specifically after they break their curses. to read about what happened previously see their backstory

-------

“Are you ready?”

Hans looked at the beautiful princess beside him. The small holes of sun rays hitting her face as the wall of bushes blocks her last path. 

Briar Rose nodded firmly, “I’m ready.” 

Hans took her hand and gently squeezed it. They both stepped forward and made their way through the bushes, outside the forest. 

Briar held her hand up to cover her face as fresh sunshine shone. Once her eyes had adjusted to the light she took in the sight. Beautiful green mountains with snowy white tips, grass so much greener than the grey ones in her forest, flowers that never bloomed back there, and a gentle breeze that lifted her braid midair. Briar let out a small gasp, which Hans noticed right away.

“I understand it’s been awhile, and it might be a little scary but-“ 

“AHHH!” she lifted her arms and screamed out of joy. 

Adrenaline completely took over her body. She ran barefooted across the cool grass, she did cartwheels near the lake, just in pure bliss that she was finally free. 

“Briar please, your dress-! And the river, you might fall!” Hans said with a light red face, unsure where to look as his gaze went back and forth checking on her to make sure she didn’t fall doing her cartwheels. 

Briar tumbled on the grass, laughing and giggling to herself as she sat up. She tried her best to fix her hair but it was practically useless by then. 

Finally, Hans caught up to her. “Briar...please..” he said trying to catch his breath, “I’m very happy as well but-“ 

“Oh Hans!” she suddenly jumped up and embraced him, tackling him down on the grass. Surprised by the sudden action, Hans could only widen his eyes, flustered, unsure where to put his hands. 

“I can’t believe it really worked! Thank you so much, I don’t even know what I could do to thank you!” she smiled down at him. As much time they spent together in the woods, she still managed to make him downright melt at the sight of her smile. 

He laughed a bit, “You sort of just broke my curse so we’re kinda good.” 

Briar giggled and placed a quick kiss on his forehead before running back around the field. Hans sat himself up as he smiled at her, his hand touching his forehead. Briar continued to explore the outside world while Hans followed her as she sprinted through the fields. She picked several flowers, swung around fruit trees, and even almost jumped in the lake before Hans just barely managed to stop her.

When she had finally calmed down the pair had found a small shaded area where Hans could cook them a quick lunch. Lying down on her stomach, resting her head on her hands, Briar swung her legs up and down as she watched Hans cook, eagerly awaiting the food in the pot. (Which Hans became used to at this point but he found it adorable.)

“Here you are,” he handed her a bowl of mushroom soup. “To your first meal outside of the forest!” he exclaimed. 

Briar giggled and took a sip of the meal. “Mmm, oh Hans, amazing as always!” she closed her eyes and savored the taste of a warm meal. Hans merely smiled, the usual pride in his chest whenever she ate his cooking. 

It’s like what his father used to say, ‘The secret in becoming a good chef is to meet a woman that will make you want to give all the food you make to her.’ 

Content with the results, he leaned back on the tree as he took a bite of his own meal. “So Bry, where are you going now?” Hans asked her. 

She suddenly stopped eating and looked up as in thought, “I..I haven’t really thought about that.” she said in realization. 

“If you want!” Hans spoke soon after, “You can join the rest of the group back in the White Castle! That’s where they mostly hang out and they’d be happy to have you.”

She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand out of habit, “You think so?” 

Hans nodded, “I’d especially love to meet Gretel at least. Oh and they don’t even know my curse is broken, you should definitely be there for that.” he laughed. 

“Mm..yeah..” she looked sideways and took another bite of her food. 

Hans noticed her change in demeanor, “Are you okay?” he asked.

She nodded, “Yeah it’s just..I’m a little scared,” she admitted, “I’m sure they’re all lovely people but I don’t wanna make a fool of myself. I know you’ve told me all about them but I just wanna make a good first impression.” 

“Hey, hey,” Hans looked at her, “You have nothing to worry about, I of all people know you have a good heart. And although it takes a few years off my life to see it, you’re very spontaneous and active. You don’t have to worry about acting all royal there, being yourself is the best thing you could do.” he assured her.

Briar looked at him for a bit before breaking into a smile and stirring her soup, “Thanks, Hans.” They finished up their lunch and made their way back to King White’s castle. 

Hans looked at the large gates and thought for a bit. It would probably be too much to enter through the main gates, it would be better if they used the basement entrance, otherwise known as the triplets workshop. 

He opened the door, relieved that they had left it unlocked. “Wow, it’s really dark, can you see anything?” Briar moved around. 

“I don’t know, but be careful, the triplets have a lot of stuff here. Let me get the light switch.” he tried navigating his way through the room, careful not to bump or trip on anything. 

“Oh!” she lightly yelped as she stepped on something. 

“You okay?” Hans whipped his head around and rushed to her side.

“Yeah yeah,” she stood on one foot as her hand held her other. Hans steadied her balance. “I just stepped on something sharp, I should really get some shoes after thi-”

Flick

For the second time that day Briar’s eyes had to adjust to the changing light. Once her vision had cleared she saw several individuals sitting on chairs and couches on the far end of the room, all eyes staring at them. They seemed to have been in the middle of a snack meeting as there was food around the table. 

