#finley godspeed

[toloveawarlord]

You can find my masterlist in my bio!

25 Days of Christmas Day 4

Characters: Jonah & Finley

Prompt: “How much eggnog have you had?”

Tagging: @plumpblueberry​ @christmaswarlock​ @sakura-1819​ @starry-starry-night24​ @kissmetwicekissmedeadly​ @thewitchofbooks​ @ikemensengokufangirl​ @stardust-dreamer13​ @gay-noodle-clan​ @nad-zeta​ @hamster-damn​ @canaria-blackwell​

A/N: Three tsuns in a row! Jonah and Finley together are the best XD. They bonded over their mutual love for Luka and Finley sneaks him cookies and treats that Luka has baked from time to time.

He’d witnessed her sneaking up to the table multiple times. It was calculative, always right between when the staff had set new glasses on the cloth and when they stepped away to attend to the guests. She slipped up, taking as many as she could hug to her chest without spilling them and then disappearing into the rose garden. Jonah was previously in conversation with a nobleman or being introduced to a daughter of some socialite, but not this final time.

This event held strictly by the Red Army and yet somehow, the young Godspeed had gotten herself inside. He’d have to speak to the soldiers and staff checking invitations in the morning. Although Jonah already knew the reason she had been let inside. Everyone in Cradle who met her were charmed instantly, and it didn’t hurt that Edgar and Kyle tended to dote on her, which many were aware of.

No one went beyond the designated area of the party. It was an unspoken rule that no one dared break, save for one little Black Territory girl. Jonah stepped over the empty glasses, absolutely horrified with the amount. Nearly fifteen, if he counted correctly.

And in the middle, laid the amethyst haired girl on her stomach, small hand clutching a near drained crystal glass.

“Finley, how much eggnog have you had?” Surely, she hadn’t consumed all of these. That would be preposterous. There’s simply no way. The Queen of Hearts crouched when the only response was a weak groan. “You’ve made yourself ill, haven’t you?”

The girl cracked her eyes open, giving him a dazed smile. “Worth it. I love eggnog so much, but Luka hides it from me.” She looked every bit the child that successfully stole all the cookies from the jar without being caught. The next moment the happy expression dropped, and she groaned again.

Jonah gave a sigh. “I cannot allow you to fall asleep here in the gardens, lest you catch a cold. I’ll send a message for someone to retrieve you.” He spoke but didn’t rise. Amber eyes assessing the small girl with muted affection. He cared little for the Ace of Spades, but his daughter was well liked by all, including himself. 

“Do you think I’m half made of eggnog now? Instead of blood, I’m just a delicious seasonal drink that tastes like spicy ice cream.” Finley tried to laugh but it made her tummy ache even more.

“Perhaps I should find Kyle to treat you-”

She thrust her hand forward, pointing further down the row of rosebushes. “Kyle drank too much again. He was asleep when I found this hiding spot.” True to her word, the Seven of Hearts was unceremoniously splayed, one leg awkwardly bent against the bush, and completely incapacitated.

Jonah pinched the bridge of his nose, utterly appalled at his fellow officer, although not entirely surprised. “That absolute fool.”

“I think I want to go home, Jonah.” She struggled to move her limbs, barely moving onto all fours before he’d plucked her up, careful to not make her sicker.

“That’s for the best. Let’s go.”

The girl rested her cheek against his shoulder, arms limply around his neck. A soldier was quickly dispatched to bring a Black Army member to retrieve her. In the meantime, Jonah found a quiet room in the Civic Center to wait with her. He couldn’t very well have their guests seeing a child in this state. It could reflect badly on his King.

“While we wait, you can disclose why you sneaked into this event.” He thought to reprimand her for it, but it would hardly do any good. The Ace of Spades gave her a little too much freedom, and he’d likely laugh off the situation.

“Well, I wanted to see Eden, but I remembered it was too cold for her to be outside. I’d be really sad if she got sick again.” Finley said, swinging her legs.

Jonah knew how much the young Bright was adored by all the other children, especially this one. Unlike her father, Eden was a sweet girl, and even the Queen of Hearts found himself doting on her from time to time.

“But then, I heard the staff say there was going to be eggnog, the fancy kind, like Luka makes. It was tasty, but Luka’s is better.”

He nodded his head at her remark. “Agreed. My angel brother has a special touch when it comes to cooking.” The topic at hand was what brought this odd pair together. They both shared stories about Luka on the rare occasion they were together.

“Please stop. It’s completely embarrassing.”

“Luka!” Both adult and child lit up at the Jack of Spades by the door with a frown on his features.

Irritation reflected in amber eyes. Luka caught the five-year-old as his brother nearly dropped her. Having completed his mission to obtain her, he turned to leave.

“You should say thank you. Jonah helped me-”

With his free hand, Luka lightly pinched his fingers into her side, causing her to jolt and laugh. “You’re the one who disappeared hours ago. Stop slipping from your detail.” Fenrir hadn’t been worried, but the rest of them had been, although, she disappeared often.

The girl continued to laugh until her expression turned sour. Her hand covered her mouth, and she paled. “My tummy still hurts.”

“That’s what happens when you overindulge,” Jonah chastised. He escorted the pair outside, etching the image of his adorable little brother bickering with the little girl. Luka tended to be on the quiet side, but not with Finley.

Luka set her up on the saddle of his horse, casting a glance back at his brother. “Fenrir will appreciate you taking care of her.” That was as close to thank you as he could muster.

But it elated the Queen of Hearts. Amber eyes fell on the young Godspeed. He’d never liked dealing with children other than his own little angels, but this one was quite the charmer. Luka guided the horse toward Black Territory and just before they were out of sight, Finley leaned around to wave at him.

“Merry Christmas, Jonah!” 

As he returned the gesture, he barely heard the conversation shift. Luka, can you make me a snack when we get back?  He’d begun to assume that she was a human black hole when it came to food. Both the brothers had matching amused expressions. No matter how troublesome she might be, no one was resistant to her charisma.

[toloveawarlord]

I WANT TO SCREAM THIS AT EVERYONE IN THE WORLD! LOOK AT MY BBY FINLEY WITH HER DAD! KASBDJAKSKDKDJDKSKSMDMD THANK YOU SO MUCH NIKKI!!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

For the first time in forever, i shall contribute to @ikerev-appreciation's Fenrir appreciation week....

[krys-does-otome]

Otome Birthdays List

As promised, here’s the full list of birthday days. It’s not an exhaustive list as I plan on adding more as I play more otomes in the future and as more information comes out for various games.

Just as a reminder, I go by what Wikipedia, official websites (Idea Factory International, Otomate, Aksys, etc) and creator websites and pages (dicesuki, DateNighto, etc), tell me as their canon birthdays. If I’ve got the wrong information, then I’ll do my best to update the information for future reference.

I’ve also added in protagonists’ birthdays, if it’s known (like Lucette and Avery), along with some side characters if they have a known birthday (not all side characters, however, because, as of this writing and according to Code: Realize’s wiki, Saint Germain, Guinevere, and Leonhardt all have the same birthday, and I don’t think I’m prepared to handle that many at once).

**Hakuoki birthdays, the creators have stated, are based on the real life counterpart’s birth dates. Unfortunately, since keeping records of one’s birth in Japan didn’t really start happening until about 100 years after the time Hakuoki is supposed to take place, some birth dates are lost to time and no one knows the date, which is why you don’t see Okita, Heisuke, Harada, etc on here. Characters like Kazama and the demons who were created for the story do not have canonical birthday as they are fictional and have not been given a birth date either. 

EDIT: I changed Sakamoto’s to reflect the correct date (it’s the lunisolar date (where the majority of the Hakuoki birthdays fall upon). If anyone wants me to make a separate post explaining about the lunisolar dates, I’d be more than happy to make one).

**August 17th is added as ‘Mod Day’ as that is my birthday.  I’ll be spamming with my personal favorite baes, but you are more than welcome to leave things in my inbox!

**I’m considering making another dedicated day in July, however, since Waltz is looking a little lonely there by himself. No promises, but we’ll see what’s up when July rolls around.

And now, onto the list! Have fun, lovelies!

