#no need to match lenght!!!

[sntsatticus]

lucia mazzoni, @luciamazzoni

He wonders if Persephone weeps when Spring is over, on her way down the railroad tracks ⸻ through the gardens, through the rivers. To the place where the sun doesn't touch, warmth doesn't reach. Persephone in the garden, borrowed time, borrowed life. Or maybe she is brave; head held high in the face of Death. He knows there can be braveness in crying, but he doesn't feel very fearless in his sorrow. How do you grieve for yourself? ⸻ He could barely help the spirits do it, and now he is only one soul in the Styx. The pang of utter anguish in his no-beating heart nearly makes him lose his balance ⸻ standing around the corner of the Satin, in nothing but an old worn tee and his pajamas pants. It has dinosaurs on it, and he would feel extremely ridiculous had his head not been heavy by dread.

Besides, he knows Persephone doesn't put on her fancy dresses to go back in her cage.

But Hades loves her, doesn't he? It is why he kidnapped Persephone from her gardens. Lucia, on the other hand ⸻ She tolerates him. His blood ⸻ his witch blood, running so powerful and deep in his veins he could still taste it, even days after it was poisoned ⸻ was his only ace in this game. Would she want him around now, where his blood is nothing but ash and his teeth twitch when he catches a whiff of life? He is not worth keeping around anymore. Fuck. If she sends him away, he hopes she does it fast. He doesn't know how long he can keep his mind straight. He feels himself slipping, the longer he stands here; outside from where blood is surely pumping, by lust and desire and ⸻

He gulps. Perhaps sneaking out of the house wasn't a good idea. There, surrounded by the scents of his parents and familiarity, it was easy to ignore the hunger. Here, he feels his claws digging into the skin of his palms. His entire body trembles ⸻ vibrates when he looks up, green eyes ⸻ dark red ⸻ finding her when she leaves the back door. "Hey," he calls, moving so slowly towards her. He doesn't wanna leave the shadows. "We need to talk. Something happened and I ⸻ Well ⸻ I ⸻" Fuck, this was easier in his head. He can feel the heartbeats coming from inside, the voice in his head getting louder and louder and ⸻ "I need to get away from here. From them."

[sleetkissed]

Starter for @gemshroud 

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      𝐈𝘁 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐚𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐦𝐧𝐞𝘀𝐢𝐚 𝘀𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝘂𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝗿𝘀𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝘀𝘂𝐟𝐟𝐞𝗿𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝗿𝐨𝐦 𝘄𝐚𝘀 𝐧𝐨𝘁 𝘁𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝘆 𝘁𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝗿 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝘁𝐡𝐚𝘁 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐚 𝐜𝘂𝗿𝐞.      Only recently, an unmistaken squirming between her skull  &  brain made itself noticeable. For many a death sentence   —   turning into a tentacled beast within not longer than a week, yet, the sorceress  &  a small group of fellow infected had been spared of such fate. 

Days went by as both refugees  &  druids lost their patience with every passing hour. The tieflings needed help, needed to flee before the goblins would eventually raid the place. Esteri felt indifferent about the whole scheme, not wanting to have to deal with more than necessary. But finding out more about this Absolute  &  their True Souls might help get an insight over her condition. Or conditions.

Certainly, facing these creatures would take many resources, it was of highest importance they could infiltrate the camp quickly  &  precisely. Forming partnerships would clearly turn out to provide better chances of survival. And there was this man she noticed days ago   —   His expression neutral but in a most unwelcoming way, to her at least. One that could easily match the sharp judgement in her pale eyes she wore so easily.

So she strode forward, in hopes of earning herself an ally even if just for this single task, sensing a wave of self-determination he gave off.

      ❝ You there, ❞     Esteri addressed him, eyes flicking up  &  down, trying to make out more of his face as most of it was covered by a dark hood.      ❝ You make yourself look competent enough for a battle or two. I recall seeing you here quite often. Neither a druid nor a refugee, I suppose. I need allies to infiltrate the goblin camp in the west. ❞

Spoken words did not make any effort to convey pleas for help or persuasion. There was a job that had to be dealt with. 'Here are your options'.

