#nutcracker Prologue

[kate66s]

So it's been a hot moment sense I've drawn nutcracker’s or Erica. So I figured why not draw Hanz and Gedeon (my mouse king but he doesn't look like this when Erica encounters him)

I drew this by hand for a envelope card, figured I'd post it here incase I never digitalis it and yes there will be a reason behind why Hanz and Erica have a very similar design besides her being his daughter. Anyways ENJOY

[eloquentlytired]

the knight — a logan howlett fic

pairing: old! logan howlett x plus size! reader

warnings for this fic: age gap, built up tension, eventual smut, reader is over 20, cheating, timetable is set centuries ago (18th-wise maybe) except rotten mindsets/opinions, fatphobia, the royals suck a$$ but who's surprised, themes of violence and blood

summary: you're of the highest noble class and married off to your land’s prince. during your time in the palace and your struggling effort to fit in, you realize that no one is what they claim to be except one man alone. logan howlett, the king’s right hand and best knight, strips himself off every comfort and sworn oath as he accompanies you through the horror of royalty. in the end, your feelings shift and chaos ensues.

Prologue

There was nothing uncommon about a girl of a noble family being forced to marry a man of an even wealthier better status. Except the damn prince. Your parents were delighted and had arranged everything themselves when the question was asked to them. Not to you.

A lady had no say in her marriage after all, unless she was commonly born.

“Maybe he's nice.” Your maid said as she packed your things for tomorrow’s moving. You'd been living in a castle, a castle of all things, alongside your new husband starting tomorrow.

“Maybe he's the worst.” Your voice barely came out as you sat on your bed, fidgeting with your night dress.

Cassandra, your maid and best friend, sat by your side with a reassuring smile. “Well in that case I will have to whoop him once in a while, won't I?”

She knew you like the back of her hand so it was easy to cast light upon your sour mood and expression.

You both gazed at each other and began laughing as you held her.

“I will miss you. I'll try to visit as soon as I can.” You promised her and Cassandra graced you with her signature loving smile.

“May the gods give you everything you wish for.” And to her words, you prayed the same.

The ride to the castle was not bad, just tiring. You did this travel alongside your father who put on his best facade before the queen and king. It felt surreal, and more so anxious, to stand before the most important people of this land.

You bowed before them just like you were taught, with your shaky hands gripping your dress.

“Let me see you.” The queen cooed while gripping your chin harshly. Your image of her immediately shifted from a fairy to whatever monster may look like her.

“Such a beauty, isn't she?” Your father asked before he was rudely interrupted.

“Now now. Adjustments can be made.” The Queen said in a monotonous voice which made your blood freeze within you.

Adjustments?

You didn't dare move as she continued inspecting you under the silence of her husband the King and your father. Her long, thin fingers moved creepily around your face resembling spider legs.

“You’re a full girl but I have just the solution. I too had to drop the cakes you know.” She laughed, then the King laughed then your father. It was a strained sound coming from him, something that was forced for the whole purpose of pleasing his queen, but it still wounded you inside.

You felt thankful when you were quickly dismissed so that your father would discuss the marriage details with the queen and the king.

Your new maid, who didn't seem to be over eighteen, was the sweetest girl ever. She escorted you to your chambers immediately and began sorting out whatever you'd brought along.

“What is your name?” You asked her and you were sad to see her so startled, almost fearful. Were they treating her badly here?

The girl looked at you and spoke with a stutter.

“Ariadne, my princess.” What a pretty name, you thought.

“Well, Ariadne, it's nice to meet you. And please call me by my name, not a formal title.” The girl seemed to ease up slowly when you introduced yourself and looked at her so kindly, almost motherly.

You spent your afternoon being pampered by servants to an overwhelming point. In the bath, when you brushed your hair, when you clothed yourself, even when you were to paint your face with your personal make-up they would not let you do it alone.

“The queen likes red, princess.” Ariadne whispered in your ear when she saw your confused expression. You didn't bother correcting her when she called you by formality. You were too overwhelmed at that moment.

When the preparations were finally done, you turned to the mirror only to find a reflection... unknown.

“You look marvelous, princess.” The maids around you complimented and did some final adjustments to your red dress and makeup. The dress itself was red all over made of expensive fabric. The skirt was high and bouncy around you and the corset beneath was all but allowing you to breath. The corset’s tightness forced your breasts to be pushed into a higher position — they were evidently exposed because of the dress’ low cleavage.

“Perhaps there's something I could wear over this?” You asked but they all looked at you as if you were crazy.

“Her Majesty chose this for you. Said it's most suitable for a girl like you.”

The reply you received from one of the maids made you wonder. What exactly did that mean? In the back of your mind you knew all too well that she was referring to your body but once again you did not speak.

You were with your father, walking around the palace grounds and getting familiar with the gigantic space that overwhelmed you. Your arm was comfortably hooked around his own as you walked.

“How do you find your new home?” He asked with a grin upon his face, one you didn't want to ruin.

“It’s lovely, father.”

Your lack of effort went unnoticed by him per usual.

The sound of commotion startled both of you, making you stare at each other. You pulled away from your father and walked towards the large windows of the castle, gazing down at the courtyard. And then you saw him.

The prince was obvious amongst the many guards that surrounded him, wearing his distinguished cape and a crown smaller than the king's and queen's. He stood proudly upon his horse, blonde hair and blue eyes shimmering but it wasn't enough to draw your attention.

Your father hurriedly marched by your side and spoke. “That’s your husband to be. The most handsome in this kingdom indeed.”

His words barely registered into your mind.

Your gaze was fixated elsewhere as you stared at the royal guard riding beside the prince; a worn out face, an ashy coloured beard and a proudly puffed out chest. He looked like he'd seen better days or that he'd barely smiled in his whole life but even then you couldn't stop staring.

“Yes. The most handsome.” Was all you could say in response to your father as he held your hand and pulled you away from the window.

The prince turned to his right hand, to his most essential and strongest guard.

“Being a prince is a wonderful thing, wouldn't you say sir Howlett?” The prince asked as he addressed the knight by his side.

Logan nodded in response, his years of service having taught him better than to disagree with the hands that fed him.

“That is correct, my prince.”

His eyes glanced at the young boy — a ruler to be. But Logan knew there was no hope for this land and Kingdom; not if this was their future king.

“But being King is more than wonderful. And I intend to experience that glory with you as my protector.” The way those words came out of the prince's mouth was different — cruel and thirsty. Logan had heard that tone before. From men overwhelmed with power that in the end ended up dead.

“Of course, my prince.”

Something alarmed Logan, like a scratch by the ear.

He snapped his head to the left and gazed at the palace’s high windows. There was no one there but he felt his gaze and presence drawn to whatever that area was; the same area that you had walked by with your father.

As he and the guards parted from the prince to enter the stables, he heard whispers that barely intrigued him.

“The new princess, our future queen, has arrived.” His ears picked up many comments — good and bad — but he paid no mind as he took care of his horse.

“Are you not curious to see her, Logan?” One of his fellows in the royal guard asked while the others replied for him.

“He is the prince’s right hand. He will see whether he likes it or not.” The men laughed but Logan busied himself with cleaning after his horse, scrubbing its brown fur silently.

Another knight interfered while slowly retreating from the stables.

“You better tell us if she's worth it!”

Logan gave him a dirty look before resuming his work quietly.

He was just about done caring for his horse when a servant boy approached him, carrying a paper wrapped package in his arms. The boy seemed flushed and out of breath, signaling that he'd been in a hurry.

“Sir Howlett!” The servant boy called and Logan looked at him while wiping his arms with an old rug.

“Spill it,kid.” He mumbled in a tired tone.

“The prince demands your presence in tonight’s dinner.” Logan paused.

“It is Scott’s shift—”

The servant boy cut him off. “H—He said he'll cut off my head if you decline.”

Yes. Those were the moments he hated, the moments he considered rebellion or brutality. But he also knew better than to have an entire royal army chase after him on the crown’s behalf.

“I'll do it. Go home,kid.” He ignored the youthful tears and the repeated thank yous of the servant boy as he ran away. Logan knew how it was, how it felt. He wouldn't say you're welcome for not taking away a life; all of that process was fucked up.

The time for dinner was nearing as Logan dressed himself with a newer, cleaner armor. One that was requested by the prince himself.

Logan stared in the mirror of the confined room he lived in. His reflection was someone unknown.

“Let’s do this.” He whispered gruffly as his hands instinctively wrapped around his sword.

He could feel it in his old bones and the fluttering sensation in his gut. Tonight would make everything shift.

author’s note: hi lovelies. this is so self indulgent ngl 😭 I have somehow already written the first chapter too but I'll post it tomorrow. just felt really inspired all of a sudden. also noticed the reflection parallels with the reader and Logan? I stan! hope u enjoyed and if u like this pls leave a like, reblog and comment!🩷

[janahanooo]

Part 1.5 ish? I'm not sure but this is the prologue to this mini series. If you have any suggestions, please feel free to comment it!

