#para: Eleanor

[the-lil-exorcist]

A Familiar Feeling; Eleanor & Lil

PARTIES:@the-lil-exorcist and @bookofbolden TIMING: Current WHERE:  Deersprings SUMMARY:  After dealing with a demon, Lil goes back to ghost nonsense. Eleanor, gets to learn about ghosts! WARNINGS: None!

Eleanor had a lot on her mind so she decided to cut her work day short and go for a walk that would hopefully clear up her thoughts so that she could focus on the tasks at hand. On her way out of the door she grabbed her bag and a journal just in case inspiration hit then set out into the evening air, taking in a deep breath and instantly relaxing as she did so. She enjoyed living in Deersprings, she figured it was the right place for her to be in town, and she’d become friendly with the older woman who lived a little ways down the street from the apartments. Sometimes she would be invited for a cup of coffee which she thankfully accepted every time.

But that day Eleanor made up her mind that if her friend were to offer she would decline - the thoughts that swirled through her mind at a hundred miles per hour demanded her full attention and more caffeine wouldn't have benefited her. Big things were coming her way and, unfortunately, big changes as well. Her book would soon be published, that was something for her to be excited about, but the thought of Lily not being there to witness it and cheer her on was heartbreaking. But still she had to push on and be happy because her friends and family would be happy for her. She couldn’t allow herself to bring down everyone's mood, she’d done that too much already.

Eleanor frowned down at the sidewalk as she walked and tried to piece together what her celebratory afternoon would look like by herself on the day the book was published. She would have to get herself a nice fancy meal since she was hopeless in the kitchen and maybe she could invite a friend or two over to share the occasion with. She was in the middle of putting together a guest list for her impromptu party when she picked up on someone’s emotions; the reading caused the empath to look up and she smiled at the person as she approached. What was she so focused on? Eleanor’s curiosity once again got the better of her and she decided to stop for a chat.

“Hello. This is… lovely weather we’re having, isn’t it?” The weather? She honestly couldn't think of anything better to talk about than the weather?

_

Lil had just wanted a quiet day, her neck was still wrapped up and while no one said anything really about it she was getting a little tired of the worried glances. So when a ghost started pantomiming that she needed to follow him - she’d taken the distraction even if she couldn’t tell what he was saying. 

How she ended up in deersprings, was anyone’s guest but the young man kept gesturing for her to follow him excitedly and she was getting more and more exasperated with a wild goose chase even if she tried to temper it. Startled when she realized someone had seen her Lil looked and said, “Oh hi. Yeah, pretty good weather.” 

The ghost gestured over the other’s head to a tree he wanted Lil to - climb? Immediately annoyed she huffed,  “No pal I’m not gonna do tha-” she trailed off when she remembered there was a person very much not seeing the man whining behind them.

_

Eleanor’s confusion was pointed more at the other’s strange words than the fact that her neck was wrapped. She looked over her shoulder to see if perhaps they had been speaking to someone else behind her but she didn’t find anyone. Turning back, she tilted her head and frowned again. “What was that?” Or maybe it was better to not bring any attention to whatever had been said, she said strange things all the time and she was always happy whenever the other person ignored it and continued on with the conversation.

“I hope I’m not interrupting anything too important, you seem… busy.” Eleanor bit her lip as she continued to pick up readings on the other. It felt as though she were in the middle of an unpleasant conversation but with who? “I just needed some fresh air, I’ve been working all day and I haven’t given myself a chance to catch my breath yet. I’m an author.” She added excitedly, always happy to speak about her occupation.

_

“Oh sorry there was a kid who ran quickly,” Lil said lying quickly. “Little rascal was looking at that tree -a tree that I don’t think anyone would want to climb. Must be someone’s kid in the neighborhood.” The ghost seemed to be a little off put that she’d called him a child - but she was a little annoyed that he kept gesturing up into the branches of a tree she absolutely didn’t want to climb. 

Honestly, ghosts sometimes forget that gravity hurts normal people. Mostly they forgot what the living had to deal with most of the time. It would be sad if Lil wasn’t always constantly climbing things she shouldn’t. 

She already sounded insane and she wasn’t quite sure that she was a good enough liar for it to pass the sniff test - but she was willing to try it anyway. “Oh no you’re totally fine. I was just taking a walk. Oh really? What do you write?” 

Lil’s focus went back to the other honestly impressed with someone who was a writer. The ghost seemed intrigued too, coming closer to the other as Lil’s eyes flickered to him warning. While she doubted he would do anything body jumping she really didn’t want to spook the other. 

_

Once again Eleanor looked over her shoulder but didn’t see the child; her eyes landed on the tree that was mentioned and she nodded. “I suppose you’re right, I wouldn’t want to climb it either. I was never one of those kids who enjoyed climbing trees, it always just seemed too dangerous to me.” She stopped herself before she could continue rambling about something as unimportant as climbing trees. “What did the kid look like? I’ll have to keep a lookout for them in case they get themself into some trouble.”

Something was off and Eleanor didn’t believe that she should have been the reason for the waves of annoyance that rolled off of the other. Still, she seemed interested in what she had to say so she responded. “I mainly write romance but I just finished a horror novel. I’m sure I’ll be going back to what I’m most comfortable with, I just wanted to branch out and try something new. It took a lot of time and research but I think the finished product is amazing. I’m also biased so I don’t know if you should take my word for it. Maybe you’ll find that my other works are interesting, too. Just look for anything by Eleanor Bolden in the bookstore.” After the last mishap she still wasn’t sure if she was allowed to give her name out to strangers but it was out before she could stop herself.

“You mentioned you were out on a walk as well - just clearing your mind?” She wanted to get to the bottom of the strange emotions she felt without prying too much into their business. “Deersprings is the perfect place to do that, usually no one bothers you. Except today I guess since you’ve been interrupted by both me and a child.” That I didn’t see, she wanted to add but kept to herself.

_

Lil felt vindicated as she saw the young man pout behind Eleanor. He seemed a little annoyed but more so interested in what the two were talking about slowly creeping behind the author. “Brown hair, and looked like he was coddled too much as a kid.” She said getting a sharp look from the ghost. She almost laughed but kept it inside. 

“That’s a genre jump but I’m sure that would be fun to do every once and awhile. A pallet cleanser right -” Lil said as she saw the ghost reach over to touch the woman and Lil glared at the hand for a second. “Oh - uh what’s the horror one about? I try to read romance but I can’t say it's what I usually read. Not really a romantic.” 

Mostly Lil never could get into the idea of being in a relationship that didn’t end up in tragedy or comedy. Although that seemed a little bit sad to tell a stranger about. Besides, most of her exes were at least an interesting story. 

“Lil - I’m Lil Ballard. I work at the Bread Cemetery,” Lil said her eyes focusing back to Eleanor trying to hope the ghost wouldn’t start something. It created a light anxiety in her - it was usually the reason that people ended up thinking that she was odd and while it didn’t bother her as much as it once did she was a little emotionally frayed as of late. 

“Something like that -and you didn’t bother me at all Eleanor. The kid also won’t bother me because if he did he’d be in a lot of trouble,” Lil said, warning the ghost who now put his hand over Eleanor’s shoulder trying to cause a shiver to go through her. 

_

“That was a very specific description, I’ll have to keep an eye out.” Eleanor laughed but not in a mean way. She found the stranger to be amusing if not a little odd, but that didn’t matter to her because lots of people in the past had called her odd and she tried her best not to let it get to her so much.

