#hes just such a deeply inconsiderate person and i have a lot of trouble being patient with someone like that!

[cielosuerte]

hitting my head on the wall really hard over and over rn bc one of my roommates genuinely feels like he was put on this earth to make me a worse person

[words-after-midnight]

For STS: do you know your OCs' astrological signs? If so, how well do they fit the characters' personalities?

Thanks anon and sorry for the delay!! I'll do the main gang from Life in Black and White because they're mostly the ones I know full birthdays for.

ETA: putting this under a cut bc it got long as hell, lol.

Gabriel (protagonist) - DOB: August 4th, 1983 - Leo

Some key traits, according to the Internet: Confident, comfortable being the center of attention, drama-adoring, ambitious, loyal, fiercely protective, generous, luxury-loving, sunny, big-hearted, can be self-centered.

Verdict: Not a very good fit. 🤣 He can be ambitious, but has very fluctuating - and often fleeting - motivation for most things. He's very loyal and protective if he's attached to you (those folks are a special few, and I'd say "fiercely protective" has only ever applied to him wrt one person). Can be generous, can be self-centered. I'd say the other traits don't apply AT ALL.

Jeff (antagonist) - DOB: February 19th, 1983 - Pisces

Some key traits, according to the Internet: Compassionate, creative/artistic, deeply emotional, especially empathic, perceptive, and often inclined to throw themselves into caring for others at all costs.

Verdict: LMFAO NO. This could literally not be further from his personality. He's actually the polar opposite of some of these. "Especially empathetic?" "Deeply emotional?" The... this man has never met empathy (saying that neutrally, not in a derogatory or negative way) and has the emotional capacity of a fucking toothpick. It's actually a whole thing. It gets him into a lot of trouble. Frequently. I'll definitely give him "creative," but more in an imaginative/thinking outside the box way than an artistic way. Caring? No. He's often inconsiderate of others - not always purposefully, and he can be pretty good at making you think he's being considerate, but 100% if he's doing that it's a performance and there's an agenda. I'd say he's perceptive for sure. He can pick up on emotional cues from other people pretty easily.

Jenna (confidant) - DOB: May 30th, 1981 - Gemini

Some key traits, according to the Internet: Flexible, extroverted, playful, intellectual, curious, fun to be around, clever, can be impulsive and nosy.

Verdict: Overall solid fit! These mostly fit with her personality. She's a very social person, a good conversationalist, and is typically well-liked in her circles. The only one I'd say doesn't fit her so much is "intellectual" - not because she isn't smart, she's very clever and picks up on things quickly. She's just more of a hands-on learner than "book smart," per se, and prefers work and hobbies that involve more direct engagement. She can definitely be nosy, and impulsivity is a big issue for her.

Daphne (major supporting character) - DOB: September 17th, 1980 - Virgo

Some key traits, according to the Internet: Perfectionist, logical/pragmatic, practical, loyal, good friend and partner, can have a one-track mind.

Verdict: Actually a pretty good fit. She has a temper and can react emotionally depending on the situation, but as far as her general approach to life, she's definitely more on the pragmatic/practical side. She has by far the best head on her shoulders and the best problem-solving skills in this group. She's a good person to have on your side in a crisis. Really devoted friend and kind person, but not someone who will bullshit you or tell you what you want to hear. Perfectionist is also accurate - as a child, she was a top student, and she was in competitive dance for many years. As a young adult, self-improvement and actualization are important to her.

Thanks again for the ask, this was fun! Also, if any of my followers/anyone who sees this want(s) to reblog this and share how Zodiac signs relate to their OCs' personalities, I'm super curious. 👀

[autisticbisexualemaskye]

💖😋❓ ALL hera wolf 359 >:)

OMG i didnt even see this till now ok

💖- Happy headcanon: a headcanon taht makes me hapy is that she is autistic :) and alsoooo i think um i think her and eris could be friends even

😋- Funny/stupid headcanon: she has every copypasta ever in that jokerish little brain of hers and she can quote them at will :)

❓- Anything else you want!: ummmm kinda mad that herapler never gets explored in canon or in fanon. bc like. i think heras relationship to the si-5 is soo like. interesting when compared to the rest of the crew and they never really have her interact with anyone except maxwell. obviously her and jacobi dont get along post desperate times/desperate measures and tbfh i dont think they would get along before that even because jacobi is sort of like. okay if i elaborate this will becoe a post abt jacobi but i think like. hera is a character who is very very used to being othered. even among the ppl she considers friends. and with maxwell and kepler at least they treat her like. a person, you know? (even jacobi but. again were not getting into him here) and i think thats very. refreshing to her. but like. add that on top of the fact that theyre supposed to be her enemies-- because shes on the side of the hephaestus crew, obviously, but is she really? or did everyone just kind of assume that because she was their friend she was on their side and shared their goals without putting any real thought into her wants or emotions. and this sort of comes up later when she tells them she doesnt want to go back to earth, but i think those emotions had been building up for a while esp with the unresolved tension from their earlier treatment of her. and i think where maxwell works really well as a foil to eiffl wrt to hera, kepler works REALLY well as a foil to minkowskis treatment of her. because at the beginning of the series, minkowski doesnt... respect her crew. she doesnt trust them to do their jobs (re: sound and the fury) and kepler is pretty much... the opposite of that. like he doesnt *trust* the hephaestus crew exactly but to some extent he trusts their competence and ability to do their jobs until proven otherwise. and in a lot of respects that pretty much what hera was looking for i think. but on the other hand minkowski is a very genuine person and leader i think, whereas kepler has no issue manipulating people and like. obviously the things he orders maxwell to do to her in dt/dm are like. very egregious violations of her autonomy and like. yeah minkwoksi is kind of inconsiderate sometimes but she would never do anything like that. and oh god sorry this is getting sooo long but tldr; i just think that like. the juxtaposition of heras relationship with the hephaestus crew as people who care about her deeply as a friend but still have trouble respecting her as . a person and an ai and her relationships with the si-5 who respect her as a person but turn out to absolutely have no problem hurting and manipulating her for the sake of their jobs is like. interesting actually we should talk abt it more. and maybe this analysis is super off base but liek. thats why i wanna talk about it !!!!!!! someone come argue with me abt this please

[pidayforpi]

“Little Joy”

(Some, uh, Fethsteel (and a bit Magicstone)...for your enjoyment...)

(Can be read as friendship or more. Whatever suits you, buddy.)

(Actually, this applies to all my other works involving any appropriate relationship, e.g. Alistarling, Baffy...)

(Also...Perhaps extremely out-of-character...I have never worked with these characters...(except Fethry, who...may also be OOC)) 

———————————————————————

“T-thank you s-so much for t-tagging along...”

Fethry said to the hulking rooster walking next to him. He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly, looking away from his companion.

“I-it m-must be so embarrassing f-for you to be d-doing such c-childish activity...”

Steelbeak smiled at the shorter duck, patting him on his shoulder.

“It’s okay. I enjoyed it.”

——————————————————————

On a spring morning, Fethry Duck and Steelbeak went to the beaches of Duckburg for clam digging.

As early as two weeks ago, Fethry had asked Steelbeak out for harvesting clams together. It was an annual event for Fethry, but a fresh new one for Steelbeak. After all, why would a F.O.W.L. agent have the time (and passion) to do such harmless stuff?

Two weeks ago, Fethry was anxiously on his phone, constantly looking back to see if anyone was eavesdropping. Countless thoughts invaded his mind while the phone beeped: Will he be busy? Does he work on Saturdays? Will he be...planning to attack his family on that day?

When his new friend picked up the call, Fethry told him his proposal, asking him whether he would be free for a clam digging day (with heavy, heavy stuttering, of course). Fethry’s ears were too red to clearly hear if the recipient agreed to hang out. He didn’t even know if his friend could hear what the event was about, given his serious stutters. It wasn’t until the rooster showed up at the shores of Duckburg that Fethry knew his friends really did listen to and accept his invitation.

For the first time in a decade, Fethry had someone to accompany him on his silly little annual activity.

And so, two adults spent a Saturday  morning on the muddy ground, along with many families around them. The beach was filled with the laughter of children, while the duo silently collected one clam after another.

But for Fethry, his heart was bumping loudly. Every time he heard children laughing, or saw children running across the beach barefoot, Fethry felt a bit more regretful, blaming himself for inviting Steelbeak to this idiotic event. He was a secret agent of F.O.W.L.! Feared, cruel, malevolent! How much pride did Steelbeak swallow for his friend? How much of his image did he risk being tainted by accepting his friend’s request?

Not to mention the tired expression clearly visible in Steelbeak’s eyes. He must be a night person. It wasn’t a surprise. He was the one to act in the shadows, after all. But Fethry further chastised himself for being inconsiderate.

Although Steelbeak was wearing a smile with his shovel in hand, Fethry couldn’t help but feel deeply guilty.

——————————————————————

An hour later, the duo left the beaches with a small net of clams. The shells clanked against each other, producing clicking sounds in addition to the two pairs of footsteps.

Although both of them weren’t the talkative type, Fethry felt rather nervous for the lack of conversations in the morning. He rubbed the locks of hair sticking out of his stocking cap with his right thumb and index finger, while holding the bag of clams close to his body with his other hand. He took a peek at his partner: Steelbeak wasn’t frowning or sulking, but Fethry still felt uncomfortable in his heart. Was he embarrassed? Was he mad? Fethry looked down at the pebbled plaza floor, biting his lower lips.

Then he suddenly stopped.

Steelbeak quickly noticed his friend staying behind, and turned around to see what’s wrong. Fethry held his head down, eyes darting everywhere but Steelbeak’s line of vision.

Before Steelbeak could ask, Fethry had mumbled his concerns.

“I...I am so sorry, Steely...” Fethry muttered, just loud enough for Steelbeak to hear.

“W-what’s wrong?” Steelbeak was surprised by his friend’s sudden apology. He had no much social experience than Fethry had. Was it something he had done wrong?

“I was so s-selfish...I j-just wanted someone to accompany m-me for once, b-but I only thought for m-myself...You d-don’t like c-clam digging at all, d-do you? You h-hadn’t t-tried i-it because you d-don’t like it...” Fethry started to whimper, holding the clams even closer to himself.

“I humiliated you...Embarrassed you...J-just because I w-wanted s-someone to accompany me...You don’t even have your disguise on!”

It was true. Steelbeak right now was only wearing a t-shirt with a nylon jacket for torso, a pair of sports trousers and sports shoes for legs and feet. His face was entirely exposed, including his abnormal metal beak.

This was the first time the secret agent hanged out with his friend without wearing incognito. And it was Fethry who encouraged him to do so. Despite knowing his position, Fethry believed one should feel no shame for being in the public. But for Steelbeak to go undisguised holding a colourful shovel, searching for clams with a bunch of kids around? Fethry suddenly felt how hard it had to be for Steelbeak to comply.

Although he was supposed to be a “secret” agent, meaning no one should know he was a member of a criminal mastermind organisation, nobody knew for sure whether anyone would recognise Steelbeak. At the very least, his beak would arouse a certain level of suspicion.

“I am so sorry...I am so sorry...” Fethry did his best to hold back tears, despite feeling extremely regretful for hurting his new friend. Who accepted his invitation. An invitation not even his dear cousin Donald would accept.

Steelbeak got down to Fethry’s level with a warm smile. “I enjoyed it. Really.”

Fethry blinked a few times, before slowly raising his head to look at the smiling rooster.

“I hadn’t tried anything like that, but it was fun. Let’s do it again sometimes,  okay?”

“You...don’t think it was...silly...?” Fethry looked at the should-be menacing rooster, doubting the agent collecting intel in an enemy base would be down to collecting clams on a beach.

“It was silly, but I like it. Feth, you know...Ever since I got...this job, I hadn’t taken up any hobby. I hadn’t had any fun. Until I met you, and you introduced me to so many activities.”

It was Steelbeak’s turn to look away, while Fethry tilted his head curiously.

“I...uh...had a lot of fun...Thanks, Feth...”

Though a bit awkward, Fethry still felt his heart soothed by Steelbeak’s words of gratitude. Steelbeak must be the type who seldom show much emotions to others. He probably hadn’t thanked anyone before meeting Fethry, whether he felt grateful or not.

“Besides...” Steelbeak attempted to pull off his suave, yet intimidating persona. “You promised me a clam chowder meal, didn’t you? Hm?” But to put up this obviously fake facade in front of his genuine friend, even the rooster laughed at himself.

Fethry regained his smile, nodding his head cheerfully. “O-of course, Steely!”

Then his heart again bumped faster when he thought of another concern.

“I am g-glad you are having f-fun too, b-but...w-what if p-people find out about y-you? W-would I be...affecting your...c-career...?” His eyes looked up at the tall rooster,  fingers fidgeting together shyly.

Steelbeak let out a chuckle, whispering to his friend. “Don’t worry, Feth. I am a ‘secret’ agent, remember? No one knows who I am! And...”

Steelbeak paused for a while, trying to phase his words without offending his friend. Fethry seemed to guess what Steelbeak was implying, and showed that he was listening with a smile.

“You...uh, aren’t a prominent member of the McDuck family, are you? I mean...not many people know you are the nephew of Scrooge, right? Unlike that ‘Donald’ guy, or the kids...”

“I...I mean it in a good way! So there won’t be any trouble for you too! My colleagues may not be so happy with me befriending a McDuck relative...” Steelbeak rubbed his shoulder nervously, thinking how their relationship may hurt not only himself, but also Fethry.

“It’s alright.” Fethry reassured Steelbeak. “You are right. Nobody knows me. Nobody knows you. So we will be safe!”

——————————————————————

Of course, except his own family...

A startled honk suddenly emerged nearby in the plaza. The goose (or gander, to be exact) realised his mistake, and unwisely covered his beak, only for the action to produce another slapping sound, gaining more attention.

On the other hand, Fethry made another mistake looking at the source of the sound. When he realised he knew the person in question, he made yet another bad decision to call out his name, only to cover his beak too when he remembered he should not be with the person he was with in the first place.

And now, the two cousins looked at each other awkwardly, both wide-eyed and covering their mouths.

After a five-second awkward silence, Gladstone tried to break the ice with a wave and a sheepish smile.

“Heeeeey, Fethry...Good to see you...Hanging out with a friend...?” Gladstone tried to appear casual, but his rigid expression showed how uncomfortable he was.

Fethry replied with an even more nervous grin, and many rapid nods.

Gladstone continued, hoping to end the encounter as soon as possible. “Oh, great! And you are...?” Signalling Steelbeak. Of course Gladstone knew who he was. The goose was just giving the rooster criminal a chance to lie about his own identity, so as to let the matter slide. He believed the agent would be smart enough to know the cue. He’s the top agent in his association! Sure he knew how to deal with his cover being blown...

Oh, but Gladstone really should had looked at how red the face of the rooster was before trying...

Steelbeak lifted Fethry off the ground with his left hand, pinning him against his own body like a head-lock, while childishly pointing a finger gun at Fethry’s head with his right hand. Fethry yelped in surprise, but took extra care not to drop the bag of clams.

“D—d-d-don’t c-c-come c-c-closer, or...this innocent man g-g-gets it!” Steelbeak attempted to threaten Gladstone into leaving them alone, only to make the situation more and more awkward. The confused Gladstone looked as Steelbeak’s face got redder and redder, while Fethry’s cheeks also started to blush with embarrassment.

“S-S-Steely...P-p-please p-put me d-d-down...T-this is v-v-very embarrassing...” Fethry muttered softly. He knew his friend was doing an act to “help” them out of the problem, but he was too embarrassed to comply.

Steelbeak immediately let go of Fethry, afraid that he might hurt the fragile duck. Hopefully not many people were in the plaza. Only the goose in green witnessed the “kidnap attempt” with a puzzled smile.

Gladstone sighed, seeing how his cue had totally been missed. “Okay, Steelbeak. I won’t tell F.O.W.L. about this. Okay, Fethry. I won’t tell Uncle Scrooge about this. Just pretend nothing happened, m’kay?”

Both the rooster and the duck nodded without making eye contact, their faces still red.

Gladstone took a deep breath. “But what are you two doing together? Don’t tell me you are teaching lil’ Fethry bad things, hm?” He stared with only one eye opened, pointing a finger at Steelbeak, who shook his head and held his hands up in denial.

Fethry quickly explained. “N-n-no! I-I p-proposed the a-activity! Steely...uh, S-Steelbeak was just accompanying me...”

Fethry showed his cousin the clams they had collected. “L-look! We went clam digging!”

“I w-will be u-using these to make c-clam chowder...Y-you can j-join us too! Just p-please...D-don’t tell U-Uncle S-S-Scrooge about this...? He will...He will...”

Fethry was visibly trembling. Gladstone didn’t blame him. Scrooge could be very scary when furious. He put his hand on his cousin’s shoulder, showing a kind smile. “I promise, Fethry. I promise.”

“You take care of him, okay?” Gladstone turned to Steelbeak. Despite Gladstone being much shorter than he was, Steelbeak gulped at the fierceness in his eyes.

“Gladstone, I’m an adult now!” Fethry protested against his elder cousin for being treated like a child.

“Well, you don’t act like one.”

Steelbeak cut in during the cousins’ bickering. “Don’t worry, Mister...”

Gladstone politely tipped his hat. “Gander. Glad-“

“Yo, Gladdy! I brought popsicles!”

Just when the goose was introducing himself, someone called his (nick)name from behind. Just from the voice, Fethry and Steelbeak knew who she was, but not why she was calling Gladstone.

This time, Gladstone hid his reddened face behind his hat.

At least, both parties were equal now.

Magica looked at her friend with his cousin and her partner-in-crime (sort of) in confusion, but quickly shrugged it off.

“Hey, boys. What’s up?” Magica greeted the two with a grin, while the two replied by signalling Gladstone with eye movements.

Gladstone’s face was entirely inside his hat, the brim of which he grabbed tightly with both hands.

“Hello...?” Magica stared at her partner curiously, waving her free hand in front of his face.

“What happened?” She questioned the other two birds present, who answered with two shrugs.

Magica let out a sigh, before biting at her popsicle. “Well, eating or not, you are paying for yours.”

Gladstone slowly reached for his, holding it in his shaking hand. He put his hat back on, before slowly approaching Fethry with his head down.

“We’ll never speak of this day ever again...”

——————————————————————

“Wow! Fethry, that’s delicious!” Magica exclaimed at a dining table.

Fethry blushed slightly at the compliment. “T-t-thank you, Miss De Spell...”

“Just Magica will do.”

Inside a golden yacht, two white ducks, a rooster and a goose were at the dining table. Everyone had a bowl and a spoon, while a big pot of clam chowder was in the centre of the table.

“Told you Feth cooks nicely!” Steelbeak added with a smile, making Fethry chuckled shyly.

“A-all thanks to Gladstone lending us his yacht...” Fethry beamed at his cousin, who was drinking his soup silently.

“You...you’re welcome.” Gladstone uttered, before feeling someone nudging his arm lightly.

“See? Nothing wrong with hanging out! Your cousin is friends with a F.O.W.L. agent! You are just friends with a witch.” Magica shoved Gladstone with her elbow playfully. “Let’s hang out sometimes!”

“S-sure!” “Fine by me.” “Of...of course. Just...”

Gladstone looked at his cousin meekly.

“Please don’t tell Uncle Scrooge about this...? He will pluck my feathers out...”

Fethry replied with a wide, cheerful smile.

“I promise, Gladdy! I promise!”

(16-12-2020 ~ 18-12-2020)

(Inspired by this screenshot of Steelbeak being adorable...sort of.)

[thiswaycomessomethingwicked]

reading gourgauds personal diary is somewhat vexing because we see several different facets of napoleon, namely him throwing gourgaud under the bus, being inconsiderate, and calling him names such as fool or child- but gourgaud holds him to too high an esteem and is very unreasonable at times (see- him threatening to duel montholon in napoleons face), mostly under the influence of a current situation. at least we get to see napoleon giving out mac n cheese napoleon: hey gourgaud: No

I mean, I like Gourgaud’s diary for precisely that reason. Like Bertrand’s, it does less sugar-coating than the other memoirsts/diarists from St. Helena. Napoleon was a dick to them at times. Because part of Napoleon’s personality was his ability to be absolutely cruel and vicious to those around him. Especially those he did love and care about. 

