#or the orpheus i have in another tab

[flygefisk]

🍌‼️

🍌a dragon + their theme song:

maybe a bit too obvious again, given that persephone is pretty heavily inspired by hadestown but! i love this show everyone go watch and/or listen to hadestown

[mumms-the-word]

A Faerûnian Masterlist

I write mostly SFW fluff, angst, and adventure fic. Below you'll find plenty of cute moments, witty banters, angsty arguments, action scenes, and the occasional slightly NSFW hint that fades to black. Most of my writing can be found under the tag my fic.

Contents:

⭐️Popular One Shots⭐️

✨Tav/Durge Masterlists✨

🔮Gale Fic Masterlist🔮

🔍Deep Dives Links🔎

📚Masterlists for Multi-Chapter Fics📚

Click here to read all my works on AO3

Enjoy!

✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧

⭐️Popular One-Shots⭐️

The top three things that have been Doing the Notes the most

Choosing to Live - Gale x You/Reader in which Gale struggles with the complicated emotional fallout of not obeying Mystra's command to self-destruct in Moonrise Towers (AO3 link) Ascension, Return - Gale x You/Reader where you're witness to Gale's ascension to godhood before he leaves to give the Crown of Karsus to Mystra...and you're a little scared he won't come back. (AO3) A Final Death - Gale x gn!Tav where Gale has ascended and has returned to his chronically ill lover in order to ascend them, only to realize that they have died while he was exploring godhood. He departs for the Fugue Plane to find their soul and offer them divinity once more. (AO3)

✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧

✨Tav/Durge Fic Masterlists✨

🎻 meridan “dani” zavrai ✶ mephistopheles tiefling ✶ college of lore bard ✶ entertainer ✶ chaotic good ✶ romanced gale ✶ fic master list ✶ ao3 ✶ tags: dani, meridan zavrai

🏹 ardynn harrow ✶ half wood elf ✶ beastmaster ranger ✶ outlander ✶ neutral good ✶ romanced halsin ✶ fic masterlist ✶ ao3 ✶ tags: ardynn, ardynn harrow

⚔️ freyr ✶ human ✶ eldritch knight fighter ✶ the haunted one ✶ chaotic evil > true neutral ✶ romanced minthara ✶ fic masterlist ✶ ao3 ✶ tags: freyr

✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧

🔮Gale Fics Masterlist🔮

Masterlist of the various Gale x You/Reader or Gale x gn!Tav oneshots that I wrote whenever the urge struck me (ao3 link to the series)

✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧

🔍Deep Dives🔎

Long posts that sparked my hyperfixation and had me red-string-theory connecting lore dots until I landed on a narrative that made sense in my head

tags to other metas: bg3 meta, bg3 lore, bg3 discourse, deep dive

Gale and Mystra (and Mystra, and Mystra...) - Meta post that dives into Forgotten Realms lore to discuss Mystra's multiple lives/deaths, how Gale fits into the timeline, when Mystra visited Gale, etc Shadow Curse Events series - Meta posts that dive into Ketheric's descent into Sharran zealotry, his war against the Harpers and Druids, and the first 40 days of the shadow curse. Illithid Souls series - Meta posts that dive into the D&D lore about illithids and souls before turning to look at how the game uses/changes that lore by examining Tab/Durge, Orpheus, Karlach, and Gale after they become mind flayers. When was Gale Chosen? - Another timeline combing Faerûn lore with Gale's timeline, along with a poll where a couple hundred people voted on Gale's age when he was Chosen. (not a deep dive, but could be helpful)

✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧

📚Ongoing Multichapter Fics📚

A Macabre Masquerade Masterlist

Plot: One year after defeating the Netherbrain and saving the city, Dani and Gale receive a mysterious invitation to a masquerade ball. The invitation specifically invites them to participate as the Heroes of Baldur's Gate. However, when they get there, they soon realize they aren't the only Heroes of Baldur's Gate that got invited.

✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧

In Fathoms Below Masterlist

Plot: The island city of Nautera disappeared over 4500 years ago, if it ever existed at all. Now not a single, legitimate record of Nautera exists, save for one. The Nauterran Account. Long thought lost, it has recently been retrieved from the depths of Candlekeep’s archives and placed into the capable hands of one Gale Dekarios. With the Nauterran Account in hand and an eclectic team of Baldurians and other allies mounting an official expedition, Gale journeys to find the ruins of Nautera…but hopes to find so much more.

✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧

[shurisneakers]

a writing challenge? in 2024? you bet

Hi! Hello! Hey!

I've been going through A Time and have chosen to cope by going back to the specific vibes of 2016 to 2018. That happens to include an incredible resurgence in my love for MCU fanfic, the community around it and all the love that goes into them. I've felt a bit distant from here for a while, but I still see so many of my old friends writing, ones who want to get back into it, and a whole lot of new writers I am dying to meet.

I've floated this idea vaguely on my blog and people seem to be interested so I figured it was worth a shot!

So yeah, welcome to Ari's Old School, Nostalgia Jam, Why-The-Hell-Not MCU Fic Writing Challenge 2024!

Prompts, rules and whatnot under the cut:

Requests:

If you could reblog this post to reach someone who might want to participate, I'd really appreciate it! No need to be following me, it's open for anyone.

Reader-inserts, OCs, solo character fics, character x character-- absolutely no limitations

Any and all MCU characters are allowed

Anything above 500 words should have a read-more/keep-reading tab. Series, multi-chapters, one-shots, drabbles, etc etc. The sky's the limit.

Please tag me in your fics (@shurisneakers) so I'm notified of them, and post them with the tag #arisoldschoolwritingchallenge . It may take me a while to get back to you due to the circumstances I find myself in currently, but I absolutely will. Please send me a DM if I haven't responded within 10 days.

Send me an ask with the prompt you would like. Feel free to pick up to 2 prompts

The only thing I request of you: no RPF and no dark fics. Smut is welcome, but non-con/dub-con/incest or anything along those veins is something I'd ask you not to submit for this challenge. Thank you for your understanding!

I know I've called it an MCU fic challenge as it's the community I've grown with, but if you feel like any of these prompts resonates with a character from another fandom, please go ahead and write it. This challenge really is just about the fun of writing fanfic and love for Your Little Guys

No submission cut-off date. Take all the time you need.

Prompts

I've tried to have a mix of classics and uncommon tropes/dynamics, so I hope everyone finds something they connect with!

Relationship Prompts

1. Enemies (taken by @theysaywhatasadsight)

2. Best friends/childhood friends

3. Coworkers (taken by @jaaneymann)

4. Internet friends

5. Neighbours/roommates (taken by @angrythingstarlight)

6. Fake dating (taken by @hungryforpowernotfood)

7. Commuters

Alternate Universe Prompts

1. Florist AU (taken by @hungryforpowernotfood)

2. Showmance AU (taken by @bombsonboard)

3. Social media/streaming/gaming AU (taken by @splintered-emotions)

4. Thieves/Heist Group AU

5. Time travel AU

6. Pirates AU

7. College AU (taken by @lovelybarnes)

8. Apocalypses/dystopia AU (taken by @targaryenvampireslayer)

9. Chef AU

10. Roadtrips AU

Some rarer miscellaneous ones for those who are so inclined!

1. Shipwrecked together on an island

2. Meet Ugly (opposite of Meet Cutes) (taken by @barnesandco

3. Both of you are ghosts but don't know the other is

4. Treasure hunters AU

5. Faking death

6. Professional cuddlers AU

7. Time loops/Groundhog Day (taken by @sxrensxngwrites)

8. Orpheus and Eurydice

9. Villain x hero

10. Hitchhiking

11. Carnival of Horrors

12. Robin Hood

13. Matchmakers AU

14. Insomniac x narcoleptic

15. Intergalactic Coffee Shop AU

16. Doomed By The Narrative

17. Enemies to Lovers to Enemies

18. Subversion of Classic Hallmark Movie Tropes

Dialogue prompts

You can tweak them as per requirements, but be sure to keep the underlying message!

Angst

1. "I should have trusted myself. I should have stayed far away from you." (taken by @waywardcrow)

2. "Has it occurred to you that how I feel matters too?" (taken by @jaaneymann)

3. "We failed. I would do it again."

4. "You do not deserve my forgiveness."

5. "You make me feel so alone." (taken by @reidishh)

6. "I'm not giving up on us." "I did. You should too." (taken by @targaryenvampireslayer)

Crack

1. "Ohhh, you wanna kiss me so bad it makes you look stupid." (taken by @pinkthick)

2. "I think you and I make the worst choices together." "Yeah, but it's always entertaining."

3. "I trusted you." "Terrible decision, really."

4. "I know I'm smiling but I want to push you off a very big cliff." (taken by @pepperonijem)

5. "I'm hilarious." "You're traumatised."

Fluff

1. "This is the only thing I look forward to everyday." (Taken by @bombsonboard)

2. "I think we should do that again. For the sake of the world and my sanity."

3. "You're all I think about." (taken by @waywardcrow)

4. "Don't go anywhere I can't follow." (taken by @iguess-theyre-mymess)

5. "Don't smile at me like that." "Like what?" "Like that." (Taken by @lovelybarnes)

Word Prompts:

Flesh

Strawberry

Bruised (taken by @juvenilearson)

Groovy

Jump

Sunflower (taken by @barnesandco)

Alchemist

Wayward

Offerings

Mischief (taken by @supraveng)

I hope you'll join in! Please do tag anyone you think would be interested, I'd love for this to have as wide an audience as possible.

Lots of love <3

-Ari

[idv-thespians]

Old friends reunited, walking and talking.

“Oh, so you’re friends with Inspector Adelaide? I didn’t know she came from the same university as us.”

“Yeah, small world, right?

The teacher and the professor walked from the former’s school, quietly wandering the neighbourhood. They came across a convenience store, as the two entered it.

“Welcome!” Miss Ellie’s voice perked up. This was the convenience store she worked at, but she seemed shocked to see her lonely neighbour with another person.

“Sorry, did my friend do something?”

“No, it’s just… rare to see him at this time of day, much less with a friend! He’s my neighbour, actually. He regularly buys from us.”

“So I’ve been told, I’m here on his recommendation, actually.” Luke smiled at the lady. “We were classmates in uni. Hmm… what would recommend?”

“Mr Ratio almost always gets the special bento set, but we sold out already…”

“No worries, they all look delicious.”

When Luke finally chose a lunchbox, another person came in. Mr Orpheus was silent, noticing Ellie still had customers. The look he gave her, it clearly said “We’ll talk once you’re done with these customers.”

Luke couldn’t help but notice his friend’s gaze: like stone, but harder. Though, was that really unusual?

“Thanks.” Luke spoke, rousing Ratio from his thoughts. Once the two left the shop, he turned to look at Ratio. “Hey, by the way, who’s he?”

“Pardon?”

“The man who walked into the shop. You seemed to recognise him.”

“Really? Can’t say that I did.” Ratio coughed a little. “Anyways, is there something you needed to tell me? Surely not just to reminisce over old times and get a lunch. Especially since you came all the way to my school.”

“Haha, sharp as always.” Luke sighed reluctantly. “Well, Adelaide told me to… request something of you. Something rather unpleasant...”

“What is it?”

“Well, the murder of your neighbour’s ex-husband is still under investigation, and your neighbour is a prime suspect. So, they want to keep tabs, observe her. However, there is a limit to what the police can do. So…”

“Wait, don’t tell me they want me to watch her for them?”

“Er, yeah, actually. Not 24/7 or anything outrageous like that, but just… keeping an eye next door, let them know if anything strange happens…

”So that’s why you came to talk to me?”

“Well, the police would probably make a more formal request soon… Personally, I don’t care what’s your answer— I think you should refuse them, even. Though, I wanted to do a favour for my friend.”

“Is that why you went to the convenience store too?”

“Well… yes, I wanted to see this suspect too. Though, she doesn’t look capable of killing.”

“Well, they say not to judge a book by its cover.”

“Understandable. So, do you have an answer for the… spying, request?”

“Well, I’d rather not get involved in it. Too troublesome for my liking.”

The two were walking over a bridge, the bridge that was over the riverbank the corpse was found. They could see the homeless people from where they stood.

“This murder happened on the tenth… Adelaide said you were home early, yeah?”

“Mhm. I didn’t have anything scheduled that night. Got back around 7? I think so, at least.

“After which, you locked yourself in your room and started battling with math problems, I assume?” Luke smiled a little, just like old times, huh?

“Yeah, something like that.”

“Any other hobbies to blow off steam?”

“Hobbies? Nah, maths is about all I care about, really.”

“Not even a drive to cool down?”

“No, and even if I wanted to, I don’t own a car.”

“You have a driver’s license, no? You’re an awfully busy man for someone who found the time to go to driving school.”

“What, are you trying to find out if I could drive a car?”

“No, nothing like that.”

“Well, I took driving classes when I realised I wasn’t going to get a university job, might be helpful finding other jobs.”

“Well, I better get going, and you should rest too.”

“Just apologise to Miss Adelaide for me, that I can’t help her.”

“No worries.”

[themarionette-theporcelaindoll]

tagged by the lovely @rabbithearted , luv u!

currently reading: what dreams may come by richard matheson. it is also a re-read. i don't think at the time i first read it i appreciated it as much as i am appreciating it now, I have various sticky notes and tabs in the book right now

last song: Eurydice by Vincent Lima, listening to my nohobal playlist as background noise </3 the song just came out this year and there is another song by the same artist titled 'Orpheus'

currently watching: i am currently on my 3rd barry rewatch (it won't be the last i promise) this time in spanish! there are some translation choices that make me a little mad, like in season 2 when hank talks to barry in lululemon instead of saying "mi familia me matare" (my family will kill me) hank says "mi familia te matara" (my family will kill you) and that just?? no! hank reacts the way he reacts because his safety was in jeopardy! on the plus i got to hear cristobal call hank 'mi amor'

fic i’m currently reading: none TuT but i AM writing something that no one will know about when i post it

next on my watchlist: gotham! yes because i wanna see anthony carrigan's victor zsasz and im trying to get into more dc stuff

current obsession: god have you read the above?? barry, it's still barry and writing fics for hank and cristobal

tag, you're it! @akita-kira @bowties-and-klisses @steph-luvs-klaine @luvcall @ninjysworld and any of you lovely people that want to share!

