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eightdoctor · 2 months ago

Note

If you have Finished the EDAs their are three non EDA Stroies published by the BBC staring 8 and one published by Virgin

They are as Follows:

The Dying Days (set during the green-peace gap)

Wolfsbane (set during the Earth arc between Causalities of War and the Turing Test, also stars the 4th Doctor and Harry Sullivan)

Fear Itself (set after Earthworld)

We Can’t Stop What’s Coming (the only post Gallifrey Chronicles story with Fitz 8 and Trix dealing with the coming of the Last Great Time War it is found in the Target Book)

Several Short Trips are also set during the series:

‘Bounty’ ‘Dead Time’ and ‘the People’s Temple’ are all in the audio anthology Earth and Beyond and show Sam Jones’s first trips in the TARDIS a prior to Vampier Science.

Femme Fatal (found in More Shirt Trips starts Sam and Iris Wildthyme)

The Queen of Eros (found in Shirt Trips and Side Steps also with Sam)

Growing Higher (Found in Short Trips: Zodiac)

Fitz is also in:

Only Living Girls (a short story in Iris Wildthyme and the Celestial Omnibus)

Fitz’s Story (a full cast audio story relased by Big Finish in the anthology a Company of Friends, also in that anthology is Benny’s story which is a loos sequel to the Dying Days)

Dead Romance (an unnamed appearance as the physical manifestation of the Horror in his Father Kreiner incarnation, acts as a Sequel to Interference)

Compassion appears beyond the EDA’s in:

Toy Story (set between the two Formans World Sections in Interference but should be read afterwards to avoid spoilers, also introduces Lolita, the TARDIS’s sister

Book of the War (book Zero in the Faction Paradox spin off)

Of the City of the Saved (book 2 in the Faction Paradox spin off. focuses on the Original Compassion, Laura Tobin, in the Afterlife also sees Compassion 2 and the TARDIS Compassion play a significant role)

Warring States (book 5 in the Faction Paradox spin off series)

Breakspear Voyage (Book 9 in the Faction Paradox spin off. a brief appearance)

The Faction Paradox Protocols (the first series of Faction Paradox audios. her appearance in performed media, also stars Sabbath)

Every City of the Saved Story (she is in all of them in some form of another. Read City of the Saved First to avoid spoilers all other appearances of the City of the Saved also star her.)

Scarlette from Adventuress of Henrietta Street also goes on to appear in

The True History of the Faction Paradox (the second series of Faction Paradox audios, shows her birth)

Faction Paradox Issue 1 and 2 (the only two issues if the Faction Paradox comic, also starts Sabbath)

Sabbath beyond his prior two mentions also appears in the audio story ‘Sabbath and the King’ but one should listen to both Faction Paradox series’s prior to this one for full understanding.

Faction Paradox also appear in:

Their own multimedia spin of series

The 13th Doctor Anthology the Wintertime Paradox (which ties into the Time Lord Victorious multimedia event as that is how the Faction Return)

Several Iris Wildthyme stories

The War in Heaven also appears in

All of Faction Paradox bar the comics

Several 10,000 Dawns stories

The Past Doctor Adventures novel’s ‘the Infinity Doctors’ and ‘Verdigris’

Several Iris Wildthyme stories

The Bernice Summerfield spin of series starting with Where Angles Fear (but foreshadowed in Down) and Concluding in Escaping the Future.

Iris Wildthyme also appears

Everywhere

So if you feel disappointed about finish the EDA’s and want more EDA fun you have all of these to look forwards to!

thank you for this thorough ask…. though i have already listened to all of the faction paradox stuff and would rather disembowel myself before reading another lance parkin novel so soon this is a wonderful reference!! big appreciations xx

thant being said i think i am just going to reread them.

#i have also already read we can’t stop what’s coming and fear itself of Course.. i must follow the fitz8 yuri agenda #familyparadox

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familyparadox · 1 year ago

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Tossing my penny into the ring on John and Gillian fan theories.

John and Gillian Who are real. They are thew Doctors Grandchildren. They are Human.