Eleanor nodded with a smile. “You’re exactly right. I wanted to get another book out but I didn’t want it to be romance, not yet. I wasn’t exactly in the headspace for that kind of writing if we’re being completely honest.” She couldn’t have written a romance novel if she’d truly tried. Her heart simply wouldn’t have been in it and it would have brought up too many emotions, too many terrible emotions, that centered around the only person she would be able to think about during the entire process. “Every few years a monster emerges to feed on the fear and hopelessness of the people in town but the locals have basically figured out ways to keep themselves from falling victim. But of course there’s a group of friends who decide to travel through the area and they get stranded there without warning. I don’t want to give too much of it away, but once it comes out I’ll go more in depth with you if you’d like.” Because she honestly did not mind talking about her books, or any books for that matter, with anyone at any time.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lil. Lovely name. I don’t think I’ve ever been inside of the Bread Cemetery but I’ll have to check it out now that I know someone who works there.” A bit of anxiety washed over her and Eleanor reached up to place her hand over her heart. Was that her or Lil? It had to have been Lil, she had no anxiety whatsoever about their conversation. Lil must have really been having a tough time. She started to ask if everything was alright but a sudden chill ran through her like nothing she’d ever felt before. She stepped to the side and looked all around herself to find what could have caused it. Looking back to Lil the empath attempted a smile but failed. “Sorry, I thought… I thought I felt something.” Was she finally losing her mind? It had been a long time coming: first she hadn’t seen the child then she felt a random chill. That couldn’t have been normal.

_

Lil hid a chuckle at the other’s amusement and for a moment she was enraptured at the idea of the book. It sounded like something that Lil would want to read. While she usually read older tests - mostly to learn languages - when she was just learning she loved epic adventures and journeys. Usually what got her interested in a language was the stories she really could understand in the original language. 

“Wow that sounds like an excellent book,” Lil said with a nod. “I’ll have to pick it up when it’s out. Kind of sounds like one of those old stories you know. Like myths where the heroes have to figure out what is happening.” She probably didn’t sound particularly educated as she spoke - she wasn’t really but she loved thinking about stuff like this. “What’s the name of it? If you’ve got one now.”

Lil nodded looking at the ghost who was now peering over her shoulder curious that she was shivering. Like he didn’t know he could do that. “You should. I work in the front and my brother -Jonas is the head baker. He loves Romances, so I’m sure he’d love to talk to you about those. Oh it gets chilly around here a lot.” Lil said lying hoping the ghost would stop. “I know it’ll stop in a second, or we’re going to have to talk about it.”

The ghost looked at her for the second bit and shrinked back a little, seemingly concerned what Lil would do. There was a twinge of guilt at his fear, but she kept steady looking back at Eleanor. “You uh - feel better now?” 

_

“Th-” Eleanor stopped herself before she could get it out. She was learning and was proud of herself for being so cautious. “That’s very kind. Have you ever seen Jeepers Creepers? It was kind of loosely based off of that with the monster reemerging every twenty or so years to feed. To be honest, that movie scared me to death when I was little, I was surprised that I was able to get through the book.” One of her earlier foster parents had allowed her to watch the movie with their older daughter and had simply laughed it off when Eleanor had become so scared that she refused to sleep with the lights off for nearly a month. “It’s called Those Who Lurk. It should be out late September, early October. Just in time for Halloween!”

Eleanor stood on her tiptoes as her own excitement flowed through her. “Really? I’ll have to make it a point to speak with him then, I’m always looking for more people I can talk to about books. Maybe I should start a book club but I always thought that maybe that was too much. Maybe people would judge me for not having a life outside of books.” She giggled at herself and shrugged.

“Does it?” Eleanor had lived in the area for nearly a year and had never experienced such a chill before. But then again she had just recently started to venture out more, perhaps it was something that happened often but she just hadn’t ever noticed it because she’d always been inside of her apartment when it happened. She nodded, “I feel… fine. How about you? You still seem a little distracted. Is that kid back?” She smiled at Lil as she spoke. “Really, if some strange occurrence is happening around me you can tell me, it probably wouldn't be the weirdest thing I’ve heard this week.” She was joking of course and hoped that the other would be able to pick up on that.

_

“Oh yeah, I think I did catch that one,” Lil said, connecting with the movie. While Jonas tended to watch lighter movies, Lil was no doubt more interested in horror - to an extent at least. There was some comfort in it, she couldn’t rightly understand. Maybe it was as simple as she could stop watching or reading it and it would go away. In anycase the exorcist didn’t really like examining it. “I’ll have to keep on the lookout for it. Maybe grab one of your other ones for my brother,” Lil said with a nod. She liked getting Jonas gifts, especially now that they were a little more financially stable and not relying on their dad to send money. 

Lil chuckled and nodded, “He’d probably love that. He loves talking to people.” She loved sending people that seemed nice along to befriend Jonas, it usually was a second habit. After all, Lil wasn’t a great friend but she was a pretty good judge of character. That and her brother deserved more kindness in his life. Her eyes found the ghost again who seemed intrigued by the fact she had a twin. 

“For me at least. I’m almost always cold around here,” Lil corrected, which was true enough. Ghosts tended to leave people a little colder and her being around them constantly made her a little more sensitive to chills then the average. At the other’s word Lil hesitated but decided that the truth was probably a lot less weird then what she would continue to do. “Ah well I guess we can test that theory if you’d like. The kid is not - well he’s probably more like a teen I think and a ghost,” Lil said honestly. “I’m guessing you probably can’t see him then. He’s trying to get my attention.”

Lil waited for the other to call her a liar or maybe get frightened. While the exorcist was pretty open about what she did - sometimes she hated this part of her existence. She didn’t like being called a liar, or the fear that came with it. It had gotten rarer these days - mostly because Wicked’s rest was filled with people that just believed things - but a lifetime being called a fraud did weigh down her shoulders at times.  

_

Eleanor excitedly clapped her hands together. “I can definitely get a copy to you for free, of whichever one you think he’d like the most.” She was always excited to get new readers and if she could get someone hooked with one of her books then they would likely pick up anything else she might have come out with in the future. “If he likes it then please let him know that I’ll be going back to romance shortly, I just wanted to venture out of my comfort zone this one time.”

Whether or not the weather truly was vastly different for Lil, Eleanor couldn’t have known, but she just nodded with a kind smile and accepted the excuse. “Last year during the fall I was surprised with how chilly it got so I always carried a light sweater with me whenever I needed to go out.”

Eleanor’s smile fell a little bit. Normally she wouldn’t have believed the ghost story for even a second but things had happened in the past few months that left her wondering what all was really out there, especially in this town. It seemed that every week she learned that some new book character was actually real and existed alongside her. Her mind swirled for a moment and she instinctively looked over her shoulder but of course didn’t see anyone. Not wanting to discredit Lil, she cleared her throat and decided to question a little further to determine whether or not the person she’d run into had lost their mind.

“A… ghost. What does he look like?” Eleanor was open to believing nearly anything but she did have a hard time with the thought that a ghost was near her and that someone else could see them. She wasn’t even sure she believed in ghosts in the first place. “And why is he hanging out around here? Why has he chosen to hang around me?”

_

“Oh sure - uh that’s really kind. I appreciate it,” Lil said with a nod. She’d have to think on what Jonas would like, but it probably wouldn’t be that hard. “Oh I’m sure you’ll find a loyal reader. He loves supporting local businesses and artists.” 

Lil felt the light tension of someone not quite knowing if they should believe her. It wasn’t anything new. Still, she appreciated that Eleanor wanted to ask questions instead of just assuming something. At the question on what he looked like she took into consideration the ghost who seemed intrigued. “Little taller than you, short hair I would guess probably brown. Can’t be more than like 19? He looks like he’s from the 1980’s if I had to guess. He’s dressed like the one guy in the Breakfast Club.” 

She blinked at the fact Eleanor thought the man was following her. “Oh no - he’s not following you. Sorry if you got that impression. He’s trying to show me something in that tree back there - and Dude I’m not climbing the tree.” Lil got distracted as the ghost came closer to grab her hand frustrated that it kept going through. 

“Ah - Ghosts like to take me on goose chases. Honestly you don’t have anything to worry about. Mostly they don’t mess with other people.” Lil tried to sound assuring and not like she was a tv ghost show presenter. 