Napoleon was a multi-faceted person. One who had many, many flaws. (And many good parts as well. Because like us, he’s human. And the same as we all respond to different and people and challening circumstances in not always our best manner, so too did he.) I would argue that it’s nice to see more than one side of Napoleon in the memoirs and diaries instead of either pro-Bonapartist white-washing or anti-Bonapartist He Was The Anti-Christ hate hard-on. It paints a more complete picture. 

With regards to calling Gourgaud a boy and a child, to be fair, Napoleon did that to Dr. O’Meara as well, who would have been around the same age as Gourgaud (circa-30s) compared to Napoleon’s 45+. It was meant in a loving, if teasing, tone. And, for Gourgaud, I think Napoleon always meant it in a way of “you’re young, you’ll see bigger picutres of events with age and experience.” 

(Not unlike how I tease my brother, who is ten years my junior, for being a wee bébé though he obviously isn’t.)

Gourgaud’s love and dedication to Napoleon were extensive. But it has the flavour of a youthful allegiance. How, when you’re young, you throw yourself into the camp of whoever you think is deserving and gun for them full-on. Sometimes age and experience soften this, add more nuanced and realistic views to the situation (e.g. Bertrand, Duroc, Lannes ... many of Napoleon’s mates from early days who unreservedly loved him, and were deeply loyal to him, but also weren’t blind to his faults. Bertrand’s a fun one to follow on his journey at Napoleon’s side because he was so dry-humoured and clear-eyed about things yet boy are there moments of /heart eyes/ NaPoLeOn that happened along the way).

Napoleon was a man who was able to earn, or at least garner, men’s love and loyalty to extremes. He was an intense and extreme person - these sorts of things breed each other. Napoleon also raised Gourgaud up through the ranks. Saw his potential and nurtured it. He was fatherly to the young officer and Gourgaud returned that affection and attention with his intense devotion. 

I  mean, Napoleon clearly viewed Gourgaud as a sort of quasi-son. Even saying: “He was my first orderly officer. He is my work. He is my son.” This is also how Napoleon referred to his brother Louis when they were young. Napoleon taking the very paternal, fatherly role of bringing up his much younger brother and viewing him as a sort of proto-son. Napoleon had a penchant for adopting all the younger men around him and deciding they were now his children. It comes from having to take over as head of the family at fourteen. (And, not to mention, his generally paternal/familial/fatherly approach to people who he felt were under his protection. Like that was just a part of who Napoleon was, I believe, at a fundamental level. That paternal nature can absolutely be grating and annoying, but it is also just who Napoleon was and if he displayed it to you, a sign that you were considered part of his larger found-family sort of thing.) 

And, to my mind, Napoleon’s love for Gourgaud was sincere and his attachment genuine. There’s a reason Gourgaud was present at all the major campaigns from ‘04 to ‘15. 

Now, to be fair to Napoleon, Gourgaud was no walk in the park in terms of companionship. He was intense, high-energy, very high-strung and a bit neurotic, full-on, and smart therefore easily bored (not unlike a certain Emperor). Indeed, I suspect their similarities were a problem. They were too alike in their energy level, oddities, intensity to get along perfectly at all times. Also, Napoleon came from a family whose personal culture was to argue and bicker and make big displays over every little thing. Yet, for Napoleon’s part, he still loved them (Napoleon stop forgiving Caroline after every single betrayal. Napoleon: ... but she’s my sister.)  

Napoleon, I would argue, actually handles Gourgaud fairly well, all things considered. From Gourgaud’s diary: [he’s been called a child by Napoleon who was trying to calm him down from another pique of anger/boredom/frustration.] ‘In short, I am very angry. The Emperor seeks to calm me. I remain silent. We pass into the dining room. He speaks to me gently. “I know you have commanded troops and batteries, but you are after all very young.” I only reply by gloomy silence.’ 

Now please understand: I adore Gourgaud. I love that stupid, brash, childish, headstrong man. I think he’s charming and fun and big-hearted, but I firmly, without a doubt, believe him to be someone you should only be around in small dosages. He was prone to jealousy that bordered on Junot-levels of extremes (which is, possibly, why it really twigged Napoleon off who was like “the last time someone was like this, it DIDN’T GO WELL”), he was irascible, petulant, and susceptible to trouble making. 

It’s as Lord Rosebery said - Gourgaud was out of place on St. Helena. I love Rosebery’s description here: “...His [Gougaurd’s] energy, deprived of its natural outlets, turned it upon himself, on his nerves, and on his relations to others. He himself was in in much the same position as the Emperor. The result was that he was never happy except when grumbling and quarreling. To use Madam de Montholon’s figure when speaking of Napoleon, ‘His fire, for want of fuel, consumed himself and those around him.’ But Napoleon had the command of what luxury and companionship there was at St. Helena; the others in the little colony had their wives and children; Gourgaud had nothing ... he was a brilliant young officer devoted to his master with an unreasonable, petulant jealousy, which made his devotion intolerable; and above all, he was perpetually bored-bored with the islands, bored with the confinement, bored with isolation, bored with celibacy, bored with court life in a shanty, involving all the burdens without the splendor of a palace [my note: and he was born in Versailles and had a penchant for the elegant and extravagant], bored with inaction, and bored with himself for being bored.” 

Napoleon described the living situation on St. Helena as being “like a large, unruly family” and I think that is entirely accurate. They rowed, they had good times, they played pranks on the British, they reminisced, they tried to hold things together despite the world being upside down, they got on each other’s nerves, they bickered, they dueled, they stepped in between the dueling parties and told them to knock it off, and so on. 

St. Helena was one large, neurotic, unruly, opinionated, strong-personalitied family. There’s naturally going to be a lot of fraught moments in that. As well as beautiful ones. 

thank you for the ask! apologies for the three mile long reply. <3 

[whimsywit]

HAI BABES-

I'm immediately going to jump in cause hehe I'm a sucker for matchups.

Can I have a Truffle for Fairy tail (male) please?

Appearance and style:

I'm a female, 5'1ft and 110lbs (154 cm and 50 - 52Kg). I have short black hair and dark brown eyes. I'm also baby faced which can be annoying at times. I'm slight on the chubby side as well but a lot of people tell me I have an avarage body. My body type is rectangle. I'm in between pale and light brown skinned and my skin is littered with moles and scars. I'm a pure Filipino and I have prescription glasses but I can see fine without them. I've often been called a "soft girl" but I really don't have a certain styles. My clothes are often t-shirts, off-shoulders, (of multiple color and style) and any type jeans. But skinny jeans are my favorite! Hoodies and jackets are a must in winter season. Cause my skin is quite temperature sensitive.

Personality:

I'm often described as a chaotic motherly type of person. But really, it depends per person. I love to tease others but it's not often. And I won't tease them if they are sensitive or short tempered. I can be loud and obnoxious at times but I prefer to stay quiet. But with people I'm very close with, I'm just naturally loud. I can also be such a flirt if I wanted too but I only reserve those skills when needed. It's kinda rusty now but I think I still got it! My patience is very long and I don't get annoyed easily. Though push the right buttons, it won't be pretty.

Affection, teasing, and words are my love language. I tend to get just a tad bit grumpy when I don't get affection. I'm a really observant person, so I'm able to pick up emotional cues, habits, and body language. Though it's does take me a while to get the hang of it. I use that to check on people I care about. I try to act tough and strong so I would be a role model, since I'm the oldest child. I also tend to suppress my emotions and even fake them just so no one would be burden of me. I do share them if I trust you enough. I have the habit of subconsciously changing how I act depending on the people I'm with. I can changed from tye baby of the group to the mature mother to the trouble maker and to the quiet child. It usually depends with the group of people I hang out with.

Flaws and strengths:

I can be really insecure and really clingy. My insecurities are usually my body and my abilities. Not only that, I can also be moody, especially on that time of the month. I overthink things a lot. I sometimes even wonder if my friends actually are my friends or they are just tolerating/pity me. Some say I have trust issues (but honestly I don't think I have trust issues I just overthink things). I'm not afraid of material things or the supernatural. I'm afraid of being judged and left alone or abandoned. I also have a slight fear of falling, both literally and metaphorically. I hate the feeling the loneliness.

But I do give good advice, that's what alot of people tell me. My optimism and energy almost always lifts the mood up. I'm great with talking to people. May it be comforting them, persuading, I can do that. I'm also quite good at reading people. Especially if they are close to me and I've been through things alot with them.

Significant other:

Whenever I like someone, it usually ain't obvious to anyone else, since I'm known to be clingy. But, I would be in TOTAL denial of my own feelings and theirs. It takes me about a month or so to realize my feelings WITH help. My closest friend always has to tell me that I like the guy before I would actually realize it for myself. However, towards them, it seems as if I'm normal. But whenever they are gone, my fan girl self comes out and I'll squeal.

In terms of WHAT I want in a significant other. One of the things that is needed is that they don't mind me being clingy. They should also be willing to put up with me in general. As I can be moody and an overthinker, they just have to be able to either deal or tolerate it. However, in terms of their personality, I don't really mind how they would act. As long as they are morally good. Possessive? Sure just don't go over board. Protective? Same as the last one, no over board. I know that relationships aren't perfect so whatever flaws they have. I don't care. Being mean for no reason, not open minded, inconsiderate all the time, are an immediate turn off though.

Random facts:

I usually listen to pop or ballad but I like almostvall types of music. Songs like IDK you yet by Alexander23 or This is gospel by Panic at the disco are some of my favorite. My star sign is Cancer but I don't really believe it but I love learning about it. I'm an INFP-T (The dreamer) and my Hogwarts house is Ravenclaw! I love learning and doing new things. Science is my favorite subject, specifically Biology/Zoology. I sing and write stories as a hobby.

Thanks! 💕💕 If you need any info please don't hesitate to ask me :DD

HAIIII TYSM okay so this one took a bit of thought since you could work well with a lot of people! But I eventually decided you’d mesh best with...

Natsu Dragneel!

«────── « ⋅ʚ♡ɞ⋅ » ──────»

Yep, the big fireball of power himself :D but really he’s the opposite of intimidating, and ngl you��re gonna have to end up playing mother to him a lot, but when you’re in your loud and chaotic moods you’re the b a n e of the whole guild and an unstoppable force of mischief!

Some of the things that’ll put you on his radar are your optimism and your ability to act strong even when you’re struggling, both of which he’d deeply admire, but he also thinks all your little marks are cool as hell! He calls them your own personal dragon scales >:D

You want someone with good morals? This slayers got the strongest moral compass around. Able to handle your clinginess? He’s already super affectionate maybe to the point of forgetting personal space is a thing so there’s no worry there! Plus he’s got his own temper, so he wouldn’t judge you for being moody, and though he might come off as close-minded sometimes, he’s really just hard-headed. Once you explain something to him he’s on board with anything and everything!

Though, with you being oblivious when it comes to love and him being oblivious..... period, it’d take a while for your relationship to start up, and likely some extra intervention from your friends too. But once y’all are together, trust, you’re practically inseparable.

Natsu thinks you’re the cutest thing around, yea he’d have a bad habit of teasing you for your size, but he’d make up for it with his constant blind protectiveness, and the way he’d pick you up and carry you around all the time uwu. It’s actually a really good balance, since you overthink and he doesn’t think enough (have fun with the braincell custody), but he simplifies things for you so you don’t get too caught up in your doubts, and you make him more conscious of others by example. (also just.... you getting cold in the winter and him warming you up or EVEN WRAPPING HIS SCARF AROUND YOU gosh... good stuff sorcerer weekly eats yalls shit up)

Honestly it’s a bit of an odd pair with you two being so different, but Natsu’s always going to support you, whether it’s relieving you of your insecurities or helping you with your science stuff whenever he can (he won’t get it but boy will he help)! And one thing’s for sure, his loyalty is like no other, so you never have to worry about him leaving you alone.

[skold]

aight so here’s tim’s partial chart which you don’t have to know how to read i’m just putting it here for the people who do

putting a read more for length

sun in sagittarius - yr sun sign is the one most people know cuz it’s by birth date and you can just google it. the dates don’t change year to year the way others do. it’s yr sense of self, yr individuality, yr outward personality. sag suns tend to be rly social, active, honest to the point of hurting peoples’ feelings lmao. known to talk Too Much. impulsive. bad at foreseeing the consequences of their actions. bridge burners. HAAAAAATE being restricted in any way.

moon in capricorn - moon sign is more your internal self and people can often feel more closely aligned w/ their moon sign than their sun sign. moon sign can tell abt someone’s sensitivities and their instincts and where they find security. moon in cap generally indicates somebody who finds fulfillment in being useful to others and has an insane work ethic. has trouble cutting loose. cap moon folks tend to have a lot of insecurities wrt feeling ignored or useless. they want outside approval but can’t depend on it.

mercury in sagittarius - mercury rules over communication and intellect. indicates how someone interacts with other people. ppl with merc in sag fucking love traveling which y’know, considering tim travels for his job AND as a tourist. checks out. mercury in a fire sign can make them seem like they constantly have a fire under their ass pushing them forward. merc in sag have a talent for languages (tim speaks two fluently and at least two more enough to function).

venus in capricorn - venus is yr love language planet. it indicates how ppl feel and experience love/sex and also their feelings on what they find generally pleasurable in life. people with venus in cap can be rly withdrawn and often aren’t up front with their feelings in general but especially wrt relationships. this is PROBABLY why tim doesn’t talk abt his marriage much at all. they want loyalty and stability over all else. often attracted to partners with venus in a fire sign bc they tend to be more forward and initiate things and venus in cap doesn’t want to risk getting hurt. really slow to earn their trust.

mars in libra - mars is abt action and energy and assertiveness. it’s about drive - sex drive, ambition, what gets ppl fired up. ppl with mars in libra cannot make a fucking decision to save their lives but y’know, this is libra we’re talking about. libra placements suck at making decisions. i can say this as a libra moon who cannot commit to anything but i digress. mars in libra folks aren’t usually very social. they want permission from other people to make big moves. tend to be submissive in relationships both in general and in The Sex Way. ppl with mars in libra tend to attract more aggressive/forward/energetic partners.

jupiter in leo - jupiter symbolizes growth and expansion and how someone’s faith and ethics are. also sometimes associated with luck and fortune. ppl with jupiter in leo tend to have healthy self-confidence. they can be kinda arrogant but depending on other placements that arrogance is often not backed up. this can look like delusions of grandeur and often leads to people disliking their attitudes. as a fire alignment, there’s a lot of energy there, but it ends up being misplaced sometimes.

saturn in pisces - saturn is a bitch ass motherfucker. rules over restriction/order and maturity over time. saturn is basically that planet who will hurt you to teach u a gd lesson. the leather daddy of the planets if u will. people with saturn in pisces wanna make other peoples problems their own problems because they want to offer their emotional support, but it happens at the expense of wearing themselves thin. often really secluded private people. they have to find that balance between prioritizing themselves and prioritizing others, and if they can’t find it saturn will hurt their gd feelings.

uranus in virgo - so uranus is such a slow planet to orbit it doesn’t move sign alignments very often and can remain in the same sign for years and influence an entire generation. uranus rules over originality and freedom and revolution. ppl with uranus in virgo can be perfectionists. can be interested in things like ecology, the wellbeing of animals, and alternative medicine. gestures at tim’s 800 rescue animals and the fact that he goes to an acupuncturist. often left leaning to the point of seeming radical (this depends strongly on other placements though). big on social justice.

neptune in scorpio - neptune is also one of those slow planets. neptune rules spirituality and fantasy/imagination. ppl with this alignment can be into the occult. a huge amount of creative potential is there. this is why we saw a lot of rly influential art and music coming out of gen x folks!!

pluto in virgo - the slowest of planets. pluto is abt power and transformation. ppl with pluto in virgo can be critical and analytical. super methodical abt how they do things.

so those are the planets. there’s also a lot of other celestial bodies and points in the chart we look at also!! here they are

north node in taurus south node in scorpio - the nodes are mathematical points opposite each other in the chart. south node indicates your comfort zone and north node indicates what somebody wants out of life and has to go out of said comfort zone for. this alignment indicates somebody who struggles between holding onto things and letting shit go. TRUST ISSUES. also rly strong sexual energy that fucking asshole.

lilith in pisces - lilith is a fictional point opposite the actual moon. in mythology, lilith refused to submit to adam, rejected the world of adam & eve and decided to go chill with satan instead. which, lilith did nothing wrong but whatever. so yr lilith alignment can show what you have fascination with and what you reject about yourself. lilith in pisces people often have a fascination with self-sacrifice and often feel connected with EVERYTHING, which then leads to a lot of suffering. vulnerable to alcoholism/drug issues. people tend to find ppl with this alignment captivating but also can be intimidated/unsettled by them.

chiron in pisces - chiron is an asteroid btwn saturn and uranus. in mythology, chiron was an immortal centaur who was a healer and a teacher. he was injured by a poisonous arrow by heracles and it should have killed him but due to his immortality, he was suffering in excruciating pain but couldn’t die. he gave his immortality for prometheus and upon being sent to the underworld, zeus showed mercy on him and raised him up into the heavens as a celestial body. chiron symbolizes unhealable trauma but can also indicate how one can accept their suffering and move forward. people with chiron in pisces tend to feel the weight of the world on their shoulders and feel they’re all too aware of the suffering of other people and things like violence and injustice. these people often respond to this by helping others in some way.

SO NOW I’M GONNA GO INTO ASPECTS. which is basically how certain planets align in the chart and interact with each other. i don’t have time to describe what these terms mean cuz i’ve already been writing for an hour so just use google lmao

sun conjunct venus - highlights feminine characteristics of all genders and sexes. artistic, creative, optimistic. often fashionable. 

sun square saturn - folks with this alignment either give up at the first sign of a challenge or power thru that shit and learn from it. if this person has lower self esteem it’s generally improved by the fact they’re gratified by their own hard work.

sun square uranus - individualistic, eccentric. independent. can be inconsiderate of others. NEED to be different and NEED people to see they’re different. issues with authority.

sun square pluto - stubborn assholes. tend to be bossy and subconsciously manipulative.

moon sextile saturn - emotionally stable, reliable, helpful.

moon trine uranus - needs considerable emotional independence and freedom in a relationship and within ones family. often lead unconventional lifestyles (read: don’t work a 9-5, have polyam/open relationships, etc). MOOOOOD SWIIIIIINGS

moon sextile neptune - these folks want explanations for the world and will turn to things like religion or the occult to get answers. self-sacrificing and people tend to take advantage of them. messy home. perceptive and sensitive, especially wrt the arts

moon trine pluto - experiences emotions very fucking deeply. will express their opinions even if it’ll hurt the other person’s feelings. often closer with their mother than their father.

mercury sextile mars - quick thinkers. analytical, fast, practical.

mercury trine jupiter - open, sensitive, optimistic, kind. often into philosophy. big on traveling.

venus square mars - impulsive and enthusiastic. can be prone to losing their temper. often want impossible things.

venus square uranus - this aspect tends to complicate relationships because they literally see relationships as a loss of personal independence and autonomy. unconventional, eccentric, very original in their artistic/creative pursuits.

mars sextile jupiter - GOTTA GO FAST. always wants to be learning new things.

saturn opposition uranus - oof. these folks are often big chaotic and unpredictable. their logic sometimes only makes sense to them and it can seem they look down on other people unfairly, but it’s only because others don’t understand their thought process behind why they dislike someone.

saturn trine neptune - these people try to turn their dreams into their careers. spiritual but not necessarily religious.

saturn opposition pluto - DO NOT KNOW WHAT THEY FUCKIN WANT. they have big ideas but don’t know how to get them going. can be a difficult personality type to deal with.

uranus sextile neptune - reinforces one’s sense of fantasy. can influence inspiration and originality and innovation in one’s creations.

uranus conjuction pluto - a generational alignment due to both planets being slow moving. strong, original personalities. big ideas.

neptune sextile pluto - also a generational alignment. depending on other alignments, it influences big transformations on a global scale. see: gen x

there are parallels and contra-parallels i could go into but like i have already been at this for forever and i think We Get It. and this is only half his chart without going into the houses cuz i don’t have his birth time!! that’d give us 12 more alignments to look at and tons more aspects!! so like!!! astrology is more than just yr sun sign folks. this has been me reading the fuck outta tim skold for 1600 words see ya

[eyesaremosaics]

Dream

I was with Michael at his house. We were just holding each other. I kept clinging on to him pulling him closer. For some reason I left his house... then I called him, and we talked on the phone... I was walking through these grassy hills... barefoot, in the dark at night. We talked for hours just like we used to. It got to a point where I began to cry, I said: “I just want you to know... I never wanted to leave you. I never wanted to go. You gave me no choice. You forced me away. I spent so many nights crying myself to sleep. Wishing I was dead because you didn’t love me. I had to move on. I had no other option.”

