#he's wearing the same hair as Salem in the formal one | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

howlingday · 3 years ago

Text

"Hey, Renny?"

"Mm?" Ren didn't turn from his position of cutting potatoes for tonight's meal. His childhood friend, Nora was tapping two meat tenderizers together, pretending they were lovers. She did this often in the stone kitchen, especially when the other servants were elsewhere in the castle.

"Do you think Jauney is happy?"

Ren blinked, then set down the knife. He turned to face her. Nora was sitting on the ground, wearing her black Ursa pelt over her shoulders, two meat tenderizers in her calloused hands. "What do you mean, Nora?"

"I mean, ever since Pyrrha," Nora made an uncomfortable face, "you know, Jauney has been really grumpy. Our fights aren't as fun anymore, he doesn't laugh at my jokes, and he's been especially angry at the people at his royal court."

Ren sighed. "Lord Arc has been under a lot of stress, Nora. He is the lord of these lands, and he doesn't have as much time to enjoy himself since winter is due in only a few months."

"Hm..." Nora tapped her chin in thought. "What if we buy him a whore?"

Ren blinked, then returned to his potatoes. "...No."

"Well, I'm stumped!" Nora stood as she exclaimed. "He has all this stress, but he can't get it out. It's not healthy!"

"I wouldn't worry about it, Nora. The harvest festival will be soon, Lord Arc will find have fun, and he will go back to his usual self." Ren grabbed the good potato slices from the cutting board and placed them in the pot of water. He slid the rest into a separate bowl with his knife.

Nora set the meat tenderizers on the stone counter. "Okay, but if he's still grouchy after the festival, I'm buying him the best whore lien can buy!"

"You're going to buy who what?"

Ren froze in place as the familiar voice spoke. He turned, facing the lord if this castle and his employer. He looked the same as he did when they first met; deep, blue eyes, under a mop of shaggy, golden hair and above a chin of golden stubble, and wearing a black Beowolf hide over his shoulders, hiding his muscular.

"Oh, hi, Jauney!" Nora jumped with joy.

"L-Lord Arc!" Ren gave a deep bow, hiding his blush from being embarrassed. "What a pleasant surprise! To what do we owe this honor?"

Jaune passed a glance between the two, silently judging them. He then smirked, reminding Ren that, though he was his lord, he was also a cherished friend. "What's this about buying a whore?"

Ren's face continued to flare. How much of the conversation did he hear? Ren lifted his head to face his lord, and saw his amused grin. Ren sighed before speaking once more. "We were just discussing our shared concern for your well-being, Lord Arc. Nora was simply providing a solution for your stress."

"By buying me a whore?"

"Yes!" Nora proudly exclaimed.

"N-No, my lord!" Ren countered.

Jaune simply laughed. "So which is it? Am I getting a whore or not?"

"I-" Ren choked out.

"Lord Arc," came a cry from another room, "are you here, sire?!"

Jaune sighed. "Sounds like more bad news. Before I leave, what do you think it might be?"

Nora answered before Ren could speak. "Maybe one of those creeps are coming for a visit again."

"Now, Nora," Jaune chided, "just because Queen Salem's Inner Circle are unlike us, it doesn't mean that they are to be treated any less than us."

"But they are creepy! Especially that stinger-guy!"

Jaune was silent for a moment of thought. "I suppose you're not wrong there."

"Perhaps, Lord Arc, the whores have caught wind of our plans?" Ren asked with a small smile.

Jaune barked a laugh. "Maybe they did!" He sighed before stepping towards the exit. "I'll go see about the shouting." He suddenly stopped a few steps from the door. "Oh, but before I leave, what is tonight's supper?"

"Tonight, you are having chicken stew with carrots, potatoes, and onions." Ren answered, filled with the confidence fitting of the Lord Arc's personal cook.

"Sounds good! Nora, are you coming with?"

"On my way, Jauney!" Nora skipped to Ren and kissed his cheek. "Bye, Renny! Jauney and I are gonna go get bad news!" Nora then skipped out of the kitchen, following her lord.

Ren sighed and returned to his task. One day, someone's going to have a problem with Nora's casual attitude. Until then, however, Ren would mind to his cooking.

Jaune made his way to the main hall, where the shouting was coming from. He walked in and found his messenger, Russel open his mouth to shout once more, only to shut it upon seeing his lord. The young man was wearing an undecorated black Grimm pelt, a sign showing that though he was a member of lord Arc's defense, he had yet to prove himself worthy of any notable position.

"Yeah, I heard you. Are we under attack?"

"Have the whores caught wind?" Nora asked as she stepped in.

"I- what?" Russel asked in confusion. He then shook his head. "No, my lord, I have just recieved word of a small force on their way to the castle."

"How small?" Jaune asked.

"Just three; a man and two women."

Nora scoffed. "Just two women? Please! I'm ten times worth any woman!"

"Y-Yes, but there's more."

"More?" Jaune asked.

"Yes, my lord. You see, the woman leading them is described as a raven-haired maiden in a red dress."

Jaune clenched his teeth, and felt his breath grow shallower. "What color were here eyes?"

Russel swallowed the lump in his throat before answering. "From whatever men survived their encounter with her, described her as a witch with amber eyes."

"Jaune-"

"Nora," Jaune interrupted, "alert the rest of the castle. I want everyone ready for whatever happens next."

Nora nodded. "Yes, my lord!" Russel paled further. When dame Nora, the most crass of Jaune's closest charges and his right hand, spoke formally to lord Arc, he knew the danger was real.

"Russel," Jaune spoke, breaking the messenger out of his stupor. "What did you mean by, 'whatever men survived their encounter'?"

Cinder yawned as she passed through the hamlet on her steed. The black beast bellowed smoke from it's ember-lit maw as it trudged forward. Emerald glanced between her lady and the people who cowered in their houses. Mercury grinned with delight as he watched people flinched at meeting his gaze.

When he saw a pretty girl, his grin shifted to a wide, predatory smile. They would weep at the sight of this, hiding behind their husbands, fathers, and brothers with the same amount of fear. He chuckled every time.

"Mercury," Cinder spoke, "what do you think you're doing?" She didn't meet his eyes when he looked up. She faced forward, her face as indifferent as it was when they entered the hamlet.

"I'm just having fun." He defended.

"Your 'fun' is upsetting our beast. Continue," her gaze finally met his, amber eyes alight with wrath, "and I will have my fun with you." Mercury flinched and faced forward. "Besides, you'll have plenty of time for fun once we reach Arc's hovel."

"Does he know we're coming, ma'am?" Emerald asked.

"I have sent more than enough messages to ensure that he will greet us personally."

"And if he doesn't?"

Cinder looked around. Every door was shut. Every window filled with at least one person. Every home with a family as small as two people or as big as four generations. She smiled.

"Then I'll just have to send a bigger message."

Nora stood outside the gates, the cold autumn wind biting her skin. She liked this, though. It reminded her that she was hardy, tougher than the supposed "ladies" who would rather hide and let someone else fight their battles.

She looked up and saw gray clouds combining, gathering together to choke out whatever blue and light remained in the sky. It was going to rain soon, but again, she didn't care. If she became sick, she would just power through it, like she did all things. Plus, Ren would wait on her, hand and foot, as he always did before. She smiled at the thought.

The sound of running footsteps returned her focus to the road leading to the castle. Another messenger showed up, this time with singed clothes. What was his name again? Duck?

"Reports from the nearby village; two-"

"Women and one man are approaching the castle." Nora interrupted. "Yeah, we heard."

"The woman leading them was also riding a black monster we've never seen before! What do we do?"

Nora looked him up and down. He was pudgy, kind of short compared to Ren and Jaune. He wore an unmarked Grimm pelt like the other one, except his was burnt, and slightly smoldering. She jabbed a thumb over her shoulder. "Go inside, get cleaned up, and get ready to fight."

"Yes, dame!" He rushed past her after giving a salute. She hated formality, especially getting them.

It has been three years since the day she "earned" her title. She remembers because it was given to her by the Black Queen herself as a reward for turning her back on everything she cared for. Two nights after she and Jaune surrendered to her after that monster murdered her best friend, Pyrrha.

Nora pulled out a spyglass and peered down the road. No one was approaching. Nora began grinding her teeth. She put away the spyglass and turned towards the castle.

"Looking for someone?"

Nora turned towards the voice. The voice of the murderer from that night. Atop a Grimm twice her size, sat Lady Cinder Fall in her red dress with golden accents. She had a wry smile on her face, like a tyrant out of a fairy tale after telling them their hero had died. Like she had after slaughtering her friends.

"No." Nora answered, glaring at the murderer. "I was looking for something, and then you showed up."

"Referring to a lady as a thing?" The assassin to Cinder's right said. "Sounds like treason if you ask me."

"No one asked you. Besides, what I was going to ask you was, 'how's your knees?' You know, after I broke them?" Mercury stepped forward, but a snap of Cinder's fingers brought him to heel.

The woman stepped forward instead. "We request-"

"Demand, Emerald." Cinder corrected.

"-Demand an audience with Lord Jaune Arc. Is he available?"

Nora eyed the woman carefully. She didn't remember seeing her. Was she there that night, or did she join after that? "Maybe."

"Maybe?" Emerald repeated.

"Uh-huh."

Cinder slid from her steed and stepped towards Nora. "There's no need to be rude." She checked her fingernails. "After all, we're all on the same side, right? We both pledged our loyalty to Queen Salem, no?" She lowered her head to be level with Nora's, smiling. "I mean, unless you feel another example should be made."

"Like burning more of our messengers?"

"Like burning another champion."

Nora reeled back a fist. Mercury crouched like a wound spring, while Emerald drew her twin, curved blades. As the Grimm began salivating a glowing red liquid from it's maw, Nora swung forward.

And Cinder kept smiling.

"Lady Fall!" A voice called from behind, stopping Nora from connecting her punch. Nora turned and saw Jaune walking out from the castle gates, arms wide open and a smile on his face. "I wish you had contacted sooner! The castle is an absolute mess, and there's only enough food for one helping for the four of us."

Cinder stepped around Nora and approached Jaune with the same gesture. Nora watched as they hugged. "I do apologize, Lord Arc, but our matter was so urgent, it had to be done without much warning. Why, I recieved the news before the crow of this morning's rooster!" The two shared a laugh. "And don't worry about dinner, we won't be long."

Jaune wrapped an arm around Cinder's shoulder and guided her inside. "And send you home on empty stomachs? Oh, no! I insist! Come, my cook was preparing a delicious chicken stew."

"Can you stew a chicken, Lord Arc?"

"I can't, but my cook can!" The laughter echoed from inside.

"Don't wait up." Mercury taunted as he stepped past. Emerald followed quietly. Nora eyed the Grimm as it stood there. She turned and walked inside.

She hated formalities, but she hated this even more.

Lady Cinder Fall, protege and student of Black Queen Salem, was impressed by the dinner. The dining hall itself, though not as large as her majesty's, was certainly large enough to house an army. And based on the large number of occupants currently eating before her, it did.

Cinder sat at a long table next to Lord Arc, her other side occupied by Emerald and Mercury, and Lord Arc's side occupied by his two lackeys, the girl from outside and some burly meathead he never met. In front of her were rows of soldiers, messengers, guards, and castle staff eating from their plates and bowls.

"More wine?" The young man in a green robe asked, holding a bottle of red wine. He looked as young as Lord Arc, and had a pink strip of hair in his bangs.

"No, thank you." Cinder presented a soft smile.

"I'll have some!" Mercury said, shaking his empty glass.

Cinder rolled her eyes and turned to Lord Arc. He sat quietly, looking out to his subjects with smile. His glass and bowl were empty, save for a few drops remaining of his wine and soup. "Lord Arc," Cinder began, immediately getting his attention, "regarding the important business we must discuss."

"Oh, of course. But can it wait until after dinner?" Lord Arc asked. "It's like my father once said; 'politics only aid indigestion.' And considering this is urgent news from her majesty herself, it could only be something political, right?"

"In a manner of speaking, yes. Her majesty, Black Queen Salem, has tasked me to deliver a message for you."

"Oh? And what might this message entail?"

"Queen Salem requests to know your intentions as Lord of the eastern coast."

"I... I'm afraid I don't understand the question." Lord Arc grew tense, she could tell. She could also see how close his protectors were listening in. "When Queen Salem graced me with the task of acting as lord of Vale's eastern coast, I thought I was to simply act as she would have me."

"Yes, but she's curious as to your endgame. Surely, you don't intend to simply live the rest of your life alone with no legacy; no songs of great deeds left to outlast you twice over?"

"...Lady Fall, I'm flattered, but I'm afraid I'm just not ready for your proposal to wed."

Cinder laughed. It was fake, but she tried to make it sound genuine. "Oh no, Lord Arc! This isn't a marriage proposal. But her majesty is concerned you may not be... up to the task."

"Is this a question of my loyalty?"

"Perhaps," she smirked, "but I feel a test is more appropriate."

The sound of liquid splashing suddenly caught Lord Arc's attention. He stood over Cinder and he gritted his teeth. Wearing her smile, she turned to watch as Mercury poured a third bottle of wine onto the servant's head. His hair was soaked and matted as he continued to bow.

"Damn, out again." Mercury said in a bored tone. "What was this wine called again?"

"The Rouge Rogue, sir." The servant replied. "Aged for twenty years from the-"

"Boring!" Mercury cracked the bottle over the servant's head. He fell with a thump, the bottle shattering and cutting his scalp.

"REN!" The girl screamed as she rose, unknowingly signaling the rest of the castle to not only rise as well, but rise with weapons in their hands. The soldiers and guards rose with swords and axes, while the servants, both too young to speak clearly and too old to stand without a cane, held forks and knives in their hands. "I'LL KILL YOU, YOU SONUVA-!"

"SILENCE!"

Everyone froze in place and stared as Lord Arc, master of this castle, roared his prominence. His face was red with rage, but his hands, held aloft, were stiff. The crowd was silent, save for Mercury, who just laughed. Jaune stepped from the table and approached him.

"Clean that up."

"Is this guy serious?" Mercury said. "I'm an agent of Black Queen Salem, the most powerful creature who ever lived, and he thinks he can give me orders?" He then spit on Lord Arc's face. "Touch me, and I'll burn this whole damn castle to the ground. Hell, might have some fun doing it, too!"

Lord Arc turned towards Cinder. She continued to smile. "Don't look at me, Lord Arc. It's as he says; he's an agent of Salem. Harming him will have consequences from her majesty herself."

Lord Arc faced Mercury once more. "Is that true? You serve only Salem?"

"Pfft!" Mercury scoffed. "No shit, dumbass! I don't serve 'Lady' Cinder, or you! The only person I answer to is Black Queen Salem herself."

"I see. That will make this so much easier."

"Make what easier?"

"This." Lord Arc backhanded Mercury and sent him sprawling to the ground. He spit out a tooth as he got to his hands and knees. "Apologize."

"Y-You can't hit me!" Mercury staggered to his feet. "I serve-!"