_

Eleanor stiffened as Lil went into very specific details about the alleged ghost that had decided to crash their conversation. It was possible that everything she said was absolutely true but it was also a possibility that none of it was. The empath wasn’t sure what to believe and she hated to be in such an awkward spot. She gnawed on her lower lip for a long moment as she thought everything over. “You’re not joking, are you?” She nervously tugged on her bangs and shifted her weight from foot to foot. She was still skeptical but perhaps she wanted to believe.

“The tree… that’s why you were talking about the tree?” Eleanor hugged herself and let out a slow breath. Still questioning, she glanced up into the tree and raised a brow. “Well, now I’m officially curious. I don’t know if I can truly say that I believe in ghosts yet, but I’m curious. Are you able to… speak with them? As in, are you able to hear them and they hear you? How long have you been able to do this?” She stopped herself before she could bombard Lil with any more questions. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to ask that many questions.”

She nodded and sighed in relief. “That’s good. I was starting to think that it was like the movies where the ghosts intentionally target people and harm them and things like that. I have to stop thinking that everything is like the movies.” Eleanor thought for a moment before she continued, “What are some of the places the… ghosts… have led you?

_

Lil rubbed the back of her neck, “Uh no, can’t say it’s a joke.” Part of her wished it was or that this feeling of people being weary got easier. Still it was familiar, it didn’t make her nervous or scared - mostly just a little resigned that others might not like her much.

At the questions though she blinked not expecting all of them. “Oh no it’s fine, I can communicate with them. Ghosts can hear everyone as far as I know,” She didn’t add that she couldn’t hear them - a quirk that was just her own - but she figured it was enough for the author to know she could communicate with the ghosts. “Nah I get it. Most people have a lot of questions, I’ve always been able to communicate with ghosts. It’s something that people are born with, and while sometimes other people can like to see a ghost - it’s not super common. The ghost also just wants me to see something in the tree, that's why.” 

“Most ghosts aren’t interested in people unless it’s someone that they know and are trying to contact. They really are only interested in me because I can - you know - see them. You shouldn’t be scared of them. I don’t think most movies get it right. Like you and me most ghosts just wanna get where they're going and not bother anyone.” At the sillier question Lil laughed, “Sorry uh pretty much anywhere. One time it was a planet fitness because they wanted someone to get their gym bag - it's all over the place.” 

_

Eleanor couldn’t think of anything to say. Part of her truly wanted to believe Lil because she knew that some things simply could not be explained with logic whenever it came to this town, like her own abilities that she struggled with, but ghosts were something else entirely. But then again could she really be that surprised? She knew of vampires and another species of undead, were ghosts really that hard to believe in?

“You were born with it? That must have been confusing.” Eleanor wanted to open up and say that she had been born with a special ability too but she didn’t think it was the time. Would Lil even believe her or would she think that the empath was just trying to keep up with the supernatural talents? “Does it make things difficult? I can’t imagine… I think that it would make my skin crawl a little bit.” She decided that she believed Lil not because there was overpowering evidence but because she didn’t seem to be out of her mind when she spoke. “Two of my siblings swore they saw a ghost in our grandmother’s house but none of us have ever believed them. Maybe they did, who knows?”

At Lil’s comforting words Eleanor let out a sigh of relief. At least she didn’t have to worry about any ghosts deciding to come after her. “That’s good. I can’t say that I’m truly that surprised though, the movies hardly ever get anything correct. Planet Fitness, huh? I would have never guessed that.” She tucked a bit of hair behind her ear and looked around. “Is it wrong or insensitive to say that I think it’s really cool that you’re able to communicate with ghosts?” She wanted to bring out her journal and make a note about it but contained herself - she would have all the time in the world to do so after the conversation. Besides, she couldn’t add someone who could communicate with ghosts into her novel, it was too late for that kind of revision but there was always next time. “Have you ever met anyone who’s able to do what you do?”

_

“It can be but my family all can see ghosts so it wasn’t too bad,” Lil said remembering Erin who had been scared and nervous - who had thanked Lil profusely when she was able to say seeing ghosts wasn’t in her head. She remembered Winter who was determined and questioning - both of the others not really understanding what was happening. 

It was probably the only thing that Lil was grateful for, that seeing and interacting with ghost wasn’t considered weird in her family. 

 At the question of if it made life difficult Lil couldn’t help but chuckle, “Yeah makes it a little awkward when ghosts and people want your attention. The skin crawling bit I can’t really say, I mean if you suddenly were able to do it I can imagine it would freak you out. They might have, I can't really say. - Ghosts sometimes pop up in people’s lives.” 

Lil nodded lightly “Yeah - gym lockers who knew right?” At the confession Lil shrugged, “I can’t say that’s bad a lot of people think it’s cool. Still, it’s just something I can do, you know, it’s not super special to me. And yes I know some people - mostly family members if I’m honest. Still there’s a good amount of people I think. Not super common - most of the people who say they can probably can’t for the record. Be careful of scammers.” 

_

“It runs in the family? That must have been comforting to have a support system around you who knew what you were going through. I’m glad that you had that.” Too many times to count Eleanor had wished that she had had someone who understood what she was going through back when she was a child and felt utterly alone. Even if the people around her didn’t quite understand it would have been better had they tried to show her some compassion instead of writing her off as strange.

Eleanor decided that Lil was not joking and that even if she was only imagining the ghosts in her mind there was nothing wrong with a few questions. She had her own ability that most wouldn’t have believed had she opened up about it, she understood what it was like to be looked at as though she were insane. “No offense but I typically have a few reservations whenever it comes to people who say they can communicate with the dead. Now that I know there’s actually people out there who can, I'm going to have to dig a little deeper to try and weed out the posers. Should we… see why he’s so interested in the tree?” 

Maybe it was time. Lil had confessed to something big, had taken a leap of faith and trusted Eleanor with something special about herself. Maybe, hopefully, the woman who could see and communicate with ghosts wouldn’t think that being able to feel other people’s emotions was strange. Hopefully Lil would believe her.

“Actually, since we’re on the subject of not-so-normal abilities… you’re actually not alone. Well, I can’t see ghosts and I surely can’t communicate with them, but I do have this way of feeling emotions. Not just mine of course, everyone can do that, but I can feel the emotions of those around me. It gets overwhelming sometimes which is why I tend to stick to myself mostly, but it can also be helpful whenever I’m in the middle of a conversation with someone and they’re being deceitful.” Eleanor paused to allow some time for everything to sink in before adding, “And now this where you question my sanity.” She joked.

_

“Yeah it was nice,” Lil said, knowing a bit that it was a lie. It wasn’t in the way that the other had meant it. After all, being alone seeing ghosts was hard for most Medium, but with a legacy there was expectations that Lil just never quite met. Family and business were always intertwined and training was always at the edges of her memories. Still, that wasn’t here nor there. 

“I mean a lot of people are lying, generally I would be cautious of anyone who says they can speak to spirits. Especially if they're asking for a lot of money” Lil said with a shrug. While there wasn’t anything specifically wrong with asking for payment for specific rituals that weren’t necessary, most Mediums she knew wouldn’t hesitate to step in even if there wasn’t a payment. It was at least a good rule of thumb.  “I mean, unless you want to go up in the tree with me - you don’t have to go on this adventure. The ghost and I can figure that out.” 

At the confession Lil blink not expecting the other to divulge something like that. Still, it wasn’t the weirdest thing that she had heard and she didn’t think Eleanor really seemed like a person to lie to be interesting. June had taught her children to take information in and accept it - and well Lil didn’t have a reason to assume anything else. Besides, it was enough that she’d reached her hand out in that way.  “Huh. That’s not something I’ve heard of. That’s gotta be way harder than what I am. I’m guessing you’ve always had it then?”