[daisies-on-a-cup]

you all should know a majority of my tabs are my “mutual tabs”, and what I mean by that is that whenever a mutual mentions something they liked and i want to know more about, i open a tab on my phone to look at it later. ive kept open a tab of albert camus’ the myth of sisyphus bc a mutual said it was their favorite essay for over a year now. another mutual talked about the terror once and i have the wiki character list open. a mutual once learned the word vivipary and i thought it was so fascinating that i just have the google definition open. i have a tab about cinnamon, about an alternative story about orpheus and eurydice, the latest mads mikkeksen film, and a sci-fi movie only my mutual and it’s mom have watched. i have at least 11 dedicated tabs to finding out more about my mutuals interests and it’s how i show love <3

[whorphydice]

give me headcanons please (modern or canon i don’t care)

I was supposed to publish these yesterday for Easter! but!

 canon-ey stuff

(Spring Equinox centered)

-After the events of Hadestown, Hades spends the first few days of Spring up top with Persephone every year. It’s part of them mending their marriage- he sees her world and the way people adore her. It also helps to make him less of a villain in the eyes of the mortals. 

-One of the purposes of Persephone’s first night of spring parties is so she can take tabs on everyone. To see if Orpheus is sleeping enough, to see if Eurydice is eating enough, etc. She uses this first night to gauge where everyone is and where she needs to focus her attention the next six months 

-Demeter gives Persephone a to-do list the first day of every spring. It includes everything for the whole summer and spring seasons.

-Orpheus tries to write a new song for the first day of spring every year to celebrate persephone coming home

-Persephone and Demeter spent the whole year after Hadestown teaching people how to can and preserve vegetables and fruits through the winter, in the case of another bad winter. She also tried to teach people who to make wine but according to her mother ‘thats not a priority’

Modern AU stuff:-Persephone’s birthday is on the spring equinox. She never made a big deal of her birthday but her mother always did and Hades ESPECIALLY does. They always have a big party around the equinox for her birthday growing up.

-Really they combine “easter” traditions with the spring equinox that Demeter insists on celebrating. Egg hunts are part of Persephone's birthday usually, because the dates fall close.

-So on Melody’s first Easter, Persephone had a rule. Pink Eggs were Junie’s, Purple were Melody’s (She was like 8 months old). Junie’s had candy, etc in hers. In the purple eggs Orpheus and Eurydice were forced to find were just condoms. “For easter she’s getting the gift of being an only child” I almost wrote this into a fic but wrote traumatizing Orpheus instead

-Hades and Demeter argue over who gets to make dinner.

[cordoniantrash]

Once Upon Another Time: Chapter Seven

AU: In another time where the brothers Beaumont did not reach Cassandra in time, the waitress turned lady went back to New York to rebuild her old life. After finding an unexpected souvenir, she set off and joined her long lost family. Four years later, a newly divorced King of Cordonia arrives in New York in hopes of reuniting with his beloved. Instead of Cassandra, all he found was a postcard with the word Edgewater written on the back

Catch up here: Prologue, Chapter One, Chapter Two, Chapter Three, Chapter Four, Chapter Five, Chapter 6

Plus a masterlist if you guys are interested.

Hey guys! November turned out to be really busy but here’s chapter 7! It ended but being extra long but heeyy, I missed like two weeks worth of updates.

This chapter was brought to you by @thequeennefertipi and Daniel Henney’s clavicle.  

Spelling and grammatical errors are mine. 

Disclaimer: I don’t own the characters, Pixleberry has that privilege. Title for both the series and the chapter titles, plus the epigraphs are from Sara Bareilles’ discography.  

Pairings: Liam x MC

Warning: swearing, really long post

Words: 9970 

Chapter Seven: Orpheus

Don't stop trying to find me here amidst the chaos

Though I know it's blinding there's a way out

Say out loud, we will not give up on love now

 Time is relative. She had heard those words in secluded library nooks, whispered over piles of textbooks; had written it in some of her academic papers. She accepted it with a vague idea of what it was and with the expectation that it probably won’t happen to her.

Except that it did.

It happened to her one night four years ago.

It was happening to her again.

For a brief moment, she wondered if she was dreaming. That all her musings and daydreams had manifested into hallucinations. That her mind had somehow conjured him up. This only happens in my dreams. He opened his mouth and called her name. 

If this is a dream, please don’t let it end.

“Cassandra?” he asked once more, his voice a beloved memory. She stood rooted on the spot. He took a cautious step forward. And another. Until he was standing close. Mechanically, she pinched herself. It hurt.

That means this is real.

Her heart was beating hard on her chest. Every beat seemed to say a word. A name. 

“Liam,” she whispered. She drank the sight of him. He was both familiar and new and she was a wanderer who had only just found an oasis. Liam looked at her like she might disappear. Their eyes met once more. Cassie couldn’t look away. She didn’t want to. Her knees felt weak. Her thoughts kept looping around the same words.

Liam.                                                     

Here.

You’re here.

They stood there, trapped in their own bubble, both of them reluctant to move. Reluctant to break the spell. Afraid to let go.

“Mommy?” another beloved voice cut through their little bubble. They both turned towards the sound. At the sight of his father, Lucas, still in his pyjamas and clutching a half-eaten cookie, let out a gasp then launched himself forward, quickly reaching Liam’s legs and latching on. 

“Dad! You came!”

----

Lucas pulled him towards what looked like a sitting room. He could barely keep up with the child, his eyes often straying to Cassandra. 

Four years, and you still take my breath away. 

Sensing his eyes on her, she looked up from staring at Lucas. Liam did not forget the way she startled when Lucas called him Dad. His eyes caught the way she tensed, the bewilderment and panic that entered her wide eyes. Liam suddenly felt awkward.

Is she mad? What if she doesn’t want me here? Perhaps she never intended for me and Lucas to meet. He felt a pang in his chest. Did she find someone else? Am I intruding? In all his daydreams, he never even entertained the idea that she had moved on. Found someone else. And why shouldn’t she? I let others choose my fate. I basically abandoned her and our child. She has every right to feel that way. 

“… Dad!” Lucas’ exclamation put an abrupt end to his spiralling thoughts. Out of the corner of his eye, Liam saw her startle again. Is that really so surprising? So bad?

“I’m sorry, darling. I did not catch that.” Liam said as he ran his hand through Lucas’ hair. A few hours ago, I thought I’d never get to do this again. I’m glad to be wrong in this case. Stealing another glance at Cassandra, Liam prayed he was also wrong in another case. 

Lucas tugged on his hand and Liam lost his train of thought. He silently berated himself and focused on his son.

“D’you wanna colour with me, Dad? We can go see the fishes too!”

“Baby, I think,” Cassandra piped up, glancing at him before turning her attention to their son (a part of him still rejoices at that thought). “Yo — Liam might be tired from all that travelling.”

Liam straightened and caught Cassandra’s eye. Well, tried to. She kept avoiding his gaze.

“It’s quite all right,” he said, keeping his voice pleasant. “I’d love to spend some time with him.” And you, he added in his mind, “but I should pay my respects to the lady of the house first.”

“Oh… um—Auntie’s not here,” Cassandra said, fiddling with her hands. If Liam noticed that it held no rings, he kept it to himself. Along with the sudden rush of relief that flooded his veins. 

“She’s gone to London for some social event,” she continued. “It’s just me and Lucas right now.”

“I see…” he trailed off, words abandoning him. What was he supposed to say? He can’t just fall to his knees and beg for her forgiveness, not with the way she kept avoiding his gaze. Liam swallowed. Think, damn it!

A beat of silence passed. Liam could hear the grandfather clock ticking away. He glanced at Lucas. The child tilted his head, taking turns to look at him and at Cassandra, seemingly sensing the atmosphere in the room. 

“… so, no fishes?” he asked tentatively. Liam and Cassandra spoke at the same time. 

“Baby—“

“Darling—“

Their eyes snapped towards each other. Liam cleared his throat. Get it together, man!

“You go first,” he said, bowing slightly. For a moment, he spied a ghost of a smile on Cassandra’s face before she nodded and spoke to Lucas.

“Maybe we should look at fishes next time?” she said glancing at him. He rushed to reassure her.

“Oh, it’s really no problem. Although I do have to return to the city in a few hours,” he saw Cassandra’s shoulders fall. Is she relieved? Disappointed? His heart sank. When did I become so bad at reading her? 

“You-you’re not staying?” she asked, looking at a spot behind him. Liam resisted the urge to turn around. He rubbed his neck with his free hand.

“I booked a hotel in London… I—it’s bad enough to show up here unannounced. I wouldn’t want to intrude.”

A furrow formed between Cassandra’s eyebrows. “So, you’re not staying?”

Liam’s heart skipped a beat. “Do… do you want me to stay?”

“Yes, please!” Lucas piped up from between them. They shared a glance before laughing. Liam tried not to cringe at how awkward they sounded.

“Seems like Lucas has decided then,” Cassandra said through a strained smile. It was Liam’s turn to look away from her. In other circumstances, he might have laughed at their strange dance, but he was too anxious to notice or care. 

“It really is no trouble,” Liam said. “I wouldn’t want to inconvenience you.”

Lucas pouted. 

“But Daaaaad!” he whined, tugging on Liam’s hand. 

“We don’t mind,” Cassandra suddenly added. “Really. And I’m sure you and Lucas need to catch up.” She shrugged. Liam felt hope flicker into life in his chest. 

“Oh…” Liam trailed off. “Well, if it’s no trouble… and you can certainly tell me if it is, then I’ll stay.”

There was something he couldn’t name in her eyes, as she heard those words. Before he could ponder on what it was exactly, Lucas had let out a cheer and both of their focus shifted towards the boy. Their boy. 

“Well then,” Cassandra said, a smile tugging on her lips. “Welcome to Edgewater, Your Majesty.” 

----

As she leaned over the kitchen counter, Cassandra tried to affect an air of nonchalance. After a while, she gave up. The number of times she glanced at Liam ruined the intended effect. Get a grip, girl! It’s just the father of your child! The fact that he looks so good out of his usual suit is irrelevant. Not that he didn’t look good in a suit per se, she had just rarely seen him wearing casual clothes. Cassandra quickly snatched an empty glass, filled it with juice, and drank it in one go. Why am I running commentary on his clothes? Focus, Cassie!

Lucas was seated on the breakfast table, happily chattering away with Liam as his attentive audience. The breakfast that Cassie had made for her son was seemingly forgotten in front of them. Cassie tried not to feel jealous. The butterflies in her stomach did not help. It’s Liam! Be cool. 

She took a deep breath. Is he mad? He’s gotta be right? Who wouldn’t? She snuck another glance at him. 

He was already looking at her. 

Cassie quickly turned around and busied herself by assembling her own breakfast, her face hot. Shit! Shit! Shit! Abort mission! For god’s sake, be cool! Another thought occurred to her. Oh, fuck. I have to sit next to him. Does he still use the same cologne? She mentally shook her head.  This is not the time! 

Cassie felt that she had chugged coffee instead of orange juice. She felt jittery, as though she was ready to jump at a moment’s notice. 

“Do you need some help with that, Cassandra?” his voice cut through her thoughts.

“Hmm? Oh—uh, I was just about done, actually.” She turned to find him half-way out of his seat. “Oh, don’t get up on my account! I’ll be right there!”

God. Even I can hear how fake that sounded. Cassie cringed. Be cool girl!

“Mommy?” Lucas called out. 

“Yeah, baby?” Cassie answered as she sat on her chair, intensely aware of Liam’s proximity. 

“Can I have more cookies?”

Cassie left out a small sigh. Here we go…

“Baby, you’ve already had one. Remember?”

Lucas pouted, a tantrum in the works, “No…”

Cassie took a deep breath, fortifying herself for what looked like another debate session with Lucas when Liam cleared his throat.

“How about we explore the gardens, after you finish your breakfast, darling?” he looked at her, an apologetic glint in his eye. “That is—if that’s all right?”

“Yeah!” Lucas cheered. “Let’s go explore, Mommy!”

Cassandra blinked. Did those princely lessons involve a course on toddler wrangling? 

“Uh—‘course not.”

Liam smiled, a touch of relief colouring his next words. “That’s wonderful to hear,” he swallowed and added, “Would you like to come along?”

Huh. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say he’s nervous. The thought sent another jolt of jittery energy through her limbs. 

“Oh,” she fiddled with her fingers. “I—I don’t mind.”

Cassie was suddenly hit by the full force of two identical smiles. Oooh, boy. I’m in trouble.

-

Later, after a tour of the gardens spent mostly sneaking glances at each other (like fucking teenagers. Cassie wanted to shake herself), they found themselves back in the kitchens, this time for lunch. 

The awkwardness that was held at bay when they were outside descended like a blanket over them. Their lunch had already been cooked. Cassie had lost her excuse to not look at Liam. 

She glanced at him as he was helping Lucas to his chair. Not for the first time, she wondered if what she was seeing that instant was her only preview into what life with Liam could have been, had things turned out differently. 

If she hadn’t run away. 

If he hadn’t married someone else. 

For a moment she imagined a world where there was no scandal, no unseen forces that drove them apart. A world where they could have been free. A family. 

There was a lump in her throat. Cassie quickly turned away from the scene. There was no use fantasising. No use conjuring made-up scenarios in her mind. Cassie was no fool. She knew this idle won’t last. There will be questions asked, explanations demanded and perhaps, Cassie suppressed a shudder (of delight or fright she can’t quite decide yet), requests to be made. 

I can get through this, she mentally chanted to herself. It’s just a day. You’re halfway there! And then… and then what? Liam already knows, and Lucas is already attached. The morning had been more than Cassie had ever dreamed of. After this, what’s going to happen now? Will Liam want custody of Lucas? Will Liam hate her for what she’s done? Will she and Liam go back to the way things were four years ago? Could they?

“Mommy?” Lucas’ voice piped up from behind her. Cassie took a deep breath, steeling herself. Just one day at a time, yeah?