The Doctor has John and Gillan as one of Morbius Doctor.

John and Gillian travel with the First Doctor for a while whilst Susan is at school and have fun adventures, for many years. The Doctor does eventually get back to London 1963 and sends John and Gillan Who back to live with their parents.

At this point Time Lines shift. John and Gillan are now Time Lords (and the Doctor’s grandchildren) who fled with the Doctor and Susan to earth, they still have those adventures with one whilst Susan is at school. And when they end up back in 1963 they are recruited by the CIA in exchange for full pardons. Whilst the Time Lord do not capture the Doctor they manage to insert a retro virus in to John and Gillian’s time stream which saver their link to the Doctor. They never had adventures with the Doctor. They stayed on Gallifrey like good little Time Lords and where recruited by the CIA.

After the Second Doctor’s trial in “the War Games” John and Gillian return to the Doctor’s adventuring with them guiding the Doctor to the right place and time for missions that the Time Lord’s have ordered them to go on. They are the Doctor’s handlers making sure he don’t realise that he is in the employ of the CIA and not merely adventuring (this is after several mind wipes and adventures in other circumstances (the mind wipes explain 6B inconsistencies). However when sent on a mission to defeat a group of Time active Rebel Quarks the Doctor panics and leaves John and Gillian at a university with no way of contacting their superiors. It is during this time that they encounter emissaries from Faction Paradox and are recruited.

John and Gillian go on one or two solo missions, with John becoming the “Boy” in “Unnatural History”.

In the end They become Sibling Different and Sibling Same and are torn from the War in Heaven into the New Who world alongside several other war time individuals due to a blurring of Time Lines thanks to the “Time Lord Victorious” Event.

And we see what happens to them in the anthology “A Wintertime Paradox”

#doctor who #dweu #faction paradox #doctor who eu #edas #john and gillian #Tv Comic #canon welding

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systastic · 5 months ago

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level 3 agott (witch hat) alter?

never heard of this source before, but god it looks so fucking cool. will def be looking into this more later! -🪻

name :: agott, agatha, giovanni, mari, mischa, hollin, sybil, bellamy, glynn, ezra, noel

age :: 12 to 15

pronouns :: she/her, he/him, ny/nym, ae/aeir/aer/aerself, li/lyr/lyrs/lyrself

roles :: assidumate, taskdoer, disciplinarian, housekeeper, lore keeper, memori

species :: human (witch)

gender identity :: bigender (juxera), peatragia, novellian, arcaneagender/arkhaigender, noctofloric, pluviotristic, cottagegoric

orientation :: lesboy

source :: brainmade / witch hat atelier

aesthetic :: light academia, old money, nanchatte seifuku

appearance description :: ezra has a very “light academia” way of dressing: ruffled shirts and cardigans, pleated skirts, blooming pants, long socks or tights, and high brown boots. cardigans are a must during cold winter days, as are sweaters during the wintertime. he wears a ribbon around his neck that varies in color based on the role he is taking on in that moment; white is for tidying up, deep pink is for disciplinarian work, blue is for memory-work, and brown is for note taking. noel keeps her space clean and tidy and goes out of her way to avoid making too much of a mess, and her clothes reflect that. they’re pressed and neat with no wrinkles, and her outfits are always matching to the nines.

personality description :: bellamy is paradoxical in nature. ae would get upset over other alters making a mess of things, only to later find it amusing if a child alter were to do the same thing. li would happily bother another alter but would be pissed if someone did the same to lyr. mischa picks on the people he likes and ignores those who he doesn’t. he has a deep love of reading and writing and likes to share his works with others he likes… even if he does so in a rather roundabout way. (ie, leaving the document he’s working on open so another alter will stumble across it). at her core, ezra is looking for attention and love from others. this is hidden under a mask of uncaring behavior and a lone wolf mentality. yes, she is fine on her own, but sybil does like other people joining him in his hobbies and habits. parallel play is aer thing.