*that night in Ramshackle's dorm room*

Yuu: uhhh

Nutcracker: my lady, we have no time to spare. I have to get back to my kingdom! Please guide me to the door, with which I can go back.

Yuu: oh my gods... you are- you're alive!

Nutcracker: but of course I am! So if you could use your magic and shrink, then we could go back to our kingdom and save everyone

Yuu: H-hold on! What door? And kingdom? I'm kind of lost here, I-

Malleus: child of man? Is everything alright? *steps in*

Nutcracker: my lady, get behind me! *stands before Yuu*

Yuu: huh?

Nutcracker: you dragon, who keeps the lady in this castle, I shall defeat you so that my lady and I can return to our kingdom!

Malleus:

Malleus: hooh? And how do you plan on defeating me little Knight? And by all means, the child of man is not your lady, but my beloved.

Yuu: okay... we are going a bit side tracked here....

Nutcracker: fight me dragon! So I can free the lady and bring peace to our kingdom!

Yuu: uhm, sorry to disturb this little banter of yours, but I'm probably not the lady who you are searching for...

Nutcracker: please my lady, I know you in every form that you could have. Your soul is pure as the fresh snow and your eyes speak the truth of thousand years that has passed. Please remember-

Rat king: it is very wholesome, that our little, lonely Knight finally found the princess. But that won't save anyone's life.

Yuu: Mal-?! *on a high pitch voice*

Malleus: child of man, do not fret. That is only a mare rat, it can do no harm to us. Maybe to your little friend over there but do not worry about him.

Yuu: .... are you actually jealous of a nutcracker???

Rat king: do no harm!? How dare you look down on me! Shall I show you just how much harm I can do yo you!?

Rat king: You, princess. You shall never see the light of day ever again! I curse you to turn into stone until there is no more life that you can save!

Yuu: huh? *turns into a stone statue and shrinks*

Nutcracker: My lady! No!

Malleus: !!

Malleus: child of man!

Rat king: *maniacal laugh* say goodbye to your sweet little princess! *runs away with Yuu, leaving Malleus and the nutcracker behind*

Nutcracker: my lady, just when I finally found you... fear not! Your loyal Knight shall save you! *runs towards the way where the Rat king disappeared*

Nutcracker: WOAH-! *gets lifted up by Malleus*

Malleus: where is the child of man?! Tell me now!

Nutcracker: ugh-! The lady is-! She's probably at the Rat King's castle-!

Malleus: show me the way, now! *shrinks to match the nutcracker height*

And yes by winning the pole Malleus is the love interest, you just have to wait a lil bit.

[xxvalkyriesxx]

The Joker and the Queen - Chapter One

For @emeriethevalkyriegirl 🩷 @acotargiftexchange it's less than 20 minutes until Monday, so it's basically Monday now

Masterlist // Prologue // Next Part AO3 // read below

Every year, the city of Velaris hosts a week long festival, the Carnival of Stars. It's the biggest event of the year, people from everywhere travel to Night Court County to partake in the special events. Every year, the festival ends on the Winter Solstice, with a performance by the Velaris Ballet Company. And every year they perform the holiday classic, The Nutcracker. However this year, the director of the company has decided to shift gears. This year, the ending performance will be, The Lady and the Fool. A show that follows a royal lady falling in love with a court jester, despite what society says. The director wants to bring a whole new experience to the show. And the twist is that the fool will not be played by a fellow dancer. So instead, they decide to cast a local Winter Solstice tree farmer. What could go wrong? OR Nesta Archeron is the principle ballerina of the Velaris Ballet Company, playing the lead role of The Lady and the Fool, with her counter part, Cassian Pine.

Seventeen weeks prior to Carnival of Stars starting.

“Eris, what the hell are you saying?” Nesta asked, sitting in her boss’s office. Her workout had ended early as Eris had called her into his office, wanting to discuss something with her.

The red head only grinned at her unamused expression. “As I’ve said, we’re not doing The Nutcracker for this year’s Carnival of Stars.” Eris added. “It’s gotten so boring and repetitive.”

“It’s a classic. Ballet classics never get boring!” Nesta argued, glaring at Eris. Most would be too nervous to debate with Eris once he’s made up his mind, however Nesta had known the director of the ballet company since they were young, learning dances together.

“I’m not arguing that. The Nutcracker is a holiday classic but it needs to be retired, at least for this year. I’ve wanted to do something different for a while, and Rhysand is finally letting me do so.”

Nesta resisted the urge to roll her eyes at the mention of her sister’s long-term boyfriend, who also was the mayor of Velaris and therefore was a part of every decision the carnival made. How Eris managed to convince Rhysand to remove his nosey self from the ballet performance, which would always end the week-long festival, Nesta didn’t want to know.

“So what are we doing instead then?” Nesta asked, bracing for something awful to come from Eris’ mouth.

Eris grinned. “I’m so glad you asked.” 

He slid a program across his desk towards Nesta. The magazine was from the Adriata Ballet Company, the edges decorated with sea shells and waves. The date was from earlier in the year when the southern city celebrated the Summer solstice. The cover was of a woman and a… What the fuck am I looking at? Nesta narrowed her eyes down at the cover before shooting her head back up, glaring at Eris.

“Eris, is that a clown?”

“Technically yes, but my version will have a court jester instead.”

Nesta peered back down at the magazine she held. The cover had a ballerina and clown dancing elegantly in a still shot. The ballerina smiled brightly as the clown wore a goofy smile. “The Lady and the Fool? Why haven’t I heard about this performance?”

“Well you know Adriata. They have so many different kinds of performances during the Summer Solstice, this one must have been drowned out by everything else going on.” He glanced at the cover. “But I was fortunate enough to have seen this. Tarquin did an amazing job directing.” Before Nesta could ask anything else, Eris sighed. “However, we have run into another issue, Nesta.” 

“Dear gods, what now?”

Her boss grimaced. “I was thinking…” 

Nesta sighed, bracing for whatever was about to come out of Eris’ mouth.

“I thought it would be interesting if we did have a real fool on stage. You know, have it be meta.” His auburn eyes glowed, finishing his sentence. 

“A real fool? As in someone from the fair or do you mean–” Nesta’s eyes widened as she figured what he was implying, her mouth dropping in horror. “Eris! Why are you thinking of bringing an unprofessional performer to be on stage?! We’re a highly respected dance company. Not to mention, the risks this would bring?!!”

“Well, the story calls for two fools, so we’ll just have one of them be someone from the outside. I want to highlight the difference between an average person and a dancer.” Then he added as her face fell. “And let’s face it, Velaris loves an underdog story.”

“And like I said, Rhysand gave me the go-ahead. We’ll be fine.”

Twelve weeks to the Carnival of Stars

The last week of September meant that it was Cassian’s last remaining bit of sanity before it would cease from the chaos of the winter season. The man sighed as he looked out the window of his Winter Solstice tree farm. The trees were getting more beautiful by the day, and come mid November, they’ll be ready to sell.

And personally, Cassian already had the decorations up for the solstice come November 1st. There was no use in waiting until after the last Thursday of the month. And with very little neighbors, no one could bother him about the solstice lights he turned on. 

Taking a sip of the peppermint flavored coffee, Cassian settled down at the kitchen table. A golden retriever with a sugar powdered face sat up from underneath the table, licking his knee through his jeans. Cassian shook his head, smiling at his companion.

“Hey, Holly girl.” His voice was hoarse from the early morning rise, when the sun was barely peeking through the forest that surrounded his quaint farm.

Holly pushed her dry nose into the palm of his hand. Another sign of her growing older by the day. Thirteen years she’s been by his side, through the thick and thin at Little Star Farm, the nickname from his childhood. The place hadn’t even been open for more than a year when Azriel and then his girlfriend (now wife), Gwyn Berdara, found a small litter of golden retriever puppies off the side of the road. Gwyn took one, Cassian took one, then the rest were given to friends and family members.

“Come on, let’s go check on the trees.” Cassian placed his mug down as he and Holly left the kitchen to the front yard where he parked his gator cart. The green on the front of the vehicle peeling and cracked. Holly made her to the passenger side. A little whine escaped her as she looked at Cassian, then to the seat, then back to Cassian. 

“Just a minute, Holly.” Cassian checked to make sure his usual equipment was in the cargo box before he bent to his knees, picking Holy up with ease. “Jeez dog, I gotta stop giving you so much bacon.”

Holly just huffed at his comment as he placed her in the seat. Wrapping around, he got into the driver’s seat and took off. The cart traveled through the fields of growing trees of variety. Cassian had wanted to give customers options to what they wanted to bring home every holiday season. His farm was still on the younger side at just fourteen years old, as some trees had been planted near the beginning and hopefully by this year will be ready to sell. Others had taken less time and were ready within six to seven years.

It had taken a while for the trees to reach maturity, so in the meantime, Cassian ran a small solstice shop that was connected to his house. He sold homemade items such as wreaths and small pine ornaments. There were also some items he sold from small businesses from downtown Velaris. Amren’s Crowns Candles held some of the best natural candles with wooden wicks, perfect for the holidays. Feyre painted holiday postcards that he sold at his shop too.