---------------- 

January 1st- Hajime Saito [Hakuoki] 6th-Herlock Sholmes [Code: Realize] 7th-Kennyo [Ikemen Sengoku] 11th-Lancelot Kingsley [Ikemen Revolution] 20th-Mason [Hustle Cat] 23rd-Alyn and Leo Crawford [Midnight Cinderella] 26th-Klaus Goldstein [Wizardess Heart] 31st-Ieyasu Tokugawa [Ikemen Sengoku]

February 9th-Abraham Van Helsing [Code: Realize] 18th-Kenshin Uesugi [Ikemen Sengoku] 21st-Hayes [Hustle Cat] 22nd-Kei Okazaki [Collar x Malice] / Loki Genetta [Ikemen Revolution]

March 3rd-Ukyo [Amnesia: Memories] 8th-Vincent Knight [Wizardess Heart] 12th-Yoosung Kim [Mystic Messenger] 17th-Hideyoshi Toyotomi [Ikemen Sengoku] 19th Rayvis Harneit [Midnight Cinderella] / Elias Goldstein [Wizardess Heart] 23rd Ray Blackwell [Ikemen Revolution] 30th-Finley [Hustle Cat]

April 1st-Zen [Mystic Messenger] 5th-Oliver Knight [Ikemen Revolution] 10th-Sasuke Sarutobi [Ikemen Sengoku] / Yukiya Reizen [Wizardess Heart] 11th-Shinpachi Nagakura [Hakuoki] 12th-Toma [Amnesia: Memories] / Nico Meier [Midnight Cinderella] 15th-Fenrir Godspeed [Ikemen Revolution] 17th-Mineo Enomoto [Collar x Malice] 30th-Landry [Hustle Cat]

May 5th-Toshizo Hijikata [Hakuoki] 7th-Lucette [Cinderella Phenomenon] / Sirius Oswald [Ikemen Revolution] 12th-Nobunaga Oda [Ikemen Sengoku] 17th-Impey Barbicane [Code: Realize] / Albert Burckhardt [Midnight Cinderella] 31st-Reese [Hustle Cat]

June 1st-Ikki [Amnesia: Memories] / Cerim Leiado [Wizardess Heart] / Guy Brighton [Wizardess Heart] 6th- Randy March [Wizardess Heart] 8th-Takeru Sasazuka [Collar x Malice] 10th-Seth Hyde [Ikemen Revolution] 11th-707 and Saeran [Mystic Messenger] 18th-Rod [Cinderella Phenomenon] 20th-Avery Gray [Hustle Cat]

July 3rd-Waltz Criswell [Cinderella Phenomenon] 7th-Yukimura Sanada [Ikemen Sengoku] 17th-Kyle Ash [Ikemen Revolution]

August 2nd-Saint Germain [Code: Realize] 17th-Mod Day 22nd Sid Arnault/Lloyd Grandier [Midnight Cinderella] 23rd-Edgar Bright [Ikemen Revolution] 24th-Luka Clemence [Ikemen Revolution] 26th-Victor Frankenstein [Code: Realize]

September 5th-Aiji Yanagi [Collar x Malice] / Masamune Date [Ikemen Sengoku] 9th-V [Mystic Messenger] / Robert Branche [Midnight Cinderella] 10th-Fritz [Cinderella Phenomenon] / Blanc Lapin [Ikemen Revolution] 23rd-Kent [Amnesia: Memories]

October 4th-Mitsuhide Akechi [Ikemen Sengoku] 5th-Jumin Han [Mystic Messenger] 9th-Isami Kondou [Hakuoki] 10th-Zero [Ikemen Revolution] 11th-Delacroix II [Code: Realize] 12th-Joel Crawford [Wizardess Heart] 15th-Luca Orlem [Wizardess Heart] 16th-Louis Howard [Midnight Cinderella] 21st-Karma [Cinderella Phenomenon] 24th-Arsene Lupin [Code: Realize] 28th-Amelia Nile [Wizardess Heart]

November 1st-Graves [Hustle Cat] 3rd-Rika [Mystic Messenger] 6th-Mitsunari Ishida [Ikemen Sengoku] 11th-Giles Christophe [Midnight Cinderella] 15th-Ryouma Sakamoto [Hakuoki] 18th-Jonah Clemence [Ikemen Revolution] 30th-Shin [Amnesia: Memories]

December 1st-Shingen Takeda [Ikemen Sengoku] 7th-Byron Wagner [Midnight Cinderella] 12th-Rumpel [Cinderella Phenomenon] / Harr Silver [Ikemen Revolution] 24th-Kageyuki Shiraishi [Collar x Malice] 28th-Jaehee Kang [Mystic Messenger]

[queernuck]

5, 9, 11, 12, 18-20, 24, 38, 40, 47-50

5 - gonna go with a classic

as well as some new shit

9 - I got skinny enough to fit into my Godspeed You! Black Emperor t-shirt again so here’s a pic in that

11 - Damn, I didn’t listen to enough this year (including DAMN., i underplayed that album) but I like Luv Is Rage 2 by Lil Uzi Vert, Pretty Girls Like Trap Music by 2 Chainz, FUTURE by Future, Drunk by Thundercat, Issa Album by 21 Savage, and Luciferian Towers by Godspeed You! Black Emperor. AOTY tho is Come Over When You’re Sober Pt 1

12 - the newest movie i watched this year was your name. lmao, I loved that though, i absolutely love it

18 - i’ve honestly been getting a lot better at listening to and helping my parents which has been big, it’s been tough and required a lot of work but it happens and it helps.

19 - goodness, from buying me presents to saying sweet things, from helming me during a turbulent move to motivating me to move out of bed in the morning, I cannot ever thank my girlfriend enough for all of the incredible things she has done for me this year.

20 - It’s been a while since I was this deep into the NFL, and I’m finally getting into learning about the NBA, slowly

24 - no, but i already HAVE Finley, and i LOVE him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

38 - hanging in the city with @plum-soup was pretty great, getting to see the Stanley Cup and have my picture taken was right up there with that. otherwise, not that much happened this year

40 - Nah, quite the opposite, I’ve been changing a lot, even as some things stay the same. 

47 - better attitudes toward eating, better sense of how to reckon myself in relationship to my absolutely wonderful, but of course, human, girlfriend, figuring out how to better relate to my family

48 - id either chill in the bay and catch a Dubs game with the GF or just like, have a blowout with the likes of @plum-soup or, of course, the famous @fadedmillennial!! 

49 - More love, less fentanyl, good books, space on your hard drive for FLAC copies of your favorite albums, Evangelion 3.0 + 1.0, good feelings, good times, more Offset ad libs, a new pair of Jordans

50 - survival, love, support, less sobriety, less Tom Brady

[toloveawarlord]

You can find my masterlist in my bio!

25 Days of Christmas Day 10

Characters: Caroline Clemence, Luka Clemence, Finley Godspeed

Prompt: “It says two tablespoons, not two cups.”

Tagging: @plumpblueberry​ @christmaswarlock​ @sakura-1819​ @starry-starry-night24​ @kissmetwicekissmedeadly​ @ikemensengokufangirl​ @stardust-dreamer13​ @gay-noodle-clan​ @nad-zeta​ @canaria-blackwell​ @hamster-damn​

A/N: I love that Finley and Caroline have a rivalry based on their mutual love for Eden XD

A crowd of soldier had gathered in the doorway, alerting the officers to a strange occurrence. Ray and Sirius returning from the infirmary after checking on an injured man managed to cut to the front. A large carriage sat on the cobblestones, bearing a familiar crest, caused confusion. Whispers of what the Queen of Hearts would be doing showing up unannounced.

But the driver opened the door, and Caroline stepped out, brushing her mint hair down from the breeze. She clutched a tin to her chest, amber eyes sweeping over to the King and Queen of Spades. “I need to see my uncle. I’m surprising father with Christmas cookies, and I did something wrong in the recipe, so I require Luka’s help,” she said, as if this were a normal affair.

“Does anyone know you’re here?” Sirius asked. There’s simply no way that the Cling of Hearts would allow his precious first born to come into Black Territory, especially alone. The answer quite obvious.

She narrowed her eyes, as if he’d offended her. “I said it’s a surprise.”

Ray chuckled, shrugging his shoulders. “Since you’re here, we might as well take you to Luka. Come on.” As he turned, the sea of soldiers parted.