Lord Arc backhanded him again, this time sending him over the table. The servant named Ren stood by the table and watched silently, his hand covering his bleeding scalp. Lord Arc glanced to him. "Take some servants and return to the kitchen. Have your wounds tended."

"Y-Yes, my lord!" The wounded servant signaled to the other servants and five of then set down their utensils to before rushing to tend to his wounds.

Lord Arc returned his attention to Mercury. "Apologize." Mercury murmured as he rose to his knees. "Apologize." Lord Arc repeated sternly.

Mercury Black kneeled before Lord Jaune Arc, his head bowed. "I am sorry, my lord. I repent and beg that you forgive me."

"You are a murderer and coward. You attacked my castle, murdered my subjects, and aided in the assassination of my fiancee. I can't remember how many times I hit you that night, but it was never enough to make you stop. And now you come to my home again to commit the same crimes, only to bend your knee at only two strikes."

Cinder's smile had grown to a predatory grin as she watched Lord Arc pass judgement on Mercury. Her keen eyes saw what led to this moment as well. This was what she came here to see.

"Mercury Black, in your path of bloodshed to your current standing as an agent of the Black Queen, you have proven that you have only grown more cowardly and pathetic in your services." Lord Arc grabbed Mercury by his hair. "Return to Salem, and tell her of your failures. Only then will you be forgiven." He then pushed Mercury away, tears streaming down the assassin's face. He looked to Cinder. "I believe it would be best for you to leave."

"Must we, though?" Cinder replied. "You would send is back in the middle of the night, storm clouds brewing above as we speak, with only myself and Emerald capable of fending for ourselves?"

Lord Arc held a pained face of guilt. Good. That will make things much easier.

Jaune stood on his balcony and watched as the storm clouds rolled across the sky. As Lady- No, as Cinder predicted, the sky was black, with no moon or stars to shine. Thunder bellowed in the distance as lightning flashed in the clouds. No rain, though.

He sighed and looked to his land. Everything was dark, so he could not see far, but what he could see pained him. He saw the tree where he would spend his summer days napping. The same tree where he met her.

He stepped away from the balcony and into his chambers. He walked to his bed and glanced at his weapon to it's side. He nodded to it's presence and sat on his bed. He replayed the night's events in his head.

He started from checking on his longtime friend in the kitchen. His wounds were cleaned and treated. All that was left was for time to heal. When Nora stomped in full of rage, Ren calmed her as best as he could. He felt guilty allowing his friends to suffer as they had, even when Ren noticed and told him not to.

Before that, he had to see to his guest's quarters. Mercury had not yet broken from his adjustment, which Jaune felt neither pity nor shame. Perhaps the punishment will be enough to change him for the better. Cinder and her fellow female companion aided in bringing him to their room. What was her name? She was so quiet at dinner, but she was close enough to Cinder to sit next to her at dinner.

Regardless, Cinder stated the quarters were satisfactory for the night. Once confident in their comfort, Jaune exited to allow them to rest. He didn't care for their company, but as Lord of the castle, he would serve only to anger his queen by leaving her inner circle to fend for themselves in the storm and darkness.

A knock on his chamber door awoke him from his reminiscing. He hurried to the door and opened it, finding an unexpected visitor.

"G-Good evening, Lord Arc." The young woman of green hair from before spoke nervously in her white nightgown. Perhaps his display earlier had frightened her, or maybe his very presence simply put her on edge. Nonetheless, he greeted her kindly.

"Good evening," he replied. "I apologize, but I don't believe I caught your name."

"My name is Emerald. Emerald Sustrai, Lord Arc." She was nervous. Though, with Summer's End so close, it would not be surprising that she was cold as well. "I wished to have a word with you."

"This couldn't wait until morning? It's late, and it has been a long day for us both, I'm sure."

"Yes, but I wished to discuss what happened today with you, if you don't mind." Jaune looked around the corners, seeing no guards. Only torches lit along the walls. "May I come in?"

Jaune rubbed his chin, and felt stubble. He hummed to himself a little at the feeling. Had it really been so long since he last shaved. He then sighed, remembering his guest, and stepped aside, gesturing with an arm for her to enter. As she entered, Jaune caught a faint scent of lavender from her. He hummed once more, then shut the door.

"What did you want to talk about?" Jaune asked as casually as possible. It would be best to keep her at ease. "Your trip, your mission, or-"

"I wanted to ask about your semblance."

Jaune blinked. "My semblance?"

"Y-Yes. You used your semblance on Merc earlier, and I wanted to know how it worked."

"To find a weakness?" Jaune asked with caution. He stepped towards his bed, not revealing his back to her once.

"No! It's just..." Emerald gulped. Was she sent to spy on him?

"Just what?" Jaune repeated. "The only times people want to know about the abilities of another is to either gloat their superiority, or to exploit a weakness from a gullible opponent."

"W-What if I told you mine? Just to make us even?" Jaune seated himself on his bed. He then waved for Emerald to continue with his hand. Emerald sighed and held out her hand. Her eyes focused on it. Suddenly, as though from nowhere, a flower grew from her palm. It was a small lavender, in size and shape, but it casted no shadow as Jaune watched. Emerald stepped forward and help the delicate plant in front him. Jaune tried to pluck it, but it died in his fingers, fading away as he touched it.

"Illusion." Jaune stated. "Your semblance tricks a foe with an illusion you desire them to see." He chuckled. "It's certainly impressive, but judging by your breathing, it requires a lot of concentration to maintain."

"And... what of yours, Lord Arc?" She said, still catching her breath. "That was... no illusion... that made Merc bow to you."

"Supremacy." Jaune answered. "When I strike an opponent's aura, their will ebbs away, eventually forcing them to submit to me. Depending on how strong one's will is, I will either have to hit them once, or multiple times."

Emerald gulped. "I... I see."

"Now that I've answered your question, I have a question for you." Jaune stood, his frame towering over Emerald, his blue eyes squinting. "What are you doing in my room so late in the night, Emerald Sustrai?"

Emerald didn't speak. She didn't dare look in his eyes. Was her plan found out? It was supposed to be a simple in and out reconnaissance mission. All she had to do was get information on Lord Arc's semblance and report back to Cinder. She wasn't prepared to fight; she left her weapons in her room, concerned she wouldn't have been able to hide them from the man. Now, she was vulnerable.

"Are you going to answer me?" Emerald remained frozen, like a rabbit in a tiger's cage. "Would you like for me to answer for you? Nod if you do."

Emerald wanted to shake her head, if only to be given more time to think of a lie. But she didn't. Like a fool, she nodded.

Lord Arc circled around her. "I'll bet you thought you were clever. Sneaking in, taking what you came for, and then retreating to celebrate your conquest." He stopped in front of her. "But you made one mistake in coming here." Emerald shut her eyes, expecting the worst.

She heard the bed squeak. "I'm just not in the mood." Emerald opened her eyes and saw Lord Arc lounging back on his bed. "Don't get me wrong; you're certainly beautiful, and on almost any other night, I would have ravaged you until all I could think was lavender, but I'm just not interested."

Emerald stood there, blinking. "Er, so you're saying I'm here to...?"

"Are you not a whore?"

Emerald's cheeks flushed. "Wh- No!" She didn't mean to scream, but she couldn't control herself due to the indignity of it. True, she is a liar, a thief, and, in some instances, a murderer, but never a streetwalker. "I'm not a whore!"

Lord Arc sat up. "Then why are you here?"

Emerald cursed herself. Her pride got the better of her. She coughed into her fist as she spoke again. "W-What I mean is, I don't think of myself as a whore. I prefer the term... escort."

Lord Arc's cheeks flushed. "Oh, I am so sorry! I... I had always heard it spoken as- W-Well, in any case, I humbly apologize."

Emerald saw an opportunity. "W-Well, you should! I can't believe your friends paid me so well to 'entertain' you, only for you to insult me!" She turned her back to him and stepped towards the chamber door.

"Wait," Lord Arc called out, "before you go, allow me to apologize in full." Lord Arc reached into a location she didn't see and heard him walk behind her with a jingle in his hands. He placed a hand on her left shoulder and moved his right hand to in front of her, a hefty bag of coins in his palm. "I hope you can forgive me for my rudeness."

Emerald took the coins. "Hm, I'll consider it." She then kissed his cheek. "But only because you're so kind." She then stepped out of his chambers and down the hall, sashaying her behind for show, certain his eyes were on her until she turned the corner. She then sighed in relief.

"This better be worth the trouble." She whispered to no one.

#rwby #lie ren #nora valkyrie #jaune arc #rwby au #lord arc au #cinder fall #mercury black #emerald sustrai

115 notes · View notes

burgundy-time-bandit · 4 years ago

Text

Garcia Flynn’s Outfits, Ranked

Here is a totally unbiased ranking of Garcia Flynn’s various outfits through the series.

Pilot Flynn: Hot mess, looks like a longshoreman. He just started his angst filled journey so we’ll give him a pass.

Score: 5/10

Lincoln Flynn: First full vest & tie suit of many. Simple, but perfect for flinging his overly dramatic ass over the balcony later.

Score: 7/10

Atomic Flynn: Is this a turtleneck or a dickie? I honestly have no idea at this point.

Score: 4/10, unless you’re really into arms, then 8/10

Varlar Flynn: Yes, please slowly pan the camera up. The real crime of this show wasn’t Christmas but the serious lack of use of pinstripes on Flynn. Real effing tragedy.

Score: 9/10

Alamo Flynn: Casually deadly, a bit of a swagger, but also looks like he rolled through the dirt on the way in.

Score: 6/10 (8/10 for fans of scruff)

Watergate Flynn: Eh, maybe if you’re hot for teacher.

Score: 6/10 (9/10 for the teacher kink group)

Husband and Father Flynn: Rough, modern, kinda chic, but he’s standing at his wife and child’s grave so…

Score: 1/10 (refuse to pro-rate this one for anyone, even you, you know who you are)

Stranded Flynn: Sir Not Appearing in this Episode

Score: 0/10

Space Flynn: Vertical stripes? Open collar? Casually crossed arms while talking to someone you’re about to murder? Two out of three ain’t bad. I’ll let you guess the odd one out.

Score: 9/10

Good Boy Flynn: Very clean and appropriate for visiting his mama. You know you got a good man when he respects his mama. But this really isn’t a good time to talk sexy.

Score: 7/10

Bonnie & Flynn: The sass on this one, with bonus hat. Flynn does give good head… for hats. Get your mind out the gutter.

Score: 8/10

Benedict Flynn: Too many buttons.

Score: 4/10 (okay, fine, 9/10 for the angst kink crowd, 10/10 for the button kink crowd, you know who you are)

THE HOTTEST FLYNN: This is it, this is the benchmark of all Flynn looks. Sassy, swagger, gun, hat. Downright sexy and armed. Nothing can top this.

Score: 10/10

Columbian Flynn: Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaand we’re back to hobo Flynn.

Score: 4/10 (9/10 for you know who you are and I’m sorry but this really is a hobo look, please don’t hate me, I <3 you)

Jesse Flynn: Sassy, got a gun and a hat… that tongue... thing...

Score: 8/10 (10/10 for tongue kink crowd)

Snowy Flynn: Okay, now he’s just leveled up into the fantasy of every girl (or boy/other) who grew up watching Man from Snowy River.

Score: 9/10

Karma Flynn: Flynn at possibly his most emo. All black and everything.

Score: 6/10 (9/10 for the emo kink group)

Lost BamBam: Oh, hey, how did you get in here you tall glass of water you.

Score: 9/10 (BamBamLives)

Lost Flynn: So. Much. Sass. Too much sass. We can't repel sass of that magnitude!

Score: 8/10

Public Flynn: The shear audacity of this man and his light-up Apple watch.

Score: 8/10

Flashback Flynn: Adorable, but also looking at his five year old daughter.

Score: 4/10, unless you have serious daddy issues, and then, eh, 7/10

Red Flynn: Vulnerable and still dangerous. But loses points for improper use of C4 in demolitions.

Score: 6/10 (fine, 9/10 for those who don’t know how to properly demolish a building)

Date Flynn: A little formal for a first date, especially when it’s not even a dinner date. Eh, he’s out of practice.

Score: 8/10

War Flynn/Darlington Flynn: This gif is actually from Hollywoodland but can you tell, no, cause it’s the same unflattering orange jumpsuit. Ugh. Did he piss off the wardrobe department this season?

Score: 2/10 (point for the dramatic eyeliner)

Armed Flynn: This is basically just arm p0rn but the hand cuffs really elevate it.

Score: 5/10 (9/10 for the arm kink group)

Escaping Flynn: Menacing. A little disturbing.

Score: 1/10 (8/10 for you know who you are)

Hollywoodland Flynn: Look at the swagger on this one, with a little bit of a popped collar to show he’s just that cool... and deadly.

Score: 9/10

Salem Flynn: Bitch please (wash your hair).

Score: 6/10

Kennedy Flynn: Okay, you defo pissed someone off in the wardrobe department? Nothing fits!

Score: 1/10

Beer Flynn: Comfy, but if I have to hear about “the wiggle” one more time I’m gonna cut a bitch.

Score: 4/10 (9/10 for wiggle fans)

Winky Flynn: I dare you tell me this man is heterosexual.

Score: 8/10 (10/10 for the Flogans)

King Flynn: Pretty much same ol’ reliable vest and tie, but the mix/matching of stripes with Lucy’s outfit is a nice touch.

Score: 8/10 (10/10 for you know who you are)

Deleted Flynn: So soft, like a human puppy.

Score: 5/10 What? I’m a cat person. Fine, 9/10 for dog people.

Sherlock Flynn: One of the best uses of the vest & tie… the man knows how to dress for a little Bromance.

Score: 9/10 (cause we all Flufus)

Reagan Flynn: See, that’s a proper turtleneck. Great Arm definition.

Score: 8/10

Cereal Flynn: Confirmed, this man is a cereal killer. And we love him for it.

Score: 9/10

General Flynn: So drab. Like, was he even trying? Or did he mean for all the focus to slip down to his hands?

Score: 5/10 (8/10 for the hand kink crowd)

Horse Flynn: Admit it, it’s the horse that makes him sexy here, cause it sure as hell ain’t the outfit.

Score: 7/10 (10/10 if you’re Loki, or named Kate)

Scaredy Flynn: Sassy, but like, your dad’s sass.

Score: 5/10 (8/10 pro-rated for the daddy issues crowd)

Chinatown Flynn: Gun, check. Sexy table flip, check. Sexy sidekick… g-damnit Wyatt!

Score: 8/10 (10/10 for the Flogan’s)

Future Flynn: Why don’t you just wear every emotion at once, why don’t you?

Score: 6/10 (9/10 for those who revel in their own emotional pain)

2012 Flynn: Perfectly soft for a dad playing with his daughter. But hella sad cause, well, you know... they all gonna be dead soon.

Score: 4/10 (8/10 pro-rated for those with daddy issues, or just like to emotionally hurt themselves)

São Paulo Flynn: Oh baby, who hurt you? (Don’t answer that, we know.)