“Oh-uh” Hans stood up, suddenly unsure what to say.

“He brought the girl home, pay up.” Merlin nudged Arthur to which he groaned and gave him another bag of Dog Food. 

“Wait, you guys aren’t surprised? I’m human again!” he moved his hands up and down.

“You snuck out of the castle almost every day with a basket of food that was way too much for even you to eat. It was kind of obvious.” Jack traced the rim of his teacup with his pinky. 

“Yeah, you would always have this stupid smile on your face while cooking.” Goldie laughed. 

“W-what smile? I don’t smile!” he said stuttering and looking back and forth between them and Briar, clearly embarrassed.

“Don’t believe them, I wasn’t excited to see you. No I mean I was excited to see you but I never smiled while cooking, I mean who does that?”  he rambled on.

 “Urgh stop, you’re scaring her.” Gretel rolled her eyes and smiled. She was the first one to walk over and both took Briar’s hands with her own. 

“Hi, I’m-” 

“Gretel, right?” Briar shyly smiled, “Hans told me so much about his beloved sister.”  

Gretel looked taken aback and looked at her brother, “Beloved?” 

Hans frowned and averted gaze, “What..I don’t know what she’s talking about..” he mumbled. 

“Aww you do love me!” she beamed and ran towards her brother, head locking him like she used to do when they were kids. 

“Ow! Gret stop, I hate it when you do this!” 

“Oh don’t be such a weakling.” 

“I am not!” 

While the twins were busy wrestling on the far end of the room, Snow, Audrey, and Goldie got out of their seats and made their way towards the seemingly dainty girl. 

“You’re so pretty!”

“Oh, thank you, I-”

“What’s your name?” 

“Uhm..Briar Rose,” 

“No way I’ve heard about you so much! Where have you been this whole time?”

At Goldie's question, Hans poked his head up and pushed his sister off him (resulting in a small ‘ow’ from her) he quickly went to her side, putting his hands on her arms as he spoke to the girls, “You guys don’t have to ask. Bry is a lovely person, that’s all you need to know.” 

“Aww gross, you two have nicknames.” Peter Pan jokingly said while smirking.

“Hypocrite,” Kio mumbled before throwing a bag of Dog Food at his face.

“Snow White?” Hans called her, “do you think you girls could show Briar around the castle? Get to know her a bit.” 

Snow smiled, “Of course. C’mon Briar, there’s this really cool room we have I wanna show you!” she eagerly pulled her along. 

“Oh, alright,” she said, smiling a bit. Once the girls left the room Hans sat down with his friends, clearly exhausted.

“Alright, you did it!” Merlin threw him a bag of Dog Food, to which Hans gratefully accepted. 

“Looks like you’re the last one, sword boy.” Jack looked in Arthur’s direction. 

“Watch it, blondie.” 

“Are you really not going to tell us where she’s from though?” Noki asked. 

“It’s not really my story to tell,” he told them. 

“Well we’re very happy for you Hans!” Pino grinned and handed him a glass. “Looks like your cooking finally made its way to a woman's heart!”

Meanwhile Snow had brought the girls to the courtyard for some fresh air. “So what do you do for fun Briar?” Goldie asked. 

“Oh! Well…” she thought about making a good first impression by saying something elegant like her parents had taught her, but after what she’s been through with Hans she decided she no longer needed to do that. “I like to sword-fight!” she said. 

“No way really? Why don’t you show us? I’ll go against you!” Audrey beamed.

 She stretched her arm towards the fountain and the water came flowing to her hand, forming what looked like to be a thin sword. “I promise I won’t use any of my powers aside from this.” 

Briar, amazed by the magic, got excited and rapidly nodded her head. “Yeah, sure!”

Audrey had a lot of experience using her magic, her water made it easy to capture her enemies, and thus her battles ended quickly. But aside from her sword, she wasn’t supposed to use any magic, which unfortunately also meant that she didn’t have enough stamina to last her a full on sword fight. 

Panting as she held the fountain for support, she breathed out, “H-How..how are you not even sweating?” she looked at Briar. 

“C’mon, you can still last!” she shouted encouragingly. 

“Yeah no I really can’t…” she whispered tiredly. 

“What’s going on here?” the F7 and Peter walked in the courtyard.  

“You,” Audrey pointed her sword at Hans, then at Briar, “Your woman is crazy athletic, she’s not even tired.” Audrey breathed out. 

“Or you just have really bad stamina without your powers,” Peter flew and hovered above her. “you look like you're dying.” 

“Shut up, you're next.”

“I have to say,” Gretel walked up to her brother, “I’m a little surprised she broke your curse, she’s so...different from you.”

 Hans laughed as he gently pushed her. “Indeed she is.”

[ai-katsuu]

f.t island private academy student council + F7 & partners classes hcs

based off this art of them!