Later…

The early afternoon sun streamed through the windows. It was an hour after lunch and Lucas had fallen asleep while they were colouring. After half a day spent awkwardly around each other, Liam and Cassandra were currently enjoying a comfortable silence. Cassie wondered how long it would last, already dreading the inevitable conversation at the end of this interlude.

Liam lay Lucas gently on the bed. Once he straightened up, she pulled her son’s blanket to his shoulder and gave him his usual kiss on the forehead. Cassie felt his eyes on her. She slowly stood back and looked around for a bit.

Both of them tiptoed out of the room, silence between them. Without their son (she might as well say it) acting as a buffer, Cassie became intimately aware of how close Liam was. And, with Lucas’ constant chatter gone, she felt the weight of all of Liam’s unspoken questions. As if on some unspoken agreement, both of them knew that this was the time to start asking those questions.

Cassie took smaller steps just to delay the conversation for a few more seconds. Her trepidation, which she had managed to mostly keep in check, came full force. She was filled with nervous energy, despite the feeling that her limbs had grown limp. 

They stayed silent as they stepped into the hallway. Cassie tried to banish the thought that her room was just steps away. 

“So—“ 

“Well—“

They both stopped. Cassie could feel her face grow hot. Liam rubbed the back of his neck with one hand, the other going to his pocket. 

“You go first,” they both blurted out at the same time. Another bout of embarrassed silence followed. Liam gestured for her to speak first. Cassie took a deep breath. 

“I—uh. I should apologise for what happened earlier.” She spoke haltingly, as though she was composing her thoughts as she spoke. Liam tilted his head, eyebrows scrunched in confusion. For a moment Cassie stared. Lucas does the same thing, she thought suddenly dazed. She quickly looked down to avoid his eyes.

“Forgive me, but for what exactly?” Liam asked. Cassie bit her lip and looked up again. She pretended not to notice how his eyes zeroed in on what she was doing. She spoke again.

“Lucas assumed much, calling you Dad.” 

Liam swallowed. Cassie couldn’t help but follow the bob of his Adam’s apple. She cast her eyes to the carpeted floor, silently berating herself. 

“Oh… I don’t mind, really. I asked him to call me that.” At Liam’s words, Cassie’s eyes shot up to meet his. 

Oh shit.

----

Edgewater, night time

Liam pocketed his phone with a sigh. He was standing outside the manor, having just finished a phone call with Hana. 

Drake finally showed up and immediately attacked Maxwell. He pinched the bridge of his nose. I leave for one day and this happens. 

“Is there a problem?” her voice rang out into the night. Liam turned. Standing by the door, bathed in the warm light from the inside, was Cassandra. Liam’s breath caught in his throat. It wasn’t the first time that happened that day. After an afternoon spent in tense and awkward silence, her voice was a welcome sound. He’d seen the panic in her eyes and had stayed silent through most of it. Both of them only beginning to talk again once Lucas finished his nap.  

“Liam?” Cassandra asked, hesitant. For a moment, he debated not telling her. But they’re her friends too…

Liam sighed but spoke up. “Drake and Maxwell got into a fight.” Liam could make out Cassandra’s confused expression. He took a step forward and another until he’s facing her, his side pressed on the door frame as he leaned on it. 

“What the hell happened?” 

“I’m afraid it’s a rather long story. We might have to sit down for this.”

They ended up in the sitting room that Lucas had led him to earlier in that morning. Someone had lit the fireplace, lending a cosy feeling to the large room. It was there that Liam told Cassandra of what Hana had told him mere minutes ago: how Bertrand had unknowingly sent off a pregnant and heartbroken Savannah, Maxwell’s well-meaning but ultimately disastrous part, Drake’s rage and the chaos that erupted when all the pieces came together. When Liam finished the tale, both of them were cradling drinks in their hands. 

Silence once again fell over the pair. Liam watched as Cassandra stared into the fire, lost in thought. 

“Does… does this mean you’ll be flying back to Cordonia?” she said, still staring at the fire.

Liam shook his head. “Ah, not necessarily. Hana assured me that she and Kiara are on the case.”

Cassandra nodded. Liam was fascinated at how the fire cast a warm glow on her face. Her eyes look so dark in this lighting, not quite like the golden hue they’d take in the sunlight. As though sensing his stare, she glanced at him, expression not unlike Lady Clara. They are family, Liam thought, a little surprised at the confirmation. Up until then, the concept seemed abstract to him; not quite real. Liam had a hard time reconciling the image of Cassie, always so direct and sincere to that of the Countess of Edgewater, who was wiliness incarnate. Not for the first time that day, Liam wondered when he stopped being able to read Cassandra. Liam looked away, glancing around the well-appointed room. Any other time and he might have eagerly asked about the history of the manor. But not tonight. There was an unspoken question that had been bubbling between them since their reunion earlier. He felt her eyes on him. A beat passed. Cassandra sighed. 

“Aren’t you gonna ask?”

Liam glanced at her, “That depends on whether you’re ready to answer.” He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “Please believe me when I say that I don’t want to force you into anything.”

She watched him, her face unreadable, “even if it won’t answer whatever question you have?”

With his heart beating hard, Liam nodded. Cassandra drained her drink in one gulp then placed it on the side table near them. 

“Right then,” she said as she leaned back in her chair. “Ask away.”

Where to start? Liam wondered. Under Cassandra’s gaze, Liam’s thoughts became jumbled. He had many questions, but he feared that the time they’ll have tonight will be short. 

“Is Lucas my son?” he settled on the question that had been in his mind a few days ago. Liam’s very being says yes, but his mind still seeks confirmation. Actual proof. 

Cassandra tilted her head and raised an eyebrow. “Liam, he looks just like you. I’d thought you’d know the answer by now. Didn’t you ask him to call you dad?”

Liam felt his ears burn. He still nodded. “I did. But—but I wanted to hear it from you.” And to beg for your forgiveness. I shouldn’t have let you go.

Cassandra’s jaw tensed. She looked down, seeming to collect herself. When she looked back up, her eyes were guarded. Liam felt something heavy sink in his stomach. 

“He is.” She said, Liam opened his mouth to speak, relief and joy mingling in his veins but she continued, “Did you just come here to confirm that?”

Her words snatched the air from his lungs. For several beats, Liam gaped at her. His mind had gone blank. 

“Well?”

“Of course not,” he managed to choke out. “I’ve been searching for you for years, Cassie.” the nickname slipped out of his mouth without thought. All-day he had been careful not to use that lest she be offended. After all, it suggested familiarity. The bond they shared years ago contained in a single word. 

“Right.” She said, cynicism colouring her voice. “And you managed to find me right when you met someone who could be your heir.”

“I—what?” he gasped, incredulous. 

“You heard me.”

Liam sputtered. Cassandra looked on, guarded expression thawing at the speed of a glacier. 

“Cassandra—I swear to you, I did not come here for that.”

Her eyebrows furrowed. Then her face fell.

“Are you suing for custody then?”

“What?” Liam asked, aghast. “No! I’ll never separate you and Lucas.”

Uncertainty flickered in her dark eyes. Liam was on the edge of his seat. Now or never.

“Cassandra, I would never dream of hurting you any further,” he began. “I’ve been searching for you for years to ask for your forgiveness. What my father did was despicable. The worst part of it was that not only were you harassed and humiliated, but I also abandoned you when you had gotten pregnant with Lucas.”

It was Cassandra’s turn to gape at him. Liam paused, waiting for her to answer. A few beats passed, and it never came. Liam had then decided to throw caution to the wind. He slowly knelt down in front of Cassandra. Her eyes widened. 

“Liam — “he noticed that her hands had gripped the upholstery on her chair. Heart pounding, he took a deep breath and forged ahead. 

“I could not tell you how much I regretted not running after you that night. I know I’m asking for too much and you have every right to be angry with me. Say the word, and I’ll never trouble you or—or Lucas again. I—“his voice cracked. “I thought I was protecting you, shielding you from the conspiracy that violated you. I thought it was safer not to contact you during the engagement tour. But when I got to Manhattan, you were already gone.” 

Liam’s eyes never wavered from her face. “I’ve made many mistakes all these years. I should have fought harder for you. I should have gone after you the moment you left for New York. Not going to you since the beginning and missing all these years with Lucas will always be my greatest regrets. Please, Cassandra. Cassie, let me make amends. I can’t take back the last four years, but I’ll try my damnest to make up for it. If you’ll let me.”

Liam was breathing heavily when he finished. He felt lighter somehow, the words he had been holding inside for years finally set free. The fire crackled. Liam did not dare move from his spot. A minute passed. Cassandra’s guarded expression had thawed. Now, her eyebrows were furrowed. A beat passed, the grandfather clock ticking echoed through the room. 

“You-you’re not mad?” Cassandra asked, her voice hushed. Liam’s eyebrows rose.

“Why would I be mad at you?” he asked, surprise making him forget his nerves for a little while. 

“I—I kept Lucas secret from you!”

“But that was my fault,” Liam said, the tumbling, chaotic mess of emotions inside him quickly turning into surprise. “If anything, you should be mad at me…”

“But I caused a scandal! I—I denied you four years of our son’s life!” Cassandra said, incredulous. 

“You were framed Cassie,” Liam said, the nickname rolling off his tongue easier now. Cassandra blinked. 

“All this time I thought you were mad at me. I thought you’d believed the photos. I – I thought you hated me.”

Liam carefully took her hand. Cassandra did not object, although he heard her sharp intake of breath. When she did not say anything, he kissed her hand with all the tenderness he could muster. 

“I don’t think I could ever be that mad at you. I was a fool, but not enough to lose faith in you. I’ve never doubted you, Cassie. I was the one who failed you. Both of you.”

When he looked up, Cassandra’s eyes were shining with tears. Alarmed, Liam straightened up and began apologising. Before he could get a word out, however, Cassie had sprung out of her chair and all but tackled him. There was a beat before his mind registered what was happening. Cassandra was hugging him. He wrapped his arms around her, his eyes beginning to dampen as well. Cassie sobbed. Liam hugged her tighter. The flicker of hope inside his chest burned bright. 

I missed you. I’ll do my best to be worthy of you now. Of both of you. 

After a while, their tears had stopped. But Cassie did not move from his arms. He did not let go of her either.

They stayed fixed on that position until the fire burned low. 

-

Later, when they had both straightened up and collected themselves, Cassandra turned to him, her eyes still red from crying and said, “It’s not your fault, you know. Seems like we both messed up. But what happened to me wasn’t your fault.”

Liam was still sceptical, but at that moment (and all his moments forward) he’ll do what she asked. And so he nodded. Cassandra searched his eyes, somehow sensing that he still did not believe that. She found one of his hands and gave it a squeeze but she did not press her point. 

After a beat of silence, she cleared her throat and spoke. 

“I—uh, never asked where you’d stay.” They were comfortably seated on the carpet in front of the relit fire. 

“I, ah, booked a hotel earlier. In London.”

“Right. You, ah, mentioned that earlier,” she fidgeted with her hands, eyes fixed on the flames. “So… You’ll be staying then?”

If you’ll have me, Liam thought. As though realising what she just said, she added:

“In London, I mean.”

“Um, yes.”

“For how long?”

As long as you want me to, Liam answered in his mind.

“… A while at least.”

There was a long pause. 

“You know… you can just stay here. Actually sleep here, I mean. W—Lucas would appreciate it, I’m sure.”

Liam’s heart jumped in his chest. A smile tugged his lips.

“If that’s not too much trouble?” he murmured. Cassandra shook her head, a hint of red in her cheeks. 

“Not at all.”

“Then, who am I to refuse?”

She glanced at him, a sparkle of something in her eyes.

“Well?”

Liam resisted the urge to kiss her. He settled on her hand instead. Her lips parted slightly.

“I’ll be honoured.” 

----

Edgewater, the next day

The gardens look particularly lovely this morning, Clara mused as her chauffer rode into the manor’s driveway. As she stepped out of the car, she spied Briar hurriedly making her way towards where Clara was standing. Her expression was carefully blank. 

What is it now? Clara thought, trepidation rising. 

“Has something happened?” she asked as Briar came to a stop in front of her. Briar hesitated but shook her head. 

“Nothing drastic,” she said. Clara’s jaw unclenched. “Although, I thought I should warn you before you step inside. The King of Cordonia arrived here yesterday morning.”

Clara’s eyebrows shot up. “Did he now?” At Briar’s nod, she continued, “and how did dear Cassie take his sudden appearance?”

“She was surprisingly composed through it all. Although,�� Briar lowered her voice, “they did spend a rather long time inside the private sitting room last night.”

Clara blinked. Well, that was rather fast…

“And you think they—“

Briar shrugged, mischief sparkling in her eyes even as she kept her face blank. “The staff hasn’t found anything amiss when they came in to clean.”

“Well,” Clara chuckled as they began walking toward the manor, “I wouldn’t be opposed to more grandchildren.”

“But what about their situation?”

Clara pursed her lips, “I expect – no, I’ll demand, if need be – that he’ll treat them right. Goodness knows that Cassie’s been through enough. And little Lucas deserves the world.”

Briar nodded. “Are we going to do anything about this?”

“That depends on what they’ll do about it, Briar,” Clara paused. “That reminds me, is His Majesty coming in today? Cassie is more than a competent Lady of the House, but she’s not one for ceremony.”

Briar smirked. “Oh, I must have forgotten to mention it. His Majesty stayed the night.”

----

Liam felt a weight settle on the side of the bed. Groggy, he opened his eyes slowly. His vision was flooded with light. Memories of the night before flooded his mind. Lucas and his infectious laugh, his enthusiasm that Liam is certain he inherited from Cassie… and Cassandra herself. Four years and Liam was still amazed by her. The way the flames had played on her featured was seared into his mind. Before his still foggy brain had caught up, a pair of tiny hands had yanked on his duvet.

“Dad! You’re here! Wake up!” his son’s beloved voice cut through the fog still in his head. 

“Lucas, it’s too early. Let him sleep.” another beloved voice said. Liam raised his head and saw Cassie leaning on the door frame. Their eyes met and Liam’s heart beat faster. He smiled at her and she returned a hesitant smile of her own. The early morning sunshine that streamed through the window seemed to make their little corner of the world softer. A bit dreamlike. Liam wanted to pinch himself to confirm that this was real. I’m really here. With them! 

