#nobility universe

[bug-fics]

Nobility

Pairing: Stable boy! Eddie Munson x Fem! reader

Summery: Eddie was just a mere stable boy who yearned for adventure and a happy ending. Falling in love with a nobleman's daughter was never apart of the plan, nor was stealing her away from the life of luxury she was handed.

AN: This is set up to be a mini series, so depending on how this does ill knock out another part soon. This part is basically all world building, i would have just made it longer to include actual plot but its better this way.

Word count: 5.6k

Living as a stable boy was never a part of Eddie’s life plan. Being the son of a provincial farmer was discouraging enough for the young dreamer, his boyhood was full of work, and no time to be a kid. Generation after generation, the Munson family were victims of the working class. His uncle helped around the quaint farm, helping take care of the small selection of livestock while his father was able to tend to the small plot of land that held an assortment of crops. Farm work wasn't ideal, but at the end of the day, it was honest work. Following his written legacy, Eddie took on the job as a stable boy to provide stability to the small household.

The funds were good, excellent even, seeing as though he worked for the highest noble family in the diminutive village of Hawkins. Nonetheless, while money was generous, Eddie yearned for adventure, and making up stories wasn’t enough for his wandering mind. The young lad was always drawn to fairytales, ones about great wayfarers who got the pleasure of undergoing danger and heroics, and maybe even love if they were fortunate.

But Eddie wasn't a traveler, he's never come close to leaving his small town. The rumors of the edge scared most people from leaving. The woods were filled with trouble, magic, and dangerous beings. Only an idiot would go beyond the edge without proper protection. Hell, Eddie hasn't been to most of the places in his hometown, spending most of his time at the cottage helping around the farm or slaving away in the stables. If he found the time, he would spend his nights at the local pub, his tab growing through the night as he told made-up tales to the locals. Against the barmaid’s pleas, Eddie loved to stand on the long tables, shouting theatrics and acting out sword fights with anyone willing to join in on the fun.

Lucas Sinclair, the baker's son, who had a habit of burning everything he touched was one of the few people who've stuck by Eddie all his life. Mike Wheeler, a sarcastic barkeep who happened to work at the dingy hideout with the rest of his family. The teen did more talking than working, continuously getting told off by his elder sister. Lastly, there was Gareth Emerson, an apprentice for the local blacksmith. His mother was a lovely woman, a lady in waiting who worked alongside Eddie at Cambridge manor. The two had a mutual understanding of life, both families dependent on the only people who seemed to matter in this godforsaken town.

The elders of the village feared the small crowd was supplying the younger residents’ minds with stupidity, a few of them already endeavoring to leave in search of conquest. This never dwindled Eddie’s spirits, in fact, he wished he had the nerve to pull the same stunts, rejecting the cards handed to him for a real taste of freedom.

“I don't know why you won't just leave,” Dustin Henderson was one of Eddie's best friends, he was one of the only people who could keep up with the dramatics that the farmhand lived by. Being one of Eddie’s closest comrades, Dustin also experienced every yearning sigh, every rant of adventure, every sad glance at what could exist in the beyond. “God knows how badly you wish to leave, why force yourself to stick around? Even Wayne has told you to relish in new liberations. Why are you still here?”

“There are things keeping me in this stupid place, I don't know.”

Dustin rolled his eyes at this response, it was no secret that Eddie had eyes for his employer's eldest daughter, “And by things you mean a certain Cambridge who you've barely spoken to, ‘oh Dustin! She looked at me today like really looked at me. Dustin, you won't believe what she said to me today. Her laugh oh her laugh, can you believe I made her laugh’ honestly dude, it's getting kind of embarrassing.”

A deep blush flooded Eddie’s face, I mean yeah he thought you were pretty, and yeah he thought your laugh sounded better than any music he's ever heard. And I mean sure, he thought your eyes were rather fetching, and your hair always looked lovely, and when you wore those tight, tight, riding pants during your lessons near the stables he couldn't help but stare. 

But he didn't have a crush on you, Dustin's right, he's barely even spoken to you. It was an unspoken rule that nobles and the working class don’t clash. Your family was likable, but it was social suicide to even consider having a meaningful conversation with the long-haired man.

Shoving the young boy, Eddie fought with his brain to think of a rebuttal. “Listen, it's complicated. I can't just leave, the only thing that would make me leave is if I absolutely had to. Like a life or death situation, or maybe if I was kidnapped.”

Yeah, Eddie adored the fantasy of adventure, but as much as he would love to run away he had a job, responsibilities, and his uncle to take care of. He couldn't abandon all he loved just because he wanted to experience a rush of a crusade. Getting to watch you from afar was just the thing that made his life bearable. So he sat, drank, yelled, and laughed his nights away and in the morning he would suffer a day of hard work. It was his only option, adventure wasn't written in his cards unless an outside force made him have to run.

“You need to get out of here, we need to get out of here. This village is rotting from the inside out. Please, we could leave now it wouldn't be hard.”

“Dustin, we can't. You know we can't. Not now at least.” It was hard to deny the opportunity. If Eddie was a real adventurer he would agree as soon as Dustin asked. He’d run and gather his things and leave before the sun broke through the dark sky. But he wasn't a real adventurer. He was a coward, he was scared of the edge, he was scared of leaving his family, and he was scared of failing.

The night ended soon enough and the group of friends who littered the bar well past closing hours sluggishly swayed home, attempting to get just a little sleep before their day of work began again. This was the routine that was built.

Drink, sleep, work, repeat.

It was a disappointing loop, everyone was living to die. Money was tight, food was scarce, and no one was happy. Yet, Eddie and his crew seemed to be the only ones longing for an out. The poor grew weaker as the rich gained new opportunities.

Dawn broke in the sky bright and early, the roosters waking Eddie up, the natural alarm clock he needed to get on with his day. Dressing in his work linens, he rushed down the old wooden stairs, nearly tripping down the last few into the small kitchen of his dainty hut. Breakfast consisted of three large eggs from the barn, and a warmed slice of stale bread. It was the breakfast of an adventurer, Eddie liked to tell himself. This allowed him to play into his internal fantasy world when in reality, it was the breakfast of an impoverished rural family who could hardly make ends meet.

Eddie was the main source of income for the Munson household. The Cambridge family was a distinguished name in the village of Hawkins. They were the local emissaries for the kingdom of Demo, the family being the only contact people had with the sovereign when they needed resources. Many pleas went unheard, war was looming over the nation and the king believed he had more important duties than making sure his people survived the famish. The Cambridge family could only do so much.

Victor Cambridge was the head of the house. He was wealthy, awarded many luxuries from his position in the noble ranks. He had no time to help care for his lineage, it was no secret that he neglected his family’s needs, preferring to spend every waking hour he had working hard to keep the village from sinking further into filth than it already was. His wife, Virginia, was a kind woman, a lovely lady who had used to be a commoner in her youth. She spent most of her days in charge of the house staff, handing out workloads to the retinue of workers. She was a simple lady, a devotee to her husband and his love.

The couple had three children. The heir, Henry, was a young boy with the weight of the world on his shoulders. He was expected to fill in his father's position as every son for generations has. The stress already fueled the young boy's rage and internal anguish, with no time for play. He was forced to be a man. 

The youngest daughter, Alice, was a shy sprite of a girl. She was a mere child, easily influenceable, a small little field mouse who was rarely given the opportunity to flourish. She was tenacious and rotten, often using leverage over the staff to get what she asked for, a behavior often demonstrated by her father.

Lastly, there was you. As the family's Eldest daughter, you understood the politics of the town and the detrimental situation of those in the working class. Being a daughter of a nobleman, you were often ignored even when you tried to make your voice heard. Women had no place in the world of war. 

Eddie looked up to you, he’s overheard tales from other staff members of instances where you stood up for those who needed a voice; turning a blind eye when a break lasted too long, indulging the staff in royal gossip, and being one of the few members of the family to treat the staff as human. While you were headstrong, speaking out was still against the rules, and in fear of diminishing the Cambridge name, you slipped into the background most days. However, Eddie would never see you as a simple background character. You were the girl of his dreams, a kind spirit, a work of art.

Eddie knew little to nothing about you, but he was head over heels. A small crush that plagued his thoughts and fueled his existence in a silly fantasy he could indulge in while going about his day. He had a sweet image of you fabricated in his creative mind. You were a delicate flower who’d love him eternally, even if he was a simple man who worked for your family.

He was lucky enough to secure a position under the Cambridge family, many wished to work in such a position, and being in the right place at the right time paid off. Eddie could still remember the day he was offered the job, walking past the luxurious manor just as the old stable boy was thrown to the curb. Rumor states he was stealing jewels from the family and was finally caught. When Victor noticed Eddie standing, watching the commotion go down, he was offered a job. Eddie would have been stupid to turn down the offer, and his small history of working on a farm for his family was enough to give him a confidence boost to accept.

Work was far from glamorous, many hours were spent shoveling horse manure and caring for the horses under the hot sun. However, some days Eddie was granted the opportunity to teach the Cambridge children their riding lessons. The family had a professional instructor to aid in classes but with the impending war, it wasn't rare for her to be called away, handing the torch over to the stableboy.

Teaching the younger children was always a low point of his day, but these instances were some of the only opportunities Eddie had to properly speak with you. Mumbling dumb jokes that forced you to stifle a laugh, listening to you softly rant about your morning, and discussing the duties he was forced to partake in for work. However, his favorite moments were those when he could slip in a small compliment in passing. The flustered look you'd shoot his way always made the risk of getting in trouble worth it.  

‘My lady, have I ever told you that you are the sunlight through a window in which I stand, warmed and welcoming.’

‘Edward, I don't appreciate flattery.’

‘Nonsense. Venus in her shell was never so lovely, and Diana in the forest never so graceful as you’

‘Shut up’ A soft smile graced your face as you made an attempt to shy away from him. The huge grin Eddie presented went unnoticed

His favorite memory was a recent one. A month or so ago the heel of your boot got caught against the stirrup of the saddle. Your shriek rang through his ears, fear in your voice as the ground rushed towards you, but Eddie was quick, as he managed to catch you in his arms. The smell of your floral perfume clouded his mind as you begged him not to drop you. ‘only a fool would drop a girl like you’. The shy expression that graced your face at his words as you let a soft smile slip through the elegant façade was enough to put Eddie in the best spirit for the rest of the day.

Eddie couldn’t help but think you were the prettiest thing he’s ever laid eyes on. Your passing conversation was enough to leave a smile on his face, he’d envision your laughter while he worked, and the gleam in your eyes would help to make time speed by faster. And most of the time Eddie would imagine what it would be like if you were in one of his stories, one where he was the hero who got to fall in love with the princess. But of course, he was just your average stable boy, none of him worthy of a maiden such as a nobleman’s daughter, especially not one as beautiful as yourself.

Today was no different, when Eddie rode in on his less-than-impressive family steed, you were already seated in the lush garden on an expensive blanket, enjoying your breakfast with a book in hand. The food on the cloth were commodities Eddie couldn't even dream of enjoying. Imported fruits, fresh bread still producing a soft steam from the cool morning air, sweet tarts from the king's baker himself, and small sandwiches that would look ridiculous between his calloused fingers. 

The dress that rested against your plush skin was expensive, everything about you and your family was expensive. Your gaze lifted from the crisp pages of your book to glance towards the stable boy as if you felt his lingering gaze taking in every detail of your being.

The breath Eddie was holding was sucked away when you beamed his way with a short wave. Your family was less than kind, a smile like that was rare, but being on the receiving end felt like heaven. You weren't supposed to converse with the commons who littered the grounds of the manor, your siblings had no trouble following that authority, but you were never a stickler for every rule. You were often found gossiping with the gardener, telling stories to the cooks, and being friendly with the cleaners. Eddie was internally grateful when he learned Gareth’s mother worked under your authority, a kind soul, rather than the evil that plagued your family.

That's one of the things Eddie was enamored with. You were beautiful, gorgeous, ethereal even, but your kindness even if rarely directed towards him was admirable. The smile Eddie's way was enough to kick him into gear, sending him straight to the barn with a flush of red gracing his cheeks.

The day was a slow day for the pair, Eddie’s daily chores were already complete and your lessons were cut short due to a small royal emergency. Deciding to make the most of your free time you snuck out around the distant barn to the stables, picnic basket resting in the crook of your elbow as you searched for your favorite boy. Of course, Eddie didn't know you felt that way, you've barely interacted, but he always treated you with such devotion and care without treating you like some princess. It was romantic, even if he was only being friendly.

“Sir Munson, it's awfully warm out today. Care to join me for lunch?”

The sound of your voice was enough to make Eddie jump. This was the most you'd spoken to him in a day, it was rare for your paths to cross. And yet you had put in the effort to seek him out. Your previous attire was replaced with a simple dress, one he’s never seen on someone with such high power. You were wearing a commoner’s dress.