I could hear the pain in his voice as he said:

“I know. That was the way I wanted it. I wanted you to be free.”

I told him I would never stop loving him, and I never did. That I’m sorry for all the mistakes I made. He said he was deeply sorry too. That I was the last person he ever wanted to hurt. I don’t remember what else was said, I just remember the feeling of joy I felt at the end of the conversation. He had to push people out of his room, they were having a party. I asked if I could come back over and be with him. He said “Yeah! Come back over.”

At this point I had wandered through the darkened hills... and reached a bus stop in the middle of nowhere. The sun was rising over the brow of the hill, and I realized that I had no shoes on. “Oh no. I have no shoes. I’m in my pajamas. I have to go back and get my car on the other side of the hill.”

“Just take a bus here.”

“I need shoes.”

Some random girl at the bus stop gave me shoes, and told me to go. I said to Michael: “I don’t have any make up on.”

He was silent for a minute, I repeated what I said thinking he had not heard me. He said something like: “it doesn’t matter to me. You look better without it.”

I was so happy, then I woke up. In my room, early in the morning... Valerie asleep next to me. I nestled back into dreaming and sleep, but the dream quickly turned into a nightmare. After arriving at his house, there was a party going on. Michael was not in his room, and it was clear that he was dead. We were at his memorial again, and I saw a picture of B____ on his wall, the kind of bullshit she would post on livejournal back in the day. “I loved a girl in blue.” There was another line to the poem, something cryptic and so like her. I looked all over his room that wasn’t his room. There was no photo or anything of me. I said this aloud, and some guy came in and said that she inserted herself, exaggerating her importance. But I didn’t feel that was true. The deep cord in my heart of being unloveable began to gong inside me. Ringing in my ears.

I ripped her picture off the wall, strongly resisting the urge to tear it to pieces. Out of respect for him, I put it back. It looked out of place though. People kept coming and going from the room, trying to comfort me. But everything felt empty. Sad. Hopeless. Then I woke up, tossing and turning.

Analysis:

*The meaning behind Dark Dreams

To dream of darkness overtaking you on a journey, augurs ill for any work you may attempt, unless the sun breaks through before the journey ends, then faults will be overcome.

—

*Paracelsus says on this subject: ``It may happen that the soul of persons who have died perhaps fifty years ago may appear to us in a dream, and if it speaks to us we should pay special attention to what it says, for such a vision is not an illusion or delusion, and it is possible that a man is as much able to use his reason during the sleep of his body as when the latter is awake; and if in such a case such a soul appears to him and he asks questions, he will then hear that which is true.

Through these solicitous souls we may obtain a great deal of knowledge to good or to evil things if we ask them to reveal them to us.

Many persons have had such prayers granted to them. Some people that were sick have been informed during their sleep what remedies they should use, and after using the remedies, they became cured, and such things have happened not only to Christians, but also to Jews, Persians, and heathens, to good and to bad persons.''

—-

To dream of experiencing delight over any event, signifies a favorable turn in affairs. For lovers to be delighted with the conduct of their sweethearts, denotes pleasant greetings.

To feel delight when looking on beautiful landscapes, prognosticates to the dreamer very great success and congenial associations.

—

To dream of climbing hills is good if the top is reached, but if you fall back, you will have much envy and contrariness to fight against.

—-

A sun shining through clouds, denotes that troubles and difficulties are losing hold on you, and prosperity is nearing you.

—

To dream of being barefoot represents situations where you are aware of your morals or basic principals being tested. Moral conduct or honest behavior is being noticed by others. You can't hide the trust of who you are as a person to yourself or others. Faithfulness or honesty is being displayed to others.

Positively, bare feet may reflect a willingness to change core beliefs or have your values tested in front of others.

Negatively, being barefoot may reflect a loss of principles, integrity, or morals. It may also reflect low self-esteem, or a lack of confidence. Having casual sex.

You may be experiencing vulnerability to negative influences. Situations in your life that open the door to corruption or challenges that you are not ready for. It may also an open attitude to changing your values.

—

Night

To dream of experiencing night time represents confusion, obstacles, or setbacks. A lack of clarity. There is an issue in your life that you can't figure out, prevents you from moving forward, or that holds you back.

Night may also reflect situations that aren't positive any more or that have taken a turn for the worst. Something isn't good as it used to be. Unpleasant feelings about something good in your life is over-with. Feeling scared that you don't have answers you want when you feel you need them the most.

—

Darkness

To dream of darkness represents situations where you feel there is nothing positive happening. Fear, ignorance, injustice, anger, evil, death, or powerful uncertainty. It may also reflect a positive situation that has taken a turn for the worst. Expecting the worst. Worrying. Emotional crisis. An unwelcoming or unpleasant situation. Feeling that a situation is dangerous. Unhappiness. Feeling mystified that you always make choices that sabotage you. Feelings about having nobody to help you with a problem and that you are all on your own. Situations where there is a complete lack of any sense of humor. Situations that are inconsiderate of your feelings. A pessimistic attitude (especially dark blue or dark grey). People who fear losing their eyesight often dream of darkness. Alternatively, darkness may symbolize your inability to see the truth or find the answers you want. Feeling cut off or without the ability to know what is happening in a situation. Feeling unable to know what is happening with other people. Ignorance of the truth. Feeling out of place. To dream of the sun or light taking away the darkness represents answers, overcoming problems, or fear that is vanishing.

—

Hill

To dream of a hill represents an obstacle in your life. A struggle to achieve a goal. The steepness of hill reflects how big the challenge is that you're facing.

To dream of moving uphill represents your attempt to work against an obstacle. Feeling the difficulty of a situation or that something is getting harder. Feeling that a problem is too much for you. You may also be experiencing an enormous challenge or lots of pressure to meet a deadline. Fighting against the odds. A sign that you need to "tough it out." Patience and dedication will benefit you.

To dream of moving downhill represents a sense of ease with an obstacle or feeling that you are moving away from a problem. Life may feel like it's getting easier. Moving downhill too fast may reflect an improvement that is happening too quick to respond to. Something is good is happening too fast.

To dream of standing on top of a hill represents success or overcoming a challenge. You are noticing that you struggle is over with.

To dream of a steep hill represents feelings about an obstacle in your life being particularly difficult. A challenge which requires you to try your hardest or be stubborn to overcome it. Feelings about needing to push yourself hard to achieve your goals. Negatively, a steep hill may reflect feelings about how an obstacle is demanding too much from you. Feeling it's too much work to overcome a challenge that other people may not think is difficult.

—

Dawn

To dream of the dawn represents a fresh start or the end of troubling time. Reemerging into a new stage in your life or new opportunities. Rejuvenation, enlightenment, or a renewed sense of vitality. A dark moment or difficult time may be coming to an end.

Alternatively, the dawn may reflect new insights, new ideas, or new understanding.

—

Dreams of telephone calls from the deceased are very common when people are grieving. The dreams may reflect the person's desire to speak to the person again. It may also reflect the person's difficulty adjusting to the reality that speaking to the person is now impossible. Positively, calls from the deceased may reflect your wish to have a sign that they are safe or happy in the spiritual world.

To dream of a telephone represents psychological communication with an aspect of yourself or issues that need attention. The ability to "get through" to people, listen to an inner voice, or realize an objective at will. It may also reflect an situations that could be "called " into being if desired. Alternatively, the telephone represents your communication and relationship with others

—

To dream of being forgiven by someone represents feelings of being accepted for who are. Forgiving yourself for the past. Giving yourself permission to let go of guilt. Negatively, dreaming of being forgiven may reflect issues acknowledging guilt or accepting responsibility for your actions. Releasing yourself from blame for actions you are guilt of.

To dream of forgiving someone represents feelings of letting go of the past, grudges, or resentment. Feeling that it's important to move on with your life. Letting go of guilt.

—

Crying

To dream of crying sadly represents powerful feelings of loss, disappointment, or pain. Distress, sorrow, or stress. You feel frustrated or overwhelmed by how unpleasant a situation is. You may be having difficulty accepting the end of a situation or relationship. Jealousy of something in your life not being perfect. Feeling empty inside.

Alternatively, crying in a dream may be a sign that you are acknowledging a problem you've been repressing. You or someone else that is experiencing catharsis or emotional cleansing. A release of sorrow, grief, or misery that has been held back. You may have finally confronted a powerful fear.

To dream of crying tears of joy represents the resolution of a frustrating problem or working through emotional blocks. Relief of some kind. It may also represent your deep appreciation or sense of wonderment for something that has happened to you.

—

Cuddle

To dream of cuddling represents a situation or relationship you are thinking about being perfect all the time. Enjoying or desiring a perfect experience with nothing wrong happening.

Negatively, cuddling may be a sign that you are too focused on fantasies or ideals and not seeing reality clearly enough.

Alternatively, dreaming of cuddling with someone may reflect your need for physical contact or a desire to be cared about by someone. Consider what the person you are cuddling with symbolizes for additional meaning.

—

Hugging

To dream of hugging represents a person, behavior, or situation that you are embracing. Feeling good being close to something or someone. Showing or receiving sympathy. Choosing to accept or take something into your life. Agreeing with someone or the embracing of ideas. Hugging may also reflect appreciation or relief you feel that a problem is over. Enjoying something you missed.

Positively, hugging could reflect feelings of relief or elation to be away from a dangerous or terrible situation. Appreciating what you have after experiencing something bad. Wanting eagerly to feel close to something positive after a crisis, trauma, or bad experience. Missing someone or something dearly.

—

Funeral

To dream of a funeral represents an acknowledgment that something in your life has ended. The end of a situation or aspect of yourself that you know you'll never see ever again. Letting go or a final goodbye. Experiencing the end of a bad habit. Alternatively, a funeral may reflect preoccupation with a loss.

If you are actually dying in real life a funeral dream may reflect your feelings or anxieties about your own death. Otherwise funeral dreams can also reflect your feelings of mourning for people who have died in waking life.

—

Pictures

To dream of a picture or photograph represents a memory or mental imprint of an experience you had. How a situation was remembered or is perceived by you after it has occurred. A lasting impression. Ensuring remembrance.

To dream of taking pictures may reflect the importance you feel on remembering current actions at a later time. A wish to remember yourself as having done the right thing.

Negatively, pictures may reflect a bad memory of yourself. Memories of yourself having made a mistake, not stood up for yourself, or having embarrassed yourself. A bad impression of our past behavior or actions. Remembering something bad. Trying to manipulate how an event is remembered. Alternatively, it may reflect an intentional choice to take actions so that something will be remembered in a negative way.Look to the content of the picture for other symbolism to help you understand what kind of impression certain experiences left on you.

—

Jealousy

To dream of jealousy represents your anxiety or concern that some area of your life will be too powerful for you. You may fear that someone or something will get out of control or embarrass you.

—

Anger

To dream that you are holding or expressing anger represents an awareness of frustration or agitation. Experiencing a disagreement with someone in your waking life or inner conflict with an aspect of your character. You may be experiencing frustrations and disappointments with others. Frustration with yourself. A need to be more assertive than you want to be. Powerful feelings of jealousy or being undervalued. Feeling of hostility in waking life.

Being angry in a dream may also reflect you or someone else that is demanding to be acknowledged. It may also be a sign that you have unacknowledged aggression or hostility. Perhaps you feel undervalued, rejected, or jealous.

—

There is a belief that our deceased loved ones are trying to communicate with us in many different ways. Your dreams are one of the most common ways to have communication with your loved one. Your loved one will send you little signs and you have to be able to recognize them and to understand their meanings. If your deceased loved one appears in your dream, it is obvious that he/she wants to have a contact with you.

Your deceased loved one wants to remind you that you are not alone. That person will always be with you, even if he/she is dead. You should never forget that and you should never feel lonely.

Most important is not to have fears because of your deceased loved one that has appeared in your dream, but you should be happy because you have the opportunity to see that person once more, to touch her and to hear what that person wants to tell you. It is believed that a message from your deceased loved one in a dream could be very important for your life in general. If you have dreamed about your deceased loved one, you should pay special attention to your dream.

It usually happens that your deceased loved one appears at the moments when you are going through a very difficult period in your life. Your loved one will come to you when you need support and also at the moments when you are feeling lost and confused.

If you have seen your deceased loved one in a dream, that person will certainly be your guide and help you solve many things in your waking life. It is believed that in our dreams we can receive very useful advice from our deceased loved one.

[fanesavin]

The festivities ahead of the Coronation begin with Lords and Ladies settling in for the night ahead of an exciting and much anticipated day.

[ Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 ] 

Curiously, Iann remained where he was as the crowed departed, watching the man who tried to attack Lady Faye of Lacroy. He wanted to speak to either Lady Faye or Inquisitor Savin, but then suddenly there was his little brother as well, being a bother. Iann made a snorting noise. “The honey makes the mead, you silly thing.” He looked a little closer at Miguel. “You looked…piqued. Did you enjoy that display of magic? Or - whatever it was?” Iann said, unwilling to just brand everything he didn’t understand as 'magic’.

“I would love a walk,” the priestess said to Bella. “Would you like to come along, Maya?” she asked her companion. “Unless you have pressing matters to attend to for your Lord?” It was her way of giving the other woman an out. “I’m a priestess /for/ the Lord of Light. I do His bidding. Go where he commands.”

Fane watched the man be dragged away and exhaled short and sharp. He turned to survey those lingering behind dragging his fingers back through his hair. Seeing Iann and Miguel he trailed over to them. “That was no magic.”

“I will also be going, specifically for that very reason. May I accompany you on your way?” She asked. “I am Octavia.” She said introducing herself to Lady Lacroy.

Iann looked at Fane. “Are you alright?” Another question followed. “Will she be alright?” And then a statement. “You no doubt heard what happened to our own sister-by-marriage earlier today, Inquisitor.”

Ephram interjected, from where he was standing near the princes of the island kingdom. “And a not inconsiderable number of barrels of mead are from Honeywild Holding.” He was still, like many of them, watching the aftermath of what had happened with the … witch, he supposed? … but it seemed like as good an in as any to strike up some conversation with the noble seafaring Princes and Lord Savin.  Ephram turned his focus to the little knot of gathering nobles; it seemed luck was on his side, when it came to ingratiating himself to them as swiftly as possible.

“If you wish,” Faye said, wiping her hands carefully on the cloth. “Faye. Faye Lacroy. A pleasure, Octavia.”

Iann scoffed. “Honeywild Holding. Any place that needs to claim its purpose is doomed to mediocrity….ah.” He turned to regard the tall blond man, a haughty once-over. “That makes sense, now that I see who makes such a claim. Lord…Pittypat? I forget your name.” And most other people would too in a few years, Iann thought silently. This poor lost Lordling.

Fane waved off the question for his own well-being good-naturedly. “If that display was anything to judge by… Yes, I think she’ll be just fine,” he said looking in the direction Faye had vanished equal parts amused, concerned and unsure quite what to make of what he’d just seen. Though what Iann said next drew his attention back aside to him “I did… and I’ve asked that some of my men do some investigating… Subtly of course. How does she fair now?” he asked of Cassandra.

“Likewise, Faye.” She said walking beside the woman. “I heard the mad spit the word witch at you.” Octavia pulled her long hair out of her face and tucked some behind her ear. “I had wished that with this 'peace’ the High Raj is restoring to the lands we would have a more open thinking society.” She said shaking her head. Finding someone that was also a witch was a rare occurrence. Octavia did not practice her magic, but it was certainly manifesting itself these days- and growing stronger each one that had passed.

“Pettaline. I’ve still got the name of my ancestors, Your Highness, and unfortunately the legacy of their unembellished naming customs when it comes to our lands.” Ephram smiled as if the jibe had been some sort of friendly joke between them. Over the years and the dwindling of House Pettaline down to nothing, he’d gotten very, very good at not letting humiliation show. “Are you talking of the kidnapping attempt that happened earlier? Between that and this bizarre attack and accusation of witchery, it seems the Capital’s not as prepared for so many people flooding into it as they thought they’d be.”

“She’s comfortable, with her precious daughter,” Iann replied, and seemed satisfied that Savin had taken it upon himself to look into that matter as well. He was not the 'Inquisitor’ for nothing, after all. A title that Iann understood (as his own House once underwent a thorough Inquisition, over three hundred years ago) and respected. Or, well, he specifically respected Fane Savin to be thorough. “Tell me what you find…” he saw the mix of emotions flit across Savin’s face, and then looked amused as well. “It seems some magic was afoot. Both yourself and my little brother have been successfully caught under some enchantment of The Witch of the Wilds.”

Fane nodded a little upon hearing that she was safe with her daughter. “I’ll see it handled… but the timing seems far too convenient,” he admitted honestly though as Pettaline added his opinion to the matter about preparations Fane could only make a small noise of agreement. “That’s true enough, you would think the Cloverry and Crown would have forseen some incidents… Yet I see little being done about it by the Royal guard.” As for Iann’s comment about the Witch of the Wild’s enchantment Fane merely shrugged a shoulder, “she’s an interesting one. A little stern and prickly perhaps but… interesting.”

Iann On the point the little (tall) Lordling made, Iann had to agree. He tapped at his beard. “Well, I suppose we shouldn’t all expect perfection just yet.” it was a blithe comment. Iann didn’t expect perfection at all. “Still, my heart is beating quick from all the excitement. No better time to compare mead and proclaim the Forty Isles caskets more worthy, eh?” He smiled, and clapped Pettaline on the back, hard. He looked around. “Now where’s my lovely White Lady gone? I’d like to enjoy myself in the confines of the Bluesprings Keep. Who will join me? Savin, I’ve yet to see you tipsy, never mind ten sheets to the wind.” He said it with a slow and careful smile though, so Inquisitor Savin didn’t see it as mockery, but a friendly invitation.

Bella walked alongside Faye as they made there way to the event. Lord of Light, no wonder Bella had felt her presence in the crowd of others. The darkness that was evident all over her person was a heavy contrast but Bella didn’t quite see it as anything that should make them enemies. Enemies came with a purpose beyond just a connection to something. “When did you feel the call to your Lord?” Bella asked, looking about the event as they walked into it. Food and drinks all over the place, her wolf salivating as it waited for her to fetch him some food. If he just rushed the table there would be screams.

Silent as the owl that Iann likened him to, the Prelate materialized in step with Faye and Octavia as they walked. “Lady Lacroy,” he said, and acknowledged the young woman accompanying her with a nod as well, “I’m deeply perturbed by what you just endured. Please be assured that I will be assigning some members of the Emerald Hand to watch for any such further attacks on your person.” Theodore didn’t offer a definition of the Emerald Hand with this announcement; either the woman knew of the shadowy agents of the Cloverry, or she didn’t.

“It’s hardly the worse thing I’ve been called.” But Faye agreed with Octavia. Peace would only hold if the old mindsets died with the war.

Fane looked at the crowds moving towards the main keep his features set into a slight frown. “We should discuss it more but later as you say… perhaps a few drinks.” With what had happened first to Grand Lady Cassandra and then Lady Lacroy Fane found himself a little perturbed and distraction typically made not a welcome companion for revelry. But a few drinks wouldn’t hurt he supposed. “Tell me you brought the Amber casket with you at least? I might be persuaded to have a few more if you have it.”

Ephram threw his shoulders back, straightening at Fane’s note concerning the lack of timely response by the Royal guard. “Maybe the Raj’s soldiers have orders to be on the lookout for threats to the throne,” he said, eyes narrowing thoughtfully. “Which, I’d reckon, would leave those of us capable of spotting other skirmishes and trouble-making the responsibility of keeping the peace. D'you think, Lord Savin? Highness Cardero?”

