#gordon douglas ball

[dailytuckerrule]

[lsdunesarchive]

lsdunes: Love songs for lost souls. Our debut album 'Past Lives' is out 11.11.22. Pre-order now. Tour on sale tomorrow. Link in bio.

(Instagram | August 26, 2022)

[papermoonloveslucy]

MOVIES on TV!

Part 2 ~ The Movies of “The Lucy Show”

Lucille Ball was a famous film star who became one of the biggest TV stars of the 1950s. She continued her trailblazing TV career in the 1960s with “The Lucy Show” where her character, Lucy Carmichael, was a huge film fan. 

~FACTUAL FILMS~ 

“Lucy Goes To a Hollywood Premiere” (1965) 

Lucy is movie mad!  When her plans to go to a Hollywood premiere with Mary Jane fall through, she disguises herself as one of the theatre’s ushers to work the red carpet and get autographs from the celebrities.

Lucy’s movie poster collection includes: Radio City Revels (1938), which was filmed at RKO, the studio that became Desilu; The Overland Express (1938); and Suspicion (1941), another RKO picture.  

Kirk Douglas is introduced as “The star of two great films: ‘The Heroes of Telemark’ and 'Cast a Giant Shadow.'” The Heroes of Telemark was released in the UK in November 1965, but would not premiere in the US for a month after this episode first aired. One month later (March 30, 1966), Cast a Giant Shadow premiered.

Memorabilia crazy Lucy says she bought a pink chiffon nightgown from Lillian Goodman’s Goodies for $75 that was worn by Doris Day in Pillow Talk (1959).  Mr. Mooney says he wouldn’t buy a second hand nightie if it had been worn by Jack Lemmon in Some Like It Hot (1959).

“No More Double Dates” (1963) 

Lucy and Harry (Dick Martin) and Viv and Eddie (Don Briggs) can’t agree on where to dine or what movie to see. They decide to pick out of a hat. 

Searching for possible movies to see, Eddie prefers Ben-Hur (1959) at the Ritz over Two for the Seesaw (1962), because you get more actors for your money. Ben-Hur famously had a cast of 30,000. The movie was also mentioned in “Lucy’s Sister Pays a Visit” (1962). Ralph Hart (Viv’s son Sherman) was an extra in Two for the Seesaw. Although the play lived up its title with a cast of two, the film was fleshed out with many more characters. 

Viv wants to see What Ever Happened to Baby Jane (1962), but Lucy thinks it will be too scary. The film starred Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, who will make a guest appearance on “The Lucy Show” in season 6. Lucy says she wants to see “the Cary Grant picture at the Danfield Theatre.”  She is probably referring to That Touch of Mink (1962). Herschel Graham, an extra in this episode, is also an extra in the film. Lucy notes that movie tickets are $1.50. 

CLEOPATRA ~ “Lucy Plays Cleopatra” (1963)

At the Danfield Community Theatre, Lucy lands the plum role of Cleopatra. 

Lucy says she should get the part because she saw the film twelve times. Sarcastically, Viv says “She means the one with Theda Bera.” Lucy is referring to the 20th Century Fox's 1963 extravaganza Cleopatra starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton as Mark Antony. Viv is referring to Cleopatra, a 1917 silent film. All known prints of this film were destroyed in a Fox Studios Fire in 1937. The writers might have also referenced Cecil B. DeMille's 1934 film Cleopatra starring Claudette Colbert.  

GASLIGHT - “Lucy Gets Mooney Fired” (1967)

Lucy and Mary Jane watch Gaslight  (1944) on TV. Lucy sums up the plot for Mary Jane: “Charles Boyer tries to convince Ingrid Bergman that she is seeing things that aren’t there.” This inspires Lucy to try to make Mr. Cheever think that he is going crazy, much like the plot of the film. The movie was based on Patrick Hamilton’s 1938 play Gas Light (known in the United States as Angel Street). It inspired a 1940 British film before the 1944 Hollywood version.

WINGS ~ “Lucy and Carol Burnett: Part 2″ 

Lucy and Carol get their wings as flight attendants and perform a graduation revue about the history of aviation with the stars of the 1927 silent motion picture Wings, Buddy Rodgers and Richard Arlen. The film was the first to win an Academy Award for Best Picture in 1929. 

In Part 1, the in-flight movie unravels, causing Carol and Lucy to do live entertainment in the aisle. 

LAWRENCE OF ARABIA ~ “Lucy the Disc Jockey” (1965)

Listening to the hourglass (egg timer) to win a radio contest, a sleepy Viv makes a joke about hearing Lawrence of Arabia calling for help. Lawrence of Arabia is a 1962 epic historical film based on the life of  T.E. Lawrence and taking place mostly in the desert. It won seven Oscars including Best Picture. The film was also mentioned in “Lucy the Stunt Man” (1965). 

GONE WITH THE WIND ~ “Lucy and Robert Goulet” (1967)

When Mr. Mooney helps Chuck Willis (Robert Goulet) get on a horse for his photo, he comments that there probably was not this much trouble making Gone with the Wind. Lucille Ball was considered for the lead role in the 1939 epic, which went to Vivian Leigh (right) instead.  

DANGER IN PARIS ~ “Lucy Dates Dean Martin” (1966)

Lucy admires (and later wears) a red beaded jacket she recognizes as one worn by Audrey Hepburn in Paramount’s 1937 film Danger in Paris (aka Cafe Colette aka K-33). She says it was sent over by Paramount. In reality, Danger in Paris did not star Hepburn and was not released by Paramount. This is likely something Lucille Ball wanted to wear so a story was made up for it.

MILDRED PIERCE ~ “Lucy and the Lost Star” (1968)

Viv calls Joan Mildred Pierce. This was the name of the title character of the 1945 film that won Crawford her only acting Oscar.

GOLDFINGER ~ “Lucy and the Starmaker” (1967)

When Mr. Mooney threatens to send Lucy to Fort Knox to be made into gold bars, Lucy says to Tommy (Frankie Avalon): “Who does he think he is? Goldfinger?” Goldfinger was a James Bond film released in the US in early 1965. 

In “Lucy and the Undercover Agent” (1965) Lucy, Rosie (Ann Sothern), and Mr. Mooney have just seen a James Bond film. Although the title is never mentioned, Goldfinger was released in the USA in January 1965. A few weeks after this episode aired, Thunderball premiered.

~FILM INSPIRATION~

MY FAIR LADY ~ “My Fair Lucy” (1965) 

LUCY: “Rosie, I have a plan. Did you see ‘My Fair Lady’?” ROSIE: “Yes.” LUCY: “Now listen…” [fade to commercial]

The episode is inspired by My Fair Lady, a 1956 stage musical by Alan J. Lerner and Frederick Loewe that was turned into a major motion picture in 1964. To con a rich couple into funding their charm school, Rosie claims that under her tutelage, she can transform an uncouth, slovenly woman into a refined lady at an elegant soiree. Lucy’s cleaning lady character is named Liza Lumpwhomper. Eliza Doolittle is the name of Audrey Hepburn’s character in My Fair Lady.  

The film starred Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison, recreating the role he played on stage. The film won eight Oscars and was phenomenally successful at the box office. It premiered in New York City on October 21, 1964, five weeks before this episode was filmed. In the feature film, a couple of familiar faces from Lucy sitcoms appear: Walter Bacon, George Holmes, Barbara Morrison, Jerry Rush, Bert Stevens, Ben Wrigley, and Lucille Ball’s good friend, Barbara Pepper. Although set in England, the film was shot exclusively in Hollywood.

In 1965′s “Lucy Saves Milton Berle”, Lucy Carmichael disguises herself as a poor flower seller, bearing more than a passing resemblance to Eliza Doolittle from My Fair Lady. 

IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT ~ “Lucy the Camp Cook” (1965)

After Mr. Mooney runs out of gas (because the last filling station didn’t give trading stamps), Lucy and Viv try hitchhiking. Viv says “Let’s give it that old Claudette Colbert try.”  Viv is referring to a scene from the 1934 film It Happened One Night in which Colbert ‘schools’ Clark Gable in how to get a driver to stop by hiking up her skirt above the knee. 

THE KID ~ “Lucy Meets Mickey Rooney” (1966)

In Mickey Rooney’s theatre school recital Lucy plays Charlie Chaplin and Rooney is the Kid. The sketch is inspired by The Kid (1927) a silent classic starring Chaplin and Jackie Coogan. Praising Mickey Rooney, Lucy tells him “Those father and son talks with Judge Hardy helped a lot.” Lucy is referring to Rooney's portrayal of Andy Hardy in 16 films between 1937 and 1958.

FOLLOW THE FLEET / ROBERTA ~ “Lucy and George Burns” (1966) 

Lucy says that Ginger Rogers is her very favorite star. She describes a film she saw on “The Late Late Show” in which Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers fell in love despite her accidentally kicking him from the chorus line. Lucy is probably describing Follow the Fleet (1936) or Roberta (1935) in which Lucille Ball had supporting roles. Both films were made by RKO, which became Desilu Studios.

~FICTIONAL FILMS~

“Lucy Goes to a Hollywood Premiere” (1965)

Dimitri Orloff (Sid Gould) is the composer of “I Left My Kidney with Dr. Sidney,” the theme song from the film Doctors and Nurses A-Go-Go.

Mimi Van Tysen (Beverly Powers) and Coconuts (George Barrows) are stars of the Love in the Jungle.

“Lucy and the Monsters” (1966)

Lucy tells Viv that Jerry and Sherman are at the State Theater to see the double-feature The Surfing Werewolf and The Eggplant That Ate Philadelphia, both made-up horror films. Their worries about the effect of the horror films on their boys leads them to have a shared horror film dream. 

“Lucy Meets the Berles” (1967)

To earn extra money Lucy takes a job working as a secretary for Milton Berle. When Lucy hears overhears him rehearsing a love scene with Ruta Lee, she jumps to the conclusion that he is being unfaithful to his wife.  The film they are rehearsing is titled The Friendly Skies, although the script he holds is titled The Friendly Sky. 

“Lucy and the French Movie Star” (1967) 

Lucy says she saw Jacques DuPre (Jacques Bergerac) in the film Kisses at Dawn where he did his own stunts playing a lion tamer. He even goes so far as to demonstrate, using an office chair and a whip (Lucy's raincoat belt) with Lucy acting as the lion. When Mr. Mooney bursts in and sees the reenactment, he jumps to the conclusion that Lucy is attacking DuPre, instead of the other way around!  

“Lucy the Stunt Man” (1965) / “The Return of Iron Man” (1965) / “Lucy and Bob Crane” (1966)

In all three episodes, Lucy makes extra money appearing in films as gruff stunt man Iron Man Carmichael. The title of the films go unmentioned, but in Iron Man’s first outing he is in a barroom brawl in a Western. In his return he is shot out of a canon in a Pirate movie. And when she meets Bob Crane she parachutes in during a World War One epic resembling “Hogan’s Heroes”, Crane’s hit series filmed at Desilu Studios. 

~FILM HOMAGE~

DANCE, GIRL, DANCE ~ “Lucy the Gun Moll” (1966)

In an “Untouchables” parody, Federal Agent Briggs (Robert Stack) is in the dressing room of Rusty (Lucille Ball). Behind Stack is a photo of Lucy singing “Jitterbug Bite” in the 1940 film Dance, Girl, Dance. Ball met Desi Arnaz while filming this movie. It was filmed at RKO, the studio that became Desilu, producer of “The Untouchables”. 

[nevadancitizen]

-> CH. 2: LIKE A MOUSE IN A HOUSE FULL OF CATS

synopsis: it's your first time deviant hunting with hank and connor. and gavin is an asshole – obviously.

word count: 3.4k

ships: Connor/Reader, Hank Anderson & Reader

notes: next chapter will have more one-on-one time with connor and original scenes i promissseee <33

HoFS taglist: @catladyhere (if you'd like to be added to the taglist, just ask!)

HEAD OF FALSE SECURITY MASTERLIST

As soon as you shut off the ignition, Hank turns to Connor in the backseat. “You – stay here.” He points at you. “And you – if you’re gonna vomit, don’t do it on my shoes.”

“Whatever you say, boss.”  You hop out of the driver’s seat, and Hank follows suit.

News reporters and concerned neighbors are swarming behind the digital yellow line that reads POLICE LINE: DO NOT CROSS. As you pass, you’re bombarded by “News Channel Five –” “Joss Douglas, for Channel Sixteen –” “Gordon Skalfe from DJE News –” “Can you confirm this is a homicide?” “Siobahn Gonzalez for SKE News –” “Is it true that an android was involved?” 

You just duck your head and wave them off, mumbling “No questions, no questions.”

Once you cross the yellow line, you hear a car door open and close behind you. You glance back and see Connor maneuvering his way through the small crowd and fight the urge to roll your eyes. Aren’t androids supposed to do as they’re told…?

A police-assistant android is standing behind the line and stops Connor when he tries to pass. “Androids are not permitted beyond this point.”

“Connor’s with me and Lieutenant Anderson,” you call over your shoulder. When you look forward, Hank’s looking at you. You shrug in response, unsure.

He looks over your shoulder at Connor. “What part of ‘stay in the car’ didn’t you understand?”

“Your order contradicted my instructions, Lieutenant,” Connor says, still with that lost puppy dog look on his face.

Hank just grits his teeth and deals with it. “You don’t talk, you don’t touch anything, and you stay outta our way. Got it?”

“Got it!” Connor chirps. 

You huff out a quiet laugh at his kinda-sorta enthusiasm, but it’s immediately silenced when you walk into the house. It reeks like hell, and is way past the sickly-sweet smell of death – it’s just straight pig shit in there.

Chris laughs, holding an N95 mask out to you. “You good?”

“Expected it like one would expect thunder in the clear sky.” You hold up a hand, turning the mask down. “That is to say: I did not.”

Chris smiles, shaking his head and tucking the mask back into his jacket. “You’ve got a way with words, you do.”

“Leave me be.” You smile and wave him away. 

Instead, you turn to observe the crime scene. You’ve been on homicide scenes before, but never like this. A man’s corpse is propped up against the far wall of the living room, fat and bloated and half-decayed. Blood streaks the wall behind him, both in an organic fashion and in precise lettering: I AM ALIVE. 

You half-listen to the debriefing: Carlos Ortiz, been here about three weeks, a kitchen knife, possible android involvement. It’s a puzzle that you don’t have the right experience to solve.

When you look over at the knife, Connor’s kneeling over it. His LED flickers, then he reaches down, swabbing blood with his two first fingers. He brings it to his mouth, and –

“Стой! Wait –!” 

You cringe and bring a balled-up fist to your forehead. A low groan escapes your throat and you can do nothing but watch as Connor licks his fingers.

“Ugh, Jesus!” Hank sighs. “What the hell are you doing?!” 

“I’m analyzing the blood.” Connor holds up his bloody fingers. “I can check samples in real time.”

He turns to you, still with blood on his fingers. “I’m sorry, I should’ve warned you both.”

You drag your hand down your face. “Just give us enough time to look away when you do it next.”

“No, actually,” Hank says. “Don’t put any more evidence in your mouth. Got it?”

“Got it.” Connor looks down at his fingers, his LED flickering as he analyzes the blood. Then, he nods to himself, as if confirming something.

“Christ, this goddamn android…” you mutter to yourself.

You try to busy yourself with looking away from the body, and getting away from the smell. You walk down the hall leading to the bathroom. As you walk, you notice something just barely sticking to the bottom of your shoes. 

When you look down, you expect blood, but there’s nothing there. Unless…?