“Oh, I don't think your father or mother would approve of such, don't you think my lady?” The soft words were spoken as Eddie dropped to a small bow, still able to make eye contact. His big puppy eyes stared into your soul as a small smirk graced his lips.

“Maybe I'm done following the rules?”

“All the rules? Lady Y/N, murder is a very serious commitment. Do you wish to be burned at the stake for this outrageous announcement?” A hand was sent to his chest, an exaggerated gasp slipped from his pink lips as he did his best to give you a serious look.

"You know that's not what I mean Sir Munson.”

“Oh no no no, I'm positive I heard you say all the rules. Are you here to convince me to be an accomplice for these heinous crimes you wish to commit? An aristocratic woman like yourself should know better.” As he initially sought to receive, you offer him a soft giggle. It filled Eddie’s mind with sweetness and sunshine.

“Okay, maybe not all the rules. But I think you deserve a lovely meal for all of your hard work, don't you?”

“As you wish.”

With a smile, Eddie swiped his arm in another bow, a silent lead the way hung in the air as he followed you through the wooden gate of the barn, down the grassy hill, towards a huge blooming willow tree. There was a river nearby, adding the soft sound of trickling water to the air. This was a spot many knew well by the staff. It was one of the only places that provided a sense of peace, especially during a hard day of work. The destination was far enough from wandering eyes, but near enough where if called you could rush back to the manor without much worry.

Offering you a soft glance, Eddie took the basket from your arms, opting to be a gentleman, and set out the picnic that you'd brought along. It was the least he could do, you were jeopardizing everything your family stood for by being near him, let alone offering him a small feast for his hard work. Your kindness would be thought about for months, anything you did lived in his mind for ages. A soft conversation lulled between the two of you, today was one of many firsts.

“What's it like working in the stables? I've always wondered what it was like to have a proper job.”

“It's a lot of work if I'm being honest. I've always lived on a farm so caring for horses is nothing new. I think the worst part of the job is the fear of messing up. If I mess up on my farm it's okay, my horses are cheap, if I don't braid their manes or something, everything is fine. But here? Here I feel the impending doom that one mistake will have my head on a spike. Don't get me wrong, your family has never threatened me, but there is always that fear that comes with working. I enjoy it though, it's good money.” Eddie was right, finger sandwiches looked hilarious held between his fingers. “I think you're lucky, god knows I wouldn't wish for a job if I got to live in luxury as you do. Being poor is the only thing the village is known for, a noble like you wouldn't fit in with the working class. Nice dress by the way.”

The silence between you two was deafening. Eddie didn’t mean to overstep, his mouth moving faster than his mind. It was no secret that no matter how kind nobles were to their people, everyone despised the rich. Especially in the villages with high poverty rates. 

However, implying you wanted to play dress up as an impoverished maiden wasn't the way to your heart, even if Eddie didn't mean to be crude. God, here you were providing him with a lunch fit for a king, better than the staff typically get, sitting with him under a gorgeous willow tree, asking him about his life, and he goes and blew it.

“I'm so sor-”

With a soft breathy laugh, you interrupt him, “You're right, wishing to be a commoner is ridiculous. I just hate it here so much you know? It's lonely. And I see all of the staff have a found family of sorts while I'm forced to keep to my bubble. I can't remember the last conversation I had with either of my parents. Nannies can only do so much, I'm tired of being prim and proper. I wish things were different, I think that's why I look up to you. You and everyone else in the town are dealt, pardon my French, shitty cards, and yet I've overheard you in the kitchens, talking about your nights in the tavern and it just makes me smile.” You risk a glance towards Eddie, offering a look of awe. There was no hurt behind your eyes, Eddie had not overstepped like he thought he had. You looked up to him.

All his life Eddie had assumed that a life of money provided enough stability to feel content no matter what problems were thrown your way. Nobles and kings didn’t have to work all day to afford a loaf of bread. They didn’t have to worry about cold winter nights harming a loved one when the temperature dropped too low, they should be happy. Yet, here you stood sharing your sorrows with the stable boy. Loneliness was a burden no one should carry. People always say money can’t buy happiness, and now Eddie had living breathing proof that statement was true.

You looked up to him.

“I’ll tell you what. Pick a day, I’ll risk everything to sneak you into the tavern. You can drink to your heart's content, stand on tables, yell and laugh as loud as you want. You can meet new people, I’ll introduce you to my friends, you can have people in your corner for once. It'll help to give you your freedom, you deserve it.”

“Promise?”

“Promise, I'd do anything for you, my lady.”

The conversation took a lighter turn, hope filling the air. Eddie told you all of the stories his friends have gone tired of listening to. He showed you how to sword fight using branches he ripped from the willow and he was able to make you laugh when he let you win, dropping to the ground in a dramatic defeat. The little bubble under the willow was enough to relish in this newfound fantasy. There were no nobles and commoners. No rich and poor, Just you and Eddie being able to enjoy a newfound friendship.

Eddie could still imagine the shocked look that fell onto your face when he made you laugh so hard that let out an unattractive snort. The action was quite unladylike, something that would get you in trouble within the manor walls, which only fueled the fire, making the pair double over in a fit of laughter once more.

 You told him of your favorite novels, ones quite similar to the stories Eddie loved to tell. You shared the new gossip that flittered throughout the manor recently. He even told you all about the time that he and his friends had gotten so drunk they barfed all over the floor, leaving the poor Wheeler family to care for the rowdy group in their state of intoxication.

The best part was the moment when you begged Eddie to teach you how to climb a tree for the first time. He showed you how to scale the thick branches of the willow tree, before climbing down to help you do the same. A dark blush erupted across his face when he accidentally got a glance up your dress.  In his humble opinion, the memory he will cherish forever was being able to watch you attempt to hang down from a thick branch. Your knees bent, attempting to keep hold while you laughed, begging him to make sure you didn’t fall.

‘Eddie! Please if I fall I'll kill you, I'll do it. I'm gonna die, holy- don't let me fall. Eddie! I’m gonna fall, don't drop me! Please! Please I'm begging’

The shrieking of your words masked by the laughter you slipped out. And as a true gentleman, he gave you the same response he gave you months ago.

‘Relax, only a fool would drop a girl like you.’

The sacred moments were over faster than either of you had hoped, the two of you stood barefoot in the river, splashing water and giggling together. Your hands reach out between you as you grasp tightly onto Eddie's fingertips, eyes disappearing from how wide your smile was. It was the happiest you had felt in a long while until your name was called from a distance. Your disappearance was finally noticed.

Eddie waved you off, offering to clean up so you didn’t get in more trouble for running off than you no doubt were already in. With one last grin, brighter than he's ever been offered before, you ran away leaving Eddie to marvel at the experience he had just lived. Not only did you offer to spend the afternoon with him under the hot sun, but you laughed with him, you talked to him, you showed him a new side of you he's never seen before, and you looked up to him.

He couldn't wait to share this moment with anyone who would listen. A new fantasy to fuel his day of work, one where you fell in love with him, one where you ran away from responsibility and expectations. One where he was your hero, giving you the life you yearned for.

One where it was just you and Eddie.

Being home was never something Eddie enjoyed. It was a reminder of the way the world worked. The doors of the cottage were rotting, mildew sprouted from the walls and the thatch on the roof had microscopic holes that allowed rainwater to dribble in during a storm. It was ugly and smelled awful, but it was home. Dinner had gone and passed, and as Eddie prepped for a night of rest, the thoughts of his afternoon danced through his mind. 

The way you looked at him like he was a person, a friend. It was new. Eddie wasn't stupid, today changed nothing, he was still just a mere stable boy, you would marry a wealthy man, a prince if you were lucky, and rule over a village just like Hawkins. It was written in your cards, just as working to survive was in Eddies.

Sleep was short-lived, Eddie barely drifted off into a slumber before the sound of pebbles hitting his window had awoken him. It wasn't rare for one of his friends to wake him in the middle of the night, the dark was the perfect time to do things that aren't acceptable to do during the day, but tonight Eddie wanted a night of rest. 

Deciding to ignore the sound, he closed his eyes in an attempt to seek the comfort he desired until the sound of something heavier hit his window. It was clear the perpetrator wasn't going to leave without a fight, and Eddie was forced to drag himself out of the straw mattress he called his bed. 

Throwing on a few layers of clothes, enough to hang out if his friends wouldn't take no for an answer, Eddie crept down the stairs, making as little noise as possible. The thought of waking his uncle wasn't something he wished to do.

Opening the door, Eddie came face to face with Dustin, who has a weary smile on his face. Behind him stood the rest of their shared friends. Gareth stared Eddie down with a deep unreadable stare as Mike and Lucas avoided eye contact, like two children being scorned by an angry parent. They all shared a skittish look, one that could only mean trouble. Eddie was used to solving their problems, especially after the many nights the group spent drinking away their sorrows at the hideout.

“What did you do Henderson?” His question was answered by a different voice. Not one he was used to hearing, a soft yet cheerful sound, one he recognized immediately.

“Eddie! Hello, wonderful night isn't it? It seems as though I've been taken for ransom,” There, thrown over the back of a horse, one of your horses, you shot Eddie a wide smile. You were tied by your wrists and ankles, dressed in a long satin slip that was made no doubt for sleep. The look you shot Eddie was one of amusement, as if this was the best thing to ever happen to you. Aggressively rubbing the sleep from his eyes, Eddie did a double take towards where you were draped, just behind a stuffed satchel, no doubt filled with supplies.

“Shush, you're supposed to be a hostage. Really, Eddie, she's been cracking jokes this whole time. I think she's perfect for you. You know, I thought you were crazy. I mean what poor man falls in love with royalty, but now I see why,” The young boy shot Eddie a wide smile before glancing your way.

“I'm sorry, what on earth is going on here? Why Is she tied up? Why are you all here? What the hell is happening?”

“You said you wanted an adventure, now we have one. You're looking at your adventure party!”

“That doesn't mean kidnapping a princess?”

You let out a quip in response even though no one seemed willing to acknowledge you at the moment, ‘for the record, not a princess.’

“You said you would leave this sad excuse for a village if it were life or death… your life is currently on the line. You also said you would leave if you were kidnapped. We kidnapped. This is literally what you asked of me!”

“Dustin, I swear to every higher being... you're insane. I aid if I was kidnapped, not just anyone? This is crazy, you’re all crazy.'' The exasperated look on Eddie's face made you stifle a giggle. In reality, this whole situation should be terrifying, but Eddie was nice. When Dustin appeared in your room that night he had mentioned being a friend of Eddie’s. Your conversation from the afternoon still stuck in your mind, you willingly followed out of the window, only to be tied up.

“Hey, I am doing you a favor, though we need to hurry, time is running out.”

“Time? We need to return her, what are you on about?”

“Well, when we took her we left a note. Well, we didn't really take her, it was easier than I thought. She was very willing when we mentioned your name. Anyways, we left her family a note and they think you, my dear friend, kidnapped her.”

“Me? Henderson I swe-”

“As I said, time is running short, get on her horse, I'll grab one from your barn and we can be on our way. We already have plenty of supplies, food, weapons, first aid, clothes. You don't really have a choice here do you?” The young boy shot Eddie one last smile before jogging towards the farmland behind the cottage.

With a frustrated cry, Eddie took a solemn glance toward his cottage before reflecting on the men standing in front of him. These were his closest friends, and they were jeopardizing everything to give him the one thing he's always yearned for. They were his family, his people. Each one stared back at him with the same look.

‘This is how we get out.’

Call him a fool, but Eddie was handed the perfect opportunity to seek adventure. Granted this wasn't the tale he imagined. He was now the villain, but it was still a chance at freedom. Sighing he hopped on the horse you were draped across. This was it. Eddie wanted an adventure, now he had one. With a final glance towards the three other men that surrounded him, he took a deep breath before commanding the horse to ride towards the dark edge. 

Crossing over the threshold would mean no turning back, they would be fugitives for the rest of their lives. With one final glance towards the world, they once knew the party set off.

This was the only chance of newfound freedom.

[coffee-bard]

D&D session sketch page!! I’m getting to guest in a friend’s campaign as Veryl :3💜✨

[wilimia]

Wonder if they'll ever go on that fishing trip 🤔

[serpentface]

Can you tell us more about the Usoma-Hibitte

The Usoma-Hittibe is a sister (typically the eldest) of the Usoma, the Wardi monarch.

((IMMEDIATE LINGUISTIC TANGENT: The phrase Usoma-Hittibe could be functionally translated "king-sister"- Usoma has been the word used for Wardi monarchs for much of their history, which does not actually Translate as 'king'. The word Usoma stems from a now obsolete concept-word referring to death as a 'catalyst of the cycle' (referring to death and birth as dualistic forces that sustain life via their perpetual cycling). This gradually became closer in meaning to 'benefactor of life' or just 'benefactor', which began to be applied to kings as an epithet, and eventually became their titles as sovereign with most other uses falling into obsolescence (though it also appears in the name of the Face Kusomache). Hittibe straightforwardly translates to 'sister', though dead literally is a feminine form of a word meaning 'of the (same) womb'.))