“I wouldn’t think that witch should be used as a slur.” Octavia shrugged. “When I think of witch, I think of power. Passion. Strength.” She said looking over to Faye.

Miguel kept mostly quiet, but he nodded to the man who proclaimed himself a Pettaline. Was this another noble being taken for granted like Lady Lacroy? And was he worth being friendly with? There was a lot of mental math going on in Miguel’s head. But he didn’t want to appear too friendly with anyone in front of Iann. “Hearts beating fast indeed. I wouldn’t mind a little friendly competition.”

The excitement, as it was called, only served to show the priestess that this place needed more guidance. Violence beget violence, after all. But she followed as the others moved towards the festivities that had been announced. The strange woman with the violet eyes drew her attention briefly, but she soon turned back to Bellamy. “I can’t recall ever not being in His service,” Scarlett answered. “It’s been my life.”

Fane hooked his thumbs into the loop of his scabbard. “Perhaps the Raj’s guards, but what about the City Watch?” Fane asked the other Lordling casting a look towards a few of those soldiers in question that dotted the streets, he couldn’t say he was overly familiar of the man or his holdings but he made a sound point. “Aye, perhaps but is it our peace to keep? We were invited here to witness the crowning of a King not to control his subjects.”

Maya excused herself briefly to purchase her spices. She haggled a bit less than usual, but still got a better price than most. Spices tucked safely away she returned to the party. Once there she picked up a pitcher of wine and began her rounds offering more to the guests.

And now the vultures descend on their quarry, Faye thought to herself. Faye knew the Cloverry. She knew of the Emerald Hand. And while never having any particular interaction or grief with them, she was always suspicious of anyone that said they only wanted what was best for the people. “Prelate,” she greeted, remembering what the entitled’s robes looked like. “It’s nothing that can be helped, I’m afraid. Please don’t use your resources for my sake, though it’s appreciated.”

Danian had chosen to take the long route to the Capital. They could have ridden to the nearest port and sailed down, but they rather enjoyed the road, to be honest. There was far more to see - and they could have the peace of traveling alone. As soon as they reached the city gates, they had dismounted from their steed to walk him up through the lower city. They weren’t bothered by the people there. They weren’t in their formal wear. They even chatted briefly with a 'commoner’ or two. It wasn’t their first time in the Southern city, but it never hurt to stop and ask a few directions. When they finally reached the courtyard, their horse had been secured in a stable and they were wandering freely throughout the streets, hand on the pommel of the sword at their hip - a habit they had never been able to shake. But something- or rather someone stopped them in their tracks. They stood and blinked. Once. Twice. Squinted their eyes. Then, with a swift step, they weaved through the crowd over to him, a small grin forming on their lips. “Tuah?” They certainly hoped they hadn’t mistaken the man, but they were quite sure. “-Or is Your Majesty, now? I’ve heard some very interesting stories coming over from the Peninsula.”

Iann was amused to have the little (tall) Lordling trailing behind himself and the Inquisitor. He didn’t find it absurd or annoying, but rather the norm. The higher one rose in ranks, the more the minor nobility clung close. Plus, the added bonus was that Pettaline fell into step with Miguel, thus setting the ranking quite smoothly as they made their way towards the Keep. “I will definitely like to speak of it more, when mouths are also more willing to speak,” he agreed with Fane. Iann could hold his liquor, and he suspected most of the nobility here would make the same claim. Still, Iann decided he was better at it, simply because he had to be. He noticed Lord Tuah hovering near one of the steps and gave him a courteous nod. “The Amber casket was brought and branded with your name on it, Inquisitor,” Iann crowed. And he gave Pettaline a passing nod. “I do however, love these spontaneous demonstrations of power.” Iann did not love it at all, as he continued. “It reminds the commonfolk why they are ruled by the likes of us. A very wise observation indeed, Lord Pettaline.” It wasn’t wise at all, but Iann was like a cat who enjoyed playing with his food.

“Thank you. Even if you’re one of a minority,” Faye smiled sadly. “Though I have no real magic. Not anymore.”

“Oh?” Octavia questioned, she tilted her head at the womans comment. “Could’ve fooled me.” She said with a wiggle of her eyebrows.

Faye smiled. “I"m clever, that’s all. What men see as magic is simply… using my resources wisely.”

The Red Priestess fell into the slowly moving crowd, taking in the new faces, the symbols of status and the way in which everyone was gathered together. So many names. So much bloodshed between families. Yes, the Lord had been right to send her here. To deliver the sword to the One.

Fane nodded upon hearing that there was wine for him but said little more, instead opting to walk beside Iann as they ended the Great Hall that was filling with people. A band nearby struck up a jaunty tune, light-hearted and enough to start getting a few people already in their cups to try their hand at dancing.

“Clever you are, you didn’t need anyone's help back there. You were fine without aid from the gentleman or myself.” She said complimenting the woman's tenacity.

Miguel held in a sigh. Iann was talking out of his rear, and he didn’t believe anything that was said anymore. In his mind it was all posturing. Might as well posture with them - he rolled up his sleeves and crossed his arms as they walked. “Lord Pettaline, what kind of flowers do you have in the Honeywild Holding?” He asked with a friendly smile.

Faye smiled again, though it was a little less bright. “When you’ve been on your own as long as I have, you learn to adapt. Or you die.” Not that it truly mattered. Her House was already dead. Faye was just too stubborn to let go. They moved on into the revelry, and Faye looked around for someplace to get a drink.

“I’d think that involving oneself in the safety of the people of the Bluesprings doesn’t count as control, or wanton shows of power,” Ephram ventured after a moment’s consideration after Fane and Iann had their say. “But then, I’ve only got a handful of families to be responsible for, nothing so grand as the Blackspire or the Forty Islands. Probably you lords have a much better estimation of the politics here than I do.” Acknowledgement of his lower rank made, Ephram turned his attention to the Threepenny Prince walking quietly beside him. “All politics is like having older siblings you keep reminding you that you don’t know as much as they do, huh?” He was bolstered by that pretty smile the Prince turned on him, though, and said, “We don’t cultivate flowers in the Holding, Your Highness. It’s all wildflowers growing where they like – mostly those yellow sailbushes, and a pale blue version of queen’s roses, and everywhere there’s these frenzies of tiny little white laceblossoms, the most blinding white you ever saw, when they’re all a-blooming.”

Bella could not relate, the darkness had come to her when she felt herself surrounded and unsafe, something that sought her out when she needed it too. “Perhaps our guidance comes to us differently,” she mused heading towards a table of food, pulling off some chicken for her wolf and holding it in her hand. “Does your lord let you drink?” She asked, wine and various other drinks covering the table along with the food.

Maya approached one of the women who seemed to be looking for something. “A drink m'am?” she asked holding out her tray.

“Perhaps,” the priestess nodded. “And my lord has no interest in what I do for myself, only for him. I’m allowed to do as I please, as long as I go when he calls.”

Prelate Theodore smoothly rejoindered Faye’s automatic protest, saying, “It’s already in motion, Lady Lacroy. Believe me, the deployment of the Hand is as much for the sake of the Cloverry and the Raj as it is for your safety.” He collected a goblet of one of the wines that was less palatable to most people, a resinous green vintage from an ancient vineyard to the West. “Do you foresee any other concerns arising during your visit?”

“Unfortunately true, M'Lady.” Octavia motioned to a woman who had glasses of mead and wine upon a tray. “Thank you, Miss.” She said nodding to the woman.

Tuah turned when his name was called out, his brow raised and head cocked slightly to the sight. It was obvious that he dreaded any interaction that was to be had with any noble families, seeing that he had nothing much in common with most of them. Or at least he assumed it so. His eyes scanned the newcomer, taking in the sword by their hip that seemed more practical than decorative. He tried to place the face to someone of his past. Someone from the Dawnguard perhaps? He could feel the tenseness from his confidante, raising his hand to ask him to stand down. “Danian?” he guessed, before it clicked and a wide smile as he closed the distance between them and gave Dani a hug. “By the Lord, look how you’ve grown. Well, only by a little,” Tuah couldn’t help but teased, crows feet appearing at the corners of his eyes as he smiled fondly at the other. “And it’s Tuah. There is no need for such things between us, hm.”

Miguel nodded in agreement. “Truly, that’s why I tire so easily of politics.” His broad shoulders pulled up in a small shrug. “I would rather talk about flowers,” he said, not entirely honest, but not an outright lie. “That sounds wonderful. You know, I’ve never had any honey from the Honeywilds, though now I understand the name better,” he exclaimed with a chuckle. “Honeywilds… we cultivate our honey a little more, with certain plants, like lavender - so we know which hives have specific tastes or smells….”

Faye turned to the young girl as she came close. “Please,” Faye nodded, and took a large goblet of wine. “Thank you.” Turning to the Prelate, Faye hummed around a long sip of her drink. “Ahh, so the asking was merely a formality, was it?” She was hardly naive enough to think that she was of the same importance as the Raj and the Cloverry itself. “None caused by myself, I can assure you.” She nodded at Octavia, glancing again at the girl with the tray. She seemed… strangely familiar. But no. Faye couldn’t know her.

Prelate Theodore took a measured draught of his wine, savouring the piney stripe it laid down his throat as he swallowed. “Did I give the impression I was asking? How peculiar of me.”

“Duty never sleeps. Didn’t your cousin say that once, Inquisitor? Or perhaps your wife. Someone beautiful enough that I was distracted both by her words and her face,” Iann said with a smile that was more clever than happy. He turned his head slightly, looking over his shoulder for a moment. “I see your Lovel ward is here, and our old friend the Oathbreaker.” He motioned for a servant, requesting the Amber mead from the Cipprian Island casket to be opened for himself and Savin.

“No. But you did give the impression you wished to know my opinion in matters regarding my personal safety.” Faye tipped an eyebrow at the Prelate. “But it’s no matter. Safety is always of prime concern at times like this. The Raj should count himself lucky to have someone so… willing to take things in hand.”

Maya listened as the nobles spoke, absorbing information. Knowing more was always useful. She brought wine and mead around too. When Lord Cardero asked for the Cipprian Mead to be opened, she nodded with a, “Right away sir,” before going to open the cask. It would be better to disappear from the room for am moment and from the thoughts of those nobles and religious folks who seemed to eye her curiously.

Lord Savin’s ruminations over the technicalities of military duties and the Driftwood Prince’s prods at his dignity started to fade into less importance as Ephram’s attention was won over by this lesser prince of the isles. “Are you all that particular?” he asked, slowing his long stride slightly so they fell a little more behind the others. “About tastes and cultivation, I mean.” Ephram drifted entirely to a stop, giving Miguel a sidelong smile. “It’s not so bad to let things go a little wild, sometimes.”

Fane hummed, “aye to a point perhaps but I just wonder is it our duty to see a city’s laws are upheld when there are men whose jobs it is to do that?” He was mostly just postulating really, it was all said and done now and little could change the fact of what had happened. Though the mention of his late wife by Iann caused Fane to dip his head, “my late wife did, but she knew my inclination to duty better than most I suppose, that said something always catches your eye when you happen by our Halls.” A joke, in part at least, considering how many broods of iann’s bastards there were about his city now. “It appears so… I might head and see them.”

As the Lady Bella excused herself, the priestess found her own goblet of rich wine, so dark it was nearly black. Glancing around the room, she made her way around the periphery, pausing to watch a dancing couple.

“I’ll join you, if you don’t mind,” Iann said, happy to abandon his brother in light of speaking to the Lovel boy, and finding out anything about his dear son Buttercup.

Octavia thought about her father war chieftain and clan leader- and of how she had been framed for his murder. Once she fled their kingdom they were overrun with the High Raj, every last one of her family killed. Octavia shook her head as if to shake the thoughts out of her head and looked back to Faye. “I am not here on behalf of him, I am only accompanying someone.” She said looking around the room for Bella. “I had only wished to keep you safe from that madman, I had missed when he lunged for attack but saw when he held the blade to your neck..” She said, bringing her hand up to her own neck. “I do not like to watch as women suffer at the hands of men.” She shook her head.

Fane gestured for Iann to walk with him, “I don’t mind in the slightest…” And while he was content to go and see his ward and fellow commander, his thoughts turned to checking on Lady Lacroy after the incident. Perhaps in a little while.

One side of Miguel’s mouth turned up in a lopsided smile. “Well, it could have its value, but tasting the small differences is interesting, a challenge almost.” His eyebrows twitched a little at the word challenge. He got a couple glasses of the Cipprian Mead once it was opened and handed one to Lord Pettaline. “Of course, I would be more than happy to try mead made from your honey if you would be so kind as to point some out. I’m sure a taste of the wild won’t hurt me.”

“Do you serve the house of the your Mistress? Or just your Mistress alone?” Faye asked. She had no quarrells with sellswords or hedgeknights. She was merely curious. “And as for that, I appreciate it. Truly.” Faye laid a hand on the other woman’s arm. “Neither do I.”

Iann let Fane handle all the re-acquaintances with his Ward and the Oathbreaker. Iann in the meantime looked around, hoping their moving didn’t lose the servant who’d run off to get his mead.

Prelate Theodore raised his eyebrows for a moment, looking even more owlish than usual. “Then that was clumsy, on my part,” he said. “I’d only intended to relay information. Nevertheless, Lady Lacroy, the matter has, as you say, been taken in hand. And I see that you have others willing to come to your aid, such as this young knight here.” He acknowledged Octavia with another nod, but then went still, catching sight of a rather … decorative personage appearing on the other side of the Hall. “Enjoy the festivities.” With that, the Prelate stepped away from the two women, making a wide arc around the perimeter of the Hall in Freddie’s direction.

It took Tuah a moment to recognize them, but that was understandable. The last time they had seen one another, Tuah had been a freshly appointed knight of the Dawnguard and Danian had been a highly enthusiastic ten-year-old aspiring for the same role. Though, his hug was- slightly unexpected. They weren’t exactly used to getting embraced by other members of nobility in public. Nevertheless, they returned it before stepping back to look him over. Quickly, their grin gave way to a harmless scoff, and propping one hand on their hip, they responded. “I would kick you in the shin for that if your confidant didn’t look so ready kick me back.” Not that he was wrong. They had grown and their boots gave them another two inches or so, but even then, their shorter stature was apparent. “Tuah it is then,” they smiled.

Fane as they neared Fane raised a hand and lightly clapped Tuah on the back smiling at him and then Danian the smile growing fonder. “Long time no see strangers.”

“I appreciate the information then.” Faye nodded to the Prelate. “And you as well,” she said as the man moved off in the general direction of a new arrival.

Maya returned only long enough to get the mead and gather her wits. Once done she delivered large goblets to the Lords Cardero as well as anyone else who desired them without a word. It was speaking, generally, that got her in to trouble.

“Hello again,” the priestess said, coming up behind Maya as she had delivered her latest glasses of mead. “I thought you served the House Savin? Not the capitol?”

Fane was surprised when Maya arrived with a tray serving drinks and after taking one off the tray gave her a sidelong look. He’d been about to open his mouth and point out the same, that Maya need not serve the drinks to the other nobles and could partake herself in some of the festivity. She was one of his cohort on this journey after all. But opted to close his mouth and leave the two women be for now.

Octavia laid her hand over the woman’s on her arm for only a moment before bringing it up to her collar. “Protection over women is the one thing I have unwavering belief in.” She said making eye contact with Faye. She studied her face for a moment before moving her eyes around the room, finding her mistress across the way with the two others she left her with. “I serve my mistress alone. I am a knight, protecting her above all else. She allowed me a place to take comfort in knowing I belonged, and for that I am grateful.” Octavia said, looking back to Faye.

Iann noticed the Blackspire crest emblazoned on the servant girl’s dress rather than the Bluesprings. He saw Fane about to address her, but it seemed a Red Priestess of the Light caught the girl first. Iann stayed silent and listened to hear the girl’s response. More out of idle habit, than the expectation to glean anything interesting or useful.

Danian returned Fane’s smile when he approached, offering a slight nod of greeting. “Lord Savin. It has, hasn’t it? What- two years? Things are still well for you up further North, I hope.”

Faye frowned slightly, noticing the other woman’s repeated gesture towards her neck. But she didn’t say anything about it. “I admire that.” She followed Octavia’s eyes towards her mistress. “Belonging somewhere can be hard.” FAye knew from experience. “I"m glad you found your place.”

Ephram accepted the glass that Miguel handed him, their fingers pressing together briefly at the handoff. “I’m not one to back down from a challenge, Highness,” he said, taking a bigger drink of the highly-regarded mead blend than was entirely civilized. “And surely not if it’s something you’d find interesting. The Hall is serving last year’s premium mead tonight, but I’ve got a few different vintages of Honeywild mead in my rooms, in fact. If the feasting and festing doesn’t tire you out too much, maybe you’d like to venture back with me afterwards? Sample the products of my Holding?”

Maya nodded, “I do, but I’m hardly one to let you all languish for lack of mead.” She gave a brilliant if porcelain smile. It was safer, usually, for her to fade into the background as a servants.

Fane didn’t stand so much on ceremony here with Tuah and his ward. “Two years too long hm?” he gave them a more stern look before his smile returned and he opened his arms to embrace them warmly. “The North is as it always is, unforgiving and unchanging. Though far less warm without your presence there. I do wish you’d consider returning back North.”

“I dare say none of the lords or ladies will languish if you don’t serve them their fifth glass.” The Priestess noted the girl’s expression, unable to shake the feeling that she knew her. Or should. “But… doing one’s duty is sometimes the hardest thing we can ask of another person, isn’t it?”

It was interesting to see the servant girl deliver such a dazzling smile. The falseness, Iann understood; but smiling with such dazzle tended to draw attention, compared to the blank, neutral stares of the other servants around them. He sipped his mead, looking over Tuah’s shoulder as Fane and Lovel got reacquainted. He smiled over his cup, at the Red Priestess’ reply to the girl. Those Priestesses were notorious for their sense of single-minded purpose, as well as the heat between their thighs. Not that Iann had ever bedded one, but the stories were intriguing.

Tuah chuckled heartily, hands on Dani’s shoulders. It was odd for him to show such affectionate display, seeing that he usually wore an almost permanent frown on his face. But it was such a relief to see such a familiar face that for a moment he couldn’t help himself. “Do you think I need his help kicking your arse? He’s only here to stop me from doing anything too un-king-ly.” He patted Dani on the shoulder before letting his hands fall to the ground. He turned his attention towards Fane and Iann, his expression now more guarded as he greeted them both. “Lord Savin. Lord Cardero.” If Fane had approached him and Dani alone, he would’ve embraced the other as well, glad to see such familiar faces. But that wasn’t the case, so Tuah decided to keep his lips tight and forced himself to flash a polite smile instead.

Iann licked his back teeth, his smile like a fox. “How goes your High Peninsula, Lord Tuah?” he asked. “It’s been a while since I’ve visited.” The last time, Lord Alexander had been alive; and for Iann it hadn’t been a pleasant visit.

“You may not think so, but I fear they would disagree,” Maya replied. Her expression softened considerably. “It is not mine to ask if duty is a difficult, only to do it.”

Her Majesty, Freddie really shouldn’t have been there. He was neither high-born, nor invited - nor terribly interested in the current monarch (beyond finding the Raj rather appealing physically, and just familiar enough to wonder if they’d met before under rather more intimate and insalubrious conditions.) But still, all that aside, a party was a party; and Freddie had entertained more than enough of the men attending thisone, back in his bed at Mab’s, to make attending it rather good fun. Especially when he happened across some of his more perverse patrons, puffed up with pomp and circumstance, their lady-wives on their arms.

Miguel blushed, a physical reaction that was far from the usual labyrinth of words and lies - there was no way to trick his body into doing that for him. Lord Pettaline’s words caught him off guard. Miguel still didn’t know where Pettaline would sit in his plans, or if he would even be worth the trouble. But he was charming, in a way, without such lofty ideas or holdings to be frustrating. Miguel cleared his throat of mead. “Perhaps. I imagine the mead you bring with you must be the best vintage. Pray, correct me if I’m mistaken.” He watched Pettaline’s face, trying hard to imagine what kind of man he was when he wasn’t around the other nobles. That was what mattered if Miguel was going to follow him back to his rooms.