Alyn

so like he was a knight and is very diligent in his duties, as compared to the president who runs off every chance she gets 

is an expert in tracking her down at these times. like a bloodhound

but as stated in his character description he has NO idea about social cues or romance in the sense

the student body sees him as a handsome, serious, and reliable knight

but reality is when he starts stuttering and freezes, has comical panic moments etc.

its really funny when he freaks out. he yells at any moment amber talks about the female body

once thought he got a girl pregnant because he shared a spoon with her and had a mental break down in the office 

Audrey and amber like to torment him in fun and jokes, while Naru surprisingly stands up for him 

Amber

her snooping in student relationships has gotten her into so much trouble

two princes were about kiss and she deadass popped out of no where with a scheming grin and said

“so how far have you two gone?”

needless to say the princes and princess’ are terrified of the secretary of the school

she’s also the light of the student council and barges in the office with the latest news

she loves pestering Naru who particularly doesn’t care about her gossip

loves teasing Alyn by talking about things couples do with each other 

other than that she’s actually a very skilled fighter and has won several archery tournaments

Naru

he is so tired and done with the world

he uncharacteristically yells out his opinions which startles some people 

the treasurer is usually used as a human shield by Audrey to hide from Alyn

Amber is always clinging on to his arms and violently shakes him when she’s found out juicy gossip

“the student council is full of bugs. never go into the office.”

he himself is a tax evader though 

probably wishes to be a tax collector too one day idk

though the real reason is because he wants to be in charge of finances in his town, so he has control of giving time allowance to people who can’t afford to pay right away 

Naru looks like he stepped out of a Disney villain movie but he’s really the one with the purest intentions among the council

Audrey

well you guys know her already so these are just a few stuff she does in her position

likes to be seen as the responsible president but in fact is the exact opposite of that, she always leaves her work half done, is lazy, and runs like sonic when alyn hunts her down 

because of this attitude no one believes her when she claims she's actually married to a prince

speaking of alyn, as vp and president they are usually always seen together in events, assemblies, and the hallways

they look to have professional friendship by students but really its just

Audrey: There was almost a sex scandal in school!

Alyn: *in disbelief* What?

Audrey: Oh right, sorry I forgot who I was talking to. Sex is something two people do together-

Alyn: *annoyed and about to throw hands* I know what it means.

Often whines and complains like a child about her work but can be very professional and adult like when the time really calls for it (she finds it tiring though)

Student Council Fun Fact!

- Initially they were not accepted by the students. The student body consists of several princes and princess aged 13-23 who are to learn the ways of their citizens. Needless to say they felt that commoners weren’t fit to lead such high ranking children of status.

The council had none of it though and told them 

“If even one of you can defeat just one member, then we will resign.”

The Headmaster handpicked these four from their regions for a reason. Audrey was the only water mage who was previously a traveler, Alyn the best of the knights in the island, Amber the best archer and fire mage of her age, and Naru a well gifted student of martial arts, something that is not known in FT Island.

They were able to defeat the whole student body and thus gained their respect and admiration. Behind closed doors though they are such a chaotic group and an incident is always happening everyday.

----

F7 + Partners Classes! 

3-2

Briar

Gretel

Peter

3-1

Hans

2-1

Arthur

Merlin

2-2

Goldie

Jack

1-1

Gwen

1-2

Noki

Pino

1-3

Kio

Snow White

may or may not give classmate headcanons for them as classmates and what they do in their subjects in the future!

[ai-katsuu]

Gwen meets the White Palace

this is on ao3 but i wanted to share this here cause this is probably one of the most relaxing, pleasing chapters I’ve written. There’s also a fourth wall break concerning the movie by one of the characters towards the end so stay tuned for that haha.

--------

Arthur took Gwen through the main gates of the White Palace. The journey back to the palace took awhile as it was a little past noon, therefore Arthur assumed everyone would be in their own rooms as lunch had just ended. He led her through the halls of the palace, it was quiet for sure, the sun shone through the glass windows, warming her face as she took it all in. Gwen admired the tall windows, large curtains, and decorated hallways of the palace. She thought how lovely it would be to live here. 

Arthur had stopped at one of the large golden, white, double doors. He lifted the handle and poked his head inside before pulling it back in. 

“Alright, there’s no one here,” he opened the door for her as he gestured for her to enter. Gwen was in awe at how big this room was, there were beautiful couches with pillows, extravagant tables, and lovely flowers all over the room. “This is the parlor, the others hang out here when they have free time. Either here or the triplets workshop,” he added.

“It’s beautiful…” Gwen walked around the room admiring the furniture. Arthur took note of this and smiled at her curiosity. He approached her and took her hand, leading her to one of the big chairs in the room. 

He knelt down in front of her on one knee with his head dipped, “I have to ask for your patience, Milady. I must find my friend, Merlin, so that he could assist us. Would you mind waiting here for just a little longer?” 

Gwen giggled at how serious he was being, to which Arthur smiled, successful with his little antics for her. “Of course not. And please, just call me Gwen.” 

“As you wish, Gwen.” He stood up, “I’ll be back in just a moment.” and with that he left the parlor. 

Gwen tried to stay put in the comfortable chair. She fiddled with her fingers, her hair, and the hem of her dress. She really did try to stay still but curiosity got the best for her and she explored the room. Hopping out of her seat she ran to the extravagant tea seat that was on the far end of the room. She admired the vases and the flowers they held in them, all decorated and made with the finest material. 

“Whoever’s in charge here sure must know a lot about design.” she said to herself.