It was curious, and if Lil was honest it made her feel a little bit of kinship with the other. “It’s not exactly the same - but Mediums like me tend to uh - well hang out alone for similar overwhelming reasons. Not emotions, but being around ghosts and trying to pretend they're not there can get really overwhelming.” Jonas found the whisperings overbearing at times, and while Lil didn’t have that she had a lot of ghost related awkwardness. It made it hard to talk to the living and well - Lil couldn’t hear the dead.  “I’m sorry that you have to deal with that. It seems like something that can make it hard to talk to others.” 

_

Eleanor was glad to hear that her suspicions had, for the most part, been true. “Stay away from the ones asking for a lot of money, got it.” She typically did that anyway but it was good to have the opinion of someone who was actually able to communicate with the dead. She looked over at the tree one last time then shook her head slowly. “You know what? I think I will leave it to the two of you. Just please make sure that you’re being careful if you do decide to figure out whatever’s up there.”

Relief washed over Eleanor when she realized that Lil wouldn’t be calling her insane. “I became conscious of it when I was in elementary school. It made everything harder, for most of my life I didn’t know how to function around people. But I’ve made a lot of friends here who are willing to help me out and they make it a lot easier on me. I used to just sit in my apartment all day and not venture out unless I absolutely had to but now I’m out and about more than ever. I still have my days of course, but it’s nothing like how it used to be.” She thought back on how far she’d come in just a year and became proud of herself. It wasn’t easy, but she’d done it.

Eleanor smiled. “Don’t apologize, we both have something that we’re dealing with that isn’t ‘normal’, if that’s the word you want to use for it. Maybe… sometime we can get together again and just have a debriefing session - you tell me everything about what you’re able to do and I’ll tell you everything about what I’m able to do. I’ve learned that it makes you feel a lot better whenever you’re able to get it all off of your chest with someone you trust.”

—

“Like most things in live, Money can be suspicious.” Lil nodded and chuckled. “I’ll be fine. Not the first tree I’ve been up in and probably won’t be the last.” The ghost seemed to perk up as she admitted to the fact she would probably move up into the tree. 

Lil nodded slightly, thinking about Mediums who seemed to be haunted by ghosts. It didn’t seem all that different in the end. “I’m glad you're going out more, I hope it gets easier - whatever is going on. If you ever want a quiet place, I work at the Bread Cemetery in town, the back room is pretty calm and quiet but still around people.” Lil chuckled again and nodded, “Hey I’ll have to take you up on that. Sounds like a good deal - you have a good afternoon Eleanor.”

[dariarutherford]

"Hm, let me think about that a sec." Daria placed a hand to her chin, contemplating which of her baked goods she would recommend the most to someone, at least of the ones that she had at the booth. Being a fan of chocolate and fruit, she reached to point out her chocolate covered cherry brownies. "If you like those Queen Anne's chocolate covered cherries, I would highly recommend these brownies. They taste almost just like the candy. And the, if you're not much of a chocolate person, then I would definitely suggest the new watermelon cupcakes I recently perfected for this year's summer menu."

Eleanor wasn't one for big events, but there was something about Founder's Day that she loved. Perhaps it was the focus on small businesses. Or maybe it was the sugar. Either way, she was happy to browse carefully and leave the library for an afternoon. Her first stop had been to look at the bookstore's table and now she was browsing the others. Looking at the various items that were offered, Ellie smiled at Daria's introduction. "What would you recommend? Everything looks so yummy!"

[oatslattes]

[     WALK     ]     —     our   muses   go   on   a   walk   in   the   cold   together     .

꒰     ﾉ     .     ‎꣑꣒            “     wait   lang     ,     before   we   go     ,     ”     junseo   adjusts   the   beanie   on   her   head     ,     as   well   as   the   scarf   around   her   neck     ,     making   sure   she   was   warm    ��.     he   then   playfully   poked   her   cheek   because   she   looked   so   adorable   all   bundled   up     .     there's   a   snow   forecast   and   a   temperature   drop     ,     he   didn't   want   eleanor   to   get   sick     .     he'd   get   in   trouble   with   ethan   if   something   happened   to   her   and   junseo   didn't   want   to   risk   it     .     he   already   asked   him     (     begged   him   really     )     if   they   could   go   out   without   him   and   thea   chaperoning   them     .     it   would   be   a   great   time   for   them   to   spend   some   time   together     ,     too     ,     he   thought     .     “     here     ,     i   have   another   one   if   your   hands   get   cold     ,     ”     he   places   a   hand   warmer   in   her   pocket   before   heading   out   the   door     ,     holding   his   hand   out   for   her     .     the   evening   was   peaceful     ,     even   if   it   was   cold—     the   perfect   time   to   walk   around   and   watch   the   flurries   falling   from   the   sky     .          /          @rockwithu

[thewrenxharlow]

While Wren didn't know the other girl, a similar situation had happened to her a few months ago on the boardwalk and thankfully someone helped her out of it, so she figured she might as well return the favor- good karma and all that. So despite her usual attitude, Wren put on a smile and tightened her arm with the other girl's, resisting the urge (for now) to glare daggers are the guy behind her. "Of course! Sorry I'm late, work was shit today. But I'm here now, so let's head inside..." She trailed off for a second, looking around and seeing that they were near Tejas. "Get some chips and margaritas? First round's on me."

location: choose your own adventure

" thank goodness you're finally here!" eleanor exclaimed, relief flooding her voice as she spotted someone approaching. she quickly linked her arm through theirs, eager to escape the creeping presence of the person she had been chatting with. their questions had taken a strange turn, and elle couldn't shake the unsettling vibe—she really tries to give people the benefit of the doubt, but their energy was really off and she had been listening to way too many true crime podcast these last few days. " please play along, " she whispered urgently, glancing back as she waved a hasty goodbye at the stranger before hastening their steps. // @aurorabaystarter

[pupsmailbox]

ACADEMIC ID PACK

NAMES︰ adeline. agatha. alastair. alex. alexander. alexandria. alisa. amber. ambrose. ambrosia. amorette. andrew. annabel. annabeth. annalise. anya. arden. artemis. arthur. ash. ashford. aspen. athena. atlas. atreus. augustus. avery. beatrix. blair. blake. blythe. bram. bronwyn. caspian. charles. charlotte. christopher. circe. claude. coraline. crimson. damian. damien. damon. daphne. darcy. demeter. diana. dorian. durant. ebony. eden. edgar. eleanor. elenor. elizabeth. elvira. emberl. enid. eris. everett. fantine. felix. fern. genevieve. george. grey. griffin. haven. hazel. hecate. henry. hester. holmes. hyde. inkesse. inkette. inkie. inky. isolde. ivie. ivy. james. jane. journalle. julian. julius. juno. kane. killian. lenore. lilith. lorelei. luna. magnus. malachi. mallory. maude. meredith. naomi. narissa. nicodem. nightesse. nightwing. nimue. noire. noiresse. noirette. odessa. odette. oliver. ophelia. orion. percy. persephone. peyton. phineas. phoebe. quill. quille. quinn. raven. ravenesse. ravenette. ravenne. remus. romero. rory. rosalind. rose. rowan. rowena. rufus. salem. scriptesse. sebastian. stoker. sylvain. tanith. theo. theodore. theodosia. trista. tristan. victor. victoria. vincent. virgil. wilhelmine. willow. wynona. xanthe. zoltan.