Caroline fell into step beside him. It made sense that they moved for someone like her, although she didn’t wish to spend any more time than necessary in the Black Army’s base. Following the King of Spades to the kitchen, her features crinkled in disgust at the decorating. “Perhaps you should hire a professional interior designer.”

“I’ll take that into consideration,” Ray replied, knocking his fist against the open kitchen door, “Hey, Luka. Your lovely niece is here to see you.” Then he promptly left before the six-year-old could give anymore suggestions.

Without an audience, her expression dropped. “Can you help me make some cookies? I tried but for some reason, they didn’t turn out well.” Atticus teased her often for her lack of cooking skills.

He didn’t really have the time. Time moved ever closer to dinner for the Black Army and taking a break to make cookies would put him behind schedule. But. “Let me see. I’m sure we can do something.” Luka abandoned the soup on the stove to try one of the baked snowmen. “How did you make them?”

“Two cups of flour, some butter, an egg, a cup of sugar, and...” Her head tilted as she recalled the other ingredients. “two cups of salt. I followed the recipe exactly like it was written.” Her tone evident that she had no idea why the cookies tasted so bitter.

Luka struggled to chew. “I think it says two tablespoons, not two cups, of salt, Caroline. This isn’t a cookie anymore, it’s a cracker.” No way would he be able to stomach another bite.

“Oh. Well, I can correct that mistake this time.” Her head turned away, but she couldn’t hide the pink on the tips of her ears. She’d inherited his brother’s inability to cope with being wrong.

While it usually annoyed him, when it came to Caroline, Luka found it quite cute.

Together, they made new dough, with the proper ratios. She insisted on the shape being snowmen and refused to stay back from the oven when it was time to check on the cookies. Luka had forgotten how bossy the little girl could be.

“I smell cookies!” The shout followed by a loud bang. Finley had forgone wearing shoes, instead only in socks that didn’t grip the tile. She’d slid across the room and collided with the wall. Unfazed, she clambered to her feet. “I’m okay.”

Amethyst eyes met amber.

Neither excited to see the other.

“Cookie thief! Cookie thief!” The young Godspeed approached, poking her finger at Caroline. She could get along with almost anyone. This was the exception. How could she befriend someone who wanted to keep her from her true love?

“Please do not touch me. I don’t know where you’ve been.” The insult rolled off her tongue with venom.

Luka inserted himself between them, lest an actual fight break out. He could imagine how livid Jonah would be if Caroline returned with a bruise or scrape. That would be such a headache to listen to. “Finley, these aren’t for you.”

“Aww, why not? They smell really good.” She rose onto her tiptoes, peeking around the Jack of Spades to get a better look. They were all decorated with color icing.

Caroline shifted her gaze between the cookies and the dejected Godspeed. Carefully lifting one into her hands, she gracefully descended the two steps of the stool and offered it out to Finley. “Since it’s the holiday season, I’ll let you have one. Just this once. Don’t expect me to pamper you.”

“Whoa! Really?” Finley let her place the cookie in her hand, like receiving an expensive gift. A grin spread across her features. “Thank you! You’re actually kind of nice, huh, Caroline?”

Her cheeks flushed with heat, and she struggled to speak a coherent sentence until finally she got out, “A Queen has to be gracious from time to time.” Amber irises peeked out from dark lashes, proud that the girl was happily eating the cookie without a single complaint.

“Do you want to come play with me?”

The invitation causing the older girl to whirl around, arms folded and her back to her. “My generosity ends with the cookie. You are still too unrefined to be a partner of mine.”

“Hey!” Finley hadn’t the chance to lunge.

Luka picked her up by the back of her shirt. “Caroline has to go home now. Let it go, Fin.” Once he was positive, she wouldn’t attack her, he set her back on her feet. Finley scurried off to find someone else to entertain her.

He didn’t look forward to escorting her to Red Territory, but their time spent in the kitchen together would be greatly cherished.

[toloveawarlord]

25 Days of Christmas Day 18

Characters: Eden Bright & Edgar Bright ft. Caroline Clemence and Finley Godspeed

Prompt: “Why is there snow in our bathtub?”

Tagging: @plumpblueberry @christmaswarlock @sakura-1819 @starry-starry-night24 @kissmetwicekissmedeadly @thewitchofbooks @stardust-dreamer13 @ikemensengokufangirl @gay-noodle-clan​ @nad-zeta​ @canaria-blackwell​ @lordsister​ @hamster-damn​

A/N: You know I love any excuse to write my two best girls. Finley’s love for Eden knows no bounds.

Snow days weren’t fun for all.

While most of the kids could run around out in the cold throwing snowballs at each other on their day off from school, Eden wasn’t so lucky. Chilly air wouldn’t be good for lungs, nor would getting soaked as the snow melted through her clothes. Thus, the girl was stuck inside while the others were enjoying a fun snow day.

Edgar finished his current report before taking a break to check on her. Normally, quiet didn’t alarm him. Eden was calm and soft when playing, not making much noise. However, as stealthy as they were attempting to be, he’d overheard Caroline fussing at Finley.

The lights were off for all but the small bathroom. His boots squished with each step, the carpet sopping with water. He couldn’t fathom what the trio might be up to. Perhaps the sink had been left running and spilled over? They were all aware of the rule not to use the tub without supervision.

But through the crack in the door, the sight surprised him.

Caroline adjusted the mitten on Eden’s hand, amber eyes checking to make sure she was properly bundled up. “Even though we’re inside, we have to be careful that you don’t get too cold.”

“As long as we don’t get in it, she’ll be fine!” Finley countered, receiving a wicked glare from the young Clemence. She took Eden’s free hand and tugged along.

“Why is our bathtub filled with snow?”

All three turned at his voice and the two older girls exchanged a concerned glance. Eden clapped her clothed hands together and said, “They brought me snow.”

“Yeah, since she can’t go outside, I carried in so many buckets full of snow!” Finley explained, grinning happily at her successful plan. It had taken a lot of time, and her arms ached from it. Soldiers had questioned her but thanks to Caroline, they’d gotten away with it.

The heart defenders couldn’t say no to her.

“I see.” He was clearly impressed. A simple solution to a complex problem. Obviously, she’d spilled some, leading to the floor being soaking wet. “Well, carry on. Let’s make use of the snow while it’s still cold.”

The three girls all lit up at his blessing to continue their crazy plan. Instead of leaving, the Jack joined in. Winter usually brought down Eden’s mood, since most of it she spent stuck inside. But today, she was elated to have a chance to play with snow.

The two mortal enemies had managed to work together in order to make Eden happy. Although, they still bickered quite a lot. His break turned into retiring for the evening. He’d complete the rest of his work tomorrow, instead choosing to build snow castles and draw pictures in the bathtub full of snow.

Edgar patted his daughter on the head, delighted that she was having so much fun. Emerald eyes fell on the misfit of the group, a question arising. He knew why she’d come. Her undying affection for Eden always on display. But..

“Finley, how did you get here?”

Amethyst eyes flickered away, debating on what to say. “Well, I told Ray that I was going to see Eden and then I did.” It didn’t answer his question, but Edgar was sure that the King of Spades probably didn’t give permission.

“I’ll send a messenger to inform them of your whereabouts.”

Eden tugged on his sleeve. “Can Finley stay the night? Isn’t there supposed to be a storm?” She didn’t want to send her back in dangerous weather, and was having too much fun for it to end already.

Sending her home wouldn’t be a problem, but he found it quite hard to resist the pleading look in her puppy eyes. He and the Ace of Spades had come to an agreement after their daughter’s had become friends. Since Eden couldn’t stay away due to her health issues, Finley had an open invitation if Edgar allowed it.

“Alright, I suppose I can arrange for that.”

He chuckled softly at their cheers of delight. It was never a dull evening with Finley around. And she always made his daughter quite happy.

[toloveawarlord]

Black Army Mischief Maker (Ch. 4)

You can find my masterlist in my bio!

Characters: Finley Godspeed, Sirius Oswald, Ray Blackwell, Kyle Ash, Fenrir Godspeed, Dalim Tweedle

Tagging: @plumpblueberry​ @christmaswarlock​ @starry-starry-night24​ @youreawizardharr​ @thetwinkims​

A/N: Finley is back!

No sooner had the mysterious new woman arrived, she was gone. A soldier reported that Alice had been detained by the Red Army. The young Godspeed sported a frown as she tilted the watering can forward to dampen the soil of the plants.