The modern day role is largely a remnant of traditions of the oldest Wardi monarchies and their lineage structures (most significantly the Ephenni, who developed the first monarchies and TREMENDOUSLY shaped all following models of Wardi kingship). All Wardi tribes had patriarchal systems of power (though with greatly varying intensities) throughout their recorded history, but not all have been patrilineal.

The Ephenni (and a lot of the other west-southwest proto-Wardi tribes) had matrilineal kinship structures for the vast majority of their history, with kinship passing from mother to son. This translated to a system of royal inheritance where kingship was passed from a king to his sister's eldest son, rather than to his own sons. The king and king-sister would each be wed to their own consorts, but only the king-sister's children would be potential heirs under normal circumstances.

In a societal context where power is patriarchal and inheritance is matrilineal, this system is Very effective for both ensuring inheritance remains in one family AND to prevent succession crises (which the incest approach to keeping rule within a family doesn't accomplish). A child's father generally cannot Technically be completely certain in a world without genetic testing, which in patrilineal kinship opens the door to claiming illegitimacy of heirs. A matrilineal structure where kingship passes from a man to his nephew via his sister negates this- the mother the a child is unambiguous (you can see her being pregnant and giving birth), and even if the child WAS born out of adultery, the illegitimate father does not ultimately matter to the child's status as legitimate heir. The child will bear the mother (and thus the king's) family name regardless, thus keeping power securely in one family with no avenues to dispute legitimacy.

The Usoma-Hittibe thus had profound importance as the mother of kings, outranking the Usoma's actual wife in significance. A Usoma's own sons would instead live out their lives as noblemen with no claim to the throne (though technically would be 'reserve' heirs in catastrophic failures where a Usoma-Hittibe and any other king-sisters fail to birth sons).

This matrilineal kinship structure was lost over the course of history through a combination of internal societal changes, centuries of occupation, and the assimilation of the various pre-Wardi peoples into collective Wardi identity. Imperial Wardi culture now exclusively uses a patrilineal kinship structure. However, before this change could fully occur, the Usoma-Hittibe's role had extended into numerous ceremonial and political roles and was deeply entrenched into the identity of Wardi royalty, and the position was thus retained even through her reproductive obsolescence.

The most obvious shift to the role of modern Usoma-Hittibe is that they are Not Only no longer the mothers of kings, but have absorbed the cultural 'celibate woman occupying positions of power' archetype and now remain unwed and ostensibly virgins for life, as well as having slightly 'masculinized' elements of their performance (their etiquette and some of their regalia is considered masculine, though not to the same extent as Odonii). This parallels the importance of celibacy and 'de-feminization' in Odonii, partly conceptualized as allowing a woman to retain strength in bodily and spiritual integrity that is otherwise deemed only natural to men. Like Odonii, the bodies of Usoma-Hittibe are politicized into symbols, imagined here as physical representations of the health, strength, and integrity of the royal family. She will be used as a proxy for the entire royal family in rites intending to bless and protect them. She is the public female face of the royal family, and serves ceremonial functions in most rites that would normally be taken by a family's wife.

In addition, a Usoma-Hittibe has a significant degree of hard political power. She is the default regent in case of an Usoma's early demise, has the ability to take action in his stead during absences, and can freely make appointments to the lower court (but not the council), giving her potentially tremendous influence over the court. Her power is still ultimately limited- a Usoma has absolute veto over any of her actions, she is prohibited from issuing military commands (even when acting as regent, this must be in coordination with the council), and the inner council has veto power by majority vote on actions she makes in a living Usoma's stead (though the council does not have generalized veto power over regent Usoma-Hittibe).

There has also been a significant shift in recent history to the Usoma-Hittibe gaining significant control over the state priesthood of the Face Kusomache (which is Partly assigned a role as the protector and legitimatizer of royalty). The Usoma-Hittibe is currently THE person who appoints a high priest to Kusomache as an aspect of her ceremonial roles, and the past few Usoma-Hittibe have negotiated privileges to perform rites otherwise exclusive to the priests (which is unprecedented, as this priesthood (and all other core cults to the Faces save for Odonii and Galenii) is closed and all-male). This has contributed to internal fracturing among this priesthood- cult traditions surrounding Kusomache focused on this Face representing death and safe transitions to the afterlife (as well as sacred mysteries and the movements of the cosmos), and the additional 'protector of royalty' trait was rather inorganically assigned by the merging of an entirely separate tradition. Many members of Kusomache's priesthood feel the Face is being warped and defiled, resent the Usoma-Hittibe's appointments of puppet high-priests, see tremendous insult in these royal lay-women integrating themselves into the cult's structure, and fear that these king-sisters will attempt to take over as high priests. Some have even broken off to form a separate sect to Kusomache in response, which by official decree are illegitimate, but is gaining public favor as one of many symptoms of growing distrust and dissatisfaction in the royal family.

---

SIDE NOTES ON THE QUEEN-CONSORT

The queen-consort's modern role is somewhat expanded in that she is now the mother of Usoma's heirs, but in few other capacities. Her powers are limited to those natural to her social status, and she has no hard political power whatsoever, even within the scope of the court (though some queens gain indirect power via personally influencing their husbands, sisters in law, and council). Imperial Wardi royal families have generally sought to display themselves as the ideal perfection of the familial sphere with the Usoma as the epitomical protective household patriarch, and thus a queen-consort typically lives in the utmost of feminine cloistering within the palace and is rarely (if ever) seen by the public (in the limited cases in which she travels outside of palace grounds, care will be taken to keep her out of sight within her carriage or litter). This functions to emphasize her privilege as the highest status wife within the domain, and by extension to show the invulnerability of the royal family as a whole by the unseeable and therefore untouchable nature of its Vulnerable wife/mother.

(The concept of a wife being able to exist in protection exclusively within the family home is considered an ideal, which isn't really attainable for nobility and is out of the goddamn question for the lower classes. You'll notice 'women's bodies being heavily politicized and abstracted' being a recurrent cultural theme here- the wife of a household is the vessel for a family's continued existence and conceptually the vulnerable representation of the family's survival, which must be controlled and protected. The social privilege of royalty allows for this to be utterly realized in the case of the queen).

The queen-consort is (apart from being known by name) functionally the abstract concept of the idealized wife and mother and the womb of kings rather than an individual person to most of the public. Attention is actively Drawn to her physical absence via a queen being represented in effigy in the vast majority of public appearances by the royal family (represented in statuary, and in abstraction in the form of the lotus sceptre held by the Usoma-Hittibe). Statues representing each current queen-consort are placed in major temples to Kusomache, Ganmache and Anaemache to gain the protection of these Faces and to be honored by the visiting public.

[oceansssblue]

100 CELEBRATION – PROMPT 6. HISTORIC PERIOD (REGENCY) AU

REX/FEMALE READER 💖🔥

WARNINGS: ALTERNATIVE UNIVERSE INSPIRED BY THE BRIDGERTONS, REFERENCES/IMPLIED CLASSISM AND ARRANGED MARRIAGES. SMALL AGE DIFFERENCE MENTIONED (nothing happens until reader is an adult). PERHAPS SOME HISTORICAL INACURANCIES. THIS ONE'S ALL FLUFF AND A BIT OF SMUT IN THE END (virgin reader). No name of female reader is mentioned, but I kinda needed to give us a surname, so we're lady Everhart now.

This one is SO long y'all! I still wanted to publish it under one single post, so I decided to name each part so you can find it easier if you can't read this one in just one go.

Read below the cut!

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PART 1. A HELPING HAND

In a society were appearance was almost as important as reality, your family stood at the very top of the piramid. It made walking around town without being recognised an impossible task; but your life has always been like that. Since you were a small child, mother and father have always reminded you to behave as if there were more than a pair of eyes studying you. People in Mandalore –and in any other country, for that matter– like to speculate and gossip; more so in the higher classes, and people tend to be specially critique and less permissive with those who hold more money or power than them, perhaps because of simple envy. And your family is very envied; but also well respected, and some are –daresay– even fond of you three, because for all the money you have, your family has always been polite and considerate. A small donation was made each year to the local orphanage and hospital. Those who worked for the family were never mistreated; and though your parents may be strict to you, they are, generally, kind people.

You have always been a sociable, friendly girl anyways –while also a tad shy at the same time–; so all the recognition doesn't bother you that much, and you make your way to the town's florist with a happy spring on your step, smiling and answering greetings, and even stopping for a quick chat with one or two fellow mandalorians, if only for courtesy. You've just celebrated your twelfth birthday; and for the first time in your life, your parents have allowed you to visit the town center without them. Without their guiding hand. Of course, you are still in the company of your chauffeur –who has been asked to make sure you remain safe and doesn't let you walk more than a few steps ahead of him–; but still, the ilusion of a bit of independance is thrilling.

You've had a nice stroll through town; stopped to have a taste at your favorite bakery's delicatessem and decided to finish the visit adquiring some beautiful flowers for your mother. You have a hard time choosing; they are all their own brand of magnificent, and you've always been just a tiny bit undecissive. You finally end up buying a stunning arrangement of purple Limoniums and daisyes; a few magnolia leaves in between to act as a background for the main artists. Purple is your mother's favorite colour, and both of you share a love for flowers and other flora. Your favorite spot at your family's main estate is probably the gardens; where you like to read or sketch.

It is upon the short walk back to the horse carriage in which you came in when you recognise someone else. The oldest of the Fett girls –Ashoka, if you rememember well– is holding a conversation with the only descendant of the Krells; a family almost as rich as yours but nowhere near as charismatic. You quietly observe the interaction; quickly reading between lady Fett's frown and her pursed lips. You can't blame her for not doing a better job at masking her disdain. You haven't really had the chance to personally talk with sir Krell yourself; but you have been in the presence of his parents –Marie and Pong– several times, and it has never been an exciting experience.

Your own frown can't help but make it's way through your face when you see the man closing his hand around lady Fett's wrist; the older girl –she should be fifteen or sixteen, you suppose– visibly unhappy about it. After a brief moment of hesitation, you decide to step in. Ashoka and you are nowhere near as friends. You've barely exchanged more than passing greetings with her; but you have often watched her family from affar –it's inevitable to feel curious, if only because for how many Fetts they are– and they had always been perfectly polite and kind. You can see she is on her own today as well. Perhaps you're exagerating the situation, but just in case, you'll offer her the chance to flee the scene.

"Lady Fett!" You bring a pleased expresion of surprise to your face, coming to a slow stop besides her. Your chauffeur waits patiently for you a few steps behind, giving you some space. "Oh, this is such a wonderful coincidence! It has been so long since we last had the oportunity to chat with each other... I was just on my way to the carriage that will take me back home. I'm not sure if you came here on one of your own, or if you have finished with whatever has taken you to center town... But I wonder if you wouldn't mind sharing mine on the way back so we could use the time to get reaquainted?"

You'll give her some credit; her blue eyes –a unique trait of hers, since none of the other Fetts share that eye colour– only widen fractionally for a second before she's following you on your made-up excuse, smiling instantly.

"Lady Everhart" Ashoka gives a tiny half nod half bow in courtesy, which you replicate inmediately. "A wonderful surprise indeed. It is a brilliant idea, it would be wonderful to get reaquainted. Are you in a rush, dear?"

You can almost imagine the silent conversation between you and the older girl's eyes. You fake a bit of hesitance and worry and gesture towards the arrangement still in your hands.

"Oh, I'm afraid so! You see, I had just bought this beautiful flowers for my mother, and I worry they'll go to waste if I don't put them in water soon. I hope it doesn't pose a problem if we retire now?" Then, you turn your body to fully face sir Krell and smile sweetly. "I really am sorry for cutting your meeting short, my lord. I hope you find kidness in yourself to forgive me".

There's really no such thing as kidness in the Krell's name; but the man knows a lost battle when he faces one, so he gives you a forced smile back and makes a small gesture with his hat.

"It is already forgiven, my lady" is his polite answer. "I wish you both a good rest of your afternoon".

He shoots a last lingering glance at lady Fett before he courtesys again and retires. Ashoka lets out a sigh of relief and you smile gently at her, gently redirecting her towards your carriage.

"Follow me, lady Fett. Our transport is just around the corner here".

It's only until you're both sitting down in the carriage and you've given the chauffeur instructions to make a stop at the Fett's estate when the young woman finally allows herself to fully relax and alludes to the situation you've helped her escape.

"I can't thank you enough for that, lady Everhart" she starts. "Lord Krell doesn't appear to understand the decline of an offer when he hears it".

You wash it off instantly; and though you've always felt irritated by the general gossip, you can't help but ask her directly.