Would he met her gaze, tadpoles would communicate inevitably. A struck, a wave, pulsating through her skull like a bitterly cold migraine, that cold sweat on her neck   —   This man was infected just like she was. The insights of her mind are foggy, too blurry to be fully revealed even to herself. There were only small chunks of memories, a past cut-off, only to be continued by waking up at the nautiloid.

   And there was blood.

The yearning for violence, grace in death, the embrace of the afterlife. Something, she had yet to figure out where this strange urge came from. If it wasn't for the sorceress' puzzling past, one could mistake it for an usual assassin's fantasies   —   the sheer fondness of having a good relationship with murder.

A silent snarl as the connection breaks, face snapping to the side, eyes heavy with judgement descent to the slightly smaller man in front of her.     ❝ Our parasites seem to have introduced us to each other already. It surely helps. I am not one for small talk. ❞

[malurenxtt]

Closed starter for Alexander Calder  || @alexcalder Location : A coffee shop in the city

For the whole 20 minutes Malú had sat outside of the coffee shop, sipping on her macchiato and attempting to read, she had felt a familiar tingle at the back of her neck. A sensation she had gotten familiar with during the past couple of months, as nosy reporters chased down every slither of information about her father’s case. Carelessly making the assumption that his only daughter would prove to be the well of intel they so desperately sought after. Before she had fled the big city for a few months, changing the color of her hair and clothing style for the sake of reinventing herself, their eyes on her were constant. But with the changes to her appearance and no real groundbreaking updates on his case, it had been fairly quiet. Until now. 

Glancing over the rim of her sunglasses, she scanned her surroundings. Attempting to find the source of her unrest, ready with their paper and phones to get the latest scoop. She did not find the culprit she expected. A few tables over, however, sat a man whose presence set her senses on edge. Creating a gut feeling she could not quite place, but left her feeling both curious and uneasy all the same. Little over a year ago, Malú wouldn’t even have considered approaching, just having paid the check and leave. But in the spirit of reinventing oneself and no longer turning a blind eye, she picked up her bag and coffee and sauntered over. Her high-heeled walk carried her with a certainty she only wished she felt within her bones as well. Mother had always told her she could have been an actress… 

As she sat down opposite the man, she lifted her glasses from her eyes. Honey brown eyes studying his features as her stomach churned with an uneasy feeling. A sense of familiarity dawned on her, which she couldn’t quite place. “I apologize for the intrusion, but do we know each other?”

[drvcxrys]

(¸.• ♛ → honestly she didn't meant to kill someone this early but she lost control because her emotions were just very high so she just couldn't help herself, and she fed. what she wasn't expecting though was to face lestat just now, she was trying to push that encounter for later, she saw him before when she didn't remember so this was different. "i wasn't expecting to see you that soon." she admitted now turning around to look at him when she heard him, she felt him.

"i remember everything now." there is no point denying that after all. "it seems at the end i did find a way to be back." and she was going to be true to her promise with everyone that was on that theater, she was going to fucking kill them if they show up here.

@vcndetta (lestat)

[lured-into-wonderland]

I am trying to write short. I really try, although usually it does not work for me.

[fleetinglotus]

Cont / X

Violet hues gaze at the floating entity, subtly amused before leisurely gesturing what could be feasted upon.

''Then, by all means, enjoy yourselves. Should there be room for more, i will have the chef provide another round of dishes''. With the New Year closing in, businesses were practically going all out and personally, Michihiko thought it best to show gratitude via food. Nothing like food and conversations, even if a little on the somber side already.

He listen intently as events are recalled of. Though, well in the known of many happenings and how he's extended thanks to a number of people, those whomst involved themselves for Inazuma's freedom, some still escape the co-leading god.

''Many rose to the challenge, i can understand that'', others may have met tragic ends but that was supposedly due to some Fatui plots. ''Even i am not exempt from that'', he's done a few things himself, if probably insignificant changes though.

Ah, family.

If that keeps her going, then he can't see it as a bad reason for journeying and learn as much as possible.

''I trust you found a few answers?'', if not here, then in other nations.

@viatrixtravels

[stxrrynightc]

closed starter - @writermuses Tanner's morning unfurled with the playful romp of muddy puppy paws and the rhythmic cadence of doggy strolls. He led the local rescues on a spirited run, his every step a testament to his dedication to their well-being. Upon their return, amidst a backdrop of wagging tails and grateful barks, he engaged in a discussion with shelter staff, brainstorming ways to commemorate the shelter's anniversary.