likes :: games of chess, old films, studying, practicing her abilities, wizard media (not Harry Potter), light novel about romance, slice of life shows or books, soft yuri, magic wielders, reincarnation anime, miazaki movies like my neighbor totoro or castle in the sky, old school animation that’s been hand-drawn, floral and fragrant teas, being up in the early mornings, novels that can keep her occupied for hours

dislikes :: excessive drama, miscommunication tropes, dark and gritty media, gory horror pieces, 3D animation, way too much cgi that’s been added in post, poorly written plots and characters, bad stories, lack of representation in media, people who claim animation is “so easy”, mismatched outfits, running out of socks, black coffee with no sweetener or cream

front triggers :: miazaki movies, being in a library on one’s own, reading at night, doing schoolwork or chores

signoff :: 🪄, ♟️, 🎞️, or 🕯️

image source here

#banner cred: @rosypotions #alter packs #baa blog #bah blog #build a alter #build a headmate #build an alter #headmate creation #headmate pack #kitty creations #🌲 post

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daddyslittlegirlofsammy · 10 months ago

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You know that Marge Simpson meme were she said "i just think is neat" so it's very a neat quote in my opinion

<3 the link will send you to the person's tumblr and the book is "the wintertime paradox"

#10th doctor #doctor who

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thedoctor-with-starsinhiseyes · 1 year ago

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has anyone yet floated the theory that sibling same and sibling different from wintertime paradox are John and Gillian who

#doctor who #faction paradox #Doctor who theory #thirteenth doctor #the last great time war #the war in heaven

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insolitus-academy · 1 month ago

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♚ // Face Claim

Full name Face Claim: Seo Yea-ji

Group/Band/Occupation: Actress

Nationality: Korean

Faceclaim age: 34

♚ // Character ; Basic information

Quote: Rome wasn’t built in a day – but it burned in one.

l Full name character: [literally translated from their native tongue] Babylon the Great

l Nickname: None.

l Realm of birth(if earth, nationality): demon realm named Niaxevar [translates to Skeletal Valley in human tongues]

l Age: Unknown/unrecorded

l Date of Birth: Unknown/unrecorded [during the inception of Niaxevar]

l Gender: Gender-fluid

l Preferred Pronouns: They, them

l Race: Demon

l Sexual Orientation: Pansexual/Aromantic

l What is the level of Korean and how did they learn to speak it (For non-Korean characters from other realms & other earth-countries): Niaxevarian (native), native-level of any human language

♚ // Character ; Appearance

l Skin Color: Fair

l Eye color: Green [brown in current vessel]

l Scars: None visible to the naked eye [a slit from the neck to the abdomen visible in their ‘true form’ to non-humans]

l Piercings: None

l Tattoos: None

l Hair color: [true form] Fiery ginger; [current vessel] Black

l Abnormalities: NoneHorns/ wings/ etc.: None

l Transformed form: None

♚ // Character ; Personality

Six personality traits: Extroverted, ambitious, deceptive, manipulative, patient, hedonistic

l Likes: wine, wintertime, horseback riding, blue roses, accessories

l Dislikes: cheap dining places, extremely hot temperatures, hunters or priests or both (naturally), anything pumpkin-flavored, narrow spaces.

l Manias: Not really, if you exclude the tendency to find and drive absolutely mad at least one poet per century.

l Phobias: Not a fear, but they really, truly dislike narrow places.

l Animal: Crow.

l Religion: N/A

l Favorite song: Leonard Cohen – You want it darker

l Vice: Wrath

l Virtue: Diligence

Personality description:

Babylon has an oppressive and overwhelming energy: they are callous, yet, paradoxically, soothing. Although they are Niaxevar’s ancient evil, Babylon is, however, nowhere near as fickle as, for instance, the realm’s highest and finest ranks.

Mystery considers themselves a much worse fate. They leave the blood and gore to others, and resort to temptation and corruption. Interestingly, however, Babylon’s stance toward mortal creatures, human or not, has been much more forgiving. Blaming their ill-fate to unknown forces is often their forte, Babylon has noticed, and what philosophy would be more suitable for Babylon to agree with?