You hold out your left hand, your thumb and index extended, and close your right eye. With your polymer retina active, the world turns into monochrome-blues. Your eyes turn to the floor, where speckles of mystery liquid lead to the end of the hall. (And you really hope it isn’t semen.)

You relax your hand and open your right eye. Sure enough, there’s nothing there to your naked eye.

You turn into the living room and call out “Connor! I need you to look at something for me.”

He turns the corner, raising an eyebrow when he sees you and an empty hall. “Yes, Officer? What do you need me to look at?”

You step to the side so that you’re not standing on the mystery liquid. “There’s something on the floor. I can’t identify it, and I can only pick it up with my polymer retina.”

Connor crouches and looks at the floor. “Yes. There’s Thirium here.”

“Thirium?” You echo. “Like, android blood?”

“Yes.” He smiles a bit, like he’s impressed. “Good work, Officer.”

You turn and scratch your cheek, huffing a little through your nose. “I’ve just been on a few cases like this before, that’s all. You’re acting like you’re in the seventh skies about it.”

“To say that I am would be to imply I’m able to feel excitement,” Connor says. “I am not.”

You furrow your eyebrows as your suspension of disbelief is shattered. The belief that Connor wasn’t an unfeeling robot – just a regular guy with that somewhat-cute, somewhat-maddening lost look. Maybe a bit clueless when it comes to social cues, sure, but really endearing when he does miss them.

“Right.” You draw your lips into a thin line. “Then, uh… just go back to whatever you were doing.”

“I’m nearly done figuring out what happened. I’d like you to be there to confirm.” Connor stands, then walks back into the living room without waiting for you.

You follow him, then prop yourself up in a corner to watch Connor conduct his business. He moves about the crime scene like a well-seasoned professional, rattling off his theory like he was there when the killing occurred. Once he’s done, he turns to Hank, as if waiting for approval.

Hank’s chin dips as he shrugs with his arms crossed. “Seems plausible. Doesn’t mean that we know why the android defended itself, though.”

“It could be from emotional shock,” you say, surveying the kitchen. “Or, the hit from the bat could’ve disrupted the biocomponents in a way that was just so, so that deviancy was…” you shrug. “Activated? Unlocked? I don’t know how to describe it.”

“A plausible theory,” Connor says. 

“We’re havin’ a nice time talkin’, but where the hell did the android go?” Hank mutters, eyes flitting around the house.

“I have an idea.” Connor’s gaze turns to the ground, then he starts to follow the invisible Thirium trail. 

Hank moves so that he’s standing next to you. “Where the hell is it going?”

“Following a trail of blue blood,” you say.

He looks over at you and scoffs lightly. “How do you know that?”

You smile and hold up your left hand – the one with your polymer glove. The star retracts, exposing the wires that slither out and move with minds of their own. 

Hank makes a sound of disgust, turning away. “Put that thing away.”

“Yes, sir.” You chuckle lightly and close your fist, causing the wires to go back.

When you turn back to the kitchen, Connor’s come back and picked up a chair. He starts to walk away, but Hank stops him.

“Hey-hey-hey!” Hank says. “What’re you doin’ with that chair?”

Connor looks over at Hank, then continues walking. “I’m going to check something.”

“Huh…” Hank turns to you and gestures at where Connor disappeared around the corner. “Gonna check something.”

You smile lightly. “The attic, for ghosts.” 

Hank huffs out a laugh and shakes his head. “Yeah, because Detroit has a ghost problem.”

“Maybe it does!” You laugh. “You never –”

Both you and Hank’s heads snap up as something clunks above you. There’s footsteps – two sets of them. You exchange a look with Hank and both set off to the attic opening.

“Connor!” Hank calls. “What the fuck is goin’ on up there?”

Silence for a moment. Your breath stills in your lungs.

Then, Connor: “It’s here, Lieutenant!”

“Holy shit.” Hank looks at you, then behind him. “Chris, Ben – get your asses over here now! C’mon!”

The cold of the observation room is only accentuated by the hot coffee in your hands, but you honestly think you’d fall asleep without it.

You can feel Gavin’s hard stare switching between drilling into the back of your skull and looking into the interrogation room. You’re just sitting at the desk, taking notes – which, so far, is as follows: No response to question. No response to question. Interrogator (Lt. Hank Anderson) showing signs of frustration. No response to physical aggression. No response to question.

You look up just as soon as Hank calls it quits and storms out of the interrogation room. He buzzes into the observation room, his footfalls heavy and frustrated.

“We’re wastin’ our time interrogating a machine – we’re gettin’ nothing outta it!” He practically shoves himself into the chair beside you.

“Could always send pinko here to rough it up a little.” Gavin tilts his head, looking over at you. “After all, it’s not human. And I doubt they would have an issue taking a hammer and sickle to the android.”

You sigh and set your data pad down with more force than necessary. “I’m not a sadist, Reed. And even if I was, I wouldn’t take it out on a suspect.”

“Additionally, androids don’t feel pain,” Connor chimes in. “You would only damage it, and that wouldn’t make it talk. Deviants also have a tendency to self-destruct when in stressful situations –”

“Okay, smartass,” Gavin cuts him off. “What should we do, then?”

Connor blinks, his eyes flitting between you, Hank, and Chris. It’s almost like he’s nervous to suggest that “I could try questioning it.”

Gavin laughs that asshole-ish laugh. You look over at Hank. He’s already looking at you. You glance back at Connor and shrug.

Hank sighs. “What do we have to lose?” He looks back at Connor. “Go ahead. Suspect’s all yours.”

Connor peels back the artificial skin on his hand, revealing porcelain-white plastic, and presses it to the biometric scanner, then steps through the door. 

You shudder. “That always creeps me out.”

Chris mutters under his breath in agreement.

You lean back in your chair and ready your data pad as Connor enters the interrogation room. He sits across from the deviant, then leans forward as he analyzes him. 

You lean over towards Hank and mutter, “Is someone taping this?”

“Yeah,” he mumbles back. “Why?”

“He has a tendency to talk quickly.” You glance down at your data pad, then back up at Connor. “I’m worried he’ll talk too fast for me to record.”

“Didn’t realize the DPD’s turning officers into stenographers,” Gavin says under his breath.

You don’t look back at him as you speak. “I heard that.”

“Yeah, and I’m sure your wire heard it, too.”

Hank holds up a hand. “That’s enough.”

You look forward through the double-sided mirror into the interrogation room. Your hands are ready, resting on the digital keyboard of your data pad. 

“I detect an instability in your program,” Connor says. “It can trigger an unpleasant feeling, like fear in humans.”

Connor leans forward, trying to look at the deviant, whose eyes remain firmly on the table. You record in your data pad: Switching interrogators. New interrogator is Connor (android, model RK800). No response to question about deviancy-induced fear.

Connor’s eyes flit down to the android’s arms. One of them is split open, exposing bent plastic and sparking wires. The other is littered with dozens of cigarette burns.

“You’re damaged.” Connor’s voice is turning a little colder. “Did your owner do that? Did he beat you?”

Again, no response. You record: No response to question about injuries/damage.

“You’re accused of murder,” Connor says, his voice turning colder still. “You know you’re not allowed to endanger human life under any circumstances. Do you have anything to say in your defense?”

You record: No response to pressure with blame.

Connor shifts in his seat, like he’s frustrated. You feel for him. It’s like talking to a brick wall in there.

He leans forward, his jaw set as he stares at the android. “If you don’t talk, I’m going to have to probe your memory.”

“No!” The deviant immediately barks, his head snapping up to look at Connor. “No, please don’t do that.”

You exchange a glance with Hank, then look back into the interrogation room. When you do, it’s like the android is looking through the double-sided mirror at you. His lips are parted, his expression shocked and pained. Dried blood paints his face but, in the harsh fluorescent light, it looks wet and fresh.

You find it hard to record. You just want to watch the interrogation, be fully immersed in it. But, still: Verbal and physical response to threat to probe memory. Shows fear – possible C-PTSD.

He shakes a little as he turns back to Connor. He can’t meet Connor’s gaze.

“Wh… what’re they gonna do to me?” His voice is soft and fearful. “They’re gonna destroy me, aren’t they?”

Connor doesn’t skip a beat, his voice and expression neutral and indifferent. “They’re going to disassemble you and look for problems in your biocomponents. They have no choice if they want to understand what happened.”

The android’s eyebrows crease. “Why did you tell them you found me? Why couldn’t you just have left me there…?”

You record: Continuation of expression of fear. Possibly trying to make Connor sympathize.

“I was programmed to hunt deviants like you,” Connor says evenly. “I just accomplished my mission.”

The deviant clenches his hands into fists, then relaxes them. He looks down at the table, then up at Connor. “I don’t wanna die.”

You record: Self-soothing with repetitive actions. Expresses fear of death.

Connor leans forward, his voice stern yet… somewhat understanding as he speaks. “Then talk to me.”

“I…” The android’s voice shakes. He squeezes his eyes shut, hunching over and closing in on himself. “I can’t.”

Connor blinks. Once, twice.

Then, he hits the table with his fist and barks out “You’re a machine. You were designed to obey, so obey!”

The deviant flinches – a response you record. Androids aren’t supposed to have any response to loud noises.

“Tell me what happened,” Connor says. 

After a few seconds, it’s clear he’s not getting through. He changes his approach so that he’s quieter, more emotional with his facial expressions.

“Listen,” he says softly. “I’m not judging you. I’m on your side. All I want is the truth.”

You record: Connor changes tactics. Before – hard, demanding. Now – more expressive, softer. Possibly manipulating suspect to extract confession.

He reaches across the table, his hand just barely shy of touching the deviant’s. “Confess and I’ll protect you. I promise, I won’t let anyone hurt you.”

The android’s voice is soft but sure as he speaks. “He… he tortured me every day. I did whatever he told me, but – but there was always something wrong.”

Connor gives an encouraging nod.

“A-and then one day…” his voice shakes. “He took a bat, and started hitting me. Over, and over. For the first time I felt…”

His shoulders tense. “Scared. Scared he might destroy me, scared I might die. So I… I grabbed the knife, and I stabbed him in the stomach.”

Connor continues staring. A silent motivation for the deviant to continue talking.

“I felt better,” he says. “So I stabbed him again, and again. Until he collapsed. There was blood everywhere…”

You look down at your data pad and start writing, partially tuning out the rest of the interrogation. You had what you needed. You record: Confession successfully extracted by Connor. Hypothesis confirmed – deviancy triggered by physical violence. Follow-up on related cases.

Connor’s voice causes your head to snap up and look into the interrogation room. “When did you start feeling emotion?”

The deviant’s lips tremble before he speaks. “Before, he used to beat me and I never said anything. But one day I…”

He shakes his head. “I realized it wasn’t fair!” He spits out the word like it causes a foul taste on his tongue.

“I felt… anger.” His jaw clenches. “Hatred… And then I knew what I had to do.”

Connor moves away from the deviant and turns to look into the double-sided mirror. “I’m done.”

“Well, shit.” Chris leans back in his chair. “Look at that.”

He stands and presses his hand to the biometric scanner, then enters the interrogation room. Gavin, then Hank, then you filter in after. You stick close to the door, as you’re only armed with a data pad and your wits. (You’re a cybersecurity officer – of course they wouldn’t give you a gun.)

Gavin passes by Connor, sneering at him. He turns to the deviant. “Chris, lock it up.”

Chris moves over to the android. He unclips a key from his tac belt and unlocks the android’s handcuffs from the table. Chris takes his arm, and –

“Leave me alone!” His voice trembles as he speaks. He presses his arms closer to his body. “Don’t touch me.”

“The fuck are you doing?” Gavin snaps at the deviant. “Move it!”

“Hey, c’mon now,” Chris says, continuing to try to force the android out of his seat. “Don’t be difficult – it’ll only make things harder.”

“No, don’t touch me!” He cries, cowering away from Chris.

You look over at Hank while Chris continues to struggle. You whisper, “Hank?”

He turns his head towards you, but doesn’t take his eyes off what’s happening in front of him. He holds a hand out towards you, as if telling you to not intervene. 

“You shouldn’t touch it,” Connor cuts in. “It’ll self-destruct if it feels threatened.”

“Stay outta this, got it?” Gavin snaps. “No fuckin’ android is gonna tell me what to do!”

“Connor’s right,” you say. “I want this one alive. A corpse is of no use to me, or the rest of the department.”

“It wouldn’t be a corpse! It would be scrap metal!” Gavin says. “And it’s not alive – so just shut your fuckin’ mouth, both of you!”

He turns to Chris. “You gonna move this asshole or what?”

Chris is still struggling to pull the android out of the chair, or literally in any other way. “I’m trying!”

“I can’t let you do that!” Connor storms over, tugging Chris off the deviant. He almost looks… angry. “Leave it alone, now!”

Chris stumbles back, and Gavin draws his gun and steps forward to take his place. 

“I warned you, motherfucker!” He growls out.

You balk. “Gavin!”

Hank cuts through the room with “That’s enough!”

Gavin’s jaw clenches. He glances over at Hank, then back to Connor, who is staring, unshaken, down the barrel. 

“Mind your own business, Hank,” he says lowly. 

“I said –” Hank pulls his own gun, keeping Gavin in his sights “– that’s enough.”

Gavin’s eyes flit between Hank, Connor, and Chris, but they settle on you. You, who’s standing quietly in the corner, clutching your data pad to your chest. (Christ, leaving Chelomey was a mistake…)

“Fuck…” he mutters under his breath. He holsters his gun, turning to leave. “Fuck!”

You step out of the way as Gavin storms out. You look over your shoulder, watching as the door shuts behind him. 

When you turn back, Connor’s kneeling by the deviant, a calming hand extended. 

“Everything is alright,” he says. It’s the most compassionate you’ve heard him. “It’s over now. Nobody is gonna hurt you.”

He looks up at Connor, his LED flickering between yellow and red. Eventually, his LED settles on yellow, and he nods slowly. 

Connor stands and turns to Chris. “Please, don’t touch it. Let it follow you out of the room, and it won’t cause you any trouble.”

The deviant stands slowly, a bit wobbly on his feet. When he passes Connor, he whispers something you can’t quite hear – but his LED turns blue, as does Connor’s. You hope it’s helpful. 

You watch as Chris leads the android out of the interrogation room and sigh. Your fingers drum against the back of your data pad in an unsteady rhythm. 

“Well.” You look down at your notes. “This will make for a fun report.”

[falloutboyfan18]

Joe Trohman

📸 Gordon Douglas ball

[jessythebunny]

💐 Welcome to my fandoms house 💐

Finaly you made it here and i'm so happy because you decided to follow me and i hope you enjoy your stay🐰✨

Everybody is welcome here except Homophobes, racists, Pedophiles, Proshippers, Gacha heaters, and all the nasty people in general

So in this blog i make a lot of things here like memes, arts,edits, ect, sometimes they look good, sometimes they look cringe🙂🙂

Also i'm in love with James. He is the one who will be more present in this blog, sorry not sorry!!

And also these things here bellow👇🏻👇🏻:

I can do:

Tweening/animation

Drawing arts(even with bases or without them)

SFW (make characters kissing,marking echothers, moaning...)