Score: 2/10 (9/10 for the hurt/comfort crowd)

Christmas Flynn: He is literally committing suicide, so how about no?

Score: 0/10 (10/10 for you know who you are)

Don’t @ me. This is science.

#Timeless #Garcia Flynn #JayCee #I blame everyone in the group chat for this #go check out #queenincrimson #many of these gifs are hers

88 notes · View notes

dreamer213 · 4 years ago

Text

Profiles

For the sake of continuity and simplification before I actually start this fanfic book/series I’m putting out some basic bios and head cannons on our two main characters and characters through out depending on their importance to the plot and how much I deviate from the cannon.

Name: Whitley Schnee

Age: 16

Gender: Male

DOB: December 21

Eye color: Blue

Hair color: White

Favorite foods: No preferences

Favorite drink: A cup of Earl Gary

Likes: Reading, Art, classical music, flowers, and small animals

Dislikes: His family, his home life, and his lack of freedom

Allies: Klein, Mary Shellor ( a manor maid) and Father(?)

Enemies: Weiss, Winter, Mother, and Father(?)

Personality: (outward) Cold, Brass, Charismatic, and Eloquent (inward) Scared, Weak, Lonesome, and Affection Starved.

Abilities:

Perfect Recall: Remembers everything he’s ever hear, seen, read, or done.

Strategic Mind: Can form plans with the information available to him and execute them with precision.

Persuasive Tongue: Is very good at talking his way in and out of most situations and can lie flawlessly even under pressure.

The youngest in family Whitley has often been forgotten by those in area him, especially his family. After years of trying to gain any attention from the people around him, he finally gives up when his older sister Weiss leaves home to become a huntress like their older sister Winter. And just like Winter, she leaves him in the care of their abusive Father and alcoholic mother with no intentions to contact them or to be contacted. Left abandon and hurt Whitley is forced to rely on his Father, the man who treats him more like a trained dog than a son, for support and instead becomes the sole focus of his tyranny. But after the fall of Beacon Weiss return but not for too long as after an argument with a guest Weiss causes such a ruckus that she is disinherited and locked in her room. She escapes later that same night, not before accusing Whitley of wanting all this to happen as if she knew him well enough to even think that, leaving him and the manor staff to deal with Father’s rage when he founds her gone…….again. One week later everything’s been swept under the rug and Father is hosting another party to apologize for the last, as if he hadn’t broken three vases, smashed a window, and thrown an antique clock a mere inch from his son and last heir’s head in a fit of rage. After another event of being Father’s mouth piece and apologizing for the sins of others Whitley is left jaded and retreats to a secluded balcony to get some air. He stood there hopelessly lost in this prison of silver and marble, he leans against the railing and looks up to the stars wondering if his life even worth living. During his introspection his leans back too far and falls into a two story drop. Luckily for him there was one kind soul at this party who seemed to hear his short scream and silent prayers. Before he drop to far he is grasped by a soft hand and sweet voice cries out for his attention. He looks up to see what he could only describe as an angel draped in colors of summer.

Name: Penny Poledina

Age: Appears To be 16

Gender: Female Android

DOC: June 19

Eye color: Green

Hair color: Orange

Favorite foods: Having only recently obtained the ability to eat and drink when her restoration included the addition of a state of the art artificial nervous system and a bio fuel converter, Penny still has too many types of food she hasn’t tried yet to decide a favorite.

Favorite drink: Root beer for some reason, she doesn’t really know why?

Likes: COMBAT! Scrapbooking, Sewing, Fairytales and Helping others

Dislikes: Working overtime, bad people, and not being able to make her own decisions

Allies: Her Dad, Team RWBY(?) Team FNKI, Winter(?) Ironwood (?)

Enemies: Robyn Hill, The Happy Huntresses, and Salem

Personally: (outward) Sweet but stiff Caring, a bit clumsy and social unaware (inward) Overworked, Insecure, and Unsure of her place in the world.

Abilities:

Retractable Swords: Sword hidden in Penny’s back that she call pull out and control at will

Rocket Boots: Removable Rocket boots that propel her through the air giving her the ability to fly and can be removed to and clasped into an inconspicuous handbag leaving Penny with normal legs when not in use. She carries a pair of socks and shoes in a backpack she takes everywhere.

Super Strength: Can lift objects several times her size with little effort and throw objects with intense strength and speed.

Lethally Adorable: If you weren’t told or saw it yourself you wouldn’t believe she was a military grade weapon.

After being brought back from the brink of death Penny is rebuilt better then ever. Her sense are heightened, she’s gained new ones like taste and smell, and has a more durable and polished appearance. This was issued to her not as any form of payment for her trauma or pity for her but instead was to make her easier to use in undercover operations and lessen the chances of her allowing herself to be damaged again. This becomes all too clear to her when after only a few hours of being up and functional again she sent straight to training then and back to the field for her next assignment. From there now her life becomes a set schedule protect Mantle, train with military hunters, fill out daily reports, and go home to recharge. With the addition of Robyn Hill and her Happy Huntresses the job quickly grows tiring for Penny. Having no life outside of work the only comfort Penny has is small talk between training sessions, mostly with Team FNKI Winter doesn’t like to talk much, and the warmth of coming home to a meal for two and some family time with her Dad. But Penny can’t help but want more. To hang out with friends, go to cafes, parties, maybe even attend one of Team FNKI’s concerts! Like a normal girl, one whose not a soldier, whose life isn’t ruled by the military, one whose body wasn’t made from metal and wires and paid for with government funds. But Penny can’t be that girl all she can do is dream about it. That’s just how things were for her until Ironwood showed up at her home, dressed in formal wear with a car, a dress, and shoes. He tells her to get changed then get in the car. After she’s dressed and they leave he informs her of the new information they have just verified. There is a mole amongst the Atlas elites feeding Robyn Hill information on the supply shipments. In order to catch the mole he’s excusing her from training and reassigning that time so she can infiltrate Atlas high society to find and capture them. To begin the investigation they are attending tonight’s Evening Party at the Schnee Manor and making introduction with the elites. W-What! Why her! Why was Penny of all people chosen for such an outrageous mission! Simple put it’s because Penny is the strongest hunter they have without an off putting appearance or any connection to Atlas, a perfect nobody. Once they get to the manor they split up to cover more ground, for a moment Penny’s in awe of the manor it was as though she walk into a castle from a storybook. She’s so caught up in the scenery she doesn’t notice the group behind her until she bumps into one of them. She tries to greet them but quickly gets a taste of Atlas upperclass hospitality. Terrified Penny retreats to an empty table at the furthest part of the ballroom. She sits there for hours contemplating how she could complete her mission until she hears a shout from the balcony next to her. Knowing a citizen’s cry for help. With a person in peril Penny waste no time and rushes to save them. And when she does what she finds is the most gorgeously doll like human she’s ever seen.

#broken machines #rwby fanfiction #whitley schnee #penny polendina #rwby #fanfic

19 notes · View notes

sridisha · 4 years ago

Text

Top Latest Five Entertainment news Urban news

In his words and phrases “he left India having a suitcase jam packed with spices and existence packed with dreams” and by no means seemed back again! Lea Michele, who's ideal recognized for enjoying Rachel Berry in Fox's Glee, includes a track record being a diva and she or he is currently experiencing quite a few accusations of racist conduct and bullying The actress, well known for dancing beneath a waterfall, was rumoured to possess a scandalous affair Together with the underworld don Dawood Ibrahim. A fashion aficionado who understood that fashion was her point from an extremely younger age. The father or mother label—Payal Singhal is fifteen yrs into this industry and heading robust, catering to her prolonged list of youthful customers. She has progressed over the past decade as well as a 50 % as an exemplary designer. Her collection is a refreshing take on Indian have on but with an exceptionally new age style and design.

"Sonam Bajwa can be a Health freak during the day, but her foods cravings start during the evening," suggests celebrity make-up artist Coco Ballucci The pair had a scandalous affair ahead of getting caught. Abu Salem remains to be at the rear of the bars although Monica resides a modest everyday living. Archana Rao’s Spring-Summer time assortment in 2015 recognized her in the industry in which she located her passion. It was named ‘The Apartment’ and took inspiration from the vintage put in place from Paris. It had been a lovely melange of nudes, pastels, ivories and blushes that slowly but surely transitioned into a more robust colour palette of green, amber, etcetera. In the many years of Globe War II as well as the struggle for independence, Bollywood fashion was modest, understated and official. Most movies were shot in rural settings, Using the Males clad in dhotis “What operates for our Indian crafts is the mix of workmanship, society in addition to a touch of modernity” – Manish Malhotra Thanks for never letting me Feel the Solar shines out of my backside: Masaba Gupta shares the funniest birthday want for m... The 2 had been visibly smitten by each other. It's also claimed that Nargis desired Raj to divorce his spouse Krishna and marry her. Their affair finished in the event the actor refused to do so. After a few years, she married her co-star from Mom India He preferred another person by his aspect, and it absolutely was Mrs Nene who gave him a shoulder to cry on. It is really no wonder that their off-display screen romantic relationship had an awesome effect on their on-monitor chemistry from the 90s. Aman Verma also was caught on camera extending a TV reporter ‘a possibility in Bollywood’ in return for sexual relations.The actor’s occupation in showbiz went on an incessant downward spiral since the footage went viral.

https://www.filmyduniya.in/category/entertainment/

Entertainment news, Movies, entertainment, bollywood fashion, celebrity news, bollywood affairs, bollywood events, Entertainment News, Film Industry,New Movie News

Examine This Report On Entertainment news

This is a feast to the eye and certainly a demonstrate-halting collection. This promising label is before long expected to open up a flagship retail store in her hometown, Hyderabad. We really look forward to it. John NewmanJohn has long been inspiringly honest about his mental health and fitness and has introduced A brief crack from songs as he begs lovers never ever to shed their positivity "Thanks," she mentioned, not able to maintain back again a skip as she walked absent. And thank you, Squadron Chief Virat Rathod. It was The 1st time in Mili's life that her partner of twenty many years experienced aided his spouse with nearly anything.CHAPTER two " Generally Samir would not brain any one murdering that particular Foreigner song, but there were nevertheless a few journos hanging close to at a nearby table plus the thought of Virat and Rima's private second mocked in a few bitchy film magazine column manufactured Samir positively sick. An Indian actress received it customized and it is now accessible to whoever is enthusiastic about this. For a few, it might sound over the top, but path breaking types like these can never ever be excessive. An comprehensive comprehension of the craft and creative quotient; and it’s safe to view That which you don’t actually see every single day. And, that’s why I’m not amazed that she has gotten a great deal of attention from all over the world Specially London and Australia. Samir shrugged. Provided that he was a brand ambassador for Louis Vuitton, he could hardly carry the rest. It was the only real modeling gig he did any longer. The money was excellent and he favored the rustic taste with the marketing campaign. Fact was he had by no means appreciated modeling. As well static for him. But thanks to his fifty percent-American genes as well as the white pores and skin that experienced produced his childhood hell, assignments experienced fallen in his lap far far too easily to turn absent. The touch and truly feel of the fabric and aura of her label are anything I have usually been awestruck by. She got into Bollywood within the recent times, but her arrive at has distribute globally. Her operate was critically acclaimed by Vogue United kingdom together with other major names who also referred to as her ‘British isles’s future best friend.” It only receives far better with time, and she or he is really an unstoppable drive with not merely practical but social goals too. Extra power to these Females. Inside the many years of Planet War II along with the battle for independence, Bollywood fashion was modest, understated and formal. Most movies have been shot in rural configurations, Along with the Gentlemen clad in dhotis India finds alone within an ever more hazardous entire world, one that is fragmenting and slowing down economically. It is a planet in bollywood fashion transition, 1 where India’s adversaries — state or non-state, or the two as in Pakistan’s situation — are becoming progressively highly effective. When the exterior world is now extra unpredictable and uncertain, so are interior politics and security in a lot of the powers. Programs and documents will only be accepted throughout the on line application system and cannot be acknowledged by mail or email. She likes fidgeting with the cuts, ombre effects etcetera in proportions devoid of compromising on the aesthetic component. And, her label is thought to become supremely exquisite but simple and understated. Her assortment ‘Frou Frou’ which accurately interprets to ‘sounds of a cloth.’ Like they say magnificence is in the details, but if you look at her attire, it’s more like splendor is in the hidden information. , and Kareena Kapoor picked up in which her sister Karisma left off, gorgeous audiences with her Tremendous-fit measurement zero human body in Tashan Kareena Kapoor requires her airport look a notch higher using this type of maxi gown Kareena Kapoor Khan was noticed for the Mumbai airport carrying a pretty blue maxi costume paired by using a denim jacket. Latest fashion dresses in many cases are made with sequins do the job, bead do the job or mirror will work. These embroideries are incorporated into the design to add a dash of bling.

How Much You Need To Expect You'll Pay For A Good Entertainment

Just after her Playboy Image shoot, the actress garnered eyeballs once again when an MMS of her undressing in a very switching space was leaked. Ranveer Singh just hardly ever fails to seize eyeballs with his outrageous outfits. Although some definitely appreciate his choice, several times Now we have heard celebs having a dig at the actor’s outrageous outfits, and the latest celeb to affix in is Salman Khan. The actress even further went on to charge Madhur with foremost her on and promising to marry and also cast her in his films, in advance of abruptly withdrawing her situation completely. A further inspiring Tale of a young and passionate Woman. A coming of age designer who attained acceptance in just no time started out building for a few of the prime Bollywood stars. She swiftly become their hot favored far too. It absolutely was apparent when actors and celebs on the Red Carpet would say ‘Ridhi Mehra’ on the concern ‘Who have you been wearing’? She also arises from a home that is certainly into the organization of selling apparel. The favored on line fashion retailer is featuring substantial bargains on a array of summer time frocks, best for those who have to refresh their summer time wardrobes He is additionally one of the not many designers who begun to ever more get invested into planning outfits for guys within the All set-to-wear section and catered to marriage ceremony dresses way too. He will be the heartthrob of not just Hollywood celebrities but will also Hollywood stars like Lady Gaga who once draped Tahiliani’s ivory saree and screamed ‘I really like Tahiliani.’ Oprah Winfrey and Elizabeth Hurley are other worldwide stars Tahiliani suitable for. Rima turned to Samir, went up on her toes, and ruffled bollywood events his hair. Virat might however phone him Chintu, which intended "small" in Hindi, but at a pair inches more than six ft Samir experienced a great fifty percent foot on his brother. Extra examples Fewer examples At the same time These are highly regarded as suppliers of home entertainment Alicia, who's created headlines along with her peculiar parenting approaches, discovered that part of her isolation regime will involve bathing with son Bear The thought was to infuse classic with modern day and focused the city current market generally the youthful group. Chic, elegant and trendy, just how the demographic prefers. And, it was rather a easy launch simply because they understood the heartbeat in their viewers. Bridal, contemporary and haute couture had been all hits, However they didn’t stop at that. to dress in. Worldwide brand names and fashion designers including Tarun Tahilani, Manish Malhotra and Neeta Lulla acquire Heart stage. With particular ‘appears’ becoming designed for people rather than the actors portraying them, we see an eclectic combination of ethnic and western kinds. You are able to alter your cookie configurations via your browser. If you do not change your configurations, you're consenting to us issuing all cookies to you. Birthday Female Neena Gupta takes to social media to thank all her followers for his or her lovely wishes; watch online video His flagship retail store is in Delhi adopted retail stores in almost all of the main metropolitan areas in India. His clientele grew through the years and now consists of the likes of Uma Thurman, Pamela Anderson, Anna Kournikova, Naomi Campbell, and so on. Rohit Bal is one of those designers who understands the psyche and Power on the fashion planet which is clear in his collections, each is a lot better than another

#Bollywood News #Entertainment news #Celebrity News #bollywood affairs #Latest Bollywood Gossip

1 note · View note

keeptheslnc · 5 years ago

Text

WRW ‘19 Day 6: (Meeting) Family/Parents

Oh gosh, I’ve missed several days. Also this one became SUPER long ‘cause I started to ramble and I had to commit to writing. Gotta get over that art fear, after all.