He sat up, the collar of his too-big shirt slipping to his shoulder in the process. It was subtle, but he saw Cassie’s eyes zero in on his clavicle. Her cheeks reddened and Liam couldn’t resist a smirk.

“It’s nothing you haven’t seen before,” he teased, testing the waters between them. 

“Seen what?” Lucas asked, his face scrunched up in confusion.

“Nothing!” Cassie blurted out. Lucas shrugged, then turned to Liam. 

“Do you like pancakes, Dad?”

Liam let out a soft laugh. Across the room, Cassie smiled, more at ease than yesterday. Liam felt as though his entire world brightened at the sight. 

“I do like pancakes, I admit,” Liam said, as he hands his hand through Lucas’ hair. His son brightened. 

“We got pancakes! Don’t we, Mommy?” Lucas exclaimed as he bounced on the bed. 

“We do, baby.”

“Let’s go get pancakes! Dad, c’mon!” 

“There’s a robe in the closet if you want to wear one. I know Uncle’s clothes are a… bit bigger than what you’re used to.”

Liam shrugged. “I don’t mind. Besides, we’re just going on to the kitchens.”

“Right.” Cassie breathed out as she looked away, her cheeks still rather pink. 

As Lucas tugged on his hand to get him out of the bed, Liam spied a few maids hurrying along the hallway. Cassie followed his gaze. 

“What the hell?” he heard her mutter as she stared at their retreating backs. 

“Is there something wrong?” Liam asked as Lucas led him to the doorway, the four-year-old oblivious to what they just saw. Liam could hear Lucas’ excited chatter as he shared a questioning glance with Cassie.  

“… and then I’ll show you my Legos, and then we’ll colour, and then we’ll explore, and then…”

Cassie shook her head. “Why don’t you two go-ahead to the kitchen? I better see what’s this about.” 

“There’s no need, dear. I’ve just asked them to run an errand.” 

Both of them turned around. Standing at the landing of the stairs was the Countess of Edgewater herself. Liam saw how her eyes took in the scene. Her eyes first landed on Lucas, who was at that moment, still holding Liam’s hand, then it travelled to Cassie, then to Liam himself and the state of his clothes and the space, or lack of, between him and her grandniece. 

Liam suddenly felt younger. It was as though one of his tutors had caught him with his hand in the cookie jar (metaphorically speaking). He resisted the urge to rub the back of his neck. For a moment all four of them stood still as though they were rooted to the floor. Then the spell was broken and several things seemed to happen all at once. 

Lucas had let go of his hand and rushed towards the Countess, exclaiming “Grandma!” as he did so. 

Cassandra started and seemed to jump away from Liam before collecting herself and glancing at him, a hint of an apology in her eyes. She then walked rather slowly towards her grandaunt and planted a kiss on her offered cheek.  

Liam suddenly became rather conscious that the Countess had seen him wearing Charles’ sleeping clothes that Cassie had found the night before. If his tutors (or god forbid, his father) saw him at that moment, Liam would be quite certain that they’ll be pursing their lips in disappointment. Maybe even turning away in embarrassment. A king, after all, must appear poised and respectable at all times. 

Well, Liam thought, might as well make the best impression given the circumstances. Liam took a step forward, setting his shoulders as he did so and straightened his back. But before he could get a word in, the Countess, sank into a curtsy and spoke.

“Apologies for not being able to meet you as you arrived Your Majesty. Let me extend the welcome that my niece had offered you yesterday.” With that, she glanced at Cassie, a smirk on her lips. Cassie blushed and Liam, catching the drift of what the countess was assuming, felt his own face heat in response. Recalling all his training, he adopted a pleasant expression and cleared his throat. 

“And I would like to thank you and yours for such a warm welcome. My apologies as well for turning up unannounced.”

“Why’re you all speaking funny?” Lucas asked, frowning at the Countess and his mother. His question served as the knife that cut the tension between the adults. Cassie let out a laugh, Clara’s eyes crinkled as she smiled at Lucas and Liam’s shoulders relaxed somewhat. 

Liam noticed Cassie’s eyes flit between him and her aunt. She took a deep breath, fixed a smile that did not quite reach her eyes and quickly spoke up.

“Well! Now that that’s out of the way, who wants some breakfast?”

“Ooh! Me, Mommy! Me!” Lucas exclaimed as he bounced on the balls of his feet. He perked up and turned towards Liam. “Dad likes pancakes too! Right, Dad?”

Liam nodded and smiled, ears still burning in embarrassment. Cassie nodded and turned to her aunt. 

“Auntie? Have you had breakfast yet?”

“Oh yes, dear, but I would not say no to a cup of tea,” she glanced at Liam. “Although our guest might appreciate a change of clothes before we all head to the kitchen?”

Liam and Cassie both blushed. 

“Auntie—“

“That—“

“There might be some appropriate clothes in Charles’s old room…” Clara trailed off as both Liam and Cassandra spoke at the same time. She raised an eyebrow and Liam seized his chance and spoke up.

“A member of my staff is to bring my suitcase this morning, my lady. He’ll be here any minute now.”

Clara’s raised eyebrow rose even higher, but she nodded. Liam tried not to fidget under her stare. 

“Very well,” she put her hand on Cassie’s arm. “You three go ahead, dear. I’ll just freshen up.”

With another nod to her Liam, she walked past them. Once she was out of earshot, Liam heard Cassie left out a breath. 

“That was—“he began.

“I know,” she replied. She looked at the state of his clothing, a hint of pink still in her cheeks. She cleared her throat, “I could find you a better fitting shirt if you want.”

“If that’s not too much trouble?”

Cassie shook her head. “Nah. I don’t think we want a repeat of what just happened.”

“Yes.” Liam nodded quickly.

“Can you watch Lucas while I look for shirts though?” Cassie asked, hesitantly. Liam was floored. 

“I’d be honoured.”

Cassie’s eyes looked into his for a moment before she nodded with a hint of a smile. Liam’s attention shifted to Lucas, who was looking between his parents, much like he did when Liam first arrived. As Cassie went into another room, Lucas turned to him and asked:

“Are we gonna get pancakes, Dad?” his impatience shining through. 

Liam knelt to his son’s height and smiled. “We’ll get some in a little while.” 

Lucas nodded and leaned in to whisper, “can I get a cookie too?” 

Liam could not restrain his laughter. 

----

Breakfast had been an awkward affair. As she sipped her tea, Cassie sighed. Even Lucas’ cheerful chatter could not mask the tension between her aunt and Liam. There was a chasm between them, with her aunt on one side and her—well, Liam on the other side. 

Cassie was all too aware that she was caught in the middle, the cause of all this tension. Cassie tried her best to serve as a bridge between them. She’d like to take her aunt aside for a private conversation to let her know that she had nothing to worry about. Cassie and Liam had talked. Liam wasn’t and won’t take Lucas away. That’s what matters most to her right now. But Cassie can’t exactly leave Liam alone. ‘Cause I’m the one who welcomed and convinced him to stay here, she thought firmly to herself. The way he was making her feel was decidedly not up for discussion. Or the way he looked earlier… Cassie mentally shook her head. This was not the time for that. Not with her aunt watching them like a hawk.  

Speaking of…

“Well… I’m off for some well-deserved nap, before my secretary arrives,” her aunt stated as she stood up. Cassie lifted her head. Beside her sat Liam, still sipping his morning coffee. His expression had remained pleasant throughout their rather disastrous breakfast. Cassie knew that face. It was his mask, worn during social functions. Cassie felt something sink to her stomach. I’ll talk to him after this. She turned to her aunt.

“I could take care of it for you, Auntie.”

Aunt Clara waved away her offer. “It’s all right, dear,” her aunt turned to Liam. “Apologies for not being able to give you a tour of the estate, Liam. But I daresay Lucas here will give you a better tour.” She said, finishing her words with a smile directed at a still chewing Lucas. The four-year-old nodded viciously. He opened his mouth to answer but Cassie cleared her throat and he promptly closed his mouth. 

All three adults smiled. The mood lightened, the tension loosening for a bit. Cassie shot Liam an encouraging glance (for what exactly, she did not know). 

“There’s no need to apologise, my lady. The hospitality you and yours have shown me is more than enough.”

Clara smiled in response. With an elegant gesture, she swept out of the solarium. Cassie heard Liam let out a breath beside her. 

“That wasn’t so bad.”

Cassie snorted.

“You’ve barely said a word to each other, Liam.”

He nodded, a smile tugging on his lips. “Exactly. Things could have been worse.”

Cassie shook her head, beginning to smile herself. “Ever the optimist.”

Liam opened his mouth to retort, ready to banter and for a moment Cassie marvelled at the ease that they’ve managed to fall into. It was a far cry to the way they were yesterday. But before Liam could say more, Lucas interrupted their conversation with a familiar question.

“Can I have my cookie now?” he said as he bounced a little on his seat. Cassie snorted but stood up making her way towards the kitchen.

“Well, since you’ve been a good boy.”

She could hear Lucas’ giggle and the murmur of Liam’s voice before the door closed behind her. Better get one for him too… she thought with the beginnings of a smile on her lips.

It became a full-fledged grin when she returned to find them sitting on the floor of the solarium, Liam folding up a flower and talking to a fascinated Lucas, the remains of their breakfast still on the little table. 

My boys.

For the first time in a long while, Cassie felt light. So this is what contentment feels like. 

Thoughts of possible futures and concerned aunts fled her mind. Let me enjoy this, she thought to whatever higher being there is. Just once. Even for just for a little while.

----

“It’s good to see you again, Lady Cassandra.” 

Cassie nodded and smiled slightly. “You too Bastien. Will you be staying here too?”

For a moment, Bastien shot Liam a glance, an unspoken question in his eyes. Liam pursed his lips but nodded. He felt rather than saw Cassie’s eyes on him. He resisted a sigh. He caught Cassandra’s eye, and she subtly nodded, still able to read his cues after all these years. 

“I’ll tell Briar we’ll have another guest then,” Cassie said, beginning to turn back towards the doors of the manor.

“That won’t be necessary, my lady. I’d be more effective if I stay with the staff.” Bastien said politely. 

Liam opened his mouth to protest. Despite the wariness he still held, Bastien had been a constant source of support and protection to Liam even before he uncovered the conspiracy. Out of the corner of his eye, he glimpsed Cassie’s confused expression. Bastien shook his head before Liam or Cassie could protest. 

“Are you sure Bastien?” Liam asked, studying his head of security. Bastien met his eyes and nodded. 

“Right…” Cassie trailed off, uncertain. Liam could almost see her quickly looking between him and Bastien, “I’ll have Briar show you around then.” Her words rose to form a question. 

“Thank you, my lady. I’ll be sure to check with her.”

Cassie tilted her head and asked the question that had sprung to Liam’s mind.

“How d’you – “she paused, still confused before understanding came. “Right. The dinner.”

Oh, Liam thought. Of course. Bastien had met most of the Countess’ staff before the state dinner. 

“Yes, my lady,” Bastien nodded. He then stood in attention, waiting for possible additional orders. Liam and Cassandra shared a glance. 

“Right…” Cassie said once more. “Well… um, I’ll be with Lucas in the gardens.”

Liam turned his body toward her then inclined his head, “I’ll join you in a moment.”

Cassie nodded and with a small wave at Bastien, descended the steps and stepped on the path towards the gardens. Liam watched her go for a moment, the corner of his eyes lifting before he turned his attention to his head of security. Bastien spoke up as soon as Cassie turned the corner, finally out of sight. 

“I’ve also taken the liberty of bringing you the documents that need your approval and seal, sir.”

Liam cleared his throat. “Good thinking Bastien. Now, if you’ll hand that and my suitcase over—“

“She doesn’t know, does she?” Bastien interrupted. Liam sighed. He stepped down the stairs and took hold of his suitcase. “No.”

Bastien nodded, his face carefully neutral. “Then, I’ll be on stand-by should she ask me to leave the premises.”

“Bastien—“

“With your permission, of course.” 

Liam sighed once more. “Very well.”

With a precise bow and a neutral expression, Liam’s long-time bodyguard fell into a step behind him, as was protocol. Liam resisted the urge to pinch the bridge of his nose. I don’t even know if she wants to talk about the conspiracy…

-

Later, after he had showered and changed into more fitting clothes, Liam found Cassie by the edge of the lake, sitting on a picnic blanket, in the shelter of a cluster of trees, with a book in her hands. She closed her book once she saw him coming over. 

“Hey.”

“Hey,” he echoed and looked around. “This place is beautiful.”

He saw Cassie smile as she looked out into the lake. “Yeah. Very peaceful too. Did you know there was a time when Lucas wouldn’t take a nap unless he was out here? That’s how we started looking at the fish, really.”

Liam lips curved into an echo of a smile. “That must have been fun.”

Cassie’s eyes widened, she opened her mouth and let out a torrent of words. “I’m so sorry. That was insensitive of me. I didn’t mean to — I wasn’t – I’m so so sorry—“

Liam’s eyes widened, and he rushed to answer. “No! No, really, it’s fine,” he paused and tentatively took her hands. She let him. “I – I’d love to hear more, actually.”

Cassie peered at him from behind her reading glasses, eyes searching his. “I—okay… I think I still have some albums in the house. I could show you some if you’d like.”

Liam let out a breath. He smiled. “I’d be honoured.”

Cassie’s eyes grew wistful. “It’s the least I could do Liam.”

“Cassie—“

“Liam…”

Both looked at each other and cracked a smile. “We’re gonna have to work on that,” Cassie mused. 

Liam looked down, smiling sheepishly. “Heh. Of course, Cassie.” Liam looked around. “Speaking of… where is Lucas?”

Cassie leaned backwards, her arms serving as her support, “with his playgroup. They’ll be back by lunchtime, I think.”

Liam unconsciously checked his watch. We have another half-hour at most then… when he looked back up, Cassie was looking at him with amusement. Liam flushed.