"Please forgive me for inquiring, and do not feel the need to answer if you'd prefer not to... But I assume he is interested in courting you, then?

Lady Fett sighs again; an exasperated one, this time.

"He has always paid... Particular attention to me, yes. The fact that I will have my presentation in society next year seems to have duplicated his efforts, no matter how clearly I've shown my desinterest. You would think he couldn't get more obnoxious than he normally is; but oh, believe me, he can".

Ashoka's eyes widen again, almost as if that last part was blurted out and caught even herself by surprise. You certainly weren't expecting it –people are always so carefull with what they say around you, perhaps afraid of offending you– and you laugh and giggle at both her comment and her expresion. Seing at how you're not bothered at all, lady Fett chuckles quietly as well, though with a tint of embarassment on her cheeks.

Both of you have a nice chat while the carriage takes you to the Fett's. This is the first time you've really interacted with Ashoka; but you take an instant liking to the older girl.

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PART 2. TEA AT THE FETT'S

When lady Fett invites you to a cup of tea upon arriving to her house, you're unable to say no to those big blue eyes of hers. Ashoka really is a beautiful girl; with incredibly long, almost white hair that ends right past her hips, and that bronze skin inherited by all the Fetts. She has a small nose and plush dark lips; and a wide smile that stretches from side to side of her face. She's not as tall as her brothers. Where they have wide shoulders and a strong build, she's more on the leaner, agile side; but you can definitly see the resemblance between them. Now, the similarities between the Fett boys themselves... That is astounding; other mandalorians often joking about their parents having somehow pre-selected the same looks for all of them. As far as you know, there are two girls and eleven males in the Fett family; ages ranking from twenty-six to eight. The fact that so many children had lost both their mother and father –the first during labour, the second one in war barely a year after her death– was terribly saddening. At least they all seemed to be a loving family, support each other; and they were doing well.

To your relief and joy, Ashoka inmediately asks a maid to find a place for the flowers you've bought to remain watered and safe; and so you're able to follow her through her home without worrying about them. You curiously study the rooms as you walk by them; never having visited the Fett's before today. Wether your family ocuppies the top of society's piramid, Ashoka's family stands on the bottom part of nobility; though your parents have always been fond of the Fetts and that same distant but sincere fondness seems to have passed onto you. Most of the other higher families share the feeling; the Fett name is undeniably linked to a long list of brave soldiers and warriors, and Mandalore takes great pride on its army. If you remember correctly, only one of the Fett boys has followed an alternative path; Kix, who must be just a year older than Ashoka, and has been recently apointed as the town's doctor new apprentice.

Lady Fett guides you to the gardens; and inmediatly upon stepping outside, you can hear laughter and different sets of voices calling to each other and half-shouting. You quickly find out what's the funny scene. One third of the Fett boys have their eyes blindfolded while they try to catch the second third –and Omega, the youngest of all at only eight– with their hands; while the last small group of them watches the scene a bit further apart, sitting down around a small table and enjoying conversation over tea.

Ashoka shoots them all a smirk.

"I see you're all entertained" she comments, making herself known, and the Fett's sitting at the table all turn around to happily greet her.

You stand a few steps behind her, still watching the game with a tiny smile on your face.

"Ashoka! You're back earlier than we expected" Gregor –third oldest– frowns and worries. "Is everything alright?"

The older girl steps aside so you're in their line of view as well and gently beckons you to her side. You focus your attention back on the gentlemen.

"Yes, thanks to lady Everhart. She just happened to pass by and aided me at escaping sir Krell's hands".

Quiet groans and mutters spread through the table, and you have to reign in the need to laugh. Apparently, the rest of the Fetts are as irritated by sir Krill as Ashoka herself. You see some other more serious, clenched jaws as well. You should have guessed this soldiers would be particularly protective of their sister.

"Lady Everhart" the oldest of the brothers, Cody, inmediately stands up to greet you, and you give him a small courtesy in response. "Your presence is more than welcomed into our home. Would you like to join us for tea?"

You nod politely at the offer, shyness mixing into your feelings. After all, you're in a house full of strangers; you'll need some extra time to feel more comfortable around them.

"Thank you, Sir Fett" you quietly answer. "If you're sure I won't interrupt..."

Cody waves a hand in nochalance.

"Of course not, please" he turns and gestures for you to take place in one of the spair chairs.

You elegantly sit down, mindfull of your dress, and Ashoka takes the spot besides you. You smile amicably to the rest of the Fetts.

"Evening, sirs" you greet them, receiving a wave of choruses back.

Cody sits down again as well.

"You'll have to forgive the noise, lady Everhart. Sometimes finding new ways to entertain Omega and Tup can get to be a bit too much".

You read the underlaying wariness and worry under his words and their facial expresions; and so, you answer with an unbothered, sincere smile.

"It poses no problem at all, sir Fett. I wish I had someone to play with me like this when I was a child. It looks like fun...".

There are some relieved smiles and smirks in response to that; and soon you're inmersed in annecdotes and stories about Ashoka's family, the atmosphere turning less formal and more relaxed with each set of chuckles and laughs.

A general picture of the Fett's starts to form in your mind. Commanders Cody and Wolffe are the oldest ones; followed closely –just by one year apart– by Gregor, and then sargents Rex and Howzer. The twins, Fives and Echo, stand at the middle of the bunch; Kix being the last adult of the Fett siblings at seventeen years old, just one year above Ashoka. Jesse and Dogma are fourteen and thirteen, respectively; and then you have the youngest siblings at last, Tup and Omega, with ten and eight. It is clear they all love each other just the same.

For all their physical similarities, their personalities are vastly different. Commander Wolffe is the most intimidating one of the group; his few interventions almost coming off in quiet mutterings and irritated snaps. He's still polite and it's clear he's just as caring towards his family as Cody; he's just a bit more rough around the edges, perhaps as a result of his experiences at war. You try not to glance twice at his eyepatch.

Cody has all the qualities of a good father; since he had to basically take the roll of one. He's firm but patient; and has impecable manners. Gregor's character seem to be less sharp and more openly friendly; the kind of person who'll make anyone feel instantly at ease.

Kix and Gregor seem to be the more affectionate of the bunch. You can't make a picture out of Howzer because he really doesn't interact much; you suspect he's a bit on the reserved side.

Rex is like a mix of everyone; he's similar to Cody, holding that same self-confidence and firmness, while holding Kix and Gregor's warmth –even if he shows it in a quieter, more subtle way–, and adding a bit of the twins traits.

Fives is one of the most straight-forward people you've met; while also being the chirpiest –for a lack of a better word–. He's all bright smiles and cheekiness, jokes and laughs; it's hard to picture him in battle with a personality like that, though you have no doubt he makes an excellent soldier. Echo is a quieter version with much more irony and sarcasm.

Observing the rest of the younger siblings playing, you can tell there's a bit of brotherly rivalry between Jesse and Dogma; the first one acting more carefree and mischiveous while the second follows rules to perfection. Tup and Omega are just inocent sweethearts; the boy more shy and the girl more curious. You're surprised at how fast you've managed to catch everyone's twist; how much their differences shine.

The rest of the evening passes by; and it's soon time for you to return home –mother and father might start worrying now–. You say your goodbyes to the family and Ashoka guides you back to main entrance; a maid quickly stepping forward and politely reminding you of the flowers you left in the vase before. You wait patiently for her to bring them to you. It is on that short wait when Sargent Rex and Omega make their way to the staircase; and the maid reappears with the stunning flower arrangement. The youngest of the Fett's makes a surprised sound while she changes the direction of her steps.

"Oh, wow!" She exclaims, eyes wide open, aproaching slowly with his older brother at his back. "I've never seen such vibrant purple flowers before!"

You smile and show them to her; Omega peering curiously and glancing up at you as if asking for some sort of explanation.

"This ones right here are Limoniums" you point, voice soft and gentle. "They come all the way up from Naboo, and it is said they represent hope and beauty. And you probably recognise the daisies. Did you know they're often used in medicine? They help wounds heal faster and reduces inflamation".

Omega looks at you in surprise.

"Really? I should start to collect this then, I'm somehow always falling around!" She blurts out, making the three of you chuckle inmediately.

Rex squeezes her shoulder affectionately.

"It would help if half of your games didn't require you to wander around with your eyes closed, 'Meg" he points out in good humour, and you smile wider at Omega's response and pout.

"But they're the most fun..."

Sargent Rex chuckles and nods in acceptance.

"Okay, okay".

You glance at the flowers and back at the eight year old girl. You quickly make a decision and hand them to her.

"You know, it's a rocky trip to my family estate and I wouldn't want this beautiful flowers to go to waste. If you promise you'll take care of them, I'll leave them here under your care".

Before any of Omega's siblings have had the chance to shut the offer down for her, the girl is already jumping up and down in excitement.

"Oh, I promiss I will! Thank you!"

She quickly takes them in her hands and approaches the maid again, gesturing happily while the woman tags along and indulges her while they walk away. You smile so wide your cheeks hurt.

"That was a very nice gesture" the sargent comments, Ashoka nodding in agreement. "Which unfortunately means you'll return home with your hands empty. Are you sure you don't mind?"

You shake your head to the sides, still smiling honestly.

"We're not lacking flowers at home" you shyly joke. "And I have a feeling my mother wouldn't have been as enthusiastic as Omega. I can always buy another one for her."

A pair of days later, a similar purple arrangement is delivered to your family estate; a small card that signs "the Fetts" with a slightly messy scribble that you suspect is Omega's masterpiece. The detail brings a fond smile to your face.

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PART 3. THE RACE

Hera Syndulla has always been your best friend. Her family had moved in from Ryloth decades ago –and mandalorians were not exactly welcoming to strangers–; but the Syndulla's carried a good name and fortune with them, so your grandparents –you never had the chance to meet them, for they had died long before you were born– had all but encouraged their friendship. Your respective parents had therefore grown together; so it was only natural that the two of you, both girls that were used to attend the same social circles, happened to grow close as well.

You're on one of those socially aceptable entertainments today; the anual horse race in honor of the Cuy'val Dar; those who no longer exists with us. Hera is right by your side on one of the stands; both of you chatting excitedly and making comments about the form and beauty of the horses or the rumoured ability of their jockeys. Spring has just arrived to Mandalore, and the weather is specially pleasant today; every man and woman taking the chance to show their best attires and dresses, transforming the public stands in a wide spectrum of fabrics and colours. You've chosen a light blue for today; where Hera wears her classic lime green dress, one of her all time favorites. It compliments her well.

Still talking with your bubbly friend, your eyes flicker distractedly over the rows of fellow mandalorians; taking in known faces and spotting other unfamiliar ones here and there. It is in that lazy scan around you when you lock eyes with a set of almost golden ones on the stand next to yours; and your attention inmediately zeroes there. Rex Fett smiles politely and makes a greeting elegant gesture with his hat towards you; never ceasing to talk with the gentleman at his side –Sir Skywalker, you believe–. You return the courtesy with a slight, almost imperceptible blush to your cheeks. You've heard that Rex has been promoted to captain –while the twins had just finished ARC training–; and you know you're not the only fifteen year old that has been thinking about the handsome soldier lately. You've heard other girls your age –and older– gossip about him; and about how dissapointing it is that he never takes another woman other than his sister to dance. You've heard a bit of resentment and venom in those words too, as well as another few ill-words; but you have no doubt Ashoka's brother had tried nothing but letting them down gently, never intending to humiliate or hurt them. And you're confident that he doesn't give in because he thinks better of himself than those who had insinuated anything close to interest. By what you can remember of him from that one ocasion at the Fett's and the very few interactions between each other through the following years, he's nothing but considerate and gentle. Perhaps he hasn't indulged another woman before because he hadn't been particularly interested and he didn't want to consciously play or hurt anyone. It is unusual; but you respect that.

Unfortunately, all that rambling inside your head makes you lose the trail of your conversation with Hera and your friend quickly notices why; pointing it to you with an amused smile.

"Ah, so I finally learn what is your type, then..." she comments, voice humourous.

You tear your eyes away from the captain and look back to Hera; uncontrollably blushing harder at her unexpected and very direct comment.

"I have said no such thing" You answer, perhaps with a bit too much emotion for that comment being far from the truth. "Besides, Captain Rex is a few years older than me. It isn't like that. Why does your dirty mind always have to jump to that?

Hera laughs.

"Alright, alright. No need to act so offended, my lady" she jokes. Her bright green eyes flicker upwards behind your back. She then grins widely. "He just glanced back at you again, by the way".

Your face twists in surprise, and you carefully take a glance back as well; finding him completely absorbed in a new conversation with a readhead that can only be Lord Kenobi. You frown in confusion, and your friend starts cackling quietly. You look in her direction again and quickly understand it was her way of proving her point; and you have to roll your eyes and chuckle inevitably. Hera is a little sneaky thing.