Ruby was practically vibrating with excitement as she pressed her face against the airship window. Atlas was still as beautiful as the first time she saw it years ago. What made this trip more special was that she was here to meet Weiss’ family. None of that “protect the Relic from Salem” business this time. Just a leisurely few days in her girlfriend’s home kingdom.

She did have a few nervous thoughts, however, knowing that she was officially meeting Weiss’ family. Her nerves must have shown through because Ruby soon felt a cool hand grip her own. She looked over at icy blue eyes and felt a hint of relief.

“So what’s the first thing we’re gonna do when we land? ” Ruby asked her, hoping to provide enough of a distraction.

“Well, it’s almost noon, so I figured we’d drop off our luggage at the house first and then find something to eat,” Weiss answered.

Ruby perked up at the magic word. “What kind of food? Like some kind of Atlasian delicacy that we can only get at a specific restaurant? What is Atlas even known for? Ooh! What’s the best dessert you’ve had? Can we go there first?” Her bubbling energy was quickly overtaking and she couldn’t help but begin to drool a little at having cake for lunch.

Weiss rolled her eyes and tried to look disgusted at Ruby’s antics, but she couldn’t stop the smile from covering her face. “We need a proper meal first and then I’ll take you to the best dessert place in the city.” Her smile grew at Ruby’s squeal of delight.

A few minutes later, they touched down and began walking out with the rest of the passengers. A sleek, white car pulled up to the queue and the chauffeur stepped out, immediately opening the door for the two. Weiss gestured for Ruby to slide in first before offering their luggage to the chauffeur and then sliding in after her.

Ruby’s eyes traced every shiny thing she could see on the drive, from the tall buildings to the fancy lamp posts, occasionally pointing something out for Weiss to explain. The skyscrapers and crowds of the city soon gave way to smaller buildings and more quiet spaces, but still clearly ritzy. She felt Weiss grip her hand as they pulled up to a large house and Ruby turned to give her a smile as they exited the car. The chauffeur handled their baggage, allowing them to freely walk up the short path.

Ruby couldn’t help but notice that this was the only house around that didn’t have stairs.

Weiss knocked, patiently waiting for someone to greet them. Ruby thought this also as odd. The last time they went to Weiss’ house, a servant had already opened the door before they got out of the car.

Then again, this wasn’t Weiss’ house.

A few seconds later, the door opened to reveal an elderly woman with short, silvery hair hanging loosely from a bun and a healthy dose of laugh lines. She smiled warmly, instantly filling the girls with a sense of love.

“Weiss! It’s so wonderful to have you here,” she greeted, holding the white-haired girl in a hug. She pulled away after a few moments and held Weiss at arm’s length. “You’ve grown since I saw you last.”

Ruby giggled and murmured under her breath, “She’s just wearing heels.” That earned her a small pinch from her girlfriend, but she only giggled more.

The woman just beckoned Ruby for a hug as well, squeezing her tightly before letting her go, but not before she gently took her hands. “So you must be Ruby Rose. Our little snowflake has told us so much about you in her letters. It’s good to finally meet you, dear.”

Ruby couldn’t help but blush. “It’s nice to meet you, too, uh…” She fumbled, forgetting if Weiss ever mentioned the woman’s name.

“You can just call me Nana. I’m sure we’ll be family soon enough.”

“Nana!” Weiss exclaimed in embarrassment, her face flushing immediately. A quick glance to her girlfriend reassured her that she wasn’t the only one feeling the heat. “Can we just come inside, please?”

Nana just laughed, stepping away from the door and gesturing them to follow her. While she and Weiss quietly made conversation, Ruby turned her attention to the walls.

There were plenty of framed photographs down the hall. Some looked like they were taken at formal events with quite the important people. There were even a few professional portraits of a young, strong man in a red scarf. Ruby would be lying if she said she wasn’t specifically looking for pictures of Weiss in her childhood. Unfortunately, there were none.

“Thank you for letting us stay here for the week, Nana,” Weiss said, a grateful smile on her face. This was a much more homely place than her own mansion, without a doubt.

“Of course, my dear, you’re always welcome here,” Nana replied. She reached out to lovingly caress Weiss’ cheek before turning to the door to their right. “Now, please be a little more quiet and mind the wires. Oh, he’ll be so happy to see you.”

She opened the door and Ruby felt Weiss squeeze her hand just a little tighter. The room was neither very decorated nor filled with fancy furniture: just an ornate desk in one corner, a bookcase beside it, and one large window to their left with the drapes pulled to the side. Against the wall opposite the door was a bed, surrounded by machines and wires, with a wheelchair waiting beside it.

Weiss gently pulled Ruby along as she quietly walked to the side of the bed and Ruby couldn’t help but feel warmth in her heart when she saw Weiss’ smile. “Hello, Grandfather.”

The very frail, elderly man lying in the bed took a moment to open his eyes, but once his clear blue gaze focused on the two girls at the side of his bed, his face lit up. With a shaking hand, he reached out to Weiss who delicately held it. “Weiss… My dear, little Weiss. You’ve grown more beautiful since you last visited.”

Ruby grinned when she saw a blush immediately grace her girlfriend’s face.

“Grandfather, there’s someone here I’d like you to meet,” Weiss told him instead with a kind gentleness that only Ruby knew she had. She gestured to Ruby beside her and the brunette suddenly felt very shy.

This wasn’t just the man who spearheaded the dust advancements to fight against the Grimm, who gave humanity the hope they had desperately needed after the Great War, who worked tirelessly for a better world.

This was Weiss’ grandfather, one of the very few people who absolutely loved Weiss for who she was.

Nana, of course, was also high on that list. Ruby instantly knew that she was responsible for most of Weiss’ few fond childhood memories. She recalled the tricycle that her girlfriend had mentioned once before.

The first time that Weiss had brought Ruby home had been...delicate. During that trip, they had avoided Jacques like the plague after their brief introduction, deciding that he wasn’t worth much to spend time with. Whitley was only as courteous as he needed to be to upkeep appearances, but any time he was alone with the pair, he made sure to clearly show his disdain for his sister’s choice of love. (Ruby may or may not have dyed all of his clothes a rainbow of colors in retaliation, which earned her a lengthy kiss from Weiss later on.) Weiss’ mother was only a little more welcoming than her husband, actually being able to hold a pleasant conversation for a few minutes. Still, she mainly kept to herself and the pair didn’t see much of her.

Ruby could tell that this was definitely not a family.

On the other hand, Winter was never around since being in the military, but from Weiss’ stories, Ruby could conclude that the eldest sibling always kept an eye on Weiss. While they didn’t have the same bond as Yang and Ruby, they at least cared more about each other than the rest of their family.

Then there was Klein. Knowing that he was around for Weiss’ entire childhood put Ruby’s worries to rest. The butler had been nothing but kind and thoughtful throughout their visit. He always appeared with coffee or sweets, telling Ruby embarrassing stories from when Weiss was young. Most importantly, he made Weiss smile. He was instantly put on Ruby’s ‘protect at all cost’ list.

Coming back to the present, Ruby smiled at Nicholas when he focused on her. “Hello, sir. It’s an honor to finally meet you.”

Nicholas gave a feeble chuckle. “Listen to her calling me ‘sir.’ No need for formalities.” He beckoned the younger girl closer and very lightly grasped her hand. Years of working in dust mines took a large toll on his body and he became very weak very fast. However, with the quick advancement of technology, they were able to combat his ailments for just a bit longer. “Ruby Rose, the honor is all mine. My little Weiss has told us so much about you.”

It seemed like Ruby’s face would continue to match her name from all of these compliments, but she still beamed back at him. “I hope she didn’t write anything bad!”

Nana had come up on the other side of the bed, placing a gentle hand on Nicholas’ shoulder. “Of course not. Just of your fantastic adventures at Beacon and how wonderful of a leader and friend you’ve been.” A glimmer seemed to appear in her eye. “Although, a lot has changed since you’ve first become friends, hasn’t it? We’re so happy for you two,” she added with another loving smile.

Just that one sentence nearly brought the two huntresses to tears. Weiss let out a small, happy laugh as Nana opened her arms, inviting her for a hug. Weiss couldn't walk around her grandfather's bed quickly enough before Nana held her close, whispering reassurances to her. Both Ruby and Weiss felt relieved that they didn’t have to dance around their relationship now. Acceptance was really all they were asking for and they knew that they wouldn’t have found that at Schnee Manor.

“How about some tea before you head out for lunch?” Nana suggested after a few more moments. “Weiss, dear, could you help me?”

She happily nodded. “Of course, Nana.” She leaned down to give her grandfather a soft kiss on his cheek before smiling at Ruby and then following the older woman to the kitchen.

Ruby watched her go with a fond gaze and then turned back to Nicholas when she felt him squeeze her hand. The old man gave her a knowing smile, causing her heart to skip a beat as the nerves came back in.

“You’re special to her, you know,” he told her. “In every letter she’s sent us, she never fails to mention you. I’m so glad that you can be there for her when we can’t.”

His words were heavy with sincerity as well as regret; perhaps from the times they couldn't save Weiss from her father's abuse. Ruby also couldn’t help but feel like she was receiving his blessing. The relief in Nicholas’ tired face spoke volumes and suddenly Ruby had more weight upon her shoulders than ever before. Was this some kind of blessing? She and Weiss weren’t nearly at that step yet, but knowing that her grandparents already approved of her was enough to send her mind spiraling. In a good way, of course, but now she had so much more to prepare for.

Nicholas sensed the girl’s inner turmoil and he gave another quiet laugh. “You’re every bit as charming as my little snowflake says you are. I know that she’ll be so happy with you.”

Ruby managed to find her voice this time and gave him a resolute nod. “I will do everything I can to make sure she feels loved every single day. I can promise you that.”

Another squeeze of her hand told Ruby that he believed her. “My dear, I’m sure that Weiss already knows that. You take care of her now.”

“I will.”

As soon as their conversation ended, Weiss came back carrying a tray of cups of tea. Her cheeks held a red tinge and she readily avoided eye contact with Ruby. The brunette would have to pry on that later. Nana followed in a moment later with a thick album and Ruby instantly lit up.

“Is that what I think it is?” she asked as Nana placed it on the bed beside Nicholas for all of them to see.

“An album of photos of Weiss from when she was a baby up until her last birthday?” Nana answered with amusement in her eyes. “Nicholas and I put it together after she had left for Beacon.”

Weiss’ blush came back in full force. “Nana! ”

The pair ended up spending the afternoon hearing stories and looking at old photographs. Weiss’ grandparents showed her off with such joy and love in their faces that even she couldn’t help but laugh at the memories, warmth filling up all of their hearts. Somewhere along the way, Ruby had intertwined her fingers with Weiss’ and pressed a kiss to her cheek, dissolving her into a blushing mess in front of her grandparents.

Despite all of the embarrassing stories, Weiss had never felt so full of love as she did in that room, surrounded by the most important people in her life. With a surge of confidence, she turned her head so she was kissing Ruby on the lips instead, earning a surprised squeak before she pulled away with a wink.

Ruby didn’t know why she was so nervous at meeting Weiss’ family. If they loved her just as much as Ruby did, then she had nothing to fear. Their lives would be filled with warmth and happy memories together, and she certainly wasn’t going to complain about that.

#rwby #white rose week #day 6: (meeting) family/parents #ruby rose #weiss schnee #nicholas schnee #nana schnee #my writing #white rose #wrw '19 #this got so out of hand but ya girl had to commit #i also wanted this to be mainly from ruby's point of view 'cause i plan to write one where weiss meets tai #it's never explicitly stated that either of weiss' grandparents are dead #right?#welp if they are then this is now an au lol #i also imagined nana acting like aunt may from spider-man into the spiderverse #so much sass!#it's now 2:27am time for bed

5 notes · View notes

boghermit · 5 years ago

Note

every question with the number 2 in it :3

For Salem and Kaz! Unless you want me to do another character (I love doing these so that’s not a problem)

SALEM

2. Gender identityMale (He’s transgender)

12. Own any pets? At home he has a lot of farm animal friends, in addition to the reindeer his clan herds.

20. Clothing / aesthetic Often wears vests, scarves, and white button up shirts / undershirts. Also wears items made of animal fur and skin. If I had to describe his aesthetic in a single phrase, it would be “bard-druid multiclass.”

21. Fav foods(s) and drink(s) His favorite foods are baked fish, fried potatoes, and spice bread / cake. His favorite drinks are milk, sweet juice, and more milk.

22. Fav colorVarious shades of purple

23. Fav genre If we’re assuming music, then folk. If we’re assuming books / movies, then epics.

24. Fav season In his homeland, spring. In the warmer areas of the world, autumn and winter.

25. City or country? The port city in his homeland, and the university city in the southern lands.

26. Guilty pleasureShoving his face with dessert foods during feast times

27. What’s their family like? Who’s in it? What’s their relationship with them?Salem has a large, loving family. He has four other siblings. Excluding Salem, who leaves at some point, they all live fairly close to each other.

28. Are they literate? Did they go to school? How long? What level? Yep, he is literate! School is pretty much mandatory where he’s from, but not formal like modern day education in my part of the world, so I’m not sure what “grade” he topped. He wanted to study outside of his country, but never got the chance.

29. What was their childhood like? Fairly uneventful.

32. What steps have they taken to overcome their main conflict? Currently, none really. He’s only made it worse. That’s where his story comes in.

42. What’s the dumbest thing your character’s done?He flew too close to the sun.

52. How are you and your character the same? How are you different?Both: Depressed / paranoid as shit, both gay himbos, both have horrible taste in fashion, both too idealistic, both love potatoes, desserts, picking random garbage off of the ground, and reindeer. Differences: Salem is transitioned, Salem can stomach the smell of fresh fish, Salem isn’t even remotely as squeamish as me, Salem has more energy, Salem has musical talent, and Salem isn’t as relaxed.