“You’ll drown that poor tulip.” Sirius’s voice snapped the girl out of daze. He smiled softly as she yanked the can upright and bent down to spread around the sopping soil. “What’s with that disappointed expression?”

Finley lifted her mud-caked hand and wiggled her fingers to let drops of the dirt fall. A whine passed her lips. “It’s not fair. Alice only just got here and now she’s gone. We had a big party and everything. The Red Army shouldn’t have stolen her away with their fancy foods that are hard to pronounce and my adorable Eden.”

The Queen of Spades chuckled at her. It came as no surprise that she brought in the Jack of Heart’s daughter to the conversation. She was quite smitten with the little lady. “We’ll get her back here where she belongs.” Who knew what kind of danger awaited Alice at the hands of the proud Red Army?

“Hey, Fin, wanna tag along to the hideout?” Ray asked, not sporting his usual army attire. He’d been watching her out of the office window with that sad expression on her features. A trip out would be good for the both of them.

Finley held her hands out to Sirius, letting him pour water from the can to clean them. “Yeah, I wanna go. It might make me feel better.” Her sluggish steps showing how down she was. “Whoa-”

Ray spun her around before plucking the girl up and placing her on his shoulders. Her hands settled on his head, lacing through raven locks. “I know you’re upset about Alice, but we’ll see her again really soon.”

His words didn’t lift her mood. The whole walk to Central Quarter was in a comfortable silence. She needed some time to process all those emotions. In the alley, all the cats were waiting.

“They’re so soft... like Alice.” Finley sighed heavily, practically covered in cats. They all vied for her attention, purring and meowing as they rubbed against her body when her hands were occupied.

It wasn’t strange for the young Godspeed to get attached to someone so quickly, but this was something else entirely. Maybe a little bit of jealousy that she didn’t understand as such. “How about we go eat our feelings?” Ray suggested, patting her on the head as he cradled a white cat in his arms.

“Okay!” Finley jumped up, startling the cats that scattered in various directions.

The pair went to every cafe and food stall that they could, snacking on savory and sweet items, drinking more hot chocolate than one should in a single outing. A stall owner called to Ray, having a complaint that he believed only the King of Spades could remedy.

To the girl, it seemed like it would take a while... long enough to visit one nearby building.

When the sun went down, this establishment got quite lively. Finley didn’t sneak in here often, unless it was before opening, but on occasion, she disregarded all the rules. Eyes followed her, some already intoxicated enough that they believed they must be hallucinating.

A towel fell over her head. “You can’t be here, kid.”

“Hey!” Finley protested, balling it up and tossing it back to Dum, who leaned over the counter to catch it. “Is Kyle here yet?”

The bar owner found it odd that she’d come here in search of the Red Army doctor, but he noted that she wasn’t as perky as usual. “If I show you where he is, will you leave?” He didn’t mind her visits, but not when he had patrons, many of whom were uncomfortable with a child in the building.

“I promise! I just need to see him.” 

It must be important, he imagined. Normally, she’d be playful and be begging for free food. Leaving the bar counter, he made a path through the crowd to a table near the back. “You have a visitor.” At least the good doctor wasn’t totally drunk yet. “Five minutes and then you’re out, kid.”

“You’re the Ace of Spades daughter, uh, Finley, right?” Kyle had bumped into her a hand full of times with a certain Cheshire Cat, and Eden talked about her often when she was in the infirmary.

“Yeah, I am.” Awkwardly, the girl climbed onto the stool beside him and managed not to fall off. He’d treated her a few times for scrapes and bruises, but she always knew he worked for the army. “Does Alice really want to stay away from us?”

What a question. He couldn’t possibly give her the real reason, otherwise it would undo Lancelot’s plan. Plus, he wasn’t sure how she would react. “I think Alice is going to... uh-- help us-- with some stuff.” He struggled to put a coherent sentence together.

“Oh.”

Kyle internally groaned at her pitiful expression. He was not good with upset kids, always throwing them back to their parent to deal with the crying and the moodiness. Downing a gulp of beer to calm his nerves, he thankfully didn’t have to continue to lie to her.

“Hey, bug. It’s time to go home,” Fenrir said, accompanied by Kyle’s typical drinking buddies. He crouched by the stool, brushing his hand through her short hair.

“Okay.” She didn’t argue, climbing down and taking her dad’s hand. They only made it a few steps when she stopped, turning back to the Seven of Hearts. “Tell Alice I miss her, and... she has to come visit soon.”

After he’d agreed, the pair left the bar and returned to headquarters. Bathed and dressed in her pajamas, Finley sat on Fenrir’s bed, absentmindedly petting ShuShu and humming a lullaby.

“Ya gonna sleep with me, bug?” He chuckled as her body rocked slightly as she fought falling asleep. Although she hadn’t done a lot today, he imagined her disappointment of Alice leaving had taken a toll on her. Even the girl knew something about it wasn’t right, but she couldn’t figure out what.

But no one would tell her. War with Reds hadn’t been announced yet, and it would only upset her more. Finley could befriend anyone, and she adored many of the Red Army officers.

Finley wiggled under the covers until she’d successfully cuddled up against him, rubbing her forehead against his chest. “Why did Alice leave without saying goodbye?”

“I heard that she ran into some trouble and the Jack of Hearts helped her out. She didn’t have time to come back with the bad men after her. I’m sure she’ll write ya a letter when she gets settled.” Fenrir knew that she wouldn’t get one. It’d be unlikely that any correspondence from Alice would actually be from her.

“But Ray promised that we’d protect her.”

Fenrir rubbed her back, soothing her to fall asleep. He wished he had an answer that she would understand, but that would require breaking her fantasies about the Red Army.

But with war already declared, it was only a matter of time.

[toloveawarlord]

25 Days of Christmas Day 24

Characters: Finley Godspeed & Ray Blackwell ft. Black Army

Prompt: “You can’t be hungover on Christmas”

Tagging: @plumpblueberry​ @christmaswarlock​ @sakura-1819 @starry-starry-night24​ @kissmetwicekissmedeadly​ @thewitchofbooks​ @stardust-dreamer13​ @ikemensengokufangirl​ @nad-zeta​ @canaria-blackwell​ @lordsister​ @hamster-damn​ @thetwinkims​​ @youreawizardharr​

A/N: Finley might love Halloween best but Christmas is a close second, and she knows the adults go overboard during parties. Merry Christmas Eve, everyone! Tune in tomorrow for some special things!

Twas the Night Before Christmas

and all through the Base

One sneaky young Godspeed

Rifled through all of the space

All the alcohol retrieved and hidden with care

in hopes that sobriety stayed in the air.

Christmas was a big deal.

Not as big as Halloween, but Finley did enjoy the holiday. Her favorite part was picking out presents for all the officers, including some special Red Army ones and a certain young love of hers. It wasn’t so bad receiving either.

But there tended to be a problem. One the seven-year-old had noticed over the past few years. Every Christmas Eve, there was a party, a huge party that tended to last well into the early hours of the morning. She loved eating food until she felt sick, but one problem always seemed to arise.

Christmas morning was usually spent with the girl trying to rouse her hungover father and the other officers. Her energy and volume levels much too high and loud for the sensitive ears of the adults who had a little too much spiked eggnog.

Not this year.

Finley had set into motion a plan that was fool proof.

They can’t overindulge if there isn’t any alcohol for them to drink.

Thus, the thief set out to fulfill that goal.

“I swear we bought some yesterday, but it’s all gone.” Luka’s voiced carried from the kitchen. He sounded incredibly perplexed. Even the rum he’d purchased to make dessert with had gone missing.

“Sirius said the supply in the dining hall had been depleted as well. I wonder who’s been stealing it?” Seth questioned.

Neither saw the child dart past the open door, each arm wrapped around a large bottle of alcohol, the last of what she’d found in the pantry. Finley stashed them before setting off for her final destination.

The office.

Ray kept a bottle in right bottom drawer. All she needed was to take it and keep it hidden until morning.

“Seems I found our thief,” Ray’s voice echoed from the doorway, blocking her exit, and catching her red handed. He folded his arms, leaning against the frame. Somehow, it made sense that it was her. “What are you up to?”