PRONOUNS︰ acade/academia. amber/amber. an/antique. arch/architectself. arch/archive. art/art. art/artist. arti/article. arti/fact. artifact/artifact. baro/baroque. bea/beauty. bis/bisque. book/book. bookworm/bookworm. calligraphy/calligraphy. can/vas. candle/candle. cer/ceramic. char/charcoal. chess/chess. clas/classic. clay/clay. clock/clock. co/collect. coco/coco. cocoa/cocoa. cof/coffee. coffee/coffee. col/color. coll/collection. collage/collage. con/cept. crea/cream. crow/crow. cur/curate. dra/drama. dust/dust. essay/essay. fea/feather. feather/feather. fig/figure. fil/film. flicker/flicker. gal/gallery. glaze/glaze. globe/globe. gold/gold. hazel/hazel. his/history. history/history. hon/honey. hue/hue. hypo/hypothesis. illus/illustrate. ink/ink. journal/journal. ki/kiln. knowledge/knowledge. le/letter. learn/learn. letter/letter. li/library. lig/ligature. lit/literature. mar/marble. mur/mural. murder/murder. muse/muse. muse/museum. night/night. no/note. novel/novel. page/page. paint/brush. paint/paint. paint/painting. paper/paper. para/dox. pen/pen. pho/photo. pi/pigment. piano/piano. poe/poet. poem/poem. por/trait. porcel/porcelain. print/print. qui/quill. quill/quill. raven/raven. rea/read. read/read. ren/renaissance. rev/revolution. scrapbook/scrapbook. script/scripts. scroll/scroll. sculp/sculptor. sculp/sculpture. sketch/sketch. speci/specimen. spine/spine. sta/stamp. stai/stain. stamp/stamp. statue/statue. story/story. stu/dy. study/studie. study/study. surreal/surrealism. tea/tea. theo/theory. theory/theory. thes/thesis. time/time. tweed/tweed. violin/violin. wheel/wheel. ⌛/⌛. ⌛︎/⌛︎. ☕/☕. ✒︎/✒︎. ✒️/✒️. 🏛️/🏛️. 🏺/🏺. 📜/📜. 🕯️/🕯️. 🖼️/🖼️.

[gatutor]

Clark Gable-Eleanor Parker "Un rey para cuatro reinas" (The king and four queens) 1956, de Raoul Walsh.

[xalecjacobs]

He silently nodded in understanding, knowing what she meant. "Not sure it'll be the life you're looking for but I'm not gonna kill your dreams," he chuckled.

"Yeah, I've had a few of those." She placed her drink to the side, leaning her hip against the bar. The mirage wasn't her typical haunt. That tended toward the back of pick-up trucks or even the beach on a suitable evening. Drinking something more expensive then cheap liquor store beer felt a little extravagant. "So you guys got any open spot for groupies? Always wanted to live off a band's rep."

[pandaplots]

JACOB & SIERRA - @ jacob's apartment.

aquela era uma surpresa que jamais poderia ter previsto - mas aparentemente, as novidades sobre sua vida circulavam rápido . dani contou sobre sierra para jane, que por sua vez avisou a mãe e em uma situação francamente maluca , a matriarca simplesmente avisou que viria de paris para visitar e esperava conhecer a moça de quem falaram tão bem . ele tentou contornar , dizer que elas se veriam de qualquer forma no casamento, que a ' namorada ' estaria lá para todas as festividades, mas eleanor foi adamante em sua ideia e o editor sabia que não podia dizer nada para mudar a escolha que fez, muito unilateralmente . a mulher era assim, e as vezes o irritava - não que tivesse gênio forte, afinal, como poderia odiar a personalidade que herdou dela - , mas o cuidado exagerado com ele, tentando de forma nada sutil, compensar pelos anos quais não pode fazer nada pelo filho, enquanto o jovem jacob estava totalmente sob o controle do pai. ele tinha superado esta parte de sua vida, gostaria que a mais velha também seguisse em frente. não eram agora uma família feliz ? porque ela não podia simplesmente agir assim ? afinal, jane não recebia este tratamento. de qualquer forma, sempre se provava irredutível, e portanto lá estava ele, com algumas panelas diferentes no fogo e metódico em seu processo , a sobremesa no forno, enquanto transitava pela cozinha planejada e se perguntava se sierra chegaria a tempo. mas suas preces silenciosas foram atendidas quando o porteiro interfonou para lhe dizer que a própria estava esperando, e rapidamente liberou sua entrada no complexo luxuoso de apartamentos onde ele morava no andar mais alto.

lavando as mãos depressa, e dando passos largos até a porta, conseguiu abrir antes que a campainha soasse mais uma vez. ❛ ⎯⎯⎯⎯  oi, ainda bem que você chegou. ⎯⎯⎯⎯ ❜  querer a ver em qualquer situação era uma sentimento novo ao qual deveria se acostumar - mas aquela era apenas uma parte do acordo. absurda, ele sabia, mas parte do acordo. estava contente em vê-la pelo bem da farsa, e era só isto que estava disposto a admitir. ❛ ⎯⎯⎯⎯  entra. ⎯⎯⎯⎯ ❜  pisou para o lado, abrindo mais a porta para lhe dar espaço. ❛ ⎯⎯⎯⎯  eu tenho que terminar o jantar, mas fica a vontade. ⎯⎯⎯⎯ ❜  disse antes de trancar o apartamento de novo, e voltar para seu molho. ❛ ⎯⎯⎯⎯  ah, você trouxe tudo ? ⎯⎯⎯⎯ ❜  tinha, por mensagem, enquanto a avisava sobre aquele predicamento ridículo, lhe pedido que trouxesse alguns itens pessoas que poderiam espalhar pela casa - fazer da mentira mais credível. ❛ ⎯⎯⎯⎯  pode deixar onde quiser, ela vai dar um jeito de olhar em todo lugar mesmo. ⎯⎯⎯⎯ ❜  assegurou, prosseguindo com suas vagâncias pelo espaço contido, perto das panelas e da geladeira. ❛ ⎯⎯⎯⎯  quer algo 'pra beber ? ⎯⎯⎯⎯ ❜  tentou ser um bom anfitrião, e o ar gélido do eletrodoméstico lhe deu uma clareza momentânea , para que deixasse de pensar em como - objetivamente - ela estava bonita.

@kisestress

[larry-noesreal]

DESMINTIENDO PRUEBA LARRY #3

vídeo "i'm gay"

Todo comenzó cuando una fan público la siguiente imagen con la descripción de "Pero que carajos Louis y Liam aquí en la misma foto que yo."

En paralelo publicaba en Vine el famoso video donde varias personas comenzaron a decir que louis admitía ser gay y eso era desafortunado para su novia eleanor.

Aunque la realidad es otra y la fan que grabó el vídeo salió rápidamente a aclararlo. Ya que por un lado se estaba viendo ese vídeo como prueba de que larry era real, mientras que por otro lado se daba a entender que el comentario de Louis era homofóbico.

Traducción:

Sólo me gustaría decir que Louis no dijo que fue "desafortunado para él ser gay". Tenían el mismo cumpleaños y ¡es desafortunado! ¡yo estaba allí!

Traducción:

Siento que si escuchara a Louis decir "soy gay", reaccionaría como lo hacen todos los demás ahora, pero escuché con mis propios oídos que él no dijo eso.

Traducción:

¡El vine que habéis visto fue vídeo mío! Yo estuve allí y todos deben dejar de cambiar la verdad. ¡ÉL NO LO DIJO Y YA ESTÁ!

Traducción:

izzy: ¿Dijo que era gay en el vine? ¿No podrías oírlo? sube el volumen tal vez

Ty: Yo grabé ese vídeo... estuve allí. ni siquiera lo dijo

Traducción:

Ty: no lol the guy was like we have the same birthday... and Louis replays with theta unfortunately! he didn't Say he was gay!

Ty: me molesta escuchar historias diferentes que ni siquiera sucedieron jajaja... los chicos estaban borrachos pero no fueron irrespetuosos.

En general en las teorías y pruebas que son creadas por larries se omite la versión de la persona que el captura aquel momento.