When the race is announced to be about to start, and the jockeys may ask for a token of a lady of their choice to bring them luck, both you and Hera are truly surprised when Lord Vizla asks you for your handkerchief. Pre Vizla is only three years older than you; however, you've never really interacted with him and he definitly has never shown anything akin to interest before. But there's eyes on the two of you now –unbekownst to you, Rex's as well–; and he's from one of the most powerful families of Mandalore, so you smile politely and hand it to him.

Lord Vizla ties it to his wrist and smirks; and you can't help but think he's a different kind of attractive as well. Ah, hormones really make a young woman's body and mind a mess when they're fifteen.

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PART 4. THE BALL

You're seventeen; and a few months after your birthday, right at the beginning of the summer, Mandalo'r Kryze organises the anual royal ball for all men and woman of your age to be presented into society.

Saying you are nervous would be an understatement. This is no ordinary ball. You're aware of how much this ocasion could change your future; women in nobility marry young. Your soon-to-be husband could ask you for a dance today; or perhaps feel pushed to take you off from another gentleman's hands after this ocasion and pursue you in the ones to come.

You wait in line with the other seventeen year old girls –woman, now– trying to mask your nerves. Every single one of you are dressed in your finest attires. The dress you've chosen for this ocasion is a special emerald green with a lighter tone for the lace and embroidery; as well as the usual white elbow-length gloves and silver jewelry. The delicate tiara that holds your updo is lined with five small diamonds; another two teardrop-shaped ones hanging from each ear. In the space between your collarbones a heart-shaped emerald rivals for the attention of the dress she was sumoned to match with. Your tight corset and heels might feel uncomfortable; though you have to admit you've never felt better with yourself than when your mother had finally allowed you to look at your reflection before taking the carriage to the Mandal'ors palace. You've never considered yourself vain -there are so many other important qualities, after all-; but you had to admit you had felt relieved and satisfied with what you could see. You know everyone's eyes –and gossips– would be upon the group of debutants today; and you can't help but want to make a good impresion.

Soon, you're all parading down the marble staircase towards the salon that will hold the ball; and you promptly make it to your father for the first dance of the night, who gives you a little smile to reasure you and soothe your nerves. You gratefully smile back at him and prepare yourself for the first note of the violin.

All too short, the first dance finishes; and almost inmediately, the first brave gentleman of the night ask for your father's permision to substitute him for the next one. Your father nods and leaves you in his hands. You smile –a bit nervous still– at him before placing your hand on his arm and concentrating in the next set of steps. You don't personally know this gentleman; he's not unpolite, though he barely whispers a word to you either, and soon he is forgotten on the line of faces of good sirs you dance with through the night.

More or less at half of the songs list, Pre Vizla asks for a spot on your dance card; and you happily indulge him in one. You notice a few glances and whispers around you when the two of you make your way to the center of the room; but you make your best to ignore them and focus on the man in front of you. Vizla is impecably dressed. You can tell he has asked for Mandalor's best seamstresses for the way the fabric of his suit shines with the inflection of the light, and how well it fits him inch by inch. There's not a single wrinkle were it shouldn't be.

He's a good dance partner; he doesn't stumble, doesn't hesitate, and directs you over the floor efortlessly. He makes small chat with you afterwards, complimenting the emerald that hangs from your neck and the intricacy of your updo; and you can't help but feel flattered and excited about possible prospects with him. You know mother and father must be feeling satisfied and proud somewhere in the room, looking at the two of you.

After a brief uncomfortable incident in the following dances, you hear your name being called by someone standing behind you. Hera's eyes widen in shock in front of you; and you turn towards the voice with curiosity and intrigue upon your best friend's reaction. You can't help but gasp quietly as well, eyes widening too in honest surprise. In front of you is none other than captain Rex Fett; more handsome than ever with his light hair and amber eyes contrasting with the dark blue jacket of his formal attire.

"Lady Everhart" he calls you again, nodding politely in greeting, studying your reaction quietly. "Would you happen to have a spot on your dance card for me?"

It takes you a few seconds to react; and even then, you answer without thinking on how your sentence could be misinterpreted. You open your dance card and chuckle.

"I'm afraid I can't write your name in here anymore, sir Fett".

He's quick to mask his dissapointment; though you can see the hurt through his gaze. His eyes are so expressive; even if his face stays in polite understanding.

"I see. Well, I don't want to steal your time..."

You frown in confusion. Hera points at your dance card urgently at the Captain's back; and you suddenly remember your half blurted answer to Rex's invite.

"Oh!" Your cheeks redden upon your own embarassment. "Please forgive me, I forgot to give you the context for my denial. My dance card... Just happened to be monopolised by one gentleman in particular, who decided to take the pencil from my hands and write his own name in every single one of the dances left..."

You let him have a look at it and the man's expresion softens in understanding at sir Maul's –a very unpleasent, narcissist individual– messy caligraphy scribbled on every single spot on your dance card. You quickly show him a bright, enthusiastic smile.

"But even if I couldn't write your name down, it would be my pleasure to save the last dance for you" you accept, and the Captain nods, giving you a small smile before retiring to patiently wait for his moment.

As the night comes to an end, you feel more and more exhausted, energy slowly being drained; your feet hurt and you feel like you can barely breathe properly at this point of the ball. Some of the other debutants have left already, their dances completed; but there is only one more song you have reserved for someone, and so your eyes scan the salon to find him.

Captain Rex is chatting with Ashoka, her husband –another soldier for the Mandalorian army, you believe–, and one of his younger brothers –Jesse–. She catches your eye first; joy quickly brightening her features while she greets you all the way through the other side of the room. You smile right back at her with the same emotion bubbling inside of you.

The interaction pulls Rex's attention back to you; his eyes fixed on yours now, questioning. You nod to indicate you're ready for him and he closes the conversation with his family before making his way towards you. Your heart accelerates inside your chest. Your nerves had died out through the night until now; but you somehow hold a special kind of respect and admiration –and perhaps attraction as well– towards sir Fett, and you feel them return to you at full force. For how social you are and how you've been confidently behaving throughout the night, you now feel a bit shy. You're also aware that he doesn't usually actively participate in this kind of events; and the knowledge that he has decided to step in for you, that he might be interested in you in that way...

Rex seems to notice this, for he gently directs you to a less-centered spot for the both of you to comfortably dance along the rest; quickly trying to put you at ease by speaking of Ashoka -a common ground- and asking about your friend. The small chat is enough to help you keep your own nerves at bay in order to enjoy this last dance and not make a fool out of yourself.

And oh, how you enjoy it... There's something about Rex. Where with others -even with Vizla- you've felt evaluated, almost as if they were looking or at least paying attention -waiting- for an error on your part –both in the dancing and in your general behaviour or conversation–, the Captain makes you feel comfortable; almost normal. He doesn't glance around the room. His eyes don't flicker to the top of your breasts under the excuse of admiring your jewelry or dress. They stay focused on yours; such an undivided attention making you feel flustered and warm at the same time. He's a perfect gentleman; and when the dance finishes and you talk some more with him, it feels like he's really listening, and not politely waiting for you to end your phrase before redirecting the conversation to something more of his interest.

A few minutes later, your mother smiles at you and makes a small subtle gesture with her head towards the door; and you know it's time to go back home. Rex nods in agreement; his amber eyes momentarily glancing upwards towards your hair.

"Lady Everhart, before we take our different ways, I wanted to compliment your..." he momentarily hesitates, or perhaps gets lost in his words, and you try to finish the rest of the sentence for him with a kind smile on your face.

"Let me guess... You admire the complexity of my updo? Or the elegance of my tiara?" you smile knowingly.

It's what most of the gentlemen have commented about; along with your necklace and dress. Mother had really helped you to pick the best choice.

To your surprise, Rex shakes his head, focusing on your face again.

"They're beautiful, of course... But that wasn't my first thought of the night upon seing you" he answers politely, then almost quietly whispers, warmth in his eyes. "I wanted to compliment the beauty you are yourself. You look lovely today, if I may say".

"Oh" your cheeks are on fire after his answer, and you swear you almost feel the butterflies moving inside of you. "That's so considerate of you to say. Thank you, sir Fett. If I may... You... You look lovely as well".

Your eyes take sudden interest in the floor in front of your feet; and the captain chuckles quietly, thanking you for your kind words as well before taking your hand in his and giving your dorso a kiss in a heartfelt goodbye.

"I shall let you return to your family, my lady. Perhaps we could see each other soon in a less crowded setting".

You see the way he's calmly observing your reaction now; trying to figure out wether you'd be truly interested in that or if you agreeing to dance with him has been nothing more than kind politeness.

Not knowing exactly what to say, you give him a shy nod and hope he can read it all in your face.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

PART 5. RIVALING SUITORS

The next couple of days are nothing but hectic to the Everhart family. Your worries of not having made a good impresion in the royal ball are inmediately washed away when letters and gifts start to arrive to your estate at your name. Your mother is almost as excited as you; while your father just observes the situation with a mix of pride and melancholy. You know it's difficult for him to get used to the fact that you're not a small girl anymore; that you may get married soon and leave their home. You try not to dwell on that fact either; even if you're excited about all of this, it scares you too. Thankfully, you still have a sociably acceptable couple of months before taking any permanent decision.

Pre Vizla gifts you a delicate piece of jewelry each time you both meet. First it's an amethyst bracelet; then a new set of diamond earings -this ones in a perfect rounded shape-, and finally a tiara of small, beautiful emeralds that he points would match perfectly with the one you wore in a necklace for the royal ball. You thank each one of them with a smile and honest gratefulness; and when others are gently led down either in person or by letter, Pre Vizla stays on the top part of your favorite suitors. He's consistent in his interest.

You had been initially somewhat dissapointed to find out Captain Rex hadn't been along the ones who had sent you a gift; thinking he might have changed of opinion and he was no longer interested in pursuing you in a romantic way. But a week and a half after your presentation in society, your father tells you Sir Fett has reached out to him via correspondence and that he has set up a date for the two of you to pass some time together -with your maid as a carbine, of course-. The hope that you had pushed down inside your chest reignites ten times stronger; and when the day arrives and he greets you with a purple flower arragement you know well, your heart melts.

"I wish I would have known your favorites so I could get them for you" he says, voice and eyes warm and honest. "But if I recall correctly you were fond of Limoniums and daisies as well".

It moves you; the fact that he hasn't chosen any random flowers or the most pricey or classical ones, but an arrangement he knew would mean something to you instead. It moves you; the fact that he remembers -or has bothered to learn- even the names of the flowers as well.

You show him a smile so wide and bright it hurts the side of your cheeks.

"My favorite ones are pink lilies" you tell him softly. "But this is an excellent choice as well. Thank you, sir Fett".

Rex nods and the rest of the afternoon flies by. You find yourself completely engrosed with him.

The next few weeks your mind and heart are pulled into two different directions. Pre Vizla and Rex Fett hold your complete attention now; and your days pass meeting with one and the other, trying to find out who you like best and who would be a better match for you. You have trouble deciding. Both gentleman are excellent suitors; and each of them have their own qualities. Your heart is more partial towards Rex; while your mind tells you Vizla is best. You start to feel stressed. You don't want to regret what probably is the most important decision in your life; but even your parents are shooting you that "you have to chose sooner or later" look now.

Perhaps noticing your rollercoaster of emotions, Pre invites you to a picnic in his family estate. You are thankfull for the change of scenery; you've always liked nature and spending time under the sun -though your mother has always reminded you to protect your skin from it since you can remember, pointing out that developing different tan spots wasn't very lady-like -. You talk with sir Vizla for an hour -listening attentively- before he suggests a small boat trip. Mandalore has several lakes; and the Vizla family had built their mansion centuries ago right besides one of them. You nod and follow his directions excitedly; the only chance you get to be near the water is when Mandal'or Kryze organises a summer evening for all society to attend to -as the palace is built next to the biggest lake of Mandalore as well-, and that won't be until a week's time.

Pre pilots the small boat perfectly; rowing efortlessly to take the boat further into the lake -not too far away either- before leaving both paddles inside and re-starting the conversation. Your attention is split between the view and him until the wind pushes a dandelion in front of you. You smile and innocently try to catch it, enthraced; not noticing how the boat tilts to one side dangerously with the suden shift of your weight. Vizla has barely had the time to shout out a warning before the boat is completely tilted over and you're both plumeting into the water.

You gasp and resurface with a cough; a mix of surprise, understanding, and embarassment showing in your face.

"I'm so sorry!" you inmediately say, fighting against the weight of your now heavy dress to keep your head afloat while Pre quickly takes hold of the boat and miraculously manages to scramble back inside of it.

He mutters under his breath, soaked, and carefully tugs you back to safety.

"Didn't you realised what was going to happen?" is the first thing he says that you can actually hear. "What were you doing anyways?"