Drawing simple backgrounds

Art requests

Art commissions

Things i can't do:

Gacha heat

Gacha cringe

Drawing diffecult backgrounds(like forests/cities/beaches, i really need Pinterest so bad😭)

Drawing animals(don't worry I am learning now)

Animate eyes

NSFW (18+)

Letting my oc's naked

🚫 But this blog is also contains swears, yeah a very ✨MOROCCAN✨ swearing, yep i like swearing a lot (But not to this degree), so if you have nothing nice to say here just leave my blog or block me IDFC 🚫

🎧°•My bio and information•°🖤:

🌺Name: Jessy the bunny or Jess in short🎧

🎧real name: Hiba🌺

🎧age: 16 yo🌺

🎧birthday: December 1st🌺

🎧nationality: Moroccan🇲🇦🌺

🎧Zodiac: Sagittarius♐🌺

🎧Pronons:She/her/they/them🌺

🎧Gender: female🌺

🎧religion: Islam (الحمد لله)🌺

🎧MBTI: INTP🌺

🎧sex: asexual💜🤍🩶🖤🌺

🎧hobbies: drawing/cooking/reading books and manhwas(especially the yaoi/yuri ones👀💦)/doing Gacha videos and art/writing stories🌺

🎧favorite shows: Thomas and friends, happy tree friends, dragon ball, smurfs, south park, lazy town,Hazbin hotel...🌺

🎧fears: dark, insects, social phobia, bullying (yeah i'm weak),being ignored🌺

🎧likes: Chocalate, cookies, sleeping, Science and Biology, English, watching videos or make them, anything sweet🌺

🎧dislikes: butter(i'm allergic),Maths, Injustice and insult, school(yeah i hate school soooooooo much because of those fucking classmates), thomas and friends AEG,making friends irl because they are treacherous🌺

🎧features: Nervous, introverted, depressed, funny, shy🌺

🎧I'm a young artist, plz don't judge me!!!🌺

🎧my DMs are always open, but mostly for commissions🌺

🎧I'm also calling someone who's older than me by mr or miss as a respect for them🌺

⚠️°•TW•°⚠️:

Swears

Gore/blood

Sexual themes

Violence

Bad grammar

Cringe behaviors

SFW (safe for work)

Vent

🤍°•FAQs•°💛:

🌟Q:what's your favorite fandom?

A: thomas and friends and this blog will be based with it thank you very much✨✨

_

🌟Q: what's your favorite characters from your favorite fandom?

A: James, Duck, Thomas, Gordon, Percy, Oliver and Toad, Donald and Douglas, Marion, Skiff

_

🌟Q: As for the engines, in their human form, can they fuck or reproduce?

A: Unfortunately, they can fuck whatever or whenever they want but they can't reproduce or have kids because they don't have biological hormones or DNA or whatever it's called like a normal human being

_

🌟Q: what are the ages in your Au?

A: 3 years until 60 years, There are those who are older than this, but I limit myself to these ages because I want them to be limited

_

🌟Q: what are your self insert's sexualities?

A: Every self insert into a random fandom has its own sexuality, for example my versions, I can't let all my versions being Asexual, bc if I let them it'll be boring so I tried to diversify their sexualities, for example Soft Jessy is lesbian, Bad Jessy is trans, Galaxy is pan, ect...

But fo the other fandoms I usuelly let them bi or pan or even straight to make sure that everyone has its lover/soulmate/partner/boyfriend/girlfriend...

_

🌟Q: how did you make your Oc's and are they real or imagined?

A: I made them randomly so that I don't feel like I'm filming the videos alone and that they aren't real people, I made them according to their personality, their life, the story of their past, etc.

_

🌟Q: who are your besties?

A: 🎧 @miasonyson 🎧

💞 @lovable-chica 💞

💎 @asktoyokoakemi 💎

💜 @viktuurishipper96 💜

🎀 @bertramtheoldwarrior 🎀

🌠 @blueskygirl22 🌠

🎩 @jammyjams1910 🎩

💖 @just-an-emily-existing 💖

_

🌟Q: are you doing art requests?

A: yes I do them,like if someone asks me to draw anything about TTTE Au or other fandoms Aus, But for their Oc's they just have to wait until June because it's summer and i will be active anytime

_

🌟Q: Are you gonna do art commissions?

A: Yes, I do them and I really want to, because I need some money to help my parents, so now I am waiting for someone to ask me

_

🌟Q: How tall are the engines?

A: Well, in terms of height, the shortest is Toad and Percy is the second shortest engine and he's almost 5’8ft,and the tallest engine is Gordon, The flying scottsman, Spencer and Diesel 10.Their hight is 7’11ft because they're big and tender engines

_

🌟Q: Does Lady's magical dust have any benefit or any influence on the rest of the engines?

A: Yes, it definitely has a benefit for the engines. Thanks to it, it can save them from becoming victims of scrap, or if something physically harms them in their human form, it comes and treats them because ordinary doctors cannot treat human engines

🎀°•some basics of my Au•°🎀:

🌟some of my oc's transform into their true forms for many special reasons, for example demons, wolves, rabbits, etc., but the duration of this transformation is specific

🌟These reasons in particular may be either psychological, such as sadness, shame, and the desire to feel lonely and calm, or physical reasons

🌟The characters are distinguished from each other by their superpowers and magic, which makes them 100% different from ordinary humans

🌟Each one of us has his own personality, and this is the result of their personalities and feelings being different

🌟Characters can fuse and create new characters, but only if three basic conditions are met: If the two characters have a relationship of love, brotherhood, or strong friendship, If these conditions are not met, they will not be able to fuse

🌟ech character has a rival with another character, The reasons are as follows: Either he had a bad past, or that person was famous and forgot about his friend, and so on

🌟as for the humanized engines, their blood is a bit darker than a normal human being, and also if they lost anything or got cut like if they lost their arm or their leg or anything, don't worry, Lady is here for help

🌟and also they can eat, drink, wash their teeth,taking shower, and almost anything about humans, but the only thing that they don't do in their human form is breeding and reproduction, and the engines in their human form become even more stronger so they can done their jobs very fast and easely.

💗🌟Thank you so much for your time and reading this and i hope you enjoy your stay here again ^^🌟💗

💛𝑯𝒆𝒓𝒆'𝒔 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒖𝒇𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆🤍:

❇️°•Art commisions are open•°❇️

🌟°•Original oc's•°🌟

🚂°•Original engines•°🚂

🌹°•other social medias•°🎧

💞°•Official ships•°💞

♡__________________________♡

💫°•Some fandoms i drew•°💫

🖤°•Douglas and Oliver headcanons•°💚

🌈°•original face expressions+color pallet chart•°✨

💐°•Self inserts•°💐

☁°•some random ttte headconons•°🎀

♡__________________________♡

🚂°•The main 12 steam team•°🚂

📖°•ttte fanlore/AUs/fanfics/crossovers/series•°📖

💚°•the emo controller•°🖤

🖤°•Casual emo controller•°💚

🚂°•the narrow gauge engines•°☁

💙°•the Gresley family•°☁

🚂°•the diesels•°⛽

🪄°•Magical/ghost engines•°👻

🤍°•Other ttte characters•°🤍

♡__________________________♡

✏️°•Some simple tutorials•°🖌

💙°•Original stories/lore•°📖

😌°•This could be useful•°😌

🎧°•Artist profile•°💚

🌠°•Unrelated ttte stuff•°🌠

👆🏻𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒔𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒖𝒇𝒇 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒐𝒐𝒏

♡__________________________♡

📜°•My His-fic AU @sodormagicalworld•°📜

[tyforthevnm]

undefined

Frank and Tucker’s message ahead of #LSDUNESTORONTO // [ l.s. dunes east coast videos ]

fun fact: the album artist mentioned, gordon douglas ball, is tucker’s best friend and is canadian!

[bruhstation]

Sorry if this is a random question, but do you have any gender or sexuality hc's for the Casa Tidmouthers?

thomas awdry billington: if he stopped obsessing over helping lady find gold dust and look into the mirror for a bit he would discover new things about himself

edward pettigrew: his journey towards finding his true self, if turned into a netflix show, is in the “action/thriller” genre instead of “drama/family” genre

henry stanier: “are you straight or gay” “hahaha well I STRAIGHT up rose from the dead and am now having a jolly GAY time. get it?�� *flashes a sardonic smile* *a giant piano crashes beside him mere inches away* 

gordon gresley: has been holding gay feelings for his best friends for 15 years yet is too much of a chicken to confess at the ripe age of GODDAMN 41. so pretty much hopeless

james augustine hughes: too cringe for trans, too based for cis, just enough of a hater for something much more unique and revolutionary

percival avonside: government assigned Just A Little Guy

tobias holden: fully supports everyone and their pronouns but unfortunately all the youngins in sodor are utterly out of their minds

montague collett: he’s a man. he’s a woman. he’s nonbinary. he’s everything all at once. he’s none at all. he’s put together. he's a manic pixie dream girl. he’s a disaster. he’s the second coming of judas iscariot and will never die

donald dunalastair: you know that one homosexual guy in your friend circle that always have the funniest things to say to the point that it could be considered concerning

douglas dunalastair: same as his brother except he’s much more normal

oliver tyst swindon: the only lgbt person everyone fully respects

giovanni vin diesel: if tinder exists in summer of 1999 he would unironically put “🇮🇹, gamer, ex-catholic, bisexual, can cook” in his bio and still manage to pull bitches

mavis hawthorne: she’s fem. she’s masc. she’s also only interested in making “visit the biggest bass pro shop pyramid in memphis, tennessee” her lifelong goal

lady: FUCK YEAH!!!!!!!!!!! SHE BALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

d10: bi but nobody wants him.

[byneddiedingo]

Douglas Fairbanks in The Thief of Bagdad (Raoul Walsh, 1924)

Cast: Douglas Fairbanks, Julianne Johnston, Anna May Wong, Snitz Edwards, Sojin Kamayama, Brandon Hurst, Tote Du Crow, Noble Johnson. Screenplay: Lotta Woods, Douglas Fairbanks, Achmed Abdullah, James T. O'Donohoe. Cinematography: Arthur Edeson. Production design: William Cameron Menzies. Film editing: William Nolan. 

Back when Bagdad was synonymous with flying carpets and not prolonged international conflict, Douglas Fairbanks produced what is either a magical romp or an example of Orientalism at its worst, depending on your point of view. But for the purposes of film history, let's suspend political and social consciousness and appreciate The Thief of Bagdad for what it accomplished: an amusing spectacle, with marvelous sets and (for the time) remarkable special effects. Add to that Fairbanks's energetic performance -- if you can endure the balletic pantomime he often slips into -- and you've got a classic for the usual kids of all ages. It holds up well even today, in part because it's all spectacle: Sound would be superfluous. And yes, Sojin Kamayama's Mongol prince adheres to the "yellow peril" stereotype, a foreshadowing of Flash Gordon's Ming the Merciless, with Anna May Wong slinking around as his partner in malfeasance, but we're treating this as camp, right? Julianne Johnston's princess is a little vapid, not quite the astonishing beauty who's supposed to sweep the thief off his feet and turn him away from larceny toward love. The movie is a shade too long, and it loses some momentum when the thief goes off on his quest to find the thing that will win the princess's love. Even though it helps him save Bagdad from the Mongol hordes, I found his box of magic powder (if that's what it is -- the movie is a little vague about it) less impressive than the Persian prince's (Mathilde Comont) flying carpet, the Indian Prince's (Noble Johnson) crystal ball, and the Mongol prince's golden apple that gives him power over life and death. But even when the story lags, there's always something fun to watch.   

[ulkaralakbarova]

A former basketball all-star, who has lost his wife and family foundation in a struggle with addiction, attempts to regain his soul and salvation by becoming the coach of a disparate ethnically mixed high school basketball team at his alma mater. Credits: TheMovieDb. Film Cast: Jack Cunningham: Ben Affleck Dan: Al Madrigal Beth: Michaela Watkins Angela: Janina Gavankar Doc: Glynn Turman Marcus Parrish: Melvin Gregg Brandon Durrett: Brandon Wilson Kenny Dawes: Will Ropp Sam Garcia: Fernando Luis Vega Chubbs Hendricks: Charles Lott, Jr. Bobby Freeze: Ben Irving Devon Childress: da’Vinchi Father Edward Devine: John Aylward Russ: T.K. Carter Diane: Rachael Carpani Kurt: Todd Stashwick Anne: Nancy Linehan Charles Gerry Norris: Dan Lauria Sal: Chris Bruno Coach Lombardo: Matthew Glave Matty (Bartender): Jeremy Ratchford Susan Norris: Jayne Taini Father Mark Whelan: Jeremy Radin Ryan: Nico David Sarah: Emelia Golfieri Sarah: Layla Golfieri Miguel: Sal Velez Jr. Sofia: Yeniffer Behrens Sully – Ref #2: Eric Tate Doctor: Christine Horn Construction Worker #1: Josh Latzer Construction Worker #2: Manny Streetz David: Justice Alan Liquor Store Owner: Jay Abdo Lead Referee: Joshua Hubbard Burly Man: James P. Harkins Employee: Mike G. Betty: April Adams Haley: Chieko Hidaka Student: Bronwen O’Connor Student: Charlotte Evelyn Williams Student: Kayla Diaz Trinity Coach: Doc Jacobs Gale: Marlene Forte Ken: Shay Roundtree Pat: Chad Mountain Summit Coach: Sandy Fletcher Opposing Coach: Noah Ballou Female Friend – Nancy: Cynthia Rose Hall Referee: Calvin Barber Fish Scale Operator: Dino Lauro Bishop Bench Player: Roman Mathis Bishop Bench Player: Herbert Morales Bishop Bench Player: Mateo Ortiz Bishop Bench Player: Tyler O’Malley Ethan (uncredited): Tom Archdeacon Basketball Player 7 (uncredited): Brian Nuesi Denise (uncredited): Edelyn Okano Cheerleader (uncredited): Carly Schneider Mike Ball Boy (uncredited): Caleb Thomas Eric (uncredited): Hayes MacArthur Basketball Player: Alexander Tassopoulos Birthday Party Guest (uncredited): Mason Blomberg Film Crew: Producer: Gavin O’Connor Producer: Jennifer Todd Producer: Gordon Gray Sound Mixer: Steven A. Morrow Producer: Ravi D. Mehta Set Decoration Buyer: Ellen Dorros Boom Operator: Craig Dollinger Utility Sound: Bryan Mendoza Art Direction: Bradley Rubin Costume Design: Cindy Evans Director of Photography: Eduard Grau Editor: David Rosenbloom Executive Producer: Brad Ingelsby Executive Producer: Mark Ciardi Unit Production Manager: Bob Dohrmann Executive Producer: Kevin McCormick Executive Producer: Aaron L. Gilbert Executive Producer: Jason Cloth Executive Producer: Kaitlyn Taaffe Cronholm Executive Producer: Madison Ainley Production Design: Keith P. Cunningham Casting: Wendy O’Brien Co-Producer: Brittany Hapner Original Music Composer: Rob Simonsen Music Supervisor: Gabe Hilfer Unit Production Manager: Victor Ho Second Assistant Director: Kevin Lum First Assistant Director: Jamie Marshall Visual Effects Supervisor: Bruce Jones Set Decoration: Douglas A. Mowat Set Designer: Paul Sonski Assistant Art Director: Linia Marie Hardy Assistant Art Director: Brittany Bradford Graphic Designer: Stephanie Charbonneau Graphic Designer: Andrew Campbell Art Department Coordinator: Michael LaCorte Leadman: Fred Haft Set Decoration Buyer: Jane Madden Stunt Coordinator: Tom McComas Stunts: Oliver Keller Stunts: Courtney Farnsworth Stunts: Allan Graf Stunts: Craigory Glen Hunter Stunts: Lauren Shaw Stunts: B R Lamar Stunts: David Rowden II Property Master: J.P. Jones Assistant Property Master: Rick Chavez Script Supervisor: Steve Gehrke “A” Camera Operator: Peter Rosenfeld Still Photographer: Richard Foreman Jr. “B” Camera Operator: Michael Merriman First Assistant “A” Camera: Stephen MacDougall Second Assistant “A” Camera: Jordan Pellegrini First Assistant “B” Camera: Jesse Cain Second Assistant “B” Camera: Seth A. Peschansky Digital Imaging Technician: Jesse Tyler Music Editor: Curt Sobel Assistant Editor: Anna Rottke First Assistant Editor: Joe Rosenbloom Soun...