Hugging the half empty bottle to her chest, Finley’s gaze darted around the dimly lit office. “You can’t be hung over on Christmas, so...” She shifted her weight from one leg to another. “I hid all the alcohol and I’m not giving it back until the morning.”

“Is that so?”

Her head nodded with certainty. She refused to give in when she’d gotten so far in her plan.

Ray was quiet for a moment, tapping his finger against his chin. “Well, you made it this far. I suppose I could pretend that I never saw you.” Honestly, with no one looking at the child as the culprit, it would be quite entertaining to watch them all scurry about in search of the disappearing bottles.

And Finley lit up, getting a little too excited and almost dropped the one in her hands. “Oops, that was close.” She laughed nervously. Luckily, she was quick and caught it in time.

The King of Spades watched her sneak off, checking her surroundings and corners before scuttling off into headquarters. Now that he’d confirmed his suspicion, he could see how badly Finley was at hiding things.

She’s stashed them behind anything she could find. Books were precariously on the edge of the shelves, glass bottles laid behind them. The curtains over the windows hugged them as well. Obviously placed but no one was actually looking for them in the hallways and rooms.

He watched confused soldiers discussing it, unawares to the fact that their desired drinks were right in plain sight. 

Finley never ceased to be the best edition to the Black Army’s family.

[toloveawarlord]

Day 2: Sacrifice

You can find my masterlist in my bio!

Event: Spooktober

Trick: Shadows, Mask, Cemetery

Characters: Eden Bright & Finley Godspeed Ft. Sasha Hyde

Tagging: @christmaswarlock​ @plumpblueberry​

A/N: Some angst for the lovely requester! I hope you enjoy this little bit of Finley and Eden! I aged them up just a little bit for this fic! Finley is 7, Eden is 6, and Sasha is 9.

[Spooktober Event is CLOSED]

Although peace had been brokered between the two territories, bias and anger still remained, even a year after the threats of war.

Jade eyes darted between the three masked figures towering around the two girls in a semi-circle. They wore mock army uniforms and crisp silver masks to hide their identity. “Please-please leave u-us alone,” Eden stammered, reaching a shaky hand out to clutch the back of the other girl’s dirt-stained shirt.

“Get the hell out of our territory, you red bastard!” The leader spat at the younger girl trembling behind Finley. His irritation clearly etched on his face as his brows creased.

The second one of them moved a step closer, Finley countered. It shouldn’t be so damn hard to fend off a seven-year-old, but they found it nearly impossible. She’d land pointed punches to the jaw, throat-- the slight girl having to be hauled off by both the other boys. They hadn’t the opportunity to attack their actual target.

“I won’t let you touch her.” Finley raised her fists again, defensive in her actions unless one of them moved first. They were familiar to her, but the moon cast a shadow across their mask, making it hard to remember.

Eden’s gaze flickered toward the town just beyond the trees. How long would it take for anyone to realize that they were missing? With the large crowd, perhaps they simply thought the children lost among it.

A decisive look between the three boys made the young Godspeed tense in anticipation. Their only real option would be attack all at once, but she wouldn’t allow that. She lunged, effectively toppling over the leader. The other two less likely to act without his guidance.

His arm thrust up, palm connecting with her chin to put distance between them. “They’re the enemy! You’re a traitor for protecting her!” He shouted, turning his head to avoid a direct connection of her knuckles to his cheek bone.

“You don’t deserve to have on that uniform! Hurting innocents isn’t what the Black Army stands for!” Amethyst eyes caught the movement to her right, and the girl reeled back with her elbow. The crunch of the other boy’s nose worth the pain that radiated through her arm.

It was her voice.

That sweet voice filled with absolute terror that Finley couldn’t ignore.

She’d only taken her eyes off her target for a split second, but it was enough. The leader shifted their weight, managing to plow is foot into her abdomen and throw her slight form off him...

right into a headstone.

 The rough granite greeted her head with a sickening thud, not giving a single inch in the hard ground. The world blurred. It was distant. And yet, it hardly hurt in that moment. 

Get up. You have to get up.

One had Eden securely in his arms, easily keeping her under control even as she struggled. Through the haze, Finley could see the tears spilling from her jade eyes. The pang in her chest, heart clenching at how despaired her love looked.

“Traitor!” The leader, enraged, struck his boot down into her rib cage. Twice. Three times. The fourth nearly caught with sluggish hands but managed to slip through once again. He observed her, cocking his head to the side before completely turning again. “We’ll rid Black Territory of all its enemies!”

“F-Finley!” Eden was desperate to escape but lacked any skills to do so. Her shaky cry for help drowned out by the disgusting cheers of the three boys.

The ache in her body begged her to rest, digging into her muscles to make every movement more painful than the last. Even her eyes betrayed her when she made a feeble attempt to stop their cruel game. Finley lurched forward but with little force.

“Why won’t you stay down!” The leader shouted, easily tearing her weak grip off his arm. One half-hearted shove sent the young Godspeed to the ground, knocking what little air she could get out of her lungs. 

As much as she willed herself to stand back up, she couldn’t. Her fingers dug helplessly into the soil, clinging to it as if it could aid somehow. Her ears rang, registering the screams before Finley realized that it was her own voice echoing through the cemetery.

A calculative error.

The sword unsheathed not wooden as she’d believed but painfully real. It skewered her to the ground, glinting in the moonlight.

Darkness descended upon them. Shadows springing from the forest, silently slithering across the open space toward the group. Following like a wraith was an older girl. One with a reputation.

“That’s- That’s the one they say can summon demons!” One boy shouted, leading the retreat without the permission of the leader.

The leader shouted of cowards but the closer the shadows came, the more his legs trembled in terror. Without a second thought, he, too, sprinted away with screams of a demon.

Sasha gave a passing pat on the head to Eden before she knelt by Finley. Her accompanying shadows dispersing like the wind, like a question of whether they’d truly been there or not. “You’ll live.” Her fingers ghosted around the wound.

Amethyst eyes turned upward to her favorite person. “See? Nothin to worry about! I’m gonna be alright so no more cryin’, okay?” A grin pushed her lips up, happy that the tension seemed to leave Eden’s shoulders.

“I’ll- I’ll go get Fenrir.”

Finley let her cheek rest back against the dirt once she was out of sight. She squeezed her eyes shut and bit down onto her lip. “Sash, I-”

Sasha hummed in response, sitting on back on her heels beside her. “I know. The feeling here-” Her index finger tapped down her left leg and then back up her right. It was quiet. Nothing indicated flow to her lower half.

“It’s gone.”

[toloveawarlord]

Turning 5- Finley

You can find my masterlist in my bio!

Characters: Finley and Fenrir ft. Luka

Series: Black Army Mischief Maker

A/N: The first story for Finley’s birthday! Her actual birthday was the 12th but I didn’t get this finished on time. Enjoy a little slice of the Godspeeds.

Tagging: @plumpblueberry​ and @christmaswarlock​

and @ikerev-appreciation​ It’s Fenrir’s Appreciation Week and I’m appreciating him and his daughter this week.

“Slow down, Bug. The shop is open all day long.”

Fenrir’s words fell on deaf ears. His now five-year-old daughter barreled down ahead through the street. A chorus of Happy Birthdays came from all around, as everyone in Central Quarter knew what today was. The vendors and bystanders alike gave a warm greeting as if cheering on a parade featuring only her had rolled into town.

He couldn’t fault her for being so excited. As many times as Finley had asked and been told to wait, waking up in the morning to news that she’d get what she wanted for so long had catalyzed this ball of energy. 

The artist at the tattoo and piercing parlor, Dante, had been forewarned about this event, and had even gone as far as putting up a banner above the chair that had been prepared just for her. “We’re doing two on each lobe, right? That was the final verdict?”

Finley sat in the chair, kicking her feet and radiating with happiness. “Yeah, I wanted one like daddy’s, but he said no. So, I can get two here and here,” Finley said, pinching both her ears between her thumb and index finger.

“You can get it when you’re older.” Fenrir ruffled her still messy hair. He’d barely gotten her dressed properly before they’d left. Next year, he’d wait till after breakfast to tell her about any surprises.

“You really wanted a helix piercing at only 5 years old? That one is really painful,” Dante replied, trying to dissuade her from it. Grown men and women would cringe and cry out in pain with that one.