You play with your own fingers in uncomfortable guilt. Pre's face is set on a deep frown –lips pursed–, and experimenting obvious irritation and anger.

"I was trying to catch a dandelion" you whisper quietly, shivering now that the wind plus your wet clothes are really making the cold noticed. "It's supposed to bring you good luck for a whole year".

Vizla scoffs and tries to re-arrange his expensive and very wet attire into place. He lowers the paddles back into the water and asks you to sit back down –carefully– again.

"We should get back inside and warm up if we don't want to catch a cold" he states, starting to row again, voice cold and condescendent. "Next time think better of what your actions may cause before ruining a day for such childish reasons".

You nod in silence, lowering your head. Your eyes remain focused on your own hands for the rest of the trip. You feel horrible; though you don't want to cause a scene on top of everything, so you swallow every emotion down until you're safely tucked that night in bed. The next day, you receive a letter from Pre where he apologises for reacting so harshly in spite of the wrong of your actions. He sends flowers with it this time –red roses–; and it makes you feel marginally better.

You fear for the situation repeating itself. Just one week later, as usual, Mandal'or invites all nobel families to an evening by the lake, and several boats are available for those who want to take them for a stroll with their companions. The weather is warm and sunny, and everyone seems to be in good spirits for the ocasion. You have only been talking with Hera for a few minutes when the Fett family joins you; and shortly after, Rex asks you if you'd want to spend some time together in one of the boats. The unpleasant ending of your last date with Pre Vizla quickly crosses your mind; but you don't find it in yourself to say no to those warm amber eyes, so you accept.

Rex steps into the boat first, politely extending a hand towards you to help you jump inside. You give him a cautious smile and take him on his offer. He carefully tugs you towards him; and soon you're sitting down in front of him, boat slowly moving towards the center of the lake. Other couples around you share the same idea. Everyone seems to be having fun.

The accident with Vizla never leaves your mind. Suddenly, you find yourself asking and thinking on how would the captain react. Would he get angry as well? Roll his eyes in exasperation? Perhaps clench his jaw and reign in his condescendant words? Or call you out loud on it? It's all you can think about; and you feel the absolute need to know this. Mother had told you years ago that marriage wasn't all attraction and butterflies; that small fights and disagreements were common too, part of a married couple's life. When you had once asked her if she was happy wtih father, she had replied with words you'd never forget; "Yes, my flower. Your father and I may not hold the most ardent love for each other; but we take care of the other's well-being. We find common ground in our arguments; we try not to take each others small mistakes too seriously. If you want to be happy one day, my little flower... Chose the one that knows how to laugh at inconsequent things and let them slip away instead of quietly punish you for them". You hadn't quite understood those words then; but you think you do now, and you feel the unstopable urge to know this about Rex.

You make the same error; knowing perfectly well it will end with the two of you falling into the lake. This time you're expecting it and you surface faster, quickly taking a deep gulp of air in and blinking the drops of water away from your eyelids; eyes holding the Captain's confused, worried ones.

"Are you okay?" He asks inmediately, one hand taking hold of the edge of the boat before gently helping you to reach over as well. "What happened there?"

"Sorry" you whisper guiltily, cheeks heating up in embarassment even if this was your plan all along. "I... Wanted to catch a dandelion. It's supposed to bring you luck for a year".

Rex blinks in surprise. Then, he chuckles quietly and shakes his head; drops of water flying everywhere from the movement of his short hair. You study his reaction in silence; almost waiting expectantly.

"I'm sorry" you tell him again, glancing away in convincing acting. "I know it's childish".

A hand softly tilts your chin upwards; and Rex's warm voice soothes you instantly.

"Accidents happen. It's okay".

He's gentle and understanding from the way he talks and looks at you to how he carefully helps you back into the boat and tries to distract you from the incident. He even offers you the jacket of his suit so you can shield yourself from the cold with it. His reaction is so drastically different from Vizla's... Suddenly, you have everything clear. You don't want your husband to be someone you feel pressured to look and be perfect with; someone that makes you feel like you're under the magnifying glass, that you need to make an effort to be with them. Someone who doesn't really like to listen to your interests but expects you to pay full attention to his. Who is polite but cold. Who would criticise you at every mistake, demanding you to be better, instead of showing you understanding and support. You don't want a Pre Vizla; you want a Rex Fett.

After comforting a worried mother and father and a few more conversations with acquaintances and friends, the sun hides between the mountains, and it is time for everyone to say their goodbyes. You wait for your carriage in line in front of the Fett's; and you can't help but surreptitiously graze yours and the captain's hands together, shyly glancing back at him. His bright eyes are already set on yours. His hand twitches, and his fingers carefully and softly caress your skin; the slow gesture much more intimate and nerve-wracking with such an intense uninterrupted stare. Those eyes tell you secrets you had somehow been oblivious to until now. You know he truly cares about you; he'll treat you well.

After what feels like endless -and at the same time, too short- seconds, your fingers find reluctant distance. Before hoping up onto your family's carriage, you shoot a sweet hopefull smile towards sir Fett.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

PART 6. A YES

Two days later, your mother finally voices your parents concern. You're both in one of the small salons of the house; she's inmersed in a book while you draw and paint. The sun gives a soft warm glow to the room. Sparrows chirp outside. It's one of those slow, peacefull summer mornings; not a rush in sight.

An hour or two in, your mother abandons her reading, placing the book down on the small desk in front of her and turning towards you with a pensive expresion on her face. You sense the importance of what she's about to ask, and you set your pencil down, pausing your sketch.

"Honey..." she starts, voice patient and soft. "Have you decided yet?"

It sends your mind in a whirlwind. You have; but you're afraid of your parents answer, of what they'd think about it. What if they're dissapointed? What if they don't accept it? What if... What if they marry you to another anyways? The thought of being forced to live the rest of your days with another man sends goosebumps all over your skin. You know yourself. You're stubborn. Once you take a decision, it's almost impossible to make you sway; but you know that your thoughts won't matter if it came to that. Your father has the last say.

"I know who you'd like me to pick..." you answer quietly, nervously wringling your fingers together.

Your mother shows you an understanding little smile.

"But you like Sir Fett" she guesses.

Your heart is sent to a frenzy.

"Yes" you admit in barely a whisper, though it's a self-assured one.

Your mother sighs and takes your hand in hers; squeezing softly.

"My flower... The Vizla family shares a similar status to ours, and you'll never lack any luxury with them. Pre is also closer to you in age. Yes, I have to say he is who your father and I were picturing you with. But if you think you won't miss this things and your heart calls you to Captain Rex... Then you should listen to it. The small age gap might make some uncomfortable, but it's certainly not scandalous, and the Fetts are still very much respected here. Lord knows that that family has done more for Mandalore than the rest of us combined..." she gives you a tender smile and squeezes your hand a second time. "Do not fret, my flower. If Sir Fett is the one you'd like to marry, your father and I will support you on your decision".

Tears spring into your eyes; and you can't help but hug her tightly to yourself like you did when you were a child.

"Oh, mother... I will forever be gratefull to have such wonderful parents" you tell her sincerily.

She chuckles and gently presses your foreheads together in a Keldabe.

"Shall we then invite sir Vizla one last time, before we organize a dinner with the Fett's a few days after that?" she suggests, caressing your hair.

You nod excitedly.

Letting down Pre Vizla goes easier than you'd initially thought. You were a bit afraid of him reacting too strongly and somehow criticise you for your decision, tell you you'd regret it; he doesn't. Perhaps he had realised you weren't what he was looking for either. He takes the notice well, and is surprisingly neutral throughout all of your conversation with him. Not that it would change anything by this point; but it confirms you you're making the right choice. He doesn't seem to care wether he's with you or not; you'd rather be with someone who did.

It makes you feel so relieved. When your parents invite the Fett's over for dinner a few days later, and you see Rex for the first time since privately taking your decision, you're so happy it almost feels like you're shining. Your smile is radiant throughout the whole dinner. You're chattier and bubblier than usual; and you can't stop glancing at him. He's so handsome, with his light blonde hair deliciously contrasting with his bronze skin, the warmth and intensity of his amber eyes, his strong nose and jawline, the shape of his body in those elegant blue clothes... Rex catches you quietly admiring him, and he tilts his head to one side curiously. You blush inmediately, and that gives him the answer to what you were really thinking. He smirks in a satisfied, seductive way you haven't seen in him before. The sight sends warmth and desire through your veins.

"Honey, why don't you take our dear Captain to visit the gardens?" your mother asks after dinner has finished and you've all moved to the salon. "Ashoka, dear, will you go with them? We'd like to have a word in private with Commander Cody here".

Your pulse quickens. You know your parents will take this moment alone with the head of the Fett family to discuss wedding arrangements.

Both you and Ashoka nod at her suggestion; and the three of you walk towards the gardens, Rex and you falling into a comfortable conversation while Ashoka follows you a few steps behind. Rex offers his arm to you; and you give him a little smile while you place your hand around his bicep. He asks you about the flowers around you and you lose yourself in your knowledge about them, explaining their origins and properties and pointing at your favorites here and there.

"Pink lilies" he remembers, pausing in front of them and examining the colorful flowers with a fond smile on his face. "I should have guessed you'd have your favorites here as well".

He bends down to further study them; and you can't keep it to yourself any longer.

"Captain..." you breathe out delicately, instantly calling his attention. "I... I..."

He patiently waits for you to finish, eyes holding a mix of curiosity and hope that makes your heart clench. This is it. This is your future husband and you... You can't be happier about it. He's so gentle, so considerate, so kind; attentive, confident, and oh, so handsome...

You muse up your courage and finish the sentence for him.

"I ended Sir Vizla's advances a few days ago. I'd like to accept your proposition of marriage, if it still stands".

Surprise is what his face shows first; then, it quickly morphs into happiness and tenderness. His eyes hold more warmth than ever before when he releases a pleased sigh.

"Oh, mesh'la... Of course it does. It would be an honour to be able to call you my wife".

The way he looks at you makes your heart burn. Your cheeks heat up while he closes the distance between the two of you; your eyes sparkling with eagerness when he slowly and very gently cups your face between his hands.

"May I kiss you?" He whispers quietly, eyes flickering down towards your lips.

You melt at this; your hands carefully making their way towards his shoulders.

"Please" you quickly accept, tilting your face up for him.

He caresses your cheeks with his thumbs softly before he slowly closes the distance and presses his lips against yours; a small, delicate first kiss. You sigh in delight and your body relaxes onto his; one of his strong arms reaching down to hold you against him while the other hand tugs you closer to deepen the kiss. It's unhurried and gentle, but passionate at the same time; it makes your nerves tingle and your desire to grow as seconds pass. He kisses the way he is; soft but firm, considerate but demanding. You forget your own name, your mind emptying at the attention of his lips.

When you're both forced to stop to breathe, Rex smiles and rests his forehead on yours, pushing gently. An involuntary smile makes its way to your face as you answer him fondly.

A sudden enthusiastic voice breaks the delicate silence of the night.

"Alright, can I hug you both now?" Ashoka almost jumps in excitement, coming to a stop besides you. "This is the best news, I'm so happy for you!"

Rex grins and you chuckle happily. You pull Ashoka into a welcoming hug; Rex observing with a fond smile.

Ashoka replicates Rex's euphoric grin.

"Oh, I can't wait to see our brother's reaction!" She chirps, almost bouncing excitedly.

You laugh and tilt your face up to look at Rex again. He gives you a tender smile before affectionately kissing your hair.

"They've been hearing me moping around talking about you since we started courting" he tells you quietly, chuckling. "I think they deserve to know".

You take the courage -and liberty- to tenderly caress his left cheek with your fingertips. To your surprise, a faint blush spreads through the captain's cheeks. It brings a soft smile to your face.

"I like your family" you admit to him, watching the positive impact your comment has on him. "You can tell them as soon as we get back, if you want".

When you return to your family house, a nod and a grin is all it takes for everyone to start celebrating and giving the both of you their best wishes and congratulations. You tightly hug your mother and father first. Then, you're swiped in a Fett hug; first by Fives -definitively the most loud and openly enthusiastic one- and Echo -who is more quiet but equally happy about it-, then Kix, Howzer and Gregor -Commander Wolffe had stayed back at home with the rest of the younger Fetts-. They're all so welcoming and truly happy for his brother and you, that you can't help but think you'd be the luckiest woman in the world if at some point in your life you'd be able to have your own family half the affectionate than his.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

PART 7. UNION

Your wedding looks and feels like a dream. It's a big celebration; society would talk about it for weeks, and your parent's don't skimp on expenses and don't dissapoint the high expectations everyone has on one of the richest families on Mandalore. Even Mandal'or Kryze is present with his shiny beskar'gam; the greatest honour one could only hope for, really.