[thelizaxevans]

While Liza definitely was slowing down now at work, she still tried to go in every day, wanting to keep busy and help out while she still could before she had to go on leave. Like now- she was decorating a tray of cupcakes but she was at least sitting on stool while doing so, keeping off her (swollen) feet while she could. Hearing the familiar voice made her look up though, a smile pulling onto her lips. "I rest plenty, thank you very much." She teased, grinning over at Eleanor. "I have a whole comfortable chair and an ottoman in the back that I nap on daily."

closed starter for @thelizaxlevin

ellie's heart brimmed with genuine excitement at the thought of liza's impending engagement and her having a baby soon. the happiness that radiated from her friend's journey was a warmth that resonated deep within ellie. nowadays, she even found herself frequenting sweet nothings bakery. today, like so many others, the brunette was out for a coffee run and decided to get some pastries here as well for her colleagues in the library. leaning against the counter as she chatted with the blonde, she couldn't help but jest, " should you still really be working like that? i mean--i love all the goodies you bake, but maybe you ought to get some more rest. " her tone was laced with affection, a gentle ribbing that masked a genuine concern.

[heralds-bah-commune]

Hi guys! Uh not sure if this sent cus it said it didnt so ima send it again!

I was hoping if i could get a lvl 5 jane doe (ride the cyclone) alter and!

An alter named Oddette (a Hamilton the musical inspired alter) using this faceclaim! :3

hiii! here you go! this one was so fun for my theatre kid ass :)

a new flower has blossomed! 🌹

jane doe (rtc) & hamilton inspired ... [LVL 5 PACK]

══════════════════

name(s) ;; jane doe, penny, savannah, dolly, eleanor

pronouns ;; it/its, she/her, doll/dolls, pale/pales, death/deaths, 404/404s

age ;; 16

species ;; human, deceased (transBJD)

gender(s) ;; xenogirl, g?rl

orientation(s) ;; sapphic

role(s) ;; autism symptom holder, depression holder

source ;; ride the cyclone

sign-off(s) ;; [🎢🪆] ; – Jane Doe

══════════════════

appearance ;; 5'2", with a soft figure. pale skin, with a pure white porcelain face. curly blonde hair. shiny black eyes. primarily wears frilly dresses. see below for picture.

personality ;; soft and melancholic. doll is sensitive and easily frightened. she's not great in large crowds. it is creative and intelligent.

══════════════════

likes ;; dolls, plushies, musical theatre, opera, nature documentaries

dislikes ;; people who are intimidating, sudden loud sounds, roller coasters

possible front triggers ;; depressive thought patterns, the ballad of jane doe

══════════════════

cisid(s) ;; deceased, cisWhite, autistic

transid(s) ;; transBallJointedDoll, transDating, transFictoromantic, transHarmful, transPopular

trisid(s) ;; trisHarmed

kink/fetish/para(s) ;; autofictophilia, necrophilia, spectrophilia

══════════════════

moodboard ;; found here

playlist ;; "a pound of flesh" - regina spektor / "the ballad of jane doe" - ride the cyclone / "she used to be mine" - sara bareilles / "the magician's assistant" - emily rohm / "liquid smooth" - mitski

kinlist ;; the tin woodman (oz books)

bonus info ;; has somewhat jerky movements

══════════════════

name(s) ;; oddette [and some other options...] theodosia, mary, odile

pronouns ;; she/her, they/them

age ;; 30

species ;; human

gender(s) ;; cisgender woman

orientation(s) ;; demisexual, heteroromantic, polyamorous

role(s) ;; socializer

source ;; brainmade, inspired by hamilton the musical

sign-off(s) ;; – ⭐🥂

══════════════════

appearance ;; 5'6 ½" and average build. cool dark brown skin. silvery grey eyes. long curly dark hair sparkling with jewels and pearls. always in ballroom-appropriate dress. pictures attached.

personality ;; kind and excitable. they have a positive outlook on life. she is a romantic, but perhaps a little naive when it comes to love. clumsy and cute.

══════════════════

likes ;; dancing, romance novels, period dramas, champagne

dislikes ;; violence, guns, solitude, boredom

possible front triggers ;; parties, drinking alcohol, hamilton

══════════════════

cisid(s) ;; cisBlack, aphantasia, ADHD

transid(s) ;; transFamily (Schuylers), transActress, permaFormal, permaDancing

kink/fetish/para(s) ;; exhibitionism, dipsophilia, agoraphilia

══════════════════

moodboard ;; found here

playlist ;; "almost there" - the princess and the frog / "helpless" - hamilton / "right person, right time" - leanna firestone / "tightrope" - the greatest showman / "absolutely smitten" - dodie

kinlist ;; angelica schuyler (hamilton) / princess tiana (the princess and the frog)

bonus info ;; loopy cursive handwriting, large signature

[uma-garota-nos-livros]

"Amo tudo em você, até as partes que você acha tristes demais para serem amadas. Acho essas partes as mais bonitas"

Eleanor e Grey

[gatutor]

Eleanor Powell "Nacida para la danza" (Born to dance) 1936, de Roy Del Ruth.

[yuvinorvix]

Mira abajo y veras oro

Basado en la canción Lower One's Eyes

Miro hacia abajo y veo oro, miro arriba y veo el cielo cubierto en humo y las grises nubes, miro al frente y te veo crucificada, ardiendo... Justo como lo hicimos antes.

Es de día, he estado haciendo mis deberes durante este soleado día, tengo un buen trabajo como sirvienta, no me gusta realmente, ya que siempre me quedó atrás... Olvidada por las demás sirvientas del castillo, honestamente la importancia fue decayendo lentamente, ya no me interesa.

- ¿Eleanor? ¿Otra vez sola querida?

Me pregunta una agraciada mujer, Madame Lilith, ella es a quien sirvo diligentemente. Ella es una dama alta, con un plateado cabello y unos profundos ojos rosa... Ella siempre ha sido más encantadora que yo.

- Lo siento Madame Lilith...

Miró abajo avergonzada, ya que soy la última en terminar su trabajo... Nunca progreso.

- No te preocupes querida, ven.

Madame Lilith noblemente mueve su mano para invitarme a un Carol, ella me sonríe...

Le sonrió de vuelta, y tomo su mano.

- Por supuesto, Madame.

Bailó con ella, se siente como si mi alma fuera purificada, ¿pero por qué siento este pinchazo en mi corazón? No importa, solo sé que estoy con mi señora, y eso es lo que importa, solo hay que bailar en el oscuro y vacío pasillo, hasta que nuestras identidades se pierdan.

- Dime Eleanor, ¿Crees que dios realmente nos amó alguna vez a nosotras las mujeres?

Me quedé callada, simplemente le sonreía, yo no puedo opinar, sería algo blasfemo y no apropiado.

La madame se me quedó mirándome en silencio, y no dice ni una palabra más.

Madame Lilith siempre ha sido una mujer muy inteligente... Ella es diferente, no hago más que admirarla.

Eleanor, ella siempre la he visto ser excluida por los demás, ella se ve como si estuviera en luto, tal vez sea por su tan intensa mirada, o por sus ojos amarillos, los cuales cazan fríamente sin cesar. Y su pelo negro como el abismo. Es un misterio la razón, pero ella siempre me va a interesar.

- Eleanor, ven aquí. Necesito tu ayuda.

Le digo a la mujer que barre una de las muchas habitaciones lentamente.

- Si, Madame Lilith.

Eleanor deja la escoba de paja por ahí, y aparece en frente mío. Ella todavía tiene mucho que aprender, pero por lo menos es muy obediente.

Siempre me he preguntado por qué Eleanor se distancia de los demás, excepto de mi, ella me mira con una administración extraña, y aunque ella no lo sepa, yo reconozco su presencia cuando me mira de lejos.

- Querida, tengo una pregunta... ¿Tienes padres? Ya que siempre te veo sola aquí y en la ciudad... ¿Viven lejos quizás?

Eleanor se queda callada, está pensando si debería hablar o no... La veo respirar profundo y habla.

- No. No tengo Madame. Cuando era joven mi villa fue atacada, milagrosamente sobreviví y escape... Fue una masacre, y yo estoy aquí gracias a su benevolencia, mándame Lilith.