- - -

KAZ

2. Gender identityMale (Most likely born male but it’s not set in stone. I also have trouble seeing him as cisgender)

12. Own any pets? I really want him to have a pet bearded dragon, since I can’t have one and I love bearded dragons and lizards. However, I feel like the kind of stuff he does involves too much activity and movement for him to safely have a small animal companion with him.

20. Clothing / aesthetic The regions he explores are usually very muggy and/or hot most of the year, so he wears very comfortable and loose clothing. He is often seen with a lot of exploring / traveling / spelunking equipment with him. He wears very comfortable shoes. If I had to describe his aesthetic in a single phrase, it would be “Indiana Jones with better self-preservation.”

21. Fav foods(s) and drink(s) Trail mix (of course), beef steak, dishes with thick and smoky gravies / sauces. HIs favorite drink, of the top of my head, is just water. He drinks beer sometimes, but not often, and he’s very picky about his beer.

22. Fav colorHe likes green, orange, and blue.

23. Fav genre If we’re assuming music, then folk and bluegrass. If we’re assuming books / movies, then nonfiction and academic journals.

24. Fav season In his homeland, deep deep winter. In everywhere else except Salem’s homeland, winter or autumn. In Salem’s homeland, spring and summer.

25. City or country? The port city south of his hometown. He also likes exploring the more barren areas of the map when they aren’t deathly hot, because there are more ruins exposed in those areas than, for example, his home area, where there is a lot of underbrush, forest, and swampland.

26. Guilty pleasureShopping and collecting functionally useless things.

27. What’s their family like? Who’s in it? What’s their relationship with them? I haven’t written much about his family, but I imagine them as pretty large and local / never moving outside of their home territory. He writes to check in on them, but doesn’t go home often. When he does go home, it’s always a warm and pleasant experience. I think his family would be very proud of his career path.

28. Are they literate? Did they go to school? How long? What level? He is literate but, like Salem, didn’t have a formal education. He loved / loves learning and read a lot as a kid, even outside of school. Currently he is trying to get into the largest university in the southern lands.

29. What was their childhood like? Fairly uneventful.

32. What steps have they taken to overcome their main conflict? I’m not sure what his main conflict is yet, beside his personal problems.

42. What’s the dumbest thing your character’s done? When he was a youngin, he climbed into a gorge in some ruins and got stuck because he couldn’t figure out how to get back. Luckily he wasn’t down there for long and didn’t get hurt.

52. How are you and your character the same? How are you different? Both: OCD, both have a resting bitch face, both socially inept / bad at picking up social cues / introverted, both tacky as hell, both like doing shit that they problem shouldn’t (like climbing down steep ditches and stuff), both love books, both have too much hair, both have a lot of anxious energy. Differences: Kaz has much more mental and physical energy, Kaz is agile and very physically fit, Kaz makes his horrible sense of fashion work, Kaz makes his resting bitch face work, Kaz isn’t as concerned with what other people thing of him and he has a fairly stable self image.

#justmaghookit #long post #thank you for the asks these cheered me up #kaz #salem nummelin

2 notes · View notes

mellie-alethea-writes · 5 years ago

Text

Salem Witch Trials Short Story

this is a short story from when i was younger

i had to write it for some class

but like i’ve definitely improved

don’t judge me too hard

warning, its pretty long

also probably not very accurate to the time period

but its as accurate as an 8-10-year-old can get

story under the cut

In 1692, Salem, Massachusetts, news of two possessed girls swept over our, once peaceful, town. It was said that Elizabeth Parris and Abigail Williams became possessed by the devil. My friend Alice told me that it was witchcraft and anyone who got caught practicing witchcraft was gonna go to jail. Alice and I like to joke around a lot, but I’m not too sure if she was kidding this time.

I was sitting at my desk in class, tracing the wood with my fingers. Ms. Newman stood at the moss green chalkboard, poking it with her long wooden rod, making sure to say every last word, number, and date. I looked up at the board to see a few words messily written. “The Old Religion.” I murmured to myself. “What does that mean?”

Mary Warren leaned over to my desk. “That’s what happens when you don’t pay attention,” Mary sneered. I opened my mouth to speak when she cuts me off. “We’re talking about Wicca.”

“What’s that?” I asked.

“I don’t know. Some religion? She’s just been saying ‘The Old Religion’ over and over again, but put in different sentences.” Mary shrugged.

I turned back to the teacher just in time to see two policemen come in the door. My heart skipped a beat when I saw the two men. My stomach lurched and I could feel fear’s icy grip tugging at my limbic system. Two policemen are not something you see every day.

They walked over to Ms. Newman and muttered something to themselves. “I’m Officer David and this is Officer Nathaniel,” one man with a professional-looking, cobalt blue uniform explained, pointing to his comrade.

“You’re Ms. Newman, I presume,” another man with a shiny, golden badge stated. Ms. Newman nodded. “In that case, may we have a word with you?”

At this very moment, I thought of everything that could happen to Ms. Newman. I was shaking so much. I tried to concentrate on our books.

“Of course you may.” Ms. Newman replied. Her voice was so soft and sweet-sounding. She was such a nice teacher. Why were the police here?

As she turned to us, we all looked back to our books to act like we weren’t staring. “Why don’t you all have a quick recess, okay?” I could tell she was trying to hide the worry in her voice, but it wasn’t quite working out as well as she hoped.

We all fled the classroom like a hive of worker bees. As I passed, I asked her, “What’s going on, Ms. Newman? The policemen aren’t here to take you away, are they?”

Ms. Newman put her arm over my shoulder. “I don’t know. All I know is that they’re here and they want me to talk to them.” She forced a smile onto her face. “Why don’t you run along and play with your friends, Jane?”

I nodded and ran outside to go meet up with Alice. The sun shone brightly that day and the birds whistled like a teapot. Alice sat on the ground with her wisteria dress fanned out around her. She had a little leather bag tied with a piece of twine in her hand. “Hey, Alice!” I exclaimed, waving to her. I ran over and sat down next to her. “Are we gonna play marbles again today?” My dress fanned out all around me just like hers. But my dress is the color of wet concrete. Not as pretty a color as hers.

Alice looked up at me with a big smile on her face. “But of course!” She dumped out the marbles, took a small, broken piece of white chalk, and drew a circle and a small straight line just outside of the circle.

“Why do you think the police are here?” I asked her, curious to hear her opinion on the situation.

“I heard Ms. Newman is a witch.” She paused and smiled a devilish smile. “And you know what happens to witches!” Alice pretended to hold some sort of rod and turn it.

“What?” I asked, clearly confused.

“Let’s just play,” Alice suggested. Just as she said that Ms. Newman stood at the entrance. She had a sad expression on her face and the policemen were standing close behind her.

Alice scooped her things back into the small bag, got up, and left. Didn’t say anything to me, just left. “Oh well…” I muttered, pushing myself off the gravel.

The way Ms. Newman’s face looked made the sick feeling in my stomach return.

“Come, children.” Ms. Newman called, beckoning us with her hand. “I’m very sorry, my dears, but I must go away for a while. You won’t be needing to come to school tomorrow.”

Some kid that I don’t know the name of raised his hand. Ms. Newman nodded for him to speak. “Or the day after that, right? Cause you said for a while and just tomorrow is not a while.”

She laughed to herself and nodded. “Yes, you won’t have to go to school the day after that, either. I must go now.” She turned and left with the policemen.

I said my goodbyes to Alice and started walking down the street. I was so excited to get home to see Aunt Margaret and Uncle Arthur. I couldn’t wait to tell them about all the crazy stuff that had happened.

I came up to our little wooden house that was the same as any other and pushed open the door. The sweet scent of fresh strawberries and a gooey vanilla cake wafted through the house.

My sister Ellen greeted me with a curtsy. “Hello, sister. It is a lovely day, isn’t it? You’re wearing your hair up in a most flattering way.” she exclaimed.

I laughed. “No need to be that formal. Now, where’s Aunt Margaret and Uncle Arthur?” I wondered.

“Uncle hasn’t come home yet. Aunt Margaret is in the kitchen whipping up some potatoes and strawberry shortcake for dinner.” Ellen explained.

I thanked Ellen and walked into the kitchen. “I’ve had the craziest day, Aunt Margaret. My nice teacher Ms. Newman is a witch.” The words stumbled out of my mouth without any thought, though I wasn’t sure if it was true.

“Sit down, dear.” Aunt Margaret said. I did as I was told and sat down on a rough, wooden chair in front of a small table. She walked over to me, her fern green wedges clattering against the hardwood floor and her dress the color of an oxblood stain flew behind her like a parachute. “Now… Do you really believe in all that?” She kneeled down and placed her hands on my legs.

“Well… I don’t even know if it’s actually true.” I looked down to hide my embarrassment.

“Don’t go spreading rumors now, Jane.” Aunt Margaret said, shaking her head at me. “Uncle Arthur should be home any moment now.”

Aunt Margaret returned to the roaring cooking fire. She dropped four potatoes into the gleaming black pot. I was mesmerized by the glittering persimmon-colored flames.

Ratta tat. The sound of my uncle knocking at the door. “Ellen! Go get the door for Uncle Arthur.” Aunt Margaret called.

Ellen rushed to the door and swiftly opened the door, revealing a tall, broad-shouldered man with short, balding hair and chocolate brown eyes. His eyes showed traces of frantic worry. Ellen opened her arms wide. “Welcome home, Uncle!”

Uncle Arthur pushed past Ellen and practically ran into the kitchen. “Tell them it’s not true, Maggie, dear! Tell them it’s not!”

Aunt Margaret rushed over to Uncle Arthur and brought him into her arms. “Now slow down…” Aunt Margaret was trying her hardest to comfort him, though she didn't know what was wrong. “Tell who what's not true, Arthur, dear.”

I shuffled over to Ellen. “We should probably leave them to talk, Ellen.” My sister nodded in agreement as we walked into the family room.

The same officers that came to school came into my house. “Excuse me, ma’am. Mary Warren and her parents are accusing you of practicing witchcraft.” Officer Nathaniel explained.

Uncle Arthur groaned. “Tell them you're not a witch!”

Aunt Margaret looked startled. The way her eyebrows squeezed close together and her lips pursed, it made me think of how Ms. Newman must have felt. Aunt Margaret put one hand on Uncle Arthur and the other on her forehead.

Officer David leaned himself on the door frame and rocked gently on his heels. “We’ll be taking our leave now.”

Officer Nathaniel added, “With you.”

Aunt Margaret said nothing. She looked reluctant at first, but she gave in to the fact that they had the authority. She looked down at her feet as she walked away with them.

I sat on a chair and looked at Ellen. Ellen didn’t look back at me. We were both bored, but we knew we did the right thing to leave our Aunt and Uncle alone. “So… What’s going on with you?” I asked. My eyes felt heavy and I was starting to get tired. Ellen didn’t answer me, she just looked at me and yawned. Then, out of nowhere, I heard loud sobbing coming from the kitchen.

“Ellen, we should see what’s going on,” I suggested, getting up from the chair.

Ellen followed me into the kitchen, where we saw Uncle Arthur with his face in his hands and tears pouring from his fingers.

“Uncle…” I whispered, putting my hand on his shoulder.

He looked up at me. “Jane, they took her! The officers took Margaret!”

“Ellen, could you-” I started.

Ellen nodded and walked over to Uncle Arthur. I walked outside and leaned up against the fence. “Mary! Mary! They took my Aunt!” I yelled.

Instead of Mary coming out, her mother did. “Serves her right! She’s given my Mary muscle spasms, that witch!” she growled.

My mouth hung open. I was flabbergasted. I ran into the house. “Uncle! I know this isn’t really the time, but can I go to Alice’s house? It’s just down the hill.” I pleaded.

Uncle Arthur waved his hand at me. “Sure, go,” he muttered, before placing his head back in his hands and sobbing.

Ellen stood over him, looking at him with her eyes full of sympathy and sadness. She rubbed his back and told him it was going to be just fine. But no one actually knew that yet.

I turned and ran out the door. I practically flew down the hill, arms stretched out on either side of me. Tears brimmed at the edges of my eyes.

Then, there before me was Alice’s house. Sure, it looked like my house and Mary’s house and any other house in Salem, but it was special to me because of who lived in it. And that girl was going to have to comfort me now.

I skidded to a stop, dirt flying all around me. I knocked on the door. “Alice!” I yelled. “Something terrible has happened!”

I expected the door to fly open and Alice to run out, take me in her arms, let me inside, and tell me it's going to be alright.

Instead, the door creaked open the slightest bit. I saw a sliver of Alice’s face through the crack in the door. “You really shouldn’t be here, Jane. I would love to comfort you, but I’m needing some comforting myself.” Alice sighed.

My heart sank. “What? Why? I haven’t even told you what’s happened.” I whispered.

“But I know. The officers from before said they were coming to get us after they got Margaret. I know your Aunt is called Margaret.” she explained. Alice swung open the door, revealing her whole body. The corners of her mouth were turned down and her eyes were stained with salt.

“No, no… This can’t be happening!” I murmured, shaking my head.

All of a sudden, I heard a voice behind me. “She and the family are scheduled for 5:00 o’clock.” The two officers walked next to me.

“Hello there!” Officer David greeted me.

I ignored him and turned to Alice, who was about to sink back into her home. “You have a clock, right? What time is it?” I blabbed, sounding really flustered.

She leaned back to look at an old grandfather clock in her family room. “It’s 4:50…” she whispered, before stepping back all the way and closing the door.

The two officers walked up to the door. Right as they were about to knock, Alice reopened the door and her mother, father, and little brother stood with her in the doorway, sharing the same expression. Eyebrows pushed together, creases on their forehead, and corners of their mouths turned down.

I couldn’t bear the sight of them. I turned and ran back to my house. I pushed open the door. “Uncle! Uncle!” I shouted. “Aunt Margaret’s going to be burned in ten minutes!”

My Uncle ran to me. “That soon?” he asked, kneeling and putting his hands on my shoulders.

“Yes! And my friend Alice and her family…” I whimpered.

“Oh, my… We can’t save them.” Uncle Arthur said, seemingly to no one.

Ten minutes passed in the blink of an eye. I heard rioting outside. Ellen peers out the door. When she opens the door, I smell burning and a thick, grey fog swirls into the room. “Smoke,” I muttered. It burned my nostrils and brought tears to my eyes. I walked over to Ellen, pushed her out of the way, and slammed the door shut.

Suddenly, reality hit me like a boulder. “Ms. Newman isn’t coming back, neither are Alice or Aunt Margaret,” I whispered, tears streaking my face. I crumpled down into a little ball, as smoke filled outside.

Ellen came over to me and attempted to comfort me, but soon cried herself. Uncle joined us in our crying. We were all hopeless without Aunt Margaret.

I had no idea what was going to happen next. All I knew is I couldn’t survive school. I couldn’t face Mary Warren. Not now, not ever. Especially not without Alice, Aunt Margaret, and Ms. Newman.