“I—“

“I know,” she said softly, her dark hair left loose, filtered sunlight making some of the black strands shine brown. “It gets awfully silent when he’s not here.” She looked at him and the way he sat on the blanket.

“Liam?”

“Yes?”

“You can relax now y�� know.”

Liam let out a soft laugh but shifted and lay down the blanket without another word. There was a slight breeze. Faintly, he heard bird song among the branches of the tree. Liam closed his eyes for a moment.

“Liam?”

“Yes, Cassie?”

“What’s the deal with Bastien?” Liam opened his eyes. “I know something is going on Liam,” she fixed her dark eyes on him, “and if it has something to do with our son, then I’d like to know.”

Liam took a deep breath, stealing himself. “Last night, I mentioned my father and what he did to you…” Liam looked up and caught Cassie’s nod. He locked eyes with hers and continued, “When you left for New York, I asked the others to help with trying to clear your name. At first, we thought it was just a smear campaign. We ended up discovering a conspiracy…”

----

Later that night…

Clara watched with no small amount of interest as Cassandra came into the dining room with Liam at her side. Between them, holding their hands was Lucas. 

Like an actual family, she mused. She can’t help but smile a little. They deserve a chance at actual happiness. And if Liam is the one who can bring it to them, well... who was she to argue? Maybe Charles is right. This is just me trying to come into terms of having an empty nest once more. 

Clara’s gaze turned to the King of Cordonia. For all of his father’s numerous sins, it’s a wonder that this one turned out to be a good egg. Perhaps they will be in good hands. Liam had managed to defy Clara’s (admittedly low) expectations. Who knew that Charles’ insistence on that country ended up as a good thing?

Watching the little family, Clara felt a dawning sense of both happiness and melancholy. Her family was finally safe and happy, that’s true enough. And it was about time… but on the other hand, she was certain that the little family would want to move to Cordonia. Away from her and Edgewater. It was almost like losing her sister all over again. Clara mentally shook her head. Old age was turning her into a weeping sentimental mess, which will not do at all for the Countess of Edgewater. 

Taking a deep breath, she composed herself and stood up. After a few minutes spent observing the formalities, they settled into the first course of the night. For a little while, silence reigned. Even Lucas was silent, enthusiastically eating his food while the adults divided their attention between their dinner and at each other. Clara observed the way her niece and the king acted around each other. Cassandra ate her food and stared about the room, a pensive air about her. Liam, on the other hand, was alert but noticeably more at ease with her than that morning. The way they acted earlier made it seem like they actually been intimate with each other. Looking at the way these two look at each other, Clara can’t really rule it out. I really won’t say no to more grandchildren… as long as they have figured out their situation. 

“So…” Clara trailed off. Both Cassandra and Liam snapped their gazes towards hers. Clara tried to hide her amusement. She turned to Liam, “How have you been enjoying Edgewater, Your Majesty?”

Liam smiled, his eyes giving away nothing. “It is a wonderful estate, my lady. Truly a credit to you and yours.”

Clara affected a casual shrug, secretly pleased with the praise. “The garden as it is today was designed by one of our ancestors. We’ve done our best to maintain it since.”

“She was Auntie’s namesake,” Cassandra piped up, amusement replacing her previous expression. “One of the more famous ancestors of ours did some great work for the English crown back in the 19th century or something.”

Liam’s lips quirked into a smile as he shared a look with Cassie. “That’s quite fascinating, my lady.”

Clara smirked, “I suppose it is. I think her portrait is given a prominent place in the picture gallery. Cassandra here could give you a tour.” 

Her niece shot her a look that clearly said what are you doing? Clara just smiled and winked in return. 

Liam looked between her and her niece. His tone was slightly placating when he said, “As fascinating as that is, my lady… I wouldn’t want to intrude—“

“But there are ghosts there!” Lucas suddenly added. “Mommy knows how to fight them, Dad. She’ll hold your hand and they all disappear!”

Clara nodded sagely, trying to hold back her laughter. “I’m afraid Lucas is right. He’s the expert in things like those, aren’t you dear?”

“I am!” Lucas declared proudly. 

“I guess it wouldn’t hurt…” Cassie said through a blossoming smile. 

“Of course it wouldn’t!” Clara answered. She then smiled at Lucas. “You two can go on that tour after dinner while Lucas and I spend some time together.”

“Yes! Can we have hot chocolate, Grandma?”

“Of course, dear.”

Across the table, Cassandra and Liam were engaged in a whispered conversation. Clara allowed herself a melancholic smile before turning her attention to Lucas. 

I was right. It was only a matter of time. 

----

“… and here is Auntie’s namesake, ” Cassie said, gesturing towards a well-preserved painting of an elegant woman. 

Liam tilted his head, “She’s not quite what I was expecting.”

Cassie shrugged. “Her mother was from India, brought to London to be trained as an opera singer. She’s illegitimate, but some things happened and she ended up becoming the heir. Auntie really looks up to her.”

Liam shot her a questioning look, which she answered by saying, “She left behind a collection of journals. Some historians made a documentary about her a few years ago, I think.”

Liam smiled, amusement in his eyes, “It seems like your aunt is not the only one who admires her…”

Cassie can’t help but smile. “Well… she’s fascinating so…” she trailed off. 

“Much like her descendant.”

Cassie turned her head, trying to hide her growing smile. “I’ll tell Auntie you said that.”

She could hear the amusement in Liam’s voice when he replied, “I’m sure your aunt won’t object to me complimenting you.”

Cassie snorted. “I’m sure she’d love that.”

There was a pause. Cassie could feel her heart pounding in her chest. The moonlight streamed through the windows. She remembered her aunt’s gaze, the questions and the expectations that were lurking in her eyes. She thought of their conversation by the lake, of how it changed everything. Can’t just things settle down? Can’t I just enjoy this peace? Stay in this bubble and—then what? In a flash, she imagined several possible futures. All of them like dominos falling one after another. She suddenly felt caged. As though the room had become too stuffy. Cassandra suddenly felt the gazes of her distant ancestors bearing down on her. Generations of her family. Her history, her roots. A part of her, yes, but not the only ones. She turned to Liam.

“Let’s go.”

Despite his confusion, he let Cassie take his hand and drag him out into the little balcony at the end of the corridor. 

“That’s better,” she breathed out when they arrived outside.

“Cassie?” 

She turned to face him, their faces were closer than she had thought. “Sorry, I just—well… um—it felt stuffy in there and—“

Liam hesitated before placing his hands on both her arms. Gentle and secure at the same time. “Cassie, breathe.”

She took a deep breath, the cool night breeze a relief from the room they just vacated. 

“Yesterday and today was quite a lot.”

Liam let out a soft laugh, more like an exhale than a chuckle. “Yes, that’s true enough.”

“It’s been a lot, and I forgot to mention some things to you.”

Liam’s soothing expression morphed into confusion. Cassandra forged ahead before he could say anything. 

“And before something else comes up, I just want to say… I—I really missed you.”

Liam lifted his hands to cradle her face. He slowly leaned in and planted a soft kiss on her forehead. 

“I really missed you too,” he murmured into her temple. Cassie surged forward and wrapped her arms around him. She breathed him in and melted into his embrace. Liam murmured reassurances into her hair as one of his hands stroked her back. 

They stayed fixed in that position for a few heartbeats. Cassie sniffled and pulled away.

“God, I’m a mess.”

“No, Cassie…” Liam murmured, wiping her remaining tears off her face.

Cassandra gently shook her head. Words rushed out of her in a torrent. “I missed you so much and I made you miss so much of Lucas growing up and—“

“And I’m also at fault, Cassie.” Liam interrupted gently. Cassie looked up and almost drowned by the tenderness she saw in his eyes. “Καρδιά μου… I’ve missed you too. And it’s all right, we’ll figure this out together.”

Cassie smiled through her teary eyes. “Together.”

Their eyes met. Slowly… tenderly, they drew closer to each other. Their lips met and Cassie’s last thought was an astonished oh before all her thoughts focused on and became consumed by a single thought. By a single person. 

She had finally come home.

----

Four years ago

“Well… this is me,” Cassandra said as she and Liam stopped at her apartment complex. The two of them had been walking in comfortable silence ever since they got off the boat. It was as though they had silently agreed that any noise would shatter the delicate bubble they created. As though words would bring about their inevitable farewells.

To say that the night had been a whirlwind adventure would be an understatement. For a moment, she felt as though she had ended up in one of Daniel’s sappy romantic novels. Meeting a stranger who turned out to be a prince, midnight boat rides, and a kiss in front of Lady Liberty seemed more plausible in books than in real life. Not for the first time that night, Cassie resisted the urge to pinch herself. She was coaxed out of her thoughts by Liam’s voice.

“Thank you for your company, Cassandra. Tonight has been incredible…” he trailed off as their eyes met. Their eyes seemed to hold a conversation in silence. 

Cassandra did not break their stare as he drew closer. Her heart was beating so hard, she was surprised it wasn’t visible through her shirt. He was mesmerising her as he did in front of Lady Liberty. The kiss they shared on the boat flashed through her mind. 

I don’t want that to be our last kiss, she thought through the haze in her mind. 

If this is our last night, I don’t want it to end.

Please don’t let it end.

Her body moved before her mind could catch up. Cassie stood on her tiptoes and pressed her lips to his. Liam responded immediately, wrapping his arms around her (she’d swoon if she wasn’t so preoccupied) and returning her kiss. 

She did not know how long they stayed that way. Time was relevant anyway. After goodness knows how long, she reluctantly pulled away. Liam leaned his forehead against hers as he did before on the boat. They were both breathing hard. 

For a moment they just stood there, breathing each other in. Sharing each other’s warmth. This time, it was Liam who broke the silence.

“You’re full of surprises, aren’t you?”

Cassie huffed out a laugh, “I try.”

Liam leaned back to look her in the eye. One of his hands cradled her face. 

“I—I’m glad to have met you, Cassandra.” His smile could not mask the wistful look in his eyes. “And I can’t thank you enough for what you did for me. I’ll never forget tonight.”

Later, when she had finally gone to bed, lips still tingling, Cassie conceded that tonight couldn’t have been a story from one of Daniel’s novels. After all, the girl usually ends up with the guy in those stories while Cassie probably won’t see Liam again. 

Her heart sank at that thought.

----

The Challenger

Meanwhile, in Cordonia…

“It is confirmed, sir. King Liam boarded a flight to the United Kingdom yesterday morning.”

“And the palace?”

“It seemed that he left it in the Duchess’s care and with the two other ladies. They won’t be much of a threat.”

“Good. I’ll send word when we’re ready.”

There was a click as the call disconnected. The man holding it casually strolled down the street, stopping by a bridge, seemingly enjoying the view of the Palace in the light of the setting sun. With a casual gesture, eyes still fixed on the palace, he dropped the burner phone onto the gushing river below. 

The King out of the country, seemingly in a hurry. Had the Countess finally struck gold with her campaign? He huffed out a laugh. The Countess’ desperate attempts had turned out to be useful as well as amusing. At first, he struggled with how to use it to his advantage. Turns out, it had its uses despite being an annoyance most of the time. It forced Liam to show his hand. To basically reveal who was in his inner circle. The new king was crafty, he’ll give him that, and if he hadn’t already been watching and waiting for his opportunity, he would have missed it. 

A car passing by snapped him from his thoughts. There will be time for musing later when he’s finally on the throne he was promised. When the tyrant’s legacy is destroyed. When his family is finally avenged. 

Cordonia might appear strong in front of the world, but he’d seen the cracks on the wall. A kingdom with no heir and no queen. A well-known noble slowly but surely chipping away at its reputation. Unstable and ripe for the picking. He really ought to thank Liam before all of this is over. Perhaps he’ll do it before putting a bullet through his head. 

Just like his father did to mine. 

Constantine might have thought he’d severed all of the hydra’s heads. He grinned, teeth bared. How fortunate it is then, that he missed one.

With a self-satisfied glint in his eye, Anton Severus turned and continued his walk, his form blending in with the shadows that the twilight had brought.  

#

notes: 

the flashback scene was based on and follows the non-diamond option in chapter one of TRR book 1

Καρδιά μου - my love (got this from a google search as I’m not a native greek speaker) should it be an error or if i used it incorrectly, i apologize 

lemme know if you guys want to be tagged!

tag list:

perma-tag:

@cora-nova

series tag: @captain-kingliamsqueen @feralhuman-hsskkk @mirandatwodots @princesskennarys  @emceesynonymroll @kingliam2019 @bobasheebaby @princess-geek @beardedoafdonutwagon @texaskitten30 @fbloveschoices @dcbbw @los-cafeteros @msjr0119 @hopefulmoonobject @whovianwriter @vaticanwaltz @typicalweirdbookworm @janezillow @cheyismaxi @lilaccatholic @supercoolperson0808 @twinkle-320 @mkatschoicesblog

[askthedustbowl]

Do you take prompts? (Because if you do, I’d love Orpheus and Eurydice meeting for the first time)

we ABSOLUTELY take prompts!!! feel free to send them in whenever!! persephone was the one that initially introduced the kiddos, and the rest is history:

Persephone’s day went on as most days do. Plants to water, leaves to clip, flowers to arrange. With only an hour left in her working day, she had propped the door open to allow the warm afternoon breeze to come in and fill the shop. She was up on a ladder hanging some terrariums when she heard footsteps come in and a soft, low-voiced wow.

She turned her head and smiled. The girl that walked in couldn’t have been older than young Orpheus. If she was, it wasn’t by much.

“What can I do you for?” Persephone asked, climbing down the ladder. She wiped her hand on the leg of her pant and held it out to the young girl. She was wearing soft grey pants with a black turtleneck tucked in at the waist, making the worn combat boots she had on dissonant with the rest of her outfit. “I’m looking for Persephone?” She asked, shaking the outstretched hand.

“That’s me,” Persephone replied. She took another look over the girl. “And you are?”

“I’m Eurydice, I work for Hades,” Eurydice couldn’t help but stare at the walls and ceilings, covered with leaves and flowers. “I was his secretary, and now I’m his assistant.”