♚ // Character ; Powers

Magical Powers:

l Soul Corruption – This ability affects the majority of creatures, wherein humans are unable to resist it, while non-humans can resist to varying levels (most with a great deal of success). This is a passive ability, which means Babylon technically doesn’t control it. It means that any human-mortal soul that spends time around Babylon ends up succumbing to their darkest desires, whereas other creatures feel similar effects (that typically translates to occasional unease, an itch you can’t seem to scratch, long-forgotten desires and wishes unsurfaced, etc.), though are able to keep their soul intact. In essence, humans tend to either go fully mad and perish, or they go to the darkest depths of their souls and succumb to a life of crime and wickedness (thus losing their soul). Non-humans are inconvenienced and tempted at best.

l Mimicry – This is another passive ability that allows Babylon to imitate any spoken language of the people they live around.Biokinesis – Babylon’s only ‘active’ ability allows them to manipulate livings things like plants and animals around them on a molecular level. It can be thought of 'transfiguration’, meaning these things won’t be destroyed, just 'changed’. The ability does not affect humans or non-humans, much to Babylon’s dismay.

l Possession – (semi-active) – the ability to possess a body and use it as a vessel.Non-magical Powers:Aside from enhanced senses, Babylon is quite skilled at sword and/or knife fighting.

Weaknesses:

l Holy Grounds – Babylon cannot enter consecrated grounds of any religion.

l Devil traps – While regular 'demon traps’ can’t hold them, more sophisticated ones can.

l Exorcism – As any demonic creature, Babylon can be exorcised

♚ // Character ; The Teacher / Staff

l Class they teach: Ancient Runes

l Teaching style: Laid back

l Previous teaching experience: Technically none, but Babylon has tutored humans and magical creatures alike in the past

♚ // Character ; The Past

l Date of Birth: Unknown

l Date of Death: N/A

l Crime Record: Too many to count.

l Has your character attended Insolitus Academy in the past? No

Background:

[The following is a collection of excerpts from texts—either translated or in the original language. The oldest of the scripts is as of yet undated and it was penned by an unknown author, whereas the rest have been taken from undated letters, diary entries and re-told stories, penned by other largely unknown writers, with the exception of an Italian monk by the initials of F.L in the 12th century, then in the 18th century an English-born sailor with the initial W.S, as well as by a young Turkish poetess who wrote under the name of Hatice, roughly in late 19th century]

ooc warning: mis-gendering is present in the bio.

ONE. Once upon a time, there was- That is at least how the stories of our forefathers and mothers used to begIn; once upon a time, far removed from the ones we exist in presently. Yes, it’s the most befitting opening for the creations of our imagination. But, this is no story - but a warning: warning to all those who choose to read this story which my grandmother told me. Perhaps, if you look away now - you won’t burn.

At a time when mankind knew no concept of the divine there existed—in the wake of a marvellous explosion—another world. This world, where chaos reigned supreme, was not much different than ours. Its residents were fickle, fiery, charming, and conniving. Their rulers, unlike ours, were imperfect, much like their creation.It is said the these demonic rulers resided within the darkest corners of that world, shrouded in the original darkness that they’d spawned from. The demons, consisting of three brothers, two sisters, and a sixth of whom few dare to speak, were an ambitious bunch, and selfish in their allocation of power.

The youngest assumed to be named Babylon, who’d been tasked with maintaining the balance of the Original Darkness, had been promised an equal share of their realm, and a seat at the table of her siblings. But to keep that seat, Babylon - who’d been rebellious by nature - had to dutifully perform this task, day after day, century after century.Yet, it wasn’t enough. For Babylon, whose hunger for power expanded eternally, it’d never suffice. And when she asked for what was promised, time and time again, she was denied. And so, Babylon came to an understanding: if she couldn’t have the world, no one could.

What happened next was a series of catastrophic events leaving this unknown world in utter desolation. The demon rulers, who were unable to stop it, hurried to salvage what was possible. Fearing Babylon’s might, the eldest executed a most cruel punishment: severing the youngest in half, he separated Babylon’s spiritual darkness from the corporeal one. The demons then left, leaving with Babylon’s essence and locking it away where, it was hoped, she’d never find it again. Half-destroyed and severely weakened, Babylon was thus forced into a nomadic life, in search of her other half - of her spirit, haunting one world after another in her wretched quest.