Undeterred by the unconventional nature of his request, venturing through the bustling streets and quaint corners of the town. Traversing through four bakeries and two restaurants. Finally, as he saw his last potential venue.

As Tanner stepped into his final sanctuary, a small bell chimed, heralding his arrival. "Good day, darlin'," his rustic Southern accent resonated through the air like the deep roots of a Georgia pine. Leaning against the worn counter, he presented his request with a twinkle in his eye and a smile as sweet as molasses. "I've got a bit of an unusual request—think your kitchen could conjure up some puppy cookies or cakes? Not too particular about the details, as long as they're fit for our furry friends," Tanner inquired, his smile as sweet as the confections he sought, hopeful for a positive response.

[dcndrohime]

Random Asks. // Always Accepting.

@topbanna8 - [ for your AOC timeline] Despite the way they are Kohga is capable of defending themselves to a degree as they have no skill in combat other besides using their ancient techniques but with a weapon has no skill, but in this case he was just being lazy so he did not have to deal with the Moblin and not him. " You fight pretty good. "

Its a mess she unwillingly found herself in, in a ruined settlement that Hinamori was at, collecting medecinal herbs. She's been forced into a fight not asked for & yet, it only served as foretelling that the real looming threat of the Castle is bound to unleash chaos in the coming days or who knows how early.

She had just heard how things went to the Great Plateau, how Rhoam is still among the living, & how it went for a certain someone, which Hina happened to notice amongst all the Bokoblins she was hitting away, sending them ragdolling in the air with one spear alone, to say nothing of her prowess and not so friendly-looking weapon.

Truthfully, the Zonai Champion preferred to stay in the rear, acting as support but sometimes, her weapon had to be taken out. As is the case when she first parried the Moblin's strike, did not gave it a chance for countering.

Her strike is swift, brutal even, piercing throught monster's flesh to take care of the last of them.

''I suppose i am'', far from one who boast, despite praises, compliments, etc.

She wonders then, why he would be here. Surely, the Yigas's leader had a reason to show up in such a ruined area.

[cherrylgc]

well... definitely wasn’t me!

        somehow the universe kept making cherry meet idols, which should seem like a fortune, but with the stupidity cherry has, it was almost a punishment. when cherry joined legacy, it had been due to seeing her friend perform, finding it cool and giving it a shot, it wasn’t like she could do even worse in school anyways. truth be it though, she didn’t know much about the kpop industry, even after her five years of living in korea. she of course knew a lot of songs, but with her terrible memory she couldn’t remember song names nor group names, how would she be able to remember idol faces? finding a song was terrible for cherry, often forgetting the name of which song she was in the mood to listen to, having to go through them all on her playlist. she’d with time created many many playlists. but it wasn’t her fault (it was), her brain didn’t have that much space, and she used all the space in her brain to remember friends’ names (which she did have like a million of) and it was also just filled with stupid questions.

the return of warmer weather was something she enjoyed, though she loved snow, summer was her best friend. and it was only a bit more until summer came and summer break would come, though perhaps with the school break maybe legacy would just end up filling her schedule even more. and though it’s been a while since she went to high school, she’s remained friends with many of the people from high school, and now her old class was meeting next weekend to play soccer together. cherry had never been good at soccer, nor would she probably ever be, but she’d still managed to borrow a football and end up practicing. just as she feels proud for not having fallen yet, she makes another mistake, which is she kicks it and it doesn’t go the way she wants (stupid ball), no actually, it hits someone passing by right on the head.

she stands still, wondering how to respond to this situation. “wow… where did the ball come from?” she yells out to the other, before looking up “i think it came from the sky…” she looks at the stranger with an awkward smile, “maybe it was an angel hitting on you” she should’ve just apologized.

written for... @lgcdaeho

[lgcsori]

character creation

          sori was prepared to come back to regular practice. it’d hurt when she got downgraded from dreamers team to challenges team, she’d cried for the first time in a while, her emotions so unsteady she’d ended up crying while being filmed, something she’d promised herself she’d never do. but perhaps it was for the better, because it prepared her for the finale, that most likely she wasn’t making her debut this time around. when she joined the sixth season of future dreams she expected to debut, even if she was one of the trainees among that had been a trainee for the shortest period of time, she thought she would debut, but with time passing, she’d learned that it wasn’t her time this time.