What attracted Gwen the most was the large bookshelf just beside the long table. She had never seen so many books in one grouping before. One of them which caught her eye. It had golden embroidery on the spine, and looked out of place. Gwen walked over and tiptoed to reach it, she wasn’t very tall for her age after all. 

“I should...probably fix that…”

Click

Once she had reached the book she had accidentally pulled it down and heard a sharp sound. 

“Huh..AHH!”

The floor where she had been standing had opened and she had fallen down, her screams echoing as the door closed itself back up. As she slid down screaming, she saw she was in a thin slide made out of stone. She wanted to feel sick as she got slight motion sickness. Up ahead was a small ray of light and Gwen screamed as she got closer to the light.

As soon as she had exited the slide, she fell down and tumbled onto a mattress. “Urghh…” she felt dizzy as she held her head, trying to straighten her vision again. She doubted it worked as when she looked up she saw three of the same faces staring at her. 

 “Ah!! I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to intrude!” she said looking back and forth at the three male faces, wondering if the motion sickness was still in her. 

“Who’s this?” one of them asked. 

“How did she find the slide?” the other looked at her curiously. 

“Umm...I’m really sorry to enter your…” Gwen looked around and saw several tools that were hung on the walls. Weird contraptions she had never seen were scattered on tables, papers were on the floor, and packs of something called Dog Food were all stacked in one corner. “Your...room? But I’m looking for the parlor, could you tell me where it is?” she asked. 

One of the boys looked as if he made a realization and nodded, “I’m Pino,” 

“Noki.”

“Kio.”

Each of them raised their hand when they said their names. Pino continued, “You’re gonna want to go up these stairs here, go up another level, and enter the room to your right.”  he pointed. Gwen nodded and stood up, dusting herself off. 

“Thank you so much,” she curtsied, “My name is Gwen by the way,” she said. 

“Pleasure, miss.” Kio nodded his head once smiling.

“Good day!” and she ran up the stairs. Once they had heard their door close, Noki turned to his brother, 

“Why’d you give her the wrong directions?” but Pino merely laughed as he got back to his desk.

Gwen, a little embarrassed and determined not to make another mistake, scurried up the stairs with her hands to her chest. After she had gone to the second level, she had followed Pino’s instructions and took a right. 

“Okay..this should be it.”

However when she opened the door, she saw two people standing in the middle of a bedroom, much much smaller than the parlor. They had seemed to be talking until Gwen entered and they fixed their gazes on her. The man and woman looked stunningly similar, both handsome and beautiful. 

Gwen didn’t realize she was staring in awe until the woman smiled, “May we help you?” 

She snapped out of her thoughts and responded, “I’m so sorry, I was trying to look for the parlor but Pino told me I had to go up a level and then the right-”

“You met Pino?” the women asked, a little surprised. 

Gwen nodded, “Yeah, Noki and Kio too.” 

“Oh,” the man smiled and rolled his eyes, “That makes sense. A lot of sense,” 

The woman sighed and nodded, she gave Gwen a smile that made her feel comforted, almost like an older sister, “Go across the hall and take the bridge to the second wing from there. You should be able to find your way easily. I’m Gretel by the way.” 

“Hans.” the man beside her said, “If you bump into Briar tell her I’m waiting for those cookies!”

Gwen nodded, “Oh, alright. Thank you kindly.” she curtsied once more and left the room. 

“Shouldn’t you be baking those yourself?” Gretel turned to her brother, to which he smiled and shrugged, 

“She’s taking lessons.” 

Gwen followed Gretel’s instructions, trusting her a little more than Pino and made her way across the bridge. She was almost there until she heard voices coming from upstairs. Although she desperately wanted to get back to the parlor, her curiosity took over once more as she climbed the carpeted stairs. They led to a small door with a square glass pane window. Gwen tried to open it but it wouldn’t budge. 

She tried budging it open with her body, repeatedly hitting it until it burst open and immediately the bright sunshine and vast winds hit her face. It was almost refreshing as she looked up and saw the blue sky. Judging by her surroundings, she concluded that this was the rooftop of the palace. 

The wind was blowing on her backside so she had to keep her hair and hood in place. A couple of meters away was a large tower that had steps attached, going all the way up in a spiral. At the foot of the tower were two large umbrellas, underneath them were two beach benches where two individuals laid. 

Gwen slowly approached them, the wind pushing her towards their direction until she got close enough. The woman closest to her removed her shades as she saw a shadow approaching and looked behind her, 

“Oh! Jack, look we have guest!” she smiled. Gwen looked over to the woman's left, and the man with blond hair stood still lying down in the shade, as he had what appeared to be a similar face mask to the woman’s, as well as cucumber slices on his face. He merely hummed in acknowledgement as he refused to move his face. 

From a distance, Gwen heard a voice and looked up. It had seemed to be coming from the tower. When she squinted she saw two individuals standing on a ledge at the top of the tower. 

“You’ll be fine, you’re Peter Pan. Ain’t faith, trust, and pixie dust your thing?” a woman's voice said. She seemed to be tying a string of rope around the man’s ankles. The man, who she assumed to be Peter Pan rolled his eyes as he responded, 

“There are two of those things I don’t have when it comes to you, and neither of them are Pixie dust. Audrey, are you sure this is safe? What did you say this was called again?” 