#childhood #child writing #old writing #salem witch trials #writing #writblr #short story #historical fiction

0 notes

harryandmeghan0-blog · 6 years ago

Text

The 64th International Debutante Ball: A Royal Night In Photos - New York City, NY Patch

New Post has been published on https://harryandmeghan.xyz/the-64th-international-debutante-ball-a-royal-night-in-photos-new-york-city-ny-patch/

The 64th International Debutante Ball: A Royal Night In Photos - New York City, NY Patch

Have you ever wondered where the ultra-rich and royal find a husband? It used to be the International Debutante Ball in New York City. Today the event is a networking opportunity and family celebration for the high society, so they say, but I’m not convinced. After attending this years 64th Debutante Ball I’m pretty sure some of the ladies took away a new crush on the attending young men. Welcome to the world of the ‘real’ Gossip Girls.

Twenty-two accomplished young women made their debut at the ball and dinner dance at the Pierre Hotel on December 29th. This year’s debutantes represented Belgium, England, France, India, Liechtenstein, Scotland, and nine American states. The Honorary Chairman and sponsor of the event was Ms. Julia Irene Kauffman, and Co-Chairs were Ms. Anne Eisenhower and Mrs. David R. Hamilton.

In today’s Daniela’s Lens, I’ll tell you all about the event from my photographer’s point of view.

1:32 p.m. Uh oh, my dress is ripped. For someone who goes out to black tie events almost every night, I own a disturbingly small number of dresses. Exactly three, to be precise. Why, you ask? Well, it’s the same reason why I live in the crappier part of Jersey City with four roommates, and I have to make a budget plan whenever I need new batteries for my camera. I spend the next hour sewing my dress back together before I make my way to the city to take another glimpse at the world of royals and billionaires.

3:11 p.m. And although this all sounds very cinderellaeske, it doesn’t always feel like it. On my way through Jersey City to the PATH train, I almost get into a brawl of drug dealers heavily fighting each other on the street. I hope they don’t pull out guns. I run in my sneakers, high heels in one hand, holding my long dress up with the other, 40 pounds of camera equipment on my back, heavy wind ruining my blow dry and sweating the makeup off my face, up the hill around the next corner and make a long detour to get away from whatever these thugs are doing.

Miss Aubrienne Krysiewicz-Bell, daughter of Mr. Thomas Bell and Dr. Susan Krysiewicz, representing New York City

5:01 p.m. I arrive at the Pierre Hotel. Some ladies are already here. Aubrienne takes a last look at her white designer dress.

White is the color of the debutantes tonight. And don’t you dare to wear white if you are a guest!

Miss Adelaide Mathilde Escaravage, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Escaravage, Far Hills, representing New Jersey

5:16 p.m. To become a debutante, it’s not enough to be rich. You have to go through a rigorous selection process. The candidate needs to be recommended by a previous debutante and be a “women of distinction” who is highly accomplished in athletics, community service, academics, philanthropy, and charity. And of course, she needs to be able to pay the presentation fee which is around $22.000 (writes the New York Post in 2016).

Miss Catherine d’Andigne, daughter of Comte et Comtesse Arnaud d’Andigné, Paris, France and Miss Daniella Helena Cass, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ronald A. Cass, Great Falls, Virginia

5:22 p.m. Catherine admires Daniella’s dress.

5:31 p.m. We are all ready for the number one high society bash tonight. Even the photographers are dressed up in their best black tie. Only one of them is in jeans and pullover. “Nobody told me about the dress code!” he says a little embarrassed. “I hope they don’t kick me out!” They won’t.

5:32 p.m. White dresses wherever you look!

Miss Daniella Helena Cass

5:34 p.m. It’s time to get ready for the group shot.

5:45 p.m. “Two girls are missing!” says the organizer. And someone says: “Yes, they are not here yet. They are coming from downtown!” “How can you be late to an event you paid many thousands of dollars to attend?” one of the photographers whispers to me. I shrug. “Why is downtown a problem?” I ask. But nobody answers.

Miss Jolie Jacqueline Vanier, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jay David Vanier, Paradise Valley, Arizona

5:46 p.m.

“Let me fix your train”, I say to Jolie and lay out the satin perfectly for the photo. “Tu es jolie, Jolie!” I say and hope I don’t sound weird.

Charlotte Drummond-Herdman and Lexa Drummond of Megginch, daughters of Mr. Giles Herdman and The Honorable Mrs. Drummond-Herdman. Megginch Castle, Errol, Perthshire, Scotland

5:51 p.m.

Ah, Scotland! These ladies live in a real castle! It’s the 15th-century Megginch Castle in Perth and Kinross, in central Scotland.

6:02 p.m. And here come the boys!

Meredith Olivia Shields, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. Stratford Shields, Chicago, Illinois and New York, New York Graysen Leslie Airth, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alan Airth, Newport Beach, California and Emilia McManus, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John McManus, Basking Ridge, New Jersey

6:09 p.m.

Smile!

Dominique Lucile Melcher, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Collins Goff, Ft. Worth, Texas Catherine Fields Coselli, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Stapleton Coselli, Houston, Texas and Miss Olivia Claiborne, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Steven Late, Austin, Texas

6:11 p.m.

They are all from Texas! Beautiful dresses! Beautiful ladies!

6:13 p.m. It’s time for the cocktail hour before the main event starts.

Archduke Michael of Austria, Princess Maria of Liechtenstein, Princess Aurelia of Liechtenstein, daughter of Prince and Princess Hugo of Liechtenstein, Valduz, Liechtenstein and Syrgenstein, Germany and Victoria Gordon.

6:24 p.m. I say hello to Victoria Gordon, who is a friend from California. She was a debutante together with her sister Natalie Gordon at the 60th International Debutante Ball.

A group of German-speaking guests joins us. And because I’m from Germany and my first language is German, I chat away.

Austrians and Liechtensteiners both speak German, and we have the same genetic background which is so very obvious, it’s eerie. Similar hair color, skin color, bone structure and we are all very tall. But my long limbs are weirdly hanging around my body like the Slendermans compared to the grace of the princesses.

“You all look alike!” says Victoria.

“Yeah, I can spot people from around that region in New York from half a mile away,” I say. “When I lived in Germany, I was so used to the people; I thought we all look very different. Only when I started living in a lot more mixed place like New York, I discovered we are all clones over there.”

6:31 p.m. It’s time for the next part of the event.

Miss Jolie Jacqueline Vanier

6:45 p.m. The ladies are taking their places in the ‘receiving line’ also called the ‘assembly line’. That’s code for the debutantes standing in a line waiting to greet the guests. Each one’s representative flag is positioned behind them. The flag is either the one of their home country, state or coat of arms if they are royal.

Miss Elisa Defries and Miss Lara Defries, daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Graham Defries, Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire, England

6:55 p.m. And here are the British ladies!

Miss Axelle Laurent Josi, daughter of Mr. Jean-Louis and Mrs. Stephanie Laurent Josi, Brussels, Belgium and Hong Kong

7:04 p.m. Another German speaking debutante!

Miss Ireland Irving, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred R. Irving, Naples, Florida

7:05 p.m. Hello Florida!

Miss Katherine Louise Benham, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Michael Benham, Princeton, New Jersey

7:06 p.m. All the debutantes are carrying a bouquet of pink roses.

Miss Mary Valentine Apple, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Valentin I. J. Apple, Winston Salem, North Carolina

7:11 p.m. Very beautiful, Miss Apple!

7:45 p.m. It’s dinner time! I’m still running around, taking photos from all angles. Then everybody starts eating.

But for the photographers, this is the hardest part of the evening. Watching other people eat. No matter how much food you had before the event, it’s going to be mouthwatering and painful. Especially because they serve the most exquisite dinners, money can buy at these type of events. I will never get used to it.

Sometimes, when I can’t take the smell of deliciousness anymore, I escape to the restroom and put peppermint oil under my nose.

7:48 p.m. Tonight, I’m in for a surprise.

I stand in the back at the bar together with another photographer when the organizer comes along.

“I’ll have a seat for you in a minute, and you guys can have dinner!” she says to us. I look at the other photographer. We both smile all over our faces. This is the best thing that can possibly happen. Jackpot.

And the banquet manager chimes in: “Do you want some shots while you are waiting? You should do some shots!”

We both politely say thank you but no. Instead, he brings us two glasses of white wine filled all the way to the top. There is half a bottle in each of our glasses.

7:52 p.m. And then we get to eat. The chef serves the most tender cut of beef, a blood-colored, thick slice of premium filet mignon with mashed potato and string beans. It’s so good; I have tears in my eyes while eating. And I’m not exaggerating. A perfectly prepared meal is my number one choice over almost anything. I’m so very thankful.

8:21 p.m. Hi family Gordon!

Miss Nikhar Tandon, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Satyan Tandon, Mumbai, India

8:31 p.m. What a gorgeous dress and a gorgeous lady!

Miss Catherine d’Andigné and Christophe Hauptmann

9:03 p.m. Next up is the main gist of the night: The introduction of the debutantes. Each debutante walks down the aisle escorted by a young man of distinction and accompanied by a song representing her countries national anthem or a song associated with her state or city.

Miss Catherine d’Andigné and Christophe Hauptmann

9:04 p.m. She then walks up the stairs onto the stage and makes a curtsy or bows down, and this is her moment to be formally presented to the social scene — each debutante chooses her unique obeisances.

10:00 p.m. All the girls go on the dancefloor. It’s time to dance with your dads!

Miss Axelle Laurent Josi and her father

10:06 p.m. Of course, these young women know how to do a traditional ballroom dance.

Miss Ella Albright Ekstrom, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Loren Ekstrom, Barrington, Illinois

10:12 p.m. Let’s celebrate!

10:17 p.m. Everybody is loosening up now.

10:23 p.m. This is the Archduke Michael of Austria dancing with the Princess Aurelia of Liechtenstein. They look amazingly beautiful, don’t you think so?

“Where is Liechtenstein?” asks one of the photographers.

“It’s between Austria and Switzerland. It’s tiny.” I say.

Liechtenstein is the size of Brooklyn but with a population of only 38k (Brooklyn has about 2.6 million people) and a lot of medieval castles. It’s the sixth least populated country in the world; even Monaco has more inhabitants.

10:41 p.m. Axelle is the best dancer tonight!

11:09 p.m. Ella found some handsome escorts!

Aubrienne Krysiewicz-Bell

11:13 p.m.

So romantic!

1:00 a.m. Yes, the party is still going strong. But I need a break. I sit down in the back and kick away my high heels. Uh oh, my feet are going to be destroyed tomorrow morning. Let’s have a drink.

1:30 a.m. “Do you want to dance? I’ve seen you working all night, I think you should have some fun!” a man approaches me and asks me for a dance. It’s another ballroom dance, and I really don’t know what I’m doing but trick myself into thinking I’m good enough to fake it. He spins me around the dance floor, and I suddenly feel like Cinderella!

Daniela Kirsch is an entertainment photographer and founder of NameFace— an event photo agency based in New York City. Through her creative expertise and unique visual style, Kirsch not only knows more than a thing or two about photographing A-list events, but is forever changing the way we interact with the entertainment industry. In June 2018, Kirsch teamed up with Patch to launch the photo series Daniela’s Lens, offering weekly features from local events to red carpet magic.

Check out more coverage from Daniela’s Lens here:

Get the New York City newsletter

Source: https://patch.com/new-york/new-york-city/64th-international-debutante-ball-royal-roundup-photos

0 notes

nezzfiction · 8 years ago

Text

ENMY Ch. 29 - The Four Noble Houses

Chapter Synopsis: Previously on ENMY, Mercury and Emerald were "persuaded" to take an assassination contract on one, Qrow Branwen. Trapped between incurring Salem's wrath, betraying Raven, and their own teammate in Yang, their problems grow more and more complicated.

Series Synopsis : Team RWBY is disbanded, and Yang must find herself new allies. For her, yesterday’s enemies are today’s friends(?). Joining up with the likes of Emerald, Mercury, and Neo, the four comprise Team Enemy.

Links to read the series: Ao3 or FF.net

Or hit the jump below

The Four Noble Houses

The crown weighs a heavy burden.

Breaks the minds and hearts of lesser souls.

And steals the life of weaker lords.

Yang opened her eyes, and found herself in the bedroom of a humble cabin.

Three cots laid before her; one big, one medium, one small. She knew who they belonged to. She had loved them, and they had cared for her in return.

Above the headboards, large letters were engraved: W, then B, and lastly R.

But the owners of the beds, weren’t the ones resting in them now. An entirely different kind of people took their place. Dripping porridge all across the sheets as they scarfed their bowls greedily.

“What are you looking at?” Emerald growled.

Mercury, Neo, and Emerald looked like they normally did. That is, except for an odd little feature atop their heads. A pair of bear ears stuck out, round and fluffy-like.

You can destroy them, if they anger you so.

A dour voice crept from Yang’s side.

Her attention drifted there, and saw what used to be her right hand. Now, a limb grossly giant and demonic-looking. Claws and scales dyed with an ebony finish and gold engraves. The hand curled into a fist, seeking a subject for its wanton destruction.

Just as Yang was compelled to move, she felt something fragile cupped in her left palm. She opened her hand, and saw that the thing she held was an egg.

It stopped her and made her think twice. Any violent movement, and the egg would surely crack. A faint warmth emitted from the fragile, little thing.

Then, a break appeared on its pristine shell. Soft clicks could be heard as a beak poked out from within. The chick’s chirps rung pleasant in Yang’s ears. A head of gold peeked out and stared deep into the girl’s eyes.

Demanding Yang’s attention, the beast in her right hand spoke.

I can give you power. Strength unrivaled and unmatched.

And then another voice came, light and veiled.

You can have life.

The tiny chick spoke.

I can give you change.

--------------------------

Yang awoke and came face to face with Neo standing over her. A sight she was fairly used to seeing by now.

The concrete floor of the training room felt cool against her hot back. There was a soreness in her body, but she paid little mind to it. She was accustomed to more serious wounds.

In fact, Yang started to develop a deep dissatisfaction with their practice fights. The hits she took were starting to feel dull and boring. They lacked any true threat in them. And her body and soul craved danger that would push her beyond current limits.

Yang sat up and frowned. Noticing something strange with her hair, she ran her hands through it and found they were tied into pigtails.

“Neo did that. Guess she wanted you two to match,” said the green-haired girl sitting next to her.

A towel hung around Emerald’s shoulders, which she used to wiped the perspiration from her forehead.

Beside her, was Mercury, lying flat on his back. A towel covered his face, giving him the appearance of a corpse. Yang resisted the temptation to light some candles and incense around him.

She stared at her hands, contemplating the dream she had while napping. Her real fingers operated the clamps on her prosthesis and unlatched it from her arm. She momentarily placed Ember Celica to the side and massaged the irritation in her right limb.

“Hey, Em. I can’t help but notice we haven’t had any gigs lately,” Yang started. “Where are the real fights at? I feel like I’m losing my edge just sparring every day.”