The grass was freshly mowed, the familiar scent still lingering along the ground as the air flowed. Cassian’s thighs were still sore from finishing the last bit of the field yesterday. It had taken almost three days to complete mowing the fields as he had to split his time between field work, store work, and making sure to take a break. Although taking a break meant just grabbing cheese and crackers, drinking water, and then going back to what he was doing.

Eventually Cassian stopped the car near some of his oldest trees. He smiled softly at some of his biggest accomplishments since he started the farm all those years ago. Some trees were ready by seven years, but others took longer. 

“What do you think, Holly? Think they’ll be ready by the holidays?”Holly barked in response as her long haired tail wagged. “Me too, Holly girl.”

Grabbing his journal, Cassian made notes of the trees in the particular area that were going to be ready for the holiday season. It was a leather bound journal that was roughly loved by the look of it. The leather was faded, the pages wrinkled with water and coffee stains. Cassian had a journal for every year on the farm. This one had seen the most damage due to a giant coffee spill from Azriel’s and Gwyn’s foster child, Ester, when the three visited last month. 

Being a detective in Velaris, Azriel had a pretty work busy schedule and with raising a teenanger, Cassian didn’t see his friends often. Azriel and him inseparable growing up, but after separating from the military, Cassian wanted to work on a passion project since he was young instead going for a typical career that most take after finishing their time with the military.

Solstice brought up a lot of tough times he had as a kid, as his mother died when he was a kid, right before solstice one year. His mother did everything she possibly could to keep them afloat, living in a very tiny, dingy apartment in Windhaven, a town not too far from Velaris. 

But every winter solstice, his mother made sure that Cassian had something special, and that was the solstice tree in their living space. Cassian grew fond of taking care of it. Decorating it with the few ornaments they had and some lights, it made Cassian’s year seeing the completed piece. He begged his mother if they could keep it up year long, but he quickly came to find out, at most it could make it to a week or two into the new year before the tree would die.

The farm, in a way, was a gift back to her, as some of the proceeds went to a local non-profit for survivors of domestic violence. The abuse was something that Cassian saw very little of, as his mother hid it from him as much as possible. However, it lingered in their home long after the violence faded away. Winter solstice was a time for happiness and cheer, so Cassian worked hard year around in order to bring the best trees.

Making his way back to the cart, Cassian put his journal away before he and Holly made their way back to the house. An hour or so had gone by upon Cassian’s return. He helped the golden get out of the cart before he ventured inside, warming up another cup of coffee. Holly made her way to the big old bed that Cassian bought her when she was so little. He caught her eyes immediately drifting off, the old dog falling asleep instantly.

Cassian settled into his lazy boy leather recliner when his phone buzzed. Pulling it out of his pocket, he withheld a heavy sigh that wanted to be released as he read the name across the screen.

Message from Rhys (aka pile of dicks)

The farmer rolled his eyes at the nickname that Ester must have made when Cassian was looking away. Opening the message, he took a look at what his friend had to say

Rhys (aka pile of dicks): Winter Solstice is upon us! Come downtown so we can discuss what’ll be needed this year.

It’s not even October…Cassian finally sighed, huffing and puffing.

But of course whatever the Mayor of Velaris wanted, he got.

Grabbing the coffee pot, he poured everything into a travel mug. Going back over, Cassian rubbed his hands on Holly’s belly, as she rolled over onto her back.

“Rhysie needs me, old girl. I’ll hopefully see your sisters while I’m there.” Holly sneezed in answer. “Yeah, I’ll tell them you said hi.” Holly shook her head as she sneezed again. Cassian rolled his eyes playfully. “I don’t think I need to be bragging to them how you got the best owner out of the liter.” 

He pointed at her. “Don’t tell Gwyn that, she takes your brother’s livelihood very very seriously.”

Getting up, and attempting to ignore the cracks his knees made, Cassian made his way with his coffee out the door and into his truck.

Cassian to Rhys (aka pile of dicks): On my way! And since you’re pulling me away from work, I would like my usual from the Devlon’s.

~*~

Cassian’s meeting with Rhys went longer than expected. Unfortunately, Mor was also there, so the two cousins kept yapping on unrelated topics until Cassian had to draw their focus back into the reason he was there. Rhys was ready to propose to his girlfriend, Feyre Archeron, and wanted this year to be an extra special edition of the Carnival of Stars.

“Decorated trees, snow, solstice carols. Everything that the carnival has, but times it by 1,000. Only the best for Feyre Darling.”

“As a reminder, the Carnival of Stars isn’t for Feyre. It’s been a tradition in the town since your great grandfather was mayor of the city. So it can’t just be about Feyre.” Cassian said.

Rhys waved his hand. “I know that, but I think we should just go all out, you know? Make Velaris, Solstice Town for a change.”

Cassian tilted his head. “Any reason why we’re going the extra mile?”

“I want to make this winter solstice the best one yet. It’s her birthday, but she deserves the world.”

As Rhys looked upon Cassian, he shrugged. “You’ll understand when you’re in love.”

Cassian rolled his eyes as he walked down the steps from Rhysand’s office. Rhys had no idea that Cassian was in love, for almost a straight year. Every day Cassian waited for a text to appear by the one he was dying to speak too.

Nesta Archeron.

The principal ballerina of the Carnival of Stars dance company, graduated from Velaris University, and was the eldest sister to Feyre. Cassian asked her about Nesta not long after solstice, but at most the art teacher shrugged and said her sister didn’t date. “She’s married to her career, Cass. I just don’t see it working.” So Cassian may have searched for her on the internet, but it was completely harmless. There was hardly anything on her. 

No social media accounts, no secret blogs, nothing. It was like she was just a figment of his imagination. Like clockwork, Cassian pulled out his phone, the nearby church bells rang at the hour. Maybe today will be the day she texts me.

There was absolutely nothing on his lock screen other than Holly in a solstice paper crown. He sighed before stuffing his phone back in his pocket. I have no time to think about this, I have to work on which trees to send out for the carnival this year.

As he made his way through the first floor to the exit, something stopped him in his tracks. Cassian couldn’t believe what he saw as he blinked several times to make sure he wasn’t seeing anything.

She was here. She was really here.

Well, it was a picture, but it was Nesta Archeron. She wore a long dress with a tiara as she stood en pointe alongside a court jester. Cassian approached the poster as the title of the ballet hung above the dancers.

The Lady and the Fool. The Carnival of Stars ending show featuring Nesta Archeron. Meet the cast throughout the week of the carnival before seeing their performance on Winter Solstice night. 

Cassian glanced down at the description of the ballet.

A wealthy lady, a poor jester, and a tale of society and love.

And right next to the poster was a sheet of paper that Cassian had to double take at.

Audition Call for The Lady and the Fool. No dancing experience required! Meet in the Auditorium this Thursday. 

This is stupid. Not only do I not know how to dance, I have a whole farm to run. Cassian thought as he let go of the paper before walking away. He had work to do…

Then by the grace of High Lord Solstice himself, the very angel he fell in love with last year, walked into the building. Her hair was in a bun as she carried a bag over her shoulder. A glimpse of white in her ears gave Cassian the note that she had air pods in. Then she made a turn to go down the steps, right where Cassian was. Quickly he leaned against the wall, taking out his phone. Act normal, she won't question anything.

So Cassian opened the Velaris Times Games app. He completed a few games of the day, but was still stuck on Connections. Who even comes up with these??

He kept his presence pretty quiet so he could blend in. Boots clicked against the tile floor as golden brown strands of hair caught his attention from the corner of his eye. Rolling his shoulders, Cassian kept his posture relaxed as best he could while a clean linen scent flowed on by.

His thumb shuffled through the cards on the screen. She’s probably gone by now. Taking a breath, Cassian lifted his head expecting an empty space in front of him. But what he didn’t expect was the same woman he just saw before, to be standing off to the side, looking directly at him. Cassian’s mouth dropped a little before he cleared his throat and waved at her.

This must have broken the spell. Nesta Archeron flushed before spinning around, marching off and heading to the dance studio most likely. Cassian could only watch her as she left him standing in the hallway. Glancing over at the audition call again, his stomach flipped.

Fuck it, I’m not wasting my shot.

Cassian practically tossed his phone out of sight, reaching over and ripping off the tear-off tabs of the advertisement. The small pieces of paper held the same information as the flyer. Quickly, Cassian shoved all the pieces of paper in his coat pocket before leaving the building. The ball was back in his court, and he would be damned if he missed his shot for a second time

~*~

“So let me get this straight, Cass. You’re going to audition for a ballet, all so you can impress the principal ballerina who you’ve barely even spoken to??”

“She has yet to see my skills! And I can dance well enough.” Cassian defended his stance. “Cassian, you can’t even stay on beat.” Azriel said with a deadpan look. “What’s the type of art Feyre does – oh abstract! I have some abstractness to my dancing.”