When the golden doors opens and your father guides you to the royal armorer that will officiate the wedding, you discover that your soon-to-be-husband is also wearing his. Rex's armour is the 501st legion's blue; bucket clipped onto the belt that holds his kama. A rush of pride spreads through you at seeing him all soldiered up like this. Mandalore has always given great importance to akaan'ade -army- and aliit -family-; and you're about to form a new clan with him.

The hall that holds the wedding is nothing short of magnificent; flowers decorating every corner and cristal chandeliers demanding attention here and there. Half of nobility is here; as well as all of Rex's brothers and sisters, and other more distant relatives. Hera stands with his too soon-to-be-husband -a coruscanti named Kanan Jarrus who had quickly swiped out any other possible competition for your friend- behind your parents. And yet, even with all of this, your sole attention is focused uniquely on Rex.

His amber eyes are almost shining in the light of the salon. His posture is firm and self-assured; though he relaxes slightly upon seing you entering the room, a tender smile inmediately drawing in his handsome face. Your eyes never leave each others until you're both standing in front of the armorer and he starts the ceremony.

You're only a tiny bit nervous when you recite the mandalorian vows in front of everyone. You're confident on your decision; your heart atuned with Rex's. Hearing him saying those vows warms your insides; and when you turn to look at each other again, afterwards, you feel like you can't keep all your emotions at bay. Your eyes crystallize, but you don't let the tears fall down your face. Rex gently cups your cheeks in his rough hands and join your foreheads in a delicate, heartfelt Keldabe kiss. The public starts clapping -and there's some whistling and cheering probably coming from Fives, if you had to guess-; and soon you find yourself in the middle of a hundread of congratulations and small repetitive chatts here and there.

You progressively grow more impatient and nervous the longer the celebration extends. Finally, some hours later, it is time for the newlyweds to head to their new residence; and mother and father both say their goodbyes for now while Rex helps you step into the carriage that would take both of you to your new home -a gift from your parents, one of the Everhart's properties-. You had once been there before; when you were smaller, a child, on one summer vacation. You remember the house -and the landscape around it- being beautiful, and not too far away from the rest of the town by horse.

Neither Rex nor you can keep your hands to yourself in the short trip there. He asks to kiss you as soon as you're both sitting down on the carriage, away from others gossips and gazes; and you inmediately grant his wishes, nodding and surrendering to his lips. It starts slow and soft; but when he moves his peppering kisses from your face down to the curve of your neck, a small pleased sound of yours sets him on fire. He goes back to your lips, kissing you with more passion and impatience this time; and you cling to his shoulders with your fingertips, tilting your face upwards for him to take and take. He has you reduced to a whimpering, hot mess in just a matter of minutes. When his hands temptatively graze the sides of your breasts, you can't help but arch and whine over his lips. Rex groans and presses his forehead against yours, panting out of breath.

"Sorry, mesh'la" he whispers, voice lower than usual. "I know this is not exactly apropriate, and I probably should learn to be more patient... But Manda, cyar'ika, you're such a pretty sight I can barely contain myself".

You blush and close your eyes, breathing in and trying to calm your speeding heart in this Keldabe. You give him a smile.

"It's okay, ner riduur. I understand".

Rex groans again and squeezes his hands over your hips.

"Stop tempting me like that" he mumbles staring at your lips.

You chuckle quietly.

"I'm not!" you happily laugh.

Rex steals a quick kiss. He nuzzles his nose with yours affectionately.

"Totally are".

You laugh and kiss him again. You'll soon become addicted to it.

That first night you're a mess of excitement, nerves and worry. Of course, you've never been intimate before; and the thought of not looking good or doing something wrong scares you. Rex notices this as soon as you start playing with your own hands upon entering your new bedroom; and gently soothes your worries. He softly tells you there's nothing you could really do wrong in your bed; that he just wants to share his affection with you, to touch you, hold you, make you feel good, and that he doesn't expect anything other than you enjoying yourself. The fact that he tells you, in his wedding night, that you don't even have to have sex with him yet if you're not comfortable and that perhaps you'd feel safer once you'd shared some nights or weeks just innocently sleeping with each other melts your heart and makes it easier to push through your initial discomfort and give yourself to him.

You're almost constantly burning in half embarassment half shyness throughout the first half of it. You're relieved to see that the rush Rex seemed to have back in the carriage has dissolved now; he's patient and gentle, telling you what to do and what to expect, and the way he encourages you and talks you through everything is one of the most unexpected sexiest things you have ever heard.

He undresses you slowly, caressing the naked skin that shows with reverent fingertips; shivers running up and down your legs and spine. He kneels down on the floor to help you step out of your heels. You brace yourself on one of his shoulders; and he gently, sensually kisses your thighs and knees. He looks up at you while he does it, and it makes you weak.

You make a soft sound with your throat; and Rex smiles. He stands back up again and tugs your chin between his thumb and index for a long kiss. Now just in your white underware, you shiver involuntarily; pressing your body against his without even noticing what you're doing or asking. He sighs and softly redirects you towards the bed til you're sitting on it.

In front of you, the handsome captain opens the seals of his armour and plate by plate stacks it on the floor besides him. His movements are slow and confident, while his expresion vulnerable at the same time; and you watch him, enthraced. He tugs the long sleeved black shirt of his blacks over his head; and your eyes freely roam through each muscle and scar revealed,devoring the sight in front of you. Your core burns.

"Rex..." you call him, almost in a begging tone.

He breathes heavily and takes a few steps towards you until he's standing right in front of you; his legs caging yours -pressed together impatiently-.

"Yes, mesh'la?" he asks you patiently, gently, and you squirm right where you are.

"I... I..." you want to tell him everything. Want to let him now how beautiful he is, how much you want him, need him. How he's making you feel. How happy you are of now being his. How excited you are of your new future together. You want to tell him this and more, and yet, you can only try to convein it together in a heartfelt, teary "More".

Rex smiles fondly, one hand coming up to caress your cheek.

"Let's get this off of you, cyare" he whispers, and soon you're completely naked in front of him. "Lay down and open your legs for me, darling".

You blush and comply in silence; breathing heavy and eyes locked on Rex.

They inevitably close when he hops onto the bed as well, knees on the space between your legs, and his mouth latches onto your neck, sucking gently at the skin; shifting to a new spot after a few seconds to not leave too many marks on your neck. Then, his mouth trails a wet path towards your breasts; and you whimper while he plays with them, both with his hands and his lips, moaning and arching towards him when he carefully closes his teeth around a nipple. You tug at his short hair and push your body against his.

"I have you" he whispers, his kisses trailing down your sternum and stomach towards your hips. He caresses your sides with his fingertips. "I'm going to kiss you here, okay?" he says, one hand grazing the inside of your thighs and swipping against your growing wetness carefully. You whine and squirm below him. Rex pecks your hip bone. "It will probably feel good, but do tell me if you want to stop or don't really like it".

"O-okay" you stutter, and Rex then pushes your knees further apart, getting comfortable between your legs before he's kissing you there, where the fire grows and burns, and you tense momentarily before you're transforming into a puddle next. "O-Oh... Oh, Rex..."

It does feel great. His wet tongue slides between your folds, caressing you gently, coming up to tease your nub from time to time. He's slow and cautious at first; amber eyes looking up at you and checking your reactions attentively. Once he sees you're really enjoying yourself, and your hips start to squirm impatiently under his attention, he groans and closes his eyes, working his tongue over and inside of you and relishing in your moans and taste.

"R-rex" you call him, feeling a wave of pleasure slowly growing inside of you.

He hums and slowly pushes a finger inside of you; just holding it there while you whimper and clench around it. It's only a finger, but it already feels so good, so much. Your inner walls hug him involuntarily again, and he groans thinking on how that would feel on him.

"I... I'm..." you try to tell him barely a few seconds after that, your mind too lost in pleasure to find the way to word it.

Rex kisses you one last time before he's slowly pumping his finger in and out of you, golden eyes searching you. Understanding, fondness, and desire are mixed in his gaze.

"I know, cyar'ika. Just let go for me" he encourages you, mantaining eye contact while he opens his mouth again, sticks his tongue out, and gently and firmly strokes your nub around with it.

"Rex!" you moan his name, your hand flying to his hair while the other closes around the bedsheets, your pleasure exploding in a million of nerves and colours. You squeeze your eyes shut while you throw your head backwards, core clenching around his finger, orgasm spreading through your body.

Rex smiles proudly, lapping your aftershocks and then kissing your pelvic bone affectionately. His cock is throbing inside of his pants; and he can't help himself and push it down against the matress, trying to find some relief.

"Shh, just like that" he pecks you a few more times, left hand caressing your hip. "You're beautiful. I've got you, cyare".

You relax against the bed; and Rex pulls his finger out of you, carefully moving upwards until he's laying down on top of you, slotted between your legs. Your cheeks redenned upon feeling his bulge pressed against you; but your core tightens again, and you bite your lip with a new wave of want and desire rushing through your veins.

"You okay?" he asks you softly, caressing your cheek and searching for the truth with his amber eyes.

You smile at him.

"Yes" you answer honestly, pecking his nose before confessing in a whisper. "I've never felt that good before, not even when I've... When I've tried finding pleasure myself".

Rex's smile can only be defined as a radiant satisfied grin.

"Well, I'll be happy to make you feel good whenever you want, mesh'la" he answers, and you both chuckle quietly.

You kiss him again.

"Rex, I..." you're shy, and you don't know how long it will take for you to share your more or less dirty thoughts freely with him.

Fortunately for you, he guesses them quickly.

"You want more, cyar'ika?" he asks, gently moving his hips on top of yours and giving you both some very welcomed friction. "Want to try taking me inside of you?"

You squeeze your eyes shut and nod. Rex kisses your forehead and stands up on the floor, getting rid of his pants and underware. You watch -half hungrily, half scared- at the way his cock bobs.

"Will it hurt much?" you ask hesitantly.

You've heard so many different things about sex you no longer know what to believe in.

Rex smiles at your innocent question. His hand slowly comes down to stroke his lenght twice.

"It's different for everyone, or so I've been told... Usually it can hurt or at least be a bit uncomfortable at first, yes. But not too much; not if the man knows to wait and cares about the woman's well-being. And I care about you, mesh'la" he soothes you, looking at you fondly. "I'll move very slow until i'm seathed inside of you. And if you need to stop at any point and just breathe and get used to it for a bit, you'll tell me and I'll wait. Okay?"

You let out a small breath of relief.

"Okay" you agree, gratitude and affection swimming inside of you at his consideration and words. "Thank you, Rex".

He pecks your lips and then re-acomodates your body under him; pushing your knees wider to the sides and bending them so he has better access to your entrance. He taps his weeping hardness against you a few times and slides his length over you, hand cupping the side of your face, giving you time to get used to the movement and both of you being this intimate. The friction of his cock feels delicious over your slippery folds; and you tilt your hips towards him, asking for more impatiently. Rex smiles and nods; one hand dissapearing between your bodies to position his hardness right over your entrance; the very tip grazing your hole.

"I'm going to start pushing inside" he warns you, voice calm, and eyes locked on your face. "Tell me if you want to stop, mesh'la"

You nod eagerly. You've never had sex before and yet you feel like you'll die if you don't get to have him inside of you in the next few minutes. You want him that much.

His cock pierces you; and you can't help but clench tightly arround him, eyes falling shut with a pained whimper. It feels so big; it feels so full, so much.

Your whole body has tensed; and even if you don't say anything, Rex stops pushing in, and kisses your cheek.

"Okay?" He asks, waiting patiently. His forearms are braced on either side of your head, holding his weight.

It's only when he stops when you notice how strong you're sinking your nails into his shoulders; and you instantly stop clinging to Rex, guiltily.

"Sorry" you whisper with shattering breaths, overwhelmed. "So..."

Rex smiles softly.

"You can do that if it helps you cope with this new feelings better" he gently pushes his forehead against yours. "I don't mind".

You sigh and your hands make their way back to the back of his shoulders; this time with your fingers splayed over his warm skin.

It's only a matter of time before you've grown used to it; and the short scare resulting from the pain and the novelty of the situation receeds. Rex finishes slowly pushing all the way in; and the next minute is passed between kisses and caresses. Then, Rex starts to rock his hips gently; your mouth hanging open in a mix between confusion and pleasure and just the tiniest bit of pain. His patience pays off; soon even that dissapears, and you're left feeling nothing but overwhelming joy.

"Please" you moan, tigthening your hold on him.

Rex groans and snaps his hips against yours. You whine and ask for more of those.

"Don't want to hurt you" he mumbles, half lost in pleasure and desire, half concerned.

You pant bellow him.

"Please Rex" you beg him, half lidded eyes swimming in ecstasy. "Give me more please, I'm okay..."

Rex squeezes his eyes shut and moans, giving up on his self control and speeding up his movements, tugging your hips to his and pounding inside of you so deep and raw it turns your voice into a constant whimper-whine-moan-silent open mouth cadence.