Veo a Eleanor con tristeza y culpabilidad, no debería haber preguntado algo tan sensible para ella... Pero, no se la razón, pero Eleanor me recuerda a una niña que vi años atrás, a alguien que perdoné cuando era la "La Flama Blanca."

- Sabe Madame... Cuando era una adolescente yo la vi caminar hacia el castillo del Duque, usted se veía como un lirio... Era como si toda la pureza de dios, usted la estuviera vistiendo.

¡Ah... Cierto! esta chica es tan linda que su inocencia me forzó a contratarla... No podía dejarla tirada en la calle.

[DÍAS DESPUÉS...]

El Gran Sacerdote ha llegado, no sé por qué llegó tal hombre aquí, pero verlo me da asco, un violador y manipulador. Le gustan los hombres y niños por igual, y finge inocencia mientras usa a dios como excusa... Es repugnante.

Ahora que recuerdo... Madame Lilith me dijo el nombre de la danza que hicimos hace un tiempo... Creo que era Vals, no sé de dónde la señora saca estas locas ideas... Pero ella siempre me dice que lo mantenga en secreto de la iglesia, Me alegra ser de confianza para ella...

- Señorita, ¿me permite hablar con usted en privado?

Subo la mirada y miro al Gran Sacerdote.

- ¡Oh, su santidad! disculpé mi rudeza, pero... ¿para qué necesita hablar conmigo?

- Necesito tener una charla con usted, ¿La molesto?

Sacudo mi cabeza, en negación, no puedo permitirme insultar al gran sacerdote.

- No... Por supuesto que no, lo llevaré a una habitación para que hablemos en privado...

Habitación en donde podamos hablar más en privado.

Llevo al gran sacerdote a una de las muchas habitaciones del castillo. Sinceramente, me resulta asqueroso, ¿por qué tengo que guiar a un hombre como él? A alguien tan perverso y desagradable.

Las ratas se meten entre las paredes mientras guío al gran sacerdote dentro del castillo.

- Diga… ¿por qué está con la Madame Lilith?

Él me pregunta de la nada. Me quedo parada en medio de las viejas escaleras de roca, mientras sostengo una vela, miro atrás y lo miro a los ojos.

- … Porque ella me paga bien… por ninguna otra razón…

Mentiría si esa fuera la razón por la que estoy aquí, me pagan bien, si, pero yo estoy aquí por Madame Lilith, solamente tengo ojos para ella.

- Ya veo…

Abro la puerta de una habitación rústica, es un poco fea pero muy buena para que nadie nos escuche.

Me siento en una silla y el gran sacerdote también lo hace, él me mira con una mirada seria.

- Señorita… Esto puede sonar duro e incluso cruel, pero estoy sospechando que Madame Lilith es una bruja. Usted sabe que yo, aunque tenga mis sospechas, tocar o meterse con esa mujer no es algo que pueda hacer sin pensarlo dos veces.

Me quedé desconcertada, confundida, ¿Madame Lilith es una bruja…? No…Me niego a creer tal cosa, tal… pero puede ser verdad. Madame Lilith siempre ha sido alguien extraño, nadie sabe de dónde vino, pero ella es una noble de una familia importante, pero nadie sabe el nombre de su familia.

- Así que mi petición es… ¿podría usted espiar a Madame Lilith?

Me quedé estupefacta, ¿no sería esto lo mismo que traicionar a mi señora? No… Sólo sería traición si ella realmente es una bruja, confío en mi señora.

- Entiendo… Lo haré para probar su inocencia.

Entonces veo al gran sacerdote sacar un libro de su ropa mientras él sonríe malévolamente.

- Tome, es un libro de anti brujas, me enteré que usted sabe leer gracias a Madame Lilith así que esto le podría servir, señorita.

Veo el libro con remordimiento y culpa, ¿por qué existen las brujas?... Sólo espero que no pase lo que me sucedió a mi…

- Muchas gracias, su señoría.

Y así, Eleanor empezó a ser aún más discreta cada vez que seguía y miraba de lejos a Madame Lilith. Hasta que Eleanor entró en la habitación de su señora.

Eleanor miró entre las cosas de Lilith hasta que encontró algo que ella pensó nunca volver a ver.

- ¿Por qué está esto aquí…?

Eleanor dice mientras sostiene un sombrero de bruja de color blanco con decoraciones rosadas.

- No… ¡No!

Eleanor tira el sombrero y sale corriendo. Llega al pasillo principal, Eleanor ve a Madame Lilith reunida con unas cuantas sirvientas cercanas a ella, Lilith se ve triste pero también decepcionada.

- “Eleanor” …

Lilith dice levemente mientras ve algo en las manos de Eleanor.

- ¿Por qué llevas eso?

Eleanor ve sus manos y ve el libro de anti brujas, la chica no recuerda nunca haberlo traído aquí..

- Ma…Madame… no es lo que usted cree. Yo…yo no la traicioné.

Lilith sólo mira a Eleanor con una triste decepción.

- ¿Por qué, Eleanor? ¿Por qué lo hiciste?

Lilith dice, pero el libro de anti brujas empieza a arder en las manos de Eleanor, una flama rosada…

Eleanor sale corriendo al bosque, la flama carcomiéndola entera hasta quemar su ser.

Eleanor entonces llega a la iglesia. Entra y camina hasta la oficina del gran sacerdote.

- Gran sacerdote…encontré a la bruja.

Eleanor dice con una leve sonrisa, sus ojos sin salvación y su alma quemada hasta que fuera polvo.

El gran sacerdote sonríe con una vil y aterradora sonrisa. El viejo toma una bolsa con monedas de oro y se la da a la chica.

- Toma… es tu recompensa por ayudar a Dios.

Eleanor toma el dinero y se va…

Al día siguiente Eleanor vuelve a la ciudad llevando una capa amarilla, desgarrada y rota.

Eleanor ve a Lilith, quien pronto será quemada viva.

Lilith ahora sólo tiene una mirada pacífica mientras ve a Eleanor.

- Hola, Eleanor ¿cómo estás? Espero que bien.

Eleanor le sonríe a Lilith, por fin están juntas.

- Hola, Madame. Dormí terrible después de todo no estabas.

Eleanor dice con una sonrisa mientras ve a Lilith encerrada en su celda.

- ¿Me permitiría una última danza?

Lilith se ve sorprendida pero no tiene tiempo para reaccionar ya que Eleanor atraviesa las barras de la celda con magia y baila con Lilith.

- E-Eleanor ¡un momento!

Eleanor guía el baile de forma dominante y violenta. Eleanor continúa hasta que mata a Lilith.

Entonces, Eleanor abre los ojos y ve a Lilith perfectamente bien… fue sólo un pensamiento intrusivo.

- Eleanor, te perdono.

Le dice Lilith a Eleanor con una mirada sin resentimiento.

- Yo igual, Madame, también la perdono… y si me disculpa, déjeme decirle que…la amo. La amo tanto que no la odio por quemar y destruir mi vieja aldea. La amo tanto que no la odio por matar a mi familia. Yo la amo, Madame Lilith… La bruja de la flama blanca y la bruja que ha asesinado a miles.

Eleanor dice con una sonrisa, pero Lilith se queda petrificada. Su mirada es una de arrepentimiento y miedo.

- Eleanor… perdóname… Yo-yo no sabía… Eleanor, ¡te imploro que me perdones! Yo quería escapar de mi pasado…

Eleanor sólo le sonríe a Lilith, se acerca a la mujer detrás de las rejas y lentamente le da un beso en sus labios.

- Cuídese en el infierno Madame, así que porfavor, espéreme.

Eleanor dice y después se va rápidamente. Al salir del calabozo, Eleanor le habla a los guardias.

- Empiecen la ejecución.

Eleanor después camina hacia el centro de la ciudad.

Al rato, unos guardias llegan con Lilith en una celda. La gente le tira tomates y piedras mientras le insultan.