After visiting with Rhysand, Cassian made his way to Azriel’s house as it wasn’t far from City hall. His old red pickup truck was parked in front of their townhouse.

Azriel pinched the bridge of his nose. “Is it reasonable enough to ask you to stop while you’re ahead?”

Cassian opened his mouth to argue when a redhead woman walked through the threshold of the dining room, carrying coffees to the table.

“Az, give Cassian a chance. He’s in love. Let him try this.” Gwyn said as she placed coffees down on the table before sitting down, next to Azriel. She kissed him on the cheek before pouring coconut cream and sugar into her coffee, turning the dark drink into a lighter color. “Besides, you’re a love expert.” She winked at her husband who only rolled his eyes, before nudging her slightly.

For years Cassian was their third wheel to their relationship and while it didn’t bother him they were in love, there was an empty space always in his heart and next to him. 

Azriel shook his head. “You're ruining the taste of coffee.” He said as he also placed the coconut cream in his coffee, but with no sugar. Gwyn gave him a knowing look. “Mhmm, sure.” The man blushed as he rubbed his neck before taking a sip. Cassian mentally rolled his eyes, but silently agreed with his best friend.

“Thank you, Gwyn.” Cassian smiled sheepishly, drinking his coffee completely untouched.

“No problem, Cass. And for the record, I think it’s romantic what you’re doing.”

“It’s romantic until the ballerina says it’s stalking.” Azriel butted into their conversation.

Gwyn pursed her lips. “Well, dark romance is still a bestseller at the shop.”

Cassian watched Azriel fight the urge to sigh before he shook his head, taking another sip. Gwyn had opened a bookshop with her best friend, Emerie, in downtown Velaris. Cassian didn’t know the first thing about a romance book as he read more historical books or books on solstice trees.

“What’s considered dark romance?” Cassian asked, peering at Gwyn. Azriel dragged his hands down his face, a miserable expression slipping through. “Oh, now you’ve done it my friend.” Azriel mumbled.

Gwyn’s eyes sparkled with a devilish delight. “I’m so glad you stopped by, Cassian!” Almost like it was pulled out of thin air, books appeared in Gwyn’s hand from a nearby stack. “Class is now in session, and before you say anything, the kid is out with her friends. No need to be PG-13 anymore!”

Cassian paled, glancing at Azriel, who just shook his head and grabbed a nearby flask before pouring most of it into his coffee. The farmer gulped. What had he gotten himself into?

[windblume-violet]

I'm currently trying to figure out who to pick in the prologue, and I swear nutcracker is playing in game right now. I'd recognize that sugar plum fairy chime ANYWHERE. Losing my mind. Genuinely going insane realizing that's the track playing as stare into these guys' eyes. I'm glad it's not Flower Duet because then I'd actually lose it.

[chloe-spade]

The Nutcracker Prologue

Deuce happily stared at a beautiful snow globe, its delicate flakes swirling in a mesmerizing dance, ignoring the shuffles of the maids and butlers around him. The scent of pine and cinnamon filled the air, and the twinkling lights cast a warm glow. The crackling of the fireplace added to the cozy ambiance, and the distant sound of carolers filled the air. It was a week before Christmas, and the festive atmosphere was palpable. Deuce couldn't be more excited since his mother lovingly returns from her trips as a merchant for the Queendom every year. Deuce couldn't wait, but a maid tapped him back into reality and smiled.

"Look at you, always getting lost in the beauty of the decorations," The maid chuckled fondly. "It's a sight that never grows old. I remember how your eyes used to light up when you were just a little boy." Her voice was filled with warm nostalgia, and Deuce couldn't help but smile at the memories.

"I'm sorry, but I just adore this holiday. It's the time when Mother returns, and she always brings the most heartfelt gifts," Deuce shared, holding the delicate ballerina ornament. "Like this one. She gave it to me when she visited the City of Flowers, and I remember the story of a girl who overcame so much and became the princess of her land because of it. It was my favorite as a child, and I hope to share it with everyone at the Christmas dinner."

Deuce stared back at The ballerina, a symbol of courage and resilience that held a special place in his heart.

"Oh, you don't have to tell me, my dear," the maid laughed. "You started ballet because of that story. I remember that well. And you always praticed whenever a christmas ballet comes to town and you always danced your heart out."

"Yeah, but I always get nervous whenever I'm in front of people, and sometimes I fumble."

"Oh, Deuce, don't be too hard on yourself," grinned the maid. You are going to do excellently like you do every year, and your mother may bring a special guest to the dance. But I promised not to say a word like I always do."

"You are always so faithful, hm?" Deuce joked.

"Of course. Now, let's get that tree finished before your grandpa gets back. You know how he is."

Deuce sighed.

After his mother got promoted while he was in primary school, he was transferred to his grandfather's estate. After that, Deuce was expected to inherit the estate one day, but he wasn't sure, mainly because he hated the idea of being trapped in one place for too long and didn't see the appeal of owning one. He wanted to travel the world, like his mother, and may even join her on her travels once he was old enough, but he knew his grandfather disapproved, so he never mentioned it.

He decorated the Christmas tree, singing softly to himself and trying to eat the gingerbread men behind the maid's back sneakily. He couldn't help it; it was incredibly delicious, and Deuce always ate them, even as a young boy. The fireplace gave the room a warm and comfy atmosphere, reminding him of Christmas nights when his mother read him stories before he passed out. And he always woke up to see presents underneath the tree. Though it was never much, he was always so happy even to get something, which made his odd rebellious phase concerning to the public eye, but here he is, much older and trying to make up for it, which many could consider a Christmas miracle.

As he carefully set the snow globe above the fireplace, he heard the door open. A burst of snow and wind flew across the room, and a woman rushed in with a satisfied smile.

"See? I told you a lovely walk around the town would be a great idea," she smiled at the grumpy old man behind her. "And I told you some fresh air could be good for you, Father."

"I know that you are right, most of the time, Dylla, but please refrain from bursting the door open like that again," groaned Deck. "I understand you want to see Deuce again but-"

"Deuce!" Dylla called out and rushed towards her son, hugging him. "Look at you. Every time I visit, you change so drastically, and one day, I might just see a young man instead of the boy I raised."

"I missed you two, Mother," Deuce grinned, hugging back. "But you're covered in snow. Was there a blizzard?"

"Oh, no. I just happened to walk around before your grandfather picked me up from the train station." Dylla laughed. You know me; I love a nice walk at a moment's notice. I always clear my mind before a significant thing."

"I know that, Mother," Deuce laughed. "Allow me."

Dylla smiled as Deuce helped her with her jacket and hat and carefully hung them by the coat hanger by the door.

"Oh, such gentleman." Grinned Dylla. "Your grandfather has taught you well."

"Of course I did," Deck coughed. "I know my teachings can be rigid, but they have formed Deuce into a respectful young man who will inherit my estate once he gets older."

"Again, with that?" Dylla sighed. "I understand that you worried about the estate, but I can assure you that Deuce should make his own choices, and I want him to decide. And you promised that you would wait until he turned eighteen."

"And I did, as I only mentioned it once." Deck grinned and checked his watch. "And this place looks extraordianry, great job, Deuce. As always."

"Thank you, Grandfather," Deuce smiled. "Mother, I still have the ballerina you gave me. She's right there."

"Oh, my sweet boy." Dylla gasped. "I knew giving that ornament was good idea. And I can't wait for the beautiful dance as well, like every year."

Deuce smiles and takes Dylla to the couch. "Tell me all about your travels this year. I want to hear all about it."

Dylla laughed. "We should wait until dinner but I couldn't help it, I love your excitemembt when I tell you these. Well, I went back to the City of Flowers again and I got a special dance with one of the lords and he was hoot, and you should've seen his children. One of them is a excellent hunter…"

❄️

"…And lastly, I went to a foreign kingdom and I met the King, the Queen, and their two sons. One is exactly your age, I recall," Dylla continued, looking over at a present. "Actually, when he heard I had a son your age, the youngest prince gave me a present that I would like to give you."

Dylla grinned and grabbed a red and golden present box. Deuce gasped and carefully took it.

Deuce opened the present with one more look from his mother, revealing a beautifully carved and painted Nutcracker. He looked at it carefully before taking it in his hands and examining it.

"Oh, he's so beautiful, Mother," Deuce gasped happily. "Like in the story too."

"Of course," Dylla giggled. "If I didn't give my son the most perfect gift, what kind of mother would I be?"

"Thank you, Mother," Deuce smiles, hugging Dylla. "I love it."

"I'm glad, but remember, he can be very fragile," Dylla warned. "Even a small tug could break him, but I trust that you are very caring and will take care of The Nutcracker perfectly."

"To think a prince would gave me such a gift," Deuce awed.

"He may be a little reckless, but when things come to light, he can be incredibly thoughtful. I heard that he adores Christmas, just like you, Deuce, and perhaps next year, you can meet him."