You lose all concept about time and outside reality while Rex fucks you like this. His cock sliding inside of you feels incredible, and so does the friction of his pubic bone over your nub; bringing you closer and closer to a second orgasm. Rex pants over your lips, ocasionally stealing and demanding a kiss or two, hands alternating between giving him better suport over you or moving to caress your body and face or squeeze and hold your breasts. You arch and present all of yourself for him to take. And he does it expertly; hips strongly snapping against yours and pushing you into a mind-blowing orgasm that has you clenching your walls tightly around him.

"F-fuck!" He curses for the first time, and watching him lose his composture with you is one of the greatest gifts. His breathing grows heavier, and his movements sloppier. "So close, so close, so close" he chants, brow furrowing, and you kiss him passionately while recovering from your own rush of pleasure.

"Let go, ner riduur, finish with me" you whisper to him, cheeks on fire but wanting to help him find his culmination as well.

Rex whimpers; then groans, tenses, and cums. You feel his warm seed inside of you; the knowledge making you clench and squirm. He sighs and drops his now relaxed body slowly on top of yours; breathless. With his eyes closed and a happy satisfied hum, he nuzles his face against your neck.

"Forgive me for not finishing outside" he mumbles after some seconds of peaceful comfortable silence. "We haven't even discussed children before".

You chuckle and caress his spine with your fingertips. Rex nuzzles closer, almost like a puppy. He's so affectionate after this.

"It would be nice to have a few months to adapt to our new joined life before starting to try" you admit. "But if I happen to get pregnant before that it wouldn't be a big deal. I'm very fond of you already, and I know our children would want for nothing. And I want to have a big family".

"Like mine?" He asks, resurfacing from your neck and leaving his face inches from yours now.

You laugh quietly.

"Mm. Well, I think you're a bit too many for my taste" you smile, and before the hope is able to melt away from his eyes you add "But I think we could stop at half".

Rex grins. His softening length is still seathed inside of you, and you can't help but think on how this feels even more intimate than the whole ordeal. Somehow, your perception of the captain has changed as well; you feel closer to him now, he feels more familiar to you. You notice he looks younger right now; and even more attractive in his disheveled state.

"Six is a good number" Rex agrees, kissing your shoulder affectionately. "I'd be worried if you'd have to go into labor more times anyways".

You remember the fate of his mother; and you hug him tightly.

"I won't leave you" you can't help but whisper to him.

Rex sighs and kisses you softly before staring into your eyes. It feels nice, being skin to skin.

"I think I could be very happy with you" he confesses, the moment turning vulnerable and delicate. "I'm enthraced with you already; and I think I might be half in love with you too".

You blink your tears away.

"Don't get me emotional now, sir Fett" you say in good humour, then leaving jokes aside and caressing his cheeks fondly. "I think I might be as well, Rex".

Your lips join again, and a fullfilling sensation of peace melts each of your muscles into a puddle of relaxation and happiness. Rex finally slips out; but he doesn't move away or grow any colder towards you, carefully finding a place to lay comfortably in bed besides your body instead and affectionately tugging you closer.

You go to sleep feeling safe and happy; and the next morning, when you wake up before him and watch Rex sleep peacefully and naked in front of you, with the sunlight giving a warm glow to his beautiful brown skin, you can't help but caress him and think with a smile on your face that you definitly made the right choice. You softly kiss his lips; and he sighs contently before squeezing your body closer to his, humming affectionately.

"Good morning, riduur" he greets you, eyes still closed and voice full of sleep.

You lay down with him and relax again.

"Morning, mesh'la".

You find your courage easier today; and you're rewarded by the small shy smile on his still tired face.

If last night and this morning are any indication of how the rest of your married life with Rex Fett would go, then you're sure you'd be the luckiest woman in the world. But even when it isn't –for a long marriage rarely doesn't face problems and disagreements– you're happy knowing that your riduur is someone who you can talk and work with; instead of against.

THE END.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Taraaa! PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU'VE THOUGHT! This one took so long... And seing others reaction really helps me feel motivated to keep publishing. Likes and reblogs are very much appreciated too!

With this work we have the third prompt completed for the 100 followers celebration –you can read the others in the masterlist below–. 7 left!

I'll be writing the PORNSTAR AU with HUNTER next, and so many more, so stay tuned!

Let me know if you'd like to be tagged in anything. Remember you can find this set of stories under the tag "100blueprompt" or "100blueceleb" !!

Xx,

Blue.

Main masterlist (so many other sw stories) here:

[kingoftheu]

Arms I made up for Jane Roland (and later Emily’s) Ducal House. Roland’s titles are never mentioned in the books, but I have her created Duchess of Carmarthen. Carmarthen was a major center in Wales prior to industrialization. It is meant something of an insult from the government because the Welsh are icky, just like women and aviators. The Rolands, naturally, do not care one bit and rather take a liking to the place. Most estates they are awarded are in England, however. They do not currently have a seat because they have dragons to fly. Might get some subsidiary titles (maybe something named for Scotland near Loch Laggan) so that Emily can be a Countess.

The dragon is not a perfect longwings, but it is blue, and holding a grenade to symbolize the guns and bombs. Four yellow stripes on green for an Admiral of the Air. Golden Laurels for Victory. A ducal coronet above. Jane is extremely mad that the College of Arms said she couldn’t swear in her motto, and refuses to use Latin or French until someone suggests “Excidium.” The dragon himself is quite pleased with this, although wishes his portrait was better. But the poor College of Arms people are already so sad about his hastily put together arms that Jane just left it.

[wheucto]

object show characters being named as their own objects might strike you as odd, but is it really that strange? with humans, differentiating each other using names is necessary. we're all "humans," so there's not much to name off of. physical features, maybe, but people can often share those...

however, with objects, there's a clear distinction to name someone after. and, why do names exist? to distinguish people from one another. why would you make a name, when there's already a perfectly good one right there? and sure, there's people who are the same object, but there's people with the same name too. they'd probably get nicknames/slightly different names... besides, that's why surnames exist.

[wutheringmights]

Marigold Walton was 19 when she had Link??? Did we know this and I missed it somehow? I was doing jack shit when I was 19 Whaddahell she should be at the clubbb

You did not know that!

Marigold should have been at the club, but you see here. She got pregnant when she was 18 :(

[muspeccoll]

"The twelve virtues of nobility", followed by an armorial. Folio (320 x 215 mm), [24]-[2 bl.] ff. on parchment, in pen and black ink, coats of arms with watercolor. Binding: waste from a liturgical manuscript in Latin. Text: calligraphic French verse, celebrating the virtues of the nobleman: nobility, faith, beauty, honor, righteousness, prowess, love, courtesy, diligence, neatness, generosity and sobriety. The armorial is made up of 30 coats of arms with their stamps, captioned in Dutch. The first 10, in large format, relate to large sovereign houses (Holy Empire, Bohemia, Brandenburg, Valois, Saxony, etc.), the other 20, in smaller format, relate in particular to the former Netherlands (Duchy of Brabant, counties of Flanders, Holland, Zeeland, Hainaut, Namur...) and the royal houses of Valois, Aragon, Bohemia and Portugal.

(via "Les douze vertus de la noblesse", with an armo...)

[crossdressingdeath]

People keep misunderstanding the Blackwall post and it drives me nuts, because my issue is not that characters in-universe demonize him for it. The hypocrisy of Cullen fucking Rutherford, Meredith's favourite mage murder machine who's for sure killed or been part of the killing of more children than Blackwall ever did or was, being the quest's mouthpiece is an issue, but that's a slightly different thing. I do not need five million people jumping down my throat to go "But he did a bad thing and people are mad about it in-universe!!!!!" I understand that, thank you. I get it, I get it, he did A Bad. It makes sense that a lot of people don't like him for it.

The issue is that the narrative of the game demonizes him for it. We don't get a single other perspective. We don't get any opportunity to suggest that maybe people need to lay off or even to point out that the people demonizing him for it have done things that are just as bad if not worse; I say again, Cullen is the mouthpiece for this quest, and we know the murder of children is pretty standard procedure for the Circles even outside of the hellhole that is the Gallows (hello, Harrowing!), but the game refuses to let us say a word about that. Think back to all the other characters who've done shitty things; you can usually agree that they did something necessary if not right, and even if you can't/don't want to do that there are usually options that allow you to lessen the burden of guilt or absolve them in some ways! It is only with Blackwall that the narrative bends over backwards to say he's the bad guy, and that's especially egregious in Inquisition because... well, let's be honest, when you're working with the Chantry most of the cast has done or been involved in worse. The game pushes us to agree that Blackwall is the worstest ever for something that is no worse than what other people in the game have done. Cassandra and Leliana both served the Divine directly, obeying all her horrific orders! Cassandra's whole order covered for the atrocities Templars committed! In the books Leliana acts as go-between for Justinia subtly giving Celene the go-ahead to deal with the elves of Halamshiral however she saw fit (nothing can convince me that Justinia and Leliana did not both know that would end in bloodshed) and in DA2 she's openly checking to see if there should be an Exalted March on Kirkwall because the mages are revolting against their inhumane conditions! Cullen was Knight-Captain in Kirkwall! So I'm sure as shit not going to passively accept the game trying to tell me that this guy has committed the worst crime ever because he murdered a few children when the Chantry most of my advisors help run kills more than that every day. That's my issue with Blackwall's quest, not the fact that the characters don't approve of him killing children. Can't believe I have to say that.

[kirbyddd]

[teamdays]

Wahhhh ocs ocs I miss my ocs I want to keep drawing !!! (Already drew two mini pieces of them today and has a final tomorrow. It’s 1am)

[universestreasures]

@universestreasures​ --> @crimsonkaiser​ --> @extremebattler​ 

They had all been silent since managing to get pretty far away from the village where they had that run in with the Pale Moon Circus. Misaki and Kamui still didn’t know what happened, even after having set up camp as they usually did. Kai had returned to them earlier with Aichi passed out in his arms with his disguise almost broken without saying anything more than what was needed for them to escape. Then again, it wasn’t in his character to elaborate needlessly, a trait she shared with him. 

However, now that they were settled in with Aichi having woken up and Kai’s pendent having been repaired, the half kitsune feels like it’s time for a chat. The embers of the fire crackled as the woman moved to stand up from her comfortable position on a log to address the group as a whole. She knows getting information out of the two of them, mainly the flame dragon, isn’t going to be easy, but it needed to be done. Misaki and Kamui deserved to know what happened. All of it.

“It’s been long enough. I think it’s time we address the...elephant in the room.” Her serious yet soft gaze shifts towards Kai, the one person who was conscious for the entire encounter. Aichi’s expression looked hesitant, but he chooses to not intervene on the converation. “Please, please tell us what happened, Kai. Tell us everything. This...This wasn’t a normal encounter with the circus, was it? That much is obvious by how you were when we found you and Aichi.” 

@crimsonkaiser​​​ you’re up! <3

~

[tovaicas]

rouvastre lore 🥰

[lcfthaunted]

@capthcwzer • insp.

She knows better than to protest, better than to object, simply accepts that she now has protection. It is likely an issue from her betrothed; a ruler of a planet she has never been to, a man she has never met. She accepted that decision just as meekly, but that was because she knew fighting it would only put her sister in the line of fire. This way, at least, she might be able to leverage some protection for Mallaidh.

In public, she is every inch the dutiful daughter, the proper heiress. She is ever careful to appease the right people, to calm arguments, to accept what is dealt to her. It is only behind closed doors that she ever allows her anger any rein, and even then she is careful not to take it out on staff, including her guard. Everything she’s learned, everything she does, is in service to her sister’s future, and she cannot afford to upset the wrong person.

It is some time into the assignment before Mazie addresses her guard beyond superficial kindnesses or imparting decisions for the day. She is exhausted after a long day of politicking and Machiavellian manipulations, but she knows, from an outside perspective, it was not a very thrilling day. “This must be a rather dull assignment for you, Captain,” she says, not quite succeeding in keeping the exhaustion from her voice. “For your sake, I hope it is not much longer before I am handed off and you will be free to seek a more engaging assignment.”

[v-thinks-on]

“I know you’re following me.” Tom Riddle stopped in his tracks and the footsteps behind him belatedly fell silent.

He turned. Skulking along the wall was what at first glance appeared to be an ordinary pageboy with a smooth face and short, dark hair that was badly in need of taming. However, Tom slowly registered that it was in fact a woman of his own age, but with the hardened eyes of one who has seen battle. It was just the two of them in the long, dark corridor in one of the far reaches of the manor—he had taken the back way for a reason.

“What is it you want, then?” Tom demanded with some impatience and the slightest glint of something more dangerous.

To his surprise, she did not break his gaze. Instead, she raised her head in proud defiance and stepped away from the wall, into the middle of the hall, as though to confront him—as though she thought she was something more than a mere servant in a precarious disguise.

(Read More on AO3)