TWO. Babylon was some of the most extraordinary creatures I’d ever had the opportunity to meet. And if it hadn’t been for my brother’s selfishness and my mother’s generosity, perhaps I never would have.

Be as it may - truly, how spectacular they are. The stories they have told me have opened my eyes to the corruption within not just the walls of this house - but within the fabric of our declining community. I can see it all, more clearly when they are around, but I can see it: the decadence, the immorality, the utter absence of shame and the fear of God. Oh, how do these people not fear Him?Sometimes, when I go to bed at night, I can see Babylon. I can see their stunning green eyes and the shine of their fiery hair. I can hear their voice whispering the secrets of the world around me, showing it to me for what it really is: a wicked desolate place crawling with people that must be removed. Starting from my family. Ending with me.

THREE. My brother Mehmet has recently made a new friend. I can’t remember the friend’s name, though I am confident it may start with an I or a B. In any case, I’m not in any way impressed by this man. He is much too tall, nothing but skin and bones and just enough flesh to act as a cushion. I dislike his light eyes especially - and I’m not exactly sure why. Nevertheless. I wouldn’t be writing this if something out of the ordinary hadn’t happened. And I’m writing this so that I can look at it later, with a clearer mind. I had a dream about Mehmet’s friend. It was a bizarre dream in which I was in a different, darker world. A wasteland across which I walked for eternity, only to find, in the middle of this desert a throne - and upon the throne was Mehmet’s friend, adorned in a golden and purple attire, with a broken crown in his bloodied hands.

[the rest of the diary entry lost]

FOUR. Babylon was like a religious icon - someone you’d sacrifice yourself for. Lovely-eyed, with an unspeakable hunger that no one could satiate, they craved for what was theirs, for what was promised: The Universe. And so, as they turned to face those—myself included—who dared to inquire about their identity and who would soon regret asking, they showed a smile that could devour the world, and asked: Are you ready to burn with me?

FIVE (OOC NOTE): After spending several months teaching Ancient Runes at Insolitus Academy, Babylon was whisked away on personal agenda. After being tipped about the potential location of a specific artifact, the entity submitted a leave request for an uncertain period of time. Leaving their vessel Sarang behind, Babylon resumed their life as designer Helena Martinelli and settled in Italy for nearly a year, only to eventually return to South Korea, again as Moon Sarang, and reclaim her role as the Ancient Runes professor at Insolitus Academy.

♚ // Roleplayer[ optional ]

l Time zone: GMT+2

l OOC! Triggers: None

l Themes/genres you like writing the most?: Dark fantasy, horror, slice of life, occasional splatterpunk

#iacharacter #Seo Yea-ji #demon #dark spawn

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melbush · 5 months ago

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'There was a group, in those wild times,' The Doctor said. 'They chased paradoxes. Wore masks. I thought most of them had left this universe far behind before the first shots of the war were even fired. Maybe you were one of the fraction who remained. We could go looking for them, if you like.' 'Why?' Different snapped. 'Why would you help me?'

The Paradox Moon

#doctor who #james is reading again #quotes #thirteenth doctor #thirteen #faction paradox #the wintertime paradox #dweu #expanded universe

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do-you-know-this-dw-story · 3 months ago

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For The Girl Who Has Everything (SHORT STORY: 2020)

#tumblr polls #doctor who #short story #for the girl who has everything #2020 #the wintertime paradox

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the-frosty-mac · 7 months ago

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My current Whoniverse book collection, including:

- 4 Doctor Who “New Series Adventures” novels (“Beautiful Chaos,” “Touched by an Angel,” “Big Bang Generation,” and “Engines of War”)

- 1 Doctor Who “Eighth Doctor Adventures” novel (“Alien Bodies”)

- 1 Doctor Who short story collection (“The Wintertime Paradox”)