Audrey stood up and walked behind him, “Bungee jumping, safe travels!” she said pushing him off the ledge. Peter screamed as he was thrown off the ledge, only to be stopped by the piece of rope that Audrey had tied, 

“That..doesn’t look like it’s about to hold…” Gwen said worried. 

And indeed it didn’t. The rope had snapped and Peter fell off the roof. Gwen had closed her eyes in fear but the woman had comforted her by patting her arm. “He’s fine don’t worry.” she smiled and gestured to the ledge of the roof where Peter flew up, holding the rope in annoyance. 

“Quel que...if he dies one of these days I would not be surprised..” Jack mumbled. Gwen noticed an oddly shiny ring on his finger that was almost blinding. 

“If you’re looking to go back down to rest, the parlor is just downstairs at the end of the hall.”  the woman said. Gwen nodded, “Thank you, miss….?”

“Snow White,”

Gwen curtsied for the third time and ran off to the door again. As she made her way down the stairs something heavenly reached her nose. It made her search for the smell as she wandered around the halls. Just as she was about to give up, a woman turned the corner holding a delicious warm batch of cookies. 

As she passed by Gwen, she smiled and greeted her. “Why, hello there. I’m on my way to deliver these cookies to my partner, would you like one?” she offered. Gwen, having not eaten anything since last night, nodded her head as she lowered the tray. The moment Gwen took a bite she felt as if she could melt right then and there

The woman noticed her expression and grinned, “Do you like it?” Gwen nodded furiously and swallowed it. 

“They’re delicious! You must be Briar, am I right? Hans said you would be giving him cookies.” 

The woman’s smile quickly disappeared into one of a frown and concern. “What? No, I’m Aurora. Who’s Briar? Is Hans cheating on me?” she inched closer to her.

Gwen widened her eyes and dread settled in her stomach. Had she said something she wasn’t supposed to? “Oh, um...I don’t know. I’m so sorry I didn’t-” 

The woman quickly smiled and waved her free hand, “No, no, I am Briar. Briar Rose, sorry I thought that would be funny.” Gwen’s mouth turned into an ‘o’ shape. 

Another laugh was heard from the corner of the halls as another woman with blonde scruffy hair came out, “I told you it would be funny!” 

The woman holding the cookies had her frown remain. “I still don’t get how it’s funny. You’re strange, Goldie.” 

Goldie and Briar had seemed to forget about Gwen as they carried on with their walk. Gwen was left standing there with half a cookie, deciding to finish it before walking. A few moments later rapid footsteps were heard, and Arthur slid out of the same corner, looking exhausted and tired.

“Gwen!” he said overwhelmed, “Where have you been?! I’ve been looking all over for you!” he walked towards her. Gwen swallowed the remainder of the cookie and responded,

“Well I did wait in the parlor for awhile but I pulled a book and then I fell down a slide then I met your friends and then-”

Arthur’s eyes widened at her statement, “Wait, wait, wait- you met my friends?!” he said frightened and he moved his hands in weird gestures. Gwen could only stare at him, and digest her cookie as she thought,

“Um…” 

“Alright,” Arthur took a deep breath and put his hands together, “Who have you met, and what do you know?” Gwen took a deep breath. 

“Okay, well. Pino, Noki, and Kio are all brothers. Pino is the partner Gretel who happens to be the twin sister of Hans, who is the partner of Briar. Snow White, who I assume to be the princess of the White Palace, is married to Merlin…” she paused, “What does Merlin look like?”

Arthur looked up as if in thought, “Sam Clafin. Not sure who that is but Audrey says so a lot.” 

Gwen nodded, “Alright. Then Audrey is married to Jack, I assume he’s married because of their matching rings. That leaves Goldie and Peter with either Noki or Kio...Goldie with Kio and Peter with Noki?” she asked. 

“Close, Goldie with Noki and Kio with Peter. And none of them did anything to you?” Gwen shook her head, “Well done.” he finally said with a satisfied smile. “Now let’s go get Merlin and sort this all out.” 

[ai-katsuu]

Forgotten Nightmares (3/3)

chapters: 1   2   3 

previous

this is probably one of the most disturbing, interesting stories i’ve written. i hope you guys like it!

----

“I’ve always been a fan of you, I have to admit.” Audrey’s voice sounded from above. 

“When I was alone I would always sing your song when working.” Gretel continued. 

“Isolation in the woods, part of me had hoped you would have arrived, that’s how desperate I was.” Briar said.

 “You were a nice story I always used to tell my Lost Boys, around a hundred years ago,” Peter spoke. 

“Who. Are. you?” The Headless Horseman questioned. 

“We want you to release the F7!” Goldie yelled, making it all too familiar to the boys who they were. 

“Goldie, remember when we said we were going to let them do the talking?” Snow gently hushed her. 

“Right, sorry!”

 The Headless Horseman huffed, “You want them? Then come get them,” he unsheathed his sword that, admittedly made everyone in the room quiver in fear. 

“Alright then, Briar, shall we?” 

“Let’s go!” Briar and Audrey dropped down from the ceiling platform. Briar devilishly smiled as the horse revved its motor with its hoof. 

“I’ll let you get started first, meet you in a bit.” Audrey told her.