"Mother, you know why I can't," Deuce protested, staring down at the Nutcracker. "Grandfather won't allow it, and I'm not even 18 yet."

Dylla sighed. "I hate that you do have a point but please consider my offer. I would love to show you the stuff that I have seen, and maybe tell you another story. This time, about the how the Sugar Plum Princess saved an attire land of sweets."

"I thought you already told me that one, Mother?"

"Oh, I did. But you love that one." Dylla joked.

"I do."

❄️

Deuce expected Christmas dinner with many members of his family, those he recognized and some he barely knew. He acknowledged them with open arms regardless. Food was served happily, and Deuce ate, answering the small questions and listening to Dylla's many traveling stories.

"Ah, always such a wild woman," sighed an elderly woman. "Surely you must get tired of all your travels by now. And besides, Deuce is almost an adult. You can't miss those few years, now can you?"

"Well, I suppose me being there for his youth doesn't matter, does it?" Dylla shrugged. "And besides, it is my job to go around the world. I can quit, but Deuce convinced me not to. He is such a mature young boy."

"I am not a young child," Deuce huffed. "I can handle myself."

"You say that, Deuce, but you had a horrible reputation," the woman spoke again. "Perhaps it was because of your mother's absence."

"Don't you dare badmouth my mother," Deuce hissed. "She has provided ore for me than you could, Grandmother, and I frankly can't remember one time that you have helped out."

"Oh, you need to learn to grow up!" Grandma snapped. "I was the one who gave you everything!"

"No, you didn't!" Deuce snapped back. "…Grandfather, can I be excused?"

"Of course, my boy," Deck answered.

"And you! You always baby this boy! You should be teaching that boy hot to actually be a man!"

Deuce rushed out of the room, ignoring everyone else. He didn't want to deal with his family members, especially since he had been nothing but grateful for his family, but they always seemed to look down on him because of his delinquent past. A past that he had accepted as a part of himself and wanted to change, but it seems no one would let him change.

Deuce sighed sadly and sat on the couch, hearing the fires crackle before him. He didn't feel good after that. After all, it wasn't the first time someone had criticized him and his mother, especially after his father disappeared one day, and Dylla had to get a more demanding job to ensure that Deuce would have a happy life.

Dylla always says that Deuce shouldn't feel bad about it. She chose this and was happy with the opportunities it gave her, but Deuce always felt so unnecessarily guilty about it.

"Ugh! This ugly Nutcracker looks horrible!" screamed the grandmother from the dining area. "Get rid of it!"

"Desire! That's Deuce's!" gasped Deck.

Deuce rushed back to see Desire flinging the Nutcracker by its arm, looking disgusted.

"This is Deuce's?" She scoffed. "Such a tasteless gift! It should be put away! In the trash!"

"You can't!" Deuce cried. "That's an important gift!"

"Hmph, it can't be that important that you left it here," Desire chuckled as she maliciously dropped the Nutcracker on the floor.

Deuce gasped and grabbed it. He examined it, and luckily, the arm was only slightly loose for him. He quickly used his necktie as a suitable wrap, holding the Nutcraker's arm like it was healing. But despite it all, he was still upset. Deuce slowly got up, holding the Nutcracker to his chest, now glaring at Desire.

"After all of this, you still disrespect me!" Deuce snapped. "I begged Mother to keep you around because you were the only thing that a symbolic of Father! Who left us! You were remorseful, but all I see is a bitter old woman who can't accept that fact that I can't ever be that dead weight of a man!"

Deuce cries before storming out of the room, refusing to let Dylla comfort him.

He needed to be alone. That's all he needed.

And he was.

And the Nutcracker was still in his arms as he sobbed by the Christmas fire.

[stranger-fanfiction-n-things]

PROLOGUE

(Gif and photo of Michaela DePrince)

This is an Original Character fanfiction. All Stranger Things characters and content are owned by Netflix and The Duffer Brothers.

a/n: This is my first fanfiction ever. I believe pacing and context is important in any story. This is going to be a slow burn. Hopefully this prologue gives you a little insight on who Diana Sinclair is separate from The Party.

I am a ballet dancer so there is a lot of dance terminology in this. I urge you all to look up some of these moves and positions.

Anywho, let me know what you all think!

Word Count: 1032

Masterlist

PROLOGUE || PART I ||

Sunday November 6, 1983 - BELOV DANCE ACADEMY

Piqué tour. Piqué tour. Upper body. Piqué tour and…double pirouette en dedans. 

“Beautiful, Diana.” Madame Petrovna praises over the melodic rhythm. 

My cheeks grow hot and I continue to dance breathing deeply through my nose. I prepare myself for the hardest move: the Gargouillade. I still didn’t quite understand it, but let my body guide me through the movement. Extending my right foot dégagé to the side, rotating my leg in a small rond de jambe, while pushing off the floor with my left leg to do another rond de jambe with my left foot. 

“And jump!” Madame Petrovna exclaims. “Yes, yes.” 

I perform the gargouillade again, wincing slightly at the second rond de jambe. I didn’t circle my foot completely. 

“Don’t show me you’re tired, Diana. This move is supposed to look effortless.” 

I force myself to smile to hide my disappointment. Soutenu, soutenu, step, step. Double pirouette down to the knee and pose. 

“Good. Very Good girls.” Madam Petrovna says, clapping her hands in her poised manner. Which meant we could do better. “Waltz of the Flowers to the stage please.”  

We all curtsy before running off stage. As soon as my body disappears beyond the curtain, I deflate wiping the sweat off my forehead with the back of my hand. My cheeks burn from exertion. The Dance of Marzipan was a little over two minutes long but it was one of the hardest dances in The Nutcracker Showcase as lead. 

The Waltz of the Flowers orchestration begin shortly after and I watch the performance quietly on my own, swaying from side-to-side en pointe, the malleable shank of my pointe shoes bending with the arches of my feet with each shift in weight. I need to start breaking in my other pair of pointe shoes mom bought for me two weeks ago. These were dead. I glance at my wristwatch. 7:00pm. I sigh, exhaustion weighing down on me. We’re running late as usual. 

“You’re doing great,” a voice whispers near my ear. 

I whip around, clutching my necklace. 

 “Sorry for scaring you!” Mei Wong says. 

Mei Wong is the Sugar Plum Fairy in the annual showcase of The Nutcracker at Belov Dance Academy. She’s also a senior at Hawkins High, most of the girls at the Academy are. I didn’t talk to her or anyone much, my shyness getting the best of me. I always had Nancy until she quit last year. Mom says I need to “put myself out there more” and make new friends at the Academy. The proposition sounded like a death sentence. 

I sigh in relief, revealing a small smile. “It’s okay.” 

“I just wanted to say, you did so well in your routine. I think Madame Petrovna made a great choice picking you to be lead.” 

The audition process for lead was grueling and downright nasty. The girls at the Academy were extremely competitive and I didn’t have a competitive bone in my body, choosing to have fun and enjoy the experience. It didn’t mean I wanted the part less than the other girls. Deep down, I really wanted it and practiced every day after school until the auditions with help from Nancy, Barbara and Mom on technique and presentation. The voice at the back of my mind constantly nit-picked my skills. Taunting me with cruel words and insecure thoughts. You’re too short. You’re not good enough. You can’t dance. You will never be like Mei Wong or Sophie Miller. If it weren’t for Nancy, I would’ve made up an excuse to not audition. 

Two weeks later in the front room of the Academy, I held my head high as I walked to the bulletin board and saw my name across Lead Marzipan. 

“Thank you,” I say. “It means a lot coming from you.” 

“Don’t thank me, you deserve it. Have you ever thought about Juilliard?” 

Juilliard? Last month, Madame Petrovna announced that Mei Wong applied for Juilliard. That was huge for us small-towners. Unheard of even. Juilliard was Emerald City to us at Belov Dance Academy. A place where hopes and dreams can come true. 

I shake my head, toying with my pendant. “No.” 

“I think you should. I can definitely see you going there.” 

I blink unable to comprehend what I heard. Mei Wong is by far the best dancer at the Academy and she was telling me she can see me at Juilliard. The Mecca of all things art. The magical place far from home. Mei looks at me, concern etching her features and I realize I’m staring at her. 

“R-Really?” I stutter.

 “Of course!” 

 “Oh, wow.” I answer, sounding breathless in my ears. 

Mei nods her head in response and I sense the conversation is over. The silence is awkward and a wave of acid wells up in my stomach. I have so much to ask her, but the words are caught under the lump in my throat.  

“I’m gonna get ready with Ben. I’ll talk to you later?” 

I nod cursing violently in my head for being so…awkward. When Mei was far enough, I groan plopping myself down on the floor. Stretching my legs in a straddle split, I watch the girls in Waltz of the Flowers. I don’t pay attention because the acid in my stomach turned into butterflies. Juilliard. I never thought about the school until last month and now Mei thinks I should consider auditioning.

              You know dad won’t let you go. 