Her head tilted to the side as she gave him a confused look. “I’m not afraid of it hurting.” She meant every word and showed no hints of fear. Hardly a day passed where the girl didn’t hurt herself in one way or other, running into doors, walls, people, or just getting ahead of herself and falling. Finley simply popped back up and never let it bother her.

Dante and Fenrir both chuckled at her resolve.

Finley never flinched as the needle pinched into her ear. It stung for a moment but not enough to faze her. This might have been the stillest that Fenrir had seen her since she started crawling. Always on the go and never wanting to miss a single thing. His heart ached with bittersweet feelings. How had five years passed already?

Exiting the parlor with the elated girl, Fenrir dug out a few coins from his pocket. “Alright, bug. You can pick out your treat.” This part of the day was a tradition now, for the third year now. With the big party coming later and an ungodly amount of her favorite foods and a chocolate cake, he had to limit the intake of food that she ate during the day.

She rarely had a typical sugar crash, but she’d eat herself sick if he let her.

The young Godspeed took off into her favorite sweets shop. Slipping past the woman and her daughter to get a peek into the case of delectable treats, the conversation piqued her interest.

“I’m sorry, sweetheart but I can’t afford that. We can make something at home for your birthday.” The mother’s dejected voice kept to a hush as she crouched before her child that had an equally crestfallen expression. She brushed her thumb across her cheek to comfort her before taking her hand and leading her from the store.

“Hello Miss Finley. Here for your birthday treat?” The owner of the shop knew her well. A regular customer year-round but he’d marked his calendar of her birthday because he’d gotten to know her so well. She always made an impression and he adored her like a grandchild. 

Finley stood up on her tiptoes to peek over the counter. “Can I have whatever they were looking at? Was it a cake?” 

The older man slid the small cake back to the edge of the counter. “This is it. You want a whole cake?” An odd request. He’d never known her request something so big, especially on this day.

Her head bobbed in response and she dropped the few coins that she had on the counter as the door chimed signaling another customer. Without hesitation she took off with the entire cake. “Thank you!” She called over her shoulder.

“Wha- Finley, didn’t ya want Luka to bake you a cake?” Fenrir had waited outside, chatting to a friend of his that happened to be passing by. Both Godspeeds were popular among the citizens of Cradle. It was hard to go anywhere without finding someone they knew.

“Wait! Hey, wait!” Finley called to the pair up ahead. Her shout turned many heads but finally, the mother and daughter stopped as the girl caught up to them. The cake felt heavier with each second that she held it. “Here, this is for you!”

The mother was stunned for a moment but gave a warm smile. “Oh, sweetie, we can’t accept that. It’s too much for us to pay for.” She could hardly glance at her own daughter, unable to see that flash of hope disappear again.

“That’s okay. I already paid for it. It’s your birthday, right? It’s my birthday too.” Finley offered the box to the girl, grinning widely at her. She practically pushed it into her arms. “I turned five today! What about you?”

Her green eyes lifted from the box to Finley, voice bashful and raspy. “Six.” Her lips tugged up into a soft smile.

A light laugh passed her lips and Finley clapped her hands together. “That’s so cool! You’re a year older than me! Exactly one year! My name is Finley.” Her happy chatter seemed to brighten the mood surrounding the mother and daughter.

“Maria.” Her head turned up to look at her mother. “Can we keep the cake?”

“Mhmm! Mhmm! Everyone needs a cake on their birthday! Luka always makes me a biiiiig-” Her arms stretched out to exaggerate the size, nearly smacking a man walking by. “Big cake! But you don’t have a Luka, so I want you have this one.” Her tone dipped in reverence to the fact that this other girl couldn’t have Luka’s cooking and baking.

The mother glanced between the two girls, unsure of whether to accept or not. “Maria, I’m not sure-”

“Bye, Happy Birthday!” Finley shouted before she took off again. They couldn’t give back the cake if they couldn’t find her. Happiness flooded over her. Maria didn’t need to be sad on her birthday, that wasn’t what birthdays were about. “Daddy!”

Fenrir scooped her up, having paid the last bit of the bill as the coins Finley had left hardly covered the price of a full cake. “That was very nice of you, bug. You’re a good kid.” He couldn’t be prouder of her. Yet, he wasn’t surprised. Finley loved giving gifts to others, to make them smile and feel happy.

“That’s because I’m your kid!” Finley pressed both hands against his cheeks and kissed his nose. “Though I’m ready to go back home. I have something important to do!”

“Oh, and what’s that?”

Her finger hovered in front of her lip and she shushed him. “It’s a secret.”

*******

Fenrir had to check on what exactly this secret mission entailed. He greeted the soldiers as he passed but kept a sharp eye on where his child was intent on going. He stopped in the doorway to the kitchen.

“Luka!” Finley threw her arms around his leg and squeezed him tight.

The Jack continued to chop up the potatoes on the counter but cast a curious glance at her. “You’re back early. I thought you’d be out all day.” His chopping filled the room for a moment as she was strangely quiet.

“I met this girl and bought her a cake cause it was her birthday.”

“Okay?” Luka’s amber eyes flickered to Fenrir and then back down to Finley. He couldn’t figure out what that had to do with her death grip on his leg.

Finley gave a sigh and rested her chin against his thigh as she looked up at him. “I was sad for her because she gets to eat a yummy cake, but it won’t be as good as yours. I’m glad I have you!” How did others survive without Luka’s cooking? She shuddered at the thought of being without him. She grinned up at him. “So, I wanted to come back to tell you that I love you!”

Fenrir couldn’t contain the laughter at the surprised expression that crossed Luka’s features. She’d given up the rest of her day out to come tell Luka about how much she cared for him and all he does, even if she didn’t quite say it all out loud. Even on a day that is completely about her, she showed compassion and gratitude for others in her life. He couldn’t have asked for a better kid.

[toloveawarlord]

Godspeed Family Birthday HC

You can find my masterlist in my bio!

Characters: Finley, Fenrir, Mr. and Mrs. Godspeed

Series: Black Army Mischief Maker

Tagging: @plumpblueberry​ and @christmaswarlock​ and @ikerev-appreciation​

A/N: I’m still working on Sophia and Fenrir for Fenrir’s birthday (we’ll ignore the fact that it was like 2 days ago) so instead, have some headcannons about how the Godspeed’s celebrate their son and granddaughter’s birthdays since they are so close together.

These headcannons are for when Finley is a child, as when she is a teenager, she gets a huge party with all her friends at the venue of her choosing.

Gathering together for both Fenrir and Finley’s birthdays turns into a huge event, even though it’s only the four of them. Of course they threw a big party for Fenrir in town, and Finley gets her big Black Army Bash, but Mr. and Mrs. Godspeed spare no expense for a lovely and extravagant evening with their two most precious ones.

Finley gets to pick the theme of the decorations, which tends to always be Halloween related. Her favorite animal is bats, so they get a specialty cake made in the shape of one. Her second favorite kind of cake besides chocolate, which Luka makes her, is red velvet with creme cheese icing. That’s the kind she gets at this evening.

Fenrir tends to lean more toward an array of pastries for his special dessert. By the time they get to this event for their birthdays, he’s had enough cake.

A lavish dinner is prepared, in many courses. All the favorites of both Finley and Fenrir and they all eat way too much within one evening.

They are a family of game players. From hide and seek to poker, the Godspeeds will spend as much time playing together as they can. Finley especially loves playing poker as Mr. Godspeed’s advisor. He is a master poker player and the pair always win. Finley likes to wear an old pair of glasses to match her aging grandfather.

Another big tradition between the family is stargazing after they’ve cut the cake and before presents. The Godspeed Manor has an observatory where they can still watch and talk about the stars even when it’s too chilly to be outside.

Presents are kept to a minimum. Though Finley is considered spoiled, she only receives a few gifts that consist of one thing she asked for, one surprise toy, some clothes or other necessity, and a gift that invests in her future. She has a Hope Chest that they keep in her bedroom at the manor for her to take when she gets her own place. Mrs. Godspeed puts something in their for all holidays, even if gifts are not a typical part of that holiday.

This birthday celebration always lasts overnight. Since Finley came along, the Godspeeds tend to spend the night in the living room surrounded by the fire, having stayed up much too late reading stories and enjoying each others company. Mrs. Godspeed adores that for Finley’s third and fourth birthdays, Fenrir and Finley both fell asleep on the floor with Finley wrapped up in her father’s arms.