Oh, Persephone had heard stories about the young girl—about the secretary who took names and no shit. Even while Hades had nothing but complaints about her (one of the funniest ones being about how she had once called him a “dirty capitalist”), Persephone knew that since the young girl had started working for the Hadestown Corporation, her husband was more often on time, less stressed, and he had stopped spending such long nights at the office.

“So you’re to blame for my husband’s change in behaviour,” Persephone mused with a smile on her face. Eurydice fought a smile from crossing her lips. “I do my best.”

Persephone nodded her head to the back of the shop. “Walk with me. What brings you in today?” Eurydice followed her, taking in all the beautiful greenery. What had started as a much smaller selection of plants had quickly grown into a much more varied selection, including floral bouquets, succulents, house plants, as well as potted flowers, vegetables and herbs, and even a couple bonsai trees she kept near the register.

“Hades asked me to drop this off while I was on my way home,” she said, reaching into her backpack and pulling out a stack of envelopes. She handed them to Persephone, who looked at them briefly, before sticking them in one of the drawers by the register.

“I’ll deal with those later,” she said, prompting Eurydice to chuckle. Persephone looked at her out of the corner of her eye. “You got anywhere to be?” Eurydice shook her head, and Seph smiled.

“Can I put you to work?”

Persephone closed the shop an hour later, and that hour had been spent getting to know who this girl in the worn boots was. She was studying economics, putting herself through school on an entry level salary. She had been living on her own for what Persephone could only think of as far too long, but had found some kind of safety at Hadestown Corp. She was twenty-two and rather feisty. Persephone liked her.

When it came time to close up shop, Eurydice’s fingers were caked in dirt, and her hair was messier than it had been when she walked in, but she had a smile on her face that was infectious. As Persephone looked at the young girl, she was struck with what could only be thought of as divine inspiration. Eurydice needed to meet the Poet.

“I really appreciate the help,” Persephone said, taking the apron from her and hanging it up alongside her own. “I’m heading over to the Dust Bowl across the street. Can I buy you a drink?”

Eurydice thought about it for a minute, biting her lip. Come on, she thought. Come on, don’t back out just yet.

“I won’t get in trouble for having drinks with the boss’s wife?” Persephone only laughed and grabbed her bag from behind the register, shaking her head.

“I won’t let it happen. You’re a good kid, and Hades, the big softie, needs you more than you think.” Eurydice smiled and followed Persephone out of the shop. It was true—there were very few employees who Hades seemed to trust as much as he trusted Eurydice. How this twenty-something had somehow gotten the trust, and more importantly, the respect of her husband, was nothing she knew, nor something she would question. “Now come on,” she said, hooking her arm through Eurydice’s. “Let’s drink.”

Persephone knew what she was doing, knew that the boy would be anxious and knew that Eurydice would be guarded. But something in her felt like this would be good for the both of them. So she held the door open to the Dust Bowl, the brassy bar run by the one and only Hermes, and ushered Eurydice in.

“How you doin’, Seph?” Hermes called from behind the bar.

“Good, brother! Brought a new friend,” Seph called back, leading Eurydice to the bar. “Hermes, this is Eurydice. She’s the my husband’s new assistant. Eurydice, this is Hermes.” Eurydice held out a hand to him, and he took it and pressed a kiss to the back of her hand, prompting Eurydice’s eyes to widen to the size of dinner plates and Persephone to giggle.

“Hermes owns the place, and is the classiest man you’ll ever meet,” Persephone continued. “Order whatever you want, Eurydice. He’ll put it on my tab.” Eurydice tried to object, but Persephone wouldn’t hear it. Once they had their drinks—Persephone a gin and tonic, and Eurydice a beer—she started looking around for someone.

“Hermes?” She asked, and the man lifted his head. “Where’s the Poet?”

“What the fuck kind of name is ‘The Poet’?” Eurydice asked, taking a sip of her drink. Hermes chuckled.

“He’s out on a delivery right now,” Hermes responded to Persephone before turning back to Eurydice. “And his name is Orpheus.”

Eurydice deadpanned. “That might be worse.” Persephone snorted just as she heard the back door to the bar open. There he was.

“Orpheus! Come meet my new friend!” Persephone called.

From her spot at the bar, Eurydice turned so that she could look into the kitchen. She could see a tall boy shed his jacket and pick something up as he came out to the bar.

When he came into full view Eurydice‘s eyes widened. The boy was wearing cuffed jeans, a white shirt, and a bewildered expression. In his hands, he held a plate piled with silverware.

Orpheus wasn’t expecting to see her—her full cheeks and her tentative half-smile. He was torn between collapsing and asking for her hand in marriage. Orpheus couldn’t take his eyes off of her, standing awkwardly behind the bar. He had never seen someone like her before.

“You must be the Poet,” she said, her voice almost disbelieving.

At hearing the sound of her voice, he lost his grip on the plate and it clattered to the ground, sending silverware all over the floor. But he still didn’t move. He saw her let out a laugh, bring her hand up to cover her mouth.

“Yes,” he breathed out, a blush coming across his cheeks. whether it was caused by embarrassment or the fact that he was already smitten with the girl whose name he didn’t even know was unclear.

Persephone looked between the two of them, took stock of the tension, thick and heavy, before turning her head to look at Hermes. He was looking at her, shaking his head slightly with a smile on his face. Orpheus had always been a bit clumsy, but this was a new low for him, and seeing him lovestruck like this just confirmed what Persephone knew was a good idea.

Hermes had caught on to what she was up to, and though she couldn’t tell if he thought it was a good idea or a bad idea, he was just as caught up in the moment as everyone else was.

“You work here?” She asked, quirking her eyebrow, and gods, Orpheus never wanted her to stop talking.

“Yes,” he said again.

“Can you say anything other than ‘yes’?” She said, trying to hide a grin.

“Yes,” he said, before shaking his head, laughing. He leaned down to pick up the plate, thankfully not broken, and all the cutlery. Eurydice leaned over a little to watch him. Persephone grinned as she watched the two of them interact: Eurydice, holding her own while Orpheus struggled to catch his breath. He stood up with the cutlery and the dish, and placed them on the bar.

“Orpheus, this is Hades’s assistant, Eurydice,” Seph explained as Orpheus took a moment to breathe.

“Your name sounds like a melody,” he murmured to her without being fully aware of what he was saying. He needed to do something with his hands to keep them from shaking, so he took her glass and refilled her beer, and praying that she didn’t notice the way his hand shook.

She reached out her hand, offering it to him. He took it with no hesitation. “It’s nice to meet you,” she said.

Persephone saw them hold each other’s grasp just a moment too long, and there was a glint in her eye that she knew Hermes saw.

Something was starting. She could feel it.

[shitpostingfromthebarricade]

The People want a masterpost of fics you enjoyed!!

Okay, I’m trying this again, because yesterday my computer shut down just as I was about to post this and I needed some time to recover.

Most of the fics I enjoy fall into one of four categories: it made me laugh a lot, it made me feel empty inside, it made me think (it might be the writing style, the concept, or the formatting style they used), or Iconic.  I did have to add a fluff category for all three of those that I apparently had bookmarked.

The order here is meaningless, I just went down my bookmarks tab on AO3.  A lot of these authors also have other really excellent works, so I highly recommend exploring their other works!

If your work or username are not here, that doesn’t mean I don’t like it or think you’re a good author!  As I said, I just took these from my bookmarks–I literally have some of my favorite authors listed at the bottom whose works I have never bookmarked.  Similarly, we just have a lot of good authors in this fandom, and I forget many of them.  

I laughed:

Press One for Revolution by LoveKhaleesi (@arcoiriseglitter) & Zimriya (@zimriya)

ExR texting fic.  It had me in tears.  

Note: discontinued, but near enough to closure that it’s still worth the read.

Hit Me With Your Best Shot by TellThemStories (@tell-themstories)

ExR assassin AU fic, Grantaire’s perspective.  R is an assassin, Enjolras is his target.  It doesn’t quite work out the way he planned.

We’re All Stories, In The End by TheGlitterati (@kyrstin)

ExR crackfic, Jehan’s perspective (Enjolras’s perspective for a scene at the end)

Les Amours de Marius by Elenchus (@aporeticelenchus​)

Marisette crackfic (kind of fake dating, but not how you’re thinking of it), Marius’s perspective.  Marius recruits Bahorel and Grantaire (or rather, they recruit themselves) to make Marius’s grandfather more amenable to his engagement to Cosette.  

#Roommate Chronicles by IAmSlytherlocked & ImpulseRun

Marius & Courfeyrac friendship tumblr fic, Courfeyrac’s perspective.  Courfeyrac catalogs his roommate’s misadventures and the art of Pontmercying.

Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner by sigh_no_more (@babesatthebarricade)

ExR holiday fic, Enjolras’s perspective.  Cosette has asked him to attend their asshole bio-dad’s Thanksgiving dinner, but one Craigslist ad makes Enjolras slightly less begrudging in his attending.

Texting ‘Verse by Ladililn (@ladililn)

ExR texting fic.  Joly sends a text to the wrong chat.

How I Seduced Enjolras by Gwynplaine

ExR crackfic, Grantaire’s perspective.  My Immortal’s younger, smart Les Mis brother.

Note: this fic is rated explicit and contains explicit content throughout.  It is essential to the plot.  

I cried:

Just accept that all of these have a trigger warning attached, either for total whiplash or possible death/suicidal ideation.

Stereoscopic by TellThemStories (@tell-themstories​)

ExR?, Enjolras’s perspective.  Enjolras is working overseas for a year with only one-way video messages from his friends as communication.  He has a gradual revelation about his feelings for a certain cynic.

Orpheus, Play Yourself a Path From Hades by Sovin (@sovinly​)

ExR, Grantaire’s perspective.  Grantaire’s cancer returns, and he doesn’t tell anyone.  No dialogue.

If You Ever Come Back by MissAndrogyny (@missandrogyny​)

ExR break-up/make-up fic, alternating perspectives from work to work.

World War II AU by LoveKhaleesi (@arcoiriseglitter​)

ExR WWII AU fic, Enjolras’s perspective.  Enjolras and Eponine are harboring a Jewish fugitive.

The only fic I will ever accept the fix-it ending for.

Situational Irony by Ryssabeth

ExR fic, mostly Enjolras’s perspective (I’m not a masochist, I’m not rereading this on a lovely Sunday morning to check).  Coping with Grantaire’s death.

Barricade Dawn by Opium_du_Peuple (@just-french-me-up)

Jehanparnasse fic, Jehan’s perspective.  Jehan is trying to write a good-bye letter to Montparnasse in case he doesn’t return from the barricade.

Note: this has an explicit content rating.  The explicit content is most of the middle and nonessential to the plot, you can read just the beginning and the end.

I think this is also the only canon period fic.  Whatever that’s worth.

Life is Only Moments by Raeldaza (@raeldaza)

ExR fic, Enjolras’s perspective.  Enjolras reflects over the years of his and Grantaire’s friendship.

This has a fix-it ending, and that’s all well and good, but I prefer the suffering.

Serenata by IbbyLiv

ExR post-breakup fic, Enjolras’s perspective.  Enjolras writes notes to Grantaire after he leaves.

Apparently this is basically just a song with some different words swapped in and out.  I can’t say I care about anything but the emotions that bubble forth when i read it.

Cheers, Darlin’ by onemillionbranches

ExT post-breakup fic, Grantaire’s perspective.  Enjolras is getting married, and Grantaire helps.

It moved me, Bob:

I’m also including what about each one really made me think, because of the nature of this category.

Beautiful Things Have Dents and Scratches Too by A_New_World_To_Be_Won

ExR feelings fic, alternating perspectives.  Definitely makes you feel sad, but it has resolution.

I love how raw the writing style is and how directly it translates into pure emotion.

Tin Can by ejr

ExR relationship progression fic, alternating perspectives.  

This prose style intrigues me, and I really enjoy it and its application.

You Never Have to Wonder; You Never Have to Ask by GamesForMay

ExR fic, Grantaire’s perspective.  18 months after a major protest, Grantaire returns to Paris for Cosette and Marius’s wedding.

The!  Motifs!  Are!  So!  Good!  The way Enjolras is shaped and Grantaire’s decision is set before them…and I love the moment all of  this revolves around that happened 18 months ago.  It’s just a gorgeous piece.

Golden by the_sky_is_forever (@theskyis-forever)

ExR post-breakup fic, alternating perspective.  Enjolras goes to Grantaire’s first art gallery since he left the artist.

Okay, so this is also a sad fic.  But!!  I value the artistry of the writing and love how they were able to pull and shape the emotions with the way they handled their words and sentences and phrasing.

Primary Relations - A Politician’s Journey rev 2-1.avi by Samyazaz (@samyazaz)

ExR documentary fic.  Enjolras is running for president, and Grantaire is documenting it.

The prose is so interesting and inspired a yet-unpublished fic I’ve been working on!  It can be difficult to write from this perspective, and I think they handled it really well.

Have & Hold by arriviste (@arrivisting)

ExR fake-marriage fic.  Enjolras wants to make a political point about gay marriage and meets less resistance than he expected.

This is probably the only fake marriage fic I will ever love and appreciate because the author did such a great job representing the unhealthy feelings involved when you go from zero feelings to being married.

Dismantling Oppressive Establishments, Teamwork, And Other Things Your Coach Never Taught You by AnnaBolena (@annabrolena)

ExR mixed media fic, alternating perspectives.  

Usually stories that get told half through dialogue and half through articles drive me nuts with their incongruence and messiness with image formatting, but this author did a phenomenal job with the article styles and telling the story and keeping me interested without bogging the whole thing down with extra formatting. 

If There’s No One Beside You (When Your Soul Embarks) by ToBeFerre

ExR reincarnation fic, Grantaire’s perspective.  Everyone is back except Enjolras, and Grantaire is trying to keep the club running until Enjolras’s return.

I just really love the concept of the anxiety they carry and the ways they’ve changed since the first time around.

Felled By You, Held By You by EyeOfAHurricane (@eyeofahurricaneart)

ExR progression fic, alternating perspective.  Grantaire falls in and out of love with Enjolras.

The concept of love and affections being ephemeral things, the way that love moves more quickly for some than others, and the seasonal symbols made me start thinking and inspired another yet-incomplete fic.