 “Got it!”

 Audrey quickly disappeared as the horse charged at the pair. 

Briar hastily drew her sword and clashed with the Horseman. She was able to jump on the horses head as she fought him. The horse had reared up in panic, causing the Horseman to fall down. “Audrey!” 

The latter quickly dashed forward and gashed deep slits at the Horseman's body with her sharp water swords. He tried to reach for his sword but it was quickly grabbed by Briar who pointed it at him. He grunted in frustration as his head came to attack Audrey with its flames, however it was quickly put out as she blasted gallons of water on it. 

“Your turn!” she yelled as the Headless Horseman started to make a quick recovery.

 Briar and Audrey jumped back up to the ceiling only for three more individuals to drop down. “Peter, why don’t you take the first one, distract him for us.” Gretel said and Goldie smiled as she twisted her axe on her fingers. 

“Yes, ma’am.” 

Peter flew to his direction and picked his head up, throwing it up and treating it like a volleyball. “You’ve got some major anger management issues, my guy.” 

“Put me down, boy!” he yelled.

Peter looked sideways for a bit and smiled, “If you say so,” he let his head drop and as soon as it reached the ground, the Horseman heard a voice soon after from above. He looked above and saw Goldie yelling a battle cry as she had her axe ready to smash his head. To his luck he rolled away and her axe hit the floor. 

Stuck on the ground for a brief moment, Goldie grunted, “Urgh…” her eyes were dark as she freed her axe and said the following words, “You’re making me work!” and successfully swung his head to the wall.

They were too preoccupied with the head that he didn’t notice that his body was being planted with bombs by Gretel. “We’re out of here, give it thirty seconds! Snow, Gwen, finish it!” she yelled as they jumped back up.

 The mentioned fell down, “Ready?” Snow asked Gwen who nodded and turned into her Werewolf form. 

The Headless Horseman saw the transformation and frowned, “Oh, it’s you. You know the original Werewolf would’ve loved this.” 

Snow grabbed the head and immediately crushed it with her bare hands before he mumbled something soon after. Gwen gashed the body with her claws as much as she could and threw it to the side, far from the F7 as she reverted back to human. 

The rest of the group jumped down once more. Audrey moved her hands forward and created a wall of water around the body. Once she did she nodded at Gretel who pressed a button on her remote, and a violent explosion shook the walls. The Headless Horseman was no more. 

Audrey removed the wall only to see ash left on the floor. The Fearless Seven were finally able to breathe again, as their backs hurt from all the tension and nervousness they felt. Their partners immediately tried to free them. 

“Merlin!” Snow broke his chains with her hands. 

“Snow-ohwoh-I wasshk, and i ashuf.” Merlin started rambling gibberish as Snow comforted him. 

“Are you alright?” Audrey whispered as Jack hugged her, 

“Thank heavens you’re here..” he mumbled gratefully. 

“Told you my tracker was useful,” Gretel told Pino as she freed him.

 “Yeah, you’re right.” he forced a chuckle, still shaken up. 

“Did you see me?! I missed at first but then I hit him like I scored a home run-” 

“Yeah, yeah, I saw...” Noki collapsed on Goldie’s shoulder out of exhaustion. 

Kio was oddly quiet as Peter freed him, which made him feel awkward “Hey..so..are you like, okay? Or-” and Kio threw his arms around him as he lightly sobbed. Just lightly though. 

“You think I should keep this?” Briar referred to the Horseman’s sword as she cut Hans loose with it.

 “No, could be cursed.” he laughed, although like Pino, slightly forced. 

“You alright? You had no trouble transforming?” Arthur worriedly asked Gwen.

“I’m fine! It was easy.” she grinned. 

As the group made their way back home, the F7 was still oddly quiet. 

“Geez, you guys are still that shaken up about it?” Peter frowned.

 “You weren’t there when he first appeared! It was terrifying, like the stories but much worse!” Arthur explained, 

“Yeah have you ever had his head up close to you?” Noki exclaimed.

 “I literally just knocked his head out like he was a golf ball like, thirty minutes ago.” Goldie said. 

“Well, on the bright side, we’re passing by a beautiful sunset now.” Gretel smiled as she looked to her left. 

They were passing by a road that overlooked the sea, to their right was a large field that would’ve been perfect to have a picnic. Gwen made a mental note in her mind that she wanted to come back here. 

“Well, it is beautiful indeed,” Hans noted as he looked at the reflecting ocean. 

“Pretty if we had a camera,” Kio said. 

Briar raised her eyebrows, “Hey, what time is it?”

 “4:13, why?” Pino told her. 

“It’s just, why are the clouds so dark and gloomy? And it’s getting pretty cold..” she shook her arms. 

“Would this be Frost again?” Snow White asked.

Jack shook his head, “He’s in the North Pole with the other Guardians helping for Christmas, right Audrey? 

But Audrey had her head down and didn’t respond as she stood perfectly still.

 “Mon amour?” Jack went up to her and tucked her hair behind her ears. As soon as he did he almost immediately flinched back as he saw the pupils of her eyes were no more. It was as if she went blind again. 

“Audrey?! Can you hear me?” he tried shaking her but she would budge.