“What do you expect? We’re famous now—The Heroes of Dracul,” Emerald grimaced with sarcasm. “Who in their right minds would hire us as common mercenaries after that? Too much liability.”

“I liked it better when we were anonymous.”

“You have no idea.”

“So, no job requests? None? Not even from the military, or Haven?”

“Some small-time stuff for chump change. Not worth our time.”

Yang thought that was a little unusual. They had taken on plenty of jobs for little reward before. Just becoming famous shouldn’t have made such a difference.

“This is fine, isn’t it?” Emerald continued. “The training is better than any experience we’d get hunting Grimm. And the sparring is more challenging than smacking around some washed-up Huntsmen and Huntresses.”

“That’s another thing,” Yang noted. “Since when have you and Mercury been so interested in training? You guys hate putting in extra effort.”

“So many questions. There’s a war on, Yang. I don’t know when we’re going to be sent off to the next major battlefield, and I want to make sure we’re ready for that fight when it comes.”

“You’re lying,” Yang said seriously.

“About what?”

“That’s what I’d like to know. You’re lying, and I can tell.”

“I’m not lying.”

“What are you trying to hide?”

“I’m not hiding anything,” Emerald said with a bite. “I’m warning you. You’re starting to piss me off.”

“Em. Just talk to me. What is it? Does it have something to do with reviving Cinder? I promised you a long time ago I’d help.”

The mention of Cinder triggered Emerald, and she threw Yang a look of pure venom. “You think just because we’re on the same team, you know us?”

“I know enough. You guys are preparing for something. But for what? How come you haven’t told me?”

“You’re deluded. There’s nothing to tell, blondie. And you know what? You want to go out and pick a fight? Go do it—alone. Me, Neo, and Mercury can do without you slowing us down.”

As Emerald got up to storm the hall, Yang reached out to grab her.

“Yang,” Mercury’s voice stopped her mid-motion. His tone, even and serious. “Let her go. I’m asking you.”

“Mercury…”

Emerald strode from the sparring room and left the rest in silence.

Outside, she turned the corner and angrily kicked the first thing she saw. The trashcan flew, spilling garbage all over the floor. Blood rushed her head and made her dizzy. Her breathing became short. The insides of her throat became taut.

I can’t believe I’m wasting my time getting pissed off over this. What do I care?!

I don’t feel guilty about anything!

In her thoughts consumed with anger, Emerald failed to notice a figure behind her.

“Have I caught you at an inconvenient time?”

Emerald wheeled around at the sudden voice, instantly recognizing its owner.

“Oh, it’s you,” Emerald said with deadpan tone. “So, you’re finally coming to collect the lion queen?”

Meanwhile, back in the training hall.

“What is it that you can’t tell me?” Yang asked Mercury.

“It’s nothing.”

“It’s obviously something—something big. We’re a team. You guys told me I was one of you.”

“…”

“And I know that wasn’t a lie.”

Mercury stayed quiet.

Still unsatisfied, Yang turned to Neo. But the small woman only smiled at her. An empty smile that was devoid of emotion. The face she put on when using her silence to dodge an inconvenient subject. It fueled Yang’s frustration further.

She was about to launch into a tirade, when Emerald returned—and not alone.

A familiar looking butler accompanied her. A man with slicked back hair and a long piece of cloth draped over one arm.

Peafowl made a gracious bow. His voice sounded with polite formality.

“Good evening to you all. My employer has cordially requested the presence of Ms. Yang Xiao Long—extended parties also welcome.”

---------------------------

Resting at the heart of Mistral’s capital city, was its House of Parliament.

Centered between the four major districts, the building was filled with busied government officials and politicians. Vassals of noble families walked its halls in arrogantly purposed fashion. Diplomacy and aristocratic supremacy practically seeped from its stone and its foundation.

In its most inner sanctum, a lone chamber stood, where the fate of Mistral hung in the balance.

The room was dark and almost completely empty, save for four towering thrones. The seats of which, were elevated a full story off the ground, like private mountains. Narrow stairs curled from its base. Each throne adorned with a banner and shield of heraldry, marking their faction.

House Argent Claw to the West.

House Vermillion Wing to the South.

House Sable Shell to the North.

House Azure Scale to the East.

It was there, the four leaders of Mistral sat in judgment. The fate or their people, theirs to determine.

By unspoken tradition, only the Heads of each faction were allowed attendance in the chamber. And only in the most exceptional of circumstances was this rule circumvented. Such a case was made by Mistral’s current Prime Minister Argent, as Raven Branwen stood next to his throne.

Amidst their discussion, a plump, balding man commanded their attention. Wearing a business black suit likened to the CEO of a conglomerate, he twiddled a large cigar between his fat fingers. This was the Head of House Sable.

“Now, that present matters have been settled, I’d like to bring one subject into question,” his thin eyes shifted to the Prime Minister, on his right. “I think I speak for the council, when I ask why it was never revealed we could control the Grimm.”

“Surely, you could all guess,” Argent responded, his hands folded before him. “What would you have said, if I proposed using the Grimm to defend the Dracul Isles?”

“We shall never know, because you deemed it unnecessary to inform us.”

“You would have said the risk was too great.”

“We would have requested tests.”

“There were, and you still would have said it was not enough. And in the time it took to confirm its reliability, we would have been pushed on the backfoot of this war. You know this, I know this. Do not lie.” The other three observed him in silent judgment. “I didn’t have the time or the spare effort to persuade you all. So, I decided to prove the application in a manner that would expel all doubts. And at the same time, demonstrate Bean’s absolute control over them.”

“You employed an experimental weapon on a live field of battle without restriction,” Sable spat back. “You manipulated the situation and the outcome, so that your proposals to utilize the Grimm in the future would go uncontested. You’ve made the soldiers and the people dependent on your weapon. Because you knew they would never accept it otherwise.”

“I did what needed to be done to ensure Mistral’s victory. Just as I have by making alliances with the White Fang, I saw to it that our Kingdom would never fall to the likes of Atlas or Vale!”

“Dress it however you like, Prime Minister, but the word that sums it up is exploitation. You exploited Mistral’s people and used their lives and fears as you saw fit. Such an act is usually called, Treason.”

“DO NOT ACCUSE ME OF TREASON!!” Argent roared and pounded his fist on his armrest. “I fight for our Kingdom with all my heart and soul! Even for an ingrate like you, I would gladly bear any sin or resort to whatever measure to see you safe, if not for you to carry out your duty to Mistral. You do not accuse me of treason...”

“Enough,” a female voice cut through the both of them.

The woman was dressed in flowing red garments and possessing of long-curled eye lashes. Heavy gold rings encircled her wrists, but never shifted clumsily. A feat that eluded to a strength hidden in her slim arms. She was the Head of House Vermillion.

“Any reprimand for crimes committed during the war can wait until after it. We should only discuss what is pertinent to the here and now.”

“This is pertinent to the here and now,” Sable pressed. “Our Prime Minister is abusing his power, and if it is not addressed sooner, we may never see an end to his term.”

Vermillion weighed his words and found some truth in them.

She turned to Argent. “You have been granted an extended term, due to the occurrence of the war. I believe, if you explained your plans for transitioning power, Sable would not be so…agitative. And the rest of us could proceed with more ease.”

“You suspect me of power hunger? You truly think I would throw away our Kingdom’s traditions just to inflate myself?”

“Then, please. Dispel our doubts, Argent.”

“There is no foreseeable future for me to step down as Prime Minister. Not until this war is won.”

“The war has reached a stable impasse,” Sable interrupted. “Now, is the time to resume the cycle.”

“Now?! That is ridiculous!”

“What say the rest of the Houses?”

Argent looked at the other two. “You two cannot possibly agree. If leadership is to be transferred to House Sable now, we’d lose immeasurable ground against Atlas and Vale. Sable would adopt a defensive stance. Mistral must soon launch an offensive of its own in the coming months. This is no time to continue the cycle!”

“A disquiet forms amongst our people,” Vermillion said with a patient tone. “They worry House Argent will not release their hands on power. In all of Mistral’s history, no faction or Head of House, has ever possessed as much influence as you do now. Even if we are not worried, the ones below are not so easily tided over.”

“This is outrageous. I will let go of my seat and usher the cycle’s continuation, but only when this war is done.”

“And when will that be, Argent? I am not in complete agreement with Sable, but the longer your reign continues, the more space grows between the cracks. Vassals of your faction have begun exercising their new influence in less than decent manners. Our people have felt this. And the members of my household, who I am responsible for have felt this too.”

“I-It cannot be helped. You have my word, I will distribute punishment to anyone abusing their positions. But this and the issue of leadership are separate.”

“Perhaps, if I could offer a solution,” a youthful voice spoke up.

The young boy was dressed in a formal hakama dyed in dark sapphire. An ornamental hat sat upon his head, that draped yellow tassels and beads. He was only fourteen years old, but regardless, he was the Interim-Head of House Azure.

“Would it be possible to share the Prime Minister seat, and then transition?”

“A naïve idea,” Argent shook his head. “Only chaos would stem from a split command. Our army and our nation must stand under a united front, under one leader.”

“Then, perhaps a form of oversight by House Vermillion, who is impartial to the current succession?”

“The other three Houses are the oversight, young Azure. You are new to your duty—I understand. But you must know that the council of four keeps each other in check. You and the others have the right to question and refute my methods, just as I reserve the right to defend them.”

“Until we no longer have the power carry out that duty,” Sable added. “A time that is quickly dawning upon us.”

“I’ve had enough of this. You argue principle and cast accusation, but you are the most corrupt of all. The only reason you advocate for the cycle to continue is so that your House can regain influence. This meeting is adjourned,” Argent stood from his chair and began to making his way down.

“This is not over, Argent! You will be held accountable by this council!”

“If you wish to detain me, you may try, but I would not advise it. I bid you all fair health until the next council meeting. I will be looking forward to it.”

The Prime Minister made his way out of the chamber, Raven following in his wake.

A small glance was spared to the Head of Vermillion. Their eyes met, and Raven blinked away as the two exited out to the halls.

“Those ignorant fools,” Argent muttered. “Are they truly so blind to the plight we face?”

“I’ll be honest, Argent. I wasn’t too happy when you kept Bean a secret from me either.”

“But you understand why I had to take the steps I did.”

“Yeah, but it doesn’t mean I have to like it. I still think you’re playing with fire.”

“We face the might of the other Kingdoms and a Witch that commands calamity at her fingertips. Having my hands burned is the least of my worries.”

“Salem—she won’t stay quiet for long. And I doubt she believes we’re still her allies.”

“I must ask, are you sure Temujin will not enter the fray?”

“Not unless someone attacks Vacuo first. Make no mistake, Salem is the real threat.”

“Indeed,” Argent scratched his beard. “The other Heads remain unwary of the threat the Witch represents. Complacent they are in thinking she will stay on her little island forever.”

“That, or…”

“Hm,” he nodded. “We are of the same mind.”

“Tread careful, Argent. We don’t know who Salem’s won over to her side.”

“The obvious suspect being Sable.”

Raven gave a sharp exhale in annoyance. “I hate politics.”

The Prime Minister gave her a long look. A hint of doubt traced his face.

“You would stop me, if I strayed from the correct course of action, would you not?”

“Without hesitation,” she answered. “I’d cut you down. So, trust in the path you’re walking, Argent.

You have the responsibility to see this through to the end.”

-----------------------

It was entering the late afternoon, when Team ENMY and Peafowl crossed into the Vermillion District.

Much like the Sable District, which Mercury and Emerald had visited previously, the whole place seemed to reek of high society. They could see it in the mansions, the tailor-fit clothes, the unexplainable amount of water fountains, and the shining cars driven on wide streets.

It gave the team a stifling feeling to be around others that lived such lives so foreign to what they knew. And to make matters stranger, Team ENMY was actually dressed to fit right in.

As per his employer’s instruction, Peafowl drove the four in a luxury limousine that matched the neighborhood they drove through. While Mercury and Emerald donned the uniforms Haven Academy reserved for formal events, Yang was “persuaded” to wear a long white dress, a proper lady would usually have for tea. Neo, on the other hand, had a maid costume, which gave her the impression of Yang’s personal attendant.

Yang scooched beside Mercury, and started whispering in his ear.

“Hey. Do you know what this is about?”

“I have an idea.”

“Another thing you guys can’t tell me?”

“No. You’ve just never asked. But you really don’t know? Raven or Emerald haven’t told you yet?”

“What? What does my mom have to do with this?”

“I’m not really the one you want to talk to. I don’t have the whole picture. Just ask Em.”

“Fine. I will.”

Yang paused for a second. The issue of her and Emerald exploding on each other last night still hung in the air. A little sleep and some time had passed, but she didn’t know if it was enough to forgive and forget—or more accurately, forget by indifference.

Regardless, she crossed the limo’s seats to the other side where Emerald sat.

“Hey, Em.”

“Hello, Yang. What do you want?” the girl asked without looking at her. Emerald’s hand tucked under her chin, staring out the window.

“Okay, so I put on the dress and am now allowing myself to be kidnapped to who knows where. Can you at least let me know what this is about? Is it related to the other thing?”

“For the last time, there is no ‘other thing’,” Emerald groaned. “What do you know about Mistral’s governing body?”

“Parliament? Well, the Prime Minister is Argent Claw, right?”

“Yes, very good,” she praised sarcastically.

“Shut up. What do you want me to say?”

“Why don’t you try telling me what you know, so I can tell you what you don’t know, without wasting my breath? Think of it as a test. Starting with Parliament’s formation and structure.”

“O…kay.”

Yang took a deep breath.

It’s commonly believed that Mistral was the first true city of civilization.

Its government is run by Parliament, which is the collective leadership of the Four Noble Houses: Argent, Azure, Sable, and Vermillion.

The history books say that when the Kingdom was still young, the people had trouble coping with the changing seasons. This was integral, because depending on what time of the year it was; food, living style, labor, and even the species of Grimm varied drastically. Especially on the continent of Mistral, where they experienced the extremes of every season. They had the hottest summers, the coldest winters, and everything in between.

To combat this problem, the ancestors of Mistral formulated a solution.

It was to have different leaders and factions in charge of managing each different season. The Heads of their respective clans became the undisputed ruler of the whole, during their assigned term of the year. This position would one day become the seat of Prime Minister.

As time went on and technology advanced, surviving the changing seasons became less difficult, and the constant switching of leadership became troublesome. So, instead of trading off every few months in a year, they began cycling Prime Ministers every four years. The order still remained since ancient times, and so did the Four Noble Houses.

Azure – Spring

Vermillion – Summer

Argent – Fall

Sable – Winter

There was even a strange rumor that at one point in time, the leaders of Mistral were once the Four Maidens of story.

So, Mistral thrived under this system of governance. It wasn’t perfect. For one thing, the Kingdom worked on a strict caste system. Meaning the poor usually stayed poor, and the rich usually stayed rich. Origins of birth and reputation determined almost everything, with little chance to advance society’s ranks.