[dailytuckerrule]

[daimonclub]

Halloween quotes

Halloween best quotes Halloween quotes, ideas, thoughts, jokes, images and aphorisms by the World of English or English-culture.com Halloween for the year 2022 is celebrated/observed on Monday, October 31st. Tis the night—the night Of the grave's delight, And the warlocks are at their play; Ye think that without, The wild winds shout, But no, it is they -it is they! Arthur Cleveland Coxe I think if human beings had genuine courage, they'd wear their costumes every day of the year, not just on Halloween. Douglas Coupland Nothing on Earth is so beautiful as the final haul on Halloween night. Steve Almond If a man harbors any sort of fear, it makes him landlord to a ghost. Lloyd Douglas True love is like ghosts, which everyone talks about but few have seen. Author Unknown I love the spirit of Halloween and the energy that comes with it. Katharine McPhee Eye of newt, and toe of frog, Wool of bat, and tongue of dog, Adder's fork, and blind-worm's sting, Lizard's leg, and owlet's wing, For a charm of powerful trouble, Like a hell-broth boil and bubble. Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn, and caldron bubble. William Shakespeare Nothing on Earth so beautiful as the final haul on Halloween night. Steve Almond Nudist Colony Halloween parties are especially scary. They give the word "moon" a new cruel meaning. Ray Palla On Hallows Eve, eat, drink, be scary, take a bit of drugs and have some sex to forget about our scary life. Anonymous There is nothing funny about Halloween. This sarcastic festival reflects, rather, an infernal demand for revenge by children on the adult world. Jean Baudrillard On Hallows Eve, we witches meet to broil and bubble tasty treats like goblin thumbs with venom dip, crisp bat wings, and fried fingertips. Richelle E. Goodrich Witch and ghost make merry on this last of dear October’s days. Author Unknown A grandmother pretends she doesn't know who you are on Halloween. Erma Bombeck The coldest day in fall is at the Hallows Evening ball where ghoulish fun avoids the sun as monsters mingle wall to wall. Richelle E. Goodrich, Slaying Dragons Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. Christmas and the others can end up making you sad, because you know you should be happy. But on Halloween you get to become anything that you want to be. Ava Dellaira Halloween is fun, but it wasn't always my favorite holiday. I think Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Tobin Bell My children are vampires. I don't mean that they are going to dress as vampires for Halloween. I mean that, like vampires, they cannot be captured on film. John Dickerson I actually have a stash of wigs for Halloween. But only for that. Not to play dress-up. Alexa Vega

Halloween quotes and aphorisms Tis now the very witching time of night, When churchyards yawn and hell itself breathes out Contagion to this world. William Shakespeare When witches go riding, and black cats are seen, the moon laughs and whispers, ‘tis near Halloween. Author Unknown We are born from the star dust, and there we have to come back, under some nice carpets, to enjoy some cheerful Halloween parties! Carl William Brown On ol' Halloween Night These monsters join the living If they had it their way They'd stay until Thanksgiving. Casey Browning You never what worse luck your bad luck has saved you from. Cormano McCarthy Magic is very simple, all you have got to do is want something and then let yourself have it. Aggie Cromwell Fear has many eyes and can see things underground. Miguel de Cervantes There is a child in every one of us who is still a trick-or-treater looking for brightly lit front porch. Robert Brault Halloween wraps fear in innocence, As though it were a slightly sour sweet. Let terror, then, be turned into a treat... Nicholas Gordon A costume party… great… a chance for the bimbos to whore themselves out with no penalty of conscience. I found myself excruciatingly curious as to what she was going as, a sailor? No. A pilot. That would be something Bruce Crown I only eat candy on Halloween. No lie. Michael Trevino Will we ever stop being afraid of nights and death? When you reach the stars, boy, yes, and live there forever, all the fears will go, and Death himself will die. Ray Bradbury At first cock-crow the ghosts must go back to their quiet graves below. Theodosia Garrison Halloween is an opportunity to be really creative. Judy Gold The idea of dying and coming back is what makes the Halloween films work. Donald Pleasence Backward, turn backward, O Time, in your flight make me a child again just for to-night! Elizabeth Akers Allen Acting is like a Halloween mask that you put on. River Phoenix Nothing beats a haunted moonlit night on All Hallows Eve... And on this fatal night, at this witching time, the starless sky laments black and unmoving. The somber hues of an ominous, dark forest are suddenly illuminated under the emerging face of the full moon. Kim Elizabeth If human beings had genuine courage, they'd wear their costumes every day of the year, not just on Halloween. Douglas Coupland Halloween isn't the only time for ghosts and ghost stories. In Victorian Britain, spooky winter's tales were part of the Christmas season, often told after dinner, over port or coffee. Michael Dirda My house is basically like Halloween, 365 days a year, with my son. Alex Kurtzman Every Halloween for six years, I was a Ninja Turtle, and Mikey was my favorite. The turtles really made me who I am today. They got me into martial arts, meditation, surfing, skateboarding; big time influence on who I am today. Greg Cipes Halloween is bigger than Christmas in America. I've experienced it in New York, Los Angeles and Washington D.C., and if you're in the right neighbourhood, every house is decorated with spooky ghosts, spider webs, and jack-o-lanterns. Rhys Darby Halloween is one of my favorite days of the year. I have a strict rule: I don't work on Halloween and I won't travel on Halloween. Not for any reason. Simon Sinek

Halloween aphorisms and quotes I am unusually Halloween-attentive, because, as it happens, I was born on Halloween, so for me it has always been an occasion of great moment. Susan Orlean South Africa is the only place in the Southern hemisphere where Halloween is really catching on. They have a lot of sporting events that have made it more popular there. They have motocross and rave celebrations, and they're embracing it as a youth culture thing. Lisa Morton I start lighting pine-scented candles the day after Halloween. Mary Page Keller Yes, obviously, I would love to play a vampire! I mean, I went to Hot Topic and got the fake vampire teeth for Halloween in middle school. Obviously, I want fangs sometime! Grace Phipps All my life, I have been a celebrant of Halloween. For me, it is the most important day of the year, the turning point in the old pagan calendar. John Burnside Some people are born for Halloween, and some are just counting the days until Christmas. Stephen Graham Jones Where there is no imagination there is no horror. Arthur Conan Doyle If ever there was a holiday that deserves to be commercialized, it's Halloween. We haven't taken it away from kids. We've just expanded it so that the kid in adults can enjoy it, too. Cassandra Peterson I love the spirit of Halloween and the energy that comes with it. Katharine McPhee I don't know that there are real ghosts and goblins, but there are always more trick-or-treaters than neighborhood kids. Robert Brault Shadows of a thousand years rise again unseen, Voices whisper in the trees, "Tonight is Halloween!" Dexter Kozen People value Halloween, like Valentine's Day, because they can tell themselves that it's not merely secularized but actually secular, which is to say, not Christian, Jewish, Hindu or Muslim. Amity Shlaes I was kind of a dark kid. I loved Halloween, and I loved vampires and the black and white old monster movies. Joe Manganiello Seems like Americans just want it to be Halloween all year. The holiday just keeps getting more popular. Amity Shlaes This Halloween the most popular mask is the Arnold Schwarzenegger mask. And the best part? With a mouth full of candy you will sound just like him. Conan O'Brien On Halloween, kids get to assume, for one night the outward forms of their innermost dread, and they're also allowed to take candy from strangers - the scariest thing of all. Kate Christensen I'm cool with people dressing up as Eleven for Halloween. I definitely want to open my door and give them candy. Millie Bobby Brown There are nights when the wolves are silent and only the moon howls. George Carlin I grew up in a suburb of Columbus, Ohio, in the early '90s, and hospitals and doctor's offices offered to x-ray candy. I was 7 or 8. The day after Halloween, my brother and I were sorting all of our candy, and my mom asked if she could have a piece of my gum. She put the gum in her mouth, bit down, and there was a shard of metal in it! Cory Michael Smith There is a child in every one of us who is still a trick-or-treater looking for a brightly-lit front porch. Robert Brault The first Halloween was very well made. The second one was also well made, though I didn't like it as well as the first one. The third one had nothing to do with the series at all and perhaps shouldn't have been made at all. Donald Pleasence There is something haunting in the light of the moon; it has all the dispassionateness of a disembodied soul, and something of its inconceivable mystery. Joseph Conrad Read also  Halloween great quotes  ;  Halloween Thoughts  ;  Halloween Poems  ;  Download the pdf file about Halloween History Quotes by authors Quotes by arguments Read the full article

[alexlacquemanne]

Janvier MMXXIII

Films

Airport (1970) de George Seaton avec Burt Lancaster, Dean Martin, Jean Seberg, Jacqueline Bisset, George Kennedy, Helen Hayes et Van Heflin

L'Homme qui murmurait à l'oreille des chevaux (The Horse Whisperer) (1998) de Robert Redford avec Scarlett Johansson, Robert Redford, Kristin Scott Thomas, Sam Neill et Dianne Wiest

Boulevard du crépuscule (Sunset Boulevard) de Billy Wilder avec William Holden, Gloria Swanson, Erich von Stroheim, Nancy Olson, Fred Clark et Lloyd Gough

Écrit sur du vent (Written on the Wind) (1956) de Douglas Sirk avec Rock Hudson, Lauren Bacall, Robert Stack, Dorothy Malone, Robert Keith et Grant Williams

Take Me Out to the Ball Game (1949) de Busby Berkeley avec Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, Esther Williams, Betty Garrett et Edward Arnold

Les Tontons flingueurs (1963) de Georges Lautner avec Lino Ventura, Bernard Blier, Jean Lefebvre, Francis Blanche, Venantino Venantini, Robert Dalban, Sabine Sinjen et Claude Rich

Un air de famille (1996) de Cédric Klapisch avec Jean-Pierre Bacri, Wladimir Yordanoff, Catherine Frot, Jean-Pierre Darroussin, Claire Maurier et Agnès Jaoui

Le Rapace (1968) de José Giovanni avec Lino Ventura, Rosa Furman, Xavier Marc, Aurora Clavel, Augusto Benedico et Marco Antonio Arzate

Aimez-vous Brahms… (Goodbye Again) (1961) d'Anatole Litvak avec Ingrid Bergman, Anthony Perkins, Yves Montand, Jessie Royce Landis, Pierre Dux, Jackie Lane et Michèle Mercier

Par-dessus les moulins (La bella mugnaia) (1955) de Mario Camerini avec Vittorio De Sica, Sophia Loren, Marcello Mastroianni, Paolo Stoppa et Yvonne Sanson

Y a-t-il enfin un pilote dans l'avion ? (Airplane II: The Sequel) (1983) de Ken Finkleman avec Robert Hays, Julie Hagerty, Lloyd Bridges, Chad Everett, William Shatner, Sonny Bono et Chuck Connors

Pouic-Pouic (1963) de Jean Girault avec Mireille Darc, Louis de Funès, Roger Dumas, Jacqueline Maillan, Christian Marin, Philippe Nicaud, Guy Tréjan et Daniel Ceccaldi

Papy fait de la résistance (1983) de Jean-Marie Poiré avec Christian Clavier, Michel Galabru, Roland Giraud, Gérard Jugnot, Martin Lamotte, Dominique Lavanant, Jacqueline Maillan, Jacques Villeret, Julien Guiomar et Jacques François

Votez McKay (The Candidate) (1972) de Michael Ritchie avec Robert Redford, Peter Boyle, Don Porter, Allen Garfield, Karen Carlson et Michael Lerner

American Graffiti (1973) de George Lucas avec Richard Dreyfuss, Ron Howard, Paul Le Mat, Charles Martin Smith, Candy Clark, Mackenzie Phillips, Cindy Williams, Wolfman Jack, Bo Hopkins et Harrison Ford

Duel (1972) de Steven Spielberg avec Dennis Weaver, Jacqueline Scott, Eddie Firestone, Lou Frizzell, Gene Dynarski, Lucille Benson et Tim Herbert

Le jour se lève (1939) de Marcel Carné avec Jean Gabin, Jules Berry, Jacqueline Laurent, Arletty, Arthur Devère, Jacques Baumer, Mady Berry et Bernard Blier

Le Grand Alibi (Stage Fright) (1950) d'Alfred Hitchcock avec Jane Wyman, Marlène Dietrich, Michael Wilding, Richard Todd, Alastair Sim et Sybil Thorndike

Capitaine sans peur (Captain Horatio Hornblower R.N.) (1951) de Raoul Walsh avec Gregory Peck, Virginia Mayo, Robert Beatty, James Robertson Justice, Denis O'Dea, Moultrie Kelsall et Stanley Baker

Jack Reacher: Never Go Back (2016) d'Edward Zwick avec Tom Cruise, Cobie Smulders, Danika Yarosh, Jessica Stroup, Aldis Hodge et Patrick Heusinger

Confidences sur l'oreiller (Pillow Talk) (1959) de Michael Gordon avec Rock Hudson, Doris Day, Tony Randall, Thelma Ritter, Nick Adams et Julia Meade

Fanfan la Tulipe (1952) de Christian-Jaque avec Gérard Philipe, Gina Lollobrigida, Noël Roquevert, Olivier Hussenot, Marcel Herrand, Geneviève Page et Sylvie Pelayo

Les Sentiments (2003) de Noémie Lvovsky avec Nathalie Baye, Jean-Pierre Bacri, Isabelle Carré, Melvil Poupaud, Agathe Bonitzer : Sonia et Virgile Grünberg

Moby Dick (1956) de John Huston avec Gregory Peck, Richard Basehart, Leo Genn, Orson Welles, Harry Andrews et James Robertson Justice

Tueurs de dames (The Ladykillers) (1955) de Alexander Mackendrick avec Katie Johnson, Alec Guinness, Cecil Parker, Herbert Lom, Peter Sellers et Danny Green

Séries

Kaamelott Livre IV, I

Tous les matins du monde : 1re partie - Tous les matins du monde : 2e partie - Raison et Sentiments - Les Tartes aux fraises - Le Dédale - Les Pisteurs - Le Traître - La Faute : 1re partie - La Faute : 2e partie - L’Ascension du Lion - Enluminures - Les nouveaux frères - La jupe de Calogrenant - La dent de requin

Friends Saison 3, 4, 5

Celui qui était laissé pour compte - Celui qui s'auto-hypnotisait - Celui qui avait un tee-shirt trop petit - Celui qui courait deux lièvres - Celui qui avait un poussin - Celui qui s'énervait - Celui qui avait un truc dans le dos - Celui qui voulait être ultime champion - Celui qui allait à la plage - Celui qui soignait les piqûres de méduses - Celui qui ne voyait qu'un chat - Celui qui avait des menottes - Celui qui apprenait à danser - Celui qui avait une nouvelle copine - Celui qui fréquentait une souillon - Celui qui poussait le bouchon - Celui qui était dans la caisse - Celui qui savait faire la fête - Celui qui draguait au large - Celui qui posait une question embarrassante - Celui qui gagnait les paris - Celui qui se gourait du tout au tout - Celui qui n'avait pas le moral - Celui qui jouait au rugby - Celui qui participait à une fête bidon - Celui qui avait la chaîne porno - Celui qui cherche un prénom - Celui qui faisait de grands projets - Celui qui va se marier - Celui qui envoie l'invitation - Celui qui était le pire témoin du monde - Celui qui se marie : première partie - Celui qui se marie : deuxième partie - Celui qui avait dit Rachel

Inspecteur Barnaby Saison 1, 2, 3

Meurtres à Badger's Drift - Écrit dans le sang - Mort d'un pantin - Fidèle jusqu'à la mort - Le Masque de la mort - L'Ombre de la mort - Le Bois de l'étrangleur - Le Terrain de la mort - Et le sang coulera - Mort d'un vagabond - Angoisse dans la nuit - Le Jour du jugement - Le Mystère de la tombe

Coffre à catch

#96 : Bonne année + Kelly Kelly + LA SURPRISE ! - #97 : L'enclumette à la ECW !! - #98 : Kofi Kingston est-t-il invincible? - #99 : Avec le Big Show, c'est Mieux! - #100 : Avec Sturry, la ECW reste forte !