Iconic:

The World Ain’t Ready by IdiopathicSmile (@idiopath-fic-smile)

ExR fake-dating fic, Grantaire’s perspective.  I’m not providing a description because this is required reading for anyone in the Les Mis fandom.  Just read it if you haven’t yet.

Friday I’m in Love by The Librarina (tears_of_nienna) (@thelibrarina)

ExR fake-dating fic, Enjolras’s perspective.  Enjolras is going to his family’s summer residence for a week and needs a way to stick it to his parents.

Words Never Spoken by StrawberryBubbles

ExR soulmate AU, Enjolras’s perspective.  Your first words with your soulmate are supposed to appear when you turn 18, but Enjolras’s never do.

Your Heart on Your Skin by Zade (@racetrackthehiggins)

ExR soulmate AU, Grantaire’s perspective.  Flowers appear on your body that represent different qualities about you as you experience life experiences that bring them about.

The Season Underwater by andtheheir

ExR swimteam AU fic, Grantaire’s perspective.  Grantaire is put on the varsity swimteam for his junior year and really doesn’t want to let Enjolras down.

This fic is just really beautifully written and really started to make me think about my writing style and start experimenting with it more.

BE by ToTheWillOfThePeople (@kvothes)

ExR theater AU fic, Enjolras’s perspective.  Enjolras is roped into directing a production of Hamlet.

Arcadia Ballet!Verse by Darrenjolras

ExR ballet AU fic, Grantaire’s perspective.  Grantaire shot his mouth off at some gorgeous up and coming dancer, and now he has to choreograph an entire ballet.

Fluff:

In Love When You Wake Me Up by BethXP

ExR fic, Enjolras’s perspective.  Enjolras wakes up from his surgery high and in the presence of his two best friends and a third person.

These Are Some of my Favorite Things (The Post-It-Note!fic) by Zimriya (@zimriya)

ExR fic, Grantaire’s perspective.  Enjolras has been leaving post-it notes on things (Grantaire) with seemingly no logic behind it.

Foregone Conclusion by Raeldaza (@raeldaza)

ExR fic, Enjolras’s perspective.  Enjolras is receiving gifts from an “anonymous source” (but he’s pretty sure he knows from whom).

As I was doing these, I realized that there are some others authors whose works I love that I didn’t have one or two fics I could choose to put up but still wanted to include (and there are probably more that I’m forgetting):

Myrmidryad (@myrmidryad)

Lovely, thorough writing style.

Sunfreckle (@mysunfreckle)

Lots of lovely Jehanparnasse!  They and Opium_du_Peuple are my go-to’s for Jehanparnasse content.

SarahYYY (@sarah-yyy)

So many ExR short stories!  Definitely peruse all of her stuff (though be aware–it’s a bit like Russian roulette for the sad stuff; there’s one in there that I was even prepared for and am still recovering from).

Lady_Ragnell

Everything by her is Just.  Iconic.  So good.

Noelia_g

Also really good.  (Sorry, I lost my steam by the end of writing this monster, I really do enjoy her work.)

If anyone knows the tumblrs for any of the authors that I haven’t already tagged, please DM me so I can add them in!

[nogling]

*follows author who writes neat fic* *sees said author propose an Orpheus and Eurydice retelling for their preferred pairing*

*lets that sit in my brain for a week or so*

*sees a gifset referencing another character with a tragically killed counterpart from earlier in the series with lyrics from Florence + The Machine*

*listens to song on repeat for several hours*

*opens up a new google doc entitled “this is why we can’t have nice things”*

*opens up another tab with Ovid’s Metamorphoses in Latin, because Kline is the only translation I can find online and Kline was terrible*

[achilleid]

-- Orpheus’ Epilogue--

EISLIE

The iron gates were shut, words emblazoned on the sigil at its center reading bold and clear:

SALUS IN ARDUIS

It was the same words that had been written in neat, capitalized font on the single website Eislie had found for the college that claimed to lie within. From the bars, she could just barely make out the shape of buildings over the crest of a hill and down a dusty dirt road.

What she could not make out though, was a call box or any other means to let someone know she was here.

Which was typical. Any college that couldn’t even bother to update its website probably didn’t think much about simple, practical things like gate accessibility. The entire website, still up in a tab on Eislie’s phone, looked like something a middle schooler from 1997 would slap together on Geosites. Its background was a tiled with watermarked symbols of the school's emblem, a typically greek-esque laurel wreath around a barely discernible shield containing more symbols. Other than a brief box of text detailing the schools foundation date and location, Eislie had not found one contact number or email address. So it was safe to say the administration was stuck in the 90s too... or long gone.

A quick search however showed the school’s doors were still open and with a humble, yet respectable enrollment count of roughly 143 students and a staff of roughly eleven professors, not counting any assistants. There was even an on campus dormitory, a track and a respectable sports field, though the grainy photos on the website were from the early 1900s or perhaps even later.

A breeze cut the heat from the tendrils of August that clung still to the early September air, churning the otherwise stifling warmth into something tolerable. Eislie frowned, blowing a strand of brown hair from her face and turning back to look at her Uber driver, who was waiting patiently in the front seat of their sedan. 

That she had even been able to find an Uber driver was a miracle in itself, the small town of Kilead the only sign of life within a several mile radius. That Eislie had never heard of it before, despite having lived barely an hour out of the way, was another peculiarity. It was as if, without even actively trying, both Kilead and Anthea College were absent from the notice of the rest of the world. Content to ignore and be ignored.

Even her driver had been perplexed at her directions, having to search his GPS numerous times for the town and eventually having to settle with dropping a pin in the nearest vicinity. What had started as a quaint ride however, Eislie could tell was quickly becoming a troublesome one. The driver poked his head out of his rolled down window, floppy blond hair carried up in a gust of wind.

“Yo— so you good? You want me to stick ‘round?”

He was no doubt, fresh outta high school, spending his last summer making a few quick bucks before starting his own college career. Decidedly not here by the way he wrinkled his nose at the uniforms and old-fashioned looking brick buildings on the website Eislie showed him at the beginning of the trip.

Eislie had hoped for a short visit, a quick stop and drop-- Hey you guys sent me a schedule and an alarmingly expensive bill, but I’m pretty sure I have never gone here so check your files. Please and thanks.

The letter and its envelope were tucked into her book bag, slung over both shoulders to keep from putting too much weight on either side and worsening her limp. That limp was also the reason for the Uber driver to begin with.

“No… I’ll be okay. I think I saw a local cab company when I was searching things out, so you can uh— go.”

Eislie had a feeling she’d regret this decision, even as the driver beamed, happy to be released. He gave her a short wave and rolled up his window, backing out from the shaded drive at breakneck speed. The sound of the revving engine sent a shudder down Eislie’s back. It had only been three years since her own accident, the one that had left her with a limp, a head full of fractured and faded memories and massive, sudden migraines. 

The doctors had said she was a marvel, recovering her facilities and basic functions the fastest they had seen in an auto-related head injury. Eislie had long since grown past being self-conscious of the small burst of scar tissue on her left temple, receding her hairline right along the puffy skin. It was more annoying now than anything to have to recount the story of how she got it.

Long legging or jeans kept wandering eyes from the surgical scars on her leg where they had put her right shinbone back together and from the rather ugly and impressive one where the compound fracture had originated.

Eislie was grateful for the head injury for taking the memories of the impact and the pain with it.

The drive up to the buildings did not look overly long and she had a collapsible cane prepared should her leg start giving her trouble. The problem was, and remained, the gate.

Frowning, Eislie stepped forward, drawing her palm over the latin motto, running her thumb over the edge of the metal and noting the green smudge of barely-there moss on her skin.

This was a bad idea. Maybe if she acted quick she could get the Uber back and just go home. Send a strongly worded letter again and hope this time they stop sending her past-due notices and speeding her anxiety into hyperdrive. 

Granted, how many Eislie Bishop’s were there in the world? It was entirely possible she had applied for classes at Anthea once, back in the dark space where her memories were fuzzy and faded like an under-exposed photograph. When she asked her mother on the subject, she’d brushed off her concern with stilted, clipped words. Not her usual response to Eislie’s attempts to get reassurance. 

Leave it alone. Just ignore it. Miranda had said.

Eislie sighed and turned from the gate. Her foot caught her ankle, shorting the distance needed to lift passed. In an instant, her right leg fluttered and gave out, a swear managing to spit from her lips before she toppled backwards. Eislie twisted to grab onto the bars of the gate for support, another shocked shriek coming from her throat as the gates swung open, dragging her through the dirt.

Eislie blinked, pushing up onto her hands and knees and glaring down the open iron gate with a withering stare.

“No witnesses...” she murmured to herself, taking the opportunity to slip off her bag and take her cane out. Clearly she had misjudged her own clumsiness level for the day, a mistake she would not be making again.

Eislie brushed the dirt from her jeans and used her cane for support to rise back up to her feet. Turning one last time, she looked at the open gate and the road out from it. She shrugged and left it, minding her footing as she began the slow trek down the path and towards the college.

--

By the time she reached the crest of the hill, coming down onto the beautifully tended grounds of Anthea College, it had become obvious to Eislie that either the college boasted the most unfriendly assortment of students she had ever seen-- or she was genuinely not meant to be here.

The students were of a variety of ages, looking anywhere from late teens to late twenties, all wearing the same smart looking dark blazers and either slacks or a skirt in matching shades. Each jacket bore the same heraldry she had seen crowned in a laurel from the website, embroidered in gold, blue and red. 

Each student also bore the same slack jawed expression at the sight of her, voices erupting into hushed whispers, eyes widened and some faces even paling. Eislie had never had such a welcome in her entire life, even when her scars were new and ugly and standing out red and angry across her skin. Not even when she was in her wheelchair, not even when she was relearning how to drink without a straw and constantly dribbling on her clothes.

Eislie, at first, did her best to keep her head high, eyes ahead, but after a constant stream of students taking wide steps from her approach and chatter breaking out the moment she passed she found it harder and harder to keep her eyes from her feet instead.

The buildings looked to all have been built around the same period, sturdy and well-made with rough, brown bricks. Ivy dominated the side of one building, it’s double doors were dated but handsome, the dark wood contrasting against its own bright brass hinges. A small plated sign left of the door read in plain lettering-- Administrative Building. If that wasn’t the office she needed, Eislie knew someone could probably point her in the right direction… and anything was preferable than continuing to be among so many gawking expressions.

Eislie carefully made her way up the small set of stairs, a slight ache making her lean a bit more onto her cane. The walk had not been unpleasant, but it had been quite a ways further than she had thought it would be.

Strangely, all feeling of exhaustion left her as she came to stand fully in front of the arched doorway. Eislie all at once felt something warm in her chest, a feeling of contentment, of comfort. It was as if, all at once, this was no stranger, but a familiar face. A peaceful place. A home. Eislie reached out and touched the curved handle and jumped when static sparked from her fingertips.

The air was not dry.

Eislie slowly reached for the door again, settling her palm onto the handle and her thumb upon the latch and found her thoughts forming together into a single phrase—

Welcome home...

But the voice was not of her own mind. It was softer, indiscernible in its gender or age. Eislie felt her eyelids droop and her body lighten as she pressed down the latch and pushed forward.

The door did not budge.

Before Eislie could even think to pull instead, the door abruptly opened outward, the heavy wood edge hitting into her and knocking her backwards.

Her reflexes had been enough to avoid injury, but not to avoid stumbling. Eislie dropped her cane, ready to try and break her fall backwards unto her bum and hoping to all the stars above that she did not topple right down the stairs.

But the impact never came. An arm roped around her waist and with it’s owners assistance, she righted herself within the circle of their grip.

The young man had held tightly to the opposite door handle to leverage them both, hoisting her hard against his chest. 

“I’m so sorry!” Eislie burst out, desperately avoiding eye contact as she looked around for her dropped cane.

“I wasn’t paying attention, I apologize. I—” 

The young man stopped, his own gaze taking in her appearance with quick successive glances. He had sharp grey eyes, framed by dark brows, both of which were slowly rising in the same look of bewilderment his fellow students had shared. In the grapple, a few strands of his smoothly gelled back hair had fallen into his face. He was handsome, that much went without saying, with a sharp nose that curved downward slightly and high cheekbones. Very Glory Days Gregory Peck, if Gregory’s Peck’s mother had been from Asia. The man he would become had not quite yet completely overtaken the boyish looks of his face.

In short, Eislie had no issue with his close proximity. A smile spread over her lips, rude manners of these Anthea kids be damned.

“Mutual apologies?” Eislie prompted when the young man did not speak again. He released her quickly, his expression not one of confusion anymore, but certainly not one of friendliness. Despite that, he picked up her cane and handed it back to her.

“Thanks! I’m actually looking for the enrollment office, I think I’ve been receiving someone else's mail and wow. They were not kidding when they called this place exclusive. Like, ‘could you add a couple more zero’s to the end of that balance’ right?”

“It’s inside.” the young man said curtly, stepping out of the way and holding the door open for her. He would not look at her, in fact, Eislie noted, his eyes were fixed on her cane. She could hardly blame him, it was a flashy design and had coloring as shiny and luminescent as an oil spill. 

“Style and function, right?” Eislie said, trying to break the tension as she gave the cane a little wiggle. The young man looked at her then, something pained in the way he turned his lips down into a frown.

Yikes. Not her best material, she guessed. Eislie stepped through the doorway and turned back,

“Do you—”

But before she could get the question out, the young man had released the heavy door and it fell shut.

So much for hospitality.

[rewoundcircuit]

now we don't have time to unpack all of that ✽ kimiko ✽ re: ryuu, aki, orpheus

swearing in first dialogue // 

It came from a simple act, really: Kimiko paused in her shifting closer and closer to Aki when the other girl allowed to give Ryuu her full attention, just nodding in agreement and making yet another trip around the circle to read whatever he offered her on the handbook, vigorously nodding at something he said to her. 

A moment to process, Kimiko’s eyes noticeably scanning back and forth over whatever was written there as her expression went through what looked fairly like all five stages of grief- before doing a two step right back to denial, hands clapping over her mouth in clear shock, but ultimately finally settling on-

“What the FUCK! This is- wait, isn’t this SUPER weird- ohhhh my god that two-faced HYPOCRITE-!”