Prelate Theodore finally completed his circuitous route to the Blue Diamond Whore, hissing at the back of Freddie’s head, “What are you doing here? Surely you didn’t take the Raj’s invitation as literally as to believe that strumpets and harlots should also attend the celebration?” One hand shot out to vice Freddie’s elbow. “Get out. Or – bloody Nines below, never mind that, it’ll make more of a scene than anything else.” His grip tightened in conjunction with his lips drawing to a thin line across his face. “Stay put. Don’t make a spectacle of yourself.” Even as he said it, he knew it was a vain request.

The Red Priestess looked at Maya with an expression that said that what the girl had just said had struck a nerve. A good one. “No it is not. You may yet surprise us all. Maya of No Importance.”

Danian didn’t hesitate to accept Fane’s embrace, even squeezing him for a brief moment before they released him. They couldn’t deny the familial sense of their relationship or the fatherly role that he had filled, even if they refrained from speaking of it. “Well, I’ve been traveling quite a lot here and there over those two years, so you can’t blame me entirely. Believe me- there’s nothing that aches me more than being separated from the North. I have stopped back home a few times, but it’s not nearly enough.”

Octavia felt stuffy in her layered clothes. The leather bodice feeling tight around her waist and the collared black shirt making her feel constricted. She usually wore only a shortened smock and a long sleeveless leather tunic. Octavia took a sip of the wine she received moments ago. “Yes, thank you. I have hopes that others find somewhere that brings them comfort. Or where they find intimacy with loved ones.” Octavia swirled the wine around in her glass. “From where do you hail?” She asked Faye.

“Little Danian, how is my Buttercup? I hear he blossoms whenever he sees you. The boy has a head for two things: blacksmithery, and you. All his letters are full of those two worthwhile subjects.”

Faye had no loved ones anymore. And as for any… intimacy… well, it had been a long time. “The Wildwood Marsh. Not too far from your woodlands, I don’t think.”

“No, quite close actually. The marshes are very interesting. I have only travelled through there once, twas before I came across my mistresses castle.”

Her Majesty, Freddie Initially taken a bit by surprise when he felt a hand close around his arm, Freddie smiled when he realised who it was that had caught him, turning subtly to look the Prelate in the eye, his own gleaming wickedly. “I was a spectacle before I even walked in tonight, darling,” he murmured, as unconcerned with titles and protocol here as he was in his own room at the brothel, “-but do you reallythink my leaving would make more a scene than anything else?” Freddie leaned a bit closer, his voice low, but rich and throaty. “What if I were to get on my knees for you right here? Would that be better or worse?”

Maya shook her head, “I have no intention of surprising anyone. She gave a small polite smile, "If you’ll excuse me.” But then without waiting for an answer she turned away to deliver the rest of the wine and mead on her tray.

Fane typically was more reserved in his affection than this but he had no particular reason to refrain. Iann’s presence was hardly a hindrance in his opinion though he noted Tuah’s sudden tension. Though wasn’t entirely sure why. “You’ll have to tell me all about your ventures… You don’t write nearly enough with updates of your antics.”

Iann chose to look over at the Red Priestess then, and raise an eyebrow at her. His tone was mild and friendly as he spoke to her. “It is good mead, the girl is right about that.”

“Is that so?” Tuah raised his brows when Iann mentioned that he had visited the Peninsula. Perhaps it was during the time where Alexander had been in position of power, since he had never met the Cardero personally during his time overseeing the land. “I hope that your stay was fitting to one of your standing.”

Ephram socked back the rest of the precious Cipprian mead, giving away his rural holding rough manners with the lack of delicate savouring of the liquor. He scrubbed the back of his hand over his mouth and leaned in closer to Miguel, a tall tree in a wind bending over a stouter one. “I’ll be honest with you, Prince Miguel,” he said, voice dipping low and confidential, “they’re not, in fact, my best vintages. Not all of them, not by the standards of–” he waved his empty wineglass at their surroundings, “–all this finery. We Easterners tend to prefer mead that goes down a touch raw.” He straightened up again, a corner of his lip lifting briefly. “Not to everybody’s taste, especially those accustomed to gentler handling.”

The Red Priestess watched Maya leave, not following after her. Things would work out as they should. In time. She turned to the group standing nearby, seeing the prince looking her way. “I prefer wine, but yes. She is.” She came over, looking at the adornments on the man’s richly tailored clothing. “I don’t think we’ve met, your grace.”

“I am afraid it was not a fitting stay, no.” Iann’s statement to Tuah was firm, but gently spoken. He didn’t elaborate, but he did look at Tuah square in the eyes as he said it.

“They were beautiful in their nature, every creature there more beautiful than the next.” She said before taking the last sip of her wine. “How will this wine ever give me enough movement for dancing when it is so weak?” Octavia asked. “I’ll need another.” She said shaking her empty glass. “And you?” She asked motining to Fayes glass.

“Not many people chose that road for travel. Too afraid of the witch to take a shortcut. Another,” Faye said, feeling the heat of the place as well. “Please.”

Prelate Theodore’s lips were in danger of altogether disappearing. “Shut up,” he growled, stepping in closer so that he could hold Freddie locked in place, visions flooding his head of Her Majesty prowling through the assembled crowd doing his best to unsettle unfaithful nobles. “I’ve warned you before about this nonsense. You take entirely too many liberties – it’s going to get you noticed by the wrong people, if you keep on the way you are.”

Miguel’s face was still red. When Lord Pettaline leaned down to tease him, his stomach felt full of bubbles. At the word raw all of Miguel’s muscles tightened as one. He needed a breath of fresh air. “We will see where the night takes us.” He needed time to think about it, but time was a commodity he didn’t have. Logic kept him in line, even if every primal instinct in him desperately wanted to taste Lord Pettaline’s mead. “I should…” All of his mind was working on self control, there was nothing left to come up with an excuse to walk away from the Lord of the Honeywilds.

“And yet I see no wine in your hand, blessed or otherwise,” Iann said, since the clergy of any religion usually loved their blessed wine. “No, I don’t think we have, Priestess of the Light. Care to guess?” He had no doubt the Red Priestess was aware exactly who he was; if she were here, she was likely a High Priestess. And in the world of religious fervour, one would make it their duty to know who they mingled amongst. He smiled, because the Red Priestess had already been bested on the semantics of duty, by a servant girl no less.

“Your Highness,” Danian chuckled at Iann with a nod of greeting. “It’s been some time since I last saw him, but I imagine he’s no less the energetic child he was then. He’s a very passionate boy, you know? As long as he keeps himself dedicated to his interests, I believe he has a very bright future ahead of him. And of course–” they turned to look back at Fane, “there’s loads to tell. What’s the point of adventures if you leave them with no tales to tell?” There was a small gleam in their eye when they said that. No number of years or titles imposed could completely erase the lord’s penchant for trouble.

“I’m afraid of many things; but a witch wouldn’t be one of them.” She winked. Octavia decided to share her most kept secret with this woman- only because she herself had been a witch before as well. Octavia reached her hand out to Fayes, touching only her pinkie slightly before retracting. She sent a cool breeze up her arm, swirling around it such as a long bracelet would; starting from her wrist and ending at her shoulder. She motioned towards a table that held bottles upon bottles of mead and wine. “I could bring them here, but to avoid a ruckus we would be smart to take the few steps.” She said tilting her head towards the spirits table.

Fane grinned at Dani’s words, “well then, you’ll have to regale all of us with tales of your adventures then. No doubt you’ve been venturing across land and sea – the latter no doubt of interest to Iann here.” As he’d been speaking with them he’d been sipping his goblet and had gradually depleted its contents. He’d been about to take another sip when he realised that it was empty and sighed, “I’ll return in a little while I need more drink.” With a wave of his goblet he wandered over to the table of caskets to refill his cup in the meantime.

Iann sighed, his eyes closing for a moment as he thought of Buttercup. He hadn’t seen the boy in so long; he was likely not even a boy any longer. When he returned the White Lady to the North, Iann knew he needed to visit his eldest child at Blackspire as well. “Thank you for the news.” Iann trusted Danian’s word. “It’s a pity that we’ve never crossed waves during our travels, Danian. But then again, it is a big ocean.” Multiple oceans of course, but the singular just sounded better.

“Blessed wine is swill watered down by priests who think it will last longer that way. I prefer the real kind.” Her own glass had sadly disappeared somewhere, but she was certain she could find another. The Priestess looked him over, casually reaching out to feel the edges of his robes before humming thoughtfully to herself. She named off his House and title without mistake, dropping the fabric from between her fingers as she did. “How fares your House? Well, I should think?”

A bolt of triumph streaked through Ephram’s belly as he watched the princeling – more baby-featured than his brothers, maybe a little less able to dissemble because of it – struggle to come up with some way to gain himself a reprieve. Ephram didn’t mind granting him one, for a few hours. It would only give Miguel time to keep coming back to everything Ephram had hinted at, stoking his ship’s fires, until he sailed himself right back into Ephram’s harbour when he was too full of mead and desire to resist anymore. “You should, yes,” Lord Pettaline nodded. “I should too, really. We wouldn’t want it to seem like we were giving any of our peers a cold shoulder, would we?” He gave Miguel a wolfish smile. “But don’t stay away too long, Prince Miguel. I’m not partial to tapping my casks with only my own company.”

“I see,” Tuah held Iann’s gaze with his own, unswaying. “I would apologise on behalf of the previous Lord, but it would seem unending if I start doing so.” He straightened his back and moved his shoulder in an almost a shrug. “You’re more than welcome to visit again, though I’m sure you’re far too engaged with overseeing your own nation to even bother with a small land such as ours, hm.”

Her Majesty, Freddie loved it when the Prelate got stern; his disapproval so complete and all-encompassing that Freddie couldn’t help but want to provoke it. But when Theodore’s grip tightened - Freddie would have bruises tomorrow (not that that was anything new) - Her Majesty did as he’d been bidden and stayed put. Though he was far from cowed. “You noticed me straight away,” the whore teased, “Does that make you the 'wrong’ people?” His voice softened slightly, one eyebrow raising. “Or was that some genuine care, and concern for my safety, that you just expressed?”

“That might be foolish of you,” Faye smiled easily, though she meant no harm by it. She watched curiously as Octavia reached towards her, and when the other woman touched her finger to Faye’s, and she felt… gods above… Faye sucked in a breath, her hand closing of it’s own accord as the power rolled up her arm. Something flickered in the depths of Faye’s violet eyes, a flame long forgotten by memory, but not by what was bound in her blood. Magic. “How…” Faye shook her head, and the light started to fade from her eyes, leaving them a soft violet once more. She could only nod as Octavia indicated the drinks table, and moved towards it without further prompting.

Faye was so shocked, so in need of something very very strong to push away the feeling of something she’d never experienced, but remembered nonetheless, that she didn’t see the Lord Savin. And ran right into him. “Fuck…” She looked up, instantly ready to snap at someone. “Watch where- Oh. It’s you. I… apologize.” She reached for the wine and filled her glass.

Iann was distracted by someone deigning to touch him - someone who wasn’t his children or Princess Addeline. He realized it was the Red Priestess, and he was surprised when it seemed she identified him by the seam of his shirt between her fingers. Seemed, of course, being the operative word. He’d never met someone who used this tactic before. “Yes, you should think that, Priestess. The Forty Isles thrives. Have you ever visited our kingdom? I know we aren’t much for the Light, but you’d still be treated hospitably.” Well, that was only partially true depending on what island she visited. But Iann wouldn’t reveal the inner politics of his islands to an outsider. This was all part of the game, anyway.

Miguel nodded, feeling like a mouse staring down an owl. He needed to get his head back in place, he was at the castle to make alliances. Though, wasn’t that a way to make an alliance? He was able to pull himself away from Lord Pettaline to stand in a corner and sip his mead.

Iann looked over at Tuah, extraordinarily pleased that the minor Lord (albeit not so minor now) did what Iann expected him to do, and invited him to visit the High Peninsula. “I value your invitation more than I do your apologies, Lord. They are not necessary.” Did Tuah understand, what the Heir to the Forty Isles visiting the Oathbreaker’s holding would mean to the world watching? He genuinely hoped so. Iann only did it for the strategic geographical advantage, and a mild curiousity of this mysterious minor lord who bested Lord Alexander. “Anyone who served in Savin’s Dawnguard is someone I consider well worth a visit.”

“Would I be privy to hear these adventuring of yours?” Tuah turned his attention towards Dani, “It’s been a while since I was able to travel so freely.” He heaved a sigh and swirled the content of his drink, still full as he hadn’t taken a single sip.

Fane was just helping himself to a few of the richer casks when someone bumped into his back causing him to spill it all over his sleeve “oh for gods sake…” he cussed under his breath shaking out the sleeve of his jacket. He turned with a stern glower to look at whoever happened to be culpable for the act where he’d been about to snap in annoyance he opted to shut his mouth once more. “Oh,” he exhaled and turned his attention back to his sleeve “Lady Lacroy… No it’s fine.”

Danian nodded to Iann with a smile. “Of course. In fact- now that you’ve brought him up, I’m probably long overdue to pay him a visit as well, the way he used to follow me around. Between him and Fane, it sounds like I might be heading there as soon as our visit to the Capital is over.” As they began talking of oceans, Danian gradually began stepping in the direction of the Hall. They had been on the road for… long enough to need a proper drink or two. “Aye, it is. I’m not the best of seafarers though, I’m afraid. The lands across the seas are worth the journeys, but I would take a horse over a ship any day, if I could.” Looking over at Tuah’s request, they grinned. “Yes, of course. Why would I refuse?”

“You flatter yourself.” It was an insipid scold, as reprimands went; particularly because Theodore knew quite well that even though Freddie did enjoy flattering himself – it seemed a favourite pastime of his – those boasts were far outstripped in number by the praise heaped on him by Queen Mab’s clientele. He hadn’t been coronated 'Her Majesty’ for no reason. “I want this night to continue without any more unexpected dramatics, at least of the bloodletting sort. And I can’t ensure that if I need to also keep an eye out for you making trouble, blast it.”

Octavia watched as Faye’s eyes lit up. This had been one of her favorite things about magic- seeing the look on other peoples faces. “My mother was like me, as was her mother. I was supposed to be taught by her how to use what was handed down to me, but she died while in childbirth. Her mother said that her death strengthened me, causing me to take what was hers and double my own. I just don’t really use it, and I don’t know how for the most part, my Grandmother died before she could show me as well.” Octavia sighed, taking a few steps towards the table. She picked up what seemed to be mead, and my the smell of it, strong mead. “Would this be to your liking, M'lady?” She asked. “Oh, more for me, then.” She laughed as she watched Faye fill her glass. Octavia took a sip, nodding along to a melody the band played. “Do you think we shall say in this formal wear all night? I would assume something a little more casual might be fitting for a celebration meant for all peoples.” Octavia shifted from one foot to the other, studying the varying outfits of the crowd.

The Red Priestess thought nothing of touching the prince. There was no law but that of the Lord of Light, and that of the common laws of the land. She meant no offence besides. The cloth was fine and soft, and the priestess could appreciate beautiful things. She glanced up at the prince as he spoke. “I’m happy to hear that. And I have. But it’s been some time. As High Priestess, I’m more needed at the sept than abroad. Though it matters not if you accept the Light, your grace. Our lord will be just as hospitable as your islands, I’m certain.” Did that mean she knew of what went on in some places in the Isles? Not necessarily. But she had heard rumors.

“We had it. Once. A long time ago. But it faded with time. I… thank you for sharing it.” They moved on to the table, and Faye felt bad for snapping at the Inquisitor. “I’m sorry, m'lord. Can I … get you something for your sleeve?” Faye asked. She glanced back at the lady knight. “I certainly hope not. It’s stifling.” Though her gaze travelled in one particular direction, to the long frame of the Lord Savin as he shook his sleeve that was dripping with mead.

Fane noticed the woman from earlier still with Faye deciding there was little to be done to save his sleeve. “Ah that’s kind of you but no, don’t worry, don’t worry… clothes might be dampened but thankfully spirits are not…” his smile returned more gracious now as he noted Faye’s companion and turned a charming smile in her direction. “Aaah! Lady Lacroy’s knight in shining armour, hm? I can’t say I caught your name earlier… Lady?”

“Ah, well. I too have something I’d like to return to the North, and therefore I’ll be visiting Blackspire as well. Did you come by ship or horse, Danian?” Iann asked. “I’d be happy to take you there, if you need a quicker way than hooves on hard packed roads,” he said, teasing the young Lord gently. He turned to look at the Red Priestess, and swept a glass of wine of a tray for her as well. “So then why are you here? To convert the commonfolk and nobility alike?” he asked, amusing himself at the thought. “Or do you come bearing a message or a portent? I know you Priestesses are renowned for those, for better or for worse. Or perhaps your'e here to report the Cloverry’s fanfare back to your sept?” He used the word 'fanfare’ with a friendly sarcasm, considering how austere the Keep was.

“Spirits indeed…” She took a long drink of her wine.

“Of course.” She dipped her head slightly to Faye. Octavia turned to the gentleman that had been with Faye earlier. “I would hardly define myself as such, she rescued herself.” She said turning back to her. “My name is Octavia, though I would seldom call myself a lady as I has not been raised as one.” She smiled at the man. “You must be Lord Savin, lovely to meet your acquaintance.” She said before taking a gulp of her mead.

Her Majesty, Freddie pouted for a moment at the rebuke, then sighed as theatrically as he could, given the accusation of dramatics that had been levelled at him, rolling his eyes to the heavens. “Far be it from me to distract you from your more godly pursuits, Prelate,” he said, resting a hand over his heart, “I’ll be as good as gold from here on out.” Freddie grinned, knowing that Theodore enjoyed a bit of goss - even if he claimed otherwise. “Though I can see at least 6 customers from here - including the one I told you about. With the Scold’s Bridle.” Freddie glanced down at the Prelate’s hand still on his arm. “But tell me about 'any more’ dramatics, yeah? Have I missed the best bits of the evening? I mean, if you’re going to hold me, darling, either fuck me, regale me, or dance with me - otherwise I’ll have to find my own entertainment.”

“No. Nothing so atrocious. I bring the Unnamed Blade to the rightful ruler.” She took the wine with a nod and took a long sip. “The Cloverry are of no concern to us, your grace. They are their own entity, and they do much good. Or so it seems.”

Now Iann was torn between hearing Danian’s tales of adventure, and hearing more about the Unnamed Blade. He’d be seeing Danian again; this Red Priestess, he might never see again. “What is the Unnamed Blade, Priestess? ” And why did it need to be united with the High Raj?

“The blade for the one true ruler. The one from the prophecy.” The priestess said this as if it was no large concern other than getting the blade to where it needed to be. Though it was glaringly not on her person. “Said to be the blade that will usher in a new age of peace.”

Fane pointed an index finger at Octavia before ruminating “indeed, indeed she did.” The same hand and index finger then turned to point at Faye then his brow tipping a little, “fireberries no? Very impressive I must say.” As Octavia introduced herself Fane gave a small nod studying her attire curiously though mostly in search of a sigil to denote who she served, but finding no obvious evidence he ultimately had to ask. “And who is it that you serve? And please, how would you prefer for me to address you?” Though her assumption of who he was earned a small dip of his head, “that would be me, and likewise.” His attention travelled to Faye then “I meant to come and ask at an earlier point in time but my kinsmen kept me busy…” his brow furrowed a little in apparent concern, “how fair you after earlier?”

Tuah internally sighed at Iann’s reply. He should’ve known that Iann wouldn’t say no to such invitation, perhaps even eagerly wait for Tuah to extend the invitation to him himself due to the strategic placing of his small nation. So much to hope that the Lord would decline. Still, Tuah tried his best to keep the polite smile on his face. Despite his personal bias towards other nobilities, it wouldn’t hurt to let themselves be allied with other Houses. He simply needed to find the right one to ally himself with so the past would not repeat itself. “I look forward to your visit, then,” he replied, “and perhaps, if fate’s willing, I’d be able to visit your land.” His smile was more genuine when he turned his attention towards Dani. But before he could reply he was quite distracted by the words of the Red Priestess, he believed what she was called, curiosity piqued his interest.