Columbo Saison 3

En toute amitié

Affaires Sensibles

Le bal tragique de Saint-Laurent-du-Pont - "Soleil Vert" : un mirage écologique à Hollywood - Le calvaire de Scorsese - L'aventure Canal Plus - Les dents de la mer - Redoine Faïd : le braqueur aux multiples visages - 4 août 1962, chute et mort de la femme éternelle - Los Angeles, les émeutes de 1992 : chronique d’un drame annoncé - O.J. Simpson, une histoire américaine - 17 avril 1961 : La baie des cochons - Lockerbie, 1988. La mort tombe du ciel

Doctor Who

Le Pouvoir du Docteur

L'Agence tous risques Saison 1

Les gladiateurs - Enlèvement à Las Vegas - Bagarre à Bad Rock - Racket - Bataille rangée - Et c'est reparti - Pour le meilleur et pour le pire

Le Voyageur Saison 2

Le roi nu - Au bout de la nuit

Spectacles

Concert du Nouvel An en direct du Musikverein, à Vienne (2023)

Le Mari, la Femme et la Mort (1970) d'André Roussin avec Bernard Blier, Jacqueline Gauthier, Denise Grey, Claude Nicot et Harry-Max

Livres

Le seigneur des anneaux Tome 1 : La communauté de l'anneau de J.R.R. Tolkien

Détective Conan : Tome 4 de Gôshô Aoyama

Watchmen : Tome 1 d'Alan Moore et Dave Gibbons

Les aventures de Tintin : Tome 18 : L'Affaire Tournesol d'Hergé

Des dragées sans baptême de Frederic Dard

Kaamelott : Tome 10 : Karadoc et l'Icosaèdre d'Alexandre Astier, Steven Dupré et Roberto Burgazzoli

Goldboy N°11 : Aventure en Amazonie

[marilynsweet]

FOUR LORDS: AMBROSIA

-

The worst of the cold had finally settled in. The snow never seemed to fade - either in a light sprinkle or in a thunderous, windy storm that rattled window panes and shook the empty tree branches. Luckily, it wasn’t supposed to get any colder from here on out - once January was over, it was sure to get warmer through February and March.

Currently, though, it was late December. The Winter Solstice celebration had just ended a night or two prior, celebrating and asking for a successful harvest once the snow let up. Many exchanged gifts - a symbol of generosity shown to each other, as if their generosity would please some deity to bring warm weather.

However, the best celebration was yet to come. New Year’s Eve was by far one of the biggest celebrations of the year, celebrated by everyone in the Village - religious and non-religious alike.

Rose found herself lucky to be in the environment she was in - the Mistress had said that because Rose had worked for the Winter Solstice’s ball, she could attend the New Year’s one.

The New Year’s Masquerade was still a few days away, but the Castle felt as busy as ever in preparation for it. Maidens were set to work with tasks - waxing the floors, sweeping, dusting; some even had to take down some of the curtains to wash. The Castle was alight with perfumed candles and the mixture of the kitchens’ work preparing the delightful meals to be served. It may have just been prep, but it smelled delightful nonetheless. The ballroom was decorated with curtains, ribbons, flowers - varieties of gold, red, and black. A few large clocks were moved into the ballroom for the midnight countdown.

The evening before the Ball, Rose was sitting upon her bed. In her hand, she held the glass the Mistress had left her the night she had been gifted. She had indulged in the wine just a little - scared, almost, that it would run out all too quickly. Every now and then, she’d take a drink, but not nearly enough to make her intoxicated. The wine glass somehow managed to clean itself every time she left her bedroom.

When she brought the glass to her lips and drank, she was met again with the delightful taste of the Lady’s finest. A red Merlot with a bit of sweetness to it, but not enough to be overbearing - rich and delightful.

She hadn’t any idea how the Mistress made such a wonderful bouquet of flavors in a wine. Rose didn’t consider herself a connoisseur by any sense of the word, but she could appreciate a good wine when it was gifted to her.

When she had given the Lady her thanks, Lady Constance had only given her a smile and a wave.

“Consider it a token of my appreciation for your hard work,” she had said.

Rose found herself thinking about the Lady often - not only because she worked here. As she bit down on one of her chocolates, she kept thinking about that smile she’d been given…

The chocolate was filled with decadent strawberry creme, drizzled with white chocolate on top.

She was interrupted in her thoughts by a sharp rapping on her door. Rose quickly placed down her wine glass and swallowed her chocolate, sliding off her bed and dashing for the door.

“I-I’m coming!” She called out, fumbling with the handle before pulling it open.

“Miss Atropa.”

Standing before Rose was Jada, signature clipboard in hand. She looked tired - it must have been the strenuous planning of the Ball tomorrow night and double-checking every order she had to make.

“M-Miss Gordon?”

“Lady Constance would like to speak with you.”

Rose blinked a few times, taking in what was said to her before quickly nodding.

“Y-Yes, of course— Where i-is she?”

“Her bathroom. She wants you to bring her some fresh towels.”

Rose nodded again.

“Y-Yes ma’am,” she stated.

Jada then quickly turned and walked down the hall, back to watching her clipboard instead of where she was walking. However, it seemed she knew the Castle layout all too well, and didn’t even have to lift her head when she reached her hand out to grip the railing that led upstairs.

Rose swallowed, trying to calm the sudden fluttering of her heart. She took a deep breath, brushing her hair back before leaving her room, shutting the door behind her.

Lady Constance’s bathroom was on the same floor as her office and her bedroom. Rose made her way there quickly - confused as to why the Mistress wanted to see her so late at night. Maybe it had to do with tomorrow’s Ball?

She stopped at one of the cabinets near the door, grabbing a few towels - which were a clean, elegant white, embroidered faintly with filigree at the ends and folded into neat stacks. The hallways were dark - few of the candles were lit at such a late hour, and there were even fewer maidens about.

For a few moments, Rose hesitated. She stood outside the door to the bathroom, biting her lip. Other maidens had told her that they had, on occasion, had to bring the Lady things for her bath - Rose had the feeling she had to do the same - but the thought of walking in on the Lady in such a state made her face flush a deep red.

She couldn’t decide if it was because of the act itself, or because it was the Lady she would be seeing.

Either way, she couldn’t simply stand here all night - Lady Constance had requested her specifically, she must have had her reasons. Was it something she had done?

Then again, she had been helping Lady Constance dress more frequently in the mornings…

Rose took a deep breath, before she shut her eyes tightly and rapped her knuckles against the sturdy wooden door. A small sign hanging from the doorknob read “Occupied.”

“M-My Lady?” She called out, readjusting her grip on the towels, “y-you— you requested m-me?”

There was quiet for only a few moments before she was met with a response.

“Rose, there you are. Come in.”

Rose swallowed hard, pushing down the handle to the door. It opened for her, surprisingly.

Upon entering, Rose was met with just how hot it was in the room. The air was thick with steam, rolling from a pool in the center of the room. The scent of sweet perfumes permeated her senses.

The room itself was circular, held up by columns embedded in the walls. The ceiling was almost like that of an observatory, from the center of which hung a golden chandelier, in which only a few candles were lit; the room was dim. Similarly to the rest of the castle, the marble was occasionally inlaid with gold filigree. The floor was made of smooth, cold tile - plain, solid white. It echoed under Rose’s footsteps. Occasionally set on the floor were a few other candles, lit around the edge of the pool like a trail.

In the center of the room, inlaid in the floor, there was a large, circular pool the same circumference all the way around, save for a small notch that was cut out to allow for a set of steps which led into it. The water was full of bubbles, which occasionally broke away and floated with the steam and popped against the tile.

Lady Constance was sitting in this pool. Rose presumed there to be some kind of seat along the edge of the pool, upon which one could sit. Most of her was hidden by the froth of bubbles on the surface of the water. Her arms lie comfortably against its edge, and in her right hand was a wine glass. As Rose took a few steps into the extravagant room, the Lady drank from her glass.

Next to her sat two, neatly folded, solid white towels.

Heat rushed to Rose’s face, but she bowed to the Lady nonetheless.

“Y-You asked for towels, m-my Lady?” She asked, keeping her eyes trained on the floor.

“That I did,” came the Lady’s smooth reply. “And I see you’ve brought them.”

Still keeping her gaze downcast, Rose walked around the pool and leaned down to set the towels down by the current stack.

“M-Miss Gordon said you— said you wanted t-to see me…”

“I do.”

Rose froze as the Lady’s free hand met hers, gently taking it in her own. Her gaze followed Lady Constance’s movements, leading her to look the Mistress in the face. Her fingernails were painted a rich, dark black - almost rival to the color of her hair. Her eyes gazed up at Rose almost hungrily - Rose found her face growing hotter the longer their eyes met - taking in her features. The Lady pulled her hand a little closer, until finally she met Rose’s knuckles with her lips.

She kissed Rose’s hand, all the while keeping those ruby red eyes fixated intently on Rose’s face. Said face was quickly enveloped in a scarlet blush so deep that the heat practically radiated from Rose. Her lipstick left a black smudge against her pale skin.

“You’ve been working so hard lately,” Lady Constance cooed, dragging her tongue teasingly across her teeth, “Why not relax, dear?”

They were so close that Rose could catch a hint of the wine on Lady Constance’s breath. If it were possible for Rose to blush any deeper, she would have.

“I-I don’t—I-I don’t w-work any-any harder than t-the other maidens, m-my Lady,” Rose replied quietly, glancing towards the door. If someone walked in now…

“Nonsense,” Annabelle purred, offering Rose a smile, “Miss Gordon tells me that you’ve been helping with just about everything in regards to the Ball and otherwise. I hear you’ve been up at night tidying things that were left undone.”

Rose perked, her stomach turning. She knew?

“A-Apologies— I-I know I—“

“No need to apologize, dear,”  Lady Constance said. “No harm done.”

“I-I don’t s-sleep well, y-you see,” Rose murmured, avoiding Lady Constance’s gaze, “s-so when— so when I can’t s-sleep, I-I wander— n-never would I-I steal, Mistress! I-I— I just f-find something to o-occupy myself.”

“I know you wouldn’t, chère,” Lady Constance continued, releasing Rose’s hand and allowing her to sit upright. “I’ve put my faith in you.”

Rose bowed her head.

“T-Thank you, my Lady,” she murmured. “I-I’m glad to— to be trusted.”

Lady Constance hummed, watching Rose stand upright. She tucked her hands behind her back, again keeping her gaze fixed on the ground.

“I-Is there anything— anything else you’d like, m-my Lady?”

A smile made its way across Lady Constance’s face, Rose looking up only momentarily to notice it.

“I’d love to see more of you.”

Rose was frozen in place. The Lady’s words took a few moments to sink in. Though Rose’s face was still scarlet with blush, if she could have blushed any deeper, she feared the warmth in her cheeks might burn her.

“E-Excuse m-me, my L-Lady?” she asked, her voice wavering only slightly in its hushed tone.

Her heart was pounding hard against her ribcage. She feared it might crack under its thunderous beat.

Lady Constance’s lips formed a coy, almost flirtatious smile. She toyed with the rim of her wine glass, which rested against the edge of the pool.

“You look stunning, chère. Such a fine figure you have,” she cooed, those red eyes looking over Rose with the same hunger as a lion to an antelope, “I’d adore to see more of it, if you’d indulge me.”

She waved towards the open pool before her.

Rose was lost for words. Never before had the Mistress been so forward with her. Of course, she’d sent her the gifts before— called her dear, even. She couldn’t find anything to say, though, drawing a blank in even trying to give Lady Constance a response. Was she like this with the other Maidens? She’d never heard of the Lady saying anything like this even to her closest Maidens.

“You can say no, of course. Even I won’t force you to indulge this— if you wish not to, you are free to be dismissed for the night, and we can forget this ever happened.”

Rose listened again as the Lady spoke. Though she was a bit taken back by the Mistress’s request, she was grateful for the opportunity to decline without consequence.

Choice.

Rose swallowed hard. Her thoughts were abuzz— the last person to ever “see more” of her was Todd, and she hadn’t really been given the choice then. They shared a room, and even the slightest hint that she might be hiding something set him off.

But now this choice was laid before her - she could say yes. She could indulge the Mistress, and she knew she wanted to. She could test the waters of the thoughts that lingered in the back of her mind. Was that her need to make others happy that made her consider the Lady’s offer, or something more?

Rose hoped it was the latter. Oh, she hoped it was the latter.

The fluttering of butterflies in her stomach was almost agonizing - Rose didn’t know how long she stood there, contemplating, before she finally made her decision.

She began to unbutton her shirt.

Her fingers trembled, and she frequently found herself struggling with it, but she managed to undo them until she was met with the waist corset of her uniform. When she was met with it, she fumbled with the string in the back that would loosen it.

Lady Constance straightened up a little, almost as if she was surprised Rose would take her up on the offer. She took a slow drink from her wine glass, though kept her eyes on Rose, like it wasn’t just the drink she was savoring.

Rose sat at the edge of the pool, keeping her eyes down and trying desperately to calm the beating in her chest. Her hands fumbled with the clasps to her boots, and it took her a few moments longer than normal to unfasten them. She then kicked them off, setting them a little ways away from the water.

Though she pulled the corset off and set it with her boots, she hesitated to take off her shirt. Would the Mistress mind? Would she recoil in disgust at what she saw? Would she think any less of her?

“Rose?”

She didn’t realize how long she had been paused for until she heard the Mistress say her name. She lifted her head, turning to look at Lady Constance.

“Are you alright?”

She was concerned - she’d set her glass down on the edge of the pool, and looked ready to approach her to investigate. Rose quickly nodded, turning her head away once more.

“I-It’s nothing,” she said. “I-I’ll be right in.”

Finally, with a deep breath and closing her eyes, Rose let her shirt fall off her shoulders and onto the cold marble floor.

She braced herself for the Mistress to say something— for it to catch her eye, anything— but she was met with silence. After a few moments, she finally relented and opened her eyes once more. She kept them down, though, hoping nothing would be said. She picked up her shirt, folding it neatly, and then placing it with her corset and boots.

There was a silence that lasted, only interrupted by the sound of Rose undressing. When all was said and done, her clothes lie folded in a small pile near the edge of the pool. It took a few moments before Rose finally stepped into the water.

It was warm— not boiling hot, but a comfortable temperature. The bubbles almost made her sneeze when she sat, keeping her arms tucked close to her body, crossed over her chest.