so even before the finale, even before they announced it, she’d accepted she wasn’t making debut this time, she was ready to return to her dorm, ready to return to school, and ready to follow the repeated schedule she knew so well. then team unknown came around, and she was a bit unsure how to feel. perhaps she was happy she wasn’t just thrown back into regular practice, that she wasn’t just going to pretend nothing had ever happened. they could’ve just’ve let all the non-debuting participants back to the others, but they were doing something else, it warmed sori’s heart a bit, she didn’t feel like the leftovers anymore. but though she was happy, she also secretly had hoped a bit for the return to regular practice, she felt like she needed some kind of break, but then again, she shouldn’t complain, she was lucky for this opportunity.

and though she’d lately spent a lot of time with just the team unknown members, during this characterization class she was among the other trainees she usually saw and knew. but coming up with a character is not a skill sori has, she’s good at most things, but creativity isn’t it. she moves a bit closer to the person sitting next to her, “are you coming up with any ideas? my mind is kind of blank” she look at her own paper, still with nothing written on it.

                                                                      GO! @lgchaley

[neverwholelahey]

He had finally allowed himself to actually buy a decent camera and was out testing it out. He'd wanted to get it for the past couple of years but hadn't allowed himself to spend the money. Isaac hadn't really seen the worth in getting a camera since he usually drew, or painted when it came to his job.

He had never been good at spending money, he would always save as much as possible. It was why he was wearing a very worn down old hoodie, with holes along the hem, and along the end of the sleeves. It was from when he'd picked at the seams when stressed, or anxious. Or when he'd felt any negative feeling while wearing it. It was a habit Isaac was still working on breaking. It had gotten better, but he still did it occasionally. Especially on clothes that already had the holes, and seams picked off.

By just looking at him, it wasn't apparent that he had a well paying job, or the fact that he had gotten an inheritance when he turned 21. Not unless you saw the inside of his apartment. Or rather, the living area that he'd turned into a studio for himself. He had expensive art supplies, ranging from pencils, brushes and paints and canvases. While his furniture were old hand-me-downs or thrifted items. It was because Isaac only spent money on what he was passionate about. It was why he had a couple of expensive art books, and a lot of records. He was quite proud of his collection. The record player had been his father's, just like a third of his record collection. However, the rest was his, purchased for money he had earned. The inheritance he only used to buy the apartment he lived in, in New York, and to pay utility bills. It was a small space but it suited his needs just fine. And he didn't feel right spending the money from his father in any other way. Especially when the man hadn't been supportive of his choices in life.

Isaac sighed slightly as he finally stood up again, after being squatted down to take a couple of photos. He stretched out to his full length and it caused his back to pop slightly, something it did more often than not these days. Mainly because he had poor posture whenever he was painting or drawing. He knew he needed to get better at sitting up when working, but old habits were hard to break.

He took a step back and bumped into someone that he hadn't noticed, which was rare considering he was a werewolf, but he'd been so focused on what he was doing that they had managed to sneak up behind him.

"I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to bump into you." He said as he slowly turned around to face the person. Considering he was in Central Park, it wasn't that weird for him to bump into someone, since there were usually a fair amount of people in the park. However, not as many would be out at four am, as it currently was, since he'd gone out due to not being able to sleep. Something that happened too often. Not that he would actually admit to it, if asked. His lack of sleep came from nightmares that were based in memories, usually trauma. He dealt with it in his own way, by seeing a therapist on a biweekly basis. Not that it was helping him much.

[svnkxssd]

Closed starter for Emilios Acheson  || @ofdieus Location : The Dusk court

As dusky darkness painted the skies in eerie shades of red of deep blue and shadows danced even amidst the clouds above, Solaire had trained her mind on a single thing. A purpose, to keep her mind from straying to what could await the fae of Prythian. Of what all the strange events could possibly mean in the wake of all that had transpired. Her first priority was to regroup. To find the members of the Summer court, as ordered, and find a seemingly safe haven at the very least. Or, if the Mother willed it so, a way out. But as she wandered the streets, even occasionally daring to peek into into windows or address fae that did not look as remotely panicked, she felt desperation churn in her stomach as her search remained fruitless. 