- 4 Torchwood novels (“Another Life,” “Border Princes,” “Bay of the Dead,” and “The House that Jack Built”)

- 1 Torchwood short story collection (“Consequences”)

- 2 Faction Paradox novels (“Dead Romance,” which was originally a Doctor Who Virgin New Adventures novel, and “This Town Will Never Let Us Go”)

- 2 fanzine/fan publications (“Forgotten Lives 3,” and “The History Between Us”)

ignore the random bits of paper i use as bookmarks

#doctor who

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zagreus-eats-your-bread · 10 months ago

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Where do you stand of 13’s Faction Paradox companion (Sibling Different) and the odd series of concepts almost identical to Faction Paradox concepts rocking up in her run? (Chibnall has never been in the EU)

13 has a FP companion?????? I don't read many new books so like. Whattt. I gotta check that out i hope its good!! I only knew of the Faction making an apperance in a short story collection as addendum and online only. Uh let me look it up hold on — oh yeah it's where the character comes from actually oooh. "Canaries" is the title. I didn't know the other stories in The Wintertime Paradox included the FP characters.

Regarding the second thing: i dont really know a lot about FP concepts (i only listened to the audios + read the edas up to ancestor cell) but like stuff from the forgotten part of dr who finding its way onto the show like they are completely new concepts is so so common that idek. Would sure be nice to have them in there properly and in collab with the original writers

#lawrence miles nuwho episode that just goes completly faction and then we never talk about it again would be so funny. like not even an arc #just one episode that would be so fucking funny methinks #i did start reading this town will never let us go. i havent read book of the war. i probably should but its hard to focus on my phone + im #too lazy to print it out. plus the money. of printing out 300+ pages. yk.

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traditional-with-a-twist · 1 year ago

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lvi. Beauty and Her Beast

<<Previous || first arc || second arc || third arc || AO3 || Next>>

Shirayuki was alone and in distress, fatigued from her journey, upset by the shock of violence, friendless and ill.

What she wanted most was a knight — a champion of the defenseless, selfless in service, tireless in courtesy and charity.

Once, Mitsuhide might have been that to her.

...

He might have stepped into the breach and taken up the mantle, with the confidence born of purpose.

He would have aided her steadfastly, remaining by her side until he was assured of her security and recovery.

Now he knew better.

...

Mitsuhide was no knight.

...

He brought her to a hunting lodge not unlike the one where they had first met, in another time, another life.

It was the nearest shelter, now that night had fallen. Shirayuki’s assailants had lured her outside the city walls, and these would be sealed until daybreak.

The lodge was overloaded with memory, hauntings of the time before the war, but it was also well-provisioned and warm.

It would do.

...

Another man might have shied from the pain of remembering, ignited by the familiar scenes of his former life, but Mitsuhide bowed to it.

He let the reminder of all that he had lost wash over him, allowed the ache to sink into his bones.

He deserved the pain.

...

Like a spur in his side, like a burr or a stone in his boot, the memories served as reminders to him. They bit into the skin of his heart, rubbed the callouses raw again. Some were scored as if with hot metal into the fabric of his mind.

Remembering kept it always before him – why he was here, why he was no longer a knight.

It could do nothing to atone for his failures, but it was better than walking free, as if none of it had ever happened.

...

Mitsuhide carried Shirayuki inside, glad to see that she had drifted into a doze.

He was no nurse, but his former duties — as he thought of them – had extended to mending a scrape or two.

The weight of those years gone pressed on him, paradoxically made heavier in their hollowness.

...

This was the burden that made him grim and unsmiling, taciturn in his hidden struggle as he tucked Shirayuki into a bed upstairs, checked the window for drafts, then retreated back down to warm a brick in the grate.

He kindled the coals. He hauled water from the cistern in the back.

All the while, he was steeling himself to a task he found far more insurmountable than facing old memories.

...

Shirayuki might be feverish; she needed care.

It ought to be someone trustworthy, someone skilled – and someone who could get here fast.

Mitsuhide knew who it must be, for there was none better. Under such circumstances, he would hardly have trusted his friend to anyone else.