At the pinnacle, the Four Noble Houses commanded the families below them. Vassals closer to the original bloodline had distinctly greater chances of becoming the Head of their faction, a position that most craved. When a leader rose to the top, they took on the name of the main Household. Ergo, the present Vermillion Wing took over and was named such, after the previous Vermillion Wing retired.

While the Houses no longer governed a specific season, they did begin focusing on their own specialties to the benefit of society.

Azure concentrated on agriculture, development, and held many positions in the governing body.

Vermillion focused on civil affair and law. Many politicians fall under this house.

Argent became known for contributions to the military. They raised and bred various army officers.

And Sable took responsibility over logistical matters concerning the treasury and government resources.

It’s not to say that they only specialized in their respective fields. Their members took occupations in a variety of different trades. But it was what they became known for.

Currently, the Prime Minister of the Mistral Kingdom was Argent Claw. Although, the man was only to hold his position for a term of four years, an extension was made. This was due to the emergence of the Second Great War.

Along with a number of questionable decisions made during his time as Prime Minister, the ones that stand out the most are the allegiances made with the White Fang, specifically with Raven Branwen and Adam Taurus; and the decision to use Grimm as a military asset. There is also a growing list of Faunus rights being approved and passed in Parliament, many on the forced word of Argent. Some say this was done as part of a deal with the White Fang, while others believe he is trying to generate approval in an untapped population.

In any case, there is a large consensus arguing for and against the idea of continuing the cycle of leadership and Argent vacating his seat.

Yang slowed her breath after ending her explanation.

“Not bad for the highlights. I thought you knew a lot less,” Emerald gave the offhand compliment. “You know the names of the families underneath the Noble Houses?”

“Uh…not really. Aren’t there hundreds?”

“Yeah, wouldn’t expect you to. Funnily enough, one of them is ‘Peacock’,” she glanced at their driver. “Usually the ones with bird names fall under the jurisdiction of Vermillion.”

“Oh!” The thought clicked for Yang. “So, Peafowl is—“

But another thought stopped her from finishing the sentence. One of the things they heard the butler mention was of his employer not being the House of Vermillion.

“Well, there are reasons why someone could be exiled or removed from their faction. Peafowl isn’t the first, and he won’t be the last. In fact…” Emerald smirked. “…another family name pops to mind, when I think about exiles.”

She looked at Yang straight-on, for the first time since their argument.

“It was the Branwen family.”

The car pulled through a grand gate and into a wide courtyard.

What lay ahead of them was the residence belonging to the Head of Vermillion Wing.

#rwby #yang xiao long #mercury black #emerald sustrai #neopolitan #rwby fanfiction #rwby au #ENMY

2 notes · View notes

original-character-archives · 8 years ago

Photo

Name: Salem Xander Perov Age & Date of birth: 31/10, 18 Species: Human Gender: Transgender Male Orientation: Biromantic Demihomosexual

CW for bio: Abusive parent, transphobia, manslaughter

Biography: Salem’s had a pretty hard life of it, pre the start of the story. He was born to Rosa and Omari Ammon, and had two siblings, twins Pendle and Triora, who were 4 years older than him. From childhood, he questioned his identity and gender, a struggle that wasn’t made any easier by his abusive father. It was at age 8 that he came out - to his mother and siblings - as transgender, but his siblings didn’t grasp the complexities of Omari finding out, so they let slip the fact accidentally. Repeatedly, he was told “boys don’t do ballet”, and other such things, but that never stopped him from dancing; a passion that persists his entire life.

Later on that year, a nasty incident hit the family. Whilst playing near their house, Triora was pushed into the road and hit by a car, leaving her paralysed from the waist down. Tension in the household ran high as they attempted to accommodate and pay for Triora’s new needs, and an already stressed Omari took it all out on the three children. This came to a head when he knocked Tri out of her chair, and Salem defended her by pushing Omari away, down the stairs. He got off with mostly minor injuries, but left the family there and then. Of course, this came as somewhat of a relief for the four, especially Rosa, who had grown more defiant of his behaviour recently.

From then on, things were on the up, but not perfect just yet. Family life was improving, for sure; Pendle got accepted into a great uni, and Tri was well on her way to becoming a professional swimmer, Rosa began a charity, and Salem was doing well in school. The trouble came now from Salem’s girlfriend. He was 13 when he met her, and her friends, who were all in the range of 17-18. Naturally, it was a fairly unhealthy relationship. She and her friends basically bullied him, excusing it all with things like, “This is how you act if you’re a mature.” This too, came to bad end for Salem. Some of his “girlfriend’s” friends took it too far one day, and started beating him up. That wasn’t especially new; they got out of hand when she didn’t keep them in check. However, this time Salem stood up for himself, which led to them chasing him, and eventually to another stair-related incident. One of his pursuers caught up, and he pushed him away, causing him to fall down a set of steps, killing him near instantly. It was a traumatic experience. of course, and the legal complications only served to make it worse. In the end, he was sentenced to two years of various work to assure nothing like that would ever happen again, along with enough therapy for a lifetime.

After this, his life did begin to improve. He got top surgery as soon as he was able, and got into the same university that Pendle had gone to. He doesn’t have a full time job - Rosa covers his fees mostly - but at the holidays, he goes home and works in a local coffee shop. At the start of the story, that’s where Piccolo first meets him, in fact.

Appearance: Salem is pretty tall, around 6′, and fairly thin, but lean too. That comes from his high levels of activity, mixed with a sometimes patchy (university student) diet. He has long, copper red hair - that’s his Egyptian heritage showing through - and grey, thin rimmed glasses. He doesn’t smile a lot, but when he does, it’s a fairly shy smile, but you can tell its genuine. A lot of the time, he has pretty heavy bags under his auburn eyes. Another thing to mention is his tattoos; he has constellations all over his chest and back, and some even have snaked down onto his arms, though he tries his best to keep them hidden when he’s dancing.

As for clothes, Salem’s a pretty snappy dresser. He has smart formal down to a t, and knows just how to add a little bit of quirkiness to it. Say he’s wearing his usual shirt and jeans combo; he’ll finish it off with a quirky tie, or odd socks. He also has a love of oversized, super warm jumpers, and anything in autumn tones.

Personality: Salem is a good person, despite what he might say about himself. He may be slightly cold and offish at first, but he warms up to people pretty quickly. Though he is an introvert at heart, he spends a lot of time around people, mainly at parties - they seem to comfort him somehow, even if he does need his time to recharge after. He’s also a huge cuddler. If you were to offer him a hug, you’d not be let go of for at least a couple of minutes. However, it’s important to not that he isn’t totally ‘pure’, perhaps. He does struggle a lot with something of a vain god complex, feeling like people should love him, no matter what. He is aware it’s unhealthy, and working to fight it, but sometimes it wins. At the same time, he has somewhat crippling self-worth issues, and somewhat of an angry, even violent streak, though that is extremely rare, especially at present. Most of this, of course, stems from his childhood traumas, and the depression that they caused. Despite his flaws, he is warm and loving, and deeply loyal when it comes to his friends

Favourite & Least Favourite things: Salem loves ballet, both watching and performing, as I’ve already mentioned. He also believes that there’s nothing better than curling up with a book some days, especially if there’s Chinese food to go with it. By contrast, he hates alcohol (a lot of Omari’s worst moments were when he was drunk), sudden loud noises, and studying business. The third of them is fairly unfortunate, as that’s what he got influenced into taking at university. Rosa didn’t mean to, but the pressure to perform as well as Triora and Pendle pushed him into taking a subject he was good at, not one that he enjoyed.

Strengths and Weaknesses: Salem’s determination is his strongest feature. He will not give up; he’s suffered too much for that - he’d say. Another strength is, funnily enough, his strength. Having trained as a ballerino most of his life, he’s built up a lot of body strength. He’s the one people go to when they need a jar opened, or a door kicked in - y’know, usual university stuff. His weaknesses lie mostly in his mental state, as I described in the personality bit, but one thing I didn’t mention is how easily he gets addicted to things. Usually, the phases don’t last long, but when they’re there, they’re intense and all consuming. He’s lucky it hasn’t led to worse than a 48 hour party as of yet.

Additional notes: If you want to learn more about him, go to @professorinkwell and find my OC page! You can also ask me questions here, of course!

#abs ocs #admin ocs #artists on tumblr #comics on tumblr #original #original character #writers on tumblr #abs talks

12 notes · View notes

underabr0kensky · 7 years ago

Text

a thing about things about a thing (me)

1. Would you have sex with the last person you text messaged? At one time yes, but now she’s kinda like my sister. And she’s married. 2. You talked to an ex today, correct? Yeah, it was a weird conversation. 3. Have you taken someones virginity? Nope. 4. Is trust a big issue for you? Yep. I don’t trust you. 5. Did you hang out with the person you like recently? Nah, I haven’t seen her since 2015. 6. What are you excited for? Hopefully maybe possibly getting to have casual conversations with her again sometime soonishly. 7. What happened tonight? It’s not tonight yet. But nothing will happen, I’ll probably drink some bourbon and finish watching ‘Salem’s Lot. 8. Do you think it’s disgusting when girls get really wasted? I think it’s disgusting when anyone gets really wasted if they can’t handle their shit. 9. Is confidence cute? Yeah, it’s adorable. 10. What is the last beverage you had? Baja Blast motherfucker. 11. How many people of the opposite sex do you fully trust? Like...five. 12. Do you own a pair of skinny jeans? Yeah, but they don’t fit anymore and I wouldn’t wear them even if they did. 13. What are you gonna do Saturday night? I’ll probably be playing drunk Pathfinder on Saturday. 14. What are you going to spend money on next? Gas, most likely. 15. Are you going out with the last person you kissed? Nope. Bitch is a psycho. 16. Do you think you’ll change in the next 3 months? Yeah, and I hope my life changes too. 17. Who do you feel most comfortable talking to about anything? That would probably be Hanna. 18. The last time you felt broken? Yesterday lol. 19. Have you had sex today? I haven’t had sex since 2016, fuck you. 20. Are you starting to realize anything? Yep, realizing I’m still very much in love with her. 21. Are you in a good mood? For once, yes. 22. Would you ever want to swim with sharks? Hell yeah. Dogs of the sea. 23. Are your eyes the same color as your dad’s? I’m not sure, I don’t think so. 24. What do you want right this second? To message her. 25. What would you say if the person you love/like kissed another girl/boy? I mean I know it’s happened since we’ve been broken up. So yeah it fucking sucks. 26. Is your current hair color your natural hair color? Yep. 27. Would you be able to date someone who doesn’t make you laugh? Hell no. I need giggles in my life. 28. What was the last thing that made you laugh? Louis CK. 29. Do you really, truly miss someone right now? God, yes. So much. 30. Does everyone deserve a second chance? Not everyone. But most people, I think. 31. Honestly, do you hate the last boy you were talking to? Not unless he’s being a drunk dumbass. 32. Does the person you have feelings for right now, know you do? Oh yeah, she knows. 33. Are you one of those people who never drinks soda? Fuck no, I drink too much soda. 34. Listening to? Don’t Fear the Reaper by Blue Oyster Cult. 35. Do you ever write in pencil anymore? Sometimes, usually when we’re playing Pathfinder. 36. Do you know where the last person you kissed is? Nope, I couldn’t care less. 37. Do you believe in love at first sight? No, but I definitely believe in like at first sight. 38. Who did you last call? Uhh...Nicole I think. 39. Who was the last person you danced with? Fuck, it was probably Jess. 40. Why did you kiss the last person you kissed? Because I was lonely as shit. 41. When was the last time you ate a cupcake? I have no idea, long ago. 42. Did you hug/kiss one of your parents today? Nope. 43. Ever embarrass yourself in front of a crush? So many fucking times. 44. Do you tan in the nude? I don’t tan period. 45. If you could, would you take back your last kiss? I mean, not really. She’s crazy, but it’s not like taking it back would change anything. 46. Did you talk to someone until you fell asleep last night? Nope. 47. Who was the last person to call you? The recruiter from my new job lol. 48. Do you sing in the shower? Sometimes. 49. Do you dance in the car? All the time. 50. Ever used a bow and arrow? When I was kid. I was bad at it. 51. Last time you got a portrait taken by a photographer? Probably sometime in high school. Shit, maybe before that. 52. Do you think musicals are cheesy? No fuck you, I love musicals. 53. Is Christmas stressful? Fuck yes, especially if you work retail. 54. Ever eat a pierogi? Yeah, they’re pretty good. 55. Favorite type of fruit pie? Pumpkin. 56. Occupations you wanted to be when you were a kid? Demolition derby driver and paleontologist. 57. Do you believe in ghosts? I’d like to, but I’ve seen no firsthand proof. 58. Ever have a Deja-vu feeling? Constantly. 59. Take a vitamin daily? Nope, but I probably should. 60. Wear slippers? Nah. 61. Wear a bath robe? Nah. 62. What do you wear to bed? T-shirt and boxers usually, sometimes just boxers, very rarely nothing. 63. First concert? Parkway Drive with Escape Plan, Every Time I Die, and Killswitch Engage. 64. Wal-Mart, Target or Kmart? Fuck all of them, but fuck Walmart in particular. Target, I guess. 65. Nike or Adidas? I give no fucks. 66. Cheetos Or Fritos? Fritos. 67. Peanuts or Sunflower seeds? Peanuts. 68. Favorite Taylor Swift song? Wildest Dreams. Or King of My Heart. Or maybe Teardrops on My Guitar. Idk, I love most of her music. 69. Ever take dance lessons? Not formally, no. 70. Is there a profession you picture your future spouse doing? Nope, as long as she’s happy doing whatever she wants and we can support each other. 71. Can you curl your tongue? Yep, helps when I play harmonica. 72. Ever won a spelling bee? Multiple times. 73. Have you ever cried because you were so happy? That actually happened yesterday. 74. What is your favorite book? I have no idea. Maybe Bag of Bones by Stephen King. 75. Do you study better with or without music? With, but only if it’s instrumental, like a movie soundtrack or classical. 76. Regularly burn incense? I used to, I need to get back into it. 77. Ever been in love? Yes. I still am. 78. Who would you like to see in concert? Many people. Children of Bodom more than anyone. 79. What was the last concert you saw? A bunch of local bands. 95% of them were awful. 80. Hot tea or cold tea? Fuck tea. 81. Tea or coffee? Fuck both of them. 82. Favorite type of cookie? Raisin cookies bitch. 83. Can you swim well? I can swim well enough to not die if I fall into a body of water. 84. Can you hold your breath without holding your nose? Yep. 85. Are you patient? Depends on the situation. 86. DJ or band, at a wedding? Band. My band. Playing a death metal cover of some 50s love song. 87. Ever won a contest? Yep. Got a limo ride in kindergarten because of that. 88. Ever have plastic surgery? Fuck no. 89. Which are better black or green olives? Fuck olives. 90. Opinions on sex before marriage? Who the fuck cares what two consenting adults do as long as it’s safe? 91. Best room for a fireplace? Living room. 92. Do you want to get married? Yes, eventually.

#survey #about me #yay

0 notes