Some very clear angry words even through her muffling hands. 

But clearly nothing was to come of it, even though Kimiko stewed by Ryuu’s podium for a little bit, bouncing up and down on the spot almost as though to threaten the words bursting out of her at any moment. A couple of glances to Ryuu and she relented, anger releasing in a huff before she stalked back to her spot with Aki- buuuuut just stood a little more towards Takaku’s side of the circle this time than hers, though she did look to the other girl as an invite to come join her. 

“…Yeaaaaaah, Ryuu-chan asked me to keep that a secret unless it became important… and I am feeling SUPER weird about THAT one, and I’m GOING to make it important later, because ohhhhhh my god, buuuut… naaaaah, Ryuu-chan’s motive isn’t anything to do with Yvon..! Which is kindaaaaa what I’m looking for- thanks also for showing them..! Ohhh, right, I should too…" 

Fumbling for her handbook, Kimiko carefully switched to her own motive tab and held it up, revealing it was blank.

"Heeeey, wasn’t Momoko the girl that came in in someone’s memory from before that accused us of murder or whatever? Might’ve been in… ummmmm…” A beat. “Kubo’s…" 

Well. That was awkward. A moment of silence, before Kimiko realised that no memory holder coming forward to confirm her thought probably meant she should move on. 

”…But anyway..! We didn’t find ANY kind of red fabric missing, sooooo… unless Yvon was bleeding so much that he could’ve feasibly dyed something, that’s GOTTA be something that belongs to the killer, right? If they were injured though, wouldn’t there be more evidence of that..? Liiiiike… a blood trail going out or something..?“

"The weird thing though iiiiiiis… why ISN’T the cause of death listed? If the wound Aki-chan mentioned was non-lethal, annnnnnd he had that OTHER stab wound… then why not just say stabbing or blood loss or whatever medical term there is for it whiiiiich… I think we got when Wei was stabbed by scissors..? Could it be that the cause of death done by the trap makes it SUPER obvious as to what happened? Orrrr d you think it’s too confusing even for Monokuma..! Oh, yeah, and Edler? I AM coming to check your handbook by the way!”

Okay. There she goes round the circle again. Goodbye, space Kimiko. Stop making people dizzy sometime. 

[heart-of-vecna]

Rae’s OC Masterlist 2017

Decided to make a masterlist of OCs I have right now? Because I realize I don’t actually have one.

WRECKVERSE

Valmara Vergrod - Female Human, 427, 5′05″, Wizard, Chaotic Neutral. Previously a lich, Valmara is a unpredictable mess who is as likely to shoot you as she is to help you. OTP - [Arrogath] / Thauma / Otira  (PC: IncarnateInfinity)

Xisyl Feyt - Male (Trans) High Elf, 200′s, 5′07″, Battle Alchemist, Chaotic Neutral. Xisyl is a loose cannon who’s usually up to no good, but cares about the party as a whole. BROTP - Kirkulese (PC: Adam)

Orpheus Abel - Male Human Revenant, 68, 6′03″, Priest of Lady Winter, Lawful Neutral. Unaware that he is actually dead, Orpheus walks the earth with the intention of helping all of those who cannot help themselves. 

Arrogath Merrough - Male Lich, 500′s, 6′01″, Ex Court Wizard, Lawful Evil. Val’s mentor and sort-of husband until his demise, Arrogath was responsible for turning her into a lich.

NOVALIS CAMPAIGNS

Volker Kaspar - Male Human, 42, 6′05″, Leader, Neutral Evil. Volker was previously a general of a expansionist kingdom, fleeing with Serenity when his love was sacrificed to keep Serenity ‘safe’.

Serenity - Female Human, 20′s, 5′06″, Wizard, True Neutral. Serenity is a human weapon stolen from a conquered kingdom, who now is on the run with Volker.

Dr. Abeyancy - Male Elf, ?, 6′02″, Namer, True Neutral. Dr. Abeyancy is a eccentric scholar with the obsessive habit to collect True Names and poisons.

UNORGANIZED CHARACTERS

Edwina Jay - Female Human, 23, 5′01″, Apothecary, True Neutral. More likely to get you sick then she is to heal you, but she’ll try.

Prometheus - Male (Monster), ?, 7′08″, N/A, Chaotic Neutral. Prometheus is a monster who sustains on the hunger of others, and resides pretending to be a human in a trailer park.

Eiylsweir - Male Ungod, ?, ~7′00″+, N/A, Lawful Evil. Previously a much more powerful and renowned god, Eiylsweir was banished from his power after losing a bet with a rival.

Quartz - Female Human, 26, 5′07″, Thief, Chaotic Neutral. Quartz became Eiyslweir’s concert in exchange for his protection, after botching a break-in to another god’s temple.

Prague Zizkov - Male Living Construct, 30, 6′09″, Body Guard, Chaotic Neutral. Prague works as muscle for various groups, more then happy to do dirty jobs for pay.

Unnamed - Female Lich, ?, 5′00″, Herbalist, True Neutral. A lich who loves plants, and keeps them in her broken skull as decoration.

“Twitter” - Female Aarakocra, 7, 4′07″, Ranger, Neutral Good. Nicknamed by her guild mates who couldn’t pronounce her actual name, Twitter is a naive but hopeful adventurer and party Bird Bank.

Yusra Demir - Female Human Vampire, ?, 5′09″, Wizard, Neutral Evil. Unused potential 5e scholar and Vecna worshiper. 

UNORGANIZED GIJINKAS

Ereneth Descoteaux - Female Shiny Aegislash, ?, 5′05″, Nobility, Neutral Evil. Ereneth is vain and snooty, and more then enjoys fighting and the pain of others.

Veasna El-Amin - Male Cofagrigus, 205, 6′02″, Hobo, True Neutral. Veasna died in a mine cave-in, and prefers to keep his personal life secret.

Santana Martinez - Male Houndoom, 27, 6′00″, Blacksmith, Lawful Good. Santana is happy-go-lucky and overly optimistic, and has a love for swords and nerdy smithing opportunities. 

Ayomide - Female Probopass, 24, 5′04″, Witch, Neutral Good. Ayomide likes to play harmless jokes on people, and is happy to help others out.

Carmilla Von Brandt- Female Hydreigon, 22, 5′06″, Mage, True Neutral. Carmilla is overly invested in her craft, and exceptionally neurotic over it.

Dex Victor - Genderfluid Sandile, 25, 5′08″, ‘Paranormal Investigator’, True Neutral. Dex runs a paranormal / cryptid blog, but doesn’t actually believe in any of it.

Luciano Devonshire - Male Noctowl, 40, 6′00″, Violinist, Neutral Good. A depressed and color blind violinist for the premiere Castelia City Orchestra.

POKEMON AETHERIUM

Lady - Female Human, 21, 5′03″, High Priestess of Reshiram, Lawful Neutral. Lady is a overzealous priestess of Reshiram and subleader of Bleakfield, who wishes to consume the world in Reshiram’s cleansing fire.

Catcher - Female Human, 21, 5′07″, High Priestess of Zekrom, Chaotic Neutral. Catcher is a uncertain priestess of Zekrom and subleader of Bleakfield, and Lady’s twin sister who does not enjoy her job as much as Lady does.

Dominus - Male Elf, 59, 6′08″, High Priest of Kyurem and True Leader of Bleakfield, True Neutral. Dominus kidnapped Catcher and Lady as children in order to fulfill a prophecy he made up to unite a crumbling kingdom under his control.

Ascended - Male Human, 35, 6′05″, Captain of the Guard, Lawful Good. Ascended prides in his job as Guard Captain, and fights hard to keep Bleakfield a lawful land.

False - Female Human, 25, 5′06″, Grave Robber, Chaotic Evil. False does as she wants, and is a prominent figure in Bleakfield’s underground.

Dogma - Female Dwarf, 31, 4′09″, War Advisor, Neutral Good. Dogma strives to keep Bleakfield out of war, and Dominus out of control.

Evoker - Male Human, 26, 5′10″, Priest of Kyurem, True Neutral. Evoker assists with Bleakfield’s major holidays, and is a confidant of Dogma.

Sabbath - Male Human, 36, 6′02″, Mercenary, Chaotic Neutral. Sabbath is one of False’s many contacts, serving as a hitman and bodyguard for her various operations.

Lost - Male Elf, 43, 5′11″, Wanderer, Chaotic Neutral. Lost has few memories of his past, and wanders Bleakfield in search of his history.

RETYPE REBOOT

Dr. Hannibal Octavian Morganti, ED.D., D.V.M., LL.D., M.D., PH.D. - Male Poison/Ghost Silvally, ?, 6′08″, Scientist, Chaotic Neutral. Previously the Electric/Psychic Uxie god of Knowledge, Hannibal knows no bound to further his knowledge and has few morals to boot.

Amaranthine Morganti - Male Steel/Ghost Type:Null, 4, 5′07″, Assistant, True Neutral. Hannibal’s robotic ‘son’ and assistant, Amaranthine is naive but curious about whatever may be shown to him.

Polis Rettig - Male Poison/Ghost Skarmory, 93, 6′02″, Ex-Sniper / Hobo, Neutral Evil. Trapped after being killed in war, Polis lives on the streets of his enemy country.

Dr. Theron Crane, M.D. - Male Poison Hypno, 40, 6′00″, Hospital Surgeon, True Neutral. Dr. Crane is overly aloof about his job, and can often be found asleep in his office. OTP - Renee Crane

Renee Crane, R.N. - Female Normal/Fairy Glaceon, 29, 5′03″, Hospital Nurse, Lawful Good. Renee is upbeat and overly sweet, but very strict on rules.

Cynbel Donndubhán - Male Ghost/Electric Zebstrika, 42, 6′05″, Metal Band Singer/Guitarist, True Neutral. Cynbel takes is punk rock / metal vibe very seriously, including his ability to remove his head.

Dr. Xavier Willoughby, M.D. - Male Poison/Ghost Girafarig, 82, 6′02″, Hospital Doctor, Neutral Good. Xavier is shaky and non-confrontational, and is usually sick most of the time himself.   

Nocturna Dahlmorzza - Female Dark/Fighting Excadrill, 21, 5′00″, Gang Member, True Neutral. Nocturna is quick on her feet and a very good hand to hand fighter, making her a good scout for her gang.

Kala Villa - Female Rock/Water Sawsbuck, 25, 5′05″, Marine Biologist, Neutral Good. Xavier’s great niece, Kala works hard at her job and is more then happy to drop kick anyone harming the ocean.

Misaki Hashimoto - Female Grass/Fairy Mawile, 18, 5′03″, Shrine Maiden Wannabe, Lawful Good. A shrine maiden in training, Misaki is overly ambitious with her job and is incredibly reckless.

Justinian Sykora - Male Ice/Ground Tauros, 39, 6′07″, Butcher, True Neutral. Justinian just wants everyone to leave him alone.

Peter Rye - Male Dragon/Fairy Lurantis, 22, 5′05″, Gang Leader, Chaotic Neutral. Peter is the leader of a gang of young adults, and is incredibly aloof.

Charlemagne - Male Steel/Fighting Gallade, 21, 5′06″, Artexerxe’s Body Guard, Lawful Good. Charlemagne is Artexerxe’s adopted son and guard, and while mopey he takes his job seriously.

Artexerxes - Male Steel/Psychic Kommo-o, 43, 6′02″, Ambassador, Lawful Good. Artexerxes hails from a crumbling royalty, and desires to help all the people of his kingdom.

Vercingetorix - Male Ice/Dark Electivire, ?, 6′05″, N/A, Chaotic Evil. Previously the Therian Landorus God of Strife, Vercigetorix erratically shifts from one location to another, looking for a purpose.

Temitope “Baron” Ihejirika - Male Ghost/Fire Tyrantrum, 216, 6′10″, Religious Group Leader, True Neutral. Temitope is a kind but strong willed leader of his religious sect, and takes protecting them as his highest priority. OTP - Samantha Ihejirika

Samantha “Samedi” Ihejirika - Female Ghost/Fire Torterra, 37, 6′02″, Religious Group Second in Command, True Neutral. Sam is much more reserved then Temitope, but has earned the nickname of ‘Mama Samedi’ from many of their acolytes. OTP - Temitope Ihejirika

Al-Elden - Male Dragon/Water Seviper, 46, 6′06″, Ship Captain, Lawful Neutral. Captain of a large trade ship, Al-Elden prefers the sea instead of land.

Mordecai Yehowah - Male Fighting/Normal Mimikyu, 25, 5′11″, Thief/Vigilante, Chaotic Neutral. Mordecai runs tabs on a large swath of city he calls his own, stealing and chasing out any other shady individual who might want to step into his territory.

Edward H. Thorn - Male Dark/Fighting Midnight Lycanroc, 26, 5′08″, Bodyguard for Kogasa, Chaotic Evil. Reckless and an absolute asshole, Edward does what he wants when he wants - as long as it doesn’t interfere with what Kogasa wants.

Henry J. Thorn - Male Psychic/Normal Midday Lycanroc, 32, 6′03″, Bodyguard for Kogasa, Lawful Good. A stickler for rules and emotionally bland, Henry tries his best to keep Edward and Kogasa from getting in too much trouble.

Kogasa Nakajima - Female Water/Ghost Banette, 20, 5′01″, N/A, True Neutral. Unable to remember her past, Kogasa was found in a ditch by Henry and Edward.

UNORGANIZED FANDOM CHARACTERS

Casil - Skyrim, Female Bosmer Dragonborn, 172, 5′03″, Necromancer, True Neutral. A mute Dragonborn hermit who has to rely on the help of Miraak to complete her destiny.

Sterlas - Skyrim, Male Redguard Werewolf, 31, 6′05″, Bandit, Chaotic Neutral. Casil’s companion, Sterlas keeps Casil company and guard after she saved him from the Silver Hand.

Moth - LoZ:MM, Female Skull Kid, ?, 4′05″, Wanderer, Chaotic Neutral. Moth loves to explore, but is quick to ignore orders or requests of adults.