Faye smiled at Octavia as she spoke to Lord Savin of earlier. “Fireberries,” she nodded as he addressed her, draining her glass as he turned again to speak to Octavia. “Other than a bit of wounded pride and a new scar, I’m fine, m'lord. Thank you.”

“I serve Bellamy, Queen of the Dead Woods. I am her central protector.” Octavia said, finding Bella in the crowd across the great hall. “Just Octavia will do, if you may.” She said tipping her head back to him.

Prelate Theodore briefly and very vividly considered throwing Freddie across the mead table, unbelting his clerical habit, and strapping the saucy wretch within an inch of his reprobate life. The major flaw in that plan was that Freddie would enjoy it far too much. As a matter of fact, the Prelate would also enjoy it to an unseemly degree, and it was in an abrupt attempt to stave off that thought that Theodore adjusted his grip on Freddie to turn them facing each other, stepping smartly forward in the opening move of a traditional findlay dance – his ire only increasing as Freddie immediately, seamlessly, fell in elegant step with him. “The Grand Lady of Summerset was nearly kidnapped earlier,” Teddy told him as they moved in wide swirls across the Grand Hall floor. “And the Witch of the Wilds was attacked by House Kesley. Both attempts foiled, but all the same. It has me on edge.”

“Came by horse, from home. Not the shortest or easiest ride, but it can be a bit of fun if you know where to break,” they grinned at Iann. “I appreciate the offer, but there are a few things back at Wolfhaven I’ll have to settle after my visit here and it’s far more convenient then if I ride up from one Northern keep to another.” After fetching themself cup of mead, Danian indulged in a sip before tilting their head at Iann. “Do you journey much on horseback yourself, Iann?” Then they came to realize that everyone was having their attention drawn to the Red Priestess in the room. Sighing, they took another drink from their cup, this one longer than the last. It was good, but it wasn’t the ale they were used to.

Cassie was late. Which was just a smidgen of an understatement, but the good thing she knew was everyone in the Kingdom would party all night long if they liked, so she couldn’t have missed too much. Cassie finally reached the Keep successfully climbing the stairs and promptly finding a spare cup of mead to carry around with her as she circled the room. She saw many faces she knew and a few she did not. She took a deep breath, knowing her kidnap attempt would probably be brought up in conversation. It had bothered her a tad more than she’d let on earlier in the day, but so was the course of a royal life.

“Sounds fascinating,” Iann said to the Priestess; but it actually did not, unfortunately. He’d hoped to enjoy some fervour and passion from the Red Priestess regarding her Unnamed Sword. “And where, may I ask, are you keeping this sword you intend for the High Raj?” he laughed, glancing at Danian with a mischievous look. “There are many ways to give someone a sword, after all. And many types of…things…that one might refer to, as a sword.”

Her Majesty, Freddie smirked, having seen the little flare of angry lust in the holy man’s eyes, and carried on dancing gracefully, never missing a step or a beat as he asked, “Summerset, hm? Which one is she again?” He pretended at ignorance simply to provoke, punishment being a pastime they both enjoyed from mutually beneficial ends. “And I’m afraid you’ll have to refresh me about House Kelsey’s quarrel too, love.” Freddie’s smirk deepened. “You know I have a much harder time remembering Bluesprings’ ladies, than its gentlemen.”

Fane found himself smiling at Faye’s mention of fireberries shaking his head in amusement. “Truly inspired, I’ve heard of the idea of powdering them but always was led to believe they still remained too viscous to be turned into a fine enough powder.” Though at Octavia’s mention of who she served Fane perked up. “She’s here?” he asked curiously his eyes travelling around the room in search of anyone that might be fitting of such a title but not immediately coming upon her. “I’ve heard tales of your Queen.” Questionable ones he would admit but no less interesting. He found such figures intriguing. “Very well Octavia it is then.”

The Red Priestess raised and eyebrow over the rim of her goblet. “If you mean cock, then I’m quite familiar, your grace. As for the sword, it will come when it’s needed. Unlike so many men I’ve known.”

Iann laughed then, loud but hardly abrasive. “It’s a pity you have to give it away then, I would have loved to see you wield it,” he said. He always had a pleasant and mild tone to his voice, but at the moment his words were less about the game, and more genuine. The Red Priestesses were also known for their crassness. But as a sailor, he’d grown to appreciate such low humour. He raised his cup, looking from the Priestess to Danian, and even to Tuah who looked like he wanted to sink into the marble beneath them and die. “To the Unnamed Sword, may our High Raj use it often, and well.”

“Oh, I didn’t say it was for the Raj, now did I?” the priestess smiled over her cup. “I said the one true ruler.”

“Yes, she is here- in all her glory. Some of these tales are quite exaggerated, but many are true; if not an understatement for the power she wields.” Octavia said looking at Lord Savin. Many gawked at the queen, but she would rather have that instead of someone trying to take advantage of her.

Overhearing the conversation between her brother in law and the mysterious woman, Cassandra let out a slight snort and raised her goblet in agreement only briefly making eye contact with the group.

“Not if you know what you’re doing,” Faye told Lord Savin. “Don’t inhale them. Or you’re fucked.”

Prelate Theodore said acidly, “Since I’m hardly telling you these things for your analysis – seeing as the most you’d be able to offer me is information as to the girth of the cocks of any men even peripherally involved and what faces they make when they come – it isn’t as though you need details.” Theodore was grim, disapproving silence for a few turns across the floor, and then he said, “The auburn-haired sister-by-marriage to the Forty Isles is Lady Cassandra of Summerset. House Kesley,” he emphasized the unusual family name, “bears no love for witches, particularly those who factor large in popular mythos. I doubt they would make a repeat attack on Lacroy, however. At least not for some time, at which point she will not be my problem.”

Danian hadn’t entirely been listening to the words of the Priestess, so when Iann glanced down at them to deliver his witty comment, they nearly choked on their drink. After coughing a second to recover, their look back up at him bore the slightest glare- though they also had to respect the cleverness of his statement. “Well- you’re not wrong.” Luckily the group’s focus had stayed fixed on the woman and not their reaction, so they were content to join in on Iann’s toast. But this woman… she did seem to enjoy a bit of correction. Danian sighed and turned to look elsewhere around the room, spotting the woman who had joined in the raising of their goblets, but she had turned away, and they didn’t want to approach her, wary from her position that she might not be interested in interacted with any of the band Iann had brought together.

The Red Priestess glanced over at the Lady Cassandra, wondering if perhaps it would be her that could pull the sword from it’s casing. She doubted it. But only because she was already of great importance. Though the priestess had no say.

“I would hate for that to be the case, I’m glad I took a step back to avoid your line of fire.” Octavia said raising a brow at Faye. By this point she had been a glass of wine, and a glass of mead in yet the warmth that came from the alcohol hadn’t affected her. She felt warm in the layers, so she flagged down a servant. When they walked over she slipped off her cloak, handing it to them. She unbuttoned the shirt she wore under her leather bodice and slipped it off, attempting to be ride of it without pulling any of her long hairs. The neck piece she wore still in tact. “Now, that’s better, if I do say so.” She dismissed the servant, asking her take her belongings to her room in the castle.

Fane listened to Octavia describe her queen as any devotee would. All her glory. How many times had he heard people say that about their leaders? But he was no less curious about this Deadwoods Queen. “So she does wield blood magick?” Fane had long since believed fables to be just that, these lands had not seen the influence of such things in an age. Though it was the role of the Guard to keep such things in check… To know that there was a potential risk in the city, while it didn’t alter his outward expression he kept a mental note. Though soon enough the woman was occupying herself with stripping off her layers and Fane found himself sipping his drink. “I should hope not…” he raised both brows at Faye’s statement “well, at least in the negative connotation that phrase happens to hold.” He raised his goblet to her with a grin and took another sip of the rich contents.

“You shouldn’t be so dismissive of the size of men’s cocks and the faces of their pleasure,” Freddie said, smiling a bit inscrutably, “Wars have been fought for less.” When Theodore pointed out Lady Cassandra though, Freddie turned his attention dutifully in her direction for a moment, as though glancing upon her for the first time - he liked the Prelate to never be entirely sure if he was clever or not; a bubble-headed bauble or something with a bit more bite - then took his correction regarding House Kesley with an appropriately abashed inclination of his head. Though his eyes continued to smile. “And why is she your problem now, Prelate? Have you been sharing your excesses with witches as well as whores?”

Faye nodded. “The further away you are, the less the effects. Though if sprinkle a bit in someone’s drink…” She took a long swallow of her own.

“Godspeed then, Priestess.” He gave Danian a wink and squeezed Cassandra’s hand, before he headed off.

“I do not speak on behalf of my mistresses affairs, but I do assure you she is only here to celebrate with the others gathered here tonight. Look at these festivities.” Octavia said raising her glass.

“And yourself, your grace,” the priestess called after him.

Prelate Theodore actually gave a sniff of wry amusement at the prospect. “I’ve yet to meet any women arriving for the coronation who see the church as anything other than a pernicious tool of corruption or at best, misguided when compared to their own belief systems. So no, Insolence–” his sibilants sharp on what passed for a pet name, “–there’s been no dalliance of the sort with the witch. I’ve set a few of the Emerald Hand to watching her.” Theodore gave a parched laugh. “I even let her know I’d done it, so that she’d realize her actions are being monitored, but the subtleties of that seemed to escape her. I don’t know why I expect anything diverting when it comes to these self-important provincials, Freddie. Each of them the lone remaining member of their House, each bearing it with noble pained dignity.” He paused at the wine table, procuring another goblet of his favoured resinous green vintage. “Can you appreciate the place in which I find myself? Terribly weary of stoic suffering?” He lifted the goblet to his lips. “Me!”

Fane raised a brow at Octavia’s answer. Not a confirmation but also not a dismissal either. Interesting how you could read into what a person chose to say and not say. “Oh no doubt, no doubt… We’re all here to celebrate after all are we not?” He looked aside to Faye then dark eyes sparking curiously, “but on the topic it does have me interested… What is your opinion of magick? Considering the reputation that goes ahead of you… No doubt you have some opinions on it.”

“My family had magick once. But our ancestor squandered it. So it gradually dried up.” Faye shrugged. Other than the bit she’d just felt from Octavia, Faye had never felt real magic.

As Iann departed, Danian didn’t miss his brief interaction with the woman who had glanced at their group before. Taking it as a sign that they were free to approach, the Northern lord stepped toward her and offered a small smile of greeting. “Hello. I don’t believe we’ve met. Lord Danian Lovel of Wolfhaven.” They gave the lady a short bow. “I do hope I’m not a bother, but I couldn’t help noticing Prince Iann’s stopping by you just now. I take it the two of you are acquainted?”

“Of course I have an opinion on it.” Octavia said raising her eyebrow. “Who doesn’t?” She reached for a bottle of wine, emptying the remaining contents of it into her glass. “I think magick can be light, wonderful, powerful in the most peaceful of ways; but it can also be dark, dangerous. I think it depends on who’s wielding it.” She said looking back at Lord Savin.

Her conversation with the other small group waning, the priestess made her way towards the wine table. “Stoic suffering?” she said wryly as she came up beside the Prelate of the Cloverry. “Don’t tell me the Cloverry is falling down on their job? I quite admire their work,” she said genuinely.

“That’s a selfish thing for them to do.” She said with a shake of her head. “If this is the reality, then why the hateful vengeance towards you? Is it all just in rumor?” Octavia  asked Faye.

 “I’m no harpy, if that’s what you mean. And I don’t steal men away to father my monstrous daughters. I have no daughters. I haven’t seen a man in… ages.”

Cassie saw them coming over, and pulled the cup away from her lips when they spoke. She smiled gently and nodded. She had not met Lord Danian properly before. “It’s a pleasure, no bother. I know the Forty Isles heir quite well actually.” She couldn’t help but laugh, “We’re related by marriage. I’m Cassandra of Summerset…” Her gaze shifted around the room a moment, “No doubt, I’ve made a sliver of conversation tonight.” At the very least, Cassie could have sworn she heard the Prelate mutter her name. Her brow suddenly furrowed back at Danian, “You’re affiliated with Blackspire estate aren’t you?”

Fane tipped his goblet to the room, “people who don’t believe in it?” Fane offered up in answer to Octavia’s question considering the populus tended to view magick as being extraordinary. Far from commonplace and not well understood therefore a fearful thing. “Ah the eternal debate of good versus evil and innate power and how it’s wielded…” Far too heavy a topic so Fane opted to pick up the vase of wine and top of Faye’s drink considering the contents of her cup was waning “well… there’s plenty here for the picking.”

Gods but she sounded like some simpering waif lamenting her existence. Faye was lonely, yes. But it was simply how it was. Coming here had done nothing but set her out as a target, no matter what Lord Savin, or the Prelate, or Octavia even, wanted to say about it. She knew when she was being watched. But other than the reputation that followed her and the hatred some families had for witches, what did it matter? She only came because she’d been invited. “And they hate me because they can. It’s easy.”

Prelate Theodore looked at Freddie, then turned to the Red Priestess. “Unusual for a priestess of the Lord of Light to outright offer compliments for the promulgation of another faith,” he remarked. “At least, it’s unusual in my experience. Our tenets of penitence are rather at odds with your beliefs, aren’t they? Or am I behind in the latest developments? An entirely likely scenario.”

“Well, whoever is trying to bring you down is already below you.” Octavia said to Faye. “You should not worry about the people who are against you, not while you’re here at least. You are amongst friends, let the foes wallow in their pity.” She brought her glass up to her lips to take a sip. “Plenty here for the picking?” She asked Lord Savin. “Just of drink or has anyone caught your eye?” Octavia motioned around the room with her glass and smiled at him.

Her Majesty, Freddie smiled, almost to himself, at the endearment - because that’s what it was, from a man like Theodore - pleased to be set apart and given a name that would only ever cross the Prelate’s lips, then nodded his head in understanding, as they moved from the floor, their dancing done. “And what is the Wild Witch brewing that you feel needs the Emerald Hand’s attention, love? Is she a threat, or simply a nuisance?” The Blue Diamond Whore chuckled. “In either case, you might have done better to let the assassins take her.” Watching Theodore drink, that elegant throat reminding him of the last time he’d tasted it, Freddie took a goblet for himself, sipping it, and then subtly slipping a hand up the Prelate’s voluminous sleeve to drag an enticing finger over the slender man’s pulse point - there and gone in a flash. “I can sympathise though,” he said with a faintly wry little grin, “-there really is nothing more tedious that the company of those bearing up admirably under the strain of their own honour and fortitude.” He smirked again. “Though, half of those are quietly ready to cut a man’s throat for an extra half-acre of land, so even in their tedium, you can’t afford a moment’s distraction.”

Danian When Cassandra spoke her name, a spark of realization flashed in the young lord’s eyes. “Ah, Your Majesty. It’s lovely to finally meet you.” They couldn’t help glancing around the room as she did before turning their head back to her. At the mention of Blackspire, they smiled. “Yes, I am. I was Lord Savin’s ward there for much of my life. Iann’s eldest and I became quite close,” a quiet chuckle came from them at the thought. “He had a tendency of following me around throughout the day. Very enthusiastic young man- and passionate too. He’s got a bright future ahead of him.” They paused to take a sip of their mead. “I met Iann during one of his visits- and apparently I have been featured in his son’s correspondence as well. By now, I imagine he knows more of me than I know of him.”

“I have no worries that my faith will lose it’s followers simply because I have the ability to see things from a different perspective than most of my sisters.” The Priestess sipped from her glass. “Anyone who seeks to ease the suffering of others shares our most basic beliefs. We are the same in that at least. Why should we not rejoice? ”

Faye could only nod, as she was trying her best to drink away the shaking feeling the touch of magic had given her. Among other things. She had… liked it. And it would be dangerous to think too hard on it. “I don’t worry about them. Only the foolish would dare attack me a second time. I won’t be so kind.” She nodded at Lord Savin as he refilled her cup for her. “Good and evil are all made up by men.”

Fane wasn’t quite so sure he agreed with Octavia’s statements about those individuals being below Lady Lacroy. Recent events he was aware of - namely the attempted kidnapping of the Grand Lady of Summerset and also an attempt on the life of Lady Lacroy? Two events so close to the coronation yet also seemingly unrelated but also equally able to drum up discontent amongst different levels of the Kingdom. One for the nobles, another to raise the ire and suspicion of the common-folk… But also potentially a distraction from something more? Fane rubbed his chin lost in thought as he stood there. Though Octavia’s question, caused him to laugh quietly, “caught my eye? An amusing notion but… No. Not particularly. I leave indulging in such… mm… interests to other lordlings.”

Prelate Theodore directed his attention to the Red Priestess more pointedly; his body language made it very clear that he was no longer going to carry on any interaction with Freddie, that there had never been any reason for him to do so apart from a single polite dance at what was, after all, supposed to be a festival enjoyed by even the most base of commoners. The spot where Freddie had run his finger against Teddy’s wrist felt silvery hot-cold, and the Prelate couldn’t ignore the lingering phantom of that intimate touch – but he could ignore Freddie himself. Treat the man like the whore he was. Remind them both that certain boundaries could only be stretched, not crossed.

Cassie smiled, “I thought so. I know your guardian, business mostly but-“ She squinted, “I imagine I might have seen you in passing from time to time.” Cassandra laughed at the mention of one of Iann’s children, “He must inhabit some of his mother’s tendencies then.” For all his familial support towards Cassandra and her daughter, it didn’t ebb his more infuriating moments. “Lord Iann always makes it his business to know everyone’s business.” She rolled her eyes for emphasis but added wisely, “Just make sure not to give too much of yourself away.”

Prelate Theodore So Theodore spoke only to the Priestess, blocking out all else but theology. “Perhaps what is as yet a singular viewpoint of your own will in time be shared by the rest of your sisters, praise unto the Whole.”

“Praise, indeed. Though as High Priestess, my influence is… far reaching. At least within my own septs.” She watched the Prelate as they spoke, sensing the aura of his faith that he carried like a banner about his person. “I can see why you were chosen as Prelate. An open mind is a rare thing these days.”

Her Majesty, Freddie’s dismissal was sudden and complete - but by no means out of character for the Prelate - and the whore couldn’t help but chuckle to himself as Theodore turned his back, thinking, 'Right then, time to make my own fun…’, drifting off into the crowd, and heading in the direction of a small knot of men talking quietly in a corner - one of whom he’d seen only last night, who’d come to Queen Mab’s with a large courgette and a riding crop. Freddie didn’t intend to stop, but a picture really was worth a thousand words sometimes.

Faye frowned slightly as the Lord Savin said he had no interest in anything or anyone in the room. That he didn’t partake of those pastimes. Not that her mind had wandered there at all during the course of the evening. He was handsome, yes. And he had been kind to her. But such was his duty. Faye didn’t expect anything less. Or more. Certainly not more. But she overcome with a sudden wave of needing some air. “If you’ll excuse me…” Faye said. “We’ll speak later,” she said to Octavia. “Thank you again for earlier.” She glanced at the Inquisitor. “M'lord.” And moved off to find a dark corner to get quietly drunk.

“Well, I’m sure the other lordlings will have a wonderful time with that tonight.” She laughed. The people in the room had sunken into the drinks haziness. She could count more than three couples attempting to hide in the shadows. “Of course.” She replied to Faye. “Maybe I’ll make my rounds. Cheers to you, Lord Savin, Lady Lacroy.” She said, bowing to them. Octavia walked across the room to where a large table with a pile of food sat. She picked off a grape from a vine and popped it into her mouth.

“As long as you were visiting the North prior to the past two years, it’s fairly likely. Though, I tended to prefer the outdoors.” At the mention of Iann and his business, Danian sighed with another slight chuckle. “So it would seem. Unfortunately for him, aside from my travels, I doubt I’m all that interesting. From what I’ve experienced, Southerners like yourself live far more exciting lives than those of us in the North. We have to survive the weather before we do anything else. Still,” a nostalgic feeling turned up the very edge of their lip, a touch of sadness lingering there for the briefest moment, “our home is in our blood. It’s where we belong. Everywhere else I’ve been- I’ve never felt entirely myself.”