Shirayuki wanted a knight, and that knight was Kiki.

...

The trouble was, his former partner deserved to be left in peace, not harassed with messages and favors asked by one who didn’t merit her notice.

Disgraced in his own eyes as a warrior, still worse as a friend, he had never intended to presume to renew contact – least of all after the response his parting gift had occasioned.

Mitsuhide had angered Kiki. There was no point in seeking her pardon, because her anger was justified.

...

He had no right to address himself to her, had forfeited all claims to her attention and assistance — but neither could he abandon Shirayuki to continue her journey alone in wintertime, bent on her dangerous search.

Not to act, in this case, would be worse than to give further offense.

...

He would be brief, Mitsuhide decided.

He would make his appeal not as an acquaintance, not with reference to a history now past, but in the name of charity.

He would write to Kiki.

...

First, Mitsuhide delayed.

He opened the cellar and extracted whatever might be of use from the supply cache stored there. From a sack of root vegetables, he prepared the sort of hardy stew that would warm and revitalize a body.

As food, it was fit more for camping or campaigning than for sickbeds, but he hoped it would do Shirayuki no harm at least.

Leaving it in the pot to simmer, he went out to ameliorate his hasty attentions to his horse, arranging its feed and brushing it down with meticulous care.

...

Satisfied that the animal would rest easy after its unaccustomed exercise, he returned inside to check on his charge.

On his way to the upper floor, he passed the satchel of messages stamped with the Clarines seal. It waited yet on the table inside the door, accusing him with its silence.

There was no one to carry word that urgent business had detained him because he was, after all, the courier of this route.

...

Another time, the delinquency might have troubled Mitsuhide.

Even knowing his absence to be rightful, he would have fretted over the disappointed expectations of the dozens of faceless names. Each was expecting a letter, perhaps eagerly sought, perhaps of critical importance.

Now he accepted the fault as his natural state. It came as no surprise that he would find himself inadequate in neglecting even this simplest of duties.

...

Grimmer than ever, he eased open the door to Shirayuki’s room.

Shirayuki stirred at his entrance but did not wake, so he advanced in silence to slide the hot brick into a bundle of linens at the foot of the bed.

He was tiptoeing out of the room when a sound stopped him.

“Mitsuhide,” she sighed, her eyes unfocused.

...

He set a bowl of the steaming stew beside her bed.

“Where are we,” Shirayuki mumbled, her face turning towards the smell.

“Somewhere safe,” Mitsuhide answered, his shoulders tensing.

...

Before she could inquire further, he hurried to ask, “Are you—shall I—?” He gestured uncertainly to the bowl, but she was already sitting up and pulling it towards her.

“Gotta keep my strength up,” she informed him, gripping the spoon with a look of intent concentration. “Long way to go.”

Mitsuhide didn’t argue with her. He hovered, with just a trace of his old anxiety, as she adamantly ate her way down to the dregs.

...

Shirayuki sank back with a sigh, looking spent but less pale — a touch of color had entered her cheeks.

The wan face on the pillow, crowned like the sun with its halo of red, seemed easier now, the lines of pain and tension eased.

Mitsuhide backed out of the room without another word. He chided, berated himself for neglecting her out of no better motive than the wish to avoid embarrassment. The time for delays had passed.

...

It was a formal, yet urgent letter. It outlined the facts of the case, without any expectations of resuming contact for his own sake on his own auspices.

Shirayuki may be ill, he explained. I fear for her safety should she continue alone, unguarded.

He noted the address. He signed it simply, not giving himself time to dwell on the closing or what reception it might meet with.

Then he sealed it and secured it in his courier bag.

...

Mitsuhide stacked the fire high with logs, so that the stove would not burn out in his absence. He left the stew on a low simmer, for Shirayuki to refresh herself when she woke.

Then he bundled himself into his cloak and set off into the night.

There was a letter to deliver, and that was his work now – the only work he was fit for.

#Akagami no Shirayukihime #obiyuki #mitsukiki #Beauty and Her Beast #PurePassion #some TLC #and letter-writing

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