The morning after, Finley and Mr. Godspeed are on cooking duty while Fenrir and his mother take a walk in the garden together. The chaotic duo in the kitchen tend to stick to the basics, eggs, bacon, pancakes, etc. They’ve tried some of Luka’s recipes from Finley’s memory but it turns into a disaster leaving the kitchen covered in flour and eggs like a war zone.

Fenrir doesn’t see his family as often as he would like, so he takes these walks on the day after his birthday celebration to ask more advice about raising his child. He knows the best person to ask his mother, and he loves to learn as much as he can from her.

After breakfast, Fenrir and Finley return to Black Headquarters. It’s a long goodbye. Usually takes at least half an hour to get into the carriage and on the road back to HQ. Everyone is all smiles and full of love.

[toloveawarlord]

Black Army Mischief Maker (Ch.3)

You can find chapters 1 &2 in my masterlist in my bio!

Characters: Finley Godspeed and Black Army

Tagging: @plumpblueberry​ and @christmaswarlock​ for their love of this Godspeed child.

A/N: Finley is back at it again. If you want to learn some elephant facts, this is the place. Finley knows whats up.

Someone new had arrived at headquarters.

Not a member of the army. A woman that the young Godspeed had never seen before. Someone that needed their protection. As such, a room needed to be prepared, and the only one available needed to be fixed up. Finley had begged to tag along into Central Quarter on the shopping trip.

It turned out to be quite more boring than she’d imagined.

Seth meticulously began his search for the right sheets, comforter, and even the cushions to be on the couch. Reaching their tenth store, Finley began to drag her feet. “This isn’t the adventure that I thought it would be.” Falling forward to rest her forehead against his leg, she poked at the holstered gun for entertainment. It swung slightly, reminding her of a pendulum.

“I told ya this wasn’t going to be fun this time, bug,” Fenrir answered with a pat to her head. No amount of explanation before they left had swayed the child from wishing to come with them. He chuckled at her dramatic whine and fascination with the holster. “Hey, I know. Why don’tcha pick somethin’ out for Alice. It might make her feel more welcome.”

Give her a task and three... two... one...

Instant results. Finley gave a small gasp and her feet became spring loaded as she bounced uncontrollably in place. “I can? I can pick her something out? Anything I want?”

It took one nod of approval for her to set off further into the store in search of the perfect item to give to their new guest. Anything chosen would be vetted by Seth. It must match the decor and color scheme of the bedroom.

The store employees had a front row seat to free entertainment. Around and around, Finley circled, and weaved past displays of trinkets. Occasionally, she leaned in to study an object before shaking her head and continuing her search. Standing up on her tiptoes, she carefully took the glass item off the shelf and returned to her father’s side. “This one. It’s the one I want to give Alice,” Finley stated, cradling with both hands as if it would break at any moment.

The Ace of Spades cast a curious gaze down at her but broke out in a wide grin. He ruffled her short hair and voiced his approval. “It’s perfect, bug.”

****

Seth spent way too much time decorating the room. Finley remained grateful that she could not help and patiently waited on the couch where she could cause no trouble. The soldiers at the mercy of the ten of spades were under intense scrutiny. One millimeter off from Seth’s vision and they received an ear full. The moment it ended, they scurried off to escape their strict supervisor.

“You did all this for me?” Alice asked, arriving with Fenrir at her side. Her steps into the room slow and eyes wide to take in the beautiful result. She’d insisted that they didn’t need to redecorate the space but lost to the relentless army leaders.

Finley climbed to her feet on the couch, holding out the small gift bag towards the woman with the biggest smile. “I bought this for you! Welcome to Black Headquarters! We have lots of fun here and you’ll be safe!” From Ray had told her, Alice had nowhere to go and needed their protection. He didn’t say from what, but Finley knew there was no place safer than here.

Alice accepted the gift and pulled the glass trinket from within. Up in the light, she observed the pale blue elephant. It matched the colors in the bedroom, but how this particular object had been chosen alluded the woman. “Thank you, it’s quite beautiful,” her warm words paused with realization, “I’m sorry, I never asked your name. I’m Alice.”

“I’m Finley. I’ve been reading a book about elephants and they are really cool. Did you know that they spend twelve to eighteen hours a day eating?” She spouted off the fact before bouncing up and down on the cushion. “I wish I could eat for that long. There would be so many yummy things I could eat in that amount of time, like crepes, ice cream, brownies, cookies, cookie brownies.”

“You might make yourself sick eating that much sweets,” Alice replied, finding it impossible not to like the young girl. She had a lot of experience with kids eating too many sweets, since she worked in a bakery.

A hum passed the child’s lips and her head tilted in response. “But Luka doesn’t have that kind of time,” she said as if that were the only problem with it. Nothing satisfied her more than the Jack’s cooking. Her gaze snapped back up to Alice. “And Elephants can consume 300 to 600 pounds of food per day. That’s like 8 to 17 of me.”

Fenrir leaned against the door frame, making no effort to reel in his wild child. Her rambling would go on for a while if he did nothing. “We did the math on it,” he interjected, confirming her statement.

“Wow, that’s quite a lot of you for an elephant to eat.” Alice laughed in response.

“Oh, and Elephants can swim underwater and breathe through their trunks. I have to hold my breath when I swim. And, and, their trunks can grow to be six feet long, which is almost as long as Sirius is tall.” Finley stuck her arm out and waved it like how she imaged an elephant’s trunk would move.

Alice cast a glance at the Ace standing in the doorway. “She’s passionate about elephants, isn’t she?” She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and found herself laughing more at the elephant sounds that Finley was attempting.

“Yeah, that’s right. She bought an information book about Elephants last month. It ain’t got any stories, and very few pictures, but she has me help her read it every night. That’s why she can recite it from memory.” Fenrir loved how much his daughter liked learning. She would be starting kindergarten next year, and formal teaching wasn’t his thing. He let her decide what kind of things she wanted to study. 

“How about the elephant go check on what Luka’s cooking for tonight. Maybe he’ll give you a sample.”

All three turned to see the King of Spades eyeing the young Godspeed with amusement. He adored her like she was his own. At the moment, he wished to discuss some important things with Alice and Fenrir, but the very loud and literal elephant in the room made that quite difficult.

Finley hopped off the couch and took off at full speed for the kitchen. She hopped down the stairs, crouching low and then jumping as high as her legs would allow until she’d reached the bottom. “Luuuka!” Finley took a deep breath once she entered the room. Everything smelled delicious. “Can you make me enough food to eat for 12 to 18 hours a day?”

“No.” His answer the obvious one and it didn’t faze the girl at all.

“Okay.” She relented easy and skipped across the room to stand at his side. She held up her index finger to make her next point. “If I were an elephant, you would have to. That’s how much they eat.”

Luka brushed the chopped vegetables into the pot of boiling water before giving in to the conversation. “It’s a good thing you aren’t an elephant, then.” He couldn’t imagine her eating more than she already did. She was healthy and active, but she ate nearly as much as a grown man. If no one stopped her, Luka feared she would eat herself into a coma.

“You are making a lot of food though,” Finley muttered, standing on her tiptoes to snatch a lost piece of broccoli off the counter. As she chewed it, she gasped loudly and inhaled a little bit of the vegetable. Her hand covered her mouth as she coughed until it cleared. It didn’t deter her excitement. “Are we having a party?”

What the child loved nearly as much as spooky things, was a good party that lasted well past her bedtime.

“We’re giving the little lady a welcome party,” Sirius cut in, returning from the dining hall where he’d been setting the table. With this much food involved, Luka couldn’t be expected to do it all alone. Everyone needed to pitch in.

Oh! I wanna help. Can I?” The second she got permission, Finley dashed across the room to retrieve the wooden two-step step stool, crafted from a woodworker’s shop in a town nearby specifically for her. It hit the cabinets under the counter with a thud and creaked as she climbed up.

Sirius came in and out as dishes were completed, taking them away before the girl growing ever hungrier with every delicious item that Luka and Sirius had made. The sun had slid down beyond the horizon, leaving only twinkling stars and the bright moon illuminating the dark landscape outside the window.