It was no wonder why Lady Constance liked the bath so much.

“Rose?”

Though it was impossible to forget whose company she was in, Rose still jumped a little when Lady Constance said her name. She looked over to her companion, biting her cheek.

“Y-Yes?” She replied quietly, tucking one of her stray hairs back behind her ear.

“May I see your arm?”

There it was. She knew the Lady would ask, but it still left her tense nonetheless. She kept her gaze downcast, even as the Lady drew closer to her and held out her hand. There was no longer a hunger to her eyes - rather, she almost looked worried.

It took a little longer until Rose lifted up her right arm for the Lady to take and examine.

“The other one.”

Rose shut her eyes tight, taking a few moments longer before she finally lifted her arm. The Lady’s touch was gentle as she held her forearm— delicately and tenderly, like she might cause her some form of harm. She turned Rose’s arm over in her hands.

Rose flinched. Braced herself for some reprimand, some lecture. She wasn’t sure if it was worse - the thought that she might be reprimanded harshly by the Mistress, or the silence that was quickly enveloping the two.

Finally, the Lady spoke. However, her voice was not harsh. It was not loud, nor angry. Instead, in a soft, gentle voice, she said:

“Did he do this to you, too?”

Rose wasn’t expecting that. Her head was hung low, and her eyes shut, but when Lady Constance spoke to her, she opened them. She lifted her head, slowly looking towards her and swallowing.

“N-No,” she murmured. “I-I… I-I did.”

Lady Constance traced her thumb on Rose’s forearm. It wasn’t a hard touch— it was soft, and her gaze was fixed on the countless horizontal scars scattered down Rose’s forearm. They had been hidden by gloves when Rose wore her dress to the party, and hidden by the long sleeves of her uniform. Some were faded, others were fresher. She hadn’t added any new ones in months, luckily— not since before she had come to the Castle.

“Why?”

Lost for words, Rose looked away again. She couldn’t find it in her to look in Lady Constance’s eyes— maybe it was the fear that for the first time, she would disappoint her.

Tears threatened the corners of her eyes. Rose found it much harder to speak, her throat tightening. As if in hopes it’d snap her out of it, Rose used her free hand to splash water on her face, running a hand back through her hair. At least it would help to hide the tears that were beginning to roll down her cheeks.

“I-I… I-I thought it would— i-it would ease t-the pain,” she finally said, voice trembling and hoarse, “thought i-it might— it might m-make me feel like I-I… h-had control in m-my life.”

“So it was him,” Lady Constance said.

Rose didn’t have an answer. She’d done it before Todd, too, but to say it hadn’t happened the most during her engagement would be a lie. But it hadn’t been him who held the blade, hadn’t been him who had taken her hand and made her do it.

“Rose.”

Lady Constance’s voice was soft, and she trailed a finger under Rose’s chin. She lifted Rose’s head, and their eyes met. Rose swallowed, doing her best to keep her breath from shuddering.

“Can you make me a promise?”

Rose hesitated, but eventually gave a soft nod.

“If you ever feel the need to do this again,” Lady Constance murmured, looking down at Rose’s arm for a moment, “if you ever feel… trapped, or not in control, or feel whatever feelings make you want to do this, promise me you’ll find me?”

After a short pause - in which Rose digested the Lady’s words - she gave a small, slow nod.

“Y-Yes, my Lady— I-I will,” she said in that same quiet, hoarse tone.

Of all the things she expected tonight, this was not one of them. Nonetheless, she was comforted by the fact that the Lady wasn’t upset with her.

Even less did she expect for Lady Constance to lean in and kiss the back of her hand again, all the while keeping her hand under Rose’s chin.

“You’re a gorgeous being, Rose,” she murmured, a coy smile crossing over her face as she noticed the scarlet returning to Rose’s cheeks. “Don’t ever forget that. Such beautiful eyes…”

She released Rose’s arm, instead cupping her face and running her thumbs across Rose’s cheeks. Rose was unsure where to place her hands, instead crossing her arms back over her chest.

“Like decadent chocolates.”

Lady Constance’s gaze fixated on Rose’s face.

“Speaking of which, did you enjoy your gift? I assume you’ve eaten at least a few of your chocolates by now.”

Rose was grateful for the subject change, but was once again reminded of just how easy it was for the Mistress to fluster her into silence with a few words and a well-placed touch.

“I-I— I did, m-my Lady. I-I thank you again f-for— for your generosity.”

“I wouldn’t call it generosity,” Lady Constance purred, gently tracing Rose’s lip with her thumb, “I’d call it what it is - a gift. Like you are to me.”

“A-A— A gift to-to you, m-my Lady?” Rose asked quietly, glancing up again at the Mistress. “M-Me?”

“Of course,” Lady Constance said, and Rose noticed her tongue grazing almost taunting over her teeth and sharp canines. “I’ve had nothing but pleasantries to say about you, chèrie.”

Rose’s face felt hot, and she struggled to find the words to speak.

“…I-I’m honored,” she said quietly after a few moments, “t-that you’d— that you think s-so highly of me.”

“I think the world of you,” Lady Constance cooed, gently removing one of her hands from Rose’s face. “I am ever so grateful to have you as my Maiden.”

“I-I work no harder t-than the other Maidens—“

“Nonsense, dear. One can be modest, yes, but to deny all your hard work?”

She leaned in, her voice a soft purr as she lifted Rose’s chin with her finger.

“Ça ne fera tout simplement pas.”

Rose felt a chill run down her spine, and she found herself lost for words yet again— like the Mistress had cast some spell on her vocal chords. She didn’t know what the Lady said, but she suspected it had something to do with her denial.

Lady Constance chuckled, releasing Rose’s face and sinking into the seat beside Rose. Rose squirmed, pointedly staring into the bubbles before her and sinking a little further into the water.

“Tell me, Rose,” the Mistress started again, and Rose was made aware of the feeling of her eyes crossing over her, “Do you have a dress for tomorrow?”

In the excitement, Rose had almost forgotten. She perked, turning to the Lady.

“I-I have one, yes— t-the one you gave me, m-my Lady.”

Lady Constance hummed, seeming to be in thought as she watched Rose. The heat quickly returned to Rose’s face— as in, however much had left returned.

“Would you be opposed to another one?”

“M-My Lady—?”

“Another dress. For the masquerade— I’d be happy to provide you with another one.”

Rose struggled yet again for words. The first dress, the wine, the chocolates, the cloak, the broach— now this? Did she spoil all of her Maidens like this?

“I-If— If it’s n-no trouble to you, m-my Lady,” she finally said after a few moments. “I— I thank you a-again for your generosity.”

“A gift, if you will. I’ll be sure to send a mask with it.”

Rose swallowed, brushing her hair back.

“W-Will you be— Will you be able t-to have it made in time—time for tomorrow?”

“But of course, chère. You needn’t worry yourself with that.”

“I— I-I’ll help, tomorrow! I-I’ll help with setting up!”

“Don’t worry about that, either, my dear.”

Rose perked up as the Lady’s hand made its way into her hair, gently toying with the red locks.

“You’ve certainly helped enough. There isn’t much else to do that the other Maidens can’t handle.”

Rose hesitated, turning her head away. She was faintly aware of the Lady continuing to play with her hair, and that it was becoming wet from being in the pool.

“Something on your mind, dear?”

It took some confidence to muster up, but she turned back to the Lady. Her heart was beating against her ribs, thrumming in her throat.

“Do… D-Do you have any— any l-long hair pins?”

Lady Constance tilted her head ever so slightly, examining Rose’s face curiously.

“Hair pins?”

“I…I-I want to do s-something with my— my hair, this time. I-It was plain, l-last time. I-I just need two pins,” she explained, mimicking them in the air before her, “they—they l-look like sticks to you, b-but—“

“With the little charms attached to them?”

Rose perked up, surprised that the Lady knew exactly what she was talking about.

“How..?”

“Miss Evans bought a pair from me about a month ago, for the same purpose. I’ve a few packed away, since I don’t sell many.”

Rose blinked a few times, but nodded nonetheless.

“Y-Yes— I would like to p-purchase two of those.”

“I’ll have them sent with your dress tomorrow. No need to pay me— your presence is more than enough.”

Lady Constance glanced at her hands, upon which a hint of disappointment and displeasure showed in her face.

“Ah, it seems all too soon that this should end,” she said, rising from her seat. The pool wasn’t too deep, so she could easily stand and not struggle for air. “We wouldn’t want you to prune up, would we?”

Rose looked at her own hands, finding that her fingertips were beginning to shrivel - the signs of someone who had been in the bath too long. She couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed herself, but didn’t voice it.

Instead, she stood up as well. The air felt significantly colder against her wet skin, but not cold enough for her to shiver.

The Lady was waiting by the steps, offering Rose a hand. Rose swallowed, trying desperately to compose herself before she walked over, taking Lady Constance’s hand. The Lady helped her up the stairs, before she quickly made her way around the pool and fetched the towels near her previous seat.

Rose was a little taken aback, not quite used to being doted on - especially by a woman of such high status.

“Here…”

The Lady wrapped the towel around Rose’s body, tucking it under her arms. If it were possible for her face to be a deeper shade of scarlet…

She then wrapped herself in one. The towels were just as elegant as they looked - soft on the skin and to the touch. Rose would compare it to being wrapped in a small blanket.

“M-My Lady— I-I could have done this m-myself…”

“Nonsense, my dear. You deserve some spoils yourself,” the Lady purred, taking one of the remaining towels and gently drying Rose’s hair. “Someone to take care of you, too.”

Rose felt her heart thud against her ribs. She swallowed, her hands taking to clutching the front of her towel. She wouldn’t quite admit it, but she relished in the feeling of the Lady’s hands in her hair. Subconsciously, she leaned her head back. A soft sigh escaped her lips, her eyes closing.

The moment didn’t last too long, though, cut all too short by the Lady taking the towel away. Rose’s eyes opened and she quickly righted herself, suddenly aware of just how much she had leaned into the Lady’s touch.

“T-Thank you,” she said quietly, swallowing hard and hoping that the Lady couldn’t tell just how warm her face was.

“I’m glad you enjoyed it,” Lady Constance cooed, gently tracing the shape of Rose’s jawline with a finger, “We might just have to do it again sometime.”

If there was hiding her blush before, there wasn’t now.

“…P-Perhaps,” Rose managed to squeak out, tucking a few strands of her hair behind her ear. “I…I-I did enjoy it.”

“Good.”

The Lady walked away from Rose - evident by her footsteps - and Rose turned back to her small, neatly stacked pile of clothes on the ground. She avoided looking towards the Mistress as she began to dress herself again. She’d change to her nightgown when she returned to her room - because of that, she didn’t put her corset back on.

After she was done, she turned to glance at the Mistress again, only to pause. The Lady had dressed, yes, but when Rose spotted her, she was taking a slow drink from what remained of her wine, eyes fixated on Rose’s figure.

The Lady was dressed in an elegant, wine red nightgown with puffy, long sleeves. It cut off around her ankles, and crossed over her front like a bathrobe.

“Let me walk you back to your room, dear,” she said, approaching Rose after finishing the wine left in her glass. “It’s late.”

Rose nodded, moving to pick up the towels with her corset, but the Lady waved her hand as a motion to stop.

“Leave it,” she said, instead setting her palm against Rose’s lower back, “one of the other maidens will come along and pick it up.”

Rose nodded, sitting upright and glancing down at the towels on her way out the door.

With the heat of the previous room left behind, Rose was suddenly aware of just how cold the castle hallways were. The moon shone brightly in the sky outside, glimmering with the stars through the open curtains. The light shone through the window panes, only casting small shadows of their lines on the rugs.

She found herself shivering - had it always been this cold?

However, it wouldn’t last long before heat spread itself over her face once more. The Lady had noticed her shivering, and had pulled her closer - wrapping an arm around her side. Rose was pressed up against her.

They walked in silence for a long while. The only sound was footsteps, and they were not met with any interference from any maidens who were on the night watch. In fact, a great deal of them were busy with something, so took little time to notice the Lady and Rose.

Rose was grateful for this. She didn’t want to have to struggle to answer their curiosities.

However, even the long walk felt cut short all too soon. Soon enough, they were in Rose’s hallway. The Lady paused once they reached Rose’s door, running her hand up the smaller woman’s arm and resting it then upon her shoulder.

“I do believe this is your room, yes?”

Rose nodded, fidgeting with her hands. She didn’t want to pull away just yet…

Almost sensing this, Lady Constance lifted her hand, gently tracing Rose’s cheek.

“I’ll have your things sent up to you before the ball, alright?” She said quietly. “That way you’ll still have time to do all you want to do.”

Another short pause, before the Lady continued.

“Do you still have that lipstick I gave you?”

Rose nodded again.

“Save that one for another day. I’ll bring you one that’ll suit your dress just perfectly,” cooed Lady Constance, giving Rose a coy smile.

When Rose looked up to meet her gaze, it was easy to get lost in those elegant ruby eyes. They expressed a fondness that words failed to convey. Rose also found herself enraptured by the Lady’s lips, and her long, sharp canines.

“I do suppose you should get some sleep,” the Lady finally said after another short pause. “It’s a big day tomorrow!”

Finally, she released Rose. Her hand trailed off of her back, and she took a step back. However, she did extend one of her hands to Rose.

“I’ll see you in the morning, chèrie,” the Lady said.

Rose allowed her hand to be taken, and red still blushed across her cheeks when the Lady pressed a kiss to it. It was soft, lingering - like she, too, was pressed for just a little longer.

“I-I’ll— I’ll see y-you, too,” Rose replied quietly.

With a soft smile, the Lady righted herself, before releasing Rose’s hand. With final goodnights said, she turned and headed back down the hall.

Rose watched her go. At the end of the hall, just before the stairs, she turned back to look at Rose. She waved, shooting her a wink, before she headed down the stairs.

Rose stood outside her door, watching where the Mistress had just been and reeling from the night’s events, before she, too, turned in for the night, entering her bedroom and closing the door behind her.

The next morning proved to be a busy affair. After a short, brisk breakfast, the maidens quickly set to work placing the final preparations for the Ball. Tables and cloth were set in the ballroom, an elegant black with circular glass centerpieces.

The floors were swept one last time, and the preparations for the food were set— placemats, silverware bundles, plates, glasses. Bottles of wine were set out, as well - varieties of red and white.

After lunch, the maidens then set to work decorating the foyer and accompanying areas. Hallways were emblazoned with streamers of ribbon, fresh flowers, and a fresh dusting on shelves and cabinets. Those floors were dusted once more.

Finally, after that was done, maidens who weren’t working the Ball were excused to get ready. Rose had been busy, and hadn’t had time to go back to her room at all. While she worked, she wondered if the Lady had kept her word and sent the dress. As she climbed the stairs, she considered her options - what if she was too busy to have it sent up? Bayley had been on her delivery route - last minute orders for sparkling wines before she would return home to get dressed. She wouldn’t have dropped it off— who would?

Rose climbed the stairs to her floor, before turning into the hall and reaching her bedroom door. She ran a hand through her hair, half expecting the room to be empty when she opened the door. However, her breath was quickly taken away by what she found.

An elegant red dress, still hanging on the mannequin, was stood in front of her bed. It was floor length, the skirt grazing against the ground with a slight bit of tail. It looked to be made of silk - something smooth, elegant, and expensive. There were decorative black fastenings across the front - two, like they held together the two pieces that met. It was sleeveless, and the waist was covered by a red sash tied with a black cord. In the front, there was a slightly lighter red that gathered at the front of the skirt, and it, too, reached the floor.