I lay down on my stomach resting my chin on the back of my hands. The butterflies in my stomach harden to knots. Juilliard is in New York. Dad wouldn’t even let me see Prince in Indianapolis. The closer to Hawkins, the better. Dad didn’t appreciate change. He was at peace in Hawkins and its simplicity. If he found out his baby girl wanted a life outside of Hawkins…I’m sure it’ll break his heart and I couldn’t stomach the possibility. The look on his face. 

I shake my head, pushing down the thought. I just started sophomore year and had more than enough time to think about college. Especially Juilliard. 

CHAPTER 1: THE VANISHING OF WILL BYERS

[alianarepasa]

Little Toy Prince: Chapter Prologue

Summary: After bringing in a wooden Christmas toy Nutcracker, which for some reason, looks like his ex-rival, SMG3 woke up from a noise in the upper floor of his cafe. Little did he know, he will be experiencing the classic Christmas story, without any knowledge of its story.

Tags: Inspired by Barbie in the Nutcracker, Nutcracker Story

Note: Thanks to Olive/lullabycreations for being my proof-reader for the Prologue and Chapter 1, even if they have no knowledge on SMG4

“HUH?! WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU NEVER HEARD ABOUT THE NUTCRACKER?! IT’S ONE OF THE CLASSIC CHRISTMAS STORY SMG3!” said in shocked expression by a dude in a blue sweater with white overall, to his purple sweater with black overall doppelganger ex-rival now friend, SMG3.

SMG3 groans. “SMG4, almost 2 years ago, you said to your friends that I didn’t celebrate Christmas with anyone in my entire life. How in the hell are you shocked that I didn't hear that story before?” He said with an irritated look.

SMG3 never really celebrated Christmas in his whole life during his time as a villain. Yea sure, he knows what the holiday is all about due to seeing a lot of ads, and kept hearing those Christmas songs everywhere, but he never cared and/or had time to celebrate it for all those years. But ever since SMG4 invited him to celebrate it with his friends, he at least had a good time with it. Even if his first Christmas from 2021 causes him too much trouble for being destructive in the Blooperville, while his last year's second Christmas was almost destroyed, while also being saved with the help of everyone in that Christmas dinner by his and SMG4’s avatar, Mario, by accidentally hurting Melony’s axolotl, it is at least a fun time. 

However, he never really has interested, to look up at some Christmas related content, especially those Christmas stories, like “A Christmas Carol”, “The Little Match Girl”, “The Polar Express” or any of those kinds of story, with of course what SMG4 mentioned to SMG3, “The Nutcracker”.

SMG4 then concernedly explained, but not a very loud kind of response to SMG3’s question. “Well, I know that you DON’T celebrate Christmas in the past, but I always thought that you may have heard about the Nutcracker, or any kind of Christmas stories!” “Well surprise! I may know what Christmas is, but it does not mean I know what kind of Christmas story that I read, heard, or heck! Seen before!” SMG3 responds back in a harsh tone, but not in an insulting kind of harsh.

“Even the Barbie version?!” SMG4 exclaimed, questioning SMG3, which caused him to feel even more annoyed at the blue idiot. 

“Yes. Even the Barbie version.” SMG3 then sighed annoyingly. “Look, I don’t know what your obsession is with this kind of question from you right now, but if you keep asking me about these things, I would literally gonna shove a bag of sugar cookies through your mouth!” SMG3 said it as if it was a threat to SMG4, in which it wasn’t.

“Aww man, you literally never celebrated Christmas at all! You may as well get visited soon by the Ghost of Christmas Past, Present, and Future if you keep that up~~!” SMG4 teased

“Is that a Christmas story that I will never get a reference from?” SMG3 said in a displeased look

“It is.” SMG4 answered in a smug look. SMG3 responded to him with even more annoyed, yet tired groans, SMG4 chuckled at the reaction of his ex-rival. But then, SMG4 has an idea.

“Oh I know! What if tomorrow’s Christmas Eve Dinner, we should watch Barbie in the Nutcracker with the others!” SMG4 exclaimed

“Are you for real?” SMG3 rebuked.

“Yes, I am for real here!” SMG4 responded excitedly. “This will be fun! Hell, it may as well be your first time getting an exposure to that Christmas story! Yea sure, I could’ve picked a better movie adaption of the Nutcracker, than the one that I suggested, but honestly, I just think watching the Barbie version is more fun to watch!” SMG4 excitedly explained it even more to SMG3

“So… will this be fine enough for you to get into the Christmas story spirit?” He insisted at SMG3.

“Yea, yea, sure! Whatever! I’m only agreeing with this because it’s the only way that will make you stop questioning me about my past choices on not being interested in Christmas shit” SMG3 accepted the offer, annoyingly enough.

“Then that settles it then! I will try and tell everyone if they’re up for it as well. I may also start setting things up for tomorrow. Wanna help out on this one 3?” He asked, which SMG3 just gave him a thumbs up with an annoyed look. SMG4 then smiled. “Alrighty then! Just gonna get some essential stuff for tomorrow’s Christmas Movie Night!”

“Can you set up some rugs in the main lobby?” SMG4 requested. “Sure.” SMG3 responded.

After a few hours of setting things up, the Meme Guardians were finally done with it. SMG4 then explained that he’s going to tell everyone about the Christmas Movie night, and other than that, he let SMG3 go home as there is nothing else he can do now. They said their goodbyes, and SMG3 left the castle. As he is going back into his cafe shop, he is already feeling… conflicted. On one hand, he regrets accepting the offer. I mean, Christmas Movie Night is not a bad idea, but him, SMG4, and the others watching a Barbie movie adaptation of a Christmas classic story about a girl and her nutcracker? That’s just an embarrassment! Knowing that Mario and Bob will be disgusted by it. But on the other hand, if he is being honest to himself here, he wouldn’t even mind watching an animated movie that is adapted by a girl’s doll, even if not everyone joined, he wouldn’t even mind just watching it with SMG4, he just doesn’t want to admit it.

When he’s going through his own thoughts, it gets instantly cut-off. As he was about to reach his cafe, he noticed the box in front of the cafe’s door.

[lauralot89]

The scenes in question:

Swan Lake

Frankenstein

Giselle

The Nutcracker

The Blue Snake

Coppélia

Petrushka

The Rite of Spring

La Valse

The Cage

[alwayswriting101]

The Nutcracker (Fanfic)

Hi everyone,

I've been working on a Flora/Helia Christmas/Ballet AU for a while...and even though it's nowhere close to being done I just wanted some thoughts on my prologue chapter to see if this is something people are even interested in or.... not. So here it is! Please provide any thoughts or opinions below. And to give some context this fic is loosely based on Barbies "The Nutcracker" (iconic, I know). Thanks! (And if anyone is willing to beta-read any of my future fics it would be much appreciated)

Ethereal string music projected from the orchestral pit, floating into the rest of the music hall as the prima ballerina danced in perfect time. She was a fairy, floating on the harmonies as her body delicately spun, stretched, and leaped into the air.

The ballerina performed for the hundreds in the audience before her, yet little did she know there was another admirer behind the scenes, watching her every move with bated breath. 

The music began to swell as the trumpets and the woodwinds flourished with the string instruments and choir, so young Flora peered from behind the wings of the stage, very obviously neglecting her duties, to view her favorite part of the performance. The ballerina lept and glided across the stage as Cinderella, somehow looking as delicate as she was powerful—and Flora, selfish as she was, imagined herself on that stage in Cinderella’s place, soaring. It’s all she’s ever wanted,  to dance until her lungs burned, until her legs were numb, but her heart and mind ascending above any amount of pain. She would dance before the world, dance until she died of happiness, and then continue to dance before The Lord and all of His angels, until she was commanded to stop. 

It’s all she’s ever wanted. 

The prince has now joined Cinderella on stage, their partnership enhancing the performance as they skillfully danced together. Flora held her breath as the prince carefully lifted Cinderella above his head, but they together showed no hesitation. It was as if Cinderella belonged there, lifted and admired above the prince’s heart. 

The prince gently placed Cinderella back on the ground, to which she then continued to perform a series of twirls to the offstage wings as the prince began to perform his solo…which was right towards Flora. 

…uh oh. 

Flora quickly rushed deeper into the wing, grabbing her small broom and dustpan, busying herself with sweeping nonexistent dust off the floor, and the ballerina rushed to the wings. The ballerina practically collapsed onto the floor, breathing in gulps of air as if it were water and she was dying of thirst. For a moment, she didn’t even notice the little stowaway hiding in plain sight. 

“Hello,” the ballerina called, “My name is Isla, what’s your name?”

Flora shirked back a couple of steps, “My name is Flora, madam.”

“Flora,” Isla giggled, “And what are you doing here, little Flora, are you lost?”

“No madam,” Flora whispered, “I’m supposed to be cleaning…”

“Cleaning?” Isla raised an eyebrow and looked around the wing, which had been spotlessly cleaned by the adult maids not even two hours ago, “It looks pretty clean to me.”

Flora, hung her head in shame. “I am supposed to be cleaning in the back, with the other girls, but I wanted to see the ballet!” 