 A soft huff of frustration, not nearly offering a glimpse at the emotions that warred within, escaped from her lips she spotted a man vaguely familiar. She glimpsed his face only briefly, before he turned her back to her and seemed intended on moving on. Though, like her own, it had aged in time she didn’t second guess rather or not she knew him. Having caught glimpses at the summit, but never had the need to approach and converse. But now he stood out to her as a miniscule. A sign that no high ruler had had to lay down their life for them, like Alina had worried for.

 ‘Milo?’ the lady of Summer called out, reaching for the arm of the man whose way of movement briefly reminded her of happier days in the light breeze of spring. To her own frustration, she found herself grasping at any straw of familiarity she could find. Rather they were real or just part of her imagination, like many who had been transported here she was looking for an anchor. A way to ground her in a world unknown, even if she had known them in another life. One in which both the world and the commander had known innocence and calm. Before remembering herself again, acutely aware of position and title that had mattered little in their teenage years. Solaire swiftly corrected herself, before her hand could make contact.  “Lord Acheson”

[viihall-archive]

a starter for Azra @burnnouts !!

The demon should be in this general area.. Vivi has been scanning the neighborhood for the last 30 minutes with no luck. She swore to herself to work on improving the scrying as it has been too general about the location. She's gone up and down the street twice, checked out the little park and a nearby cafe, but everywhere seemed peaceful. Holding a coffee cup in hand she left the cafe, not very content about not fulfilling the task when she heard some screams coming from the alley behind the cafe. Without a second thought she dropped the coffee and ran into that direction.

All she could think about in that second was the innocent. She was a witch, it was her job to protect them just like her mom and aunts taught her. "Hey!" She called out to two dark dressed men, leaning over another young guy laying on the ground, his clothes had scorch marks all on it. Upon noticing her, the demons started running away and Vivi sprinted after them further into the alley until they suddenly disappeared.

"You're not hiding from me!" She turned around, they must be here somewhere. They split, that's a great advantage when it's two against one. All of the sudden one demon appeared behind her and the other up on the balcony of a nearby building. Electricity build up in her hand instantly, forming a powerful electric ball that she threw at the nearest demon, vanquishing it. When she turned to the other demon, a backdoor opened across the alley and a young woman came out. This was not good. "Watch out!" Vivi shouted to her.

[loscriimiinales]

❪ 🏴‍☠️ ❫   ───   𝔠𝔩𝔬𝔰𝔢𝔡 𝔰𝔱𝔞𝔯𝔱𝔢𝔯  ⠀ » @midxsommar .

THERE ISN'T A LOT OF PEOPLE that kieran cares about , there is a selected few and for some reason the strawberry blonde seems to be one of those people. when he was younger , she was someone who he looked after , someone that he had to protect. his hand is inside the mans chest cavity , the hot iron causing the scent of death flesh filling the basement . the gasp that escapes at the entrance causes him to snap his head towards the direction of the femme. ❛ fuck ! ❜ he whispers under his breath as races after the strawberry blonde . ❛ val - wait ! ❜ a few long strides and he reaches for her ❛ let me , explain please ---- just listen , please ? ❜ kieran didn't say please , and here he was pleading twice to the femme who was just a job growing up .

[lured-into-wonderland]

The return to Rosalith had been, as always, a lively affair. The six days spent traveling back from the northern border of the duchy had been filled with the usual: worry and anxiety overshadowed with spirited conversation about family, and even more spirited singing of Rosaria's anthem, both intended to boost morale. Elwin was no exception to joining in -- in fact, most of the times it had been him initiating the exchanges.

On the hour that the young Archduke and the small contingent of Shields and soldiers passed through the gate into the heart of Rosaria, they were, as one would expect, exhausted. The greetings from the gathered townspeople were enthusiastic, but much like the men that had but recently arrived, there was a deep undercurrent of unease. Everyone knew the reason for their journey: the Blight had begun to slowly seep its way into their land, on top of rumors of stirrings from the inhabitants of the Northern Territories.

After dismounting from his chocobo, Elwin murmured a word of praise to his companion. And while the soldiers continued onward to the bailey, he remained for a few moments more, to greet -- and reassure -- the people.