Fane had been left alone after Faye had made her excuse in need of air and Octavia in favour of doing rounds. He didn’t mind particularly and opted to take the time to pull off his jacket, the sleeve was ruined and would need a thorough wash out to try and save it from the wine that had been spilt on it. A shame, but ultimately a fixable issue. Waving over one of his servants he requested it be taken back to his room leaving him to roll up his sleeves to his elbows so they were now more out of the way.

Faye sat in silence, watching the room and the unfamiliar faces (besides Miguel and Lord Savin) chatting quietly. Others were more raucous, and Faye found a small bit of amusement in watching them. And the music. Gods it had been so long since she’d heard music… some time later and she was well into her cups, cloak put aside and hair falling a bit out of her braids.

Fane had by now had several more cups of wine. Enough to loosen the edge of his more severe nature and loosen his more uptight demeanour into something more pleasant. While he’d done several rounds of chatting here and there ultimately spied a familiar blonde now saw on the edge of the room. “Now… what’re you doin’ o'er ‘ere, hm?” his accent was thicker when he spoke goblet hanging loosely from his fingers as he stood in front of Lady Lacroy.

Faye looked up as a tall shadow fell over her table. She looked up with slightly bleary eyes to see the… the figures of Lord Savin. But she was in no mood to talk. “Getting drunk. Now go away.” She turned back the mug of whatever alcohol she was drinking currently.

Fane cocked his head at the abrupt answer, “can’t get drunk alone, s'no fun.” Promptly he swung one leg over the bench and sat lazily straddling it as he deposited the jug and his drink on it. “Quite the party o'er here,” he wiggled his finger indicating the general vicinity.

“Yet I’ve somehow managed it without you. Will wonders never cease.” She tried to glare at him as he sat - uninvited - down next to her, but she couldn’t decide which one of him to focus on. “A party of one. Now go away.”

Fane chortled at her attempt to glare at him over the table. “You’re funny, hm, yes, very funny” he raised his drink in a slight salute before taking a gulp. “Aah but no!” he laughed exclaiming a touch too loudly leaning forwards on his forearm and pointing at her. “Not one. Because… Now I’m here. So…. it’s now a party of… of two.” To embolden this particular statement of very, serious logical fact the Inquisitor held up three fingers.

Faye was not amused as he sat down very close inside her personal space. She leaned back slightly as he pointed at her, and nearly swatted at his hand. Except he held it up, along with three fingers. Faye’s eyes narrowed, and she looked between him and his…more than two fingers. “Can you /be/ an imbecile and really be the Inquisitor?”

Fane frowned as she narrowed her eyes looking at her and then his hand and back at her still very serious before a fourth finger flicked up to join the prior three. “Two… Twos, two split makes… two.”

“Four. It makes four.” She reached for her drink. “Do you really not have any skills at all? Or does the Guard just run on luck and watered down ale? Because this…” She held up two fingers. “Is two. And this.” She put one down. “Is you leaving.”

Fane shook his head forlornly. “No no no, see…” he kept his hands up as they were his index and middle fingers pressed together tightly as they were presently in the air on either hand “this is two but–” he tilted his head before splitting his fingers apart “this is four.”

Faye merely shook her head. “Well, you wouldn’t be the first man to think he’s more talented with his fingers than he actually is…”

Fane knew his brows had gone towards his hairline, a flush rising in his features and it was debatable if he was on the border between embarrassment or anger. That is until he snorted ungracefully and started to laugh jovially, “I see what you did there… Fingers and… hmph… Smart… You… are very smart.”

Faye knew he was drunk. But so was she. Normally she wouldn’t have dared speak so frankly, and she certainly didn’t /really/ think he was unintelligent. It was just… being here was a lot. Talking to so many people in one day had drained her. So what finally made her laugh was the way he started to flush. And the fact that the one thing he seemed to understand was her… innuendo. She snorted her own laugh. “Does that mean I’m mistaken and you do know how to use them?”

Fane waggled his brows and picked up his goblet tilting it a little at her almost spilling some but pulling it back just in time to take a sip. “That… now, that… Would be telling.”

Faye watched the wine nearly slop over the sides of his cup, but didn’t move away this time. She was afraid the room might spin out from under her if she moved too quickly. “Means no then?” She raised her own eyebrows at him. “I wonder if that pretty knight is still around… she probably knows a thing or two…”

Fane snorted again and made a face as he levelled her with a look across the table “why so… curious?” he questioned changing tact, “curious t'find out?”

Faye looked at him evenly, feeling overly warm in the heat of the party. “Maybe I’m tired of being lonely for once.”

Fane opened his mouth and closed it then before opening it once more and closing it again. He looked at her for a long time, though his brow furrowed deeply. “Being lonely’s a choice… You don’t… have to choose it.”

Faye returned the look, her eyes flickering slightly with something she didnt’ speak out loud. They were sitting close enough that she eventually reached out and toyed with the ends of the laces on his shirt. “And I choose not to be…” she said eventually.

Fane rarely indulged as he had tonight, typically having far more restraint than he was presently showing. But then again he was so damn tired, eight years since his wife had passed and he’d kept his own council. He served and performed his duties day in and day out without question. So what if he wanted something for himself for once? Though feeling eyes on him caused him to turn his head a fraction to the group standing nearby eyeing them with a stonier look. Though the play of Faye’s fingers drew his attention back to her before he said quietly under his breath so that she might hear but the others would not. “Go… Give me… a little time then… I’ll… walk you to your chambers.” He would take a different exit and walk around.

Faye looked at him evenly still. It had been years for her as well, since she’d shared her bed with anyone. Never marrying, but occasionally finding company in those that passed her way. It was very lonely, and Faye had chosen it. Because she was afraid. But this man had been exceedingly nice to her. When he didn’t have to be. She’d tried to get him to leave her alone, but he didn’t leave. And Faye knew that didn’t mean they would fall in love and get married or any of that, but for once she really would like to not be alone. Which is why she only frowned slightly as he told her to go first. A small nod was all she gave him as she collected her cloak and made her way out into the street, passing slowly beneath the torches as she waited on him to join her. Though a part of her thought he wouldn’t.

Fane lingered in the hall, making a point to finish off his drink and press the heel of his palm to his eyes exhaling shortly. Hawks, the lot of them, hovering for the smallest morsel of gossip to shred apart and this was his reputation they were wanting to grate. He made a point once he rose to stop and chat to several Lords and several minutes later circled slowly around to the staircases.

Faye waited, walking slowly along the walk as if she were looking out over the city below. But the longer she was there, the more she realized that this might be a trick. A few more minutes passed, and she realized that more than likely it was a trick. That him sending her out before him was nothing more than an excuse to give her the slip. And after she’d thought that he just might be genuine. But that was foolish of her. Why would a man like him want to be seen going back to the chambers of someone like her? He wouldn’t.

Fane glanced around, that is until he caught sight of his companion for the evening pacing on one of the walks. “Why are you pacing?” but lingering wasn’t a clever idea, explaining why Fane politely proffered her his arm. “Come…” who knew how many eyes were on them even in these empty halls.

When his voice came through the still night air, Faye startled slightly. But she was too surprised to do much else besides take the proffered arm and walk along beside him. “It’s kind of you to… walk me home, m'lord. It’s a dangerous place these days. For a lady… all alone.”

Fane dipped his head a fraction in response to her thanks. “The least I could do…” his eyes however scanned the walls cautiously. They walked in otherwise companionable silence back through the castle towards their destination.

[health-fitness-therapyforwomen]

#Gaslighting GASLIGHING IS THE PREFERRED TECHNIQUE FOR THOSE TARGETING VICTIMS FOR ABUSE.

IT’S IMPORTANT, TO BEGIN WITH, A FEW FACTS ABOUT THOSE WHO MAKE THE CHOICE TO ABUSE AND HARASS OTHERS.

GASLIGHTING IS A FORM OF BULLYING.

THE ABUSER CAN BE A FAMILY MEMBER, HUSBAND, PARENT, OR SIBLING. A CO-WORKER, EVEN SOMEONE THEY(THE TARGET) DOESN’T EVEN KNOW.

IT’S IMPORTANT TO POINT OUT THAT THOSE WHO CHOOSE TO ABUSE OTHERS OPERATE AT LOWER CHARACTER LEVEL. 

THEY DO NOT SHARE THE SAME VALUES SUCH AS HONESTY, RESPECT FOR OTHERS, OR INTEGRITY THAT MOST UPRIGHT AND CARING INDIVIDUALS STRIVE TO MAINTAIN.

THE BEST ADVICE IS TO ELIMINATE ANYONE WHO TREATS YOU THIS WAY FROM YOUR LIFE COMPLETELY.

REALIZE IF YOU CANNOT DO SO, LIMIT YOUR INTERACTION AND SIMPLY DON’T ENGAGE WHENEVER POSSIBLE. 

ASKING THEM TO STOP BOTHERING YOU, SPEAKING WITH THEM CANDIDLY AND EXPLAINING WHY YOU FIND THEIR BEHAVIOR UNACCEPTABLE, TRYING TO RESOLVE ANY CONFLICT WILL NOT WORK.

IT IS LIKE TALKING TO A WALL. WALK AWAY FROM THE CONVERSATION IF CORNERED OR FORCED.

EXCEPT FROM QUORA Natalie Engelbrecht, Psychotherapist, Researcher at WNHC. 

Gaslighting works in stages. In the beginning, you may not even notice it. You pass it off as the person having some stress in their life. After a while it begins to preoccupy your life and, as more time passes, you doubt yourself and your point of view and eventually become joyless and hopeless.

Stage 1: Disbelief

At this stage, the gaslighter says something outrageous. For example, before the movie starts you excuse yourself to go to the toilet and when you get back your gaslighter is fuming. You ask what is wrong and he says: “How can you be so inconsiderate, I have been sitting here waiting for 20 minutes, who were you talking to?” You think to yourself, I can’t have been gone that long, the movie has not even started. He says maybe you were not keeping track of time, puts his arm around you and says that perfume you are wearing is lovely, you should wear it more often.

Entering stage one: A crucial turning point.

The most tricky thing about stage one is that what happens seems so minor—a misunderstanding, a moment of disagreement, a tiny temper outburst. The challenge with this stage is that it is difficult to tell whether these are little annoyances to be dismissed, problems for which you are to blame, or warning signs of a pattern that is unfolding and what is yet to come. This stage offers two options: a way to continue to move forward into gaslighting, or a way to stop those tendencies and move the relationship into something healthier—leave or identify. Recognizing gaslighting at this stage is difficult, but if you can, it will save you a lot of pain and suffering down the road. You need to stop playing into the pattern that I discussed in a previous post:

You may also decide once you recognize this stage that you would prefer to leave the relationship as it will involve far less pain than if you stay in an abusive relationship. Finally, if you can identify gaslighting at this stage, it will help you see your own part in the gaslight dance.

These are the signs that you have entered stage 1:

How to figure out if it is gaslighting or not: Frequent feelings of being bewildered or confused. Inability to remember details about what is happening with your gaslighter. Somatic indicators: sore throat, upset stomach, tight chest.A sense of hyper-alertness when they call or are coming home.A sense of tolerating treatment that compromises your integrity. At this stage the victim has started idealizing the gaslighter and begins to need his approval—and therein lies the trap that engages the gaslighting dance between victim and abuser. So what can you do to avoid this dance? Every choice we make feeds one outcome or another.

Avoiding being gaslighted—you can see the behavior of the person getting upset with you as their problem, not yours. And you can also decide if you want to have a relationship with a person who is so easily frustrated.

 You can choose not to dance this dance, or just walk off the dance floor.

Promoting being gaslighted—If you are striving for this person’s approval, you may blame yourself for their annoyance. If you are looking for this person’s approval, you will begin to do what you need to gain it… and so the dance begins. You are more likely to be gaslighted if: You are very responsive to people who seem hurt, needy or easily frustrated. You have a strong need to be right and seen as right. You care deeply about being liked and appreciated. It is important to help people and make things turn out alright. You have a great sense of empathy and are able to see things easily from your gaslighter’s point of view.

You want to maintain the relationship. You have a hard time letting go of relationships. It is difficult to acknowledge when someone treats you badly. You are more comfortable relying on another person’s opinion. You find conflict very uncomfortable. You are worried about not being good enough. You feel more comfortable with other people’s opinions than your own.

How to protect yourself:

Refuse the Urge to Merge—maintain that there are two separate views. If your boyfriend raises his voice at you, and you calmly say, “please don’t yell at me,” and his response is “I did not yell at you,” you now have choices. Your best choice is to not say he is right. You can say, “I guess we see things differently,” or “I don’t want to continue this conversation.” Being receptive to criticism is important for any relationship. However, if you feel anxious and reduced to feeling ‘not good enough’, then you are in trouble. The problem with gaslighting criticism is that it is designed to undermine, not help. Stop listening to the words the moment you sense you are being attacked and focus on the main point. YOU DO NOT DESERVE TO BE TREATED THIS WAY no matter what you have done. Never ever listen to criticism that is intended to harm, even if it contains a grain of truth. What does criticism that intended to harm look like?

Name-calling, insults, exaggerations. Is intended to win the argument. It seems to come out of nowhere. Changes the focus from the other person to yours. It’s not him, it’s me—This allows us to maintain a sense of being in control, and if we just avoid the behavior or work harder at the relationship in the future, we can avoid the outcome we don’t want. They feel so bad—The gaslighter sees the abuser’s behavior as caring because they are upset. For example, in the movie example at the start of the post, the gaslighter seems upset that his date took so long, and confuses that with caring. The Explanation Trap The effort we make to explain away behavior that bothers us.

Stopping the Gaslighting Tango TIP #1: Do not ask yourself “Who is right?” Ask yourself “Do I like being treated this way?” Remember the need to be right is one of the biggest traps to being gaslighted. Don’t ask yourself if your boyfriend is being reasonable about getting upset about you taking long in the bathroom. Ask yourself if you want to be with someone who gets upset that you take long in the bathroom. TIP #2: Don’t try to be ‘good’ Ask yourself if you are taking on all of the responsibility for the relationship being good. TIP #3: Don’t debate what you know to be true. The point of gaslighting is to make you wrong.

TIP #4: Tell yourself the truth about who you are. This one can be really tough for anyone who has been abused but sees yourself for who you are.

[chiefjusticechui]

me too

Over the past several days, I have seen more and more “me too” posts on social media in regards to sexual harassment and sexual abuse awareness, and I have some mixed feelings about the amount of posts... heartbreak, resonation, anger, annoyance. 

Because of associated stigma and trauma, I have been reluctant to write, “me too,” but I've perceived the goal of the “me too movement” to be (at least in part) to raise awareness for victims that they’re not alone, not crazy, not pitiful. Feeling any of those is hard for me, and I really don’t want others to feel that way; so I choose to share.

I don’t wish to share my experiences with sexual abuse and sexual harassment in much detail, and I actually don’t even wish to share them in much extent at all. I’d rather share my thoughts on the effects--the stigma and the trauma--of such abuse and harassment.

The worst part of a car accident, for me, is usually (not that I usually get in car accidents...) the aftermath rather than the accident itself. Getting back in the car and continuing to drive immediately after a traumatic event is kind of terrifying even if the accident wasn’t my fault. 

I suddenly feel paranoid and more cautious, aware of my driving and my surroundings. I flinch when another car comes to a stop behind me or changes lanes in front of me. I don’t trust myself or other drivers.

And something similar happens with sexual abuse and harassment. (I think it’s called PTSD :P).

I mean, it happens with traumatic events in general. Over the last decade and a half, I’ve trusted myself and other people (mostly males, to be frank) less and less because of traumatic experiences. 

How would you feel after your family member threatens to take your life? Isn’t he / she supposed to care about you more than your friends, your friends’ parents, classmates, a grocery cashier? 

How would you feel after your close friend asks for your trust and then betrays it? Isn’t he / she supposed to retain your confidence more than your acquaintances, supervisors, teammates?

Following events like that, I have trouble sincerely accepting that I can trust anybody else, be close to anybody else.

With regards to sexual abuse and harassment, it breaks my heart to just admit that, after such events, I’m terrified of things that, in some situations / with some people, are supposed to be good. I’m slow to accept and enjoy even the feeling of liking a boy just because I have a hard time imagining that he would be kind, be gentle, be caring.

After somebody proudly takes your virginity without your consent and then repeatedly urges you to partake in similar activities again, it’s hard to imagine (more so to believe) that sex could actually be a good, enjoyable, positively meaningful experience.

Forgive me for being a romantic, but I had looked forward to my “first time” being at least with somebody that I deeply care about. I can’t really look forward to that anymore. In fact, part of me doesn’t want that day to come.

It shouldn’t be this way for anybody. 

Beyond fear of similar experiences, trauma has manifested in my life through nightmares. Throughout and since high school, I have nightmares about men I know and trust making unsolicited and unwanted advances on me, and I wake up feeling like I’m in danger even though I’m alone in my room.

I wake up feeling like there’s an imminent threat to my life and my body. I wake up in tears because I was crying in my dream. I wake up, afraid to go back to sleep.

It shouldn’t be this way for anybody.

Another couple of ways in which I’ve been affected and which, I think, are common among victims of sexual abuse and / or harassment is a change in self-perception and a confusion of accountability.

I started seeing myself as damaged goods, to be honest. I’m more sensitive, more paranoid, less trusting--and all of it strikes me as results of the “damage” or trauma. 

That’s not fair. I don’t want somebody else’s malice to mean that I’m any less funny, any less personable, any less friendly or anything as I’ve ever been (and let’s face it: I’m really, really funny). I don’t want somebody else’s selfishness to force me into being a different person. It’s not fair.

My mom reminded me pretty early on that I can still be myself (as hilarious as I am), and I think that her support has helped me cope in that way a lot. But I also started seeing myself as a slut and an attention-seeker, and I blamed myself for some of the abuse and thought I deserved it.

It took about three months for me to stop blaming myself for losing my virginity when I didn’t want to, for me to stop calling myself a slut. And after that, it took another three or four months to come to terms with just the idea that I was raped. I even looked up dictionary and legal definitions of rape, consent, etc. to see if there’s any definite distinction... 

...but I kinda didn’t land on anything specifically with regards to my own situation. One of my friends said made me feel better though; she said, “I’m not going to tell you that you were raped because I don’t want to put a label on you and I don’t know how you feel, but I do think that resembles rape.” I don’t know; I guess I don’t know if I was raped.

It shouldn’t be this way for anybody.

As aforementioned, I hadn’t wanted to talk about my experiences or their aftermath because I am afraid of any associated stigma. Not because of “society’s” reaction and response to stories of sexual abuse and harassment, but because of my own experiences in telling people about traumatic events in my life (related to sexual abuse or not).

I’m tired of being seen as a charity case or like a puppy in a rescue shelter. I don’t need (nor want) anybody’s help, pity, or sad faces. I mean, seriously, I’m a happy person who knows what she wants and works had to get what she wants. I generally have a very positive outlook and attitude, and I don’t feel that “the world” owes me anything or that I’m entitled to compensation for my sad life events.

I’m tired of people hearing my story and responding with, “I’m sorry.” Even if it’s not meant this way, it feels like people are sorry that I’m “damaged” (also, what a horribly connotated word). I mean, I know better than anybody else that I’m damaged because I see it in my daily decisions.

It shouldn’t be this way for anybody.

I don’t want to be pitied. I don’t want to be scared. I don’t want to be discouraged, reluctant, paranoid, or lonely. I want to be encouraged, confident, and I want to know that I have comfort. I want to know that I’m safe.

I want other people to know that they’re safe, and it’s hard to convince somebody that she is safe if she has reason to believe that danger is out there.

I guess what I’m hoping that people get out of my sharing depends. 

Because I often feel alone and pitiful, I really hope that others who have experience sexual abuse and / or harassment know that there is at least one other person out there who cares to be vulnerable and to listen. I hope that they feel at all comforted or in-community by this and other “me too” posts. 

I’m hoping that people who do not share in these experiences can understand that, sometimes, abuse / harassment victims just want others to show patience. I am slow to enjoy (and show enjoyment in) certain kinds of relationships, slow to trust, slow to a lot of relational things. I need that time to be sure that I’m safe and to believe that some people (some men) are not dangerous.

Patience and understanding, I guess. I hope that others see me the way I see myself (or want to see myself). I really don’t see myself as a charity case, and I still think I’m a fun-loving person who has goals and likes to work to achieve them on her own as much as possible.