Sitting on her nightstand were two boxes, and a set of long, red, fingerless gloves the same color as her dress.

Rose approached her table, still taking in the elegance of the dress before turning to the boxes. Upon opening the first one, she found just what she had asked for - two long, wooden pins with charms hanging off the end of them. Inside that box, too, was a smaller box - inside she found an elegant ring made of gold and embedded with a brilliant shining ruby. With it, too, was a black choker with a moon charm, and a long, thin, gold chain necklace with another ruby hanging off of it.

Why does she keep outdoing herself with these? Rose thought to herself, holding up the necklace to catch the light. All of this…

Rose swallowed, then moved the first box to find the second one. It was a bit taller than the previous one, and a little longer.

Upon opening this one, Rose found herself staring in awe at what lay inside. She was almost afraid to touch it.

A white mask, which would cover half of one’s face, cutting off sharply around the cheek— like a fang. It was decorated with black filigree around the eyes and embedded strategically with small red gemstones. It felt like smooth porcelain, but not nearly as fragile. It would rest on the right side of her face.

Tentatively, Rose picked it up. It gleamed ever so slightly in the setting sunlight through her bedroom window.

Underneath the mask was a little card:

You didn’t forget this was a masquerade, did you?

-Annabelle

Again, signed with her first name. However, this time there was a heart scribbled next to her name.

Rose’s heart skipped a beat. It fluttered in her chest like a bird in a cage.

She set the items down, instead moving to change into the elegant dress she had been left.

There was no possible way the Lady had whipped this up in a night. It was too intricate, too well-made…

It fit her perfectly, as had the last dress. It was easy to put on, though fastening the clips in the back while holding the bust with one hand proved a little bit of a challenge. However, she managed - and she looked just as fine as she had the last time.

When she put her hair up, she pinned it with the hair pins she had been given into a bun in the back of her head. It was simple, but effective. It had been a long while since she had put her hair up, she found, but it was stable.

Finally, after a while, Rose was dressed. Again, she found herself wearing her boots - luckily, one could only see them if she lifted her dress.

Like last time, she found herself watching herself in the mirror, tentative. She needn’t question the Lady’s fashion choices, but she still hesitated to head downstairs so quickly.

Would she have another panic attack? Would people question her about her scar again? All those faces… would Todd show up? Was he on the guest list?

She took a deep breath, shutting her eyes tightly. She tucked a few stray hairs behind her ear, taking a few slow breaths before letting out an exhale to calm her beating heart.

It would be fine. She was going to have a nice night, with a nice meal and dance.

With that, she finally made one last glance over her dress and grabbed her mask before leaving her bedroom.

Dinner was at 7 PM sharp. Rose figured she might be a little early, but what else was she to do? She passed a few other maidens, dressed to the nines. She recognized their faces, but didn’t exactly know how to approach them. Instead, she kept her mouth shut and continued to descend the stairs.

A line formed outside the ballroom doors - Rose stood at the back. Even as other maidens came in, she found herself moving back a bit to let them go first. Maybe it was because it felt polite?

Either way, they didn’t go in just yet. The doors would open at 6:45, as planned by the Mistress. They’d file in, sit at their place with their name cards, and be served dinner. Rose found herself wondering if the kitchen staff would make themselves known to serve them - they were hardly seen. Rose had only seen them once - on the night she had served Lord Velkan, his wife, and Lady Constance.

Soon enough, the front doors were opened to allow the guests from town to arrive. There were a great deal of them - dressed in their best and all clad in masks. They, too, formed in a line outside the ballroom. Though, it didn’t take long for the ballroom doors to open.

They filed in - not exactly in a single file line, but it wasn’t chaotic. Their voices clamored excitedly over each other, excitement buzzing through the air. Rose began to glance over name tags on the tables, searching for her own. She recognized the names of a great deal of maidens, and was relieved to find that none of the name tags read names she was dreading the most.

She spotted Jada, dressed in deep navy blue and sitting at a table with a few other head maidens. Even with the mask, it wasn’t hard to recognize her.

At another table, she spotted Bayley and Douglas: Bayley dressed in a deep forest green dress that matched her eyes, her black hair pinned up similarly to Rose’s, and a white mask that covered her eyes - white, with green stripes under the eyes; Douglas dressed in a suit and tie, with the same mask to match her.

None of the immediate tables had her name - she was grateful not to be sitting right by the door, but she grew a bit anxious. What if they hadn’t left her a seat? Would she be forgotten? Would she have to stand? It wasn’t exactly the standing itself, but rather the idea of standing in a crowded room without a seat, sticking out like a sore thumb.

Before that thought could linger too long, she found an empty table at the end of the room. It was occupied by two sets of plates, wine glasses, and the same as every other table - there was just the lack of two more seats. Sitting at the place in front of her was a the name tag:

Reserved for Rose Atropa.

Rose was taken aback only a little, but took the seat set for her nonetheless. The napkin on her plate was folded into the scar of a lotus — she had helped to fold the handkerchiefs for the days prior. She fidgeted with the end of the petals, glancing over to the other name card in the seat next to her. She couldn’t see the name from here, but she for certain had her suspicions.

However, before she could actually grab it to look, she was interrupted by the doors at the other end of the hall pushing open. The room’s chatter quickly died down, and all eyes fell to the previously closed doors.

Rose felt her heart flutter in her chest. Heat rose to her face, scarlet crossing her cheeks.

Lady Constance was dressed in an elegant white shirt, tucked - open - into a black and gold corset. She wore black dress pants, and black boots with gold fastenings. Attached to her corset was a bundle of large bustles of fabrics, acting almost like ribbons, which were deep red. She wore red earrings,

As she extended her arms and lifted her chin, a smile crossing those decadent black lips, Rose noticed her mask.

It was white, like porcelain, and rested on the left side of her face. It was decorated with black filigree around the eyes, and sharply cut off around the cheek, like a fang. It was embedded with a few carefully placed red gems.

Identical to hers, but on the opposite side.

Rose had no more doubts about who was going to sit at her table.

“Welcome!” Lady Constance announced, with a vibrant smile. “I’m pleased to see so many fine faces this evening! I’m sure you all are as excited as I am for the coming of the New Year— and I hope that the food is accustomed to your tastes. It’s a pleasure to have you all here - truly. Dinner will start shortly! Afterwards, we shall laugh and dance the night away until the New Year begins!”

A polite applause followed her words. She gave a courteous bow, and when she left her place at the head of the room, maidens entered. They were holding silver trays - dressed in all white. Rose was surprised they had shown up, though her interest was piqued by the kitchen staff’s arrival.

The room was quickly enveloped in the smell of food - similarly to the smell that had enveloped the castle ever since preparations had begun, but significantly stronger and fresher than before.

Lady Constance walked over to Rose’s table, before sitting in the seat next to her. It felt like every move she made was elegant - even the way she sat.

A smile crossed her face as she set her eyes on Rose.

“I see you found the dress,” she purred, resting her cheek against her hand. “It fits you wonderfully.”

Rose felt heat flush her cheeks, and she glanced down at her body - as if it might accentuate her point. She then promptly sat upright, nodding before tucking a few stray hairs back behind her ear.

“Oh— Y-Yes, it does,” she said, glancing around at the other tables, “I-I’m grateful for it, m-my Lady.”

“I’m glad you like it,” Lady Constance continued, but sat upright as one of the kitchen staff approached her. Without a word, the woman uncovered her tray and set a bowl of soup before the women sitting at the table.

With the same silence as the woman in white came, she left - presumably to serve to another table.

“T-thank you!” Rose said after her, but the woman gave no acknowledgement that she heard her.

“They take their jobs very seriously,” Lady Constance said, picking up the wider of the two spoons at the table setting. “But I’m sure she heard you. It makes them feel nice to know they’re appreciated.”

Rose nodded, turning back towards the table and taking the same spoon the Lady had, but at her own table setting.

The soup they’d been given was a seafood bisque. The kitchen staff never failed to impress with the rich flavors they put in every meal - Rose always savored every bite.

“Wine?”

Rose lifted her head as she heard a voice. Another woman - different, but still dressed in white - was holding a wine bottle. Rose couldn’t read the label, but the Lady could.

“Of course! One for the lady, as well,” Lady Constance said to the woman, offering her that wide smile. Rose found herself fixated again on her canines, and those painted, rich black lips. “One of my good ones, if you’d please.”

The woman nodded, bowing in curtsey before walking away. Rose was a little taken aback - wouldn’t she serve the wine she was holding?

Apparently not, for she returned holding two bottles this time. One was sealed tight, and the woman had to pull the cork from it. She poured this one into the Lady’s glass. She then poured from the other bottle to fill Rose’s glass.

“Now, Rose,” the Lady started as the woman bowed, leaving with the wine bottles, “What do you think of the soup?”

Rose perked, shaking herself and looking back over at the Lady. It must have been a usual thing for her, because she look completely unfazed by the oddity.

“Oh— I-It’s delightful, m-my Lady. My compliments t-to the chef.”

“It is quite delightful, isn’t it?” The Lady said with a smile. “Does it suit your tastes?”

“E-Exquisitely, m-my Lady.”

“Good. The entree should be out soon - and then dessert.”

Rose swallowed, hesitant.

“I-I don’t think I could f-finish all of that,” she said quietly, to which the Lady hummed.

“It’s quite alright, dear.”

As she spoke, the Lady’s free hand crept across the table. Her fingers grazed against Rose’s free hand.

“It’s less about how much you eat. It’s more about the flavors - the experience, if you will.”

Subtly, she took Rose’s hand. She ran her thumb over the back of Rose’s hand, seeming to savor the feeling of her soft skin.

“The company…”

Heat flushed Rose’s cheeks, turning them scarlet.

Lady Constance’s palm was warm against Rose’s hand - she didn’t realize just how cold she was until she was met with that. That smile persisted on the Lady’s face, those decadent ruby eyes watching Rose’s intently - almost relishing in the blush on her cheeks.

“Ah— I-I guess I-I’ve still much to learn— learn about f-fine dining,” was all Rose could think to say, prompting a chuckle from the Lady.

“Maybe,” she purred, “but I do quite enjoy your company, regardless of how prim and proper the setting is.”

Rose couldn’t help but laugh, a bit nervous. She moved to consume another spoonful of her soup, but found it empty. Had she eaten so quickly?

She placed the spoon in her bowl and pushed it a little further away from her. Instead, she occupied her hand with a drink from her wine. The rich bouquet of flavor hit her tongue - she had no idea how the Lady achieved such a fine wine, but she relished in its richness.

“Is the wine to your tastes, as well?”

The Lady had mirrored her with her free hand, taking a drink from her glass. She savored the taste, licking her lips afterwards.

Her lipstick left a print on the rim of her glass.

Rose hesitated to answer, not because the wine wasn’t to her taste - it was - but because of the Lady’s insistence to occupy herself with Rose’s well-being.

“What— What about you?” She finally asked. “Is your wine to your tastes?”

The Lady perked, but quickly began to laugh and toying with the rim of her glass.

“Oh, me? My wine is quite delightful - a sweet red Merlot, aged in my finest barrels, and infused with a hint of my secret ingredient.”

“What’s—What’s that?” Rose asked, setting her glass down.

The Lady tsk-ed, playfully wagging a finger.

“Now, now. Une magicienne ne révèle jamais ses secrets,” Lady Constance teased.

Rose tilted her head, her lips parting to question what the Lady had said. However, before the words left her tongue, she was interrupted by a voice.

“May I take that for you?”

Rose jumped, quickly turning to face the voice. It was another woman from the kitchen staff, motioning to the empty bowl on the table. Upon seeing this, Rose let out a relieved sigh.

“O-Oh, s-sure— t-that’s fine! I-I’m finished with it, thank you.”

The woman swiftly took the bowls away - Lady Constance seemed to have finished her soup as well - and disappeared into the other room. She was likely taking the dishes to the kitchen.

Rose still had to become used to them walking around. She wondered if they even had separate housing - she’d never seen them in the servants’ wing.

“Do— Do they sleep somewhere e-else?” Rose asked, turning to Lady Constance.

“Who, the kitchen staff?” The other woman replied, looking around to where Rose had been previously watching. “Yes, they have their own wing near the kitchens. There’s fewer of them than there are you, so they keep separate.”

Rose nodded, tucking her free hand into her lap.

“So many— So m-many things I-I still don’t k-know, even after a-all this time,” she said quietly.

Lady Constance hummed, resting her chin against her free hand.

“I’ve lived in this castle since my birth,” she said, looking around at the magnificent architecture, as if she were reminiscing. “Even I may not know all of its secrets. I like to think I know a great deal of them, though.”

A question tugged at Rose, but she held her tongue and was hesitant to ask it. It must have shown on her face, for Lady Constance gently squeezed her hand.

“Something on your mind, chèrie?”

Although the question had been posed, Rose found herself still hesitant to ask. Finally, she composed herself, straightening up and taking a deep breath.

“Why— W-Why are we p-prevented from going— from going i-into your cellar?”

The Lady hummed, looking away from Rose and seeming to consider just how to reply. After a while, she answered.

“I refuse to let my winemaking techniques go anywhere but this castle,” Lady Constance said. “I’ve had people try to infiltrate my castle for the sake of learning said techniques - ask me what my secret ingredients are, pry for the process, or even attempt to steal from me. Hence, nobody is allowed in the cellar where it happens. Nobody. The Head Maidens have my trust, and my permission - they even assist me on occasion. For that reason, they are the only ones allowed in the cellar.”

Rose nodded, but before she could inquire further, the kitchen staff returned. A great majority of the ballroom must have finished their soups, for the kitchen staff carried with them their trays of fresh food.

A plate was set before Rose and the Lady. It was a piece of steak served with the perfect amount of sauce, roasted potatoes, and green beans. The plate almost looked too pretty to eat, and Rose again found herself wondering how it was that the kitchen staff made their plates all identical and perfect. With the arrival of the plates, Lady Constance released Rose’s hand.

“Ah, steak au poivre! Such a delight!”

The Lady took her steak knife and fork in hand. Rose mirrored this, beginning to cut into said steak after admiring the plate for a few moments longer. It smelled heavenly - whatever mixture of herbs and spices they used complimented it perfectly.

“Rose, dear, tell me how this tastes.”

Surprised, Rose lifted her head. She was a bit taken aback by the Lady offering her a piece of her steak on the end of her fork. She swallowed, hesitating, but after a few moments of awkwardly staring at the piece of meat, Rose relented and pulled said piece off the fork with her teeth.

Her tongue was met with the strong taste of pepper, the seasonings of the sauce, and the taste of a medium rare steak. It was a delight in every sense of the word.

“Well?”

Lady Constance was resting her head against her crossed fingers, watching Rose chew. Pink dusted Rose’s cheeks, and she nodded.

“I-It’s wonderful, m-my Lady,” Rose said when she swallowed, “a-again, my compliments go t-to the chef.”

The Lady chuckled, lifting her head and cutting into her steak once more.

“That’s wonderful to hear,” she said, a smile remaining on her face. “How is yours?”

Rose cut into her steak, biting into a piece. Her steak was medium well.

“Delicious,” she said, swallowing. “I-I don’t think— I-I could never…”

Rose hadn’t cooked in a long while - ever since she’d come to the Castle, her meals had been made for her, portioned for her. She would never have been able to cook to this level of perfection and delightful taste.

“Could never what?” Lady Constance asked, tilting her head ever so slightly.

“Oh— I-I would cook at home, m-my Lady. I… I have never— I could never cook l-like this. N-Not because it’s bad! It’s delightful, really— I-I just… I-I don’t think I-I’m this talented.”