With the last dish done, Finley stepped off the stool and collapsed into a puddle with a growling stomach. She did enjoy cooking, but this had drained her of all her energy. She laid flat with her forehead pressed to the floor and arms out, sprawled out like a starfish. “If I were an elephant, I’d never be this hungry, ever.” The words muffled by the tile beneath her.

Luka simply stepped over her, shaking his head with a ghost of a smile on her lips. “Elephants don’t get to attend parties, do they? Don’t you want to be Finley and be allowed to come to the dining hall?” 

A moment of silence passed over the kitchen.

“Okay, I want to be Finley again.” Clambering to her feet, she staggered forward, moving a little too fast for her weary legs. She made it to the door before being snatched up into someone’s arms.

“Good, cause everyone loves ya as Finley,” Fenrir said, placing a kiss on the side of her head. He lifted her up higher to sit her on his shoulders. Her fingers weaved into his hair, petting him affectionately. “Let’s go party, bug!” 

The dining hall could not have fit any more soldiers. The table lined with all the delectable foods and desserts that had been made. Various bottles of beer and alcohol were spread out on a table pushed into the far corner. As full as it was, not a single one spoke. Everyone stood looking at the other door, awaiting their guest of honor.

As the door creaked open, Alice’s features lit up with a mixture of thankfulness and embarrassment. A chorus rang out from all the soldiers and the small girl sitting on her father’s shoulders. No rehearsal led to an out of sync round, but the message came loud and clear, setting the festivities off.

“Welcome to the Black Army!”

[toloveawarlord]

Omg your baby Alara picrew is cuuute! Can u plz link in the picrew game u used?! I coudnt find it lol. Thx

https://picrew.me/image_maker/236570

Here it is! I also made my babies Finley and Eden with it

I might make some more! I'm having fun with it!!

[toloveawarlord]

Fenrir’s Appreciation Week has begun!

It’s officially Fenrir’s week! Please be sure to show our lovely Ace of Spades some love and appreciation for always being the sweetest guy!

Be sure to tag @ikerev-appreciation and tag your works with --> fenrir godspeed week

I’m hijacking this week as well to also celebrate Finley! If you aren’t aware, Finley is Fenrir’s Daughter in my IkeRev Next Gen Series (You can read her story in my masterlist Black Army Mischief Maker)

Her birthday is today! April 12!

And as such, I’m going to posting things about her all week! ^_^

Birthday stories, one featuring Eden, and lots of shenanigans! The Godspeeds love celebrating their birthdays together and make a big event out of it! 

I will also be releasing the Black Army Older Gen Toddler Information Sheet (like I did for the Red Army!) at the end of the week!

Happy Birthday to my little rambunctious Finley, and Happy Birthday to Fenrir!

Please help us celebrate Fenrir this week! ^_^

-Ruka

[toloveawarlord]

Day 16: “A Godspeed Christmas”

You can find my masterlist in my bio!

Day 16 Prompt: “Halloween is better”

Characters: Fenrir and Finley

A/N: Who else would have a story about Halloween in my 25 days of christmas other than Finley? I love this little bean so much! Also, I didn’t want to give Fenrir’s parents names, so I just called them Mr. and Mrs. Godspeed, or grandma and grandpa as Finley calls them.

“Bug, what are you doing?”

The girl dropped the brush onto the vanity table. Having been out of sight of any adults for quite some time, she’d gotten into the paints. Finley grinned through the mirror at her father standing in the doorway. “Look, I’m a reindeer!”

Her attire made of a sweater dress sewn by her grandmother especially made for this Christmas, black footed tights without any shoes covering her feet, and atop her head sat a headband having reindeer antlers sticking up. Finley had taken brown paint and covered her little nose with it.

“The cutest reindeer around,” Fenrir said, but pulled at the bit of antler hanging down. “Why is this broken?”

Finley scuffed her foot against the floor, a bashful gaze pointed up at him. “Well... I wanted to be a zombie reindeer.” Unlike the rest of Cradle’s children, this holiday didn’t appeal to the young Godspeed. She much preferred the spookiness of October.

A deep and cheerful laughter broke out from the doorway, Mr. Godspeed interrupting without any hesitation. “If you want to be a zombie reindeer, then you’ll need more than a broken antler.” He scooped the girl up and set her on the edge of the vanity, his finger tapping against his chin. “Hmm, what does a zombie reindeer need? Some blood maybe?”

“Yeah, that’s what makes it scary!” Finley kicked her feet back and forth.

As he dug around in the drawer for red paint, he shoo-ed Fenrir off. “Go and help your mother set the table. I’ve got the little munchkin.” 

Carefully applied to her face and neck, she began to look more dressed in a Halloween costume than Christmas. Festive but scary.

“How about the tights? Want to rip them up a little?” Mr. Godspeed suggested with a mischievous grin. He knew her to almost never wear them but owned quite a few for special occasions. One pair sacrificed wouldn’t hurt anyone.

Finley’s head bobbed up and down in excitement, but her hands fiddled with the hem of her sweater dress. “Not the dress though. Grandma made it just for me and I don’t wanna ruin it.” She liked how soft and fuzzy it felt on her skin, and it kept away the cold.

Mr. Godspeed crossed his finger over his heart. “Yes ma’am. Just the tights.” He gave her a wink and set to work making runs and holes in them. Holding her up in front of the mirror they were a fit of giggles over her new look. “Alright little zombie reindeer, let’s go see if dinner is ready.”

The girl set off in a run through the mansion. She’d played here often and had memorized the way to one of her favorite rooms: the kitchen. Pushing the swinging door open, she pranced in, inhaling deeply to smell all the yummy scents.

“Oh goodness!” Mrs. Godspeed gasped dramatically, hand covering her heart. She feigned a little fear. “Is that a zombie reindeer in my kitchen? What ever will I do?”

Finley covered her mouth to try and hide the giggles that escaped from her lips. “Grandma, it’s me!” Skidding across the slick tiles in her feet barely clothed with tights, she wobbled to keep from falling over. “See? I’m wearing your sweater!” Her fingers pulled the material outward to show her.

Her eyes squinted, bending forward to get a better look. “It’s my Finley! I’m so relieved!” Enveloping her in a tight hug, Mrs. Godspeed peppered kisses on her head. “I don’t know what I would have done if it hadn’t been you.”

“Bug, ya in here?” Fenrir entered the kitchen, gazing around for his child.

“Daddy look! Am I scary?” Her arms shot up and she spun around in circles. Gliding like an ice skater in a twirl, Finley’s laughter filled the quiet kitchen until she slipped and landed with a thud against the floor. “Oops.”

Fenrir lifted her back to her feet, kneeling down to assess her new attire. “Anything broken, bug?” Small falls like that didn’t affect her. She ran into walls and tables, desks and doors all the time and bounced back like it hadn’t happened at all.

The girl brushed her hands over her sweater dress to smooth it out. “I’m okay, zombie reindeer are already dead, so it didn’t hurt me.” Her shoulders shrugged with her words as if they were the most logical ones she could have chosen.

Brushing his hand up and down her back despite her confession of being perfectly fine, he asked, “Well, is this zombie reindeer hungry? I think Grandma made ya some of your favorites.”

“Yes! I’m starving!” Finley fell forward into Fenrir’s arms, going limp as if too hungry to even move another step. Happily chatting about her favorite foods, she hugged her arms around his neck as he carried her to dining room. “Halloween is better than Christmas, but I like doing both.”

Fenrir plopped her down in the chair that used to be his. Since Finley had gotten bigger, she liked being in that seat as it put her in the middle of all of them. “It’s like having two holidays in one,” he agreed with a warm smile. Her happiness meant the world to him, better than any present one could buy.

“I love my family! I wouldn’t be able to dress up like a zombie reindeer in any other family so I don’t ever want to trade!” Her amethyst eyes lit up, shimmering with unbridled delight and endearment.

Her declaration setting in motion a cheerful and amusing evening for the four Godspeeds spending the rest of the Christmas evening sharing stories and listening intently to Finley’s tales. Most might have called their traditions strange, decorating bat and pumpkin cookies with festive red and green colors, or hanging up garland dyed in orange and black around the tree. What others thought of them didn’t cross their minds. Having a happy and giggling child enjoying them was surely enough.

[toloveawarlord]

I forgot how much I love writing Finley. The girl is an absolute riot. 😂