Isla couldn’t help the laugh that erupted from her mouth, which became even heartier as Flora blushed heavily. “Well, I can’t blame you…the costumes are really pretty aren’t they?”

“They are so pretty, you look like a princess!” Flora bounced on the balls of her feet as she looked up to Isla, “but I also really like the dancing! I want to be just like you when I grow up!”

“Really,” Flora swore Isla’s eye twinkled like the stars from above. “Well Flora, then here’s something to jump-start your career.” Flora held her breath as Isla slowly reached around her neck, pulling off a silver necklace with a small silver nutcracker on the chain. It glistened as the stage lights reflected off it before Isla placed it on Flora’s neck. “This is my lucky charm…with this necklace, all your dreams will come true.”

“Really?”

Isla never answered, for her cue to return to the stage had arrived. Flora stared from the sidelines as Isla performed a perfect arabesque, and joined her partner on stage. 

Flora looked down at her new necklace. It felt cool against her neck.

(DONE)

So I'm thinking of going for a magical fairytale vibe, where the narrator speaks in these dramatic, overly detailed sentences...but I'm not sure if it's good! 🥲. Please advise.

[princesssarisa]

Sleeping Beauty Spring: "The Sleeping Beauty" (1889 ballet by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky)

Of the three ballets composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, The Nutcracker might be the most famous, and Swan Lake might be the most original, but The Sleeping Beauty is often considered the crown jewel of them all. A mainstay of ballet companies throughout the world, it serves as a grand showcase for classical choreography, for luxuriant sets and costumes, and of course for sweet, sumptuously romantic music. Its popularity has influenced retellings of the fairy tale far beyond the world of dance: for example, this ballet marks the first use of the name "Aurora" for the enchanted princess, but it would be far from the last version to give her that name. And excerpts from Tchaikovsky's score, particularly the famous Garland Waltz performed near the beginning of Act I, have become a musical mainstay in other Sleeping Beauty adaptations.

The ballet's scenario is mostly faithful to the familiar story, but with a few embellishments to provide showcases for dance, and only a few varying details between different productions. It's officially based on Charles Perrault's version of the tale, but it follows the Brothers Grimm version in cutting Perrault's second half, and in letting the King and Queen join their daughter in sleep and survive to the end. A prologue depicts the christening of the newborn Princess Aurora, attended by six good fairies led by the Lilac Fairy, who softens the evil fairy Carabosse's curse from death to sleep. After this, Act I consists of Aurora's sixteenth (or twentieth) birthday celebration, during which she dances the famous and difficult Rose Adagio with four suitors. The festivities are cut cruelly short, however, when Carabosse arrives in disguise as an old peasant woman and gives Aurora a drop spindle as a "gift" (or hides it in a bouquet of roses), causing her to prick her finger and collapse before the horrified eyes of the whole court. But the Lilac Fairy reappears to console the King and Queen and to put everyone to sleep along with Aurora.

Act II begins a hundred years later, when Prince Désiré (or Prince Florimund) is shown a dancing vision of Aurora by the Lilac Fairy, who then leads him to the castle and thwarts a last feeble attempt by Carabosse to stop him from kissing the princess. Finally, much like The Nutcracker's final act in the Land of Sweets, Act III leaves the plot behind and consists only of a royal wedding divertissement. The guests include an array of characters from other French fairy tales, who each dance in turn: Puss in Boots and the White Cat, Princess Florine and the Bluebird, Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf, Cinderella and her Prince, and Hop o'My Thumb, his six brothers, and the Ogre. (In performance, the Cinderella and Hop o'My Thumb dances are often cut.)

The demanding role of Princess Aurora is considered one of the ultimate showcases for a ballerina's art. But she's not the ballet's only plum role, as Prince Désiré/Florimund, the Lilac Fairy, Princess Florine, the Bluebird, and other roles also shine. Meanwhile, in some productions, Carabosse is a grotesque character role danced by a man, while in others she's a more glamorous figure danced by a woman, but either way, she's a flamboyant, scene-stealing villainess. Besides dance, most productions are also vehicles for glittering, flower-decked scenery and rich, colorful costumes, with an atmosphere of luxury that suits the world of fairy tale royalty. Most productions set the prologue and Act I in the 17th century Louis XIV era, and Acts II and III in the 18th century.

To some lovers of Perrault and the Grimms, this ballet might be too pretty and twee, without delving into the story's potential emotional depth or darker side. Some might also find it too long: at nearly three hours when performed uncut, it's the longest of Tchaikovsky's ballets. But no one can deny its appeal to lovers of classical dance, or the elegant, atmospheric beauty of Tchaikovsky's score.

Both as an adaptation of the classic fairy tale and as a mainstay of the standard ballet repertoire, Tchaikovsky's The Sleeping Beauty most definitely looms large. Every subsequent retelling of the story arguably stands in its glittering shadow.

@ariel-seagull-wings, @thealmightyemprex, @faintingheroine, @reds-revenge, @thatscarletflycatcher, @comma-after-dearest, @the-blue-fairie, @paexgo-rosa, @autistic-prince-cinderella

[stop-pressing-e]

The Lost Swan - Chapter 15

Prev chapter | New chapter Prologue

/The aftermath of their little reunion while they licked their wounds. Enjoy reading!/

Dr. Rowland remained silent since Clara told him what happened during her mission with Caraboose before his ‘untimely’ death by her hands. She was frightened after the incident, her hands, still covered with dried blood, were shaking, while her fingers fiddled with her goggles, and her knee was bouncing. Waiting for him to say anything regarding the outcome after losing a man. She couldn’t control her emotions well enough that she was allowing fat heavy tears to roll down her cheeks, her mask absorbing them and creating large wet patches on her face.

“I’m sorry for failing you, sir.” She sniffled. “If he…If he didn’t try to confuse me, Caraboose would have still been alive.” She pressed her hands over her eyes to stop crying. “No, I should have killed him rather than fighting him. Then he will still be alive right now.” It was hard to stop crying until soft shushing usher her to calm down and Dr. Rowland drying her tears with his sleeves. Clara took a moment to examine his expressions. So calm and patient as if Caraboose’s death didn’t phase him.

“It’s not your fault, my dear Clara.” He assured her sweetly. His hands smoothing her hair back, knocking the hood back, and pulling her mask down to smooth his thumbs over her cheeks to dry away any tears left. “The Nutcracker was pressuring you. Forcing you to fight him. He knew what he was doing to get our friend killed.”

“And I still failed you, sir.”

“No, no, you were not ready.” Once again he reassured her while he helped her up. “But don’t worry.” He gave her a smile to calm her anxiety down. A smile that looked cold and she doesn’t know why. “When he gets here, you’ll be ready to kill him and no one can stop our plans.” When he kissed her she simply stayed still but accepted it. No matter how many times he has kissed her and returned it, it’s always awkward and strange. In her head she was thinking of someone else's lips that felt right and could make her heart flutter every time. She cannot say she was thinking of the enemy’s lips she preferred to kiss instead. He will not like that.

Dr. Rowland kissed her once more and then on the forehead. “Come, let’s get you fixed up and then you can go clean up. Sugar Plum will clean your clothes. You will need to look your best for the grand finale.” Long and thin fingers wrapped around Clara’s hand and tugged it to get her to walk with him towards one of the rooms down the dark seafoam green hall.

Her hands were laced together over her stomach after he injected a relaxant into her arm, she let out a soft sigh as he prepared another syringe. The metronome was wind up and once more he kissed her forehead. “I love you, dear Clara.” “...I love you too, Alexei…” Saying those words to him was also stranger than receiving it. She thought of the Nutcracker’s words said to her when she had his knife at his throat. His words were real and sincere that had made her heart skip a beat. And someone inside her head to break free from her slumber.

It was those last words she thought of before they erased from her head. The Nutcracker disappeared from her thoughts. That person inside her head has gone back to sleep.

                                                       — — —

Krauser stared blankly at the note Dullahan had given him, his thumb being the only thing moving over the paper. All that was left on the note was two numbers and what possible could be her final message on it. It said ‘HAWTHORNE TRINITY’. The words mean nothing to him. Only her orders occupied his head.

‘Kill me.’

It was a stupid idea he thought, thumbing the paper again. Killing her and his mission would practically mean nothing after all those weeks of searching for her. The chance for the future she was planning to make and what Nikki has told him will become empty words and broken promises. The life he has slowly created with her will be gone like the snap of the fingers. Killing her would practically mean killing what humanity was left inside of him. All of those years he did whatever he was asked to do and became and he did it. He became a good soldier for his country, a mercenary who found no meaning to return to civilization, traumatised in the end by what they’ve decided to do after all he has done for them, a monster on the path of revenge.

And now?

He was a man in love. A monster in love with a weapon.