"My friends," he spoke in a warm yet slightly more subdued tone, as was his wont in situations like this. "Come what may, rest in the knowledge that you are protected -- by our men and their unyielding courage, and by the great firebird's grace."

As they heaped him in words of gratitude and fondness, he waited a moment longer to answer inquiries and hear concerns, then politely excused himself to accompany Eleftherios to the royal stables. A report would need to be compiled, Rodney would need to be consulted both to hear how Rosalith had faired in his absence and to divulge to him the breadth of the situation, a meeting must needs be arranged with the council to discuss with the other High House representatives how to proceed(although he already knew their most likely suggestion)...

But all of this could wait until later, perhaps come the morrow. For now, while the soldiers congregated at the tavern to share stories and imbibe one too many drinks, Elwin wanted only to seek out the Archduchess's company -- then rest, time permitting.

The Archduchess was not there to welcome the returning troops. She never was. Alike she was never there to greet them good-bye. It was as much as the heritage the royal princess of the Sanbreque Empire had brought to her new home, but perhaps even more it was her silent disagreement with the decisions her husband was taking. In Nunnally’s mind, the place of the ruler, the place of the commander, was not among their people and soldiers. But somewhere far away (and safe) from the battle. It was the role of the royalty to rule and to plan and to scheme. To organize the campaigns and move the troops on the map, but never share the fate of the soldiers.

Discomfort, fatigue, hunger, thirst, toil and drudgery. That was not the destiny of a ruler. That was a fate of a soldier. Rulers and soldiers: they had different duties, and in her eyes the Archduke disregarded his duties by risking his life together with his soldiers. But Elwin never agreed with her on that. Her gentle (and firmer) requests (and demands) were always met with a refusal. So, in a way the Archduchess stopped trying. Her silent absence was the only sign of her ever lasting opposition.

It wasn’t that she wanted to hurt him. It was never her goal, but the royal princess of Anbreque was too proud (and too independent) to fully accept she had nothing to say in these decisions of his. So using the culture as an excuse she insisted on personal and very private farewells and welcomes. Their own tradition? Though it lasted for a long while already, the Archduchess was never sure how much her husband was able to see through her lies. She had embraced so many of Rosarian traditions that discarding one more would not make such a difference for her. But she couldn’t. This was politics for her. Did he know? Did he accept? Did he understand?

But the fact that she was not there, that she wasn’t a part of the event itself, it didn’t mean she didn’t watch. She always did. Always in the shadows of the castle’s gallery, dressed in a cloak so that it was even more difficult to recognize her, if someone ever cared to look her way. She watched. She was there long after he had left; her blue eyes fixed on a distant point on the horizon, where her husband's silhouette had disappeared; or rather where she had seen him for the last time. She had always dreaded that it would be for the very last time, but even that fear was not able to change her mind. Yes, Nunnally usually blamed herself that she was not there for him enough; she’d promised herself to make an attempt to do better next time, but even then - when she was crying her eyes out - she knew she’d act the same. Again and again. It was not something she was ready to let go.

She was watching as her husband spoke and how his words were cheered by the crowd and the soldiers. It made her proud and annoyed at the same time. Nunnally despised ruling through l o v e. Despised carrying for the people. She didn't see the royals as those who are responsible for the people’s well-being. It was the wealth of the land that mattered. The unbroken blood line. The standards they were to keep.

Something that her brother had all abandoned. Something that her husband never believed in.

Sylvestre and Elwin. Her brother and her husband. So similar and yet so completely different. She loved them both and yet she didn't agree with the actions any of them was taking. She felt tired and alone having to always challenge them.

When he excused himself to accompany Eleftherios to the royal stables, her brows furrowed more than she probably wanted to. She could understand his love for his chocobo, but yet his first steps should carry him to his wife and not his mount. No, she wasn’t jealous. It would just look more proper. But that wasn’t something she would ever mention to her husband. Some things just needed to be.

Nunnally excused herself from her place before Elwin finished talking. She expected he’d be with her soon. If things were dire (not that they weren’t in her mind) and required immediate attention, she would have known by now.

She welcomed the solitude of her chambers with some odd relief. Her maids and ladies-in-waiting were advised that Her Royal Highness did not wish their presence. Although none of them had ever dared to comment, they must have been aware of what was going between the Archduke and the Archduchess (when he was to leave and them come back). Nunnally wouldn’t deprive them of the pleasure to be in the crowd that welcomed her husband. He was loved. She wasn’t.