“Merlin!” Jack turned around as Snow yelled. He too was in the same state as her. 

“What’s happening to them?!” Briar looked in panic. 

“This is almost scary..” Gwen scrunched her face in worry.

 The clouds became darker and bright light flashed for a second before a loud boom in the sky was heard. After the thunder, rain began pouring down, softy at first, but then the droplets became bigger, and it almost hurt their skin, like needles were falling down from the sky. 

Merlin and Audrey then began to walk in sync, out of the road and into the big field.  “What are they doing?” Arthur yelled out through the raging winds. 

Merlin took his spells out, and lighting all the way from the clouds reached his hands. Audrey lifted her right arm to the ocean, and gallons of violent water came to her side.

 “No way...are they gonna fight?!” Peter exclaimed. 

Snow suddenly then gasped, she heard the Headless Horseman mumble something just before she crushed his head:

“At the sixteenth hour and thirteenth minute, one of you shall join me in my doom. I will not perish alone.” 

“The Horseman..he cursed them, just before he died. Merlin and Audrey won’t stop fighting until one of them dies.” Snow said fearfully.

 “We have to stop them!” Jack yelled.

 Immediately after he did, Audrey and Merlin disappeared for a moment, before reappearing again and caused the biggest explosion of water with electricity running through it. Trees were burnt and drowned at the same time, and the group had managed to take cover on a slope. 

“How the hell are they this powerful?” Hans grunted as he put his wok out as a shield.

 Merlin and Audrey kept throwing their elements at each other, not stopping as destruction of the ground was far from their minds. Audrey restrained Merlin’s limbs with water chains before he generated electricity, making it run across the water forcing Audrey to drop him. It was at this moment where Snow hit her head against Merlin’s, and Jack punched Audrey’s head with his ring, knocking the two out as their elements died down. 

The storm was clearing up and the group used this as an opportunity to head back to the White Palace, in fear of any other curses that might take place. 

Merlin’s eyes shot open as he sat up on his bed. “What happened-” 

“Merlin!” Snow and Arthur rushed to his side. 

“God, if there’s one thing I know now, it’s to never upset you and Audrey at the same time.” 

“Me and...what happened? We were just at the sunset- “ 

“It’s alright, we’ll tell you everything later.” Snow assured him. 

On the opposite room, Audrey slowly woke up as well. 

Isabella gasped, “Your highness, she’s awake!” she called out.

 Jack hastily came out of the bathroom and ran to his wife and her maid. “Are you alright? Who am I? Who is she?” He quickly asked her. 

“What...Jack..and Isabella...what are you talking about?” 

Jack sighed in relief, “Good, I didn’t hit you too hard.” 

Everyone else was in the parlor, eating dinner as it was quiet all around. “Are we really sure he’s gone?” Goldie asked. 

“Snow made sure of it, he could’ve only brought out one curse by the time she killed him.” Kio nodded. 

“It’s already past the deadline for that curse, so they’ll be a hundred percent okay.” Noki followed up. 

Gretel looked at her brother, “You don’t think there are other old Nightmares that are still out there, are there?” 

Hans shook his head, “We’ll deal with them when we will, if ever.”

Though all of them hoped there would never be an ‘if ever’. 

[ai-katsuu]

Forgotten Nightmares (2/3)

chapters: 1   2   3 

previous  next

favorite chapter!

-----

“Are you sure we’re going the right way?” Goldie asked. 

“Yeah, I used to come to these parts all the time, but I never quite made it past the Yeti’s in the area,” Audrey said as she moved past a glacier, “Well neither did Frost.” she mumbled. 

“If even Frost didn’t make it past them then how safe are we?” Snow questioned as she dug her foot out from the large pile of...well, snow. 

“It’s October,” Briar explained, “I read that they hibernate this time around in preparation to help Santa Claus for Christmas!” Briar was leading the pack, as she was the one with the most stamina.

 “I really hope I’m on the Nice List,” Gwen breathed out, a little tired, “I didn’t know what I was doing when I ate those Elvish cookies. They get scary.” 

“Oh, I can’t wait to get my gifts this year!” Peter, who was having the easiest time, floated above them. Gwen frowned at this action. 

“Please, you probably hold the record for the naughty list, almost tied with Frost probably..” Audrey said. 

Gretel wasn’t listening to the conversation as she looked at her own device. It was a small, black, brick like device that had several green circles around it’s glass portion. There was a green line that went around the circle and another tiny green dot that itched her mind. When Audrey took a look at it before, she told her to call it a GPS device. Gretel wasn’t sure what that meant but she liked the name.

“Whatcha looking at?” Peter stooped down to her level.

“I think somethings wrong,” she mumbled. 

Peter took in a sharp amount of air, “Yeesh, I wasn’t gonna say anything about your coat, but agreed. I’ll chuck it over the next mountain we pass.” 

“What? No.” she frowned, “I’m talking about the F7, something’s not right.” the rest of the group had their attention caught and they listened in. 

“You see this orange dot?” Gretel pointed at the screen, “That’s supposed to be the town they’re in. This green dot is them, more specifically Pino.” she pointed to the dot all the way opposite to the screen. 

“Wow, you keep a tracker on your boyfriend?” Goldie cocked her head. 