Eleanor saca la bolsa con monedas de oro que obtuvo.

Y así, Lilith es lentamente crucificada mientras es odiada y aborrecida por los humanos a los que ayudó y cuidó.

Y finalmente, prendieron fuego y Lilith fue quemada lentamente. Su mirada sin despegarse de Eleanor quien la miraba arder como el innegable pero retorcido amor que ambas comparten.

Días después…

Eleanor va a una casa escondida en el bosque. Entra al lugar y se encuentra con un señor de mediana edad con una forja en su casa, el carbón todavía caliente.

- Disculpe, ¿es usted Sir Ares?

Eleanor le dice mientras lleva una capucha de color amarillo que cubre su cara pero sigue siendo ella.

- ¿Sí? ¿Qué necesita usted, señorita?

Eleanor sonríe y le deja en el mesón dos bolsas con monedas. Sir Ares ve su contenido y ve que en ambas hay varias monedas de oro.

- Hágame una marca de cruz en la garganta.

El hombre lo piensa, después sonríe vilmente y acepta.

- Como usted quiera, señorita. Solamente quiero que sepa que nunca volverá a decir una palabra… ¡Ah!... y dolerá un poco.

Años después…

El papa camina por un antiguo pueblo, destrozado y demacrado.

- Papa, vamos a purificar este pobre lugar infestado por esas malignas brujas.

El papa asiente con una leve sonrisa. Luego, el papa vuelve al carruaje, en donde suspira y toca su cuello, marcado con una cruz con oro fundido. Sus ojos amarillos mirando un antiguo castillo en el que una vivió alguna vez una bruja.

[amyzmarch]

@jomarchz — eleanor & alec.

naquele momento, eleanor nada mais desejava que aprender a desaparecer com um estalar de dedos. se apresentar na temporada social como uma participante ativa era uma coisa para a qual acreditava estar preparada, imaginando que seria muito mais agradável ter certo livre arbítrio que somente aparecer no casamento com um nobre aleatório e de outro país que sua mãe escolhesse como seu futuro marido. e estava até desejando voltar atrás e deixar que a rainha assumisse as rédeas novamente. não aguentava mais a sensação de estar constantemente cercada por abutres que só queriam entrar na família real, que insistiam a todo custo de manter contato com ela e a importunava de todas as maneiras possíveis. ouvir lorde davenport discursar a fazia querer sair correndo a toda velocidade, e não conseguia simplesmente ir embora: toda vez que tentava se despedir e se afastar para ir a qualquer outro canto do jardim em que o baile acontecia, liam davenport parecia fazer questão de segui-la e ignorar tudo o que estava falando. poderia ter chamado os guardas e dar um jeito naquela situação, mas não queria parecer que não conseguia lidar com os seus próprios problemas sozinha. muito menos criar uma cena para todos os convidados. estava completamente desconfortável e era extremamente custoso para eleanor esconder como queria se enfiar no chão. “ah, olha lá o braddock.” o escutou mencionar alexander e desviou a atenção para o rosto conhecido, ignorando o que o duque estava falando ao seu lado. não queria lidar com ele ainda. mas, ao mesmo tempo, era a única esperança que tinha de se livrar daquela situação detestável na velocidade da luz - e esperava que ele percebesse que estava desesperada ao chamá-lo: “lorde braddock! estava mesmo para avisar o lorde davenport que rpecisava encontrá-lo. pronto para a nossa dança?.” abriu um sorriso falso, praticamente gritando: me ajuda.

[eleanorxshipley]

Self-para (Post Plot Drop).

Awards After Party.

At first Eleanor thought it was some sort of sick joke-- just a horror movie flickering on the giant screen. It only took her a moment as gasps and growls filled the air to realize this hell was all too real. She didn't even know the person that was butchered and tortured, but her stomach churned at the sight, and the thought of how their last moments on earth had been spent.

It reminded her that despite the bubble she had been exiled to when it came to the different factions of their city, there were some honest-to-God monsters among them. Some in this very room. Eleanor had always the mind-set that if someone were nice to her she had no right to not be the same unless given reason to be wary. That was now out the window. Even if she didn't have a target on herself, Eleanor wasn't sure who to trust, either.

Feeling like the indulgences of the evening were about to be all over the floor if she didn't leave, Eleanor swiftly fled the room, but tried not to cause a disturbance. The last thing she wanted was attention to her weakness. Finding the nearest bathroom that she could, Eleanor drew her hair up and out of her face, just in case.

Her hands trembled and her body felt too weak to even rid herself of the churning contents. Instead, Eleanor tried to calm herself with several splashes of water to the face; uncaring if it ruined the make-up she had spent so much time on just hours before. When she had been kind of excited for the night and the awards she was up for. When there was still a sliver of optimism that everyone could gather for once without any bloodshed.

Clenching the edge of the countertop in desperation, Eleanor silently prayed. She prayed that her and everyone else would get out of that place unharmed. Especially those she cared the most about. That footage would haunt her in nightmares to come, but even worse, it made her think about Henri.

Had his murderer killed him him in one clean shot? Or was he tortured until beaten to a bloody pulp? She had been spared the details of his death save from it being a gunshot wound, but had always wondered what really went down. The very idea that some heathen could have taken Henri's sweet soul in a similar manner brought Eleanor to her knees, sobbing. It was all her fault. Not even her hands were clean anymore.

The blonde's breathing escalated, making it difficult to even think, but Eleanor knew she needed to escape. Or search for her loved ones and make sure they were safe. By the time she slipped out of the bathroom, footsteps rattled the mansion. Some she was sure were scattering to hide - others may have been hunting. Hanging out in the small guest bathroom was not an option, even if no one cared to come after her. It was too far to slip outside, nor was it an option when her friends and family were trapped inside. She couldn't lose any others in her life.

Bright eyes misted over with the burn of salty tears, as Eleanor high-tailed it to the kitchen, hoping it might be a harmless place to make camp. That the worst she might stumble upon would be a pissed off chef barking orders at his staff. However the place was silent. Eerily silent. Spotting a kitchen knife on the butcher block, Eleanor quietly took the weapon just in case it was necessary. She really didn't think she would be on anyone's radar. Then, again, maybe the guy in the video hadn't been either.

Eleanor had always been told to never hide somewhere you couldn't escape. Not to allow someone to back you into a corner. Yet, at the sound of footsteps she realized there were only two options for her. The pantry, or freezer. Neither were a great choice, but as voices grew louder she knelt to the floor and crawled her way into the roomy cupboard, thankful for the door that hid her away from sight. The thin crack in the heavy wood allowed her a small peek of the shadows wandering around the room.

Unfortunately for Eleanor, she couldn't make out a word. They could have been civilian wait staff, or fellow innocents trying to hide like herself. Everything sounded like a rampant buzzing. But she couldn't chance it. Shaking fingers curled around the handle of the knife in preparation. The jolt of her phone vibrating with texts from Lara and Samar asking if she was alright made her jump slightly, and she fished her phone out of her handbag to respond and let them know not to come to the kitchen for her. She couldn't take a chance on losing either of them.

Both texts were unsent, for the slam of something in the kitchen (perhaps the freezer door or door to the room itself, she wasn't sure) slammed with impressive strength. Out of anger or frustration... or hell-- knowing this crowd, they may have hid a body in there. The force was so fierce that it not only literally shook Eleanor, but the pantry shelves as well, causing several of the cans and items to rain down on her. Eleanor narrowly dodged a jar of spaghetti sauce as it shattered to the ground, dousing the floor and her dress in what looked like blood.

Eleanor tried to avoid the shards of glass that now sprinkled the floor, which distracted her from one last scuffle of a few spare pans careening to the floor. The very last one, as if a magnet to her, rammed Eleanor into the head on the way down.

Eleanor's phone and knife skittered across the floor as her body slumped, succumbing to the shroud of temporary darkness and unconsciousness.