Looking back in his memories he wondered once again how it all happened to be where he is now. It all started with one job, both of them were given by two separate people. Rather than it ending with bloodshed and violence, there was an alliance between them. For the sake of doing their own job and a good payday. Neither of them gave each other their names that day knowing he won’t see her or that wicked purple grin on her visor. And yet he did a couple of months later, then a week later, it was starting to become a pattern for them when encountering each other on their own missions whether it was in the same building or surrounding area. The more he had encountered her in his path, the more he had become enamoured with her. From the way she kept her poise especially when she was threatened, how she fought with elegance, and the intelligence she displayed from the trick questions he gave her to test how smart she was to handle situations out of sheer curiosity.

Beauty was not in his book as what she possessed was enough. Besides, he views himself as an average man with one too many scars on his face. The kind that could scare people at first glance, but not her when she met him. He swore he almost chuckled when he remembered she called him ‘handsome’ at the start of their interaction while they were pointing their weapons at each other. When he did see her face after he learned her name, it was alluring to look at, a bonus he’ll take since she has scars of her own on her face too. 

Spain was the final thing he was thinking about. It was the last place he would expect to encounter Dullahan while on the job and where he injected himself with the dominant plaga species to gain the power he desired. Such little time on that island but so much has happened between them; practically their first fight with each other, the first time they had sex together, and an actual moment to talk that was unrelated to their job. Krauser thought about the hour where he accepted his death at the hands of Leon and he easily welcomed death. If only death didn’t take so long to claim him, he wouldn’t be waking up in an unfamiliar abandoned location all patched up but still partially mutated. He had no clue how he got off the island and how he was still alive but he recalled a note by his side that told him it would be a shame to let him die and that he owes her a favour. That favour happened to be dinner with her as their first date the next time he saw her again.

How those five years have changed them so much for each other.

The trip down memory lane tore his attention away for the sound of the front door opening and then a hard slam. Nikki entered the small living room dishevelled, her clothes torn and bloody, a few bloody cuts on her face, and she was clutching her arm. Hazel eyes scanned the room and then Krauser’s sulking body language.

“Where is Dull?” She asked him, still looking around for the other woman. “Is she resting?” She was making her way to the bedroom and Krauser grabbed her arm to stop her.

Her answer was a shake of his head and a heavy sigh. “The Rat did it. He managed to make her forget who she is, who I am. She calls herself Clara.” Nikki gave out a small groan. He nodded his head towards her appearance. “What happened to you?” “Met Drosselmeyer, or better yet, Ronald.” Nikki let out a hiss from undoing the makeshift bloody bandage and examined her wound properly. “Had a massive confrontation with him. Killed him and got this.”

Krauser’s eyes narrowed. “Ronald?” “I knew him back at R.A.S.” She explained. “He was not from my squad but I hung out with him in the cafeteria and trained with him and his buddies. Of all people, he was working for Dr. Rowland and became whatever he had become.” Nikki continued to curse underneath her breath, mostly in her native language, making her way to where she kept the medkit and plopped herself back on the couch. Krauser stood up from his chair, setting the code down, and made his way to the couch. He examined Nikki’s wound and took out the contents needed to clean her wound.

“You don’t have-”

“Quiet.” Krauser commanded softly but firmly and she shut up, allowing him to clean the blood off and examine the wound better. “Teeth?”

“Yeah. Nearly tried to take a chunk off me.” Nikki refrained herself from making a cry when he angled her arm to get a clearer look. “A deep bite too.” 

“How did you kill him?” He asked, dabbing the hydrogen peroxide on the wound surface and squeezing her arm when she tried to jerk her arm back from the pain. “Stay still. Continue.” Nikki gave a grunt to stifle down her pain. “Bullets to the side of his head and his chest. It wasn’t enough. I grabbed a fire axe and split his head open. Twice because the first time the axe got stuck, so, had to stomp it down.” Krauser continued to stay silent and she continued. “Wasn’t easy because he was bigger than me, but clearly wasn’t like you. Finally when I got the axe out.” She swiped her fingers across her neck. He knew the answer.

“You beheaded him.”

“It was a bit off, but hey, he’s dead for good… I learned the best from Dullahan.” As Nikki smiled a bit by her accomplishment, she glanced at her arm all bandaged up in no time. “Wow, that was fast…Thanks…” All she got from him was a rough grunt and soon an empty space by her side to return back to the table. She didn’t need to ask about what goes on in his head currently. Slowly she got up, flexing her arm, and approached the table too.

“How bad was she?” Nikki asked that kind of question to him. “Tell me as much as you can back there.” 

He told her everything without leaving a single detail. He described Dullahan's new personality as Clara, her brief return of her actual self before reverting back to the Clara persona, and especially how she snapped after he triggered her with his confession before she killed Caraboose brutally. “She…” Krauser trailed off for a moment and soon gave out a heavy sigh. “She told me to kill her if she can’t be saved.”

Nikki gave out a sigh too, running her hands over her face. “Oh Christ, Dull. It would mean it’s that severe for whatever Dr. Rowland did to her.” She shook her head and stood up. “No, that won’t happen and I know you won’t do it. There has to be a way to reverse it and…Fuck, there’s the matter of how exactly without breaking her completely.” Her hands combed through her hair, ignoring the screaming pain of her arm. “Ok, ok, I got information on my end when I followed Drosselmeyer and took whatever he stole after killing him. Do you have anything on your end?”

“Not this time. Took whatever bastard was carrying on him since he was outside most of the time. I don’t know what Dullahan was doing inside since I don’t know which floor she was on.”

“Alright, alright. I’ll make do with it.” Nikki said and glanced at the note. She picked it up and examined the code. “Hawthorne Trinity…? This sounds…familiar…” Krauser narrowed one eye in her direction. “How so?” “I don’t know. I’ll look into it tomorrow.” She set the paper down. Exhaustion was kicking in hard for her and her adrenaline was long gone once she stepped foot into the safe house. “I need to sleep. Today has been…You should get some rest too, Major.”

“No.” He quickly said. “You go rest. I won’t.” His tone made it clear to send a direct message to Nikki in case she tried to urge him to do so for the sake of his body. Her eyebrows knitted together and curled her mouth, holding that expression until it relaxed, accepting defeat. “Goodnight Major.” She chose to say instead and headed to the bathroom to clean up. 

As for him, he decided to drive down to the nearest bar, to forget about the request Dullahan had given him, pretending it was a nightmare he was waking up from. 

[falcontheartist]

Soooooooooooo, felt like drawing him… with some puffs… Congratulations Hans, have fun with a bunch of sentient cotton balls disguised as snowballs

[Hans belongs to: @kaleidraws]

I wonder how Hans is gonna handle this?

[xxvalkyriesxx]

The Joker and the Queen

Every year, the city of Velaris hosts a week long festival, the Carnival of Stars. It's the biggest event of the year, people from everywhere travel to Night Court County to partake in the special events. Every year, the festival ends on the Winter Solstice, with a performance by the Velaris Ballet Company. And every year they perform the holiday classic, The Nutcracker. However this year, the director of the company has decided to shift gears. This year, the ending performance will be, The Lady and the Fool. A show that follows a royal lady falling in love with a court jester, despite what society says. The director wants to bring a whole new experience to the show. And the twist is that the fool will not be played by a fellow dancer. So instead, they decide to cast a local Winter Solstice tree farmer. What could go wrong? OR Nesta Archeron is the principle ballerina of the Velaris Ballet Company, playing the lead role of The Lady and the Fool, with her counter part, Cassian Pine.

Prologue // Chapter One // Chapter Two // Chapter Three // Chapter Four

Hello!!! It is me @emeriethevalkyriegirl 🩷 Your Secret Santa 🩷

Throughout the last few months I've been putting together a story for you centering around Nessian and how they fall in love in this modern day au. I've been gathering details of your answers and lacing them through my prose to bring your gift to life 🩷

The Lady and the Fool is a real ballet that I found when researching the foundation for this fic. From what I understood, it seems to be a very unknown performance, with the small amount of information I've found from it. I'll be following the plot, but I will be taking some creative liberties here and there ;D

The story isn't quite finish, but we're almost there! But throughout the week, I'll be posting chapters as you see how these two idiots come together to bring a performance of a life time.

I hope you enjoy this story 🩷 Happy Holidays

My gift for @emeriethevalkyriegirl for the @acotargiftexchange

[sebleemart]

Faery Dance Webcomic

LINK-> https://tapas.io/series/Faery-Danc/info

The first few pages from the webcomic’s launch in July 2020.

w/o dialogue so you’d have to go to read it lol

Am drawing lineless for the prologue in the meantime. It’s back to inking when chapter 1 hits! (oh boy) ☕️

[firebird963]

I’ll probably make another post about this but I wanted to make this now just encase I forget.

I’m trying to apply the philosophy “fail often” to my personal work more and I want to be less shy about sharing my WIP’s (especially for larger projects.)

So I’m looking for people (especially mutuals but I’m not gonna ignore you if your not a mutual) to look at some of the early chapters of my current project and give me feedback while it’s still in a state I can comfortably and easily edit the work.

I’d like PMs or comments on this post if you’re interested, I don’t really wanna bug people about this or beg lol