The most encouraging response I received went along the lines of, “I don’t really know what to say or what you need. I won’t push you to talk about it, but I’ll listen if you need an ear.” That friend went on to offer love in the form of food (also appreciated...)

I’m hoping that perpetrators of sexual abuse and / or harassment might realise the potential extent of their actions, their selfishness, their inconsideration. I don’t consider my life completely ruined by the occurrences of abuse, violence, etc., but... but there are some things which cannot be replaced. 

Feeling guilt and shame isn’t what I want such persons to do. Feeling guilt and shame doesn’t really help anybody, even the wrongdoer. If you feel guilty, then explicitly admit that you’ve done something wrong, that you are sincerely sorry, and that you want to / will repent and / or face the potentially harsh consequences of your actions. 

We all have to for something. And we learn not to do it again. And seriously, don’t do it again. Please.

[bangtan-spells]

Yoongi Scenario: Unspoken.

Request: Can I request an escenario when yoongi and the OC are married, she said she doesn't want to have kids but yoongi try to talk to her bc he want to start a family with her, they have a big fight because of that and then she told him the true: she want to have kids but she does't want to be alone bc he's always in the studio. Sorry about my english!!

Genre: Romance / Drama.

-You’re still taking these?- Yoongi said as he saw the box of birth control pills by your side table. 

You hummed and nodded, getting closer to him as you were both in bed, exhausted and out of breath, you had just finished an insane sex session you didn’t have the force to move even though you had ended up in the other’s usual spots so Yoongi could see the things you had left on your table.

-Yeah-

Yoongi took the little box in his hands and stared at it for a while before putting it back. -I thought we have said that… I thought it was time-

-Time for what?- you said as you felt him turn to you, his hand caressing your side slowly. 

-For a child, you know, make the Min family bigger-

You sighed and as you did that the movement of his hand stopped but he kept his hold on your waist. -I told you I wasn’t sure, I think… I think for now we are good, I… I don’t want children- you confessed a bit lower not daring to look at him in the eye as you said so.

Yoongi slid closer. -You can’t be serious Y/N, we have spoken about this some time ago-

You bit your lip, yes you did had spoken about children before and after getting married, both of you wanted them, but seeing the way things were at the moment you thought maybe it was best for you to remain a family of two.

-I know, but I think maybe it’s not a good idea-

Yoongi frowned. -I want to start a family with you Y/N, we have been married  three years I thought… We wanted to make…- he stopped to give you a kiss on the lips and then move to your neck. -I want us to have a little Yoongi or a little Y/N- he said as he pulled you closer to his own body. -Wouldn’t you like that?-

-I love us as we are, now- you responded making him scowl and kiss you more heavily, you corresponded him but you felt odd, talking about children made you feel awkward and ashamed because of the truth you were hiding.  

Yoongi got on top of you, still under the covers and his mouth kissed you from your neck going down, you exhaled and panted, but you didn’t want this to happen, not with you just recently talking about this, although sex would be a nice excuse to just leave this talk behind, but now you just wanted deviate your eyes from him, or else you would be risking Yoongi finding you out.

-I love us too, but imagine, us with a little Min over here- he offered biting your skin.

You shook your head and pushed his shoulders so he would get off of you. -I’m exhausted babe, It’s best if we go to sleep-

Yoongi stayed still for a few seconds confusion going all over his face. -You sure? I’ll do all the work if you want-

-Yoongi- you pressed and he sighed getting back to the mattress, laying looking at the ceiling both of you were silent before changing for your usual spots in bed. 

You knew he was upset, and that made you feel even worse, you were upset too, but you couldn’t bring yourself to tell him the real reason at least not now. But at the same time you didn’t want to create trouble in your marriage, Yoongi and you were a great couple and you had learned to live at the rhythm of his hectic life style, being mad at him and not being able to say things to him really bothered you, even if it was you who had taken those decisions. 

-I…- you bit your lip when he turned his face and saw he was expressionless, but often that cold behavior of Yoongi only meant that he was hurt. -Good night- you muttered, feeling small, hurt and guilty. 

Yoongi on his behalf nodded, deliberately trying not to look at you but he still did. -Y/N…- he whispered, probably noticing you were upset. -I just don’t get…-

-Let’s just sleep Yoongi- you interrupted turning around giving him your back or else he would see how the tears were gathering in your eyes and then he wouldn’t let this go until you said something to him.

-Good night then- he said flatly turning around, giving you his back too.

Yoongi was angry at you, you were very much aware of that for the next couple of days, and when he was like that he spent every given chance at the studio, some men got out his anger yelling, some others drinking or whoring around, but for Yoongi he released everything at the studio, if he spent most of his time there on normal circumstances when he was angry he practically lived there unless he had schedules with the boys. Of course he came every night back home, and of course you still talked, but you knew this way of him doing things and it was precisely that what kept you from saying yes at having a child.

You understood you hadn’t married a person with a regular eight hour job, Yoongi worked until exhaustion a lot of times, which got you worried every single time because there would be a point were his body wouldn’t be able to keep that rhythm, you knew when marrying someone it wasn’t to change them, but to accept and always strive for the best, the better version of you and the better version of him, but how Yoongi could want to change your lives so drastically without changing his own attitude.

You wanted to remain in peace and sincerely deep inside you knew there would be a day in which you’d just have to tell Yoongi your thoughts, but it scared you, the outcome of the conversation scared you. Why couldn’t Yoongi see it without you telling him? What he pretended? You raising your children on your own? That thought made you scowl and groan in frustration, you felt guilt but there was a part of you that was angry at Yoongi for being so oblivious, you wanted to think that to not think of him as plain inconsiderate.

You served a glass of wine to calm down, again it was late, too late, and Yoongi wasn’t home, you understood he was angry and thus we would spent his extra time out to get the anger out of his system, and you knew part of it was because you didn’t talk to him, but still. All the week he had been arriving way too late sometimes almost at dawn.

You had already sent him a few texts and calls, but all he said was that he was busy and he would be getting back soon.

-Soon- you snorted sipping your wine. It was past three already, you didn’t have work tomorrow and you knew he hadn’t schedule until tomorrow night, but he still stayed behind all this time. It made you feel bad because after all you were right, how could you have children like this?

You heard the door opening and closing and you ended the wine in a final long sip. You heard him walk and you could imagine him going through the apartment, getting off his jacket, taking a glass of water and then finally coming into the room.

-Y/N- he said surprised to find you awake, he looked tired but pretty much awake. -Why are you up so late?-

-It is late- you agreed. -Is it alright for you to keep doing this?-

Yoongi frowned and sighed. -I was working-

-I know that, but work is supposed to end earlier than this Yoongi-

-You know I always lose track of time when I’m in the studio-

You nodded licking your lips and Yoongi sighed again this time getting annoyed with your attitude, you could see it. -You know I don’t understand you lately, you won’t talk to me, you won’t let me touch you, you won’t…- he sighed breathing deeply to not let his voice get too high. -I don’t get it-

-Of course you don’t- you snapped and he glared at you. 

Yoongi lowered his head and groaned -Did I do do something?- he asked getting closer to you. -Tell me, did I screw something up or what? We have been together for so long Y/N and you… and I… we are not like this so I don’t fucking understand what is happening-

You remained quiet not looking at him but Yoongi just walked closer. -Tell me, is this about my work? is this about having children?- Your eyes went to his unwillingly, giving away that was the issue here. So Yoongi nodded and sighed. -You really don’t want to have them? Is it me or something else?- Yoongi was losing his patience you could know it by the tone of his voice, it got quicker and heavier but you couldn’t bring yourself to say anything. -Talk to me godddamit Y/N, you are my wife, is something wrong? If you don’t want this anymore I…-

-What?- you reacted when he pronounced that phrase -I didn’t say that-

-You haven’t said anything- he snapped. -What do you want me to think? Before you wanted children but now you don’t, I will assume is me with the fucking problem, talk to me, I can’t stand not knowing what you are thinking-

-Why do you want children Yoongi?- you asked and the question caught him by surprise as he widened his eyes and went silent for a moment. -You want children and a family, but why?-

-How why?- he said as if he didn’t understand the reason why you would be asking that question. -Because I love you, because I want to form a bigger family with you, I thought you wanted that too, I thought you wanted me to…-

You bit your lip looking to your pillows feeling yourself starting to cry -I did but I…-

-But you what? Tell me Y/N, baby, please- he sat down next to you and his eyes were a bit glossy too, despite the anger Yoongi was feeling hurt too, he hurt because he hated seeing you cry, because he hated the possibility of you not wanting to have a child together. 

-I just don’t want each night to be me alone with the baby- you admitted with a gasp letting the sobs you have been reprising go out. -I don’t want our child to keep asking where is his father, I don’t want that, I can adapt to you, because I love you, I love you so much Yoongi, but I don’t want to obligate our child to do that-

-I…- Yoongi opened and closed his mouth and you saw with remorse how his face morphed with sadness and self disappointment. -You thought that I…- he shook his head and brought you close to his chest. -I’m an idiot, an imbecile- You denied with your head but Yoongi only cursed as he hugged you tighter. -I’m useless Y/N, please forgive me, I… -

-You’re not useless- you murmered against his chest.

-I fucking am, I didn’t think I… I was just focused on wanting our child that I didn’t think that you could be feeling like this- he took your chin and wiped away your tears softly he breathed deeply as he sniffed and you knew he was trying hard to not cry as well. -I love you Y/N, I don’t want you to get used to being without me, never- he kissed your forehead and then your lips. -I don’t want our child to do that either, never-

You held him strongly feeling his heart beating faster. -Please forgive this idiot husband of yours, I won’t do it again Y/N, I will try hard in being careful, to come here earlier and.. and I could start doing more things here, to hell with going to the company all the time-

That made you smile a little, that would be perfect. -I love you Yoongi, but don’t call yourself idiot or useless ever again-

He kissed the crook of your neck where he had his face and then kissed your lips. -I’m sorry Y/N-

This time it was you kissing his lips, caressing his cheeks and bringing him down to the bed with you where you laid close just holding each other. -The baby would want…- Yoongi opened his mouth to let out his happiness for you agreeing to expand the family but you shushed and he waited for you to talk -The baby would want their parents to be with them, and to be happy, if we are doing this Yoongi, because there’s no one else I’d want, then I want it to be right, for us, for our family-

Yoongi kissed you a dozen times all over your face making you giggle a little, his touch was soft and both of you were breathing heavily because of the intense feeling you were sharing. -I love you Y/N, I love you-

[newstfionline]

Good manners aren’t about cutlery and rules. They’re about kindness.

Leslie Turnbull, The Week, April 6, 2017

I have one husband, three children, and two dogs. All are physically large, verbally expressive, and occasionally unruly--but very sweet, and certainly not dangerous. Still, they can be intimidating to those who don’t know them.

I understand. That’s why I’ve worked hard to teach all of my charges a simple command: “Manners.”

When I say this one word, my rambunctious offspring know enough to cut it out and help with the dishes.

My husband takes a deep breath and resists his (very natural) urge to correct our rambling relatives at the dinner table.

To the dogs, “Manners!” is a cue to sit, stay, and not approach anyone until they are asked to do so.

I’ve been thinking a lot about manners lately. The concept, of course, is not new, though what is considered “mannerly” has evolved drastically over time, place, and culture. My Philadelphian grandmother, who cared deeply about cutlery, would be horrified to see me and mine eating so many of our meals with chopsticks and (gasp!) fingers, but hey … scrumptious Taiwanese food calls for sticks. And as for poi? Anything but fingers would be considered gauche in our home.

Persnickety social niceties aside, I think there are some universal tenets of good manners that we might all want to consider--and observe--in these troubled times.

1. Think before you speak. Waking up at 3 a.m. and unleashing a tweetstorm of incoherent ramblings based on your immediate feelings can feel good in the moment, kind of like downing a whole plate of nachos and following up with a Red Bull chaser after a hard night on the town.

A few hours later, you will not feel so good. Trust me.

Words have power. What you say, write, and tweet will ultimately convey your personality and intentions to posterity. Just ask Alexander Hamilton.

2. Be aware of where you are--and what’s appropriate there. If you are attending a hockey game, by all means wear your favorite jersey and a pair of yoga pants. Cheer your heart out! Drink maybe one more beer than you should! Pound on the Plexiglas! Just don’t do these things on the flight home the next day.

The charm of American “casual”-ness has lost its luster as we have become increasingly sloppy and inconsiderate of others. Consider your circumstances and surroundings. Dress and behave accordingly. Not only will you feel better, but you will also inspire others to follow suit.

3. Be gracious. It’s a contentious world. Always has been. Guess who emerges from difficult situations with more social capital? The person who rises above immediate conflict with tact and grace.

We humans are always going to disagree on certain points. “Grace” is a beautiful, multi-layered concept, and one definitely worth pursuing, both for personal and professional gratification.

Who cares if Uncle Ted the Climate Change Denier is just flat-out wrong? Arguing with him at a family gathering isn’t going to change his mind. It’s just going to make even more people even more uncomfortable than they already are.

4. Be kind. You know that nice feeling you get when you let the harried mom with two kids move in front of you in line at the grocery store? Or the warm surge you experience when you tell the down-on-his-luck guy to keep the change when you buy a newspaper from him?

Kindness is the epitome of good manners. It also works in your favor, flooding your system with bio-chemicals that promote health and a sense of well-being.

Win-win, wouldn’t you say?

5. Be forgiving. Did that guy just cut you off at the intersection?

Okay. It’s not the end of the world. Maybe his wife--in the backseat, counting contractions--needed him to hurry up, please, for the love of God.

Do you disagree with your cousin from Michigan who voted for a certain politician and may have forever influenced the course of history? Of course you do. But perhaps she had good reasons for her vote. Listen to the her, without interrupting or over-talking. You might learn something that will help you both make better choices in the future.

Look: We will all mess up, goof up, put our feet in our mouths, or otherwise embarrass ourselves. Don’t we hope our fellow citizens of the world might forgive us, just a little?

Like follows like. Set a good example.

Good manners are less about choosing the right fork at lunch, and more about letting it slide if the person across the table from you chooses to slurp his amuse bouche straight out of the cunning little dish that pretentious waiter plopped in front of you all.

Last week, a wary older gentleman passing my dogs and me on the sidewalk heard me give this familiar command: “Manners.”

The dogs stopped. The gentleman also stopped, looked at the dogs, and looked at me, gratefully. Then he sighed.

“Manners are important,” he said. “I wish more of us understood that.”

[nolimitsongrace]

Love Changes Everything | Kenneth Copeland | BVOV Exclusive

Elite CX Team

What Is True Love?February 6, 2020

You can be the giver and recipient of the most highly sought-after power source of all time when you find the answer to the age-old question, “What is true love?”

READING TIME: 4 MINUTES

There’s a lot of talk about love this time of year, as Valentine’s Day approaches. Kids pack up small notes and candies to share with classmates, couples go out to fancy dinners, and men rush to buy roses for their special someone. Love is something we all want DEEPLY, and the pursuit of it can often take us down the wrong road or leave us feeling empty inside. So, how can we know for sure what true love is?

True love is the motive and fuel behind the word of the Lord through Kenneth Copeland for 2020, the year of new visions, manifest power and great change. You can be the giver and recipient of the most highly sought-after power source of all time when you find the answer to the age-old question, “What is true love?”

1. How True Love Feels

The emotions we often call love can come and go quickly, but TRUE LOVE (the kind that lasts a lifetime) must be developed and cultivated. True love is far more than a feeling—it’s a choice—which is good, because sometimes people you love can make you feel like this:

Sure, you can feel warm, fuzzy feelings when you’re around someone, but when those feelings fade or the other person isn’t quite what you hoped they’d be, that’s when true love—the choice—kicks in. In John 13:34, Jesus commanded us to “love each other.” He wasn’t commanding us to have a feeling. He was commanding us to make the right CHOICE.

True love considers the needs of another before themselves. That’s an outright insult to the flesh, and that’s why true love takes work! Just think of how sacrificial God’s love is toward us.

Agape love—the God kind of love—is the most powerful love on earth. And it is UNCONDITIONAL. It has nothing to do with how someone treats you. It has to do with the love coming out of you. As a receiver of God’s agape love, you can be a giver of agape love.

In other words, when you’re willing to meet the needs of another, even when they aren’t meeting yours—by George, you’ve got it!

(Try our Foolproof Method for Finding the Right Husband or Wife HERE)

Feelings are fickle. Make a DECISION to love. Then you’ll know it’s true.

2. How True Love Acts

Most often, when people think of love, they think of hugging, kissing and holding hands. But love goes far beyond acts of physical affection. And true love isn’t exclusive to an intimate relationship between a man and a woman—love is central to parenting, friendships, extended family (yes, it’s true) and ministry.

Aside from physical affection, some people think true love acts just how you want them to all the time. Not so! True love is defined in 1 Corinthians 13:4-13, which tells us how true love acts:

It forgives

It sees the best in people

It has patience

It is kind to others

It is not rude or inconsiderate

It doesn’t tell people what they want to hear; it tells them what they need to hear

It isn’t quick to get angry or offended

It is not touchy, fretful or resentful

It obeys God

Now, if someone slips in one of these areas now and again, it doesn’t mean they don’t genuinely love you—it means they are imperfect people who need forgiveness. But true love (developed through a relationship with Christ) will work to behave in these ways toward others.

On the other hand, if you’ve been going down this list checking it against someone in your life and thinking, Mm-hmm. I knew it, you’ve missed the point. If you are a giver of true love, you won’t think of how others should treat you, but instead, you’ll focus on how well you can love others. Of course, this is not to say that you should allow someone to treat you any way they like. It is important to have boundaries in any relationship—romantic or not—and an abusive relationship is not one you should tolerate.

(Wondering how to find the right spouse? See our tips HERE.)

3. How True Love Looks

In spite of many cartoon portrayals, true love doesn’t have hearts dancing over its recipient, and it doesn’t send people floating on clouds. That’s the trouble with society today—it’s looking for a Goodyear Blimp flying overhead as a sign of true love. That’s not how true love looks.

True love is lasting, persevering. It isn’t intense feelings all the time, but consistent devotion and dedication. It NEVER FAILS.

Of how love looks, Kenneth Copeland says, “You don’t just turn on and off the look of love. You have to practice love. And you don’t wait until somebody is ugly to you before you practice the love of God. You practice the love of God by first loving Him, and then when somebody does do something less than sweet to you, you’ll already be loving God, so loving them is just an offshoot.”

4. How True Love Shows Power

If you’ve been looking for one perfect, true love in your life, there’s only one place to find it—in Christ Jesus.

Even though you can never be perfect, He will always love YOU perfectly. If you ever want to know what true love feels like, acts like and looks like—look to the Cross. The love of God is full of life-changing power.

Just look at how true love shows power:

True love created you (1 John 4:8)

True love saved you (John 3:16)

True love healed you (Isaiah 53:5)

True love rescues you (Psalm 34:7)

True love set you free (Galatians 5:1)

True love made you righteous (2 Corinthians 5:21)

True love fuels mountain-moving faith (Galatians 5:6)

True love never leaves you (Hebrews 13:5)

True love cancels out all fear (1 John 4:18)

True love makes everything else matter (1 Corinthians 13:1-3)

You see, there is only one true love. If you’re a believer in Jesus, you already have it. God doesn’t have love; He is Love! No other love on earth can compete with the love He has for you.

The earth can’t take it and steal it away. Mean people can’t overcome it. True love works because it is powerful, and it never fails. It is so powerful that it can love regardless of whether it is loved back.

That’s powerful love.

Agape—unconditional love—is powerful. It makes you the master of every situation. When you’re walking in it, no weapon formed against you will prosper. No one even has the ability to hurt your feelings because you are not ruled by emotions but by God’s love. You are loving as He loves. That’s manifest power right there!

Gloria Copeland says, “This love is revolutionary. If we fully understood the power of living God’s love, we’d always see success.”

Now that you know what true love really is, you can tap into this ultimate power in 2020 and see God manifest His power through you when you walk in it more and more. If you’ve always wanted to be a recipient of true love, begin by being a giver first. You’ll be amazed at what comes back to you.

Watch Kenneth Copeland teach you how love changes everything.