She needed these few moments alone to calm herself down, and to dismiss her annoyance and the urge to immediately discuss the state affairs with him. Nunnally wanted to offer Elwin some peace that she believed he needed (and deserved). There would be enough time to discuss the misunderstanding she was constantly having with Rodney on how to rule Rosaria when the Archduke was away (why did Rodney even think he could disagree with her!?). Enough time to convince Elwin that Rosaria would only be safe, when she was to claim and take the crown of the Sanbreque Empire. A thought that Dion could come before her made her shiver in silent fury! But her husband’s attention was more to the Northern Territories making her agenda even more difficult.

But when she heard oh-so-known footsteps on the cold stones outside the door of their chambers, all her dull thoughts suddenly disappeared. She was standing there full of hopes like on the first day when they were formally introduced to each other. Waiting for him as she did during their wedding night. The Archduchess didn’t know why suddenly so many doubts in her heart. She needed to be s t r o n g; she reminded herself.

The door opened and soon she found Elwin entering their chambers. No! Nunnally didn’t want to give him a chance to talk. To steer their meeting away from what she had envisioned for them. She turned around quickly making sure a soft smile adorned her lips: --

“Welcome home, Elwin…” – her quick steps and the sound of her heels clicking on the floor accompanied her words; he looked tired and worried; this thought passed her mind before Nunnally pressed herself onto his arm – “I…I was missing you…” – she was. Her small hand rose and caressed gently his her before she pressed her lips onto his for a quick, almost shy, kiss.

“I am sorry I wasn’t there to welcome you…” – Nunnally didn’t know why she apologized. She had never done so before even though she had welcomed him so many times before. But this time, she felt something was to happen. Those disturbing feelings she had been having for a while. Dreams... Nightmares... She scolded herself internally. She should shouldn’t behave so foolishly. So ridiculously. She was a woman, not a girl. No! She wasn’t even a woman; she was a ruler: an Archduchess of Rosaria. The royal princess of Sanbreque.

But she didn’t want to be these today. She wanted to be a girl welcoming her lover. A wife welcoming her husband. She wanted…

Nunnally forced herself to stop. To stop allowing herself to indulge in her hopes. She needed to think about Elwin and not about herself. She forced herself to talk (though she couldn’t force herself to move away from him; not to feel him so close to her): --

“You must be tired…”

“I made sure there is a bath prepared for you…or would you prefer to eat first?”   

Or would you simply let me hide in your embrace? Or let yourself rest in mine?

You’re and Archduchess Nunnally. Archduchess… You need to remember…

But she didn’t want. Once in a while even she could forget…and be forgiven…?

@fire-branded

[drvcxrys]

(¸.• ♛ → "but i bet you didn´t , am I right? just like with lestat, you always have a weak spot for those who treats you bad so I'm not surprised you let him go." and to hell with her because he only cares for his partners, always was like that and she couldn´t help but resent that, it was just horrible to think that she was only turned to be like some kind of bandage for this messed up relationship between him and lestat, she was nothing but that at the end. "i don't trust you, i wish I could but I don´t. All I ever wanted was for you to pick me once, just once...but not even when lestat was gone so I realized too late that I was never going to be enough for you." and it was just a very sad thought for her but was something realistic at the end of the day. "so now you can go and do your life and I will do mine, you can now that you have lestat and armand here, that´s all you wanted right? well, that´s it if I don´t see them first, I might just kill them, depending on my mood." armand maybe, lestat not so much because her relationship with him was still complicated. she wanted her words to hurt louis because she couldn´t hurt him physically ever.

"i'm sorry, claudia. i- i wish i could change everything, but i can't." louis shook his head, drawing in a deep breath. "i should've listened to you. it's odd, my memory was so messed up until after i started to go over everything with daniel. armand, i thought he saved me and i was wrong. he helped to orchestrate that whole trial. he directed it and i should've killed him. i wanted to kill him." he admitted, gaze falling to the ground. "you don't have to believe me or trust me, claudia. in fact, i don't think you should. i need to work to regain that and i've accepted that. i'll do anything because i'm just happy that you're alive."