Gretel frowned at her, “No, I just gave one to him in case something went wrong, it is their first mission after all.” 

“Wait so, why aren’t they at the village?” Snow asked. 

“That’s the weird thing, I checked ten minutes ago and they were there, and when I just saw now it’s as if they were transported all the way over to the opposite side of Fairy Tale Island.”

 “You think they’re in danger?” Briar held her hands to her chest. 

“I don’t know...but I don’t like this.” she responded. 

Audrey nodded, “We should go check on them.”

 Gwen agreed, “If they’re fine, then we can just go back home if ever. We don’t even have to let them see us. ” 

The rest of the group agreed to the plan. The group took a large amount of snow and melted it to water, so that Audrey could make a slide that would freeze the water, making the trip down easier. 

On the other side, The Fearless Seven had just woken up. The first thing they did was look at their skin. 

“Are we burnt?!” Jack looked at his hands. Unfortunately, they were tied to their backs, and their ankles were restrained as well. 

“No,” Hans confirmed as he looked over his shoulder, “But those were definitely flames.” 

Arthur took a look at their surroundings, it was a very large, empty, almost sewer-like, circular room. They couldn’t even see the ceiling of the room as it was probably a dome. 

They were all against the wall as there was only one ray of light in the center of the room. Merlin looked up and saw that there was a window at the top of the dome, “So we weren’t out for that long…” 

“Your resistance is strong..I’ll give you guys that.” a silky male voice echoed through the room.

 “Who are you?” Merlin asked. 

“Oh, how I used to be known by many,” a warm draft of wind passed by them, “I used to scare the hearts out of children and adults. I sent people of all ages to therapy, depression, and trauma. What a wonderful time that was.” they could hear the sounds of hooves clopping through the walls, “But alas, my legend faded into time, I was forgotten. The deal was sealed when you seven began restoring hope in the citizens of...Fairy Tale Island.” he said mockingly. 

“Finally, we can all put an end to this.” 

Something ran its way down the Fearless Seven’s spines. They began to sweat, hunch their shoulders and shook as they pressed their backs to the wall as much as they could. They had long forgotten who this was but nightmares and all their fears came running back from childhood, stories told by their elders when they saw who stepped out of the shadows.

A top of the black horse that had bloodshot eyes, was a man gigantic in height and muffled in a black cloak. On his side was the scabbard said to hold the sword sharper than Excalibur. They could not see his head, for he had none as blood trickled down his neck. 

Pino almost threw up in his mouth as he shook in fear, ‘I knew it. I knew it. I knew it. I knew it. Why didn’t I remember sooner-’ 

“Scared, puppet boy?!” a flaming pumpkin head came close to Pino and smiled maniacally. It let out a mocking laugh before looking at him seriously. “Your father used to be terrified of me as a young boy. Shaking outside of his father’s shop because he refused to walk in the woods late at night. What a delightful sight that was for me.”

 “Don’t you dare talk about Papa like that!” Noki yelled furiously. 

“Or what?!” The head quickly turned to him, “You’ll lie to me? Again and again and again?” 

Noki was about to yell something back at him before he took a glance at Arthur and Merlin. In all the five years he had known them, he had never seen their faces in that expression. Their terrified sweaty faces told him one thing, 

“Don’t be stupid.” 

“That’s what I thought,” the head backed away. “And you? Got anything else to say?” He turned to Kio. He merely kept quiet and stared at him. 

“You’re the...” Merlin swallowed, “The Headless Horseman…” his voice came out much more shaky than he wanted it to be. Nevertheless, he continued, “You were the one person who everyone feared. You were beyond a nightmare...until today’s Golden Age-” 

“That’s right, you son of a bitch!” the Headless Horseman yelled. “It was you seven who began fixing this Island’s problems. It was a joy for me when you all had suddenly gone missing, then little by little, one by one, you began resurfacing.” the head floated back to its body, it’s left arm held it by its side. “My story is so old that my letter fooled you into thinking Sleepy Hollow was actually in Fairy Tale Island. New York is a sham now…” he mumbled.

“You wrote that letter?” Jack spoke and immediately regretted it as soon as he did. 

“Of course, beanstalk. I was surprised how easy it was to bring you, idiots, here. Once I decapitate all of you at midnight, soon the townspeople will be singing the song as old as time, just in time for Halloween. Come now,

When ghosts have a midnight jamboree 

They break it up with fiendish glee

Ghosts are bad but the one that’s cursed

Is the Headless Horseman, he’s the worst!”

The Headless Horseman laughed as he sang around the room. The F7, smart enough not to talk to each other, began formulating any sort of plan to escape, but all routes just seemed to lead to doom. He continued to sing as his horse trotted around:

“When he goes a-jogging across the land

Holding his noggin in his hand

Demons take one look and groan

And hit the road for parts unknown”

“Ah how I miss this melody!” he yelled out, “There’s-” 

“There’s no fright like a spook that’s spurned,”

“They don’t like him and he’s really burnt,”

 “Swears to the longest day he’s dead,” 

“He’ll show them that he can get a head.” 

Voices echoed from the top of the dome. For a moment, the F7 saw the Headless Horseman in disbelief before he got angry.

 “Who’s there?!”