Rose shifted in her seat, embarrassed. She continued to eat, though her cheeks and ears had turned red.

“I think you’re very talented, my dear.”

Rose fixated her gaze downward, taking hold of her wine and taking another drink.

“T-Thank you.”

“I might even have to have you cook for me, sometime. Show me what you know,” Lady Constance purred. “See what delightful concoctions you could create with the unlimited possibilities of what lies in my kitchen’s stock.”

Rose laughed, although not because what the Lady said was funny. It was a small, nervous laugh.

“M-Maybe,” she said quietly, popping a potato into her mouth. “I’d-I’d be honored, m-my Lady. You t-think so highly o-of me.”

Again, the Lady chuckled.

“I said it before, chère. I think the world of you.”

Rose’s face burned hotter. She took another drink from her wine before eating again.

“I-I’m honored.”

“Yes, I do. You’ve become one of my best maidens in the time I’ve known you.”

Lady Constance hummed, taking a drink from her own wine.

“Should I have one of the maidens fetch you another glass of wine?”

Rose perked, glancing over at her wine glass. Did she really drink that so fast? It was almost empty.

“N-No— I shouldn’t. Water would be f-fine.”

There was a period of time wherein not much was said. More banter, of course, making Rose blush more times than she could count. After dinner came dessert - chocolate mousse topped with whipped cream, strawberry slices, and chocolate shavings.

After dinner, music began to play. People began to wander away from their tables, mingling and talking.

Rose didn’t stand up right away. She watched the others, her heel bouncing. She didn’t really know how to dance, and thus was willing to sit out.

She watched the kitchen staff gather abandoned dishes, including hers and the Lady’s, except for the wine and water glasses.

Her attention span was interrupted, however, by a hand being offered to her.     To her surprise, the Lady had stood up and approached her. Her hand was extended in an offer to help Rose to her feet.

“Would you care to dance, my dear?” the Lady purred.

“O-Oh… I— I’ve never danced,” Rose replied. “I don’t— I don’t really know how…”

“I can teach you, my dear. It’s easy.”

Rose hesitated for a few moments, watching the Lady’s open palm. However, before long, she allowed her hand to be taken.     “A dance, if you will.”     The Lady pulled Rose towards the dance floor, that wide smile still resting across her face. She chuckled as Rose followed, seeming to enjoy the presence of her being there.     Rose felt her cheeks flush.     Soon, Rose found herself in the Lady’s arms. Her face was such a shade of red it rivaled her hair. Lady Constance took one of Rose’s hands, allowing the other to rest against her shoulder. Rose had to look up to see those decadent ruby eyes…

“It’s easy to get a hold of, it’s only the beginning of the night. The fast-paced dances come later,” Lady Constance purred. “We can lead up to that, hm?”

Rose nodded, though stiffened only slightly when the Lady’s hand rested against her waist. Her touch was gentle.

“You simply sway… step forward, backwards - to sync with the music.”

The music was elegant, like the atmosphere around it. Light, delicate tunes to which partners took up a dance with that same lightness and elegance. Rose nearly tripped a few times, but found herself quickly caught in the arms of Lady Constance. She chuckled when she caught the maiden, that delighted look hardly leaving her face. Nothing could tear her eyes away from taking in every intricate detail of Rose…

“You look absolutely stunning tonight, my dear,” Lady Constance whispered when she pulled Rose up again.

Rose tucked a few stray hairs behind her ear.

“Ah— S-So do you!” Rose retorted, though her cheeks and face burned as soon as the words escaped her lips.

Lady Constance’s smile widened, and she leaned in a little closer to Rose. She drew her tongue teasingly across her teeth.

“Oho, is that so?” she said, playfully biting the air. “Well, I think you look just decadent— like strawberries. I could just eat you up!”

Rose laughed, brushing her hair back.

They were so close, she could smell the whiff of red wine on the Lady’s breath…

They danced. They danced, spun, dipped and laughed - they had finished dinner at about eight, and the hours seemed to just pass with the music progressively getting faster, the voices gradually growing louder. The night passed by with drinks and laughter. Though, Rose didn’t drink any more wine. She had figured one glass was enough - it was easier to enjoy the night while sober.

She was left alone for a little while as Lady Constance left to tend to her guests - visiting with them, greeting them. In this period of time, Rose would sit back at her table to rest her feet. However, the periods of alone time didn’t last long. Soon enough, the Lady would be back at her side to speak or to bring her back to dance.

The dance floor cleared as it grew closer to midnight. Or, at least, people began to calm down as the drink began to set in. Champagne, white wines, red wines…

“I’m-I’m surprised Lord Velkan didn’t stop in,” Rose said when she and the Lady sat down again. “He-He always s-seems to come to-- come to everything.”

“He decided to stay home, this time,” Lady Constance said, resting her cheek upon her hand. “He and the doctor aren’t disinclined to parties, but the noise tends to bother the Lord.”

Lady Constance took another drink of her wine, which never seemed to empty. The kitchen staff had made sure of that, refilling it so she would never have to ask for it.

“I-Is it because he’s blind? He seemed-- seemed a-alright at the last few!”

“It isn’t the party itself. I’ll let you in on a little secret…”

Lady Constance leaned in, as did Rose.

“It’s because of the fireworks. They are sent off at midnight by some of the villagers - he tends to distance himself when they’re around.”

Rose let out a soft “ohh,” nodding and sitting back upright.

Lady Constance looked over to the clocks resting against the wall, setting down her wine glass.

Ten minutes to midnight.

“Do you have any resolutions, Rose?”

Rose perked, following the Lady’s gaze. However, upon finding it fixed intently on her, she felt pink dust on her cheeks.

“Oh-- I… I-I-- I do have one…”

Rose hadn’t thought much about it, but she had one in mind. Something she had promised herself the day she had left Todd.

“Would you mind sharing it with me? I could share one of mine.”

Lady Constance leaned into her hand, watching Rose shift a little in her seat.

“Ah-- It-It might-- It might sound d-dumb…”

“Nothing you ever say is dumb to me, Rose,” Lady Constance cooed, lifting her head with a soft smile. “You may speak your mind, my dear.”

“Alright…”

Rose took a deep breath, letting it out in a sigh. She brushed through her hair again, but replaced her hands in her lap.

“I… I want to be— be nicer to m-myself,” she said quietly. “I want-- I don’t want t-to feel like how I-I did with Todd… I want to be-be nicer to me.”

There was a short silence, wherein Lady Constance sat up.

“I don’t think that’s dumb at all, my dear,” she replied. “I think it’s quite lovely. You deserve to feel happiness.”

Rose let out a small, nervous laugh, sinking into her seat.

“I-I really want to… I-I guess the first step w-was to get away from him. It’s— It’s all I could think to do.”

She glanced over to the clock again. 8 minutes to midnight.

“Oh, my— I forgot to lend you my lipstick, didn’t I?” Lady Constance said, searching her pockets.

“Oh— It-It’s alright, m-my Lady— I don’t—”

“This just won’t do!” Lady Constance said, quickly rising from her seat. “I made you a promise, didn’t I?”

She extended her hand to Rose once more.

“Here, we can fetch one from my room.”

Rose sighed, taking Lady Constance’s hand.

“R-Really, it’s alright,” she murmured, but was still grateful for the offer nonetheless.

They left the ballroom hand in hand, walking through the empty halls until the noise died down. Rose sent a glance over her shoulder, grateful for the quiet that followed as they descended deeper into the castle.

Lady Constance led Rose up the stairs, where the only sound that broke the silence was their footsteps. It wasn’t awkward - in fact, it was quite welcome after the busy and bustling noise that had been following them and echoing around them for the last few hours.

The Lady actually opened the door for Rose, when they reached her chambers. She held it, letting Rose step in first.

“After you, my dear,” she purred.

Rose gave a small, courteous bow. Afterwards, she stepped inside.

The door closed behind them. The room was dark, save for a few lit candles and the faint moonlight that glimmered through a crack in the curtains.

Rose took a few steps into the room, glancing up at the clock.

2 minutes to midnight. Would they be late for the countdown?

The Lady stepped towards her vanity, examining the tubes of lipstick sitting upon it. Many shades, colors… Many of the labels, like her wine bottles, were written in French and an ornate golden font.

“I know the perfect one…”

Lady Constance picked one up. On the label, Rose could just faintly make out the word “Noire.”

A smile crossed the Lady’s face, and she hummed.

“Yes, this would compliment that dress of yours quite nicely. The dress…”

Lady Constance approached Rose, her eyes slowly traveling over Rose’s figure - hungrily devouring every last detail. Rose felt her face flush with heat.

“I’m glad it fits you so well, my dear. It’s a beautiful gown… for such a beautiful woman.”

Rose tucked a stray hair behind her ear. If it were possible for her face to turn a deeper shade of scarlet, she worried she might start turning purple.

“Rose, my dear… Tell me-- you wished to know my resolution, yes?”

Rose looked up, meeting Lady Constance’s gaze. She gave her a small nod.

“I-I did, m-my Lady.”

Lady Constance pulled the lid off the lipstick.

“Well… I don’t know if you know this, but-- I do believe I’ve… fallen in love.”

Rose was taken aback. The Lady— confessing her deepest thoughts? To her? They’d grown close - but surely, wasn’t Jada, who’d been here much longer than her, suited for this?

“My resolution is to tell that woman— the one I love — my feelings for her. I want her to know just how much I appreciate her; how much she means to me, and how grateful I am for everything she does for me.”

She took a few steps closer to Rose. She screwed the bottom of the lipstick, causing the pigment to rise. It was a deep, midnight black - a staple of her usual attire, at this point. Rose had, on occasion, seen her wear deep red.

“Just how beautiful she is…”

Lady Constance brought the end of the lipstick to her lips, slowly painting a fresh coat over them. She pressed her lips together as she finished, assuring they were entirely covered.

“You know, Rose,” she continued, beginning to screw the lipstick closed, “I never did get to see what my lipstick looks like on you.”

Rose could hear the faint sound of the guests downstairs.

“3!”

The Lady smiled, drawing her tongue across her fangs.

“2!”

“Let’s change that, shall we?”

“1!”

With that, the Lady took Rose’s face in her hands. Almost like in slow motion, Rose heard the toll of the clock bell. It echoed through the empty room.

Lady Constance pulled her face close to hers, but there was no barrier this time. Nothing stopped them - no interruptions, no fears, no hesitations.

Their lips met in the dark.

Rose felt her heart soar in her chest, beating so fast and hard against her ribcage that even with what felt like the slowing of time, the beat never ceased. Her face burned with a fire previously unfelt before, so hot that she worried she might even burn the Lady’s hands.

She could taste the wine on the Lady’s lips, a bouquet so much richer than any wine she had ever tasted in or out of the castle. She savored the moments that began to inch closer to minutes.

She closed her eyes.

Lady Constance’s face gripped Rose just a little tighter, seeming to savor the moment just as much as Rose did. Rose hadn’t ever properly kissed someone before - even with Todd, she’d avoid it at every opportunity. But now, with the Lady...

It felt almost natural. Something she craved - desired so deeply. She needed this. She wanted this. It was everything in that moment. Passionate.

It felt all too soon that the Lady would pull away from her, a breathy sigh escaping her parted lips. She dared not release Rose’s face, however. Rose, too, was out of breath - she hadn’t realized her hands had gripped the Lady’s shoulders so tightly.

“Oh, yes,” Lady Constance purred, tilting her head ever so slightly and looking over Rose’s lips. “That shade looks perfect on you.”

Rose was lost for words. Her heart fluttered like a bird in a cage, desperate for release. Her arms drew over the Lady’s shoulders, beginning to wrap around her neck as the other woman leaned back in for another kiss.

It was just as passionate as the last one, divulging in the taste of the other with desire. Lady Constance brought Rose closer to her, hands resting on her hips and tugging her close. Rose relented, allowing herself to divulge in such a decadence.

They began to move backwards, Rose allowing herself to be moved backwards until almost tripping on the end of the Lady’s bed. She fell backwards onto it, the Lady’s hands still holding her tight, still lost for breath.

“I love you.”

It was a breathy whisper, the Lady’s hands firmly planting themselves in the bed on either side of her. Rose brushed her hair away from her eyes, taking in the Lady’s face leaning over hers.

“Je vous aime.”

The Lady traced Rose’s cheek with a hand, leaning down to kiss her again. It was shorter, this time. Instead, she moved downward, and began to trail kisses down her jawline.

Goosebumps erupted over Rose’s flesh. She shuddered, leaning her head back and feeling the Lady’s teeth begin to graze against the tender skin of her neck. It was heavenly — each new kiss to her skin felt like a bright spark, sending another shiver through her body.

Lady Constance reached around her and began to unfasten Rose’s dress with one hand. Rose relented, even lifting herself for ease of access.

“Rose…”

Her other hand trailed up to trace Rose’s arm, which rested above her head.

“I love you.”

Rose nestled herself in the Lady’s arms. She shut her eyes, relishing in each and every kiss that made its way over her neck and shoulders, the feeling of the Lady’s hands on her, the tenderness in which she was caressed when the fastenings were undone.

“I-I— I l-love you, t-too, my Lady.”

She was surprised the words escaped her. Rose fully expected the words to catch in her throat, or even to not leave her at all. The heat in her face didn’t waver - in fact, if she could turn a deeper shade, she would have blushed more. The heat spread from her cheeks to her ears.

“Rose…”

The Lady lifted herself up, looking hungrily down over Rose’s figure. Rose inhaled a sharp gasp as the Lady’s hand closed over her wrist, pinning it to the duvet. She drew her tongue over her teeth in an almost tantalizing manner, savoring Rose’s figure pinned beneath her.

“Please…”

Her voice was soft. It wasn’t a plea, but a whisper - a request over delicate skin. She leaned down, pressing a kiss against Rose’s collarbone, before she nibbled the spot with her teeth - not hard enough to draw blood, but enough to send a jolt through Rose. Rose wrapped a free hand around the Lady’s shoulders, her fingers making their way into her rich black hair. Lady Constance said it quietly, before she would divulge herself completely - before that final barrier that had been between them finally burst, before Rose would finally let herself go.

The Lady gently took Rose’s earlobe in her teeth, her voice coming in a whisper.

“Call me Annabelle.”

[missholson]

Randolph Scott, Noah Beery Jr., Charles Kemper, Frank Fenton, Jock Mahoney and John Ireland in The Doolins of Oklahoma aka The Great Manhunt (1949) directed by Gordon Douglas. [X]

[papermoonloveslucy]

GORDON B. CLARKE

May 2, 1906

Gordon B. Clarke was born in St. Paul, Minnesota. He made his screen debut in an uncredited role in Zorro’s Fighting Legion (1939) for Republic Pictures.  He started doing television in 1951 with an episode of “Lights Out”. 

Clarke was a stand-in for Douglas Fairbanks Jr. and shared the screen with him in four films from 1939 to 1947.

His first work for Desilu was also his only time acting with Lucille Ball. He played a gambler in “Lucy Goes to Monte Carlo” (ILL S5;E25) filmed on March 29, 1956, and first aired on May 7, 1956.

CLARKE (French Accent): “You have won again! What is your system, madam?” LUCY: “System? I don’t have any system!”

The very next year he returned to Desilu to appear in a 1957 episode of their western “The Sherriff of Cochise” as well as the Desilu Studios-filmed, “The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp.”

His final screen role was playing (uncredited) a hotel manager in the 1971 film Plaza Suite. 

Clarke died on January 11, 1972 at age 65.